TheOnlineBeacon.com
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Volume 91 • Issue 1
COVID-19
No Active COVID-19 Cases On Campus Despite Second Round Testing Errors BY BRIAN RHODES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF While there are no active COVID-19 cases on campus currently, several students needed to have their second round of tests redone due to a testing error. Gina Puc, vice president for strategic initiatives, noted that issues with some of the labels on the second round of tests not matching up with the records held by The Broad Institute, MCLA’s COVID-19 testing partner, caused the error, necessitating retests. “It was a one-time thing, they have since corrected it,” she said. “But they recommended that we retest all of the students affected by that.” According to the MCLA COVID-19 information page, there have been two positive COVID-19 cases on campus as of Sept. 9, with none coming in the last seven days. Puc said there are
no active cases on campus currently and clarified that the second positive case was found to be caused by a false-positive test. Health Services sent students impacted by the label error an email with available times to retake their COVID-19 test. Puc was not able to confirm how many students were affected. As Reported by The Beacon on Sept. 4, there has been one student on campus who had tested positive for COVID-19 and continued to test positive after two retests. “That is no longer an active case, which means they are no longer testing positive for COVID-19,” Puc said. According to the MCLA COVID-19 information page, MCLA has a positive test percentage of 0.41% out of 728 total tests. Williams College has a 0.03% positive test percentage out of 8,961 total tests, UMass Amherst has a 0.04% positive test per-
PHOTO BY KYLE MILLIGAN
MCLA’s testing site for students is located outside of Health Services. Several students needed to have their second round of tests redone due to a labeling error. centage out of 37,773 total tests, Bridgewater State has a positive test percentage of 0.22% out of 2,283 tests, and Framingham State has a 0.99% positive test percentage out of 2141 total tests. Puc, when asked to clarify the testing policies for college faculty and staff,
New Fitness Center A Game Changer BY KYLE MILLIGAN SPORTS EDITOR After several years of development, MCLA’s Fitness Center is finally open. The facility is located in the Amsler Campus Center and open to currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff. The decision to replace the pool with a fitness center was made in Sept. of 2016. Although it was a longer wait than anticipated, the athletic department believes it was well worth it. Laura Mooney, director of athletics, said the new space is a game changer. “We are finally open! Well worth the wait.” Deb Raber, the fitness center director, said. “Having a facility like we have now is a bonus for MCLA. We’ve been dreaming of this for years.” The fitness center will be using Massachusetts Phase 3 Reopening guidelines to direct their operations. An email with information concerning COVID-19 guidelines and adjustments the facility will have to follow was sent out to the MCLA community on Thursday,
said they will get COVID-19 tests once a month. “The once a month per faculty and staff really equates to the similar surveillance testing system that we’re doing with students, where after this first month there’s randomized testing once a month of all resident
PHOTO BY KYLE MILLIGAN
Sept. 3rd. The athletic department has made it a serious priority to maintain safety precautions in the facility. Equipment that someone is using, such as treadmills, has to be 14ft. apart. No spotters are allowed, and you are advised to stay at one station at a time before moving on to another. “Anything you touch, we’d like you to wipe down,” Mooney said. There is a designated loca-
tion called the ‘Dirty Zone’ where equipment goes after usage which facility staff members are required to wipe down. Staff fogs the space daily before opening at 7a.m., and mops the floor at close. Students and faculty are advised to book workout appointments, located on MCLA Campus Portal. The new workout space has new branded equipment, double
Fitness, Page 10
COVID, Page 10
MCLA Ranked Top 10 Public Liberal Arts College for Third Year in a Row BY NATALIA GIACOMOZZI MANAGING EDITOR
The athletic department has made it a serious priority to maintain safety precautions in the new Fitness Center.
students,” she said. “That’s shown to be effective in the mitigation of COVID.” Puc mentioned that commuter students can volunteer to be tested under a similar testing policy to faculty and staff, but are not
MCLA has been ranked as a top ten college among the nation’s public colleges by U.S. News and World Report for the third consecutive year. MCLA placed 9 on the list; according to the institution’s press release, MCLA has made U.S News and World Report’s list of top public colleges eight times in the last decade. The school is ranked 42 in terms of top performers of social mobility. U.S. News and World Report defines social mobility as how much colleges enroll and graduate economically disadvantaged students who are awarded with Pell Grants. MCLA is also ranked 149 on the list of top liberal arts colleges throughout the country. Williams College in neighboring Williamstown, Massachusetts takes the number one position; Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts is ranked in second. In a statement, MCLA President James F. Birge noted that the college’s Resiliency Fund and acceptance of a newly awarded TRIO grant indi-
cates its approach to helping students, especially in a year disrupted by a pandemic. “I am especially proud that MCLA has continued to be ranked among the nation’s top ten public schools. […] These grant activities will enhance MCLA’s commitment to equity for our students by providing support services to help students achieve their academic goals,” Birge said according to the press release. In a statement following up the announcement of U.S. News and World Report’s latest rankings, Massachusetts republican governor Charlie Baker said that the state takes pride in what MCLA stands for. “As the Commonwealth’s public liberal arts college, MCLA has demonstrated enormous commitment to access, equity, and academic excellence,” Baker said. The governor added that the presence of the institution remains a factor in driving the Berkshires’ economy. “MCLA is a key partner in [also]… sustaining Massachusetts’s national leadership in higher education,” Baker said.
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College Receives $1.3 Million TRiO Grant BY BRIAN RHODES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The U.S. Department of Education has awarded MCLA a $1.3 million Federal TRIO Programs (TRiO) Student Support Services Program grant. The college will receive the $1.3 million grant in installments of $261,888 every year for five years to support the program, which could serve as many as 160 students. After the five years have passed, the college will be able to reapply for the grant. “It’s specifically for supporting low-income students, first-generation students and students with disabilities,” Chief Diversity Officer Christopher MacDonald-Dennis said in a Microsoft Teams interview. “it will help with retention, with grades, it will provide tutoring and support.” MacDonald-Dennis, who helped to create the grant proposal alongside Institutional Research and Lynette Bond, director of development for grants and research, noted that MCLA had a TRiO program for nearly 30 years but lost their grant and have not received one since 2015. “I’m not sure [why
the college lost the TRiO grant], I wasn’t here,” he said. “But when I got here, I looked at our student community and our population and I said we need to get this back.” He mentioned that the only other TRiO program in Berkshire Country is at Berkshire Community College (BCC). “BCC is actually the number one place that we get transfer students, so there will really be a seamless support system for students, to go from a TRiO program there to a TRiO program here.” MacDonald-Dennis said that the TRiO Student Support Services Program can bolster services students already have. “It provides a level of support for students in addition to what we already have,” he said. The grant proposal the college submitted, MacDonald-Dennis said, received a perfect score. He said that the college is currently in the process of hiring a director for the TRiO program. “Part of it is our student community, but it’s also Berkshire County,” he said. “I believe Berkshire County has, in Massachusetts, the
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHRISTOPHER MACDONALD-DENNIS Christopher MacDonald-Dennis, chief diversity officer, was one of the people responsible for helping put together the TRiO Grant Proposal. lowest college-going rate.” According to MacDonald-Dennis, he spent a lot of his time since arriving at MCLA two and a half years ago working towards getting the grant. “The last two and a half years really was for me to get people on board, to say that we can reapply for this, and make a stronger program than it was before,” he said. According to MacDonald-Dennis and Bond, the college hired a former TRiO
program director as a consultant for the creation of the proposal. “They were a vital addition to this project,” Bond said in an email. “And provided us with key details regarding the proposal narrative and metrics to ensure a successful (and awarded) program proposal.” Bond spoke highly of MacDonald-Dennis’ contributions to achieving the grant. “With Christopher MacDonald-Dennis’s leader-
ship, we were able to connect with key staff across campus to develop a strong program narrative,” Bond said. MacDonald-Dennis said that he was enthusiastic about the benefits that the TRiO grant will bring to students at the college. “This will help us retain and graduate students, that’s one of the things I’m excited about,” he said. “You all deserve it, so I’m glad the federal government agreed with us.”
