ILLUSTRATION BY NINA JANG
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2016 | NYUNEWS.COM
Looking Ahead: Ally Week By The NEWS TEAM
To promote greater awareness of the oppression and injustices the LGBTQ community faces, NYU will host its sixth annual NYU Ally Week from April 11-15. Hosted by the Center for Multicultural Education and Programs, the LGBTQ Student Center and the Office of Residential Life & Housing Services, the week will include panels, film screenings, zone trainings, pledge and photo booth stations to promote allyship at NYU. CAS sophomore Weston Richey thinks this week is great for generating discussions and inquiry into social justice movements. “Being an ally to me means to engage with communities to which you don’t belong,” Richey said. “And to be willing to participate collaboratively and openly, versus aggressively and close-mindedly, in the discourse surrounding the issues that affect such communities and movements.”
Richey hopes to see the screening of “Trevor,” a story of a young gay boy who attempted to take his life, on Wednesday. The short film’s director will be at the event for a Q&A session afterwards. NYU Student Diversity has been promoting the event through its Ally Week logo on Facebook and Twitter profiles, its BuzzFeed quiz about allyship style and its social media hashtags #WhatsYourAllyshipStyle and #NYUAllyWeek. LS freshman Lois Evans thinks Ally Week is especially important this year, considering what happened this fall with NYU standing in solidarity with Mizzou and more recently with the Kimmel sit-ins surrounding the “ban the box” movement. As somebody who regularly volunteers and engages in discussions of race and social justice, Evans looks forward to the variety of events this week offers. “As a university, we have the opportunity to educate ourselves and our peers about the experiences of people outside of ourselves and our respec-
tive privileges,” Evans said. “We also get to learn how to lend a helping hand or voice to the myriad of groups and individuals who are fighting to be heard.” Stern freshman Kobi DeVore is looking forward to attending the Black Girl Dangerous conversation hosted by Mia Mckenzie with her sister. DeVore said it was her sister who first taught her about what it means to be an ally and giving her the confidence to fight for what she believes in. “To me, Ally Week means celebrating the beauty of being unapologetically you,” DeVore said. “Since college, I’ve started my search for identity, and being with people who aren’t afraid to be themselves empowers me to love who I am and what makes me unique.” CAS senior Noah Kreski anticipates the eye-opening events Ally Week normally has, and he aims to develop ways to help others during the week. “Ally Week, to me, is about conversations,” Kreski said. “Engaging with people and
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NYU Ally Week allows students to interact with professionals to discuss and celebrate allyship in society. understanding the ways that we’re all connected, and how that should inform everything we do moving forward. We’re at such a critical point in a lot of movements, and the more that we can all help one another, the better things will be.” CAS sophomore Annesha Sengupta said Ally Week makes everyone aware of their role in the development of
these issues. “It’s an awesome way to draw attention to salient issues,” Sengupta said. “For me it’s about supporting those around me, and being cognizant that everything I do, even the little things, can send an important message.”
Email the News Team at news@nyunews.com.
CRIME LOG April 7 to April 11 By the NEWS TEAM The NYU Department of Public Safety received three reports of larceny, two reports of burglary, one report of disorderly conduct, one report of arson and one report of trespass between April 4 and April 7.
laptop was missing from his dorm room at 2nd Street Residence Hall after he left his room unlocked but closed at 3:15 p.m. and returned at 5:05 p.m. The student’s roommate’s phone charger and laptop were missing as well. Police were notified.
Larceny
Disorderly Conduct
On April 4 at 2:15 p.m., a Tandon employee reported that he left his laptop on April 1 in his shared office suite at 2 Metrotech but that it was missing from his desk on April 4. An NYPD report was filed. On April 6 at 1:10 p.m., a student reported that $80 was missing from her bag in Bobst Library after she left it in a study area at 12:40 p.m. and returned at 12:45 p.m. NYPD notification was declined. On April 6 at 6:30 p.m., an employee reported that her laptop was missing from Kriser Dental Center when she left it at 4:30 p.m. and returned at 6:00 p.m. NYPD notification was declined.
On April 5 at 3:21 p.m., an employee at Kriser Dental Center reported that a patient verbally abused the staff member after receiving an outstanding bill. Public Safety accompanied the patient out of the building after completing treatment.
Burglary On April 6 at 4:20 p.m., a student reported that his Playstation 4 console, controller, Battlefront game and HDMI Cable were missing from his dorm room at 2nd Street Residence Hall. A police report was filed. On April 6 at 5:10 p.m., a student reported that his
Arson On April 7 at 10:35 p.m., a Resident Assistant at 2nd Street Residence Hall reported vandalism on a flier on the bulletin board on the 5th floor. A police report was filed.
Trespass An unknown male entered 6 Washington Square North and used a single occupancy bathroom on the fourth floor at 12:25 p.m. on April 6. He gained access to the building by following a person with card access into the building. A staff member reported this to the NYPD, and the male was arrested.
Email the News Team at news@nyunews.com.
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Syrian Refugee Awareness Week provides the opportunity for students to continue discussions of ongoing crises in Syria.
Tackling the Syrian Refugee Crisis By OLIVIA JANE ROOS Contributing Writer
The coming week marks the second Syrian Refugee Awareness Week at NYU, a cross-school student initiative to raise money to support the international rescue committee, show people how to become more involved and show refugees that they are welcome in America. Gallatin senior Madeline Doblin helped organize the week’s events and said the organizers were all frustrated by the media’s portrayal of the crisis and arguments over what to do with refugees. “We were looking for ways to try to understand the crisis and engage in ways to help the refugees,” Doblin said. Last semester, students and staff came together after hearing Syrian-American community member Sarab Al-Jikali speak, working to provide humanitar-
ian aid for the refugees. GSAS student and one of the week’s organizers Madison McCormick said this semester, the focus will be on educating people about the crisis and working to promote engagement and advocacy for the refugees. “We had such a great response and students were often wanting more, so this week will include every thing of last semester’s awareness week with additional events each day,” McCormick said. There will be tabling on Monday at the Grand Staircase in the Kimmel Center for University Life from 5-8 p.m. and Wednesday at the Lobby Kiosk from 2-8 p.m. They will be handing out bracelets and stickers, explaining more about the crisis, offering volunteer opportunities, writing welcome letters to refugees and collecting funds. Donations will be sent to the International Rescue Committee.
On Tuesday, the Founding National President of the Network of Arab American Professionals as well as Syrian-American community organizer, Sarab Al-Jijakli, will be discussing and answering questions on the crisis’ background, what is going on now and how students can help. Then Thursday there will be a panel of students, artists and activists to discuss the crisis. On Friday, supporters are invited to come together in Washington Square Park to draw and write messages that promote peace and unite in solidarity with the refugees. CAS sophomore Amy Pelch said she looks forward to attending the discussion organized for Tuesday. “I want to find out what I can do, as a student, to help combat this crisis,” Pelch said.
Email Olivia Roos at news@nyunews.com.
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Candidates Doze in City That Never Sleeps By LEXI FAUNCE News Editor
As the New York primary approaches, candidates are revving up their campaigns in hopes of capturing as many delegates as possible on April 19. The Republican Party will allocate its 95 delegates proportionally based on candidate vote share, and the Democratic Party will do the same with its 291 delegates. With such a large delegate share at stake, candidates are vying for a chance to connect with voters and make an impact in the 2016 presidential race. As the remaining two Democratic and three GOP candidates took to the five boroughs this past week, it became clear that the Big Apple can trip even them up.
Hillary Clinton As a representative of New York for eight years, many expected Clinton to be familiar with the subway system. However, a viral video showed she had clearly lost her touch as it took her five attempts to swipe through a turnstile. Congresswoman Michelle
Bachmann responded to the incident by creating a video of herself showing off her expert public transportation skills.
Bernie Sanders Brooklyn native Bernie Sanders was primed to excite voters in his home state. However, the Vermont senator was also out of touch with the inner workings of the subway system. In an interview with the New York Daily News, Sanders mistakenly thought tokens were still used in lieu of the modern MetroCard. Although Sanders might have lost some street-cred, millennials “feeling the Bern” won’t let that slip-up get in the way of his upcoming rally in Washington Square Park.
Ted Cruz As Cruz falls behind by nearly 34 points leading up to the New York primary, the Texas senator has some major ground to cover if he has any hope of catching up to front-runner Donald Trump. Unfortunately, Cruz’s campaigning efforts fell flat as he traveled from the Bronx to Brooklyn to show off
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Hillary Clinton’s MetroCard incident was one of the many funny moments political candidates have had in New York. his “New York values.” The senator had little luck engaging a group of young voters at Bronx Lighthouse College Preparatory Academy, as he was forced to cancel an event after students threatened to walk out if their principal allowed him to make an appearance on campus. In addition, Cruz appeared out of place during his visit to a matzo factory in the heart of Brooklyn’s large Hasidic Jewish community, where he sang
a popular Passover song, “Dayenu,” with participants.
Donald Trump Meanwhile Trump, the supposed embodiment of “New York values,” still holds a solid lead over his GOP competition after former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced he would vote for him. The Queens native will surely be one to watch as the billionaire has taken time off from the New York campaign trail this past weekend
to cater to his business ventures.
John Kasich Kasich also tried to appeal to New York’s diverse communities by treating his staff to a meal at a local Italian restaurant in Brooklyn. Dubbed the “Kasich special,” the Ohio governor ordered plate after plate of specialty dishes not found on the deli’s regular menu.
