March 2011 Edition

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

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Penn State Beaver Roar

March 2011

News Campus reaction

Wellness Center construction on hold Brandon Perino

Assistant Managing Editor

bjp5053@psu.edu

Five days after Penn State Beaver held a groundbreaking to kick off construction of the new Wellness Center, Chancellor Gary Keefer received word from Penn State officials that the project had been placed on hold.

Keefer said a March 22 email he received said construction has been delayed for at least 90 days because Penn State implemented a freeze on all construction projects costing more than $1 million.

The freeze comes after Gov. Tom Corbett, in his budget pro-

posal to the legislature, slashed next year’s spending for nearly all public colleges by at least 50 percent. If approved, Penn State would lose $182 million – 52.4 percent of Penn State’s appropriation.

“This is a case of just being very, very cautious with that potentially significant budget cut coming,” Keefer said.

Director of Student Affairs Christopher Rizzo said the delay in the project is in response to the governor’s budget proposal. “Our greatest concern is for students who have a stake in this and may not get to use the new center.”

Director of Business and

Finance Luke Taiclet said he was disappointed because the Wellness Center is important to the campus and community. “It all reverts back to: The governor threw us a curveball.”

Students have their own opinions on the budget cuts and project delay as well.

“People who don’t speak up get screwed,” sophomore Joey White IV said. “We can’t do anything about it if we don’t speak up.”

White urged his fellow students to get out and vote and have a voice in government.

Keefer agreed.

In an email to students, faculty

and staff, Keefer urged the campus community to contact Corbett and area legislators with their concerns about the governor’s proposed budget cuts. The Penn State Grassroots Network, www.alumni.psu. edu/grassroots, has information to help find your legislator and craft a message, he said.

Sophomore Steven Dusicsko, a member of the Wellness Center planning committee, said he’s disappointed that the Wellness Center has been delayed.

“Being on the committee, I’ve been with the process since talks started. It kind of hurts being with the groundbreaking and it being

put on hold.”

Even if construction is allowed to begin in 90 days, it’s unclear how the delay might impact the project’s timeline.

“The construction sequence is dependent on when the project starts,” Taiclet said.

Rizzo said that the original plan was to close the gym from May 15 to mid-August for construction. But with this delay, the gym may have to be closed into the fall semester.

This delay could cause signifi-

Wellness Center See Page 4

Person in the Bistro

How do you think this delay will affect Penn State Beaver?

“

We’re going to miss out for incoming students and staff and faculty. I think it would have been better if we were never told about the project beginning to begin with.”

Angelo Teachout freshman

“

It will affect the university with people wanting to come here because of the problem of people not following through with promises.”

“

I think it’s not going to affect campus much.

Construction would be a mess for longer.”

Collin Carletti freshman

“

I don’t know.

Maybe less people will come if the gym still sucks.”

Natasha Terensky freshman

“

It’s going to let a lot of people down. I was planning to use it, but it makes me not as excited to come back to school next year since I’m not going to be able to use it.”

Joey White IV

Steven Dusicsko

sophomore

sophomore

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

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News

State budget rocks PSU University fighting governor’s proposed cuts to higher education Dana Sklack Managing Editor

des5141@psu.edu

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett shocked higher education when he announced a more than 50 percent cut in funding to most public colleges and a 10 percent cut in basic education in his budget proposal March 8.

In reaction to the announcement, Penn State University President Graham Spanier said the cuts, if approved, could change the way Penn State operates, could result in higher-than-expected tuition increase and could leave some Penn State campuses at risk of closing.

According to Penn State Beaver Chancellor Gary Keefer, Beaver is not at risk.

“There are some hopeful signs that this cut may be moderated,” he said. “(But,) there isn’t a scenario where the cut will completely go away.”

Corbett’s overall proposal cut $660 million in higher education spending.

All four state-related institutions —Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple and Lincoln universities — as well as the 14 institutions of the State System of Higher Education saw cuts of at least 50 percent in state funding.

If the proposed budget is passed, Penn State would lose 54.5 percent, or $182 million, of its state appropriation.

The current budget for Penn State is $334 million, which accounts for about 8 percent of Penn State’s entire budget, including federally funded grants and contracts for specific projects within the university.

However, Keefer said the funding Penn State receives from the state accounts for 17 percent of the instructional budget, of which 70 percent is personnel costs.

“The cut proposed is believed to be the single-largest appropria-

“

The cut proposed is believed to be the single-largest appropriation cut in the history of American higher education, and it is important that I respond to what can only be described as a devastating vision for public higher education in Pennsylvania.”