First SGA Meeting Discusses Clubs, EVP Resigns BY NATALIA GIACOMOZZI MANAGING EDITOR SGA President Dean Little ’21 began the first fall meeting by announcing the resignation of Executive Vice President Sophie Smith ’21. Smith did not respond to a request from The Beacon for comment. Little concluded the announcement by saying the absence of an executive vice president makes “the upcoming SGA elections more important.” He also briefly discussed the possibility of a candidate challenging him and Coordinating Vice President Shannon Prouty ’21. “If someone runs against Shannon and I, we will concede the contest,” Little said. Student Government Association (SGA) met via Microsoft Teams on Monday, Sept. 14, to preview the fall semester ahead. Leading up to the Sept. 27 deadline for candidates to run for open SGA positions, Chris Hantman, coordinator of civic engagement in student affairs, proposed that anyone involved in SGA should actively seek out
PHOTO PROVIDED BY BRIAN RHODES SGA President Dean Little ‘21, pictured last semester, is entering his final year at MCLA. He is serving his second year as SGA president. new student participation. “I am asking anyone associated with SGA to find at least one person not associated with SGA to be recruited to run,” Hantman said. More information about signing up to run for any of the SGA positions available can be found at www. mcla.edu/student-life/student-government. Little said all clubs should
have received an email on Sept. 8 detailing the rules and regulations approved by SGA during the ongoing pandemic. “We’re definitely adopting more of a role this year of assisting other clubs. One of the regulations we are putting all clubs to follow is one where they have to submit any meeting they try to do in person, whatever it is,
to Shannon and Shannon has to approve of it,” he said. The purpose of the guideline is for SGA to inform other clubs of a potential in-person event those clubs might be able to hold, according to Little and Prouty. “We are worrying less about club constitutions and focusing more on how do we make sure the student life on campus is still
the best it can be,” Little added. The upcoming leadership summit was briefly mentioned as something to discuss at a further date. “The leadership summit is noon to three on Sept. 27. It will be about learning and developing leadership and club management,” Marino said. The meeting ended with Little announcing a representative from the voting-advocacy organization MASSPIRG contacted SGA through social media. “A MASSPIRG rep reached out to SGA. More information about that will be discussed at next week’s meeting,” Little said. Besides Hantman, this reporter and the following SGA members were present at the meeting: President Dean Little ’21; Coordinating Vice President Shannon Prouty ’21; Senator Emma Marino ’22; and Treasurer Kelli Garrant ’21. The Microsoft Teams meeting was hosted as a Q&A live event. The next SGA meeting is on Monday, Sept. 21.
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Darnell Moore to Discuss “No Ashes in the Fire” Sept. 23 BY BRIAN RHODES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MCLA’s Lavender Fund will host a virtual lecture via Zoom featuring activist and award-winn ing author Darnell Moore on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The moderated lecture and discussion, which will be free and open to the public, will focus on LGBTQIA+ issues and Moore’s book, “No Ashes In The Fire.” Erica Wall, director of the Berkshire Cultural Resouce Center (BCRC), will act as the moderator of the lecture. Leading up to the lecture, MCLA’s Freel Library will be hosting a virtual book discussion of “No Ashes In The Fire” from Thursday, Sept. 17 through Tuesday, Sept. 22. Free copies of the book will also be available to students. Moore’s lecture is the first in a series of lectures hosted by The Lavender Fund, which aims to benefit LGBTQIA+ students. Between Feb. 7 and
Feb 28, 2020, The Lavender Fund raised $6,055 to sponsor LGBTQIA+ speakers, conference trips and more. MacDonChristopher ald-Dennis, chief diversity officer and one of the contributors to the creation of The Lavender Fund, spoke highly of Moore and his work. “He won the Lambda [Literary] award for gay male biography, [“No Ashes In The Fire”] was a New York Times book of the year, so for me, it’s really really exciting that we’re going to be able to bring him,” he said. MacDonald- Dennis noted that he is excited that students will be able to take part in a lecture from a speaker that is as accomplishe d as Moore. “I don’t know that there are lots of silver linings with this pandemic, but what’s nice is that we were able to get the caliber of speaker like Darnell because we’re doing it virtually,” he said. Moore, alongside being an
award-winn ing author and an activist, is the director of inclusion strategy for content & marketing at Netflix, the former head of strategy and programs (U.S.) for Breakthroug h TV and the editor-at-large at CASSIUS. He is also the co-managing editor at The Feminist Wire, the writer-in-res idence at the Center on African American Religion, Sexual Politics and Social Justice at Columbia University and senior editor and corresponde nt at Mic.
Author, activist, and auteur Darnell Moore will speak about his book “No Ashes in the Fire” via Zoom at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23, while the Freel Library will have a virtual discussion on his book from Thursday, Sept. 17 to Tuesday, Sept. 22. Students can get free copies of the book from the library.
