Writing SNHU’s Story
VOLUME XXV
ISSUE 8
MARCH 6, 2019
PENMENPRESS.COM
men’s ice hockey defeats saint anselm to win ne-10 title
Catherine LaChance Lead Copy Editor
For the first time in five years, and the second time in program history, the Men’s Ice Hockey Team captured the Northeast-10 Championship Title. SNHU, the number two seed, defeated Saint Anselm, the number one seed, 4-3 at the Sullivan Arena Saturday, March 2. The championship game marked the 44th meeting between SNHU and Saint Anselm. Saint Anselm leads its head-to-head record 36-7-1, with four of Saint Anselm’s wins occurring in previous Northeast-10 finals. Its last championship meeting was in 2006 when Saint Anselm defeated SNHU 5-3. Throughout the season, SNHU and Saint Anselm faced off three times before Saturday’s clash. Saint Anselm claimed two of the three games, but SNHU executed a 3-1 triumph over them on February 16. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but we stuck with it and had a really great week of practice and
Men’s Ice Hockey celebrates after winning the program’s second Northeast-10 Championship Title. (image credit: SNHU Penmen) [the team] put it together,” forward and that’s kind of Kurt Gutting (‘20) did not said Head Hockey Coach what we did and I think allow one puck past him Sean Walsh. we did a very good job at and made 11 saves. Walsh is only in his staying on task and the ulJust 1:04 into the first second year at the helm, timate goal was to win,” he period, Artem Efimovand after a crushing loss to said. “Last time we came Barakov (‘19) found the Saint Anselm in last year’s [to the Sullivan Arena], we back of the net off a pass Northeast-10 semifinals, beat them and we knew from Max Kent (‘21). he knew he needed to we could beat them here Efimov-Barakov took conamp up his players to earn again.” trol of the puck from the this prestigious title once And they did. top of the left circle and again. The Penmen dominat- wristed a shot over left the “We had to learn from ed the first period. Three shoulder of Saint Anselm our mistakes and move Penmen scored and goalie goaltender, Colin Soucy.
The Penmen struck again nearly four minutes later when Joe Fiorino (‘22) slipped the puck past Soucy off a pass from Andy Somerville (‘22). “Fiorino is an unbelievable player,” said Somerville of Fiorino’s goal. “He comes over the blue line with a full head of steam and fishes it off to me. I know he’s going to the net and that he’s going to finish ten times out of ten, so I figured I’d get it back to him and let him finish strong.” SNHU made it 3-0 with just over three minutes remaining in the first period when graduate student and captain Chris Moquin fired a shot from Brett Strawn (‘19) into the far post. The Penmen entered the second period eager to dominate once again. However, the Saint Anselm Hawks started to prove why they have always had an edge over the Penmen. Saint Anselm jumped onto the scoreboard exactly three minutes into the second when Sean Verrier poked a shot past Gutting. Verrier would strike again for Saint Anselm seven
minutes later when he cleared a loose puck past Gutting to bring the score to 3-2. SNHU found an opportunity to take a twogoal lead just under two minutes later. Fiorino held the puck above the right circle and ripped a shot through Saint Anselm defenders that found the back of the net for his second goal of the game and fifth of the season. His goal was unassisted. Saint Anselm was not finished in this period, though, as Trey Aiello knocked in a rebound off an initial shot by Liam O’Sullivan to bring the Hawks within one goal of tying the game. The Penmen headed to the locker room after the second period to regroup from the anxiety-provoking comeback from the Hawks. Walsh spoke to his players heading into the third period telling them to “leave it all out there” and “just spill your guts.” He also told his players to “play with their heads, their hearts and their feet.” This talk motivated
ed emergencies without fear of a change to their conduct standing (e.g., warning, probation, suspension, dismissal). In this context, students who need help with alcohol or drug-related issues on campus will not be punished for seeking help. Even though a student’s academic standing would not change, they may still have to attend a hearing about the incident. A student may also be required to attend
in this community who are trained to be able to assess the level of intoxication of a student and to determine whether medical intervention is necessary. That’s what they have their training and schooling around.” However, this policy is not an excuse for students to ignore the rules on campus. “Abuse of this policy won’t be considered a valid use of the policy," said Tifone. "Should a student overuse this pol-
icy we would be having some pretty serious conversations with the student around their alcohol or drug use.” Tifone also clarified that these conversations would be happening with the student who was reported, not the student reaching out for help. “If we can intervene, get students support, and get students to encourage friends to get support, then I think Responsible Penmen Policy is doing its job,” he said.
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Responsible Penmen Policy Offers Support to Students
Stefan Karlberg Staff Writer
Executive Director of Community Standards Jay Tifone sent an email to all SNHU students on February 21 regarding the new Responsible Penmen Policy. The policy went into effect at the beginning of the semester and encourages students and student organizations to seek immediate medical attention for themselves or others in alcohol and drug-relat-
educational programs regarding alcohol and drug abuse following the reported incident. A failure to attend said program could result in a change to their academic standing. “We’ve already seen [the Responsible Penmen Policy] used a couple times since January," said Tifone. "That’s encouraging to me. I don’t know that we would’ve gotten at least one of those cases had students not been aware of the policy. My
hope is that as we get more word out, that more students will utilize it.” This program provides a way for students to seek help. It allows students to learn that asking for help is not frowned upon, but rather the responsible thing to do. Not reaching out in a time of need, Tifone said, "is a very risky thing to do." “It is above any student on this campus’ paygrade. We have medical professionals
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letter from the editor tHE PENMEN PRESS STAFF 2018-2019 CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF Nick Klotz nicholas.klotz@snhu.edu CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF Nikki Fain nikki.fain@snhu.edu ONLINE MANAGER NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu BUSINESS MANAGER Sultan Akhter sultan.akhter@snhu.edu COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER Maddie Covino madison.covino@snhu.edu MARKETING MANAGER Samantha Aguilar-Hernandez samantha.aguilarhernandez@snhu.edu LEAD COPY EDITOR Catherine LaChance catherine.lachance@snhu.edu NEWS EDITOR Rosa Valente rosa.valente@snhu.edu LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nicholas VonSchantz-Ricci nicholas.ricci1@snhu.edu OPINIONS EDITOR Spencer Fennell spencer.fennell@snhu.edu SPORTS EDITOR NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu LAYOUT EDITOR Emma Sheehan emma.sheehan@snhu.edu LEAD VIDEOGRAPHER Jaime Mailloux jaime.mailloux@snhu.edu PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu FACULTY ADVISOR Jon Boroshok j.boroshok@snhu.edu
The Southern New Hampshire University Penmen Press is a news publication produced by Southern New Hampshire University students and funded largely by the Student Government Association of the University. It is our responsibility to inform the SNHU community about events on and around campus. The Penmen Press will print any material found to be factual and in good taste by the editorial staff of the paper. The views published do not necessarily reflect the views of Southern New Hampshire University. The Penmen Press is published biweekly during the academic year and is printed by the Concord Monitor. To contact the newspaper, please email us at penmenpress@snhu.edu.
