LA VIE COLLEGIENNE LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1924 VOLUME 86, NO. 6 | FEBRUARY 7, 2019
Board of Trustees votes tomorrow CASSANDRA BARRETT ’19 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Lebanon Valley College Board of Trustees will meet Friday, Feb. 8, to vote on proposed budgetary restructuring. In 2018, the Board charged a faculty task force with the responsibility of
creating a list of proposed spending cuts in order to reduce $1.6 million from academic and organizational costs. The task force assembled a preliminary list of recommendations and presented it to the Executive Committee of the Board on Dec. 5, after each recommendation was
endorsed by a faculty vote on Nov. 29. The faculty voted not to endorse involuntary separations. The Board is now set to vote on the final list of recommendations at its meeting Friday night. An early retirement incentive, involuntary separations of faculty, the altering
of faculty appointments and the elimination and consolidation of several majors and minors are among the items on the list of recommendations to be voted on by the Board. La Vie will continue to follow this story.
Dutchmen Pantry opens as part of MLK service week makeshift pantry in the basement of Frederic K. Miller Chapel, accessible to students with food insecurity, which can be defined as a lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable and nutritious food. The purpose of this new resource is to combat food insecurity by giving students access to the basic resource of food. Jen Liedtka, the service and volunteerism coordinator at LVC, told attendees of the grand opening that, though there is yet to be sufficient data relating to food insecurity on our campus, “enough students have expressed challenges related to food access that action in the form of a modest pantry needed to happen now, as we continue to grow our understanding of the extent of this need.” The Pantry comes at no additional cost to The College. Student organizations, sports teams or faculty groups may sponsor the Pantry for one month by collecting and donating supplies. The recent Photo by: Brianna Metsger outpouring of interest in this
BRIANNA METSGER ’19 COPY EDITOR A new resource pantry for students celebrated its grand opening on Monday, Jan. 21, as a kick-off to the Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service at LVC. The Dutchmen Pantry is a small
Photo by: Ryan Gilroy ABOVE: Marvin Worthy walks down the aisle in Miller Chapel during the opening ceremony for the Symposium on Inclusive Excellence. The symposium was held on Tuesday, Jan. 22.
opportunity has ensured that the pantry will be stocked for well past the spring semester. In addition, Metz will take items leftover from dining hall meals to package and donate to the Pantry. “By Metz doing that, it’s doing two things: creating access to food for students while also preventing food waste,” Liedtka said. Many LVC staff, students, community members and alumni have been instrumental in the
creation of the Pantry. Members of the planning team include Jen Liedtka; Austin Cassatt, junior biology major; Tatianna Garcia, senior exercise science major; Caitlin Lenker, acting director of residential life; Jonas Fester, head baseball coach; Alice Rulapaugh, senior assistant for student affairs; Renata Williams, assistant dean for engagement and inclusion and director of Pantry opens continued on Page 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF LA VIE
FLOOD IN SILVER PAGE 2
AWARD TO BE GIVEN PAGE 3
MEN’S ICE HOCKEY PAGE 4
BASEBALL OUTLOOK PAGE 4
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Dutchmen pantry opens continued from page 1.
intercultural affairs & inclusive programming; Tim Hartlieb, Metz operation manager; and Bill Allman, Metz resident district manager. Natalie Taylor-Kratzer, ‘02, currently works as a financial consultant at a firm that will reach out to support initiatives like the Dutchmen Pantry. Taylor-Kratzer helped the Pantry secure a Thrivent Action Team Grant, which funded the startup for the Pantry. Shila Ulrich, ‘05, the director of The Caring Cupboard, a food pantry in Palmyra, donated some single-serve food items and a refrigerator, which also helped the Pantry in its startup. One of the many goals of the Pantry is to allow students to feel welcome by advocating for their privacy. There will always be an LVC staff member overseeing the pantry during open
hours rather than a student volunteer, and the Pantry is located in a location that is central to campus but secluded enough to allow discretion. “When a basic need like access to food exists in a community that we’re a part of, we have a responsibility to do something about it,” Liedtka said. Any LVC student in need may access the Pantry by visiting the Fellowship Lounge during the Pantry’s open hours, Mondays and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m., or by contacting Jen Liedtka at liedtka@lvc.edu.
Photo by: Brianna Metsger ABOVE: A sprinkler pipe in the main lobby of Silver Hall froze and burst on Tuesday, student in need can utilize the Pantry. Jan.22. Residents were forced to evacuate and some students had to find alternative sleeping arrangements. Facilities staff worked to repair the damage and return students to their dorm. Small toiletries are also available.
