LA VIE COLLEGIENNE LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1924 VOLUME 87, NO. 7 | FEBRUARY 26, 2020
LVC meme account has great success since last year Page Olsen ’20 STAFF WRITER Current students and alumni have enjoyed memes specific to Lebanon Valley College on the Instagram page “lvc_memes” since the beginning of 2019. The majority of the page’s content is created by students, direct messaged to the account, then posted. The memes have been passed around not only through the Internet but in classrooms, causing many laughs. Subjects of the memes include Metz, the new bridge, booking study rooms and the Wifi. Most of the account’s followers do not know who is responsible for the account. With the promise of keeping them anonymous, the student behind lvc_memes responded to some questions. “Only a few people know my iden-
tity,” they said. “I try to keep myself as under the radar as possible.” Prior to coming to LVC, the creator made memes specific to their high school that became popular. After telling this to a friend, the friend encouraged them to make lvc_memes. “I did not have any content at first, but a few people who followed the account sent me memes they made and inspired me to push forward and try to grow the account,” they said. Having over 1300 followers and posts with hundreds of likes, the In-
stagram page is loved by many. Some of the memes criticize the school, yet these are the ones followers often enjoy the most. “Some content has been a bit controversial in the past, but I post what I like, and I enjoy what I do,” they said. “If someone doesn’t like it, then I’m sorry, but I can’t always please everyone. I have found that the most controversial content is also the most liked content.” The student admitted that they will eventually step down from running the account, but this does not
mean the page will come to an end. “I have considered finding a successor that can take over the page after I graduate,” they said. “I would like to see that I have created something that can outlive me and that will leave my mark on LVC.” When asked if there was anything they wanted to add to their comments, the student expressed gratitude for the success the account has had. “I’d just like to say that I really appreciate everyone’s support over the last year,” they said. “I never expected the page to grow as much as it did and it means a lot to me.” The student is open to feedback and suggestions for the page, as the account is “for the students, by the students.” They can be reached through direct messaging on Instagram.
LVC breaks records for Fulbright program Huntre Keip ’20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lebanon Valley College strives for cultural diversity and global awareness, and it shows due to its recent national recognition. The College was named one of the top producers of Fulbright scholars and students for the 2019-2020 academic year, marking it the fourth consecutive year. According to the Fulbright program’s statistics, LVC is ranked 13th out of 76 master’s insti-
tutions. Since 2016, LVC had 10 total students awarded a Fulbright grant. “It’s an honor for LVC and our students to receive such a prestigious award,” Dr. Philip Benesch, associate professor of political science and director of pre-law and external scholarships and fellowships, said. “Our students work extremely hard in their academics, extracurricular activities and global awareness, which certainly shows on a national
level.” The Fulbright program, which was created in 1946, offers U.S. students and professors the opportunity to gain a mutual understanding between the United States and people of other countries. Fulbright grants are awarded annually with funding made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Approximately 2,200 scholars are awarded each year.
In 2019, LVC broke a personal record with seven Fulbright semifinalists, with four becoming finalists and one as an alternate. Those students include: Alexa Kanakry, Calyn Lutz, Rachel Duong, Matthew Torrence and Scott Werner. Currently, some finalists are in their designated countries pursuing the program. For more information on the Fulbright program, contact Dr. Benesch at benesch@lvc.edu.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF LA VIE
DIGIVAL ONESIES PAGE 2
RED CROSS CLUB PAGE 2
STUDENTS STUDY ABROAD PAGE 3
LACROSSE PREVIEW PAGE 4
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NEWS
February 26, 2020 La Vie Collegienne
DigiVal makes onesies for NICU Kayleigh Johnson ’22 STAFF WRITER Digital communications club DigiVal is making onesies for babies in UPMC Pinnacle hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). There are two onesie designs, one for babies still receiving care in the NICU and one for babies graduating from the unit. Club president Kayla Shuman and member Sofia Pascuzzo created sample designs for the onesies. The club will then assist in printing the designs on the vinyl cutter and rendering the designs onto the onesies with the heat press. Once finished, the onesies will be delivered to the hospital. The project is a great chance for LVC students to give back to their community. It also provides the opportunity for students interested in graphic design to try their hand at creating de-
ABOVE: Design mockup for the graduation onesies.
signs of their own. “Designing for good is something we often focus on as digital communications students at LVC,” Shuman said. “It is something that I am super passionate about. Being able to give back to the community in this way is a true honor.”