Email Lexi Faunce at lfaunce@nyunews.com.
Inaugural Vet Ball Honors Those at NYU Who Have Served By ANNE CRUZ News Editor
The NYU veteran and military community celebrated its inaugural Veterans Ball with nearly 100 people in attendance on Sunday night. Hosted by the Military Veterans Alliance, the Veterans Ball aimed to build a sense of community among New York City students, faculty and staff who are veterans or active members of the military. The ball hosted Col. Joseph D. Davidson, Capt. Michael Day and Ret. Col. Terrance Holliday as its guests of honor. Holliday and Day both spoke of their military service in the Air Force and Coast Guard, respectively. Student veterans from other colleges, including Columbia University, were also present. NYU Military Veterans Alliance President and Steinhardt senior Nina Vizcarrondo introduced Day, who led efforts to evacuate hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers off of lower Manhattan in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. After receiving a standing ovation, Day said the lessons he learned on 9/11 could be applicable to the military and veteran community today. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Day said. “It’s something we all learn as veterans and active duty.” In his speech, Holliday emphasized the importance of student veteran groups as networks for
active duty and veteran students to support one another. He recounted his time working for former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, saying that the mayor’s office of veteran affairs, among many government offices, are available to serve the military veteran community’s needs. “What you need to understand is that nobody is giving you a gratuity or a break,” Holliday said. “You have earned it with your service.” The New York City Veterans Alliance was also awarded a certificate of recognition for their dedication to New York City veterans and advocacy. Founding Director Capt. Kristen Rouse accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Another award went to the Tandon School of Engineering’s Veteran Entrepreneur Training Program, which equips veterans with the skills necessary for developing startups. The night ended with incoming Military Veterans Alliance President and Steinhardt junior Rishi Soneja announcing an award for family members and significant others who support active duty servicemembers and veterans every day. He then proposed to his girlfriend, prompting thunderous applause from the onlookers. Student Resource Center Assistant Director Rollie Carencia said the event was an incredible success.
“I am honestly speechless,” Carencia said. “It was a full house, which I think we didn’t really expect. But we’re so happy that not only NYU student veterans and offices that supported us showed up, but also external community members, such as the Veterans Alliance and Columbia University. This was such a successful community effort.” GSAS alumna Allison Churchill agreed, saying it was mov-
ing to see the military veteran community unite for the night. “I’m happy that so many people came out tonight,” Churchill said. “I think it’s the best example of [the military/veteran community] because everytime I’ve gone to a veterans event it’s been just a little bit better than the one before. This is a really good next step and a really good chance for a lot of the different schools to come together and enjoy each other’s company.”
Carencia said he hopes the veteran community will continue to grow after the success of the first Veterans Ball. “The veteran community here at NYU is developing, and I think it has been in the shadows for a while,” Carencia said. “But having an event like this really puts them on a platform of visibility. Now they have an identity here on campus.”
Email Anne Cruz at acruz@nyunews.com.
PHOTO BY ANNE CRUZ
Assistant Director of the NYU Student Resource Center Rollie Carencia introduces everyone to the Veterans Ball.
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ARTS
EDITED BY ZACH MARTIN ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Fusion Festival Premiere Takes Different Angle on Slavery By ADRIENNE MESSINA Contributing Writer
On April 8, students and faculty gathered for a screening of WGN America’s “Underground,” presented by NYU’s Fusion Film Festival. Misha Green, co-creator and Tisch alum, along with stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Amirah Vann attended the screening. Afterwards, the three participated in a Q&A, and WSN also got to speak one-on-one with Vann, a Tisch acting alum, about her experience with the new series. “Underground” is a series about slaves on a Georgia plantation in 1857, pre-Civil War as the revolution is beginning. It follows the lives of many characters, including Rosalee (Smollett-Bell), a house slave who is starting to become more aware of her condition, and Noah, who begins the series with a failed escape, and is planning a revolution among the community of slaves. Other prominent characters include the plantation owner’s brother, his wife and abolitionists from the north who come to visit their brother on the plantation. By the end, it is implied that they will soon be joining the effort of the Underground Railroad. In the Q&A, Green stressed that this is not a show about
slavery; it is a show about enslaved people. This message was clear throughout, as it follows the lives of real people who “live and laugh and sing,” as Smollet-Bell said, and who know they deserve better lives. Green said that we usually don’t see these enslaved characters as people with agency, but she wanted to tell these stories, which she adapted from real slave narratives from the Library of Congress. “You can’t understand the current state of race without understanding slavery,” Smollet-Bell said. And an understanding of slavery is what this show can provide to viewers — encouraging people to “activate their activism” through entertainment, as Green explained. The emotions the characters evoked in viewers, even as early as the pilot, were striking. The episode includes horrific scenes. Rosalee voluntarily takes a whipping to spare her child brother from receiving it. Viewers see a woman drowning her newborn baby after deciding she couldn’t allow him to grow up enslaved. One of the most thought-provoking scenes is one that juxtaposes images of the plantation owner’s teen daughter’s birthday party with images of the concurrent
funeral for the baby, where the slaves gather and sing hymns together. “The show is making people ask questions of themselves; it’s making people have conversations about race in America,” Vann said. It seems that viewers at the
screening responded to this desire to inspire conversation. The women reminded students in the audience, especially women, to always trust in their artistry. During her interview with WSN, Vann offered advice that students could take with them and think on.
“Find a balance between listening and being confident in what you bring to the table,” said Vann. “Underground” airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on WGN America.
Email Adrienne Messina at entertainment@nyunews.com.
PHOTO BY ANDREA ANICETO CHAVEZ
Jurnee Smollett-Bell, one of the stars of “Underground,” speaks about the difficulty in portraying an enslaved character.
Alum’s Road From Tisch to Cannes By ETHAN SAPIENZA Film Editor
Tisch alum Jeremy Saulnier made waves at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival with the revenge thriller “Blue Ruin.” On April 15, Saulnier’s follow up “Green Room” will be released, where a punk rocker (Anton Yelchin) witnesses a murder at a bar run by Neo-Nazis, whose leader (Patrick Stewart) intends to cover up the crime. WSN sat down with Saulnier to discuss violence in film and how Tisch impacted his filmmaking career. WSN: What attracted you to the story of “Green Room?” Jeremy Saulnier: I had the momentum from “Blue Ruin.” I had this deep well of experience in the punk rock world, and I wanted to tell a story that would blend everything together and offer me a little bit of a break. “Blue Ruin” was an emotional journey for everyone involved. It was amazing to have it premiere at Cannes. It was a very personal story. It had a little dark comedy there but it was very tragic. It was also atmospheric, and with “Green Room” I was like, “Let’s take that.” There were moments in “Blue Ruin” that were most effective for the audience, and that was the tension. There’s a
night invasion scene, and the audience would go crazy — that’s what people would talk about. I thought, “Let’s build on that.” I don’t want to replicate “Blue Ruin” but I wanted to extract that amazing physical response that I’m getting from people, that I can feel in these darkened theaters. WSN: Violence places such a big part in both of your films. Why do you think that’s the case? JS: My movies come across as hyper-violent but the thing is, the body counts are minimal compared to a lot of other films. What I do is that I make sure when there is a loss of life on screen it hurts real bad for the audience too. I think it’s more responsible to show full frontal blood letting if there’s a purpose to it. There’s a turning point in “Green Room” where — it’s the most brutal point in the movie when the audience gasps aloud invariably, might get a walkout or two — to watch it [the violence] with [the band mates] where we see them transition from innocent kids into killers. WSN: What it was like working with Patrick Stewart? JS: His first day, we were shooting his big intro and it was my worst day on set. We
had last minute changes to the schedule and budget. I was kind of reeling from that and I nearly botched his intro completely. We had a nice talk the next morning and he was really kind and made me feel so much safer about everything. The whole production turned for me there. I didn’t feel intimidated, or that I had to impress, or that I had to pretend I was this fearless leader when I was vulnerable. He gave me the power to just tell the story. WSN: How do you feel Tisch prepared you for your professional career? Was anything lacking? JS: I felt I wanted a little more on set observation time, that’s the only thing I felt was lacking. You’re with students, but shit, I can learn as an observer. If I was allowed access to bigger movie sets I could really rapidly increase my learning curve to do what I had to do on my sets. I have a lot of classmates from Tisch and they are my collaborators today. They weren’t the people I was hanging out with when I was at film school, but there’s definitely a community there.
Email Ethan Sapienza at esapienza@nyunews.com.
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Tisch alumnus Jeremy Saulnier’s upcoming film “Green Room” has already gotten rave reviews from critics.
