PHOTO BY MOOJIG BATTSOGT CHIMID, DESIGNED BY RACHEL BUIGAS-LOPEZ AND LAURA SHKOURATOFF
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
NYU’s New Joint Degree in STEM and Law
By GRETA CHEVANCE Staff Writer
Despite NYU’s reputation for its decentralized school structure, the university is quickly mastering the art of inter-school collaboration. The Tandon School of Engineering and NYU Law announced that they are working together on a new master’s program in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy, focussing on an interdisciplinary education that prepares students to
STAFF PHOTO BY RYAN QUAN
The Tandon School of Engineering and NYU Law are working together on a new master’s program in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy.
address cybersecurity challenges. In a press release announcing the program, NYU Law Dean Trevor Morrison said many professions are unable to properly handle cyberattacks, because they do not have enough knowledge of law and technology. “The foundational idea here is that managing cybersecurity risk and strategy requires a breadth of training and perspective that is best provided by NYU’s law and engineering schools coming together to offer this degree,” Morrison said in the press release. NYU Law Public Affairs Officer Michelle Tsai said the program spans 12 months and will begin in May 2018. She detailed that applicants are required to have at least a baccalaureate degree plus three years of work experience, and that before submitting the application, prospective students must also submit an assessment form to determine whether the program is a good fit for them.
Tsai said graduate students in the program will complete online and module-based coursework, as well as separate learning sessions. “The MS CRS is based in a blended-learning approach combining both synchronous, in-person classroom time, and asynchronous learning, independent study,” Tsai said. The program will culminate in a capstone project in which groups of students will create a cybersecurity strategy and develop a method for its implementation. “Students will tackle difficult challenges of technology, law, risk and strategy,” Tsai said. “They will become fluent in the language of a wide range of disciplines bearing on the solution of difficult cybersecurity problems and will learn how to work together in interdisciplinary teams to manage both everyday situations and betthe-company crises.” Tsai said the joint program presents a unique type of degree, cen-
Adjunct Professors in Favor of Strike By NATASHA ROY News Editor
Adjunct professors hope to make a striking impression on NYU administration. The ACT-UAW Local 7902 — a professor union made up of adjunct professors from NYU and the New School — has negotiated with and made proposals to the NYU administration for nine months regarding health benefits, equitable pay and compensation, among other grievances. The union recently held a vote to see how many of its members were in favor of authorizing a strike against the university and 94 percent of the union’s 2,500 members voted in favor of the strike. Union president Emily Barnett said that the adjunct professors would rather not disrupt their jobs, and no date has been set yet for a strike. However, she also expressed that the union hopes its members’ responses will urge the university to take action to meet their needs. “We hope that it has a very quick effect on the university and that they wake up and realize that our members are frustrated,” Barnett said. “We would prefer to be doing our jobs, and we certainly hope to avoid a strike. But we hope that this is a real wake up call for them — that they need to take our proposals seriously during bargaining.” Barnett said that members of the union feel that the administration has not taken their demands seriously. She said that in the past, the administration has been unyielding in its refusals to change the current contract, and the professors’ issues with the contract. “They have been sitting opposite us in negotiations and say-
ing over and over that they’re not interested in our proposals, and we are hoping that this vote will get them interested,” Barnett said. “There are issues that have arisen during the past six years — because we had a six-year contract — and the university seems to think that the contract is set in stone and that these issues don’t need to be addressed.” CAS senior Drew Weber, a leading member of NYU Student Labor Action Movement, said that student success and professor success go hand in hand. “Adjunct faculty make up an integral part of this university,” Weber said. “It is vital that students stand with them in their fight for a fairer contract because when they win, we win.” NYU spokesperson Matt Nagel said that the university is at-
tempting to compromise with the adjunct professors. “We have been negotiating over many meetings and have made proposals for a new agreement — and we are continuing to negotiate,” Nagel said via email. Barnett said that the union has not yet presented the results of the vote to the university and is currently determining how to go about doing so. However, she said the union hopes a strike will not actually occur. “We teach the majority of courses at the university, and we really would like to just continue doing our jobs and teaching our students,” Barnett said. “That would be our first choice.” Email Natasha Roy at nroy@nyunews.com.
ILLUSTRATION BY POLINA BUCHAK
Adjunct professors voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike. They are demanding health benefits, annuity benefits and course cancellation fees, among other desires.
tered around the interdisciplinary training she believes is necessary to address a new kind of threat. “Unlike existing cybersecurity programs, most of which are offered by engineering schools, the MS CRS is the first jointly-conferred, blended-learning degree program offered by an engineering school and a law school,” Tsai said. Tandon junior Mateusz Chrobak believes the program is representative of NYU’s ability to adapt to and address relevant challenges affecting major industries, such as cybersafety and security, which are becoming more important as technology advances. “By introducing this program, NYU is being proactive in equipping students with all the tools to be leaders in all industries,” Chrobak said. “This will prepare us to tackle the emerging problems of today and those bound to appear in the future.” Chrobak believes that the pro-
gram will be popular with students and that a direct collaboration between NYU Law and Tandon will help foster a more unified NYU culture. CAS sophomore Althea Meer said the program is a way for computer science students, in particular, to acquire a broader background for their work. Meer believes this new master’s program will change the common perception that people studying STEM only know about computer science or mathematics. “This interdisciplinary approach seems like an opportunity to become better versed in other aspects that affect cyberspace such as policy, analytics, management and law,” Meer said. “A master’s program like this will allow us to become better prepared for working in the real world where we will surely be confronted with these challenges. Email Greta Chevance at news@nyunews.com.
CRIME LOG
Feb. 11 to Feb. 20
By MIRANDA LEVINGSTON, COCO WANG AND HTOO MIN
10 Waverly Pl. Police notification was declined.
The NYU Department of Public Safety received eight reports of larceny, one report of trespass, one report of forcible fondling, one report of authorized technician repair and one report of rape between Feb. 11 and Feb. 20.
On Feb. 14 at 6:45 p.m. Public Safety responded to a report of a non-NYU unknown male trespassing in the Tisch Hall Bike Rack. A police report was filed.
Larceny
On Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. a student reported that her wallet was missing from her coat inside Starbucks at 10 Waverly Pl. Police notification was declined. On Feb. 11 at 6:45 p.m. a student reported that his laptop charging cable was missing from a study lounge in Founders Hall. Police notification was declined. On Feb. 13 at 8:40 p.m. a student reported that her watch was missing from a restroom in Palladium Hall. Police notification was declined. On Feb. 15 at 12 a.m. a student reported that their wallet was missing from a fourth floor study area in Bobst Library. A police report was filed. On Feb. 15 at 10:50 a.m. a contractor reported that their backpack and its contents were missing from a stairwell at 726 Broadway. A police report was filed. On Feb. 15 at 1:20 p.m. a student reported that their backpack, containing a wallet, was missing from a classroom in Tisch Hall. A police report was filed. On Feb. 15 at 3:30 p.m. a student reported that their backpack, containing a laptop and other items, was missing from a classroom at Henry Kaufman Management Center. A police report was filed. On Feb. 16 at 3:30 p.m. a student reported that their backpack was missing from Starbucks at
Trespass
Arson
On Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. Public Safety received a report of bulletin-board fliers with burned edges in a residence hall. A police report was filed.
Controlled Substance
On Feb. 11 at 11:11 a.m. Public Safety responded to a report of a controlled substance in Gramercy Green and recovered a small amount of marijuana. On Feb. 13 at 4:50 a.m. Public Safety reported the confiscation of marijuana outside of the Genomics Building.
Harassment
On Feb. 13 at 5:52 p.m. a student reported that they were harassed by an unknown male in Gramercy Green. Police notification was declined.
Forcible Fondling
On Feb. 13 at 12 a.m. a student reported they were forcibly fondled in University Hall.
Authorized Technician Repair — reclassified from Criminal Mischief
On Feb. 12 at 11 p.m. Public Safety reported that a security camera was disabled by an unknown male inside Rogers Hall.
Rape
On Feb.12 at 11:07 a.m. a non-NYU guest reported that they were sexually assaulted in Gramercy Green. Email Miranda Levingston, Coco Wang and Htoo Min at news@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
Why Wintrich’s NYUCR Speech Was Postponed
Who Are the NYU Anti-fascists?
By CAROLINE HASKINS Contributing Writer
By HERMAN LEE Staff Writer
Correspondence between NYU and Lucian Wintrich is on pause after his planned visit to the university was postponed by the university’s administration due to security concerns. Wintrich, the White House press correspondent for Gateway Pundit, is indefinitely rescheduled to come approximately one month from the original February date after administration expressed concern over not having adequate time to prepare security for Wintrich’s appearance. NYUCR originally hoped to host New York City Council candidate Melissa Jane Kronfeld, but she was unavailable. Instead, NYUCR invited Wintrich one week before the event. Although NYUCR cited concerns about the NYU Anti-fascists for canceling the event, the club said that it did not intend to demonstrate at Wintrich’s event. The group said that Wintrich’s proximity to Yiannopoulos and McInnes was not reason enough to disrupt his event. “We certainly noted [his misogyny and proximity to Yiannopoulos and McInnes] and are disturbed by it,” the group said in a statement. “We fully support any other groups or individuals who would like to demonstrate against it.” The NYU Anti-fascists believes Wintrich is strategically using his speech’s postponement to increase his social media presence — they said that many alt-right figures create a climate of frenzy to gain notoriety. But Wintrich said that these accusations of opportunism are completely asinine, and that their statements against him were libelous. “If they weren’t a group of eighteenyear-olds who only read Salon.com, then I would’ve called up one of my lawyers,” Wintrich said. “So they certainly need to be more generally aware of that. These are very uninformed students.” Wintrich said the NYU Anti-fascists is inherently fascist, since he believes they are suppressing his right to free speech. He does not take the group seriously, because he thinks groups like NYU Anti-fascists do not want to listen to differing opinions. CAS junior Elena Hatib who serves as the NYUCR president said that NYUCR invited
Buzz surrounding the NYU Anti-fascists — a club basedon campus that, according to its website, fights against anything obstructing equality — has recently peaked after the club organized a protest against the NYU College Republicans’ guest speaker Gavin McInnes that ended in 11 arrests. The NYU Anti-fascists is a coalition of NYU students, faculty, staff and alumni that actively advocates against the alt-right. The club refuses to allow misogynistic, racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic, transphobic, homophobic, white nationalist or civic nationalist activity on campus. Unlike other on-campus political organizations, such as the NYU College Democrats and the NYU College Republicans, members of the NYU Anti-fascists choose to remain anonymous. The NYU Anti-fascists said that this information is withheld to avoid harassment from members of the alt-right. “There are many instances of alt-right communities harassing people they perceive to be social justice warriors,’” the NYU Anti-fascists said. “It’s happened on our campus. They resort to publishing personal information, sending death threats and other tactics of fear or humiliation. Working anonymously is safe and necessary.” The NYU Anti-fascists said that because it is not an official club, it does not organize
VIA FACEBOOK.COM
Lucian Wintrich, the White House press correspondent for Gateway Pundit, was scheduled to speak at an NYUCR event, which has been postponed following security concerns. Wintrich to speak, because the group believes he has great potential in the political world. She also said that members were interested in hearing a younger speaker. “We did not anticipate that students would be upset with his appearance, but I think some students are so quick to judge anyone who is a Republican without studying their actual beliefs,” Hatib said. Hatib also said she thinks the speech’s postponement will yield a high turnout for the NYUCR event. She said that when NYUCR plans to host a big-name speaker in the future, it will work closely with administration to ensure a smoothly-running event. NYU spokesperson Matt Nagel said that administration is working with NYUCR to ensure Wintrich can safely make his speech to NYUCR at NYU. He also said the university asked NYUCR to postpone the event, because it could not provide adequate safety measures on such short notice. “NYU’s commitment to free speech is long-standing and ongoing,” Nagel said. “At the same time, as has always been the case, NYU will continue to make the safety and security of our community a top priority when planning any event which features an outside speaker.” Read the full article online at nyunews.com Email Caroline Haskins at news@nyunews.com.