Graham Spanier Penn State University President

tion cut in the history of American higher education, and it is important that I respond to what can only be described as a devastating vision for public higher education in Pennsylvania,” Spanier said during a press conference March 11.

Much of the money Penn State receives goes towards offsetting the cost of tuition for in-state students.

The possibility of a spike in tuition is the main concern of many students.

“I believe we need to make cuts but education is a bad place to make them,” senior Rose Maria Kosto said.

“I feel there could be cuts in other areas than education,” senior Mark Cromo said. “I feel bad for the students just coming to college, it’s going to be harder for them.”

Spanier promised that students wouldn’t see an extreme hike in instate tuition as a result of the cuts and that cuts will need to be made elsewhere in Penn State’s budget.

The cuts come as Pennsylvania is facing an estimated $4 billion budget deficit next year.

Newly elected Corbett, during his republican campaign, promised to balance the state budget without raising state taxes. In total, Corbett’s proposed budget cuts $866 million from most areas of state spending.

"He promised to not raise taxes.

He has to do what he has to do to fulfill his campaign promises," freshman Natasha Terensky said.

"He knows the majority of us (students) don't vote, so he doesn't care if he screws us over."

The announcement of the $27.5 billion spending plan and its cuts to education came as a surprise to members of the state legislature.

Republican Sen. Elder Vogel said he was shocked to see such large cuts in the proposed budget, especially in higher education. As a money-saving approach, the budget was not printed prior to the announcement and senators did not see a copy of the proposed budget until just hours before it was announced.

“We are working on the issue,” Vogel said in regards to the cuts.

The new spending plan must be approved by the state Legislature and Senate. The current budget expires July 1.

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Penn State Beaver Roar

March 2011

News

Ryan Campbell

Darlene Coulanges

Crystal Johnson

Ashley Schoedel

Dan Trzcianka

Dana Sklack

Resident Coordinator Judson Sammons said.

For the past few years, the RAs have traditionally been three men and two women. Sammons said they broke with tradition after considering the number of female applicants and their qualifications.

The students selected are Ashley

Schoedel and Ryan Campbell, both freshmen commuters; Darlene Coulanges and Crystal Johnson, freshmen Harmony Hall residents; and Dan Trzcianka a junior who commutes. The new resident assistants said they are excited for their new roles on campus.

“I want to make more of a dif-

ference at this campus and being an RA is a good way to do that,” Johnson said.

Robin Schreck, coordinator of residence life and student activities, said the three commuters will bring an interesting dynamic. “They all have different backgrounds and so they can relate to different students

in the hall.”

Campbell, a 24-year-old member of the National Guard, stands out from his fellow freshman. He decided to continue his education after leaving the Army.

“I’ve been there, done that, and have a different point of view on things,” he said.

RAs ready for challenges Managing Editor

des5141@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver recently named three women and two men as resident assistants for 2011-12.

“I think all five candidates show maturity, and I interpret maturity as seriousness for being here,”

Wellness Police find drugs in Harmony Hall Center police beat

University Police found several pieces of drug paraphernalia and marijuana seeds in Harmony Hall at 3 p.m. Feb. 25. A resident assistant reported smelling marijuana on the building’s third floor. University Police searched the room the odor was coming from and found one student who had several smoking devices, marijuana seeds, needles, empty stamp bags and other drug paraphernalia.

Charges are pending.

Student Arrested University Police arrested Andrea Johnson of District Heights, Md., March 17 for failing to respond to an underage drinking citation she received Dec. 11. At her court hearing, Johnson pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $50 plus costs.

Harmony Hall fight

University Police charged Myranda Raymond of Pittsburgh and Khalihia Hines of Aliquippa with harassment after a fight in Harmony Hall at 2:30 a.m. on March 2.

Harassing photograph A resident student said that someone posted a photograph and harassing information about her on Facebook Feb. 23.

University Police turned the case over to Pennsylvania State Police and Beaver County detectives because of its relation to an ongoing investigation about the Facebook page called “Beaver County Hoez.”

Property stolen from Food Services

Jeremy Linder, the director of Housing and Food Services, told University Police that two pallets used for food deliveries were stolen from the Food Services Building Feb. 23. University Police are still investigating.

More marijuana A resident assistant reported smelling marijuana on the second floor of Harmony Hall Feb. 28 at 11:30 p.m.

University Police checked four rooms in the area the smell was coming from but did not find the source.