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‘Pilot Co-Pilots!’ Recs New TV By ANDRES OSORIO Contributing Writer
In a sea of podcasts about film, TV and binging habits, a new podcast distinguishes itself among the rest. “Pilot Co-Pilots!,” created by Evan Watkins and Maya Boudreau, currently has five episodes up on iTunes, where it has consistently been featured on the “New & Noteworthy” section of the Film & TV podcasts. Watkins and Boudreau are both Tisch graduates, where they met in the Playwrights Horizons studio and have since relocated to Chicago. The purpose of the podcast is to examine new television shows, specifically pilot episodes. “We kind of put the two ideas of watching TV and having a podcast together and started researching and there’s really nothing out there that’s about new TV,” Boudreau said. “I’m an actor, so I go out for pilots throughout the year, and so new pilots, new TV is something that I’m always interested in.” With the vast array of TV series erupting from the convoluted amalgamation of networks and
streaming services, pilot episodes have become more important than ever in helping viewers decide what to watch. “There has to be some sort of glimmer in a pilot, some sort of gem that you continue to want to watch. And it happens — sometimes,” said Watkins. For people who are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of TV and can’t decide which pilots to dedicate their time to, “Pilot Co-Pilots!” is the perfect resource. “We thought it would be kind of cool to sit through [pilots] for people who may not necessarily have the time to see all the stuff that’s out there,” Boudreau said. Watkins and Boudreau review a pilot each episode and predict the likelihood of their watching more of the series. Shows they have discussed so far include “The Family,” “Fuller House,” “The People vs. OJ Simpson” and “Crowded.” Of the four, the one they most recommend watching is “The People vs. OJ,” which Watkins says is doing a good job of condensing a huge story. But reviewing pilots is only one part of the podcast. The duo’s
favorite part of the podcast is interviewing the guests they bring on to talk about their careers in the industry. For their first episode, they interviewed the legendary George Wendt (“Cheers”) and have since had other actors, comedians and industry professionals. Future guests include Jack Falahee (“How to Get Away with Murder”), a fellow NYU alum who once played Watkin’s brother in a play at NYU. In fact, Watkins says many of the people they’ve had on the podcast are people they met at NYU. They described NYU as a great place to cultivate relationships, bringing Watkins to a place where he’s now writing spec scripts for TV while Boudreau focuses on on-camera acting. This career path has led them to the podcast, their current project. On the next episode, they will be reviewing CBS’s “Rush Hour” with guest Michael Potts (“The Book of Mormon”). It will be available on iTunes April 12.
Email Andres Osorio at entertainment@nyunews.com.
CAST Stages ‘The Heidi Chronicles’ By JOSEPH MYERS Theater and Books Editor
The NYU College of Arts and Science Theater’s production of “The Heidi Chronicles,” directed by Gallatin junior Kirsten Sweeney, explains why we needed feminism in the late 20th century and why we need it now. The classic 1988 Wendy Wasserstein play follows the title character, Heidi Holland, through the beginnings of the Women’s Liberation movement in the 60s, the ardent demand for equal rights in the 70s and the disillusionment of the baby boomer generation of the 80s. Heidi adamantly advocates for feminism, transforming with each new nuance of feminism from decade to decade as her contemporaries abandon the cause. This portrayal of feminism in the 60s, 70s and 80s is interesting to contrast with modern feminism. While the feminism of the past was not the most inclusive, it laid the groundwork for modern feminism and made intersectionality possible. One note that unfortunately resonates is how far we still have to go with equality and how incredibly important it is that we demand equality for all. CAST’s production of “The Heidi Chronicles” expertly emphasized the parallels between Heidi’s experience with the Women’s Liberation movement and the experience of modern feminists. While the temporal setting is key, this production, designed by CAS junior Zev Spiegel, only included elements of the past when necessary,
but ultimately featured a very neutral set and costume design. This bold stylistic choice at times makes the timeline of the show a bit difficult to follow, but by making the setting take a backseat to the plot itself, it greatly highlights the similarities between the two feminist movements and their demand for equality. Tisch sophomore Kristen Vaganos, who played Heidi, did a beautiful job portraying the arc of Heidi’s self discovery: beginning with the uncertain Heidi of the 60s who blossoms to the strongwilled Heidi of the 70s and finally the frustrated and once again uncertain Heidi of the 80s. Vaganos made each chapter of Heidi’s life incredibly clear and honest. Vaganos shone during her monologue in the scene where Heidi speaks at the “Women: Where are we going?” conference and arrives at the realization that she does feel directionless. Vaganos delivered this monologue with both severity and sensitivity. Stern freshman Nick DeMassi portrayed Heidi’s gay best friend and confidant Peter Patrone with humor, wit and vulnerability and gave a touching performance in the penultimate scene, when he briefly alludes to the AIDS epidemic in a heartbreakingly sweet moment between Peter and Heidi. One other cast member who particularly stood out is Gallatin freshman Cheryle Chong, who was quadruple cast as Fran, Molly, Betsy and April. Chong made very clear distinctions between each character and made very successful bold choices for each one mak-
ing each character compelling and distinguishable. This play in this modern context gives a hopeful view of what can be achieved with feminism, celebrates how far we have come and reminds us how far we still have left to go. This iteration of “The Heidi Chronicles” serves as a passionate call to action to all the heroines of the 21st century to stand up for their equal rights and do what is right. “The Heidi Chronicles” played at the Steinhardt Education building this past weekend.
Email Joseph Myers at jmyers@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF CAS THEATER
The NYU Theatre Group CAST performed “The Heidi Chronicles” over the weekend.
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The Avett Brothers energized Madison Square Garden with their brand of folk rock on April 8.
The Avett Brothers Get MSG Rocking
By ALLISON STUBBLEBINE Music Editor
The Avett Brothers’ slow-burning alternative folk performance on Friday, April 8 was not one to be missed, as they brought their signature sound to the arena of Madison Square Garden. The evening began at 8:00 p.m. sharp, as alternative-country singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile took to the stage. For the majority of her set, the audience slowly shuffled in, finding where their seats were located, then out and in again for the endless beer runs that seem to accompany any country-esque concert. Carlile did not seem to fully capture their attention until she sang the first few words of her 2007 hit, “The Story.” When she began to play, I realized what all the hype was about; Carlile eased into her upper register, showing off her powerful belt and backing off to end the song with a sweet falsetto on the last line, “New York City, I was made for you.” Carlile’s stage presence only continued to improve throughout the rest of the set, covering Led Zeppelin’s “Going To California” before exiting the stage to bring out the Avett Brothers. The Avett Brothers brought a certain high level of energy to the stage that is unsurpassable, making even the most excited member of the crowd feel like they are in desperate need of an espresso shot. “Talk On Indolence” proved to be the perfect intro to a 21 song set, kicking off with fastpaced shouting and lyrics about getting drunk in the city. Of the few Avett Brothers shows I have had the chance to go to, this one was slightly lacking — perhaps it comes with the
territory of arena shows, but there is something about being hit with a wall of sound in a packed standing venue, especially when seeing a band with a certain affection for long, improvised instrumentals. The acoustics are stellar at MSG, which made the concise harmonies of “Ain’t No Man” especially clear, but took away from the drama of the breakdowns in songs like “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise” and “Vanity.” Carlile joined Seth and Scott Avett for an acoustic rendition of “Murder in the City,” changing the lyrics of the third verse to sing of her love for her wife and daughter, a lyric Seth Avett has changed in the past to announce the birth of his children. The Avett Brothers inserted a few new songs from their upcoming album into the set, most notably the title ballad “True Sadness.” The rest of the set was filled out with a proper mix of songs from their previous records, along with covers of “Mama Tried” and “My Favorite Memory” as a tribute to recently-deceased Merle Haggard. Fans such as myself hoping to hear “If It’s The Beaches” were disappointed, as it was cut from the setlist. Although, fans were pleased by the songs chosen to remain at the end of the set, as they were treated to a consecutive performance of “Laundry Room” and “I And Love And You.” If their MSG concert was any signifier, the Avett Brothers’ upcoming album is surely not to be missed. “True Sadness” is due to be released on June 24.
Email Allison Stubblebine at astubblebine@nyunews.com.
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FEATURES
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Not Ready to Let Prom Die? Check Out NYU’s Formals By YEHO HWANG Staff Writer
While prom season might be a high school phenomenon, NYU seems be getting into the spirit with a number of formal school events coming up this spring. For example, the Inter-Residence Hall Council just held their annual Moonlight Ball this past Thursday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other schools are gearing up for their own formals and banquets as well, including Liberal Studies’ Golden Gala, Stern’s A Night to Remember and College of Arts & Science’s Spring Formal. Amanda Regalado, an LS sophomore and chair of the All-University Events Committee, said planning big events usually starts in the beginning of the year. “You have to find a venue, you have to fundraise and gain sponsors,” Regalado said. “The
entire year goes into planning the banquet.” Regalado said that the events are entirely student-planned. She added that ticket demand varied for every event. Tickets generally sell for between $10 and $50 depending on the event. The attire varies as well from optional black-tie to cocktail formal, but students have traditionally preferred to dress up. For CAS junior Sophia Takashima, dressing up for events like the Violet Ball was part of the fun. Having two years left at NYU served as motivation to attend as well. Takashima added that tickets sold out quickly for the Violet Ball and Moonlight Ball. “I sat there with my alarm on,” she said, demonstrating her speed of buying a ticket with quick taps on her phone screen. “Tickets sold out within 25 minutes this year for Violet Ball, I think.”
Not only do formal events provide students an opportunity to dress up and enjoy the city with their friends and classmates, they also create community. “When we hold events, it’s to make the students feel involved, to be able to be a part of something, to create spirit within our schools,” Regalado said. CAS senior Jane Lee, attended the Moonlight Ball this past Thursday. She said that the locations of the spring formals are a draw for students as well. “For the [Moonlight] Ball, people are really excited to see the museum be transformed,” Lee said. One difficulty students may face is reselling of the tickets. Generally, students are able to buy and sell tickets from one another on the Facebook events pages after their purchase. “It was unclear until much later whether tickets could be resold, until a lot of people
asked and emailed [about it],” Lee said. Although there may not be a specific return and reselling procedure for tickets to these events, Lee said that the tickets are worth the price. For Takashima, the big draw to formal events is the opportunity to bond with
other students. “Because we have such a big population, it’s hard making friends after welcome week,” she said. “Dressing up with your friends once in awhile is fun.”