VIA TWITTER.COM
The NYU Anti-fascist group has been in the public eye recently after a protest it organised against NYUCR event speaker, Gavin McInnes, resulted in 11 arrests.
using a definite hierarchy, and the club has no set tactic on how to achieve its goals. After the NYUCR suggested on its Facebook page that opposition from the NYU Anti-fascists fueled the administration’s recent decision to postpone the group’s guest speaker Lucian Wintrich, White House press correspondent for the Gateway Pundit, the NYU Anti-fascists said that it was not planning to disrupt the talk. “We were aware about Lucian Wintrich’s plans to speak on campus, and were monitoring it,” the NYU Anti-fascists said. “Wintrich is a provocateur whose statements on women and immigration are tasteless at best. Our group hasn’t made any public call to disrupt his appearance. As far as we know, he has not directly advocated for violence against protestors or marginalized people, as in the case of Gavin McInnes and his Proud Boys.” One member of the NYU Anti-fascists said that they joined because of the rise in intolerant ideologies and the inability of the school administration to address issues. “NYU’s institutional response to racism and sexism has long left something to be desired,” a member of the NYU Anti-fascists said. “Its strategy, when confronted by student activism, has often been to simply wait out the student’s time at the university. They will defer to the bureaucracy of the board of trustees, make chains of endless meetings, and make incremental reforms that don’t address the core of the issues.” This member of the NYU Anti-fascists believes that the university’s inconsistency in addressing issues often goes unnoticed, and that the club aims to draw attention to more egregious instances of on-campus injustices. A different member of the club said they joined, because they began seeing the tangible effects of the alt-right on their own community. “I joined [the NYU Anti-fascists], because it suddenly felt like the mounting atmosphere of these alt-right ideologies had moved from the abstract of the internet or the media into my community, on my proverbial doorstep,” the member said. “It felt necessary to intervene.” Email Herman Lee at news@nyunews.com.
Timeline of Controversial Figures at NYU
VIA HARVARDPOLITICS.COM
McInnes’s January talk at the university was met with intense protests, and 11 people were arrested during the altercations outside between McInnes’s supporters and detractors. Though he was allowed to speak, NYU Anti-fascists and other students heavily protested during his speech. He left the event after 20 minutes, since protesters drowned him out — Wais could not quell the protestors.
PHOTO BY DIAMOND NAGA SIU
Email Sayer Devlin at sdevlin@nyunews.com.
At the University of California, Berkeley, protests — some of which were violent — erupted prior to Yiannopoulos’s scheduled talk there in February. Protesters caused approximately $100,000 worth of damage, and the event was subsequently cancelled. Yiannopoulos was also invited to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 22-25 before a video surfaced of him defending pedophilia over the weekend. His invitation was rescinded yesterday in response to the pressure that CPAC faced.
Wintrich was scheduled to talk at NYU last week, but the event was postponed for a month to allow for NYU to plan a safe event. He is now expected to speak at NYU in March. NYUCR claimed NYU Anti-Fascists threatened to disrupt the event because of its distaste for Twinks4Trump, Wintrich’s photo series that depicts young, mostly shirtless gay men sporting Make America Great Again hats. In a Feb. 14 Facebook post, NYU Anti-Fascists labeled him a fascist, cited Twinks4Trump and called him a provocateur.
F EB. 2017
OCT. 2016
The NYU College Republicans have invited three conservative guests to speak this academic year, but controversy has shrouded each visit. NYU first cancelled Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos’s NYUCR talk in October. In an email from Senior Vice President of Student Affairs Marc Wais citing security concerns. Vice cofounder Gavin McInnes who advocates against political correctness, was maced before entering
the Kimmel Center for University Life. Students heavily protested his speech, and their disruptions during his talk ended it early. Last week, Gateway Pundit White House Correspondent Lucian Wintrich’s speech was postponed so NYU could provide adequate security. Here is a timeline of NYUs recent speakers who found controversy surrounding their invitations.
JAN. 2017
By SAYER DEVLIN Deputy News Editor
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VIA WASHINGTON BLADE | MICHAEL KEY
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
ARTS
EDITED BY HAILEY NUTHALS ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Steinhardt Artists Celebrate Black Experience, Excellence
PHOTO BY PHYLLIS LAM
The NYU Steinhardt Department of Art and Arts Professions opened its new exhibit, “jux-ta-po-si-tion,” on Feb. 15 for Black History By PHYLLIS LAM Contributing Writer Amidst buzz about multiculturalism in the fine art world, the African American faculty, staff,
alumni and students of the NYU Steinhardt Department of Art and Art Professions opened a new exhibition called “jux-ta-po-si-tion” on Feb. 15. Curated by Steinhardt Undergraduate Academic Adviser Lonnie Woods III, this exhibition commemorates Black History Month by exploring the significance of creating art as a black artist against America’s current social and political backdrop. This exhibition comprises works in a variety of mediums, including paintings and drawings; mixed media installations; video and audio pieces; and photography. Woods said that the show illustrates how various works juxtapose each other and how the artists express their identities in works ranging from the autobiographical to the totally abstract. “I wanted the show to have a lot of contrast, whether that be in color, subject matter or in theme,” Woods said. “While it’s all about black artists, I also wanted to expand the visual narrative of what black art is.”
The concept was loosely based on the Black Arts Movement of the mid-1960s, which encouraged engagement by black artists, writers and performers in the creation of a new aesthetic that formed a new identity for black artists within the art world.
explores her identity as a black female in the United States at different stops. The title of the piece is “Utopia,” the artist’s intended destination. Another section of the exhibition includes photography and video pieces where the mixed me-
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I wanted the show to have a lot of contrast, whether that be in color, subject matter or in theme. While it’s all about black artists, I also wanted to expand the visual narrative of what black art is. LONNIE WOODS III
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Visitors entering the exhibition are faced with a gigantic blackand-white installation by Steinhardt freshman Kaylee Reynolds. On the surface, the work looks like a subway map, but it is also a self-portrait of the artist that
dia become more colorful as they display shocking pinks and blues. One such work was made by studio faculty member Erika Ranee. The conclusion of the show features a piece called “Tic Tac Toe” by guest artist Steven Mosley, an
African American painter based in New Jersey. It was in nspired by the famous black artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Mosley uses alternating neon-colored human heads and skulls to juxtapose life and death on a tic-tac-toe board. While the variety of work in different styles and mediums may feel chaotic, the 17 NYU artists accurately represent the department’s small black population. Woods said the show was created to send a message about the department’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment. “It is a message that I wanted to make, but I wanted it to be made through the work,” Woods said. “There is a lot of work needed to show there is a space, making sure that people feel comfortable and represented in the department.” “jux·ta·po·si·tion” will remain on view through March 3 in the Rosenberg Gallery at 34 Stuyvesant St. Admission is free to all. Email Phyllis Lam at entertainment@nyunews.com.
Tisch to Manchester: Family, Grief and Writer’s Block By ETHAN SAPIENZA Film Editor
“Manchester by the Sea” is not just one of the best movies of 2016, but it is also something of a comeback for writer-director and NYU alum Kenneth Lonergan. In 2007, Lonergan’s film “Margaret” was set to be released, but a war between Fox Searchlight Pictures and the filmmaker erupted when the two parties couldn’t agree on a final running time. The film finally played in theaters in 2011 to muted audience response — though a year later Lonergan released a three-hour director’s cut version, which many consider a masterpiece. With assistance from Matt Damon and John Krasinski, Lonergan returned to the silver screen last year with “Manchester,” a tragic, profound and shockingly funny tale of family bonds and loss. On Sunday, the film will be up for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. Earlier this month, WSN spoke with Lonergan about coping with grief, his time at the graduate Dramatic Writing program in Tisch and writer’s block. Washington Square News: How has this whole process been — premiering at Sundance a year ago, to now being a month away from the Oscars? Has it been joyful or excruciating? Kenneth Lonergan: It’s been basically really good. It’s really
nice that people are responding to the film. I’m really happy the actors are getting the recognition I think they deserve. It’s really all I can ask for. WSN: I read that you’re interested in situations where people deal with things that are bigger than they are. Do you find grief and guilt are too big for one person to handle? KL: This kind is, certainly. Everyone has to handle it. I think any kind of serious loss is something bigger than what we’re equipped to deal with. What these characters are going through is unusually severe and unusual for normal life. There are plenty of people in plenty of places in the world who are dealing with [things] a lot worse than this. It’s not totally unique, but it’s definitely a big one. There are other things — just getting along with living is pretty difficult. Most of the stuff I’ve done is dealing with people trying to cope with some kind of situation that’s bigger than they are, whether it’s legal or moral or emotional. WSN: Did you draw from any of your experiences with grief to flesh out the movie? KL: You always do. If it’s not your own experience, you try to bring your own experience to bear with what you consider to be an analogous situation. While I haven’t lost a child, and I pray I never will, it’s easy when you have one to imagine — or think you can imagine — how difficult that would be. When things get tough, you’re still supposed to do your job
and you’re still supposed to do your duty and you’re still supposed to show up for the people who need you. I think this film is about that as much as anything else, even though I haven’t had to cope with anything as severe as what these characters have to cope with. WSN: How do you feel that humor is intertwined with grief ? KL: I think humor is intertwined with pretty much everything, and I think grief is no exception. I think without the other side — I won’t say the lighter side — going alongside the more difficult elements that the film looks at, the film wouldn’t be very lifelike. It would be a big, abusive dirge. I don’t plan on doing that. WSN: How do you feel your time at Tisch prepared you for your professional career? Do you feel anything was lacking? KL: No, I think it was really key. All my friends who later helped me get work and who I worked with came from Tisch. I stayed in touch with some of the teachers. It’s just great to be around people who are doing the same things as you are. That’s how your life after college gets started — through your friends. WSN: Do you feel like you’ve utilized most of what you were taught? KL: Some things yes, some things no. Everyone has got a different style. Some things were useful, because [they] defined for me what I was interested in versus what other people were interested in. I
don’t think one way is better or worse than another. One thing that’s good about a school like Tisch is that when someone says, “This is how you write a play and this is how you write a screenplay,” it doesn’t need to be a way that works for you. It can either be a way that works for you — which if it is, great — or it can be a way to throw your own ideas into release and help clarify them. WSN: How was it making a film after having such a difficult time with “Margaret”? Were you anxious? KL: I don’t know if I was anxious. I was a little tired and worn down, I think. It was such a different situation. I wasn’t terribly concerned that I would run into the same problems. Those problems were so unusual and so extreme — logistical and political and administrative problems. The editing of “Margaret” spun out of control so crazily that it would have been really weird if that experience were to be repeated. WSN: Has fatigue bogged you down?....... KL: No, I really don’t know what it is. It just comes and goes, but I actually think sometimes you can get writer’s block from having your work recognized. It’s suddenly not a private relationship with your work anymore. Other people are talking about it, commenting about it, and you start to bring that into your office and your workspace. That’s profoundly unhelpful, even if it’s gratifying on another level.