Working to save lives Huntre Keip ’20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Students from Lebanon Valley College are bringing awareness to first aid on campus. The Red Cross club, previously known as first aid club, was created last semester by Julia Seltzer. Seltzer, a junior physical therapy major, was the president of the Red Cross club at Central Dauphin East High School and saw the positive outreach it created for the surrounding areas. Because of this success, she wanted to bring the same opportunities to LVC. “I wanted to replicate the club here at the College because it is a direct outlet to support the Red Cross and the work volunteers do,” Seltzer said. “The club is a way for us to directly help those in need, whether it’s a natural disaster, blood transfusion, first aid/ CPR training and more.” At the club’s meetings, members plan fundraising events with all proceeds going directly to the Red Cross and interactive projects available on campus. Recently, members organized hygiene kits for Fresh Start, a homeless shelter in Lebanon. Presentations by faculty members and staff showed students the proper procedures in water safety, Heimlich maneuver and AED use.
“We’re fortunate to have members from the LVC community come to our meetings and give us tips that everyone should be knowledgeable on,” Anne Baney, a junior physical therapy major and secretary of the Red Cross club, said. “In case one of us are put in a critical situation, then we are able to perform the necessary tasks to save a life.” Members of the on-campus organization are recognized as volunteers of the Red Cross, which is an international organization. The dual membership can last well beyond a student’s time spent at LVC. “Not only are you supporting the Red Cross, but also, they’re supporting you,” Seltzer said. “If you choose, you can continue to partner with the Red Cross for life. It doesn’t have to end at graduation.” Since the club recently started, Seltzer has many goals for the future. One goal is to provide funding that will allow all LVC students to become first aid CPR certified. “Even if it’s just hands-only CPR, this opportunity will make our campus safer but also in individual households too,” Seltzer said. The Red Cross club meets every other Thursday at 11 a.m., in Lynch 181. Seltzer encourages students to bring their lunch with them.
The idea for this venture came from DigiVal member Alyssa Matheus, who did a similar project in high school. She worked with Women and Babies Hospital in Lancaster to make 300 onesies for her senior project. Shuman and digital communications department head Dr. Jeff Ritchie
were instantly taken with the idea. “While employed as a student worker for the design, media and technology department here at LVC, I suggested to Dr. Ritchie that the digital communications lounge should have a heat press to go along with the vinyl cutter so we could do a project like the one I did in high school,” Matheus, a sophomore digital communications major, said. “He loved the idea of making onesies because he also had a connection to the NICU, so he suggested starting this project up again here with DigiVal for the UPMC Pinnacle NICU.” There is still a lot of work to be done on this project. Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome to help out. Students do not have to be a digital communications major in order to join DigiVal. Interested students should email Shuman at ks022@lvc. edu for more information.