Email Yeho Hwang at features@nyunews.com.
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The Violet Ball gave NYU students an opportunity to dress up and dance the night away in the Bobst lobby.
In the Concrete Jungle, NYU Gardens Thrive By ABIGAIL WEINBERG Deputy Features Editor
Ferns and columbines spring up along the shadowy alley east of Bobst, tulips bloom on Bleecker Street, wildflowers cover the Kimmel rooftop and vegetables grow behind Bareburger and Citibank. This isn’t a description of a distant utopia — it’s the fruit of NYU’s urban landscaping projects, seen by everyone but acknowledged by few. NYU’s gardens have transformed concrete plots into oases of plant life. Coles may no longer house NYU athletics, but it is still home to 4,000 bulbs that bloom each spring. Twenty two species of oak tree sprawl across a half acre of land in NYU’s Silver Towers Oak Grove, first planted there in the 1960s. The cogeneration plant on 251 Mercer Street, which produces heat and electricity for NYU buildings, sits beneath 13,000 square feet of native trees, shrubs and perennials. And the roof of the Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life is covered with native greenery, which is visible from the upper stairwells in Kimmel. These are just a few of NYU’s 700 outdoor green spaces in the concrete jungle, all of which are maintained by Supervisor of Sustainable Landscaping George Reis, Groundskeeper Michael Begasse and a landscaping crew of NYU students. Among Reis’s most notable
contributions to NYU’s urban landscape is his 2,200-squarefoot garden in Schwartz Plaza, east of Bobst, which was featured in the New York Times in 2009. This native woodland garden, full of ferns and columbines, resembles the plants which inhabited Manhattan upon its discovery by Henry Hudson in 1609. Across from the 60,000 square foot NYU-owned Sasaki Garden in Washington Square Village is a strip of land maintained by the Community Agriculture Club, a model of student involvement in urban farming. The group hosts canning and oil-infusing workshops, wreath-making sessions and springtime salad parties with the greens they produce. “We’re really trying to foster community in our garden space and just act as a place where people can come and learn about urban agriculture,” said co-president and Gallatin senior Margaret Weinberg. “We’re really like a social gathering place with a dual mission of having a garden and a green space and producing food.” The academic counterpart to this community club is Steinhardt’s Introduction to Urban Agriculture course within the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. Students enrolled in this course work in the NYU Urban Farm Lab to learn about the application of horticultural skills in a city environment. “It’s mostly stuff related to the efficacy and healthiness of
STAFF PHOTO BY ANNA LETSON
The P-Patch on LaGuardia Place is home to a variety of vibrant flowers and plants. growing plants in urban environments,” said Community Agriculture co-president and CAS senior Katie Dorph. “They’re more of an academic space and we’re more of a casual community space,” added Weinberg. Whether or not students acknowledge the work of urban agricultural landscapers, the fruits of their labor are omnipresent, from the 108 sidewalk planters filled with treeform hydrangeas, liriope and seasonal flowers to the 8,000 square foot memorial garden on One-Half Fifth Avenue. Even at the most urban college in the world, flowers are always underfoot.
Email Abigail Weinberg at aweinberg@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM
NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2016 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
7
FEATURES
EDITED BY KENDALL LEVISON FEATURES@NYUNEWS.COM
‘70s Shoes Make a Comeback By SOPHIE FAY SHAW Staff Writer
boy and Danielle Bernstein.
Clogs
Dressing for spring is a task riddled with uncertainty and ambiguity – the sun is out, but the forecast says it’s only 32 degrees Fahrenheit? The cold consequences of an unforeseen wind chill could leave you wishing for boots instead of sandals. Thankfully, the top shoe trends — reminiscent of the ‘70s — for spring are varied and versatile with a focus on comfort, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for the sake of the weather.
Whether they’re slip-ons, slingbacks or even bootie style, clogs are guaranteed to add a touch of the ‘70s trend to your wardrobe. Birkenstocks and socks had their spotlight, but now the attention is turned to clogs and socks. The duo providing both warmth and style is ideal for the fluctuating spring weather. Plus, slide-on and sandal style clogs make great transition pieces from spring to summer.
Mules
The classic silhouette of block heel pumps is feminine yet substantial. They can hold up to a day’s worth of running around the city. Calf-height boots with a block heel go the retro route, while strappy sandals with a chunky heel find a balance between dainty and solid. Lace-up versions combine the fall trend with the block heel. Chloe, Miu Miu and and Valentino offer especially charming options that embrace the femininity of the style.
These simple yet sophisticated slide-on shoes dominated the spring runways. Gucci, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Alexander McQueen are just a few of the many brands to feature the style. Perhaps the best aspect of the trend is the variety of shapes, heights and styles mules can come in. From the romantic lace slippers of the Balenciaga runway to the pointed-toe Victorian stilettos from Givenchy, the backless shoes can work for any personality. The fur-lined Gucci “Princetown” mules have been especially popular among fashion bloggers like Bryan-
Block Heels
Flatforms This high impact, high comfort shoes gets revamped for spring.
The bold base is featured on sneakers, loafers, sandals and boots — basically any style imaginable. Sandal-wise, Stella McCartney’s strappy wooden flatforms follow the ‘70s vibe, while Alexander Wang’s chain-embellished flatforms embrace an aggressive edginess. Flatform loafers and grungy boots also offer a prime opportunity to show off some colorful socks when paired with cropped or cuffed pants.
Huarache The traditional Mexican sandal is typically made of woven leather, but on the runway, huaraches appeared in various plaited styles with many embellishments, highlighting texture and color. Dolce and Gabbana’s vibrant version had everything short of bells and whistles, including tassels, pom-poms and gold medallions. Chloe opted for a less-is-more approach with a simple rainbow-hued weave of thin leather straps and a chunky white heel. These modern takes on a classic Mexican style are a simple way to include a bit of color to your spring wardrobe.
Email Sophie Fay Shaw at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Authentic Jewish Cuisine in NYC By ABIGAIL WEINBERG Deputy Features Editor
The meaning of Jewish food is as ambiguous as Jewish identity itself. Is Jewish food determined strictly by whether it’s kosher or not, or are they just traditional foods that have been passed down from generation to generation? Jay Herman, the Manager of Operations at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life believes that truly authentic Jewish food is a combination of these two factors. “From a theological vantage point, there are those who would say that food must be certified kosher to be authentic, and beyond that there are certain types of foods that are common to Jews to trace their heritage back to certain places,” Herman said in an email. Regardless of the varying definitions of Jewish food, the following restaurants are generally considered to be examples of classic Jewish cuisine and are frequented by members of the Jewish community at NYU.
B&H Dairy 127 2nd Ave This tiny Jewish diner has been serving challah, borscht, latkes and matzoh ball soup since it first opened in the 1950s. The counter service and the quality food are sure to make you feel at home, even if you’re not Jewish. The space is cozy and cute. If you want conversation as great as the food, grab a seat at the counter. Best Item on the Menu: Cold
borscht soup. Its Barbie-pink color may seem intimidating, but the blend of the cream and sharp taste of beets work together deliciously well.
Katz’s Deli 205 E Houston St Sound familiar? Katz’s Deli is the famous restaurant from “When Harry Met Sally,” where the classic line, “I’ll have what she’s having” was said. This iconic Jewish delicatessen which opened in 1888, is crowded and a bit expensive, but totally worth it. Each customer is handed a ticket as they walk in, after which they order their food according to their number. It’s not certified kosher, but it serves classic Jewish food like pastrami and matzo ball soup. Best Item on the Menu: Any of their huge sandwiches, which are described as being a mile high. It’s more than you’d typically spend on a sub, but its sheer mass makes it worth every penny.
Russ & Daughters 127 Orchard St., 179 E Houston St. The Russ & Daughters location in the Jewish Museum is certified kosher, while the Houston Street location is not. Either way, this deli established in 1914 is known for its bagels and smoked meats. Both Russ & Daughters and Katz’s Deli were popular among the Jewish population in the Lower East Side about 100 years ago. Best Item on the Menu: You can never go wrong with a classic New
York bagel, and Russ & Daughters has some of the best in the city.
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf This popular coffee shop has locations throughout the city, but did you know it was kosher? If you’re looking to satisfy your coffee or tea fix this Passover, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf offers a variety of hot and iced espressos, lattes and blended drinks. Best Item on the Menu: Coffee. Enough said.
Kosher Cafeteria in Weinstein The Kosher cafeteria is conveniently located, features friendly staff and definitely outdoes other dining halls in terms of quality. There’s a separate section for students to sit in while eating their kosher food so that there is no chance for other foods to accidentally get into the mix. Best Item on the Menu: Their baked ziti is the clear winner. You can’t go wrong with pasta.
The Bronfman Center Last but certainly not least is the Bronfman Center, which serves classic Jewish food on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. “The best place to get foods like challah, kugel, schnitzel and cholent is The Bronfman Center’s Shabbat meals,” said Herman. “For Passover, they can get their fix of matzah, charoset and brisket at the seder.”