spring into self care
Face it, you’re burnt out. We are too. As any college student who’s been around long enough knows, February is “Personal Crisis Month.” Whether it be academic, personal or something else, we’ve all been put through the wringer these past few weeks. We’re making a pact to take care of ourselves over Spring Break. According to a 2017 survey by the American Psychological Association, 61% of students reported feeling anxiety on campus. Our awareness of student mental health is ever increasing, and that’s an amazing thing. We need to know when and how to take the next step and take care of ourselves. Media wants us to
think Spring Break is the time to hit the beach or go on a trip (“Spring Breakers,” anyone?) but let’s be real, who can afford that? The majority of us would be absolutely thrilled just to catch up on sleep. However, a week isn’t enough time to recover, so instead, we’re committing to building the habits to get us through the rest of the semester. After Spring Break, things begin to get crazy. It seems there are a million events to attend on campus. The pressure of graduation increases. Summer plans and internships become worries rather than fantasies. Take a minute to reflect on the semester so far. If you’re a freshman,
you’re almost done your first year of college! For seniors, you’re entering the final stretch. For everyone, these last few weeks are going to be absolutely jam-packed. They always are. You deserve a minute to catch your breath. This break, we’ll be enjoying meals that aren’t from the dining hall. We’ll be catching up with friends, but being okay with saying no if it means taking some valuable personal time. We’ll be reading books in the bathtub, petting our dogs, and maybe even hitting the gym for the first time in a month or two. Whatever you have had going on these past weeks, you’re doing great. Enjoy your time off.
the players going into the third. They came out strong, especially defensively. The third period, unlike the first and second periods, was completely scoreless. Defense from both SNHU and Saint Anselm was so aggressive that neither team was able to add to the scoreboard. Therefore, Fiorino’s second-period goal proved to be the game winner. When the final buzzer blared, the Penmen threw their sticks and helmets in the air as they celebrated their second championship win and first win over the Hawks in championship games. “I’m just happy we won,” said an ecstatic Fiorino after the game. “I’m just happy I was able to help the team win. It means every-
Continued from page 1 thing to me. It feels amazing, especially for the seniors; I love them to death.” “[We’re] committed to getting better every single day and that’s the key and it translated onto the ice during this game,” added Somerville. “The actions were all there and it was all due to hard work.” In the post-game ceremony, Gutting was recognized as the game’s “Most Outstanding Player” by the Northeast-10. He made 37 total saves (11 in the first period, 19 in the second period and seven in the third period) and allowed only three goals. Gutting was also crowned the Northeast-10 Goaltender of the Year on February 21. “It’s amazing,” said Gutting about receiving
the “Most Outstanding Player Award.” “I couldn’t do it without the defenseman on our team. They help me out so much, picking up sticks, just keeping shots to the outside, so a lot of credit to them. It’s an awesome feeling.” With the win, Walsh wins his first major championship of his career as head coach. He said it couldn’t have been done, however, without the amazing group of men he’s had the privilege of coaching. “[The players] wanted to be taught and learn the right way,” he said. “They wanted to be coached. You can’t underestimate the size of their hearts. I think I got dealt a pretty big hand and all the hard work we put in paid off really big for us.”
men’s hockey win title
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news
Watch a Cultural Film at the Faculty Film Series
Branden Wilcox Staff Writer
SNHU professors David Swain, Colin Root and Vanessa Rocco formed an idea in 2011 to showcase a collection of films to introduce the SNHU community to more culture. Today, this showcase is known as the “Faculty Film Series.” Since its inception, the Faculty Film Series covered several topics including, “Black Films Matter,” “The Documentary” and “Science Fiction.” Root stated that when he is choosing a film topic, he attempts to “find a theme that is current,
thought-provoking, and enjoyable for students and staff alike.” The series started as part of a Shakespeare course with Professor David Swain as a venue to show film adaptations of Shakespeare plays. Eventually, professors Rocco and Root joined Swain and decided to ramp it up. As stated by Root, “it was decided that the series should take a more universal approach and serve the campus at large.” In keeping with this process, this semester’s series is “Classics of Queer Cinema,” a series that depicts the struggle
Boys don’t cry (image credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures)
new decision put forth by Evaul passed. Additionally, releasing more information regarding the different positions on SGA’s Executive Board prior to elections or on the ballet itself to help inform voters was discussed. SGA also focused on its internal changes by addressing the Robert’s Rules of Order and its purpose during SGA meetings. The purpose of Robert’s Rules, as stated by Evaul, is to execute meetings in an orderly fashion and ensure everyone has a voice and clarity. Advisor to SGA Colleen Lubin also stated that the emphasis in meetings should be on the spirit of the law, not the letter. She said, “A business meeting is not a class in parliamentary law” and “parliamentary law should be the servant, not the master, of the assembly.” Lubin explained it is not ideal for someone to
interject during a meeting to correct someone’s wording. SGA adheres to its instated policy that helps meetings run smoothly while ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. It is not used to discourage other members from talking . A final idea that was suggested for self-improvement was considering changes to how new senators are inducted into SGA and trained on procedure and policy. SGA President Iesina Tupouniua (’20) discussed her experience at a meeting with the Board of Trustees in Montgomery, Alabama on February 14. The purpose of the meeting was to unveil SNHU’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan that will begin next fall. President Tupouniua remarked her positive and emotional experience in Montgomery in a post on Instagram: “I sat in the same courtroom Dr. Martin
of queer identity in cultures over the years. All films will be shown on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Walker Auditorium with free popcorn outside the door. The 1969 film “Boys in the Band” and the 1980 film “Cruising” have already been shown on February 6 and February 20, respectively. However, there are still films for students to look forward to. Root and his colleagues will be showing 1985 film “Desert Hearts” on March 6, 1989 film “Longtime Companion” on
March 20 and the 1999 film “Boys Don’t Cry” on April 10. “From this particular series, we are hoping that students take away an understanding of LGBTQ representation in mainstream cinema throughout the decades,” said Root. “Queer stories are often mediated by Hollywood studios, but we have tried to choose films that give a more accurate representation of Queer lives in film.” Any student looking to learn more about the history of the LGBTQ community or just looking to see interesting films is welcome to attend.
bias, bullying, discrimination and harassment. Tifone stated that an online form was launched this fall to allow students to self-report without talking to a Resident Assistant (RA) or Public Safety. The form is accessible on mySNHU through various methods. One easy way to access the form is by accessing the Community Life tab. At the top of the page is a link that reads, “Bias, Bullying, Discrimination, or Harassment.” All SNHU students should receive an email containing additional information on how to access the form, as well as what will be expected in a report. SGA also approved four club requests during the meeting. SGA addressed an additional allocation request from the Game Design Club. The request was for an increase of $775 to be used for an end of year
raffle and for club jackets for new members in order to build a sense of community within the club. A capital expense request from the Student Veterans Association (SVA) asked for funding of $495.14 to buy a guidon staff. The SVA stated that the staff will be used at all meetings and events to symbolize a commitment to the Armed Forces. A conference request came from DECA to pay for a trip to the International Career Development Conference in Florida to represent SNHU and New Hampshire. The cost was $11,190 with a per-person cost of $1,398. Lastly, there was a co-sponsorship request from the International Student Association for the funding of $500 and five volunteers to support the International Gala on April 12, an event which acknowledges the culture, history, and diverse community of SNHU.