MCLA and BCC Sign Education Articulation Agreement BY NATALIA GIACOMOZZI MANAGING EDITOR Kicking off the Fall 2020 semester, MCLA and Berkshire Community College (BCC) have formalized an agreement which allows BCC students with associate degrees in early childhood education to transfer to MCLA with a core requirements waiver. The agreement establishes that BCC students with associate degrees in early childhood education can enroll in MCLA’s degree completion program to receive a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. BCC students need a 2.5 grade point average upon graduating to apply. MCLA Vice President of Academic Affairs Adrienne Wooters signed off on the agreement. According to Wooters in a Microsoft Teams interview, MCLA has made articulate agreements with several other local institutions. “We also have them with Hudson Valley Community College, a couple with Holyoke Community College, and Greenfield Community College. The departments [at MCLA and the community colleges] have sat down together and said this is going to make it eas-
PHOTO BY KYLAN MARTUS
Adrienne Wooters, vice president of academic affairs, approved of the MCLA-BCC education articulation agreement, which is in effect now. ier for the students [transferring] so they don’t have to have any more than 120 credits,” Wooters said. She noted that those transferring from BCC to MCLA under the articulation agreement still need to fulfill the physical education and capstone requirements. Wooters also emphasized that the agreement does not lead to teaching licensures. The setup is to help students secure teaching criteria such as the Early Education and Care (EEC) certification and the Lead Teacher certification. “This is not specifically an education degree. This is in-
terdisciplinary studies [because] this is how we could make it such that they meet the requirements they need to have and still meet the outcomes of Massachusetts early childhood [law under the state’s department of early education and care],” Wooters said. BCC education department chairperson Patricia Kay also signed off on the agreement. She believes the agreement will encourage more education-focused students to pursue their studies beyond an associate degree. “I can say we graduated at least 18 students in the ECE [Early Childhood Education]
Associate Science Degree program last June and that number is up from previous years. Several graduates have transferred to MCLA, so I believe having articulation, with a clear pathway, is essential for them,” Kay said in an email. She believes the agreement comes during a time of upheaval for early childhood education services. “Most childcare centers, preschool, etc., are privately owned and with the COVID rules and regulations, it is becoming increasingly difficult for owners/directors to make ends meet,” Kay said. According to MCLA asso-
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ciate dean of graduate and continuing education Paul Petritis, a concentration in Children, Families, and Society is also mandatory for those pursuing early childhood education under the terms of the agreement. “Students under the articulate… [take] concentration Children, Families, and Society, [which] incorporates Education, Psychology, and Sociology courses. Students in the program are usually early childhood educators seeking non-licensure pathways to meet requirements set by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)”, Petritis said in an email. According to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care website, there are select positions which students and educators with non-licensure pathways can qualify for. The positions include infant-toddler teacher, lead infant-toddler teacher, preschool teacher, lead preschool teacher, and director or co-director of an early education and care center. More information can be found at www.mass.gov/ department-of-early-education-and-care. MCLA’s degree completion program takes place in MCLA-Pittsfield located at 66 Allen Street.
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Coronavirus, Trump chill international enrollment at US colleges
countries will enroll this year, far fewer than the 230 the university anticipated. WASHINGTON _ Chittawan “You can literally translate that Boonsitanon started junior year into millions of dollars,” Dunat Michigan State University last ham said. Full-time international week from his home in Bangkok, undergraduates at Central Okla8,500 miles and half a world away. homa pay over $15,000 in tuition Boonsitanon said many internationa year, not including activity and al students decided months ago to course fees, while in-state stutake classes online, before Michigan dents pay about $6,000. State administrators in mid-August College administrators say the urged all undergraduates to stay prevalence of COVID-19 and home. news coverage of violent U.S. Between the coronavirus pandemprotests _ even protests far from ic and racial justice protests rocking college towns _ have made many America, returning to East Lansing students and families think twice didn’t seem like a good idea. “It’s about coming here. “As far as the health and safety of the Unitthey know, you walk out your ed States that really concerns us,” door and rioting is happening,” Boonsitanon said. Dunham said. Administrators at Michigan State Boonsitanon said international and other public colleges and unistudents are alarmed that many versities nationwide say they expect PHOTO BY LI LIN ON UNSPLASH Americans are refusing to wear fewer new international students to A combination of the coronavirus and Trump administration policies toward international students face masks, a proven strategy for enroll this fall because of visa delays has led to a drop in enrollment in U.S. colleges. reducing the spread of the virus and safety fears. and a common practice in Asia ly online classes, has reported 155 cases among Enrolling fewer international even before COVID-19. students who pay a premium _ Michigan State students and staff since the beginning of August, U.S.-Chinese political tension and news reports charges international students over $41,000 a compared with 93 cases at the University of Mich- of Americans harassing East Asians and blaming year in tuition, almost triple what local students igan. St. Cloud State has announced one case, ac- them for the pandemic also have made Chinese pay _ will be another financial blow. Colleges cording to the Times. students hesitate, Farnsworth said. “All of that Some college leaders fear that the pandemic gets enormous coverage in China,” he said of racalready face falling revenue from closed dorms, canceled football games and state budget cuts could be a tipping point for international stu- ist incidents. along with rising costs from increased cleaning dents. Already, Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric Trump and his allies often call COVID-19 the and immigration restrictions have made many “kung-flu” or the “Chinese virus” because it and COVID-19 testing. That lost revenue could diminish the amenities think twice about studying and launching careers emerged in Wuhan, China. available to all students. Fewer international stu- here. Even if Trump were replaced with a more Studying online won’t be easy for international dents also will mean fewer chances for American immigration-friendly president, it could take students. Many face big time-zone differences bestudents to be exposed to someone from a differ- years for international enrollments to recover, tween their homes and their classrooms. Students ent culture. Such interactions are “priceless,” said college administrators say. in China also must contend with government cen“For me, I worry about the long-term impli- sorship and surveillance online. Robbyn Wacker, president of St. Cloud State Unications,” Wacker said. “So we may get through versity in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Nikunj Agarwal, a junior at Michigan State, Organizations that support international edu- COVID in the fall, but what’s the tail of this, in spoke to Stateline from his home in Bangalore at cation are projecting big drops in international terms of international enrollments?” about 1:15 a.m., Indian Standard Time, or about 3 Others are more hopeful. International enroll- p.m. in Michigan. “This is basically my new life,” enrollment and related tuition revenue this fall. “When pressed, we’ve estimated a 25 or 30% ments will recover eventually, just as they have he joked. While some of his classes are recorded (enrollment) decline, but I hesitate to put a num- done after past crises, said Dennis Dunham, ex- lectures he can watch anytime, he must tune into ber on it,” said Brad Farnsworth, vice president ecutive director of the Office of Global Affairs at some live courses late at night. of global engagement at the American Council on the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, International students also know their degrees Education, a Washington, D.C.