There is no application process; any
Breen Center is back home FAITH ISHLER ’20 STAFF WRITER The Breen Center for Graduate Success has officially moved back into the Lebegern Learning Commons after four inches of water flooded its space in July. On July 25, a few staff members arrived at work only to find that much of the Breen Center’s area had significant water damage. Temporarily, the center was moved to study rooms in the Center for Writing & Tutoring Resources while the damage could be assessed. “I was on vacation and received texts regarding having a little water in the suite, and then later I received pictures showing the magnitude of the damage,” Brynn Mason, assistant director of career development in the Breen Center for Graduate Success, said. New to the space – a sump pump,
carpet and furniture. In the interim, the Breen Center offices moved into the basement of Vernon and Doris Bishop Library. “We were so incredibly grateful to our colleagues in the library for being so gracious and welcoming for nearly six months as we took over such a large space,” Sarah Bartz, associate director of career development in the Breen Center for Graduate Success, said. Now, the center and its services are back in its original space in the Lebegern Learning Commons. “Thanks to much assistance of the facilities group, led by Dan Nye, Nate Tulli and students from Information Technology, we were fully moved in about a week,” Bartz said. To access the resources that the Breen Center has to offer, students can stop in during drop-in hours or schedule an appointment on Handshake.
Photo by: Faith Ishler ABOVE: The Breen Center for Graduate Success is located in the basement of the Allan W. Mund College Center.
Résumé help
HUNTRE KEIP ’20 ASSISTANT EDITOR At the Breen Center for Graduate Success, career counselors and students work together to ensure stability and knowledge for individuals entering the work place. The Breen Center provides a feature which primarily focuses on first-year students. Career counselors visit the FYE one-credit classes during both the fall and spring semesters to talk to students. The fall semester allows for students to brainstorm career planning, and the spring semester lets them think about résumé development. “We ensure first-year students understand the value of engaging with our office as early as their first semester,” Brynn Mason, assistant director of career development in the Breen Center for Graduate Success, said. “We hope that it will help them to be more comfortable seeking our services early rather than waiting until junior or senior year.” Not only do the career counselors help students, but also upperclassmen are hired to help too. These students are called career peers. They assist the staff during drop-in hours and review the résumés of the students enrolled
in the FYE one-credit courses. “This service was not available to me as a freshman, and I wish it would have been,” Courtney Mengel, a senior career peer, said. “Having a fellow student’s assistance definitely creates a relaxed atmosphere.” Career peers work with students one-on-one and suggest changes on their résumés. The process is similar to writing tutor appointments, which are held in the Center for Writing & Tutoring Resources. “My advice to freshmen is not to think of this as just another assignment you need to do for class,” Danielle Krick, a senior career peer, said. “A résumé is a living document which will change over time.” The Breen Center emphasizes how important it is for freshmen to create a résumé at the beginning of their college careers. “At LVC, students need to submit a résumé for leadership opportunities such as becoming an RA or a Valley Ambassador,” Mason said. “Even if students do not have many current experiences, it will be easier for them to write their experiences in the future.” The career peers will work from Feb. 11 – Mar. 22 during drop-in hours at the Breen Center.
February 7, 2019
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Hoops & hot dogs
Photo By: Ryan Gilroy ABOVE: LVC’s Hot Dog Frank located in the Peace Garden.
JARED KRAMP ’19 STAFF WRITER The annual Hot Dog Frank Day at Lebanon Valley College is right around the corner. Hot Dog Frank Day at Lebanon Valley College is a tradition that began in 1986. To many, it may seem like just another basketball game at The Valley and one during which the crowd gets free hot dogs. However, the day
is much more than that, as members of the LVC community are honored with the Hot Dog Frank Athletic Service Award each year. “As a student, I knew the story of Hot Dog Frank, but I wasn’t aware that there was a respected award given each year to highlight supporters of LVC athletics,” Beth Julian,
’09, director of the Center for Writing and Tutoring Resources and adjunct instructor in English, said. “Once you get the award, you are invited back each year to celebrate the new recipient(s), which is a really enjoyable and honored tradition.” Frank Aftosmes, known as Hot Dog Frank, was a local businessman in Annville and a strong supporter of LVC Athletics, especially men’s basketball. Because of Aftosmes’ great support of LVC Athletics for many years, the Hot Dog Frank Athletic Service Award was established in 1986 as a great honor to someone who devotes a great deal of time and effort for LVC sports programs. Jim Monos, former LVC head football coach and all-time leader in wins, along with his wife Mary Ellen, received the award in 2016. “Mary Ellen and I were very honored to receive the Hot Dog Frank Award,” Monos said. “I met Hot Dog Frank back in 1986 when I was first hired as the head football coach at Lebanon Valley College. We bonded over the years and as I look back on those times, I realize that we shared the same love for the school and the students at LVC. That’s why we were so proud to receive this honor in his name.” Julian received the Hot Dog Frank
Operation Clean Sweep RYAN GILROY ’19 STAFF WRITER Students and staff from LVC gathered at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 26, to remove wreaths that were placed on gravestones in December. Hundreds of volunteers from around the area, including LVC students, took time to remove the 53,000 wreaths placed at the cemetery last month. Indiantown Gap was one of the 1,400 locations listed as part of the annual Wreaths Across America program. “I decided to serve at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery because I believe that serving my community is an important part of being an American citizen,” Kristen Kelsall, a senior chemistry major, said. “It is always nice when a larger community comes together with a common goal.” The event, nicknamed Operation Clean Sweep, started at 8 a.m. and
lasted until noon. Volunteers removed wreaths placed on each gravestone and waited for trucks to come by to pick them up. “Both active military and veterans are American heroes,” Kelsall said. “They should be celebrated every day, not just on holidays. Remembering them daily is very important.” While volunteers came together for their own personal reasons, they do not forget the main reason why they go: to serve those who have served for them. “As a kid, you’re often told to treat others the way you want to be treated,” Kelsall said. “This should remain true. Our veterans served for us and it is our duty to serve them.” The service opportunity was offered to students and staff on Redbook. Redbook advertises several service opportunities each week.