major takeaways from latest sga senate meeting
Daniel Hopler Staff Writer
The Southern New Hampshire University’s Student Government Association (SGA) held its bi-weekly meeting February 19. They discussed many recent developments and concerns, focusing on the changes surrounding SGA itself. The most noticeable change that occurred was no-longer voting for an Executive Officer (EO) internally. The position is now determined by an external vote by the student body. Current EO Ryan Evaul (’19) stated the reason for the change was that the EO used to be an inward-facing secretarial position. However, as the role of EO transferred into an outward-facing manager position, EO Evaul said the position should be treated like all other executive positions in the SGA: it should be voted on externally. This
Luther King and Rosa Parks fought for justice. I touched the walls of warehouses where slaves were ‘prepped’ for auctions. I crossed the streets where protesters marched from Selma. I listened to personal stories of families fleeing the South from racial terrorism. I read the suicide letters of black teenage boys on Death Row. I witnessed a panel of three young men from Chicago who have shifted their lives from gun violence. There are no words nor pictures that could depict the heaviness I felt in Montgomery, Alabama. I will add this day to my story and carry it with me forever.” A copy of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan is in the SGA office. Guest speakers Jay Tifone, Executive Director of Community Standards and Student Affairs, and Russell Antoine, Associate Director for Community Standards, discussed self-reporting
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SNHU to Host Second-Annual Student Film Showcase
Rosa Valente News Editor The second annual Student Film Showcase will take place Saturday, April 20 in Walker Auditorium, and submissions for the showcase are being accepted until March 8. The Student Film Showcase is an hour’s worth of multiple short films submitted by SNHU’s own student filmmakers. The amount of submissions chosen will ultimately be determined by how many can fit within the hour time slot. Assistant Professor of Communications, David Humphreys, and his colleague, Professor Colin Root, will look for exceptional uniqueness, cinematography, sound, interviews and story within the short films. The films can cover a broad range of genres such as fiction, avant-garde, documentaries and motion graphic projects. It is meant to be an event where students can
Student filmmaker Joe Licciardello. (image credit: Rosa Valente) show off their work to mal showcase arose, he a story about last year’s think was a really sucshowcase. One of the cessful film.” their friends, family accepted it right away. In this year’s show, and community in a Last year’s show- students’ submissions more formal setting case was a huge success consisted of music, a Humphreys hopes to than in a classroom. with approximately fish bowl and food col- see two films in partic“They put a lot of 100 attendees and a oring. The film showed ular that he has noticed hard work into what vast diversity among many different colors students working on. they’re doing, so having projects, according of food coloring mix- One will experiment this opportunity for to Humphreys. While ing together in the fish with the mixing of them to screen their Humphreys expressed bowl until the water paint and another will focus on the use of light work in a professional the desire for more turned to black. and LEDs. setting is really import- people to attend, he Despite his exant to showing them stressed that the true citement about the that we as a communi- requirement for all atavant-garde films, ty care about the work tendees is open-mindHumphreys explained that they’re making,” edness and an apprethat the submissions for said Humphreys. ciation for their peers’ the showcase are open The idea for the work. to anyone and everyone Student Film Showcase “I would like to see who has been working was cultivated by everybody from across on a film of any genre. a conversation be- the campus: faculty, He encourages students tween Humphreys administrative staff, to submit their work to and Professor Vanessa the students supporthave the experience of a Rocco, who helps run ing their friends, their “It was just this re- public screening which the Humanities Film peers, their family. If we Series alongside Root. get a good cross sam- ally nice film. It made is important to put on a Rocco approached pling of that with fifty you think about the resume. Humphreys also exHumphreys with the people in the house, process of filmmaking idea of showing off I’m going to be happy,” itself and the colors plained that the showstudent creations as said Humphreys. “I just mixing and it was just case allows for an even opposed to showing a want the students to very meditative,” said greater opportunity for famous film at the end have support and com- Humphreys. “That’s not student filmmakers. He of the year. munity showing up and something you normal- shared his own experiHumphreys wanted saying, ‘What you’re ly get in documentary ences with screening a and non-fiction work. film and explained how to do something simi- doing is important.’” lar, and he had even had Humphreys is espe- It was also a challenge nerve-wracking it was, students for one of his cially excited for some for him to do because but he also stressed classes put on a smaller of the avant-garde he’s never worked in that the reward far outthat medium before, so weighed any anxieties showcase of their own. films. So, when the opportuHe expressed major he pushed himself and that he had. “I remember last nity to do execute a for- enthusiasm as he told ended up with what I
“People either
don’t like art, or they do like art, and it doesn’t reflect the artist.”
time, someone had a comedy and afterwards they came up and said, ‘People were laughing at it,’ and I said, ‘Yeah, I know. Isn’t it awesome?’” said Humphreys. “At the end of the day, you’re not making work to sit in this bubble. You make work to share and put it out there and let the audience like it or not. This is kind of a first taste of that.” Humphreys hopes to keep this tradition going and see students’ interest in the event grow as it evolves. He also hopes that many students will take the leap this year and submit their creations despite any nerves they may have at seeing them on the big screen. After all, as Humphreys said, “people either don’t like art, or they do like art, and it doesn’t reflect the artist.” Any student who has been working on a film and would like to have it displayed during this event can contact Humphreys at d.humphreys@snhu.edu.