WSN: Do you have any tips for aspiring writers, playwrights, filmmakers, what-have-you? KL: Follow your own judgment as best as you can. Don’t listen to anybody else unless you’re sure you know what they’re talking about, and don’t argue with them when you don’t agree with them. Just nod and say you’ll think about it. Read the full interview online at nyunews.com. Email Ethan Sapienza at film@nyunews.com.
PHOTO BY CLAIRE FOLGER
“Manchester By The Sea,” written and directed by NYU Tisch alum Kenneth Lonergan, has been nominated for six Academy Awards.
NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
ARTS
EDITED BY HAILEY NUTHALS ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM
StageWorks Shines Light on Shakespeare By AMANDA QUINN Contributing Writer
Baptized in a glorious shower of glitter and strobe lighting in the small, intimate space of the Abe Burrows Theater, the NYU Tisch Drama StageWorks production of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night or What You Will” is captivating. A collaboration with the Built for Collapse theatre company, this rendition presents a profoundly new and revitalized production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy of disguise, mistaken identities and unexpected love triangles. Under the innovative direction of Built for Collapse artistic director and Tisch alum Sanaz Ghajar, the audience’s preconceived notions of the play are shattered, leaving “Twelfth Night” uninhibited by traditional theatrical boundaries. The opening shipwreck scene is heralded by drowning the stage in turquoise light. A quartet of echoing female voices informs the barely-surviving Viola (junior An-Li Bogan) that she has landed in Illyria, home to Duke Orsino (senior Issa Best) and the woman he loves, Olivia (junior Chinara Hill), who refuses to marry anyone while in mourning for her deceased father and brother. Bogan portrays Viola with spunk and a dry sense of humor. She enters Orsino’s service disguised as a young man and slowly begins to fall in love with him. Entertained by Casio-playing cherubs and makeup-laden rock stars, the lovesick Orsino, portrayed with pining extravagance by Best, provides a first glance into the unconventional love story about to unfold. As Viola is tasked with pleading Orsino’s case to the melancholy Olivia, she soon becomes
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infatuated with the disguised Viola instead of the duke. This ushers in another refreshing aspect of the production: an utter and unabashed embrace of the queer overtones in the original storyline. These sentiments are brought to the forefront with the inspired decision to have Malvolio (sophomore Lillian Brown), Olivia’s steward, played by a woman. Brown portrays Malvolio with pride and confidence. As the victim of a cruel prank, she believes that Olivia loves her and goes to great pains to please her. These pains, including outrageous yellow stockings and matching lingerie, make a fool of the once straight-laced Malvolio. Her antics make the audience laugh as they wonder if — with Viola kissing both Olivia and Orsino — Malvolio was not the only one deceived by love. In a wonderful turn of events, all misunderstandings are ultimately cleared up with Shakespeare’s classic comedic skill. All save Malvolio get their happy endings, and the final scene is stolen by servant Fabian (junior Misha Brooks) in his side-splitting attempts to make sense of the characters’ complex emotions. As the rest of the cast exits, Fabian, with the help of Feste (junior Mateo Correa), the insightful fool, tries to finish explaining the play. A neon sign, which simply reads “Feelings,” glows in the background. The audience, too, shares these feelings, as if coming down from some immeasurable high. “Twelfth Night or What You Will” continues its run at the Abe Burrows Theater until Feb. 25. Email Amanda Quinn at theater@nyunews.com.
STAFF PHOTO BY JAKE QUAN
NYU Tisch Drama StageWorks’ production of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night or What You Will” runs at the Abe Burrows Theater in collaboration with the Built for Collapse theatre company. The show is running until Feb. 25.
PHOTO BY BENNETT DAPONTE-SMITH
Steinhardt freshman Lucas Ebeling plays the drums in NYU’s Jazz Studies Program.
Ebeling: The Jazz Cat’s Pajamas By CONNOR GATESMAN Contributing Writer
New York City might be one of the most historically significant U.S. cities for jazz history, but Philadelphia is a close contender. Philadelphia most recently raised NYU Steinhardt freshman Lucas Ebeling, whose drumming passion has grown from simple rock-and-roll to the rolling and rippling rhythms of jazz. WSN sat down with Ebeling to learn more about his early days as a musician and what jazz means to him today. Washington Square News: Why the drums?....... Lucas Ebeling: When I was really young, I started on trumpet. I had to play a classical instrument — it was the rule in my house. If I wanted to do that, then I could play a rock-and-roll instrument. I tried guitar at first and didn’t like it. Then I tried bass, but I still didn’t like it. Then I tried drums and loved it. I’ve played drums since I was around 10 or 11. WSN: Have you always been focused on jazz as a musician? LE: Not at all. In my early days, I used to have this boom box, and I would put a Ramones CD in there. I would put the boom box on blast behind me, and I would play along to these Ramones songs. I went from playing Ramones covers to playing
rock. I played in rock bands with my older brother. When I was a junior in high school, I started going out to jam sessions at a place called the Penn Taproom. That’s where I really started to swing and play real jazz. They really taught me to swing there. All
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They really teach you how to swing [in Philly], which is essential to playing jazz. LUCAS EBELING
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these Philly cats were there, like Mike Boone and Byron Landham. That’s where I started getting into jazz. WSN: Where are you from? LE: I’m from a place called Doylestown. It’s about an hour north of Philadelphia. But I learned to play jazz from the Philly cats. I was always going to the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia to play in jazz programs and camps and just hanging at sessions. WSN: How is the scene there compared to NYC? LE: It’s different. NYC has pretty much everything. There’s free jazz, out jazz,
funk — there’s everything. Philly has a huge straightahead scene. I’m sure there are other scenes in Philly, but that’s what I tapped into. They really teach you how to swing there, which is essential to playing jazz. WSN: Are you more comfortable at a gig or in the studio? LE: Definitely at a gig, just because I haven’t done a lot of studio stuff, which is something I’d like to do more. In the studio, when you’re being recorded, you don’t want to screw up. When you’re tense, you play worse. During gigs, when you’re playing with the cats, it can be kinda nerve-racking, but when you’re with your friends it’s always really fun. WSN: Would you ever consider playing a different genre than jazz? LE: Oh yeah, and I do. Back at home I still play in rock bands with my friends. Just whatever comes my way, like I played a pop gig a few weeks ago. WSN: Any upcoming gigs? LE: I’m playing with Jared Auslander, a freshman guitarist in Steinhardt’s jazz program, at the Juke Bar on April 16. I’ll also be playing Monday, May 8 at the Blue Note with the NYU Jazz Orchestra and special guest Randy Brecker. Email Connor Gatesman at music@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
FEATURES
EDITED BY TAYLOR NICOLE ROGERS FEATURES@NYUNEWS.COM
NYU Namesakes – Controversial or Historical?
By RACHAEL HEISTUMAN Contributing Writer
After years of discussion on campus, Yale University announced Feb. 11 that it would rename a residential college named after former U.S. Vice President and notorious white supremacist John C. Calhoun. The undergraduate residential college will now be named after Grace Murray Hopper, a woman who not only served as a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy but also made great strides in the world of computer sciences by inventing the military language COBOL. Here are the varied stories of people behind NYU namesake buildings.
correspondence with President Nixon still alarm students today, with the Black and Brown Coalition calling for the erasure of Bobst’s name from the library. Steinhardt freshman Anna Fleury sees both sides of the argument. “It’s a complicated situation, because Elmer Bobst was a philanthropist and a part of NYU’s history and I believe that should be acknowledged,” she said. “I don’t believe that NYU supports his ties to anti-Semitism in any way, but we should push to change the name to recognize someone who represents NYU’s core values going into the future.”
Bobst Library
Helen & Martin Kimmel Center for University Life
Although he supported cancer research, education and donated $11.5 million to NYU to build its library, Elmer Holmes Bobst was an anti-semite. Students protested Bobst Library for its construction in 1972 due to the overwhelming cost, but Bobst negative remarks about Jews in his
Martin Kimmel, the namesake of our student center, served in the U.S. Army during World War II before becoming a real estate mogul. Kimmel donated $35 million to NYU, helping to fund the completion of our student center and the Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for
The Art of Eating: Yogurt
By MAYA KATCHEN NANN Contributing Writer
Probiotics, protein, calcium and other vitamins pack yogurt, which make it both a transformative ingredient for cooking and a tasty treat. Here are some ways to incorporate yogurt into your daily dining.
Yogurt On the Go
If you have a blender, yogurt can be added to smoothies for a healthy, creamy drink. Simply combine yogurt with fruit and blend away or create a protein-rich concoction by adding nut butter to the mix. Both agave and honey also pair nicely with yogurt in smoothies, and if the texture is too thick, simply add water or any type of milk.
Dining Hall
The dining halls have yogurt, to which you can add fruit and granola to make either a convenient breakfast or daytime snack. A good way to have a delicious breakfast is by layering your choice of yogurt with fruit and cereal. The different textures paired with the sweet and savory combination will take you on a flavor journey.
Yogurt for Breakfast
Yogurt pancakes are a great and healthy way to start your day. Add an egg — or two egg whites if you want to be even healthier — to your choice of yogurt. It is easiest if you buy small yogurt containers to mix the eggs inside it. In a separate bowl, mix half a cup of flour and a teaspoon of baking soda. Stir in the yogurt mixture with the flour and baking soda. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to portion out equal amounts of the batter onto your skillet or pan. You can add blueberries to the mix while while cooking them, and to top them off use maple syrup or try mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of yogurt to create a creamy topping.
Yogurt as a Snack
Greek yogurt dipping sauces can serve as a great snack or party food — they add strong flavors and textures. Simply mix plain yogurt with some citrus and spices for a delicious chip or vegetable dip. A Tzatziki dip is easy to make and can top just about anything. Combine eight ounces of yogurt, two cucumbers, two tablespoons of olive oil, half a lemon juiced, three cloves of garlic and one tablespoon of fresh dill in a food processor and blend until smooth. Although Tzatziki is a Greek name the sauce is known by many names and traditionally found throughout the Mediterranean, Turkey and Middle East.