-based higher edu- Oklahoma. “I do think it will recover, because have an uncertain payoff. Under Trump, it’s beAmerica’s education system is still considered come more difficult for skilled immigrants to get cation membership organization. Public and private universities in the United one of the best, if not the best in the world.” work visas. In June, citing the pandemic, Trump The number of international students in the suspended certain temporary work and study exStates could collectively experience a $3 billion revenue decline as international students stay United States has been rising for decades and change visas for 60 days. away this fall, according to an April survey from increased rapidly after the Great Recession. Last Neither Agarwal nor Boonsitanon, who are NAFSA: Association of International Educators, a year more than a million such students studied both studying business, expect to land a job here. or were engaged in post-graduate training here, D.C.-based nonprofit. “It’s already hard for international students to College leaders, however, give a range of es- according to the Institute of International Educa- get jobs in the U.S. and now this _ it’s going to timates. The University of Washington, for in- tion, a New York-based nonprofit. That’s about be even more challenging,” Boonsitanon said of stance, typically admits a freshman class of 7,000 5.5% of all students at U.S. colleges and univer- the pandemic. “So I don’t plan to remain in the students, with 1,000 from overseas. “We’re still sities. About half of international students come United States.” very much on track to having the entering class from China and India. Other English-speaking countries, such as the Since Trump’s election, international students United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, make it I described,” said Jeffrey Riedinger, vice provost have continued to enroll in U.S. colleges, but the easier for graduates of their colleges and univerfor global affairs. It won’t be clear until next year how many over- growth rate has slowed. Between the 2017-18 sities to stay there and work. Institutions in those seas freshmen Michigan State will lose, as many and 2018-19 academic years, the number of in- countries have become tempting alternatives to students who deferred fall enrollment plan to enroll ternational students grew by a fraction of a per- American colleges. in the spring, said Patty Croom, director of interna- cent, according to the Institute of International “There’s a lot of reasons why international tional admissions, recruitment and student success Education. students choose the United States,” Boonsitanon But administrators say they’re expecting to wel- said, starting with the academic reputations of at the university. Last fall Michigan State welcomed come fewer new international students to campus U.S. institutions. “But I can tell you that the dy8,570 freshmen, about 7% from overseas. Croom said international students and families this fall. It was impossible for many students to namics are certainly changing.” are understandably concerned. The coronavirus get a visa in the spring and summer, when U.S. Agarwal said he loves Michigan State and is is so pervasive in the United States that the Eu- embassies and consulates shut down because of grateful for his time there. But he’s urging his ropean Union has closed its borders to U.S. res- the pandemic. sister, a high school senior, not to follow his exSome international students who can’t physi- ample. “I personally encouraged her not to apply idents. “Why would you send your 18-year-old cally make it to the United States are enrolling but to the United States, just seeing the political inhere?” she asked. Hundreds of colleges and universities nation- studying online. Others are deferring. And some stability of the country,” he said. Plus, there’s the wide have reported coronavirus outbreaks since are pursuing higher education elsewhere. frustrating process of getting a work visa. “We lost about 200 students at our university the school year began. Over 88,000 coronavirus “Go to countries that actually want you there,” cases have been linked to college campuses since just because the consulates didn’t open,” said he said, “and not make you feel like a burden to the pandemic began, according to the New York Dunham of Central Oklahoma. Only about 60 new them, not make you feel unwanted.” Times. Michigan State, which has shifted to most- undergraduate and graduate students from other BY SOPHIE QUINTON STATELINE.ORG
Features
Sept. 17, 2020
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Celia Norcross Starts New Journey At BCC BY ISABEL COSTA STAFF WRITER Opportunity, community, and care are the three words Celia Norcross uses to describe the impact the MCLA community has made on her. Students and staff knew Celia as the Dean of Students at MCLA for the past 18 years. This summer, she has ended her 18-year career at MCLA to take on the new role of Dean of Students at Berkshire Community College (BCC). Norcross was loved by many students within the MCLA community, actively participating in orientations and new student events held on campus. She was seen on campus encouraging students throughout their time at MCLA. Norcross holds her years at MCLA as the peak of her career. “Family is my biggest takeaway from MCLA. I was there for 18 years. You build incredible relationships with people and you spend more time there than home, so you really make them
PHOTO BY JESS GAMARI
Celia Norcross, former Dean of Students, was widely respected and liked by student, in part because of her active involvement with various aspects of student life. Here she is in 2013 with Takeya Lee preparing valentines for peer advisors on behalf of student development. your home,” said Norcross. Norcross enjoyed learning from the students at MCLA, learning how to deal with years of curveballs within the community with ev-
er-growing twists and turns. “I made it a point of being collegiate nosy. I was really interested in what everybody’s role on campus was and what every department
did,” said Norcross. By being “collegiate nosy,” Norcross became highly respected by the student body as well as all of her colleagues.
“Every moment at MCLA is a teaching moment for your whole life and I certainly learned about students. For example, I helped mentor the men’s soccer program. That was one group that had added pressure of being a student in the classroom as well as a mental capacity difference of being an athlete,” said Norcross. Norcross grew especially close to the students involved with orientation throughout the years as she helped mentor students who helped promote the MCLA community. “I have lists of orientation leaders and peer advisors I have grown close with through the years. We would grow this connection over the summer. We were building a story together on how I entered their lives and how they impacted my life. Truly every day was an educational adventure,” said Norcross. Justin Daniels, who worked closely with Norcross, cites Norcross as mak-
Norcross, Page 10
In Memoriam
Two Retired Professors Remembered Fondly BY MARIAMA NDIAYE STAFF WRITER
This past July, MCLA lost two retired professors within three days of each other; Annie Dellert Raskin and Harold George Brotzman. Annie Raskin was a longtime professor at MCLA who taught English Literature and women’s studies as well. She died on July 12 in Essex Junction, Vt, after battling Alzheimer’s. With the help of her experience in mental health as a psychiatric nurse, she made relationships with students lacking in self-confidence to initially help them become more optimistic and confident. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and professor. Many faculty and students remembered her as not only a brilliant English professor but also a selfless, inspiring woman to everyone she met. “She was a lively character; a great deal of energy, and a wonderful sense of humor,” said Communica-
Former long-time MCLA professors Annie Raskin (English Literature) and Harold Brotzman (Biology) passed away in July this year. tions Professor Michael Birch. Former Biology Professor Harold Brotzman was a beloved colleague at MCLA who passed away this summer, on July 9. He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and forestry from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in botany and plant pathology from the University of
Maine, and a doctorate in botany from the University of Iowa at Iowa City. After completing a postdoctorate in plant pathology at the University of Missouri, Brotzman enjoyed a 30-year career as a professor of biology at MCLA, serving as chair of the biology department for nearly 10 years.
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After his retirement, he still taught at MCLA courses in Forest Ecology in the Environmental Studies Department. He was loved by students and faculty for his enthusiasm, support, and calmness as a professor and colleague. “His collegiality was always professional. He always remembered people’s names, and always keen to stop to have a quick conversation,” said Birch. For many years, the students in Brotzman’s forest ecology classes and lab periods learned how forest communities or species have changed in the Berkshires Mountains. “He also developed a new course in a response to a student request called “Edible Plants,” said Elena Traister, professor of environmental studies. Brotzman will be missed by everyone he knew for his dedication to the environmental studies department as well as his support for the Trailblazers soccer and basketball team. Both Raskin and Brotzman will be remembered for their optimistic attitude, charisma, and determination as professors and overall extraordinary people.