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Nicholas VonSchantz-Ricci Lifestyle Editor
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lifestyle
Zapp Hot Pot Brings Interactive Dining to NH
When driving along Nashua Road in Londonderry, it’s hard to not to get distracted by the constant display of gas stations, supermarkets and plazas that occupy the area. Inside one of these plazas resides a humble little eatery offering a unique variety of dining experiences that is very difficult to find in the granite state. Bangkok Thai Food opened three years ago as an authentic Thai restaurant serving up all the classics, such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup and Basil Fried Rice. A few years later, the Nakayone family decided to expand upon their business to
include Thai-style Hot Pot. In May of 2018, Zapp Hot Pot opened its doors and quickly became a destination for hot pot enthusiasts in the area. Dining at a hot pot restaurant is an entirely unique and interactive experience. The process involves ordering raw vegetables, proteins and starches, rather than complete dishes. The ingredients are brought to the table, and the diner is in charge of cooking the ingredients in a pot of simmering broth. While the idea of cooking your own food at a restaurant may seem unusual, the concept has begun to gain acceptance across the United States. “We wanted something new and different
in this area,” said Emily Nakayone, co-owner of Bangkok Thai Food and Zapp Hot Pot. “Some say hot pot is Chinese, some say it’s Japanese…but the Thai word for Hot Pot is ‘Suki.’ There are a lot of popular shops in Thailand [for] Hot Pot.” The broth itself is the most important component of the hot pot experience. In addition to chicken and vegetable broths, there is a spicy broth that contains fresh Thai herbs and can be adjusted according to heat preference. The protein, vegetable and starch selections at Zapp are nearly endless. Chicken, steak, pork belly, pork dumplings and pork meatballs are offered for carnivores, while shrimp, squid,
scallops, salmon, shrimp dumplings and fish balls are available for those wanting a taste of the sea. Vegetables include broccoli, sweet potato, carrots, onion, spinach, napa cabbage, corn, mushrooms and more, making hot pot suitable for vegetarians. Rounding out the menu are five types of noodles, rice and a trio of Thai sauces for dipping. Those who have never experienced hot pot before may be a bit confused or hesitant during their first visit, but every table is equipped with written instructions. A video showcasing the proper method is also broadcast at the front of the dining room. “It’s very simple. If you just try the first
time, you’ll be an expert the second time,” said Nakayone. Upon walking in, it’s impossible not to notice the eccentric sky-blue interior. A mural featuring everything from a carousel to ice cream to a hat-wearing octopus is on full display. The painting was done by Nakayone’s niece, and it serves to reinforce the
ing to me, but it changed the way I viewed diet and food in general. I disagreed with the treatment of animals, the environmental impacts and the possible health concerns related to eating meat. In April of 2018, I decided I would eliminate meat from my diet. I was extremely surprised at the changes that happened to my body within the first month of going
meat-free and the lessons I learned in the process. I was foolish at the time and didn’t consult my doctor and rushed into it too quickly. Any drastic dietary change affects the entire body, and as a result, I felt awful. During the first week, I felt as if I was going through withdrawals. My stomach was constantly aching and my skin was break-
ing out with red patches of acne. These symptoms made quitting this new diet very tempting. I was so worried I had made myself sick that I went looking for answers. So, like I should have done in the first place, I called my doctor, and she provided me with those answers. My skin was breaking out because I was lacking a vitamin called B-12, which is found predominately in animal products. I was experiencing indigestion from the drastic change, and I felt awful. She recommended daily vitamins in place of meat that ultimately saved me from hurting myself. Again, I strongly recommend asking your doctor before making any major dietary adjustments. One month into not eating meat and taking the recommended vitamins, I noticed some
uplifting changes. I noticed my skin was clearer than it had ever been, I had shed some weight around my stomach area and I had so much more energy. Before this meatfree diet, I suffered from chronic fatigue. I was constantly tired and sluggish even with a full night of sleep, but that changed completely when I stopped eating meat. I stopped eating fast food, as most menu items contain meat, and I just felt good about myself. I wasn’t starving myself with a strict diet because I was actually eating way more food than I ever had before. Since I was nourishing myself, I didn’t crave sugars, salts or any unhealthy food in general. This was astounding to me because I had tried diets in the past and they always failed. I would eat smaller meals three times a day, but I would
happiness that is felt while eating hot pot. Hot Pot is a type of cuisine that should be on everyone’s radar. It’s fun, approachable, interactive and flavorful. Don’t let the strip mall setting fool you; this is the real deal. The Hot Pot side of the operation is not marked by a sign, so look out for the “Bangkok Thai Food” sign instead.
(image credit: Nicholas VonSchantz-Ricci)
How Diets Affect the Body: My Journey Going Meat-Free
Taylor DeForrest Staff Writer
I have loved animals my whole life, and I always felt a little guilty whenever I would share a video of a cow wearing a flower crown and then going out to dinner and ordering steak. Eating meat seemed hypocritical, so I did some research on the subject. What I found was not only devastat-
(image credit: Shutterstock)
end up ordering pizza because I was starving. Since I was eating lower calorie meals with bigger portions, I didn’t feel like I was on a diet. I never connected my constant fatigue and issues with my diet until I started this eating routine, and it really opened my eyes to the benefits of healthy eating. The message here isn’t to go vegetarian. The message here is to think before you eat and make sure you aren’t drastically changing your diet without consulting a doctor. Otherwise, the results may be alarming. What you put into your body matters, and you will feel what you eat way past the actual time of consumption. Eating more vegetables and less meat changed my body and helped me in more ways than just solving a moral dilemma.
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The Palace Theater brightens manchester for students
Samantha Aguilar-Hernandez Marketing Manager
In the heart of Manchester lies the entrance to a world of talent where the arts come alive. Among the long list of places in Manchester to visit, there is only one that stands out for its beautiful architecture, inspiring history and remarkable talent. This remarkable stage is the Palace Theater. Located at 80 Hanover Street, the Palace Theater first opened its doors on April 9, 2015. At the time, the Palace Theater was considered the only “firstclass” theater in N.H. that was both fireproof and “air conditioned.” A Greek immigrant, Victor Charas, was the creative mastermind behind the Theater’s breathtaking design that began construction in 1914. Charas' impressive and grand design of the Theatre was fashioned after “The Palace Theater” on Broadway in New York City. From 1915-1930, the theater was in its prime. Vaudeville acts often stopped at the Palace
Amy Sumsion Staff Writer Student debt is becoming an increasingly large issue with 44.2 million Americans with student loan debt, as reported by the Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States. Of that 44.2 million, the average monthly student loan payment is around $351. In addition to student debt, students often have various other debts, including credit card payments and car payments. Other common monthly financial
Stage to perform, including Harry Houdini, Bob Hope and The Marx Brothers. Additionally, stock companies performed there up to 12 times a week. In 1928, a patron seeing their resident company, “The Palace Players,” perform would cost just 75 cents. Times changed quickly in the 1930s when audiences started seeing movies. From 1930 to the early 1960s, the Palace stood as a movie theater. The Palace took an ugly turn in the 1960s. It no longer had connections to its artistic beginnings. The Palace fell into disrepair; seats were removed, stage equipment was left to deteriorate and the building became a warehouse. However, Manchester lawyer John McLane and Mayor Sylvio S. Dupuis held a campaign to restore the Palace Theater and construction was soon underway. After a series of misfortunes in 1974 and 1984, a beautifully restored theater now stands as a 834-seat professional performing arts center.
The Palace Theater holds eight full-scale professional productions a year under the vision of its artistic director, choreographer and lighting designer, Carl Rajotte. “To hold a full scale production, we keep three things in mind: what our artistic team feels inspired to bring to the stage, what our patrons want to see and that the legal rights are available to put on the show,"said Michayla Lupien, Marketing Coordinator for the Palace Theater. "People often request we do “Wicked” but it would be highly illegal! Rights have to be available." After basing costume design, set design and sound design on Rajotte’s spectacular vision, the theater holds two open calls, one in New York and one locally. After choices are made, actors' contracts are sent out, marketing starts promoting the show, tickets are sold and rehearsals are put into place. “In the blink of an eye, it’s opening night! Costumes have been made, dancing and vocals
The Palace Theater. (image credit: Kim-Sarah I) perfected and everyone To audition, the only also become a member can feel the excitement,” thing needed is a pro- of the Palace. With a said Lupien. “The Palace fessional headshot and a membership. students is a well-oiled machine. resume that lists acting can meet actors attend If there’s a snag, we work experience and special an after party with them it out but otherwise, I skills. It should also in- following a show. SNHU wouldn’t call the process clude height and vocal students can also apply to difficult - more often it’s range, as many produc- work at the youth theater rather fun and exciting.” tions are musicals. program the Place offers Students at SNHU are For monologues, it is that also holds full-scale encouraged to participate recommended to mem- performances, as well as in all the different pro- orize an age-appropriate camps and workshops. ductions. For profession- monologue that has a beIf you want to rent al theater auditions, it is gin, middle and end. The Palace Theater for a recommended a student For spectators, The performance, contact Ray has a couple of profes- Palace encourages SNHU Garon at 603 - 668- 5588 sional credits to his/her students to take advan- Ext. 204. Or, if you are name. However, a vast tage of their student looking to intern at The experience in community discount and attend as Palace Theatre, please theater or college produc- many performances as contact davidrousseau@ tions count as well. they want. Students can palacetheatre.org.