Harassing phone calls

A faculty member reported receiving harassing phone calls on March 1 after 4 p.m. University Police said the situation was taken care of and the phone calls have stopped.

Citations dismissed Danielle Schall of Latrobe and Kelsea Green of Philadelphia had their citations for disorderly conduct dismissed at a hearing March 21.

The citations stemmed from a physical altercation Jan. 25 in Harmony Hall. The charges were dismissed based on Schall and Green’s good behavior and their agreement to avoid conflict in the future.

Continued from Page 4

cant disruption for students this fall, Rizzo said, because it would affect varsity sports and any classes that take place in the gym.

Rizzo said he hoped delays are minimized.

Whether the Wellness Center project is allowed to move forward depends on the state budget, still in the debate process. The state is required to adopt a new budget by July 1.

Keefer is hopeful the project will move forward. “This is something we’ve worked for, for years and years.”

Senior Staff Writer Matt Jones contributed to this report.

March 2011

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News

SGA to help student-faculty relations Alexa Shank Staff Writer

ads279@psu.edu

Last semester, freshman Darlene Coulanges found it difficult to approach some of her professors with any issues she had.

“A teacher’s demeanor impacts how students take the information they are given,” Coulanges said.

“Sometimes professors aren’t motivated to help students learn, only to provide the information for a course. Some students are shy, but others just aren’t willing to ask questions in class.”

So Coulanges, a freshmen representative to the Student Government Association, came up with the idea to form a Student and Faculty Relations Committee to help improve communication.

Communication is a common issue between students and profes-

sors, not just on this campus, but in schools across the country.

Coulanges said the goal of the initiative is for “professors to find out who you are and how you learn.”

The problem is that students are intimidated with the prospect of talking to professors outside of class, and the committee was formed to help create relationships between students and teachers, SGA President Pradeep Karunanidhi said.

The committee serves as a subcommittee of the SGA, and several student representatives will meet with members of the faculty to brainstorm events or ways that students can connect with their professors.

SGA members who are sitting on the committee so far are Karunanidhi, Secretary Trey Hudspeth

and Coulanges.

Staff members who helped with the committee are Director of Student Affairs Chris Rizzo and Staff Assistant Denise Turyan.

Coulanges said the committee is planning events for students and faculty “to mingle and get to know each other on a non-academic level,” including a cultural dinner in the Bistro where students of all different origins could interact with other students and professors.

Karunanidhi said the group wants to create a “better chemistry” with professors since students are sometimes afraid to ask questions for fear of looking stupid.

The communication is just as desired the opposite way—professors don’t like when students don’t ask questions if they are struggling, he said.

Kristin Oberg, an English

instructor, has hope for the committee. “I think it’s great if people actually participate in it. It’s one of those great ideas on paper, but hopefully people actually do it.”

Oberg said she believes that if students show they care, professors will reciprocate. She said that the relationships built could lead to networking, especially with a professor directly related to one’s field of study.

“You might realize that a professor you think is unapproachable could actually be a nice person,” Oberg said.

“Sometimes to see that someone’s human, you know, makes class more enjoyable.”

There aren’t specific professors that students have singled out, but Karunanidhi said that the way in which some professors express themselves in the classroom makes

students hesitant to approach them outside of class.

Although the committee is newly formed, Karunanidhi said they already have a few things planned.

They are working on scheduling a bowling night with students after the upcoming student awards dinner in April, in addition to the cultural dinner.

Turyan said the committee is “kicking around some ideas that would make students more interactive with professors outside the classroom.”

Turyan also mentioned a meeting with the Diversity Committee to plan that cultural dinner.

She hopes that if students have this connection with their faculty then they can form better relationships with professors and do better overall in class.

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Penn State Beaver Roar

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News

Admissions recruits abroad Sydney Johns Staff Writer

snj112@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver may have some new faces from faraway places in the coming years.

Just ask Ji-Woon Kim. Kim, or Joanne as she is known by her friends and teachers, is one of two international students currently studying at the Beaver campus.

With the campus finally being added to the international application, admissions counselor Rebecca Mulholland is eager to bring diversity and new cultures to Penn State Beaver.

“The goal of the university is to build global citizens,” Mulholland said.

She also said that the university wants to create “reciprocal relationships” between foreign universities and Penn State.

The university hopes to not only immerse international students in American culture, but also have domestic students become more culturally aware and spark an interest in studying abroad.

Students are also excited to see more diversity around campus and get a chance to interact with people of different cultures.