Yogurt for Lunch and Dinner
STAFF PHOTO BY POLINA BUCHAK
Yogurt, a healthy snack filled with probiotics and calcium, can be eaten for any meal, on the go and even at the dining hall.
Yogurt can help you make healthier versions of your favorite dishes. A good recipe is skinny yogurt chicken. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix a cup of plain yogurt, half a cup of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese, a teaspoon of garlic powder, one and a half teaspoons of salt, half a teaspoon of pepper and a teaspoon of lime juice. Line the baking sheet with foil, and spray it with cooking oil. Cover four boneless chicken breasts in the mixture, and place them on the baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on each, and sprinkle rosemary on top. Cook for 45 minutes. Besides being a great healthy substitute ingredient, yogurt is a global staple that allows us to enjoy recipes from all around the world. Email Maya Katchen Nann at dining@nyunews.com
Stem Cell Biology.
Silver Center for Arts and Science
The Silver Center for Arts and Science was named after alumnus Julius Silver, who was able to attend NYU on an annual scholarship of $77.50 and a $100 loan. Thanks to his schooling at NYU, Silver helped found the Polaroid Corporation as well as a law firm in New York. Wanting to give back to the university, Silver donated over $150 million, which funds scholarships for today’s students and has attracted new faculty.
causes, donating to the American Hebrew Academy and co-founding Taglit-Birthright Israel with Charles Bronfman, namesake of our Jewish Community Center. Email Rachael Heistuman at features@nyunews.com.
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development
Michael Steinhardt, although not an NYU alumnus, graciously gave two donations of $10 million to the university, prompting the renaming of the School of Pedagogy to the Steinhardt School of Education, which later became the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. Steinhardt is well known for his philanthropic efforts toward Jewish
STAFF PHOTO BY RENEE YANG
Elmer Holmes Bobst of NYU’s Bobst Library was an anti-semite. Thus, the Black and Brown Coalition wants the building renamed.
Discussion on Distraction: The Debate on Laptops
PHOTO BY SARA MIRANDA
Laptops can be helpful but also a hindrance to academic performance. Some professors are even banning laptops or Wi-Fi use in the classrooms. By RACHAEL HEISTUMAN Contributing writer While technology advances every day and most lecture halls buzz with clicking laptop keyboards, some instructors are choosing to go back to the basics. Many students rely on their laptops to take notes during lectures and look up relevant information to supplement their learning experience. However, it is hard to avoid the temptations of social media and the rest of the internet, especially when class topics just don’t grasp your attention. Some professors are taking back their classrooms by banning laptops — or electronics altogether — in efforts to increase student participation and active learning. In Steinhardt’s Social Media Networking course, Clinical Assistant Professor Isra Ali plainly states in the class syllabus that laptops are not allowed during lectures or discussions, and she instead requests that students use a pen and paper for the notes. “The lack of laptops fosters better class discussion and improves learning outcomes,” Ali said. “In an article from Scientific American, it states that students who used longhand remembered more and had a deeper understanding of the material.”
On the other hand, Tisch PhD candidate and Professor Jaap Verheul allows laptop use in class and believes that technology is important in the classroom, despite the challenges. “If laptops are used excessively and students focus on their screens only, they are distracting and hinder a collaborative class dynamic,” Verheul said. “It is fairly easy, and frustrating, for us instructors to witness this process.” But this doesn’t stop Verheul from believing technology has a place in lecture, and he challenges instructors and departments to find successful methods for laptop implementation. “To ignore this transition into the digital in the classroom would not make much sense,” Verheul said. “Laptops have the potential to operate as great learning tools. I would encourage all departments to devise a comprehensive teaching philosophy regarding the use of laptops in class.” He believes this would engender a sense of consistency between different classes, which would make it easier for instructors to communicate their information and for the students to acquire the skills necessary to use their laptops in class effectively. Steinhardt junior Ana Miljkovic — who prefers her laptop over traditional notetaking — has a similar view to Verheul, but she understands why some instructors ban electronic devices. In her opinion, the pros of allowing laptops in the classroom outweigh the cons. “To me, a laptop is more convenient than pen and paper when it comes to taking notes, especially if the class is fastpaced,” Miljkovic said. “However, I would say that a laptop is somewhat of a distraction for most students, and not allowing them in a classroom does call for more participation and engagement. Regardless, I think that by not allowing something so resourceful inside of a classroom, students and professors alike are limited in their capabilities.” Email Rachael Heistuman at features@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
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FEATURES
EDITED BY TAYLOR NICOLE ROGERS FEATURES@NYUNEWS.COM
Dinner Date Horrors
By DREW LEDERMAN Contributing Writer
Everyone has had that one date where something went horribly wrong. Maybe your date’s car broke down, your braces got caught on his when you kissed or maybe you accidentally ruined her favorite blouse. Although it may have been unbearable at the time, in retrospect these dates are usually incredibly funny.
Juice Cleanse Gone Wrong
Tisch freshman Loy Weissman’s Tinder match charmed her, and she decided to Netflix and chill at his house. About halfway through the movie he gave her some juice. “It wasn’t even good juice, it was definitely off brand,” Weissman said. “Long story short, I’m gay now.” She currently lives happily in her castle with Princess Charming and an entourage of singing birds.
The Classic Drink Spill
In a galaxy far, far away— also known as Westchester County — Gallatin freshman and die-hard romantic Michael Manzi decided to accompany his girlfriend to a bar mitzvah. Manzi stood up to get some punch and knocked his penne alla vodka all over his date’s blue dress. Manzi comments, “I was very sorry.” He was also having trouble eating due to a recent wisdom teeth surgery, looking back, he called it an A+ day.
Unfortunate First Date
It was a dark and stormy night. It was also LS freshman Carmen Colosi and her now ex-boyfriend’s first date. They decided to visit a little cafe that he had been raving about for its famous white hot chocolate. He ordered two cups. When she finally sat down and took a sip, tragedy struck — it was so gross she could barely force herself to swallow it. But Colosi liked him so much that she told him she liked it and drank the entire cup. After finishing the beverage, Colosi could not keep it down. “I excused myself and went to the bathroom to vomit,” Colosi said.
A Bad lo Mein, A Sacrificed Bathroom Rug
Three years ago, Tisch freshman Noah Burgess went on a date with his then boyfriend for Chinese food. Burgess ordered his favorite Chinese meal, lo mein. After finishing their meal, the couple made their way back to his boyfriend’s house. Everything was going smoothly until he suddenly began to feel nauseous. But, he was in serious denial of it. Abruptly, he went to the bathroom and projectile vomited all over his boyfriend’s bathroom. “The mess was so bad, he had to throw out the rug,” Burgess said. Dates can be great and terrible, as we have seen from these solemn, cringe worthy stories. As humans, we are innately imperfect, prone to
VIA FACEBOOK.COM
Oscar de Larenta, DVF and Alice + Olivia’s Fall/Winter 2017 collections were, in only a word, beautiful.
PHOTO BY JULIA MOSES
No matter how awful a date was at the time, we can now look back at it and laugh – hopefully. making frequent mistakes and often find ourselves in awkward situations to the fault of our social shortcomings. We frequently find ourselves getting stuck with bad luck, falling prey to forces outside our control. Navigating dinner dates can be dangerous and sometimes disastrous. Let these cautionary tales serve as a warning and hope you never have to live through a dinner date horror story of your own! Find yourself a partner that accepts you, and all your mishaps. Email Drew Lederman at dining@nyunews.com.
Runway to Retail in Seconds
By THOMAS CHOU Contributing Writer
Imagine that fashion week collections were available for purchase just seconds after the final model stepped off the runway. Instead of waiting endlessly for boutiques and online stores to stock your favorite looks, the seenow, buy-now model gives you that instant gratification. In the past few years, this radical trend — arguably pioneered by Tommy Hilfiger — has been embraced by designers from major fashion labels. Technology has both modernized and reshaped the world, and the fashion industry has certainly not been immune to these changes. While this new direct-to-consumer marketing trend has shaken things up within the
fashion community, it has also revolutionized the way that brands connect with their customers, breaking decades of industry-wide operating procedure. With each fashion week, more brands are changing the way they sell just to fit the see-now, buy-now model. Last September, the Tommy Hilfiger brand rolled out a huge Tommy Pier installation in New York City for its show at fashion week. The show took place on the Pier 16, and every item on the runway was immediately available for purchase online. The following day, the runway pieces were available in 280 Tommy Hilfiger stores in over 70 countries. The label continued this trend with its latest TOMMYxGIGI line, a collaboration with supermodel Gigi Hadid which also follows the direct-to-con-
STAFF PHOTO BY POLINA BUCHAK
See-now, buy-now is the concept of being able to buy clothing right after a fashion show ends. Major fashion icons, such as Tommy Hilfiger, participate in this revolutionary trend.
sumer model. All collections are available for purchase both online and instore, with prices ranging anywhere from $100-$1000. Early last year, both Burberry and Tom Ford declared that they would also follow the see-now, buy-now model. Both companies canceled press previews for their Fall 2016 collections in favor of showcasing the full collections in September and making items immediately available. All collections are accessible online and in-store, and the prices are typical for luxury brands. Both brands have continued this model for their latest collections. Following suit, Rebecca Minkoff just showcased a SoCal-inspired collection at The Grove in Los Angeles. The collection is now available to purchase both in-store and online, and it is the most affordable out of the bunch, with prices ranging from around $50-$500. While the trend is still young and in its experimental phase, it is safe to say that it has certainly changed the way that labels understand the traditional methods of marketing. Removing the typical four-month waiting period allows customers much earlier access to the designs and makes it harder to create knockoffs of the newest collections. Although the see-now, buy now model completely defies fashion industry norms, it will be interesting to see how it develops in the future. Email Thomas Chou at bstyle@nyunews.com.
NYFW in One Sentence By SHERAH NDJONGO Staff Writer
What were the New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2017 collections like last week? We summed up a selection of shows with just one sentence each.
Alice + Olivia
Italian Renaissance allusions, overlapping floral prints, layered ruffles and sequins combined romanticism and edginess in this modern-meets-vintage collection.
Proenza Schouler
Proenza Schouler capped off its final NYFW runway show with a mash-up of differing styles from calf-length wool winter coats to dramatic cutouts to red, white and black leather wrap dresses, bidding a statement farewell.
Delpozo
With its show’s well-developed, sleek combinations and futuristic vibe, Delpozo showed that you can’t go wrong with clean lines, solid prints and architectural designs.
Oscar de la Renta
Creativity collided with Oscar de la Renta’s classic style in this bold collection marked by vibrant sequins, symmetrical patterns and pantsuits transitioning from simple black or white materials to riskier fuchsia or emerald green fabrics.