obligations include groceries, phone bills, rent and more. Students must analyze their monthly income and monthly fixed expenses to determine the best method for paying it off. Paying off debt quickly will help eliminate financial burdens and allow more room to save for emergencies and retirement. Deleting debt takes patience and a plan. While there are several different methods that are commonly used to reduce debt, the methods vary in effectivity depending upon the financial situation of
the individual. The two most common methods include debt stacking and debt snowballing. Debt stacking is a method that recommends prioritizing debt in order from highest interest rate to lowest, not the overall balance. It is critical to consistently pay the minimum payment on all debts while simultaneously paying an additional amount of money toward the debt with the highest interest rate. Keep paying this additional amount of money toward that debt until it is completely paid off, and continue to
work down the interest rate list with this method until all debt is paid off. This method will help to eliminate additional money spent on interest rates as time progresses. However, it will take longer to pay off debts with higher balances. Debt snowballing is a method that recommends creating a list of all debts in order from the lowest remaining balance to the highest balance, regardless of the interest rate. Then, while paying the minimum payment for each
Pay Off Student Debt Now
loan every month, put any additional money toward the debt with the lowest balance. Continue with this payment method until the lowest debt is completely paid off and then move down the list to the next highest debt. The idea behind this method is less about saving more money in the end, but rather feeling a personal victory when being able to pay off a debt, regardless of how little it may have been. This feeling will, in theory, motivate people to keep following this method and to keep
saving money to pay off larger debts. However, this may cost more money in the long-run because the debts with higher balances may potentially have the highest interest rates and will continue to multiply. What works for one person and his/her financial situation may not work for another. People should choose the method that best fits within their monthly budget, level of motivation and financial goals. Start paying off debts as soon as possible. Just be sure to have a plan and stick with it.
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Victoria Dean Learns Invaluable Skills Through ROTC
Catherine LaChance Lead Copy Editor
Victoria Dean (‘20) is not a typical student athlete. She is also a cadet in the SNHU On-Campus ROTC program. The ROTC, otherwise known as the Reserves Officers’ Training Corps, is a college military program that presents enrolled students with military-focused classes and field training to properly prepare them for an army officer position after graduation. Army ROTC students, or “cadets,” learn invaluable character-building commands to become diverse, self-disciplined civilians through tough, centralized leadership development training. Dean, a junior on the women’s basketball team, joined the ROTC program after her sophomore year. “I needed to do something that was separate from basketball to keep me motivated,” she said. Dean comes from a military family. Her sister, Abby, is a first lieutenant stationed at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. Dean admires her sister’s ambitions and wants to follow in her footsteps. “Seeing [my] sister and how prepared she was for the military after college was truly inspiring,” said Dean. “I’ve always had a passion for serving the country and watching her succeed at it really pushes me to want to do the same.” Dean found herself in the ROTC office on campus following an unsatisfactory basketball season her sophomore year. She spoke to several officers and cadets in the office to learn more about the program and how to enroll.
common goal. In the army, she must know her personnel officers and learn their strengths and weaknesses to better accomplish a given task. In basketball, the objective is to win as many games as possible as a collective group and to do so, she must comprehend each of her teammates’ strengths and delegate certain tasks to them.
Victoria Dean (‘20) poses with the SNHU ROTC cadets (image credit: Victoria Dean) She then became an This semester, treks to the University In addition to beofficial cadet. Dean is taking Military of New Hampshire ing physically fit, Dean The following sum- Science 301. The class (UNH) for additional must have a strong mer, she attended a goes one day a week training. mindset. She has to cadet training camp. from 9 a.m-12 p.m. Training for the adapt to stressful sitThis camp served as a and is followed by a ROTC program is in- uations and perform contingency to get her physical component tense, as Dean describes under intense pressure. feet wet and acclimate at 1 p.m. The physical it, and varies greatly This holds true for both her to customary mil- component combines from her basketball her role in the ROTC itary protocol. This the drills and instruc- training. and on the basketball summer, she plans to tion that were learned “Basketball is more team. travel to Fort Knox for in class. stop and go and more For the army, she an advanced training “You run through interval,” said Dean. must have an aggressive camp where she will everything you learned “Whereas you have to mindset, whereas, in be placed on an official in class which can be be 100% in the army. basketball, a team-orimerit list that will rank an ambush, a raid,” said There are no breaks, ented mindset is necher cadet status. Dean of Military 301. you have to be on at all essary. She also takes a When she graduates “You run the drills as times.” step back in basketball. SNHU in May 2020, she if it were your real-life Dean must take “I have to know my plans to commission as training.” physical fitness tests role,” she said. “I have an official army officer. Dean’s physical for both the army and to have a completely While she contin- training consists of var- basketball. The army different mindset for ues her quest at SNHU ious drills one would physical fitness test basketball and the army, to earn this title, she endure during boot consists of two min- but in both, I have this must take a series of camp. On Monday, utes of pushups, two incredible group of military science class- Wednesday and minutes of situps and people coming together es as required by the Thursday mornings, a two-mile run. The to achieve what they ROTC. These courses she hits the campus basketball fitness test, want.” include introductory gym with her ROTC however, is completely Dean must also classes such as Military group and runs through different training. have strong interper1, 2 and 3 and advanced training exercises. She Yet, between the two sonal skills. In both the classes such as Leading also runs across campus physical tests and train- ROTC program and Small Tactic Units. She or the Livingston Park ing, Dean says she is in basketball, she works must also take a world trails. “the best shape [I’ve] closely with other peowar history class. Every Friday, she ever been in.” ple to accomplish a
Through the ROTC program, Dean has gained many additional valuable skills that translate into her basketball career. These skills include leadership, motivation and discipline. “I definitely view myself as a leader,” she said. “This year, I have a lot of younger kids looking up to me [on the basketball team], and I think joining the ROTC program has helped me mature as a person and as a player.” Dean’s basketball teammates admire her passion for the army. When she was first going through the decision-making process, she mentioned it to them and they were supportive of her. “They keep me going,” said Dean, referring to her teammates. “They respect what I do and think [ROTC] is super cool.” Dean uses the leadership, motivational and disciplinary skills she acquires from basketball and the ROTC program and uses them interchangeably to achieve the utmost success on the court and in the army. “Both of them coincide to make me better in whatever I’m doing,” said Dean. “So, if it’s the army, I learn things to make me better in basketball, and if its basketball, I learn things to make me a better leader in the army.”