NEWS
February 26, 2020 La Vie Collegienne
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Becoming a marine officer while in college Kayleigh Johnson ’22 STAFF WRITER Joining the Marine Corps as an officer while in college is a difficult but rewarding experience. In order to be eligible, interested applicants must be between 18 and 28 years of age, a citizen of the United States and a full-time student at an accredited school or already possess a bachelor’s degree. In order to become an officer, candidates must pass a physical exam, attend and graduate from Officer Candidates School. One LVC student who is currently going through this procedure is Michaela Burris. She began the process in July 2019. “The process has been tiring at times, but if you know this is what you want to do, do it,” Burris, a sophomore accounting major, said. “I’m very glad I still get to finish colleg but Photo provided by: Michaela Burris also follow my dream of becoming a ABOVE: Michaela Burris accepting her contract. Marine officer.” Interested students should speak officer will answer any questions Corps is the right fit for a potential to an Officer Selection Officer. An and help decide whether the Marine candidate. Once it has been deter-
mined that the Marines is a good choice, this officer will guide the candidate through the physical conditioning required to pass the Personal Fitness Tests. While in the process of joining, candidates must maintain a regular workout program on their own time and complete standardized Personal Fitness Tests. They must also attend pool functions monthly to improve their fitness and leadership skills. “The Marine Officer program is oriented towards college students who possess the desire to serve in leadership positions,” Captain James Hubler, Officer Selection Officer, said. “We search for those who don’t want a typical 9-5 job behind a desk but someone who desires to be challenged mentally and physically. Individuals who find success in our program are those who are self-motivated and want to become part of a close-knit organization.” Interested LVC students should email Captain Hubler at James. Hubler@marines.usmc.mil for more information.
Students anticipate studying in New Zealand Page Olsen ’20 STAFF WRITER While most LVC students started the semester on Jan. 13, 16 students studying abroad in New Zealand will begin classes on March 2. Some programs allow for many study abroad options, while the nature of other programs make it difficult to travel and learn elsewhere. For physical therapy students, studying abroad in New Zealand is the best option. “I chose New Zealand because of the ability to stay on track with the physical therapy program,” Jess Kroboth, a second year physical therapy student, said. “With the heavy Photo provided by: Jess Kroboth workload and pre-planned schedulABOVE: Physical therapy student Jess Kroboth will be studying in New Zealand this seing of the PT department, there are not many opportunities to get up mester along with 15 other LVC students. and leave for a semester. Since many about working and living a constant lifetime opportunity.” Unlike Sayre, Kroboth has more of credits will be able to transfer back to life,” Sayre said. “It is very unlikely that I will be able to break the norm an itch to travel. LVC, it seemed like the best option.” “When I first visited LVC, I heard Both Kroboth and Brian Sayre, of having a 9-to-5 job working five days a week and be able to put my about the chance to study abroad in also a second year physical therapy student, shared their reasonings for life on hold for four months to travel NZ,” Kroboth said. “I was immediately the world. I did not choose to study interested in this and knew that if wanting to study abroad. “When I think about my life after abroad because I have a craving for I didn’t go, I would feel like it was a college and graduate school, I think travel, but because this is a once in a missed opportunity. When else would
I have the chance to go to a university in a different country?” In the midst of the excitement, new experiences often present fears. Both students expressed natural concern for missing their family and friends. “There will be a lot of new situations that I will have to get used to,” Kroboth said. “Adjusting to life on the other side of the world will be a challenge in itself. I know it will be hard not seeing my friends or family for four months.” Despite missing home, the students can look forward to learning about a new culture. “I am expecting to learn different customs that are unique to New Zealand,” Sayre said. “I want to find out more about the history of the country and how it is different from the United States. Also, it would not hurt to learn how to do a New Zealand accent while I’m there.” Study abroad information sessions are regularly held on campus. Interested students can visit the “Study Abroad” page under the academics tab on LVC’s website or contact Jill Russell at russell@lvc.edu.
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February 26, 2020
NEWS/SPORTS
La Vie Collegienne
Women’s lacrosse preview Young baseball squad hopes to make a playoff run Spencer Paterick ’21 ASSISTANT EDITOR
Photo provided by: LVC Athletic Communications ABOVE: Women’s lacrosse team celebrates success.
Keegan Corwell ’21 STAFF WRITER Last season the women’s lacrosse team finished the season with an impressive record of 12-8 and brought home a Middle Atlantic Conference championship. The team looks to repeat its success this season; however, the team has sustained a few critical losses. The Dutchmen graduated six seniors and former head coach Jackie Dando parted ways with the team over the offseason and accepted a job at Buck-
nell University. Amidst all the noise, the team is set and eager to repeat last year’s success. “Everyone’s been working really hard, and we are all very excited for the upcoming season,” Emily Haid, a junior midfielder, said. “As reigning MAC champs, we know we have a target on our backs, but we’re ready to bring home another championship.” The Dutchmen will take on York College on Wednesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. at Arnold Field.