Email Abigail Weinberg at aweinberg@nyunews.com.
STAFF PHOTO BY HANNAH SHULMAN
The power of Instagram to create a group of followers for your blog is immense.
Get Your Style Instafamous Fast
By MEDARDO PEREZ Contributing Writer
One of the best tools for achieving social media stardom, Instagram provides a visual path to becoming Instafamous. Two of NYU’s very own fashion gals are merging the creative medium with an entrepreneurial prowess, and shared tips for those looking to get a head start at building their brand.
Bori Kereszturi, sophomore, Steinhardt IG: @boriwankenobi borikereszturi.com “Basic” is the last word one would use to describe Hungary native Bori Kereszturi. Scrolling through her Instagram, you may think to prejudge her pizza-shaped nipple pasties and suggestive poses, but this bleach blonde is taking fashion with a purpose to a whole new level. Influenced by feminist ideology, Kereszturi is unapologetic with her style choices and uses her own artistic talents to create new meaningful masterpieces. Often criticized for being provocative, Kereszturi said she does not look to appeal to other people or seek gratification. She stands by her fashion. “I constantly get backlash [and slut-shamed],” Kereszturi said. “That’s really why I do it. I mean I love attention, most of it is bad, but I genuinely don’t care because I really just dress the way I do for myself.” Having been able to create her own niche within the fashion blogging community, she said people need to remain true to themselves rather than buy into fads. “I feel like people should grasp how they would define themselves,” Kereszturi said. “Even though I physically can’t put it into words, I kind of know what I’m going for.”
Kereszturi believes Instagram has been the most useful app for increasing her presence in the fashion world, and thinks VSCO is ideal for editing photos.
Kelsey Nguyen, junior, Steinhardt IG: @runawayinla runawayinla.com Hailing from the suburbs of California, Kelsey Nguyen has been a fashion blogger since she was 14. Her blog is a trifecta of travel diaries, style guides and outfit ideas that add a splash of New York City edge to her Californian-bohemian aesthetic. Nguyen describes herself as being parallel to her blog. “My heart is in the West Coast but my mind is in the East Coast,” Nguyen said. “So I feel like part of me loves the ambitious, career oriented side of New York, but my heart is rooted in the laid-back, chill world of LA and SoCal.” Afraid of being grouped with other fashion bloggers, Nguyen feels that a fashion blog only has the potential of standing out when it is a genuine reflection of who the person is. “The first step every blogger should take is to always carve out a voice,” Nguyen said. “You want to establish a certain aesthetic, an angle to stick to on your blogging journey. It’s important that your voice is reflective of not only your style, but who you are as a person and in turn, you’ll attract readers and brands of the same interest.” Nguyen’s favorite app for keeping organized is Wunderlist, using it to keep track of the blog posts she plans to write. She is also obsessed with Instagram for its daily source of inspiration, and VSCO for editing all of her pictures.
Email Medardo Perez at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Artist: Armen Paul Genre: Pop Song/Album: “To the Moon and Back” Telephone to: “Lost in the Light” by Lauv
Band: Glueboy/ Jonathan Marty Genre: Indie Rock, Punk, Pop Song/Album: “Videorama” EP Telephone to: “Songs From My Bedroom (Pt. 2)” by Soccer Mommy
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Band: Modern Diet Genre: Indie/ Alternative Song/Album: “MD So Far” Telephone to: “Rockman’s Pier” by Del Water Gap
Band: Safeliving Genre: Alternative Punk Song/Album: “Felling” Telephone to: “Remember Who You Are” by Leah Lavigne
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THE GAME OF TELEPHONE: MUSICIANS EDITION
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Artist: Talullah Ruff Genre: Rock, Blues, Alternative Song/Album: Demos on SoundCloud Telephone to: “When You Entered the Room” by Nick Cianci
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Artist: Soccer Mommy Genre: Bedroom-Pop Song/Album: “You Won’t Leave” Telephone to: “Say Hello” by Ali Myers
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NINA JANG DEPUTY DIGITAL DIRECTOR WSN spoke with seven up-and-coming bands and solo artists and compiled a playlist of songs by these musicians. As a twist, each musician had the chance to recommend or “telephone” a tune or album to another NYU artist. For those looking for new tunes to spruce up your current music library, this playlist of music by NYU musicians may be the remedy. Email Nina Jang at njang@nyunews.com.
Band: JIL Genre: R&B, Neo-soul Song/Album: “Freak” ft. Salomon Faye Telephone to: “Mistakes Like This” by Prelow
COURTESY OF THE BANDS
WHERE
TO
NYU likes to constantly remind its current and prospective students of its location — namely, “in and of” New York City. For NYU artists, this means a bevy of clubs and venues to perform in, with some of the best nightlife scenes for honing their craft. We compiled a list of some of NYC’s best haunts frequented by NYU musicians and locals alike.
Baby’s All Right 146 Broadway, Williamsburg NYU musicians: Tor Miller, Maggie Rogers This place is such a staple in the Brooklyn music scene it almost seems repetitive to include, but I’m going to anyway because it’s such a cool venue. Baby’s shatters the mold of dingy Brooklyn DIY spaces, offering a full-on brunch menu as well as some tasteful decor and a well-managed relaxed vibe. The backroom concert space is a bit of a shoebox, but it lends itself well to a diverse array of acts, from trap to surf rock. Also, the cool bottle mosaic back wall makes for some dazzling light shows that Pink Floyd would be proud of.
AVIV 496 Morgan Ave, Greenpoint NYU musicians: field trip, Human People
FIND
My first time at the Greenpoint warehouse spot AVIV, it wasn’t immediately clear to me if the bar/venue/art space wasn’t also being inhabited by one, or perhaps multiple lodgers. AVIV maintains a seriously homey feel, sort of like the basement of your high school friend’s house, where you’d get together to smoke weed. If you walked by on the street, you might miss the nondescript black door that leads inside, but let that serve as metaphor for the place itself: unassuming but absolutely worth checking out.
Alaska 35 Ingraham St, East Williamsburg NYU musicians: Acid Dad Alaska does an admirable job living up to the wild and rugged connotations of its name. There’s a fireplace and a deer head mounted above the bar, which is equipped with upwards of 25 bourbon selections. It’s also tiny enough that the whole cozy vibe is still prominent even if there’s more than 40 people in the joint. Besides being cheap and cool and out of the way, Alaska is also host to talented acts on a frequent basis and when not, the playlist is on point.
Shea Stadium 20 Meadow St, Brooklyn
NYU’S NYU musicians: field trip, Glueboy, Acid Dad In true Brooklyn form, this dual venue and recording studio is nondescript from the outside, save for a white door and the muffled sound of music. Inside, however, the space is adorned with couches, twinkling lights and even an outdoor patio. Concerts here feel like house shows with better acoustics, and it’s not uncommon for bands to hang around after their sets and chat with audience members. Catch NYU band field trip here on May 4.
The Bitter End 147 Bleecker St NYU musicians: Kate Yeager, Nick Cianci , Molly Chapman, Leah Lavigne Right in the heart of Greenwich Village and minutes away from the NYU campus, the Bitter End has hosted a slew of iconic musicians over the years. While it’s a great place to grab drinks and see some good music, don’t come here expecting to go crazy. The crowd tends to be older and the tables and chairs give the venue a more laid-back atmosphere. The vibe makes it perfect for catching a low-key acoustic set, like that of The Bitter End’s current artist in residence, Steinhardt sophomore Kate Yeager.
MUSICIANS Knitting Factory Brooklyn 361 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn NYU musicians: The Misters, Modern Diet, Beshken With an elevated stage and large standing room, Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory is more of a traditional concert venue. The crowd is typically lively and energetic, and there’s plenty of room for dancing. The bar and restaurant in the same building are a great place to grab a meal before the show, or drinks afterwards. Catch The Ludwigs there on April 18.
Email Jonah Inserra and Amanda Freebairn at arts@nyunews.com.
JO AM
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EXPLORING CLIVE DAVIS: HE SCHOOL WITH THE NEXT BIG HIT Since its 2003 founding, the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music has boasted students and alumni responsible for multiple Billboard Top 40 songs, receiving acclaim from publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard. WSN spoke with Jeff Rabhan, Nicholas Sansano, Jason King and Bob Powers — the faculty of one of NYU’s most selective programs with roughly 60 students per graduating class — to learn more about what goes into this prestigious
arts program. WSN: What is the importance and appeal of the program among students? Jeff Rabhan: It’s a contemporary music industry broad-based program, and it’s holistic. So you will leave here understanding all the components of the business, regardless of what you want to do. WSN: How have the resources for students pursuing music careers changed over time? Bob Powers: It’s wonderful to see people who aren’t encumbered by the way things have been. And there’s a whole new generation of people who were born in the ‘90s, so they’re not stuck in this is how a record distributed or this is how you get your product to people. These are people who are
developing and inventing the future. JR: We’re changing all the time. We’ve taken on a much larger role in technology with coding, digital marketing and a lot of the technological aspects of the industry, as well as the business component of that streaming economy, what that means for artists, various ways of making money, new ways of making money, but also partnering up with a lot of other programs at Tisch. WSN: Who are some interesting musicians who graduated from the program? Nicholas Sansano: Right off the bat are two, but one woman, Emily Warren, has had a huge hit with Jessie J, with a song called “Masterpiece.” She graduated last year but actually took a leave of absence, like many of our students who are doing well do. She took a leave, she went on to collaborate, had a bunch more hits, came back and then got her degree. It’s great.