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opinion
Spencer Fennell Opinions Editor
How Cancellation Policy Affects Commuters
During the bitter winter months, students pray for snowfall in hopes of class cancellations. For some students, even the smallest amount of snowfall can get them excited for a snow day. However, not too many people know the process the university goes through to cancel classes due to snow. The Penmen Press spoke with the individual responsible for making this hefty decision: Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Jeremy Owens. Owens’ process to cancel classes follows a relatively standard procedure. He looks at other
(image credit: redplum.com) cancellations, the intensity he said, is the amount of levels of snow produce slicker and icier roads, of the storm, and whether expected snowfall. the cancellation will inter“Heavy snowfall is which makes traveling to fere with important events usually when we cancel. and from campus more happening on campus, It’s rare that we cancel difficult for commuters. such as finals. The main for anything else,” said Yet, as Owens stated, it is uncommon for the unifactor in determining Owens. whether to cancel classes, On the contrary, low versity to cancel classes
when the snowfall is light. The roads are especially dangerous at night or early morning when most commuters are driving to and from campus. Ice covers the pavement the most at these times, and commuters often cannot even see this ice. Facilities sprinkle salt on all campus roadways, but students commuting from far lengths throughout the Greater Manchester area are not as fortunate. The roads many students drive on are not always salted, causing an uneasy, stressful commute. Facilities work tirelessly through the wee hours of the night to ensure all walkways and stairwells around campus
are plowed. They take every precaution necessary so on-campus can attend their classes. Yet, commuters are late to class because they slid off the road because the road was not plowed or salted. It almost seems like SNHU cares more about its on-campus students than commuters when it comes to winter weather precautions. Approximately half of all SNHU students are commuters, and if the roads are in dangerous conditions, they shouldn’t be forced to attend class. Just because the snowfall isn’t exactly “heavy,” it still impacts students’ commute. Therefore, SNHU should take commuters into consideration when canceling classes.
It’s Alarming that You Leave Lint in the Dryers
Catherine LaChance Lead Copy Editor
Last Sunday night, I laid peacefully in my bed in Windsor Hall engulfed in pillows and blankets. I had been running around so much all week. When I finally accomplished all my assignments that night, I jumped into bed to relax. I finally had “me time.” Then I was faced with my biggest stressor: the screeching sound of the Windsor fire alarm. I jumped out of my bed as fast as I could. My body shook and my heart raced. Discombobulated, I scrambled to grab my coat and shoes before evacuating the building with my pod mate. Together, my pod mate and I walked down to her car in the basketball court parking lot. While we sat in her car to avoid the cold, we watched two fire trucks, several public safety vans and an am-
bulance pull up to the main entrance of the building. The two of us pondered what the possible cause of this fire was. Was it just a drill? Did someone leave popcorn in the microwave for too long? Did someone carelessly “forget” to put water in microwaveable mac-and-cheese? Or, the lamest of them all, did some imbecile light up in their room? We sat in her car for about 20 minutes watching Public Safety officers and firefighters enter and leave the building. Then we decided to brave the frigid temperatures and trek up the hill to Windsor. As we approached the building, the fire trucks and ambulance slowly left the entrance. A Public Safety officer stood outside the entrance directing students back into the building. Curious for answers, my roommate and I asked her what the cause of the alarm was. The officer’s
answer was startling. Some nincompoop neglected to clean the lint out of the dryer in the laundry room. You should never leave lint in the dryer. I thought this was common sense. Leaving lint in the lint tray is a fire hazard, and in case you didn’t notice, there is a sign above the Windsor dryers explicitly explaining how to properly use them, with the first step being “remove all lint from the lint tray.” According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters respond to around 14,630 fires a year that are caused by dryers. One-third of those fires are caused by an accumulation of lint. Having too much lint in the lint trap can set you up for a dangerous situation. With that in mind, how can you be so careless to leave lint in the dryer? Even though it may not seem like it,
leaving lint in dryers is dangerous. Please remove it before you start the dryer. It’s a simple, yet necessary, step in the drying process and it will prevent setting a building on fire. It’s infuriating to me to watch the foolishness of a shortsighted individual neglect to remove
lint from a dryer. It takes less than a second to do, as opposed to 25 minutes outside in the cold waiting for the “OK” from Public Safety. I don’t think it’s too much to ask. Thankfully, no one was hurt in Windsor when this incident occurred. However, it
disrupted many people’s evenings, including mine. But, it should serve as a wake-up call for all residents on SNHU’s campus to remove lint from dryers to prevent anything more serious from happening. If you are looking for a good read tonight, look above the dryers.
Hampton Hall’s dryers. (image credit: Catherine LaChance)
the penmen press
Rosa Valente News Editor Anyone who has taken a driver’s ed course should know all the basic rules of driving. Stop at a stop sign, go when the light turns green, and when there is a crosswalk present, pedestrians always have the right of way. However, on SNHU’s campus, crosswalks seem to be obsolete, and I alone have had multiple experiences with people going 40 miles per hour around bends in a parking lot who needed to then slam on their brakes just to avoid hitting me. One would think that 40 miles per hour in a parking lot would be considered excessive. In my freshman year alone, I can recall at least
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Don’t Make Pedestrians Another Statistic five memorable times when I saw my life flash before my eyes in the reflection of a car window. Just last Thursday, on February 28, I was crossing a crosswalk near the Academic Center when a car decided to turn into it. At most, the car was about five inches away from having me on the hood, cracking the windshield. The worst part is that another car, which was stopped at a stop sign across the way, also decided that me standing in the middle of the crosswalk wouldn’t deter them from slamming their foot on the gas. Anything to beat the two cars coming down the road, right? I come from New York, and everyone knows that New Yorkers are constantly made fun of for being bad drivers.
However, I can honestly say that in all my 18 years of living there, I cannot think of a time when I honestly feared for my life in a parking lot because of someone going way over the speed limit. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), more than 6,200 pedestrians were killed on United States roads in 2018. This signals a 28 year high with 250 more people being killed from the previous year in 2017. According to an article on CNBC, the amount of pedestrian deaths have increased 41 percent since 2008, and they now make up 16 percent of all traffic deaths. Quite honestly, these numbers are unnecessary. To think that I could have been one of those
(image credit: Nashville Public Radio) 6,200 people frightens derstand that sometimes these things constitutes me, and what frightens you are late for class. I the loss of a life or what me even more is that I understand that some- that loss would do to your legitimately fear walking times there is an emer- conscience. around on my own col- gency at home or in your Please pay attention lege campus. As cliche dorm and you need to get when driving around as it may sound, I do not somewhere. I understand campus. Please be patient want to be another sta- that sometimes you have and wait for that student tistic, and I do not think had a horrible day and to get across the crossanyone else does either. you are not paying as walk. Please don’t make So I have a simple much attention as you someone one of those request for everyone who could be. I get it. I’ve been 6,200 people in 2019. has a car and drives on there. We all have. Be careful. Pay attenSNHU’s campus: I unHowever, none of tion. Drive safe.