Contact Editor-in-Chief Brian Rhodes at br1620@mcla.edu for rates and inquiries
Arts & Entertainment
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Fine and Performing Arts Department Announces the 2020-21 Theatre Season BY KYLE MILLIGAN SPORTS EDITOR MCLA’s Fine and Performing Arts Department has announced the 20202021 theatre season “Crossing the Divide”. During a time where a community can be desribed as separated, the theatre season has a goal of lessening the divide in the MCLA community. “For the 2020-2021 season, MCLA Theatre offers projects that seek to bridge the distances that separate us from one another,” said Associate Professor of Theatre Jeremy Winchester. Productions for the Fall 2020 semester will be presented virtually. The first show of the semester is “The Race,” by Michael Rohd and Sojourn Theatre. “The Race” is scheduled to be presented from Oct. 30-Nov. 7 in a virtual format. It will be directed by Jeremy Winchester and Alex Lee Reed. “Connections: A Festi-
val” will be presented virtually from December 4-6 also in a virtual format. “The Race” The Race” “is an interactive exploration of leadership in the time of Black Lives Matter and COVID-19, to be performed before and after the national election, online to a national audience,” said Bernadette Alden in a press release. “Connections: A Festival“ was chosen, to be directed, designed, built, and performed entirely by the students. This performance will represent the season theme of staying connected as much as possible. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”by William Shakespeare will be performed in Spring 2021.directedDavid Lane. Also in Spring 2021, “the pal·imp·sest: 2021 remixes,” devised by Sara Katzoff and MCLA Theatre and directed by Katzoff. This performance explores how contemporary American civilization in the age of COVID-19, ra-
* THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 - Lavender Voices: Darnell Moore Book Club Hosted by MCLA Alumni Association 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Online Hosted
- Lavender Reception by Identity and Gender Equality Resource Center (IGE) 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM virtual
- Career Preparation Workshop Hosted by CSSE - Center for Student Sucess and Engagement 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Bowman Hall Lower Level Cafe
PHOTO BY PHOTO BY CRYSTA CHEVERIE.
MCLA Theatre’s “Cloud 9” cast. Pictured from left to right: Charlotte Donnelly, Amanda Gilmore, Victoria Gentile, Declan McDermott, John Archer-Harvey, Morrison Robblee and Alex Aleksandrov. Cloud 9 was originally performed in 2019. Productions for the Fall 2020 semester will be presented virtually. The first show of the semester is “The Race,” by Michael Rohd and Sojourn Theatre.
* FRIDAY, SEPT. 18
- Spirit Friday Hosted by Student Activities Office 2 p.m.
* SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 - Life is a Drag Hosted by SAC- Student Activities Council 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Church Street Center Social Hall/Virtual
* SUNDAY, SEPT. 20
- Mindful Mashup Yoga with Monique Symes ‘11 Hosted by CSSE- Center for Student Success and Engagement 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Virtual
Sports
Sept. 17, 2020
TheOnlineBeacon.com
Lakers Seek to Keep Their ‘Cadence’ While Awaiting Start of Western Conference Finals BY BRODERICK TURNER LOS ANGELES TIMES The Los Angeles Lakers will attempt to keep their rhythm, or their “cadence,” as coach Frank Vogel called it, while they take five days off before playing in the Western Conference finals opener. They have been down this road before _ when the Lakers dispatched the Portland Trail Blazers in five games in the first round and had to wait six days before playing the Houston Rockets, who beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven-game series. The Lakers lost Game 1 to the Rockets but won the next four in the second round. Now the Lakers await the winner of the tense series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets that’s tied at 3-3 and will be determined Tuesday night. The Lakers practiced Monday, will have Tuesday off, and then will practice Wednesday and Thursday to prepare for the opponent they will face beginning Friday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. “It’s definitely a challenge, there’s no doubt about that,” Vogel said during a videoconference Monday. “And the message with our group today
is: You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse. And we not only want to stay sharp, we want to get better every time we step on the basketball court. So that’s got to be your focus. But at the same time, you’re just trying to get in enough work to stay in rhythm, keep your conditioning, but still take advantage of rest. “We’re going to have a plan this week of trying to stay in the cadence of playing every other day, so we had a live practice today, off tomorrow, live practice Wednesday, and then Thursday’s practice will be a no-contact practice. Just preparation-oriented. So just trying to keep that cadence and, again, manage the time off to stay in shape and stay in rhythm.” The Clippers took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series over the Nuggets, and it looked as if a showdown between the two Los Angeles teams was certain. But then the Nuggets overcame big deficits to win two in a row and the Lakers decided to just work on their own game. “Whoever wins, wins. And we’ll be ready for both,” Vogel said. “Obviously, when there was a 3-1 lead, you start looking at ... at least my assistant coaches started looking at the
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PHOTO BY KEVIN C. COX
LeBron James (left) and Lakers Assistant Coach Jason Kid (Right). The Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets in 5 games in the Western Conference Semi-finals. Clippers more, preparing for them because they were closer to the finish line. But obviously we’re preparing for both teams the whole way through. And you know, I don’t get frustrated. Whenever the results come in, we’ll be ready to go.” Lakers guard Alex Caruso used Sunday to take a mental break _ playing golf with his parents as well as watching some NFL games and Game 6 between the Clippers and Nuggets.
Caruso said he has been impressed with the “fight that Denver shows.” “(The Nuggets) were down 3-1 the first series, and everybody counted ‘em out. They won three in a row. They were down 3-1 in this series, (and) I think everybody counted ‘em out and here they are again, forcing a Game 7,” Caruso said during a videoconference. “It’ll be interesting to see how they respond, but it’s a big emotional as well as physi-
cal task to come back from that many games down. I’m looking forward to it. “Obviously, whoever we play is going to be a good team playing well because they’ve had to beat some good people to get there. As far as us being ready, I think we were a little better in the first game against Houston than we were against Portland, and hopefully that will be the same step, take a little step further of coming out.”