Coach 1941
Fringe fur-lined leather jackets, patched-up shredded jeans, autumnal colored midi dresses and effortlessly chic ensembles idealized the Americana aesthetic and made the prairie seem like the new New York City.
Carolina Herrera
Elegant as ever, Carolina Herrera embraced simplicity while adding an unexpected twist with deep v-neck cuts, gowns and a trench coat fashioned from denim topped off with a bow.
Alexander Wang
Alexander Wang is no stranger to directing trends, so if he said black is here to stay, rhinestone purses are all the rage, cigarette pants are worth investing in and “NO AFTER PARTY” is the new catchphrase, who are we to disagree?
The Row
Neutral hues were the talk of this ready-to-wear show as they complemented form-fitting silhouettes, minimalist satin gowns and crisp button-ups while drawing attention to an overall utilitarian feel.
Sies Marjan
Spring colors for fall, miniskirts with lengthy trains, loose-fitting ruched zipper dresses and formal yet sporty components proved that contradictions can definitely be positive.
Diane von Furstenberg
A mismatch of striking yet subtle shades, whimsical but mature patterns and free-flowing yet boxy structures showed that there’s not only harmony in chaos, but also that autumn fashion can still be fun. Email Sherah Ndjongo at bstyle@nyunews.com.
STAFF PHOTO BY VERONICA L
sartorial network
By SOPHIE SHAW Beauty & Style Editor
The landscape of New York Fashion Week has evolved over the years as its events have garnered more attention and exposure. Social media, blogging and the growing presence of influencers have cut down the barriers of exclusivity and made Fashion Week an event that anyone with a smartphone — or even internet — can access. Fashion week coverage reaches all main social media platforms — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat — but the content being shared isn’t of the quality it used to be. When front rows were carefully curated with A-listers and fashion editors were at the top of the fashion hierarchy, Fashion Week was an exclusive event for industry insiders and celebrities. It was originally an event for buyers, retailers and editors to view collections a few months before they reached stores. Coverage was dependent on media outlets and magazines — the audience attended to enjoy and absorb the experience, not to capture it for their followers. Professional writers and photographers created the content that would be released following the shows — credible reviews were written by top editors at Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily and other publications, and images were taken by professional photographers, not snapped on iPhone cameras. Now, with the inclusion of bloggers and influencers, many of them only self-proclaimed fashion mavens, there is an imbalance within the fashion industry. Though there may be a symbiotic relationship be-
tween influencers and brands, the collections have taken a backseat to the parade of people in attendance. Fashion Week has become a production where bloggers, influencers and people who can afford tickets promote themselves and not the collections. The design process, construction and hard work that into creating a collection are left underappreciated and lost among selfies and shameless self-promotion. This Fall/Winter 2017 season, one of the shows that was most successful was also the least broadcast over social media. Marc Jacobs asked his audience to refrain from using phones during the show, turning the attention back to the clothing. The pared-down approach to his runway of polished street-style gar-
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an inordinate wait of 45 minutes preceding the show because of Kylie Jenner, her camera crew for “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and the hordes of people lined up outside of the venue hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Then, there was the over-booking for the show that led to seat-holders and editors from Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and other major fashion publications to be turned away at the door. And while the collection was as outrageous and avant-garde as expected from Jeremy Scott, the debacle that delayed the show exemplifies how the fashion industry has begun alienating its own in favor of the millennial in-crowd. No longer are the days under the big, white tents of Bryant Park covering the circus of celebrities, designers and industry-insiders. Nor are they at Lincoln Center, where fashion week became a de-localized beehive of fashion-people buzzing all over Manhattan. Now NYFW is physically based at a few downtown venues. Virtually, fashion week lives on a sartorial network of content posted mainly by amateur bloggers, influencers and social media users, over-filtered and unrefined. Sure, the amateurs deserve a space at Fashion Week, but when they take precedence over industry professionals, it cheapens the experience for everyone. The question of who was at Fashion Week becomes more important than the question of what was presented. NYFW is a Holy Week for fashion enthusiasts, intended to celebrate the designers, the spectacle and the artistry. Let’s bring the spotlight back to the creators and the creations, instead of pointing the flashbulbs at the audience.
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ments turned meta when the models walked off the runway and onto the street, posing in a tableau as they took their phones out to snap pictures of the onlookers, who did not hesitate to share the scene on social media. Jacobs catered to the urge to post but was also able to pivot the audience to the runway, allowing them to have a genuine experience seen through their eyes and not their phone screens. In sharp contrast to Jacobs’ show, Jeremy Scott’s F/W 2017 runway embraced excess. First, there was
Fashion shows (left to right): Nickolas
Email Sophie Shaw at sshaw@nyunews.com.
K, ChiZhang, Desigual, ICB, Francesca Liberatore Desigual, Berenik
STAFF PHOTO BY POLINA BUCHAK
Fashion Week has become a production where bloggers, influencers and people who can afford tickets promote themselves and not the collections.
millennial influencers By MICHAELA HOFFMAN Violet Vision Editor
LIOW
PHOTO BY KEVIN JIANG PHOTO BY MOOJIG BATTSOGT CHIMID
STAFF PHOTO BY EUAN PRENTIS
This year’s New York Fashion Week made evdent some major changes happening in the fashion industry. Even if you didn’t attend fashion week, you probably viewed your favorite shows through Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat. You probably also watched the drama unfold as various fashion vets and magazines struggled to comprehend some of these changes. Many outlets, including the New York Times, were quick to point out that the A-list celebrity presence in the front rows of shows was lacking. Instead, the front row was host to many other types of celebrities: bloggers, Instagram personalities and other millennial influencers. Dolce & Gabbana made many headlines this year for their major inclusion of influencers. It featured personalities such as Zendaya and Cameron Dallas in its fashion advertisements and had influencers from Twitter, Instagram and YouTube walk the runway at their Milan Fall/Winter 2017 show. However, Dolce & Gabbana has also been both praised and ridiculed for its F/W 2017 show, which they made a statement about catering to the children of buyers, rather than the buyers themselves. Another one of the biggest headlines of the week involved influencers at Jeremy Scott’s F/W 2017 show. Editors from some of
the biggest printing publications such as Elle, Teen Vogue and Marie Claire were denied entry due to the shows allegedly reaching full capacity. Kylie Jenner, a huge influencer, sat front row with Sofia Richie, Lionel Richie’s daughter, who has over two million followers on Instagram. For some, it seems pointless for these brands to cater to a generation that is more likely to live in poverty and have lower rates of employment than their parents did 20 or 30 years ago. However, there are some reasons why this audience shift is actually a good for companies. The first and most important
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A star’s presence does nothing to move the needle. TOMMY HILFIGER
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fact: influencers give these brands more exposure. Fashion week was once an event that could only be read about in magazines. Only high-profile celebrities and magazine editors were fortunate enough to attend the events. Now, however, social media reigns supreme. Anyone with an iPhone can watch fashion shows for no cost thanks to the bloggers and social media celebrities posting about them on their accounts. There is no longer a large demand for print media at the show, and this is clearly upsetting for out-
PHOTO BY KEVIN JIANG
lets that depend on that market. In September, Vogue posted an article about Milan Fashion Week in which the editors accused the bloggers of being embarrassing, sad and pathetic. There are roughly 83 million millennials in the United States alone, according to the US census. They exceed baby boomers by three million people. The size of this generation has made it easier for corporations to grab their attention and capitalize on their numbers. Millennials also have higher college attendance than any previous generation. Despite living through two recessions in 2000 and 2009, having a college degree puts them in a position to generate higher incomes once they start working, according to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center. Millennials will have greater purchasing power due to their education and more influence because of their numbers. When investing in clothing, a millennial will think of the brand seen all over their favorite blogger of celebrities’ social media. Millennials are paving the future or fashion. Fashion companies shouldn’t be bashed for catering to this generation. Instead, they should be accepting of this and adjust their outdated ideals to fit the ones of this rapidly changing world. As Tommy Hilfiger told the New York Times, “a star’s presence does nothing to move the needle.” Email Michaela Hoffman at mhoffman@nyunews.com.
PHOTO BY KAMILA DAURENOVA
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
OPINION
EDITED BY THOMAS PRICE OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
UNIVERSITY LIFE
Better Education Responsible for Political Correctness
By ANDREW HEYING Deputy Opinion Editor
In a polarizing time in American history, there has been immense focus on political correctness. Many political pundits have argued that the frustration created by the left’s hyper-focus on the importance of words when discussing race and gender led to the anger that elected Trump. While this may be true, it does not mean political correctness is any less important. When children are little, they often make up names for everything. However, as they age, they are taught what things are truly called, and they start us-
ing correct names. For example, if a small child called all dogs Sammy because his own dog was named Sammy, he would be corrected. No one would think this was an attempt to brainwash anyone with fancy new words or liberal propaganda. Political correctness is no different. Transgender women are not trannies or shemales — these terms are literally incorrect and also offensive. Correcting people who use terms such as these is simply reflective of the fact that humanity is more educated now than ever before. In a society where children are taught to aspire to knowledge and higher education, this cor-
rection should be looked upon positively, not with disgust. One of the main targets of the anti-PC argument is college campuses. While many on the right see colleges’ focus on political correctness as liberal propaganda, for the most part this trend is just a result of learning more. Just as a doctor learns to call what is often labeled the
funny bone the ulnar nerve, people learn that the veil often worn by Muslim women is a hijab, not a funny scarf. As a nation that prides itself on its world-renowned colleges, this transition should be a sign of success, not a threat to anyone. After all, no one would get mad at an economics student for using terms that the average person may not be aware of. Adults on both ends of the political spectrum love seeing young people go to college, so looking down upon people for using what they learn must stop if higher education is going to maintain its value. In President Donald Trump’s
America, conversations about specific terminology are more important than ever. At the same time, it is worth noting that demonizing people who use outdated and offensive terms is unhelpful. These conversations must be respectful, otherwise people who may be more educated are simply being arrogant. Nevertheless, young people must continue the commitment to political correctness going forward. If not, then there is no point in aspiring for a higher education and intellectual advancement in general. Email Andrew Heying at opinion@nyunews.com.