DIAMOND NAGA SIU DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR
Jason King: We have three recent grads doing really well right now, but also, there is an amazing number of non-artist success stories. There’s a great company called Mason Jar Music, they’re doing great stuff. WSN: How has your time at Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music been, and how has it changed? BP: When Mary Schmidt Campbell, who left as the dean of Tisch a few years ago called me with one of my appointments, I said, “Mary, it’s so funny, teaching is the only thing I’ve ever done that the better you get at it, the more time you have to put in.” Usually it’s exactly the opposite, and what I mean by that is that the difference in the quality of what you’re able to do for the students is actually the time you spend on them and with them outside of class.
Email Diamond Naga Siu at dsiu@nyunews.com.
STAFF PHOTO BY HANNAH SHULMAN
FROM CLASSROOMS TO CONCERT HALLS
COURTESY OF DEL WATER GAP
S
GILCHRIST
GREEN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
ONAH INSERRA MANDA FREEBAIRN
STAFF WRITERS
The students of NYU bands Del Water Gap and Cafune can write midterm papers and navigate Albert, but once in the concert hall, they become crooners on dimly-lit stages. Balancing the work between rigorous academia and stage dives takes a sense of not only management but a drive to pursue musical careers. Ambition pushes these two bands to hit the road to do just that.
Mathers” LP on an empty moonlit road and touring small towns, with Jaffe’s favorite tour spot being Burlington, Vermont. “It was beautiful out,” Jaffe said. “The people were kind and welcoming. They took care of us and we brought them our music.” The band believes their music is all that they have, and they will figure out the rest together.
On Tour with: Del Water Gap
Sedona Schat and Noah Yoo, the creators of the electronic, alt-pop collaboration Cafune, technically have not been on an actual tour. Since Cafune’s formation in the summer of 2014, they have been separated by study abroad, recently releasing an EP called “Love Songs for Other People” and playing shows this past winter. Besides playing in venues such as Baby’s All Right and Shea Stadium, the duo has introduced their music to Yale, Northeastern and Dartmouth — with the last being their favorite show to date where fans seemed to know the lyrics just as well as the duo. Despite its electronic sound, Cafune considers itself a real live band. For this reason, shows have been invaluable, allowing the duo to establish their live sound and energy. “Playing shows for us is more about the practice
Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music senior Holden Jaffe and his alternative folk group Del Water Gap comprised of Charlie Schlinkert, Will Evans and a rotating roster of guitarists and horn players first toured after meeting as freshmen, turning Jaffe’s high school solo project into reality. With each member being a full-time student, the East Coast tour last fall consisted of driving Schlinkert’s car to shows over the weekend, then returning to the city Monday morning to attend class. “Touring is the best part, honestly,” Jaffe said. “I think that it is not only the way that you get better as a musician, but it also teaches you something you can’t get from playing venues in New York.” In terms of booking, Jaffe took responsibility with a team of friends and small agents. Currently, the band funds its tours from hour-long gigs and merch sales. For Del Water Gap, touring consists of hours spent listening to the entirety of “The Marshall
On Tour with: Cafune
than anything else,” Yoo said. “It has actually helped our writing process and production process because we test the songs and create whole new versions from the feedback we have gotten live.” Considering the time and effort put into setting up out of state shows, playing a show in the city seems easier. Yet their version of touring is buying the cheapest Greyhound bus ticket, carrying a backpack full of clothes, another with electronics, two guitar cases slung on their shoulders, using money from shows as reimbursement and friends as booking agents. Their live shows pay off, with listeners grooving to their music in Canada, Korea and Brazil. Taking their music on the road has proven to be an outlet of greater opportunities and more to come.
Email Gilchrist Green at music@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF CAFUNE STAFF PHOTO BY HANNAH SHULMAN
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2016 | NYUNEWS.COM
OPINION
EDITED BY RICHARD SHU OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
EDUCATION
At Prescott University, Students Fund Undocumented Peers By APARNA ALANKAR Contributing Writer Prescott College, a liberal arts college in Arizona, has recently added a $30 fee to its annual tuition that will go towards the Freedom Education Fund, which aims to raise money for a new annual scholarship. This scholarship is for undocumented immigrant students, in a full-time or part-time undergraduate and graduate program, who demonstrate both adequate financial need and good academic standing. This is an incredible initiative working towards making higher education more available to hard-working undocumented students who are ineligible for federal financial aid. However, the fee is also fueling animosity towards undocu-
mented students — opponents are against the idea of providing aid for someone in the country illegally at all, calling the fee “beyond absurd,” “irresponsible” and “a slap in the face.” Addressing these concerns while also keeping options open for undocumented students is only possible if state governments, in tandem with colleges, take a more active role in providing education for undocumented students. Undocumented students are among the most vulnerable groups served by United States schools. Only 54 percent of undocumented students have a high school diploma, compared to 82 percent of their native-born peers. Currently, only five to 10 percent of undocumented high school graduates enroll in an institu-
tion of higher education, and still fewer successfully graduate with a degree. This achievement gap is precipitated by undue stress and anxiety, combined with the rising costs of higher education and the lack of financial and social resources available to undocumented students. Clearly, there is a need that is not being met. Only 45 universities provide scholarships for undocumented students, and the only other univer-
sity with a student-funded scholarship is Loyola University Chicago, whose student body approved a referendum in 2013 to add $2.50 to their annual tuition rate to fund a scholarship for on-campus undocumented students, saying they wanted to help their undocumented peers and were willing to pay for it. Prescott College is a pioneer in the path towards higher education for undocumented students. However, the controversy generated from the college’s new fee is understandable, if misplaced. Paying for another student’s education is a generous action, but not every college student is given this opportunity. State governments should do more to support the education of undocumented students. Passing legislation
to allow undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition rates is a first step that has already been taken by about 19 states. In addition, states should pass legislation allowing undocumented students to qualify for publicly funded state education benefits, including grants, tuition waivers and scholarships. States should also make more resources available to educate and encourage undocumented students and their families about the options in higher education. This more active role by the state government may decrease the animosity toward undocumented students that scholarships such as these fuel.
Email Aparna Alankar at opinion@nyunews.com.
CITY
New York’s Unethical Treatment of Countless Corpses By CONNOR BORDEN Staff Writer The largest communal grave in the United States is not located near a Civil War battlefield, nor Arlington Cemetery or its like, but rather here in New York. Across the channel from the Bronx’s City Island, a small uninhabited island holds New York City’s ghastliest secret. Close to one million corpses push up the dirt in Potter’s Field, buried by the hands of Riker’s finest. The site, composed of the homeless, stillborn children and loved ones of those unable to pay for their own burial ceremony, shrouds itself in mystery, legend and secrecy. Until July of last year,
families of those deceased were unable to visit. To this day, photographers and those unassociated with the dead are still barred from entering. Infamous for their poor mortuary practices, the Correctional Department and the morgues responsible for tagging and cataloguing corpses continue to butcher burials and disrespect the deceased. In 1993, the stillborn daughter of Laurie Grant became untraceable after Grant signed over the burial rights to the city. Five years ago, she discovered her baby rests in the same grave with almost 1,000 other babies in small, stacked boxes. More recently, Katrina DeJesus attempted to visit her baby bur-
ied at Hart Island for the past 12 years. Upon boarding the ferry, the captain informed her that they could not find her baby. These instances are two of many in which New York City’s postmortem operations fall short of properly and respectfully performing burials. Every human being has a fundamental right to reverence. It is not a privilege, it is not something that can be bought,
it is not something accompanying social status. The dead must be allowed to rest. This negligence speaks to the lack of respect allowed to the poor and disenfranchised of New York. In life and in death, the city heaps disadvantages and hardships onto those of a low socioeconomic status. Yet one’s financial state does not exclude them from humanity or empathy. In 2014, the body of a deceased woman, Rebecca Alper, could not be found. The city dug up over 200 bodies only to discover that the woman buried in Alper’s box was not her. As it turned out, Alper’s corpse had been cremated by accident. This behavior constitutes a blatant and fraudulent violation of
human rights. A human being does not lose their bodily autonomy after death. The right to one’s own body is passed on posthumously to a loved one to respect one’s will. A person maintains a right to bodily integrity after death. Not being alive does not strip them of their rights to a peaceful, independent resting place. New York’s treatment of the poor and burdened represents a larger issue of robbing humans of their bodily autonomy. The city desperately needs to intervene in current burial practice in order to give every person a proper passage.
Email Connor Borden at opinion@nyunews.com.
GOVERNMENT
Government Fashion Policing Targets the Wrong Issues By AKSHAY PRABHUSHANKAR Staff Writer Walking down the streets of Manhattan, it is impossible to ignore the hundreds of fashion advertisements plastered on shop windows, all flaunting thin and attractive models who look nothing like the average customer. These images may push consumers to contempt of their own bodies, even pressuring them to mirror the models’ looks. However, greater pressure falls on prospective models, who often rely on their drastic thinness in order to find work. Eating disorders are commonplace in this relentless industry, and cases of women dying from starvation have made headlines in recent years.