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arts & entertainment Ariana’s New Album makes me think“No thank u, next”
Kyle Griffin Staff Writer
Ariana Grande has gone through some drastic and unfortunate events lately, but her latest album, “thank u, next,” is the worst of it all. Grande’s newest album dropped February 8, 2019 and many music reviewers praise her for making such a strong comeback after a series of events plagued her mental health in 2018. Grande’s ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, tragically passed away September 7, 2018. Although the loss was heartbreaking enough, Grande went through hell when Miller’s fans
blamed her for his death. Throughout this commotion, she broke off her engagement with Saturday Night Live’s Pete Davidson. After these misfortunes, Grande went into the studio to record new music, even though she previously stated she was taking a break from music. She used these upsetting events as the inspiration for “thank u next.” Well, no thanks. Hard pass. Lyrically this album is a disappointment. Although Grande has passion behind the message, each song is like listening to a broken record.
The opening song of an album can tell the listener what the album is going to sound like. This album is equivalent to watching paint dry. The first song off of the album is “imagine.” This song has no climax and it’s a plateau of listening to Grande complain about how she wants her life to be. Although that’s great that she wants to change her life around, but listening to her whine the words “can you imagine?” 22 times in a row is one bad way to start off the record. Each song has a different message and those messages are riddled with contradictions. Take “needy,” for exam-
ple. The song opens up with her singing about if her significant other won’t answer in time, she won’t know how to react. This is followed by, “but all I can say is at least I’ll wait for you.” If Grande knows she’s going to wait for this guy, then she knows how she is going to react. Later in the same song, she says, “passionate, but I don’t give no f**ks.” Well if Grande is passionate about something, that means she cares about it making her give at least a few. “NASA” is a lyrical train wreck. Every sentence in verse one ends with the word “tonight.” The last time I’ve seen
the same word over and over again was in elementary school when I was learning how to spell. I didn’t realize this album was a pre-school exercise. The last single to release before the album dropped was a song titled “7 rings.” This song is as bad as the artist’s newest tattoo. Grande states that she doesn’t want to brag, yet the entire song is about her waving her paycheck around. She sings “I don’t mean to brag, but I be like, ‘put it in the bag.’” This is example A of her “not bragging,” yet the rest of the song she says, “if I want it, I got it.” Grande is known for
having a dynamically ranged voice, but unfortunately in this album, her notes lack substance. She rarely hits a high note, and when she does it is in the background of the track. This lack of motion in range turns the audience away from the album. Fans are left wondering where the “daring” Ariana went. The album is a well-rounded mess. The lyrics are simple, the tracks that she whines over are anticlimactic, and the artist fails to keep the audience entertained. No thank u, next is what I will be saying if any of these tracks end up playing on my Spotify.
rely on the use of bad jokes and uncomfortable moments that current sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory have depended on for their survival. Miracle Workers has no room for cheap jokes and funny gags. Different from other sitcoms, Miracle Workers tells a story about a group of people who are looking to fix an already screwed up system from the very top. There is a tangible story line with all characters taking the same road to achieve a common goal. Yet, Miracle
Workers has room for perfect character development, valuable life lessons and endless lines of crazy, yet meaningful, dialogue. Can Miracle Workers become something more than a story about a group of angels going against the wishes of a maniacal, manipulative and sociopathic God? There is no doubt that everything that happens after the 24 minute episode offers time for discussion. With a recalcitrant God, a low-level angel answering all of humanity’s prayers, a far-too dedicated angel and a heavenly yesman, Miracle Workers has enough potential to explore what could hopefully be a more charming and enjoyable second season. I seriously hope that a simple prayer like this gets answered. Catch a new episode of Miracle Workers every Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. on TBS.
Miracle Workers is An Afterlife Comedy of a Hellish Heaven Samantha Aguilar-Hernandez Marketing Manager
It’s simple. Steve Buscemi is God. He wants to blow up earth. Daniel Radcliffe is an angel. He wants to save it. With the help of other angels, Radcliffe has to make two humans fall in love in order to save the earth. Simple, right? Then, it should be just as simple to watch TBS’s limited series, “Miracle Workers.” Miracle Workers is a Heaven-set workplace comedy series based on Simon Rich’s humorous fiction novel, “What In God’s Name,” which was published by Back Bay Books in 2013. TBS takes the job of adapting this fresh and funny novel into a new limited series that has been promoted everywhere on social media and television since the end of last year. With an already 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and
with critics claiming the series to be “more charming than clever,” Miracle Workers becomes a wonderful adaptation of an already funny and powerful story. Seeing Daniel Radcliffe (but not his glasses) back on the screen alongside Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan and Karan Soni is a good enough reason to give this show a chance. However, don’t let appearances mislead you. Although the once wizard’s name might be the first thing you see
(image credit: TBS/Miracle Workers) written in the show’s is in charge of answeropening sequence, it ing all of humanity’s is really his talented prayers. After Eliza co-worker, Geraldine makes a bet with God Viswanathan, who sits in order to save the behind the wheel of this earth, Craig and Eliza story. start working together The lead female in order to complete a role of Eliza is tak- seemingly impossible en by Geraldine prayer to save it. This Viswanathan. Eliza is prayer is helping the an angel who is excited two most socially awkto finally start answer- ward humans in the ing humanity’s prayers, world fall in love. but she quickly gets Though Miracle frustrated when she Workers has an iconic realizes that only a tiny cast and interesting percentage of prayers story to explore, it is get answered. my fear that, as new Daniel Radcliffe episodes are released has the role of Craig, in the next couple of a low-level angel who weeks, the series will
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sports
Spring Sports Determined to Reach New Heights
Madyson Alexander Staff Writer
With winter sports melting away, spring sports are swiftly approaching. Spring sports at SNHU are Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball and Men’s Tennis. With aspirations of success and even division championships, the teams are off to a good start to make these goals a reality. The Women’s Lacrosse team is more prepared than ever to take on another season. With the goal to make playoffs driving the team, they are coming in focused, driven, fit and ambitious. This year, the team has a large roster of 31, and 11 of which are freshmen. “[The freshmen] have brought a great dynamic to our program,” said Coach Kathryn Beall. “They are hard-working and extremely competitive.” While preseason was focused on developing positional IQ and techniques, now it's about preparation. The team fosters incredible talent and drive, which will put them as a formidable competitor in the NE10 conference. As of February 28, Women's Lacrosse is 0-1. They lost their season opener to Franklin Pierce 18-12 on February 27, but they are ready to bounce back. They open their home slate Saturday, March 9 when they play host to Dominican College from New York. The Men’s Lacrosse team is also eyeing playoffs and a possible conference championship. Although last year
the team ended with an overall record of 5-9, they are ready to pick it up with a group of talented athletes. With a powerful offense and a solid defense, Men’s Lacrosse is focused and ready to make noise within the conference. Like Women's Lacrosse, Men's Lacrosse pulled in a strong group of freshmen, which Coach Paul Calkins describes as “one of the most talented groups that [I] have brought together in [my] 31 years of coaching.” The team has a motto of “be better today than we were yesterday,” as Calkins explained, which drives and motivates the team to have a strong season. As of February 25, they hold a 1-1 record, losing their first game