Photo By: Ryan Gilroy ABOVE: Volunteers carry wreaths onto a truck at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Jan. 26, 2019. Every wreath at the cemetery was removed from the grounds.
award along with her supervisor Shannon Brandt, assistant dean of academic success. Both Beth and Shannon play crucial roles in the success of students at LVC, especially in their help to student-athletes and the balancing of their busy academic and athletic schedules. “On the surface level, it feels nice to be recognized for the hard work you do, but the real satisfaction is watching a student you’ve worked closely with cross the stage to get a diploma,” Julian said. “The best part of this award is that it serves as a reminder to LVC students that there are many individuals - in our community and beyond – cheering them on to success both on and off the court.” While there is a greater meaning to Hot Dog Frank Day than simply being a day for basketball and free hot dogs, both play a large role in making the day so eventful. Both the men and women play Arcadia University on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2 and 4 p.m. respectively. The Hot Dog Frank Athletic Service Award will be presented at halftime of the men’s game and free hot dogs will be available between games.
February 7, 2019
SPORTS
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Baseball team swings into action soon spencer paterick’21 STAFF WRITER LVC’s baseball team looks to improve with a new head coach in charge. Although the baseball team’s first game isn’t until late February, preparation has already begun. One could even say that it began last summer. In early July, Jonas Fester was named head coach. Fester replaced Keith Evans, who led the team for 15 years. Fester was a former assistant coach at his alma mater Johns Hopkins University from 2008 to 2010 and again in 2012. “Last year didn’t play out as we had hoped, but I really think we can turn things around this year,” Kyle Kingsbury, a sophomore right-handed pitcher, said. “Coach Fester brings a lot to the table and the whole team is eager to learn from what he has to offer.” Last year as a freshman, Kingsbury appeared in nine games and pitched for a total of 49 innings in which he allowed 23 runs and struck out a team high 32 batters. Kingsbury emerged as LVC’s top freshman pitcher as he posted an ERA of 2.54 and held opponents
Photo by: Athletic Communications ABOVE: 2019 LVC Baseball Captains TJ Holdredge, Josh Marcelli and Josh Willey
to a batting average of .269. The team looks to bounce back after finishing with a record of 11-23 in 2018. It started out the season with wins in three of its first four games, but the team slowly lost ground as the season went on. “We have a lot of confidence coming into the season this year,” Matt Blocksom, a sophomore left-handed pitcher, said. “We are doing a lot this off-season in order to make sure that
we limit the mistakes that we make on the field. We need to be able to execute in tight situations and I think that we will be able to do that this year.” Blocksom pitched in just 10 innings last season after injuring his shoulder midway through the year. He managed to only give up four runs, struck out eight batters and had an ERA of 3.6 in just seven games in 2018. Despite having shoulder surgery over the summer, Blocksom is hoping to be
ready to play by the time the team has its first game. The team returns almost all the starters from last year, except for three players who graduated. Although cuts have yet to be made, the team is relatively young --16 freshman, eight sophomores, seven juniors and five seniors. The captains for this year are Josh Marcelli, a senior first baseman and right-handed pitcher; Josh Willey, a senior catcher and TJ Holdredge, a junior third baseman and right-handed pitcher. The season will begin as doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 23, against the Penn College Wildcats at McGill Field. The first pitch is at noon. The team will spend spring break in Florida and is scheduled to play nine games in seven days. The team’s full schedule is on LaVie’s website at www.lvc.edu/lavie.
Sticking together through struggles Travis hall’19 STAFF WRITER As the Lebanon Valley College men’s ice hockey team enters the home stretch of the team’s regular season, it’s looking to turn things around. After taking a promising 4-2-2 conference record into Christmas break, the Dutchmen have since dropped seven of its last nine games to fall to 5-82. The month of January began with two taxing road trips that seemed to set the tone for the month. The Dutchmen are hopeful that February will bring a momentum shift. “It’s no secret to anybody that the product we’ve been putting on the ice hasn’t been our best,” Zach Yingst, a junior defenseman, said. “The important thing for us right now is that we
focus on the road ahead of us instead of dwelling on the past month.” The Dutchmen have three conference contests remaining, with a final regular season game on Feb. 16. Although the team has been struggling, they are still in the thick of the UCHC playoff race. “We have to stick together to get out of this,” Bryan Hovanec, a senior forward, said. “Every program goes through these swings, but we have an incredibly strong family mentality on this team, and that is what we’ll use to overcome the adversity.” The Dutchmen return to home ice for Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. against Bryn Athyn College.
Photo by: Athletic Communications ABOVE: The Dutchmen look to get back to winning ways this weekend.
Tickets available at: http://wordpress.lvc.edu/wordpress/wigandbuckle/reserve-tickets/