But even good-natured intervention is based on flawed logic, and could potentially be a limitation on the creativity of the fashion world. In a high-profile move last year, France joined Israel, Italy and Spain in passing legislation which prohibits agencies and labels from displaying models with low BMIs. Last week, the United Kingdom’s Advertising Standards Authority, an independent regulator of advertisements in media, upheld a complaint that a model in a Gucci advertisement looked, in their words, unhealthily thin. The ruling prohibits the ad from appearing again in its current form in the U.K. This ban was enacted by a self-regulating authority with no legal standing, but it is
only the latest example of the ASA’s crackdown on skinny models, and a hint that the U.K. will soon follow the lead of its European neighbors and take the debate to Parliament. In a global industry heavily dependent on the unregulated internet, legislation can do little to prevent consumers from exposure to thin models. The laws are also based on flawed science, as the BMI
often deems many natural, fit body types unhealthy. Yet the ultimate drawback perhaps stems from the symbolism — the world of fashion is a bastion of artistic expression, and any legal restriction can only do harm. Companies that have autonomously embraced calls for realistic body depictions have been rewarded. Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty earned universal praise and has kept the brand in a positive light for over a decade. American Eagle’s #AerieReal campaign, when the company stopped retouching models in its ads, was credited with significantly increasing profits. These actions, and not some ineffective and confining legislation, warrant a
pat on the back from activists. Government intervention seeks to protect vulnerable young women from physical and mental health disorders and to promote the celebration of all body types. While these are good intentions, regulation would set too risky a precedent in the industry. Many American brands have begun to recognize the benefits of body positivity, and as the voice of consumers grows louder, international luxury labels will follow suit. Constructive reform must be demanded from a vocal public and high-minded executives, not some restrictive authority.
Email Akshay Prabhushankar at opinion@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2016 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY RICHARD SHU OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
EDUCATION
STAFF EDITORIAL
College Admissions Are Not Your Self-Worth By RICHARD SHU Opinion Editor College admissions are unfair. This is the simple sentiment that prompted Megan Howard’s “A Letter of Protest to NYU,” which airs her grievances about her rejected application to the Stern School of Business, and which spoke to the frustrations at the admissions process as a whole. Admittedly, there is a lot of laughable material in the letter, like her throwaway reference to trace Native American heritage and her tendency to remark on the ethnicity of strangers’ take-away. In a rapid-fire series of disconnected paragraphs she rattles off the reasons why she thinks she’s special, why she thinks she deserves to be admitted, why rejecting her was a terrible, terrible mistake. Her tone does her no favors. The whole letter carries with it the overt whiff of entitlement. But with entitlement comes wounded pride, which has been an unfortunate feature of the college admissions process for years. Even now, settled at NYU and doing well academically, I can remember the trauma of my senior year at a magnet public
high school. There was triumph and joy, sure, but also resentment and bad blood between friends, bloodshot and baggy eyes, frantic-turned-teary phone calls every time a top 20 school released its results. All across America, teenagers report similar feelings of stress. For the most ambitious students, adolescence has devolved into a fervent pursuit of academic and extracurricular perfection. Resumes have become a numbers game, and standardized test prep is not only a necessity but a billion dollar market. In a well-to-do community near Silicon Valley, student suicide clusters stand as a reminder that schools, parents and even universities have a lot to lose from the overwhelming pressure of college admissions. Stress can kill. It can precipitate dangerous mental health problems and leave developing adolescents
shells of their former selves. If the goal of a university admissions department is to find intelligent, wellrounded and passionate students, universities across the country would do well to reconsider the stress behemoth that their expectations have created. There needs to be a major change in the way high schools view the path to higher education. Colleges should not be an end in and of themselves, nor an affirmation of one’s self-worth — only a stepping stone, as are all life experiences. The real end is the cultivation of a well-rounded, robust and passionate individual. College is an important part of that, but the empowerment of the student should not be up for sacrifice. However misguided Howard’s letter may have been, it speaks to an increasingly frustrated contingent of students who recognize, even after they’ve enrolled, that their childhoods have been shortchanged. For all her conceit and self-centeredness, it’s at least encouraging to see that Howard’s spirit was not defeated. If only more of her peers could say the same.
Email Richard Shu at rshu@nyunews.com.
CULTURE
Hollywood Goes Rogue With Female Leads By EMILY FONG Deputy Opinion Editor The announcement of Felicity Jones as the lead character in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” has predictably caused an uproar in online circles as many less-than-progressive men bemoaned the loss of another franchise to a female lead. Jones’ casting continues a trend most moviegoers have been observing as of late, with women slowly yet surely entering the realm of bigname blockbusters. In the latest iterations of beloved male-dominated franchises like “Mad Max,” “Ghostbusters” and even the upcoming remake of “Ocean’s Eleven,” women are front and center, showing that the film industry is willing to move away from the traditional Hollywood blockbuster demographic of males aged 12-24. The opportunity for women to headline big action films is a significant divergence from the days when females were simply objects of the male gaze. Viewers are starting to demand more diverse female roles as
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they increasingly recognize the rarity of strong female characters. The opening-up of the film industry also creates an endless number of possibilities for storytelling not just for women, but for everyone else as well. With the cameras focused on the white male hero, whose story has been soaked in the norms of hyper masculinity and cultural idealism, viewers lose the opportunity to explore more interesting subject matters. Nuanced and unique films do exist, but they are generally limited to festival screenings and indie theaters — the blockbuster action genre has yet to be breached by these kinds of exploratory films. Consider the current state of cultural resonance in most blockbuster films: white men blowing up build-
ings while gunfire and screams echo around them is a mainstay of every big summer movie. Minority, non-western characters are often reduced to props and the occasional villain. Considering the wealth of stories produced around the world that could translate to the big screen — Ottoman action movies, indigenous spiritual fantasy, epic conquests of Malian kings — filmgoers shouldn’t have to settle. Some of these stories have been told but only through the eyes of the typical white male protagonist. But our world is no longer narrowly focused on the West anymore; it is global. The film industry would be wise to embrace the new reality and to draw upon it for inspiration. In doing so, viewers would benefit from a much deeper and intricate world of film. They shouldn’t have to choose between gender parity, racial diversity and cultural awareness. Hopefully in the near future they won’t have to.
Email Emily Fong at efong@nyunews.com.
Quantifying NYU Endowment Woes
On March 31, NYU sent a letter to Senator Orrin Hatch, Congressman Kevin Brady and Congressman Peter Roskam in response to their questions about the university’s endowment. The letter detailed the complicated array of restrictions and regulations that have kept the school from properly allocating funds towards scholarships and other high-interest areas for students. It also revealed that only 26 percent of endowment spending is specifically allotted to financial aid. The letter further emphasized the depth of the issue of affordability and the unavoidable ramifications for NYU students if our endowment troubles are not addressed both fully and quickly. The letter quantifies and confirms what Hamilton and the administration have consistently highlighted as one of the largest problems facing the university: for a school of our size, we have a miniscule endowment. The total value of NYU’s endowment is $3.5 billion, which works out to only $89,000 per student. In fiscal year 2015, NYU spent a total of $145 million from the endowment; this only made up four percent of the year’s budget. The endowment itself may also be in dire financial straits — the value of the endowment only grew 1.19 percent, or $38 million, in fiscal year 2015, one-sixth of the previous year’s return. What this small and fickle endowment means is that NYU is overwhelmingly a tuition-dependent university. Compared to four percent of endowment, over 60 percent of the university’s operating budget comes directly out of students’ tuition. The vast majority of the financial aid does not come out of the organic returns of the endowment, but instead as a discount on student tuition. As the NYU letter explains, this means that nearly every dollar that goes into financial aid is a dollar out of the budget, which is in turn a dollar out of another student’s pocket. Financial aid, as it stands, is in a precarious position. The letter lays bare the fact that the university is mostly living hand to mouth. The letter does not afford many clear solutions. Rather, it proves that the question of management is far murkier than students may believe. When a massive global private research university of 57,000 students relies almost exclusively on tuition for operations and aid, tuition will continue to be a significant burden for all students. Instead of a vast and accessible endowment as a source of money like other smaller private schools enjoy, NYU must draw largely from students and their families directly. The model of the large endowment as “intergenerational stewardship,” as NYU’s letter calls it, is more noble and much more sustainable. But in order to attain this model, the administration has a long road of restructuring and reappropriation ahead of it.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at opinion@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Richard Shu (Chair), Emily Fong (Co-chair), Abraham Gross (Co-chair) STAFF PHOTO BY SAM BEARZI
Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor 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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SPORTS
EDITED BY MICHAEL THOMPSON SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Top 10 Things You Missed in Sports Last Week
By MICHAEL THOMPSON Sports Editor
uled to play again until this Sunday, April 17.
Amongst the endless game recaps and constant action of NYU sports, a slew of players were recognized for their excellence and Mother Nature continued to create chaos for the baseball and softball teams. Here are your top 10 moments of the past week.
9) Cassi Parulis Named Rookie Of The Week
10) Mother Nature Cancels Games On The Diamond Softball and baseball were no match for the chaotic weather conditions that hit the midwest, canceling a slate of games in the process. The baseball team has had six games called since Tuesday, and have only played once in the last week. The softball team has had even worse luck, with their last four games being canceled. The ladies have not played since March 30, and are not sched-
For softball, the dynamic freshman was named ECAC Player of the Week for the first time in her collegiate career, and what a week it was. She dominated on the mound and at the plate, going 5-6 in two games against Stevens Institute of Technology. She also pitched nearly five innings in the second game to earn the win.