POLITICS
Gorsuch Could Be A Student Ally, Not Antagonoist By ELI NACHMANY Guest Editorial College students should support Neil Gorsuch’s nomination for the Supreme Court. Certainly, conservatives can count on Judge Gorsuch to interpret the Constitution in an originalist way, and Judge Gorsuch is a philosophical ally of the late Justice Scalia, but Judge Gorsuch is not aligned with Justice Scalia on one major aspect of jurisprudence: deference to federal agencies on regulation. For college students wondering how the filling of the ninth seat on the Supreme Court will affect them, understanding Judge Gorsuch’s background and beliefs is important. Judge Gorsuch has an incredible educational pedigree. He went to college here in New York City, graduating from Columbia
University before moving on to Harvard Law School. Additionally, he was a Marshall Scholar at the University of Oxford, finishing a PhD in jurisprudence. Judge Gorsuch has clerked for two Supreme Court Justices, worked as a private attorney and did a stint at the Department of Justice before his current post as a Circuit Court Judge in Colorado. At just 49 years old, he would be the youngest Supreme Court Justice, besting the 56 year-old Elena Kagan. Why college students should be most excited about Judge Gorsuch, however, is his view of regulatory agencies. In what has become a defining pillar of his legal philosophy, Judge Gorsuch has argued strongly against the Supreme Court’s decision in the landmark Chevron case, of which Justice Scalia was a major defender. In 1984, the Court opted
to defer to regulatory agencies in setting policies. This allows unelected bureaucrats to make policy on their own, without any accountability to the voting public. With a reliable ally for young, entrepreneurial college students on the court who believes in challenging federal agencies on their regulatory behavior, along with President Donald Trump’s ambitious rollback of job-killing regulations, those at NYU may graduate to a booming economy with plenty of jobs and numerous other business opportunities.
Judge Gorsuch would be a jurist focused on taking the power out of the hands of our shadow government, which is something worth celebrating. As millennials become more conservative, Judge Gorsuch is the right pick at the right time for many still in school, ushering in a more modern conservative philosophy to the court that focuses on accountability to the people, defense of religious liberty — including religious minorities — and renewed appreciation for the Constitution. Our Constitution is set up in such a way that the three branches of government wrestling for a limited amount of power is inherently a good thing; it forces leaders to keep one another in check. The system only works, however, when each branch is pulling its weight. In Judge Gorsuch, the American peo-
ple get an individual who believes strongly in the independence of the court. He walks the fine line between the judicial activism against which Justice Scalia routinely railed and an overbearing amount of judicial restraint that threatens our nation’s economic prowess as regulators grab for power. If Judge Gorsuch’s past is any indicator of his future performance, he is one of the finest picks for the Supreme Court in modern history. SPS senior Eli Nachmany worked for President Trump’s campaign last semester as an Advance Press Lead, traveling the country. He also worked on the Presidential Inaugural Committee as an Event Coordinator. Email Eli Nachmany at opinion@nyunews.com.
CULTURE
The Pressure of Comparison Makes Us Weaker By CHRISTOPHER COLLADO Contributing Writer We interact with an abundance of people every day. However, due to the nature of modern society — where pictures and posts of everyone’s best moments are just clicks away — it has become extremely easy to constantly compare one’s life to everyone else’s. Unfortunately, this can dramatically deteriorate one’s self-esteem and outlook on life. People comparing themselves to others is multi-dimensional. and the media plays a role by
pitting artists, actors, athletes and politicians against each other. An example of this is the media comparing Beyonce’s Super Bowl halftime show to Lady Gaga’s. Even though they are both female artists, that does not mean they are the same person. Beyonce and Lady Gaga are both talented. Instead of observing and enjoying both shows as separate entities, the general public follows the media’s ideology of basing success on what others have done. This trend also prevails at NYU. By putting immense emphasis on majors, schools and
grade point averages, the university encourages students to work hard not to help themselves but to be better than their classmates. This system does not create a message for students to be their best but instead to be the best. Both education and media typ-
ically focus on the appearance of excellence instead of individual success, which shifts the focus to how we can be the best among peers instead of our personal bests. Many of the celebrities we see in tabloids are very wealthy with luxurious lifestyles and display seemingly flawless appearances. When these people are deemed perfect or fabulous, we start criticizing ourselves in the hopes of becoming like them. Not only is it unfair to put these doctored celebrity images on a pedestal, but it’s also unreasonable to let their glorification affect the way you view yourself.
Students should better themselves by considering how they can be the best version of them, despite the many media images that say otherwise. Regardless of strengths and weaknesses, it is important to love and care for all aspects of yourself. We are all unique, and there is no single definition of success or happiness, so why should we compare ourselves to others? Embracing individuality will lead to selflove and joy, which will help everyone be their best selves. Email Christopher Collado at opinion@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY THOMAS PRICE OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
CULTURE
STAFF EDITORIAL
Are Boobs Finally Mainstream?
By DREW LEDERMAN Contributing Writer
In today’s over-stimulating 21st century society, it seems impossible to escape the media’s hyper-sexualized, attention-seeking depictions of the female form, because sex sells. Men are not nearly subjected to the same daily scrutiny that women are if they choose to wear a mesh shirt or display their piercings — the world seems incapable of accepting that the female form can function outside the sexual sphere. However, counter-culture is rising from frustrated women who realized that the inequality and forced societal norms are too problematic to stay unchallenged. This counter-culture lives and breathes in New York City, where women have been allowed to go topless in public since 1992 and #FreeTheNipple demonstrations are common. College Magazine lists NYU as one of the top 10 most progressive universities in the United States. Despite the exterior pressures against it, desexualizing the female body is on the rise, especially with public figures such as Sophie Richie, Bella Hadid, Miley Cyrus, Lena Dun-
ham, Cara Delevingne and Rihanna championing the cause. Because these celebrities are consistently featured in the media, they influence the mainstream culture. “Lately, it’s like I’m either braless or I have my bra out.” supermodel Kendall Jenner recently wrote on her app. “I’m all about freeing the nipple.” This trend has grown rapidly, with more millennials deciding to go braless and flawless. Major undergarment companies like Victoria’s Secret are now even seeing their shares fall. Throughout the decades, celebrity trends and fashion brands have become increasingly revealing, thereby allowing visual norms to grow. The modern mentality of constant comfort coupled with the body positivity movement has encouraged people to love themselves, allowing others to accept them as they are. This two-
way acceptance has begun to strip the body of vulgarity in a non-sexual environment. This is good news for artists who frequently feature nudity in their work. Tisch freshman Jill Rezen is currently working on a production at the Playwrights Horizons Theatre School that involves nudity, and she said that the body positivity and #FreeTheNipple movements are motivation for comfort on stage. “Personally they’ve made me feel a lot more confident and secure that my body is normal and strong and nothing to hide,” Rezen said. The idea is that the body of a woman is no more sexual than that of a man. This is consistently contested by social media websites, most of which have rules against nudity. Curiously, major social media platforms ban women’s nipples but allow men’s, as do various states. Working to normalize the female body, particularly breasts, across media will not only further our progressive footprint but will also pioneer a future for art, body positivity, equality and desexualization. Email Drew Lederman at opinion@nyunews.com.
POLITICS
Patriots Should Boycott Trump By ETHAN SAPIENZA Film Editor The Super Bowl had unexpected political affiliations this year. Tom Brady made it clear early in the season that he supported Donald Trump, and Patriots Coach Bill Belichick and Owner Robert Kraft also made it known that they are friendly with and fond of President Orange. Despite Massachusetts’ liberal leanings, football’s biggest game was boiled down — somewhat unfairly — to Trump’s team, the Patriots, versus everyone else’s team, the Falcons. In light of the Patriots’ win, the victors’ ceremonial visit to the White House entered the spotlight. In most major professional and college leagues, the championship-winning team will travel to Washington D.C. to meet the current president for a photo op, but players often times will skip out on the visit. For example, when the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2015, Tom Brady decided not to take the trip to meet former president Barack Obama. He claimed that he was too busy, though photos later surfaced of Brady taking a trip to a New York City Apple store around the same time as
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the team’s White House visit. With the extreme political climate, it’s not surprising that some Patriots players have already sworn off visiting the White House, including tight end Martellus Bennett. He announced his decision immediately after the Super Bowl, specifically citing his dislike of Trump. Five other players joined Bennett in announcing their absence from the White House trip. It makes perfect sense to boycott visiting Trump as protest, yet players can take it a step further. Instead of merely hanging back, players should visit Obama — who will be setting up camp in D.C. in the near future — on the same day of the official White House trip. The former president has more of a claim to run the country than the current commander in chief, given the numerous question marks surrounding Trump’s
rise to power. Trump’s illegitimacy offers a fairly easy argument for choosing to visit Obama instead, especially for an event as inconsequential as a photo op. The ramifications of meeting with the former president would be far from inconsequential, as Trump’s thin skin and hyper-reactionary tendencies are best exposed when he feels a lack of acceptance, appreciation or love. As an opponent to the racist and misogynistic despot, few things are as satisfying as exposing Trump’s deep insecurities and weaknesses, especially considering how they continuously undermine his comically tough facade. A champion athlete passing up a meeting with Trump to see Obama instead would send POTUS into a tailspin. Email Ethan Sapienza at opinion@nyunews.com.
NYU Accelerate Not Viable Solution
In a recent update, President Andrew Hamilton and the Affordability and Steering Committee and Working Group expanded on their attempts to create a more affordable college experience for students. The main proposed solution is NYU Accelerate, which supports pathways to early graduation. These include taking two credit classes along with J-term and summer classes. However, this proposal is problematic and offers no new solution besides one which many students have already taken initiative with. The Working Group’s proposal is a gimmicky slap in the face since twenty percent of students already graduate early. The proposal is taking an unfortunate reality of NYU’s unaffordability crisis and passing it off as a solution. Also unfortunate is the committee’s suggestion that students spend two years at Borough of Manhattan Community College instead of actually making their own institution more affordable for those who do not want to choose that path. These supposed solutions seem to suggest the Working Group believes that four years at NYU is a luxury for the richest students, even as most students in the US require more than four years to finish. The Working Group is implying that the full college experience is an exclusive luxury for students who can afford the tuition. Currently, NYU’s scheduling system will not permit students to take more than eighteen credits in one semester. In fact, if a student wishes to do this, they must file a special petition proving that they are capable of handling the heavy course load. Under this policy, NYU recognizes just how difficult taking more than the traditional 16-18 credits is. Yet, their solution — that they supposedly have been working on for a year — to NYU’s immense affordability problem is to ignore their own advice and tell students to take more classes in less time. Not only is this a lazy suggestion, but is also not even a solution for most. Many students who start out in Liberal Studies or double major already struggle to graduate in four years, much less three. Furthermore, J-term and summer classes still cost extra, making the total cost only slightly less expensive than four years of NYU tuition. While the effort to increase affordability is certainly appreciated, if it is to be done successfully it should provide students an equal opportunity to achieve an NYU education, not grant that privilege only to well-off students. Hamilton’s current proposal doesn’t offer a solution so much as it encourages the makeshift solution that students were already employing to make it through college while paying less. Instead of cheating students out of a carefully constructed four-year education plan, Hamilton’s efforts need to gear more towards programs like reducing the amount of required textbooks and expanding campus shuttles if he hopes to truly make make NYU affordable to all students.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at opinion@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Thomas Price (Chair), Emma Rudd (Co-chair), Andrew Heying (Co-chair) STAFF PHOTO BY POLINA BUCHAK
Send mail to: 75 Third Ave. #SB07, New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.
WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
SPORTS
EDITED BY RACHEL RUECKER SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
WEEKLY SPORTS UPDATE Feb. 13 to Feb. 20 By NIKA WOODFILL Deputy Sports Editor
Women’s Basketball (13-11, 3-10) The women’s basketball team had a difficult week, with a crushing 66-37 loss against the University of Washington St. Louis on Friday, Feb. 17 and a similarly painful 59-37 defeat against the University of Chicago on Sunday, Feb. 19. Friday’s game was a sweep for number seven seed WashU, which maintained a comfortable lead for the entire match despite NYU scoring the first basket. As a result of Friday’s misfortune, the Violets looked to reestablish their winning streak on Sunday. However, the University of Chicago obstructed the team’s efforts and gained a solid early lead. Despite bounceback attempts, UChicago maintained its advantage. The Violets will face Brandeis University in its last match of the season this Saturday, Feb. 25 at home.
Men’s Basketball (7-17, 2-11)
Men’s basketball continued its tough season with two losses, falling to Washington University 9166 on Friday and to the University of Chicago 80-60 on Sunday. Friday’s game was marked by a strong Violet defense. However, the number seven seeded WashU powerhouse was able to wear them down. The Violet’s loss on Sunday followed a similar trajectory, with Chicago’s offensive aggression eventually deflating the team’s defensive momentum and solidifying UChicago’s victory. The Violets will end their season against Brandeis University this Saturday, Feb. 25.
By MADDIE HOWARD Staff Writer Many college athletes dream of continuing their athletic careers after graduation. At NYU, however, because athletes compete at the Division III level, fewer students have the opportunity to move on to professional leagues than their counterparts at other schools. It is certainly possible for Division III athletes to play professionally, especially since NYU has one of the best Division III programs in the country. However, student-athletes typically choose NYU, because they want to participate in athletics while also preparing for a career in the workplace. Stern senior and swimmer Allegra Ingerson will be working as a consulting analyst for Accenture after she completes her degree. “I’m entering as a general analyst, so I won’t be assigned to any specific industry or begin to specialize until a little later,” Ingerson said.
Track and Field The Track and Field teams competed at the Artie O’Connor Invitational on Friday with the women taking ninth place and men taking 13th. Both teams were bolstered by strong performances by pole vaulters. For the women, senior Dana Placentra led the surge, while pole vaulting success continued for the men with senior Nick Hespe. Both teams will participate in the UAA Indoor Track Championship at Brandeis Saturday, Feb. 25.
Fencing
The fencing team competed at Columbia University on Wednesday, with the men defeating all three of their opponents and the women winning one of two match-ups. The men’s team, bolstered by strong execution by senior Quinten Burgunder, beat uptown rival Columbia 14-13, followed by a 21-6 win over Vassar College and a 19-8 victory over Sacred Heart University. The women’s squad fell to Columbia 24-3, however they secured a 1611 win over Vassar College. The Violets will face off against Stevens Institute of Technology today in Hoboken.
Hockey Wins Regionals
By RACHEL RUECKER Senior Editor
After earning an auto bid to the ACHA National Tournament in Ohio next month, the Violet hockey team went all in at this weekend’s SECHL playoff tournament in Montclair, NJ. The team won the tournament, dominating the University of New Hampshire 4-2 Saturday in the semis and triumphing 2-1 on Sunday in the championship game against William Paterson University to earn the distinction of Super East champions. Saturday against UNH, the Violets started the scoring thanks to junior forward Michael Conslato, who is no stranger to the back of the net. After killing an interference penalty from senior defenseman Evan Ripley, NYU rode high into the first intermission. In the second, after fending off a hungry NYU power play, UNH couldn’t keep the Violets tamed at even-strength. With just 29 seconds left, freshman forward Scott Mulligan doubled the NYU
Men’s Volleyball (8-3, 4-0)
The men’s volleyball team had an important victory this week, defeating favorite Stevens Tech (16-25, 2225, 25-21, 25-17, 15-11) on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Stevens Tech gained an early win in the first round, yet the Violets recovered, winning the next two matches. The team will return to the court against New Jersey City University on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Email Nika Woodfill at nwoodfill@nyunews.com.
PHOTO BY RACHEL RUECKER
The NYU hockey team won this weekend’s SECHL playoff tournament in Montclair, NJ.
lead, with assists from sophomore forwards Mason Gallegos and Keaton Baum. The third wasn’t quite smooth sailing for the Violets, as UNH scored while NYU sophomore forward Matthew Welch was put away for elbowing, cutting the Violet lead in half. After a little tussle resulting in a 4-on-4 going unused by both teams, UNH evened the score with just under three minutes remaining. Extra time wasn’t needed, however, thanks to Baum scoring the go-ahead goal with 36 seconds on the clock. Sophomore forward John Kowalewski got the empty-netter insurance goal with six seconds on the clock, propelling them into a Sunday game with a championship on the line. On Sunday, NYU once again faced off against William Paterson University after shutting them out in their regular season finale. The game followed an eerily similar trend, with Conslato getting the Violets’ first and the team later killing a Ripley penalty. The Violets led after one. In the second, NYU killed another Ripley penalty before getting a man-advantage of its own. The team couldn’t capitalize, despite multiple opportunities. Late in the second, Kowalewksi scored the Violets’ second of the night, giving them a small cushion for the third. NYU spent much of the third short-handed but handily defended itself. WPU got within one at 15:40 and fought hard to tie the game and force overtime, but NYU — thanks to a stellar performance from freshman goaltender Adam Salisbury — stood tall and took home the trophy. Head Coach Chris Cosentino was thrilled his team got to experience a high-pressure win in the postseason before heading to Na-
NYU Athletes Post Graduation
“Basically I will be assigned to a client company and will be part of the team providing that company with management solutions, restructuring, future advice, etc.” Ingerson has been a member of the swim team for all four of her years at NYU and has earned numerous academic and athletic accolades, including an All-American Honorable Mention in the 2014-15 season. She believes her time as a student-athlete has positively impacted her future career prospects. “After balancing eight practices a week and a full class load, I now have excellent time management and I have learned how to complete work efficiently,” Ingerson said. “Being on a team has also supplied me with great interpersonal skills and the ability to operate both individually and in a group setting.” Stern senior and men’s soccer player Michael Cheaney also believes that sports experience helps when searching for potential
job prospects. “Especially being a senior, I learned a lot about leadership with the younger guys on the team,” Cheaney said. “[I liked] getting to see how it is to be a leader, and comparing it to when I was a freshman and a sophomore, when I followed a lot of older people on the team. To see the difference in that four years set me up to look at a workplace where I was going to get that same kind of leadership or mentorship that I tried to give the younger [players].” Cheaney will be working in Internal Audit at Citibank after graduation. His main responsibilities will include sitting at different desks in the institutional clients group and increasing the bank’s operational efficiency. While not all will go on to play at a professional level, that doesn’t stop them from incorporating sports into their careers. 2016 SPS graduate and women’s soccer alum Melissa Menta is a player marketing
and hospitality coordinator under Football Operations for the NFL. She works directly with agents and players to make sure players’ needs are taken care of, such as flights, itineraries and meals. Menta also coordinates with the NFL Player Association to process contracts for Super Bowl appearances and keeps track of event metrics. Menta is a decorated player and holds several records from her time on the soccer team. She also held the number one spot for points, points per game and assists for the team’s scoring career stats. “Playing soccer at NYU made pursuing a career in sports an obvious choice for me,” Menta said. “I knew I wouldn’t be playing forever, but sports was my passion. Aside from developing my teamwork, leadership and listening skills, playing soccer prepared me to work in player marketing because I understand the athlete’s perspective. There are certain things only athletes can
tional but said the team will still have plenty to work on before the March 15-19 tournament. “Going up against two very good teams with the late game Saturday and an early game Sunday was an incredible test for our young team,” Cosentino said. “[Cavanaugh] and [Salisbury] were outstanding in net and the entire team stood strong when things were not going our way. I am proud of everyone for this accomplishment every player, coach, manager — it was a complete team effort to get this done. We have a lot to work on over the next few weeks, because the past two games exposed areas that need improvement.” Sophomore defenseman Eric Boyda echoed Cosentino’s sentiments, pleased with how the team delivered in high-stakes scenarios. “It was a really great learning experience for our team. Last year, we lost the SECHL championship game, so we weren’t able to go through the process of closing out teams in big moments,” Boyda said. “Killing a penalty to end a 2-1 game is the type of experience we need heading into nationals. We can say we’ve been through those tough situations now. We can play with the confidence that no matter the situation, we can succeed because we’ve already done it. We’re practicing and playing well, but we’re still focused on being better because we know we can be and I think we will have a good mix of focus, confidence and positivity heading into the national tournament.” The Violets will be back over spring break for the ACHA Division II National Tournament in Columbus, Oh. Email Rachel Ruecker at rruecker@nyunews.com.
truly understand and relate to.” Ultimately, the NYU Athletics experience prepares students to excel in both the athletic and workplace domains. Players not only benefit from the companionship and competitiveness that come with being a team member, but also acquire valuable skillsets that help them master life after the final whistle. Email Maddie Howard at sports@nyunews.com
COURTESY OF MADELINE HOWARD
Soccer player Melissa Menta is a player marketing and hospitality coordinator under Football Operations for the NFL.
NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
13
SPORTS
EDITED BY RACHEL RUECKER SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
The Importance of Athletic Trainers in College Sports
STAFF PHOTO BY VERONICA LIOW
NYU’s athletic training room provides treatment before and after competitions and rehabilitation programs for athletes. By TREVOR FRANCESCONI Contributing Writer NYU’s athletic training room is tucked away beneath Palladium Athletic Facility on 14th Street, and the university competes at the NCAA Division III level in all of its sports, with the exception of fencing. Athletes go to the training room to receive treatment before and after competitions. There,
athletic trainers guide injured athletes through rehabilitation programs when injured and assist with icing, heating and electrical nerve stimulation to keep their bodies performing at their highest levels. Coordinator of Athletic Training Nikki Webb oversees all training room medical activities and the strength and conditioning program. Webb has been part of the NYU community for 10 years, joining the Violets after working with Columbia University and University of South Florida. She originally had medical school plans, but those were altered when she spent time as a student trainer when she was an undergraduate. “Initially, I was on the medschool track, but working at the collegiate level as a student-athletic trainer and an athletic training student,” Webb said. “I really liked that setting. I knew that college athletics was where I felt at home.” NYU’s well-balanced student-athletes make trainers like Webb want to work with them. “I very much enjoy this particular student-athlete population,” Webb said “Our student-athletes are focused academically and manage their time very well. I see how hard they work, I know what their goals are and our
whole staff is here to help them achieve their goals.” The work of the athletic training department is done collaboratively with the intent of achieving the best results for the students in their care. “Our current training methods and staff are very hands on instead of just prescribing exercises and going from there,” Webb said. “Whether it be through massage or graston, we try to use as many resources as possible. If one of our staff members has a lot of experience in one area, other staff members can learn from him or her.” After 10 years on the job, Webb delights in seeing the transition of injured athletes back into the competitive environment. “It’s very fun to see our athletes go from injured to back on the playing field in a healthy and safe manner and it’s rewarding to see someone go through that process,” Webb said CAS junior Erika Tretner is in her third year as a student assistant in the athletic training room. After leaving behind high school athletics, Tretner has thoroughly enjoyed her role within the training room. Tretner has a number of responsibilities, including preparing supplies for team practices, conducting concussion tests
and helping athletic trainers with rehabilitation. One of Tretner’s favorite aspects of her job is assisting athletic trainers with medical coverage at athletic events. “I’m interested in emergency medicine, so assessing and taking care of an injury right off the field or court has been quite fun,” Tretner said. When an athlete is facing a recurring physical problem or has been plagued with a season-ending injury, Tretner said she does her best to make rehabilitation as fun as it can be. “It’s important that the athletes feel comfortable with the staff and room,” Tretner said. “We want them to want to come back, this way we can get them back to play as soon as possible.” The training environment has impacted Tretner positively in both the professional and personal realms. “The athletic trainers are all wonderful and resourceful,” Tretner said. “I have been able to learn so much, gain experience in the healthcare field, and make some amazing friends” CAS junior and women’s soccer forward Marquel Love transferred to NYU after playing two seasons at Humboldt State in Arcata, Calif. Love has torn multiple ligaments that keep her
patellas in place in both knees. The training room has been a welcoming environment for Love, allowing her to be proactive regarding her injuries without feeling weak. “I ultimately thought that it was going to end up costing me my soccer career considering the fact that cutting, turning, and dynamic movements caused my patella to slide out of place,” Love said. “The athletic trainers have done a great job working with me and finding ways to strengthen my muscles around my patella as well as finding knee braces for me that I can use while I play to assure that they stay in place.” NYU athletic trainers have helped Love not only physically, but also mentally — she expressed how she couldn’t begin to imagine where she would be without the help and motivation the NYU athletic trainers provide on a daily basis. Considering that March is National Athletic Training Month, it’s time we gave athletic trainers the recognition they deserve. Athletic trainers positively impact the physical and mental health of an athlete, helping the team win and succeed. Email Trevor Francesconi at sports@nyunews.com.
Go Hard or Go Home: Why Division III?
By DIANA KING Contributing Writer
Most kids who grow up playing sports say they want to be a professional athlete, and most professional athletes come from well-known Division I programs. Big Division I schools have a heavy athletic culture, and student-athletes at these universities tend to focus more on athletics than academics — some athletes won’t even graduate, because major sports leagues like the MLB, NFL or NBA draft them early. NYU is a prestigious university with a Division III athletic program — excluding its Division I fencing program — and for the most part does not give out athletic scholarships. So why play a sport at NYU if an athletic scholarship and a steeped athletic culture are not incentives? For NYU student-athletes, the answer is simple — NYU offers the chance to get a good education while playing competitive sports. Although NYU is not as well known for its athletic programs as it is for its exceptional business and drama schools, its athletic community continues to grow. SPS junior Cassidy Fontana has played basketball since third grade. During college
recruitment, she knew she wanted competitive academic opportunities for a future career in real estate and the opportunity to play basketball. “Undergraduate real estate programs are not very common, so when I heard about this [NYU Real Estate] program, I was pretty much sold,” Fontana said. “Not only would I be surrounded by such knowledgeable, compassionate coaches, I would be playing in the toughest Division III conference in the country and have the opportunity to travel to places I would
never think I would go to in my lifetime to play these teams.” As a member of the Smart Women’s Securities Club and Student-Athlete Advisory Club, Fontana was not only able to play in the NCAA tournament as a freshman and sophomore, but she was also able to play Italian national teams on an NYU global program with the basketball team. This was an opportunity she would not receive if not for NYU athletics. GLS freshman and women’s soccer player Isabelle Turner felt similarly. Having played
STAFF PHOTO BY POLINA BUCHAK
Although NYU has a Division III athletic program, it can be the perfect place for student-athletes, as there is a strong focus on academics.
soccer since the age of four, she decided she wanted to play at a collegiate level when she was a sophomore in high school. Like any athlete, she was set on the most competitive Division I programs until one conversation changed her perspective. “It was not until my dad convinced me to look at the bigger picture,” Turner said. “College is about getting a good education. With Division III schools, they offer more of a balance between academics and athletics than a lot of Division I or II schools do.” For GLS sophomore baseball player Eli Edwards, it was the feel of a larger school setting that sold him. “I got the best of both worlds,” Edwards said. “NYU was the only school I applied to for this reason. It would be cool to have bigger crowds at our games, but just being able to play competitive college baseball is good enough for me.” With the basketball teams playing at Hunter College, softball and soccer playing in the Bronx and baseball playing at Coney Island, an athletic community and dedicated fans are sometimes hard to come by. Senior and wrestler John Messinger has loved his time as a part of the Violet fam-
ily but laments the lack of involvement from the rest of the student body. “I feel as if NYU Athletics is a great community within itself, but I would love to see the rest of the school get involved,” Messinger said. “Having more spectators just makes everything more exciting, especially for a sport like wrestling.” As a neural science major, Messinger plans to take a year or two off to work in one of the university hospitals to prepare for medical school. NYU student-athletes see the value in having both a great education and the opportunity to play competitive athletics. NYU provides these students with resources, opportunities and networks that prepare them for life after college. NYU will send its outstanding Division III athletes off to become actors, entrepreneurs, doctors and maybe even professional athletes. This is in contrast to athletes at Division I schools; very few Division I athletes further their careers in fields other than athletics...... “For me it, [NYU] was the perfect balance of athletics and academics,” Messinger said. Email Diana King at sports@nyunews.com.
WSN’S BEAUTY/STYLE BLOG
Cop or Drop: A Guide to Winter Footwear By ALLIE DEGEN Contributing Writer
Now that winter is hitting NYU full-force, it’s becoming harder to look cute on a daily basis. With cold winds and freezing rain smacking your face, the campus-wide go-to look has become a face mask paired with a hoodie and jacket, zipped as tightly as possible. In this kind of weather, your shoe style is the first sacrifice. Shoes get you from point A to point B, keep your feet warm and keep your spirit alive in this weather. It’s important to be aware of the types of shoes you’re choosing to wear, unless you enjoy coming home to wring your socks out over the kitchen sink. Here are some tips for shoes to cop and shoes to drop this season. COP: Rain boots. These will be your best friends in rain, slush, snow and hail. Not only are they extremely durable, but they can also brighten up your look if you get the right pair. There are so many different colors and patterns to choose from. Pick one or two pairs you could see yourself wearing, and you will practically live in them. Try shopping at DSW or Burlington Coat Factory for an attractive yet affordable pair. DROP: Open-toed shoes of any kind. It doesn’t matter what they are — Birkenstocks, flip-flops, high heels — they are not built for winter. Your toes will freeze the second you step outside, and if you dig the socks-and-sandals look, it’s going to backfire when you’re trudging through snow piles and deep puddles. As for open-toed heels, they’re pretty hard to accessorize with
socks anyway. Avoid wearing any of these shoes and your feet will definitely thank you at the end of the day. COP: Boots specifically made for winter! You really can’t go wrong with these since they’re designed to provide warmth and support for your feet. While fellow New Yorkers may struggle with their poor shoe choices, you won’t be one of them as you plowing through the snow in your winter boots. In addition to this, if you’re running late for class, you’ll be able to move much more quickly and easily through crowds. The thick rubber outsoles of these boots will give you the support necessary to avoid foot and leg injuries, and the waterproof labeling will keep them looking fresh all season. Columbia, Cougar and Pajar are some great brands to check out. Tip: try buying boots a half-size bigger than you normally would to allow sock layering for extra warmth. DROP: Any shoes made of suede or sheepskin — yes, that includes Uggs. These materials are delicate and hard to clean, so they’re not promising choices for snowy, salty sidewalks. Stepping through slush all day will destroy your once-precious shoes. Soon enough, they’ll be so worn down that water will seep in, drowning your socks inside the shoes. If you want to wear shoes made of sheepskin, like moccasins, make sure they have a thick, rubber sole. This will support your feet and keep the water out. Email Allie Degen at violetvision@nyunews.com.
Les amours imaginaires by SIMONA IVANOVA bag and bra and belt have been abandoned on the floor, the scattered remnants of a Bacchic night the silky dress still clinging to the edge of the bed, almost touching her she sleeps now at last and her soft breaths make the room hold its own while I wake and look upon her eyes closed, mouth blow-a-kiss open and think I may very well die here and now this is beauty how she turns her back to me still deep in slumber while I rise from my own bed and wash and dress and eat and go outside to celebrate the tenderness within me the dance of the imagined lovers is only for one
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Editor-in-Chief
Circulation Manager
Managing Editors SIERRA JACKSON KAITLYN WANG
Creative Director, W Media Group
DIAMOND NAGA SIU
Creative Directors RACHEL BUIGAS-LOPEZ LAURA SHKOURATOFF Interactive Director EMILY FONG Copy Chiefs EMILY FAGEL KATHERINE PLATZ Multimedia POLINA BUCHAK deputy VERONICA LIOW multimedia abroad ANNA LETSON photo EUAN PRENTIS, RYAN QUAN video VIOLA MAI Social Media Editors CASSIDY MILLER SOPHIE LEWIS
SENIOR STAFF
Business Manager
ALEX HANSON
Sales Manager
RHEA NAYAK DEVIN PADILLA GRACE ROGERS
University Sales Manager
ALISON RAO
Graphic Designer
VIKAS NAIR
Sales Representitive
ALLISON LAMBDIN
Sales Associates
ELISE BURKETT, MAKENA MUELLER, BRIAN CHRISTENSEN ZAPLECKI
Circulation Assistant
APOORVA NORI
ADVISING Director of Operations
NANCI HEALY
news JEMIMA MCEVOY, NATASHA ROY arts HAILEY NUTHALS features TAYLOR ROGERS
Editorial Adviser
DEPUTY STAFF
ALEX BAZELEY, GABRIELLA BOWER, ANNE CRUZ, LEXI FAUNCE, GRACE HALIO, JESSICA MARTINEZ, SHAWN PAIK
news SAYER DEVLIN, MIRANDA
LEVINGSTON, HTOO MIN, COCO WANG
sports NIKA WOODFILL film ETHAN SAPIENZA books and theater ALLI PIERSON entertainment NATALIE WHALEN music GILCHRIST GREEN features FAITH GATES dining YASMIN GULEC beauty and style SOPHIE SHAW abroad PARIS MARTINEAU, ALI WEBB photo RENEE YANG video JULIA SALIBA
OPINION PAGE
editor THOMAS PRICE deputy ANDREW HEYING, EMMA RUDD
BLOGS
violet vision MICHAELA HOFFMAN the highlighter JORDAN REYNOLDS under the arch BOURREE HUANG
RACHEL HOLLIDAY SMITH Editors-at-Large
Senior Editor
RACHEL RUECKER
About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published in print on Mondays and throughout the week online during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact the managing editors at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
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