Clippers Collapse Again as Their Playoff Run Ends With Game 7 Loss BY ANDREW GREIF LOS ANGELES TIMES Trailing Denver by 15 points with eight minutes to play in their season, the Los Angeles Clippers called a timeout. As players leaned in to hear the directions of their coach, Doc Rivers, guard Lou Williams buried his face in a towel, then spiked it to the floor. It would only get worse. By the end of their third consecutive collapse when leading by double digits, a run in which they forfeited a series 3-1 lead and added another disastrous chapter to their 50-year history of playoff misery, Clippers players stood on the bench, with thousand-yard stares, as the Nuggets dominated the closing minutes _ and the final week _ of this matchup. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the superstars whose additions 14 months ago were expected to bring the Clippers to unprecedented heights, checked out with 84 seconds remaining. When the final buzzer mercifully rang, they walked off in silence. Denver’s 104-89 victory
Tuesday night makes it the first team in NBA history to win multiple series when trailing 3-1 and sends the Nuggets into the Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers beginning Friday in the NBA bubble near Orlando, Florida. All season, that matchup had been viewed as likely to be contested between the Clippers and Lakers _ teams that share an arena, and championship ambitions this season, but never faced one another in the postseason. Yet all season, there was an unanswered question about how they would get there: Could the Clippers blend their grit from the previous season with the talent of their current roster? The answer, as seen throughout this series, was a resounding no. The Clippers lost their final three games after leading by 16, 19 and 12 points, respectively. In Game 7, they were outscored 60-33 in the second half. Leonard scored 14 points, George 10 and they were outplayed by the Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, who had 40 points, and Nikola Jokic,
who had 16 points, 22 rebounds and 13 assists. With the loss, the Clippers retain membership in an ignominious club, joining Charlotte and New Orleans as the only NBA franchises yet to reach a conference finals. As the Buffalo Braves, the franchise reached three consecutive conference semifinals from 1974-76. Two moves and a new name later, the Clippers returned in 2006 but lost in seven games to Phoenix. Lob City arrived, but the breakthrough never did. There was a fourgame sweep in 2012 by San Antonio, a six-game loss in 2014 to Oklahoma City and a seven-game loss to Houston the following year in which the Clippers collapsed after taking a 3-1 lead. That history left Staples Center’s rafters bereft of banners on Clippers game nights. The current roster was built to change that. Kick-started by a 2018 trade of Blake Griffin, the Clippers turned the franchise’s face into numerous players and future draft picks that were, in turn, dealt for more pieces and salary cap flexibility that facilitated last year’s trade for George and
signing of Leonard, a twotime Finals most valuable player and the highest-profile free agent ever signed by the team. Stars who grew up in Los Angeles’ exurbs of Palmdale and Moreno Valley returned home amid fanfare. Entering his 14th Game 7 as a coach, experience had taught Rivers the “whole thing” about high-stakes games was making players feel free. Standing in the middle of his locker room before tipoff, he reiterated the message. On many moments to start, they looked it. Double teams on Jokic held the 7-footer to four shots in the first half. The bench, the best offensively during the regular season but missing in action for most of the series, made its first seven shots, with Williams finding a cutting Montrezl Harrell for baskets like it was January. Yet the Clippers weren’t free from all their flaws. Rivers stressed that his guards couldn’t get in foul trouble, yet George was called for three in the first half, along with center Ivica Zubac. Opportunities for easy baskets dried up _ Den-
ver’s 10 first-half turnovers yielded only nine points. Harrell’s offensive energy didn’t translate defensively. Deja vu hit hardest, however, when a double-digit lead slipped away for a third consecutive game. This time, their 12-point lead four minutes before halftime was unwound within seven minutes. After making five of its first six three-pointers of the second half, Denver led by eight, just 14 minutes from the conference finals. There was no coming back. JaMychal Green drove into the paint with 10 minutes to play but bounced a dunk off the back of the rim. The Clippers recovered the rebound, then threw the ball out of bounds. Their shoulders slumped. Even when Jokic, arguably the best player all series, sat for a fourth-quarter rest, the Clippers couldn’t make a dent in the lead. The Clippers didn’t score their first field goal of the quarter until fewer than five minutes remained. By that time, their season, and opportunity to rewrite Clippers history, was done.
Sports
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Fall Athletes Staying Positive Despite the Suspended Season BY KYLE MILLIGAN SPORTS EDITOR “Everyone is ready and excited to get back on the field, even though it will be very different,” said Cetera Moore ‘20. Moore is a captain on the Women’s soccer team, whose season was suspended due to COVID-19 The MASCAC announced on July 16th, that the Fall 2020 athletic season was suspended, voted on by the eight MASCAC Presidents. Although there won’t be games this fall, some schools including MCLA are providing practices, training, and conditioning for fall athletes. With the announcement of the seasons being cancelled, a decision to not count this fall season as a year of athletic eligibility was made. All teams are required to follow NCAA COVID-19 guidance and protocols. Moore is one of three seniors on the Women’s soccer team, along with Carol Fagan and Miranda Wissman. “Unfortunately, the seniors, myself, Carol Fagan, and Miranda Wissman, have come to the conclusion that we will not be stepping foot on the competitive soccer field again,” Moore said. Fall seasons suspended at MCLA include men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s cross country and men’s golf. Teams are doing their best to stay away from rust as they prepare for whatever comes next. “I know a lot of our team has gone to the new fitness center and worked out, some are running hills, go-
ing on hikes, and taking runs around North Adams,” Moore said. “Mentally, we are going to have Zoom calls to stay connected as a whole team because we aren’t allowed to practice all together.” David Jamina ‘23, is a captain of the men’s soccer team and is focused along with his teammates on staying locked in for what is yet to come. “We have been working out, getting mentally prepared and finding ways to still touch the ball so we can be ready for what’s to come. We can’t settle down and we won’t settle down. We just keep moving forward and time goes by,” Jamina said. As athletes are doing their best to stay active and prepared, they are well aware of why the decision was made and are making the most of their opportunity. “After hearing the announcement that Fall Sports will be cancelled, I was upset but I also accepted the decision. I realized that it was for the best and I decided to look at the positives. I realized I can utilize this time off to work on my technique and tactical work to prepare myself for the next potential seasons to come,” Jamina said. Although fall athletes are doing their best to stay positive, when the news was released in July, it wasn’t easy on them, especially seniors. “My whole career was over, and it took me a long time to accept that, and I am still struggling with the whole idea,” Moore said.
Athletes, Page 10
SCORE BOARD
NFL
Thursday
Kansas City Chiefs (34), Houston Texans (20) P. Mahomes (KC) 24/32 C/ATT, 211 YDS, 3 TD, 0 INT Sunday
Los Angeles Rams (20), Dallas Cowboys (17) M. Brown (LAR) 18 CAR, 79 YDS, 2 TD
Seatle Seahawks (38), Atlanta Falcons (25) R. Wilson (SEA) 31/35 C/ATT, 322 YDS, 4 TD
Buffalo Bills (27), New York Jets (17) J. Allen (BUF) 33/46 C/ATT, 312 YDS, 2 TD PHOTO TAKEN FROM MCLA ATHLETICS
Cetera Moore ‘20 (above) 2019 Women’s soccer roster photo.