Spring break service trip Spencer Paterick ’21 ASSISTANT EDITOR While most students will relax over break, a group of LVC students and staff members will spend the week serving the community. Eleven students and two LVC employees will travel to Washington D.C., from March 1-6, to take part in the annual Spring Break service trip. The trip will help participants better understand the issues of hunger and homelessness that exists in the area. “Participants will spend the week exploring the history, causes and consequences of homelessness and food insecurity in the US through dynamic service-learning opportunities at a wide variety of community and non-profit organizations,” Jen Liedtka, service and volunteerism
coordinator, said. The service trip will benefit Martha’s Table, ONE DC, Central Union Mission, DC Central Kitchen, Food and Friends and the National Coalition for the Homeless. This service experience fulfills the requirements for the Gold Service Award as well as one immersive experience. “Through discussions, interactions with speakers and educational workshops, students will compare the strengths and limitations of emergency food and housing programs, federal food and nutrition assistance and community-based approaches to organizing for change,” Liedtka said. Additionally, they will be afforded the opportunity to explore and make connections between food insecurity, the lack of affordable housing and the history of racial injustice in the
The recent uncharacteristically warm weather is a reminder that baseball season is right around the corner. The baseball team had one of the best records in program history in 2019 after starting 9-2 through 11 games. Despite the hot start, the team trailed off through the remainder of the season and ultimately finished 16-23. After a disappointing result last year, the team is hoping for a season in 2020 that extends into the playoffs. Led by second year coach Jonas Fester, the team hopes to build on the early success from last year with the help of 14 incoming freshmen. “Coach Fester has brought a new level of energy and confidence to our team,” Brendan Ward, a senior righthanded pitcher, said. “The time he invests into each one of us and the information he provides us has made the entire team better. He challenges us to be great each day, and that has brought a lot of excitement and energy to practice every day.” Even though Fester has been at LVC for a little over one full season, it is clear that what he brings to the team has helped to motivate the players to do their best both on and off the field. “We work hard and expect to win,” Daymond Zweiwig, a junior first baseman and right-handed pitcher, said. “We’ve got a great mix of young and
veteran players that can help us compete at a high level. We are really excited to hit the ground running.” Along with 14 freshmen, the entire squad has been eager to get to work in order to see a difference when it comes time for games. “I think LVC will be a force to be reckoned with this season,” Conor Smith, a freshman second baseman, said. “With our combined talent and work ethic, we can do some real damage in the MAC.” The freshmen have been at LVC for less than a year but understand that they are expected to put their best foot forward every time they step onto the field. “I’m really excited to see what the freshmen can do,” Ward said. “A lot of them came here with expectations of being able to compete right away, and they’re going to be challenging for playing time right away, which is going to be great for us as a team.” With all the confidence and talent that the team possesses, it is looking to make a deep playoff run this season, with its eyes set on the MAC championship title. The Dutchmen’s first conference game of the season is Friday, March 13, at Alvernia University, with a doubleheader the following day beginning at noon. Over Spring Break, the team will travel to South Carolina and Florida to play a total of nine games.
Workshop Wednesdays Hosted by the Breen Center in Bishop 125 February 26 -- 3 p.m. | Professional Essentials March 11 -- 10 a.m. | Work-Life Balance March 18 -- 3 p.m. | Understanding Your Why Factor March 25 -- 3 p.m. | Next Level Marketing April 1 -- 10 a.m. | Owning Your Personal Brand April 8 -- 3 p.m. | Are You Interview Ready? April 15 -- 10 a.m. | Professional Essentials April 22 -- 4:30 p.m. | Work-Life Balance
Students must register on Redbook to attend. United States. Not only will students be assisting non-profits, but they will also get the chance to visit MLK Memorial, the African American History Museum, Holocaust Museum, Arling-
ton Cemetery and more. If anyone would like more information regarding service opportunities at LVC, contact Liedtka at liedtka@ lvc.edu