8) Tennis Trio Earns Monthly Honors Carmen Lai, Fleura Shiyanova and Matt DeMichiel were named ECAC Players of the Month for March. The players combined for numerous wins in singles and doubles play, and have helped the men’s and women’s teams reach new heights this season.
7) Jenni Bluetling Named Rookie Of The Month
Bluetling was stellar on the links for the top-10 Violets, earning the monthly honor. At the Jekyll Island Women’s Collegiate Invitational, Bluetling’s second-round 71 tied for the third-lowest in NYU history.
6) Basketball Players Make All-Metropolitan Team The Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association honored four Violets this week. Junior guard Kaitlyn Read and graduating forward Evan Kupferberg were both honored with First Team honors, while seniors Megan Dawe and Costis Gontikas were named to the Second Team.
5) Nick Benson And Chase Klein Named to All-UVC Team The season is over, but the senior duo of Benson and Klein were
honored for their play this week. Benson was named to the conference’s Second Team, while Klein received an honorable mention.
4) NYU Ranked #22 in Directors’ Cup The Violets’ athletic programs combined to finish in the top 25 of the 449 competing Division III teams. The dominant women’s swimming team led the way, tallying 70.5 of NYU’s 380.5 total points.
3) Amazing 5K Race Successful In Second Year Squash Hit was victorious in this year’s edition of the 5K, which has quickly become one of the bigger sporting events on NYU calendars. An impressive 66 teams competed in the event, with Squash Hit reaching the Brooklyn Athletic Facility from 404 Fitness in 44 minutes, a new event record.
2) Athletes Compete In Snow...In April
That’s right, the inconsistent weather of this April came down hard on golf and track and field. Snowflakes began to fall in New Jersey, as Violets golfers battled through wintry conditions on Saturday’s first round of the NYU Spring Invitational (key word: spring). Meanwhile, the Osprey Invite was cut short due to hazardous conditions.
1) Costis Gontikas To Appear in Gotham Hoops Invitational The senior big man competed in the third edition of the showcase on Saturday in Brooklyn. Gontikas averaged almost 16 points per game in his final season for the Violets, and led the team with about two blocks per game.
Email Michael Thompson at mthompson@nyunews.com.
Track Split Between Two Meets By TONY SCHWAB Contributing Writer
NYU track and field had a packed weekend, with both the men and women competing in two separate competitions in the Garden State. Some were in Lawrenceville for the Sam Howell Invitational hosted by Princeton, while others went to Galloway for the Osprey Invitational. At the Sam Howell, junior Jorge Maldonado took 25th overall in the 5000-meter dash, setting a personal best in the event. Sophomore Neil Saddler also set a personal best and took 29th. Senior captain Max Avila was the best Violet in the 800-meter, finishing 21st. Junior captain Nick Karam finished 21st in the 1500-meter and sophomore Karn Setya was 39th. In the event’s second day, the rain was a major factor, but NYU had some great performances nonetheless. Senior Eddie Cruz-Desintonio came seventh in the 1500 meter, while senior Daniel Rieger and sophomore Robert DeSisto were 10th and 11th. Junior Caleb Su was strong in the 100-meter dash, finishing third. Rain played more of a role at the Osprey, which had many events cancelled. In the steeplechase, junior Nathaniel Picard-Busky was third. Yohan Su was sixth in the long jump, and freshman Abhishek Pan-
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NYU track and field team runner Nathaniel Picard-Busky ran hard through tough conditions to place third in the steeplechase. igrahi finished eighth in the discus. Maldonado was content with the weekend, but wished the weather had been a bit better. “It was overall a decent meet everybody — not too great but not exactly terrible,” Maldonado said. “Conditions earlier on made it difficult for 800 and 1500 meter athletes, the wind and briskness dampening the potential we had. The effort was there and I think it’s a testament to our strength that we tried to make the best of conditions.” The women had an equally successful weekend, beginning at the Saw Howell. Sophomore Ireland Gibson was eighth in the 800-meter, which was first among non-Division I runners. In the 5000-meter, junior Erica Bohdan led the Violets with a 19th place finish, while senior captain Lily Corsaro was close, finishing 21st. The second day featured a great performance from the 4x100 relay team, which came in second, narrowly edged
out by Adelphi. The team included senior captain Kristina Harris and freshmen Samantha Scoggins, Alyssa Jean and Mary Conti. In the 100-meter there were three Violets in the top ten — Jean in fourth, sophomore Harper Randolph in sixth and freshman Chioma Nwana in seventh. Wendy He took eighth in the 800-meter, while sophomore Megan Davis took 10th. Other members of the women team made the trip to Galloway for the Osprey. Junior Simone Cooper was first in the triple jump, while freshman Sabrina Illiano was 13th in the long jump. The only runner on the women’s team to race before rain ended the event early was junior Nicole Lim, who took 26th in the 100-meter dash. The teams will be together next Saturday at the Greyhound Invitational at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Email Tony Schwab at sports@nyunews.com.
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SPORTS
EDITED BY MICHAEL THOMPSON SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
V-ball Sputters to Sub-.500 Finish By ASHLEY ARNOLD Staff Writer
With a .500 record and a number 12 ranking in the latest AVCA poll, the NYU men’s volleyball team played in a tough five set battle against Vassar College in the opening match at the United Volleyball Conference Championship on Friday. They lost the first two sets, won the third and the fourth, but lost again in the final one to bring their season to an end (10-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-23, 11-15). Vassar had a strong start which led to their victory for the first two sets, but the Violets picked up the pace and showed their determination when they won 25-19 in the third set and 25-23 in the fourth. The fourth set was close throughout, but thanks to senior opposite Colin LaPorte, they took the set with a kill. By the end of the game LaPorte totaled 10 kills and three blocks. Even in defeat, LaPorte is proud of the team for not going down easily. “We battled back after losing the first two sets, which showed a lot of resilience but it wasn’t enough to finish them off in the fifth set,” LaPorte said. “It was unfortunate to end the season with what could have been a
great comeback, but I am proud of my team for battling.” Other players that shined in the Violets comeback include junior outside hitter Chase Klein who finished the game with 16 kills, 10 digs and two blocks, only committing five errors. Junior setter Derrick Chiu managed 39 assists and 13 digs, finishing the season as the team’s top facilator. Sophomore libero Benjamin Oxnard tallied 13 additional digs for the team, while sophomore middle hitter Chase Corbett finished with blocks and junior middle hitter Sean Leahy managed six. Leahy, the Violets’ junior captain, is happy the team tried even if they did not get the outcome they desired. “Obviously we were not happy with the outcome, but I was
proud of the way we battled and came back,” Leahy said. “In the end we came up a bit short, but I think we learned the valuable lesson of the importance of focusing from the very first serve.” Despite their season being over, head coach Jose Pina agreed that the team still had a great season. Overall, he believes, the players continued to work hard and persevere. “The team was a bit up and down through the year, but given the strength of our conference, and the level of competition we played, our performance was good,” Pina said. “As for the future, the team only had two seniors and will come back as a stronger unit in 2017.”
Email Ashley Arnold at sports@nyunews.com.
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Qizhi Wong was the NYU women’s golf team’s top performer on Saturday.
Golf Dodges Inclement Weather, Plays Well By MICHAEL THOMPSON Sports Editor
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Chase Klein played well despite the NYU volleyball team’s loss against Vassar College.
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Thankfully, the hit or miss rain this weekend wasn’t enough to dampen the mood in Bloomfield, New Jersey, as the NYU men’s golf team celebrated its seniors and families at the NYU Spring Invitational. The Violets finished strongly after a shaky Saturday and finished the tournament in sixth place of an 11-team field. Freshman Derrek Drozdyk was the low scorer for the Violets, finishing with a 14over 156 in two rounds which was good enough to tie for 17th place. Things didn’t start out ideally for Drozdyk, who played unevenly on Saturday en route to a 10-over 81. However, with better playing conditions on Sunday, Drozdyk showed noticeable improvement, ending the day with an impressive four-over 75. Fellow freshman Qizhi Wong was hot on Drozdyk’s heels, finishing one stroke behind Drozdyk with a total score of 157. Unlike Drozdyk, Wong’s 78 on Saturday was the better of his two scores. But his consistency paid off, and a Sunday 79 allowed him to place him in a tie for 21st. Faced with another week of crummy weather and even the occasional snowflake, Wong believes that with a little help
from mother nature, the team could find its consistency. “Our team rallied together and climbed up the ladder a little,” Wong said. “Again, if we remove high numbers, we will produce stellar results.” Junior Eric Tarakjian was the third and final Violet to finish in the top 30, with an 18-over 160. Similar to Wong, Tarakjian broke 80 in the first round with a 79, but carded an 81 the next day. Junior Matthew Love, senior Julius Oppenheimer and freshman Lucas Olberholtzer played within two shots of each other to round out the NYU field. Love was the best of the three, finishing in a tie for 40th with a score of 163. Oppenheimer played close behind, playing two rounds of 82 golf to finish a stroke behind Love. Finally Olberholtzer bounced back from a Saturday 86 to shoot a 79 on Sunday, good enough for a 165. There are only two weeks left for the golf team as the men next travel to Saratoga Springs, New York next weekend to compete in the Tim Brown Invitational. Meanwhile, the women will return to action in Massachusetts after a week off for the Jack Leaman Invitational.
Email Michael Thompson at mthompson@nyunews.com.
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