Chicago Bears (27), Detroit Lions (23)) (23 M. Trubisky (CHI) 20/36 C/ATT, 242 YDS, 3 TD
Green Bay Packers (43), Minnesota (34) A. Rodgers (GB) 32/44 C/ATT, 364 YDS, 4 TD
New England Patriots (21), Miami Dolphins (11) C. Newton (NE) 15/19 C/ATT, 155 YDS Pass, 15 CAR, 75 YDS Rush
Washington Football Team (27), Philadelphia (17) D. Haskins Jr. (WSH) 17/31 C/ATT, 178 YDS, 1 TD
Las Vegas Raiders (34), Carolina Panthers (30) J. Jacobs (OAK) 25 CAR, 93 YDS, 3 TD
Jacksonville Jaguars (27), Indianapolis Colts (20) G. Minshew (JAX) 19/20 C/ATT, 173 YDS, 3 TD
PHOTO TAKEN FROM MCLA ATHLETICS
David Jamina ‘20 (above) 2019 Men’s soccer roster photo.
Read more about your Trailblazers, and keep up to date with the latest news at Athletics.mcla.edu
Baltimore Ravens (38), Cleveland Browns (6) L. Jackson (BAL) 20/25 C/ATT, 275 YDS, 3 TD
Los Angeles Chargers (16), Cincinnati Bengals (13) T. Taylor (LAC) 16/30 C/ATT, 208 YDS
New Orleans Saints (34), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (23) D. Brees (NO) 18/30 C/ATT, 160 YDS, 2 TD
Arizona Cardinals (24), San Francisco 49ers (20) K. Murray (AZ) 26/40 C/ATT, 230 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT, 13 CAR, 91 YDS
Pittsburgh Steelers (26), New York Giants (16) B. Roethlisberger (PIT) 21/32, 229 YDS, 3 TD
NBA Game 1
Miami Heat (117), Boston Celtics (114) G. Dragic (MIA) 39 MIN, 11-19 FG, 29 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST J. Tatum (BOS) 43 MIN, 10-24 FG, 30 PTS, 14 REB, 5 AST PHOTO TAKEN FROM MCLA ATHLETICS
Cetera Moore ‘20 (above) 2019 Women’s soccer roster photo.
Denver Nuggets (104), Los Angeles Clippers (89) J. Murray (DEN) 15-26 FG, 40 PTS, 5 AST,
Fitness
From Page 1 the amount of treadmills, ellipticals, and double the amount of racks and benches as the old fitness center. “We’re doing this once, we’re going to do it right,” Mooney said. “It’s a huge upgrade for our entire campus. For the student- athletes it gives us a much bigger space and post COVID-19 we will be able to fit more students at a time as opposed to small groups we have had to rely on in the past. Our racks and benches have doubled, we added more dumbbells and kettlebells.” Raber said. Roughly $75k worth of new equipment, according to Mooney. Mooney and Raber both agreed the new fitness center can be crucial for all students, and will help with recruitment too. “I think it has the potential to be a big selling point for our athletics department,” Raber said. Traffic hasn’t been overwhelming yet at the fitness center. Roughly 40-45 people work out a day. Mooney stated that nice weather could be a factor as well as opening weekend being a holiday weekend. Mooney
Athlete
From Page 9 Moore and Jamina were asked about their thoughs on the possibility of playing in a Spring season next semester. “Yes we have hope for the spring season to become our season to compete against other schools. To fill up that hope in us, we are making sure we are doing our part by staying safe, healthy, active and engaged to be ready,” Jamina said.
COVID
From Page 1 required to. “That’s for a few different reasons,” she said. “Mostly because one, we’re in a low area of transition in the Berkshires, and two, with the flow on and off campus, it’s not quite the same situation as with resident students.” Puc said that the college is also working with the Athletic Department to develop a testing procedure for commuter athletes because of close contact they have
News said she expects to see numbers go up as the semester moves on. Along with the new fitness center, there are new coaching offices, a training room, and conference rooms. Mooney and Raber expanded on the importance of having almost all Athletic Department staff in one location. The new fitness center officially opened Friday, Sept. 4th. In May of 2019 it was reported that the new fitness center would be a 4.2 million dollar project. MCLA successfully stayed within their budget. “We used to be spread around campus in as many as five different areas. Days would pass and we wouldn’t see each other until department meetings. It’s hard to build comradery with folks spread all over the place,” Raber said. Vice President of Student Affairs Catherine Holbrook stated that the location of the previous fitness is a ‘perfect space’ for student hangout space. Holbrook said there aren’t enough designated spots on campus for student hangout. Conversation on that decision will begin with the Student Government Association (SGA). Moore, Fagan, and Wissman won’t compete in possible games this year, but are participating in the fall training programs. Moore had a message for her team; “I have already been hearing the team’s goals for the next season they play and I can’t wait to see what they push themselves to do. Everyone should keep their heads up and cherish every minute they get to play in college because anything can happen.” during practices. According to the MCLA COVID-19 information page, the college has conducted 235 COVID-19 tests in the last seven days as of Wednesday, Sept. 9. The college informed students of the initial positive case in an email sent by President James Birge on Sept. 4. “In accordance with state guidelines, we are collaborating with the individual who has tested positive to immediately implement the required safety protocols,” Birge said to students in the email.
TheOnlineBeacon.com
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PHOTO BY KYLAN MARTUS
Tarah Valin ‘22 using one of the treadmills in the new Fitness Center. Students who are excercising
Norcross From Page 5
ing a huge impact on his college career. “Celia has guided me a lot through my years at MCLA. She has put me in positions where I can be successful in school. Since freshman year she always gave me advice when I needed it and helped me break out of my comfort zone. I don’t know how my first two years of college would have looked like without her,” said Daniels. Norcross said when considering MCLA, “Be prepared to think in abstract ways and to learn how to come out of your comfort zone. “People think when they go to college, they should know everything. The best news is no matter what you do you are learning about yourself and every moment is a teaching moment of your own life,” said Norcross. Norcross’s new position
as Dean of Students at BCC completely changes her daily routine in a new college setting she is helping to make a mark on. “One thing that I have always said is I would not take a position that I feel I won’t add to or gain something from. “I have been at MCLA a long time and leaving could teach me more about myself. I was very comfortable at MCLA. I am a fan of pushing past comfortable to learn something,” said Norcross. Norcross decided to take a promising opportunity at BCC to help herself grow as both an educator as well as an administrator. “My colleagues have always told me that I tell students to take an opportunity and that maybe right now I should follow my own advice. This felt right and sometimes in life, you have to follow your gut,” said Norcross. Norcross said her big-
gest challenge in changing schools was hoping to help the students at BCC as much as she has successfully done at MCLA. “There is a lot of excitement around the community college program now with the rise of COVID-19. They are really pushing the envelope in promoting that they are worthy educators and that is very exciting to me coming to the world of a nonresidential college program,” said Norcross. When asked about how she would define the MCLA community, Norcross said, “Be prepared to listen and grow your mind. “Be prepared to expand your thinking and grow out of your shell. You have to be present, in that moment be totally there. If you’re in class, be in the moment. If you want to be in a club, be a part of that club, and really make your four years at MCLA worth your time,” said Norcross.