against Georgian Court, but bouncing back to win its second game against Molloy. Men’s Tennis is hoping to repeat its accomplishments of last season with another NE10 Conference Championship. The team also aspires to reach the NCAA’s round of elite eight in the East Conference. The Penmen won the NE10 Conference Championship for the third consecutive year last year, and according to Coach Gregory Coache, it will not be the last. The team also made SNHU history by earning a spot in the round of 32 in the NCAA’s last season, which has never been achieved before. With a strong recruiting class and even stronger unity among the team, Men’s Tennis
is more determined than ever to earn its fourth consecutive NE10 title. Also returning strong is the softball team. Last year, it made appearances both at the NE10 semifinals and the NCAA East Regional Conference. This year, the team is returning seven starters and bringing in seven freshmen. With a deep bench, line-ups can be expected to switch up often. One of its strongest suits is its pitching. The softball team aspires to win a conference championship this year and make it to NCAA regionals. It holds a 5-1 overall record, as of February 25, winning five out of six games in South Carolina. Last, but certainly not least, is the baseball team. With the accom-
plishment of earning the NCAA East Regional Title last season, the team has high hopes entering this season. However, the team will be moving forward and giving little thought to their achievements of last year. “Each year is a new year, and last year doesn’t really matter at this point,” said Coach Scott Loiseau. “Hopefully the guys will approach the year with a sense of urgency and a new sense of opportunity.” The motivation and competitiveness that allowed for success last season will also be a key factor this year. Every player is held accountable for their attitudes and work ethic, which reflects on how they play on the field. In addition to season goals, such as winning games or having anoth-
SNHU’s Baseball team gets ready for a game. (image credit: SNHU Penmen)
er opportunity to play at conference or NCAA level, the team also has off-the-field goals. These include doing well academically, giving back to the community and being great teammates. “If we can keep our priorities in check, we should be successful on the field,” said Loiseau. Although it's still early in the season, the baseball team has already competed in eight games. The team first traveled to California where it achieved victory in one out of two games. Then the team traveled down to South Carolina where it captured all five of their games. This brings its overall record to 6-2. The NE10 has even taken notice of the tremendous efforts of the baseball team. In fact, they recognized Jake Walkinshaw (‘19) as Pitcher of the Week for the period ending February 24. Walkinshaw started the 5-0 week in South Carolina out on the right foot, firing eight-and-athird innings of shutout baseball, scattering five hits, while striking out seven and walking two during a 2-0 shutout of Long Island UniversityLIU Post. Walkinshaw earned the win and held the Pioneers to just a .192 batting average. Through two starts, Walkinshaw is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA, after allowing four runs on 11 hits in 11-and-two-thirds innings, while striking out 10 and walking five. Game schedules and more information can be found on snhupenmen.com. Be sure to come out and support the Penmen this spring!
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sports
snhu athletics holds fundraiser to support team impact
page 12
with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic disease that affects the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement. Despite his condition, Capparelli has always been an avid hockey fan and has found his new family at SNHU. “[Capparelli’s] another member of our team,” said Head Hockey Coach Sean Walsh. “He fits in well with his personality. Our guys have really liked hanging out with him and getting to know him, and I think it’s a mutual feeling with Cohl. He is the same height as Griffin Connor so he fits right in.” Capparelli and his Penmen teammates recently played sled hockey, which is another one of Capparelli’s interests. He had no problem buzzing around the ice on his sled. However, some of his older teammates struggled to keep up with the young speedster and found themselves dumbfounded by his remarkable sledding ability. “Our guys were falling off and it really opened up their eyes to how hard it is to actually be in the sled,” added Walsh. Capparelli is the latest child to join a SNHU athletic team through Team IMPACT and he has proven to be a valu-
able asset to the hockey program. Trinity “Tiffy” Matthews of Concord, New Hampshire joined the Women’s Lacrosse team on September 22, 2017. Matthews, who is 14, was diagnosed with a heart condition shortly after birth. She has had to undergo several open-heart surgeries throughout her life and has had to have catheters and stents placed in her heart. The Women’s Lacrosse team held a press conference in the SNHU Athletic Complex when Matthews signed her Letter of Intent. She was accompanied by her parents, Julie and Glenn, and her siblings, Shea, Skyler and Tristan. She was interviewed by WMUR. Matthews’ teammates describe her as “an outgoing and active fighter.” She loves to dance, particularly ballet, and lists Bethany Hamilton as her favorite athlete. Marquis, Capparelli and Matthews, along with the several other Team IMPACT children who have been on SNHU teams, are finding new outlooks regardless of their life-threatening illnesses. In the process, they touch the lives of their teammates through their undeniable spirit and ongoing efforts to find the joys in life.
Trinity “Tiffy” Matthews poses with her new teammates on SNHU’s Women’s Lacrosse team after signing her Letter of Intent. (image credit: SNHU Penmen) Catherine LaChance basketball games this practices, games and She has become an Lead Copy Editor season. dinners and are given integral member of the The Merrimack official team apparel and team with her vibrant The SNHU Athletics Women’s Basketball equipment like any other personality. Her teamDepartment has had a Team brought its own athlete. mates describe Marquis proud partnership with Team IMPACT child Not only do they gain as “inspirational.” Team IMPACT since to the game to support knowledge through this “I think [having 2012. Team IMPACT is the cause. Merrimack’s program, their team- Marquis] has touched a national nonprofit or- Alexis Schnaderbeck is a mates do as well. us more because I don’t ganization that connects 13-year-old who suffers According to Team know how we could ever children suffering from from Cornelia de Lenge IMPACT’s website, col- give back the inspiration life-threatening illness- Syndrome, a genetic dis- legiate athletes gain an that she has given to us,” es with college athletic order that causes a range increased sense of empa- said senior goalkeeper teams. of physical, cognitive thy for other people and Melanie Rennie. The Student Athletic and medical challenges see the world as much Cohl Capparelli of Advisory Committee ranging from mild to larger than themselves. Exeter, New Hampshire (SAAC) at SNHU hosted severe. They also develop a joined the Men’s Ice a fundraiser on Saturday, SNHU Athletics deeper appreciation for Hockey team on February 12 during partnered with Team challenges faced by oth- December 7, 2018. He is the men’s and women’s IMPACT seven years ers and will be civically an 11-year-old who three basketball doublehead- ago and has been an of- minded towards their years ago was diagnosed er against Merrimack ficial partner ever since. roles and responsibilities to raise money for the SNHU has added over in their communities folorganization. People ten Team IMPACT chil- lowing graduation. made contributions to dren to its athletic proRiley Marquis of Team IMPACT at cash grams and looks to add Derry, New Hampshire donation stands located more in forthcoming signed onto the Women’s outside the Stan Spirou years. Field Hockey team on Fieldhouse. The most recent September 25, 2018 The fundraiser orig- Team IMPACT children through Team IMPACT. inated from SAAC’s de- to sign to SNHU athletic She is a five-year-old sire to recognize SNHU’s teams are Riley Marquis, who suffers from Leigh’s charitable partnerships. Cohl Capparelli and Disease, a neurological As Team IMPACT is one Trinity Matthews. They condition characterized of SNHU’s most promi- became official team by a progressive loss of nent partnerships, SAAC members when they mental and movement chose to highlight Team signed their Letter of abilities that typically reIMPACT during one of Intent. As official mem- sults in death within two The ice hockey team played sled hockey with Team IMPACT teammate Cohl Capparelli (image credit: SNHU Ice Hockey Twitter). the most high-profile bers, they attend team to three years.