Check out the latest episode of Beacon Web News on YouTube or MCLA-TV on Philo! Want to write a guest column for The Beacon?
Want to write a guest column for The Beacon? If you’re interested in writing a guest column, contact Brian Rhodes at br1620@mcla.edu
Opinion
Sept. 17, 2019
TheOnlineBeacon.com
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Editorial
Who is Responsible for the Spread of COVID-19 At Colleges
According to Fox News, Temple University in Pennsylvania resorted to virtual courses only two weeks ago. NBC News has reported that Northeastern University in Boston suspended 11 students on Sept. 4 for partying together prior to the first week of classes. And the Atlanta-Journal Constitution has reported as of Sept. 10 that there are more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases at the University of Alabama, where 33 students have been suspended and more than 600 students face disciplinary sanctions for violating coronavirus guidelines. It is easier to point fingers than find a solution to the problem. Who bears responsibility for trying to keep a pandemic from reaching college campuses? Controlling the health of the MCLA community is a twofold effort. Students and the administration can not expect one side to uphold all forms of leadership. Our professors, faculty, maintenance workers, and the Aramark employees do not have all of the answers, but should be patient and considerate about students adapting to a semester unlike any other. And while college students are seen as more mature than those lower on the scale of grade levels (neuroscientists argue that the human brain does not stop developing until age 25), congregating with friends after a long week of work is typically an opportunity
too tempting to pass up. If we want to keep the pandemic at bay for as long as possible, then both parties need to actively participate in following the guidelines issued by the school and the Centers for Disease Control. MCLA has a 0.41% positive test percentage as of Sept. 9, which is almost double Bridgewater State University’s positive test percentage of 0.44% as of Sept. 8. While both are under the state average of 0.8%, any positive cases could spread to an entire campus. If your test comes back positive here, then you automatically get tested twice more to see if you were administered a false-positive but we can not solely think that we are more likely to receive a false positive test than to be put on the receiving end of a ventilator. Do not ease up on hand washing and mask wearing; even Bill Nye himself conducted a mask wearing demonstration in a video released during the summer. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the New York Times on Friday Sept 11. that even if a vaccine becomes available in the last months of 2020 or early 2021, the vaccine would not be widely produced and implemented until middle to late 2021. As autumn and flu season approach, anything could happen between now and then.
COVID-19 Will Never Be Able to Stop MCLA’s Student Media In volume 90, issue 6 of The Beacon, I wrote an opinion piece titled “Student Media Cannot Exist Off-Campus” which detailed how, at the time, it felt like MCLA’s student media overcoming an all-online semester was just too big of an obstacle. “If the college is mostly online, and students aren’t staying on campus, all three of MCLA’s biggest student media platforms cannot function,” I said at the time. This opinion was written on March 11, only a few days before this supposed nightmare scenario for student media came true. From the perspective of a pessimistic Senior News Editor for The Beacon, continuing The Beacon for the rest of the semester just did not seem feasible. Fortunately, I was completely wrong. Six long months and a new semester later, a lot has happened. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there have been over 6.5 million confirmed COVID cases in the United States along with 194,092 deaths , nationwide protests broke out in the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Jacob Blake, including a successful strike by players of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential nomination and chose Kamala Harris as his running mate, and The Beacon and the rest of MCLA’s student media are still going. In fact, MCLA’s student media did more than just continue to exist during the rest of the semester online, in some ways it actually thrived. Between the start of the extended spring break in March and the end of
BRIAN RHODES DEACON BLUES the Spring 2020 semester, The Beacon was able to publish over 30 stories. Beacon Web News produced five full episodes, all done from students’ homes with remote interviews. WJJW continued to operate for students to listen. It seems that, even without a campus to go to, student media had no problem functioning. “It is inconceivable that students can make an episode of Beacon Web News without access to the television studio at Mark Hopkins. It is similarly impossible that students can host their WJJW shows without the radio station in the Campus Center,” I had said. Both of these claims, however, would prove to be untrue. “It is unfathomable that The Beacon could create a physical paper without access to Adobe InDesign to design the pages,” I had said. While this statement technically turned out to be true, it was not due to a lack of ability, but rather a recognition that focusing solely on the online version of The Beacon
during an online semester was a better idea. “Even if these three entities could miraculously do these things off-campus, there is the question of what there would be for student media to talk about,” I had said. The answer to said question is, surprisingly, a lot of things. SGA still had their weekly meetings. Clubs and groups on campus held virtual events for students to attend. The college had to implement new policies to help students through the pandemic and begin planning a comprehensive safety policy for the fall semester. “Not having student media is a major problem because of the unique role it has on campus. The three student media groups keep students constantly informed on-campus topics relevant to them, something few other student organizations do,” I said. This statement is absolutely true, but it appears that we will not ever have to worry about this. If student media can survive a global pandemic and an all-online semester, it can survive anything. Later this semester, MCLA’s student media will be responsible for taking on a similar challenge. “At the time of Thanksgiving break, all courses will convert to online delivery. Students will leave at the break, and will not return to campus for the duration of the semester,” MCLA’s return to campus plan says. I believe MCLA’s student media will thrive when this time comes, just as they did last semester. I do not anticipate being wrong again.
The Beacon is published Thursdays during the academic year and is distributed to the MCLA community. The Beacon is a designated public forum and content is determined by student staff members. The Beacon is funded by the Student Government Association, the English/Communications department and ad revenue. Single copies are free and additional copies can be purchased at 50 cents each. If you wish to purchase additional copies, please contact a staff member.
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Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Brian Rhodes
Managing Editor Natalia Giacomozzi
Sports Editor Kyle Milligan
BWN Executive Producer Symantha Kehr
Staff Staff Writers Isabel Costa Mariama Ndiaye
Photographer Kylan Martus
BWN Reporters Mei Craig Cara Fusco
Adviser Shawn McIntosh
Sept. 17, 2020
IN OTHER BEACON NEWS Inspired by astists like Banksy, Students in Professor Melanie Mowinski’s Experimental Printmaking course have created stensils and have painted them across campus. Photos by Kylan Martus
“Printmaking has long been a tool for raising awareness about the social injustices in the world,” Mowinski said.
“This kind of activism draws attention to the artist but also to the action. Bansky works to use his platform to not only help others, but do something with the power that he as accumulated through his artistic practice,” Mowinski said.
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