“I think that’s great. Beaver is not culturally diverse at all and it would be so different to see people of many ethnicities walking around,” sophomore Kassie Madgar said.

Director of Enrollment Daniel Pinchot disagreed. “Students may

going to amusement parks, listening to music and watching movies.

One of the major differences Kim faced, other than beginning school at 7 a.m. and not finishing until midnight every night of the week, is how American students are treated.

“It seems like students here are more on their own,” she said.

“Nobody cares if they did their homework or not. Teachers don’t force students to study.”

This was a big change compared to what her school life was like in South Korea.

“The education system in South Korea forces students to finish their tasks. There is no such thing as weekends or summer vacations,” Kim said.

“Class starts around eight and ends at five. For the rest of the day, students are forced to study on their own at school with regular homework checks,” she explained.

THE ROAR/ CATHY BENSCOTER Another adjustment Kim has Sophomore Ji-Woon Kim, pictured at a basketball game with Student Affairs staff assistant Jill Bender and Bend- had to cope with is the food. er’s son, Hayden, says her dream job would be teaching economics at Penn State Beaver.

“The food here is so different from what we eat that I’ve actually not be looking for diversity, but its more than just diversify the skin to slowly adjust to their American gained weight,” she said. here,” he said. tone on campus,” he said. college experience.

Kim is majoring in economics Pinchot said that about 14 per“We want to enhance the geoKim experienced this first-hand. cent of the student body is com- graphic and cultural diversity that “I’ve always wanted to study and has plans to transfer to Uniprised of minority students, well international and out-of-state stu- abroad since I am a language spe- versity Park.

Future students may see Kim above the 7 or 8 percent minority dents can bring to us.” cialist,” she said. back at Penn State Beaver somerate of the local community.

With Penn State Beaver finally Kim is originally from South Adding international students opening its doors with the accom- Korea and is the only member of time down the road, but not as a would only increase the diversity modations needed to support inter- her family to travel to the United student. more. Pinchot explained the hope national students, foreign students States.

“My absolute No. 1 choice (as a for Beaver campus. who may find University Park too Like most teenagers, she enjoyed job) would be coming back to Bea“What we’re looking to do is overwhelming at first have a chance spending time with her friends, ver and teaching econ,” she said.

Task force assembled to improve retention Coale Henderson Staff Writer

csh5131@psu.edu

Due to the recent struggle in student retention, Penn State Beaver has created the Retention Task Force to keep students in the Penn State system.

The Retention Task Force is a

group designed to come up with strategies to improve the campus environment in certain areas, such as advising, teaching and extra-curricular activities.

The task force was created by Chancellor Gary Keefer and several faculty members.

The members developed initial

strategies that were passed to subcommittees find ways to implement the ideas.

According to Penn State, Commonwealth Campuses over a fiveyear period kept an average of 78.6 percent of their students enrolled for a second year.

But Penn State Beaver’s reten-

tion rate was well below this average. Only 68.3 percent of freshmen who enrolled in fall 2009 were retained for a second year.

These statistics are based on students who leave the Penn State system entirely, not those who transfer to another campus.

Michael Hay, associate professor

of chemistry and co-chair of the task force, stated that this was the red-flag that led to the creation of this committee.

He said when it comes to retention, it is importance that students

Retention See Page 7

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

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News

Homeland Security looking for workers Brandon Perino

Assistant Managing Editor

bjp5053@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver students of any major will have a great chance to learn about internships and career opportunities on April 13.

The Department of Homeland Security is sending a panel of five representatives to the Beaver campus for a presentation on this topic that any student can benefit from.

However, this event is unknown to many students.

“Yeah, I didn’t know this was going on,” sophomore Greg Napierski said.

The department is sending these representatives because it is having a hard time finding skilled, qualified workers.

Skilled workers may still be hard to find at this event if students are

What’s up

n What: Department of Homeland Security presentation on career and internships opportunities. n Details: Five panelists, one-onone discussion with panelists and students, free pizza and soft drinks. n Where: SUB Lodge n When: Noon – 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 13

unaware that it is going to occur.

This opportunity would allow Beaver students to learn what they should do to become such a qualified worker for the department.

This kind of learning experience is not often available to college students until they get out into the field in a career or internship which many times may be too late for students to adjust.

Students should be informed about this presentation. Right now, there is a slide with information going around the televisions on campus, but many students like Napierski do not always see the slides.

“I wish there were flyers going around with information,” Napierski said. “I’m a sophomore business major looking to start getting internships lined up.”

Internships are going to be available as the department is sending a representative from each of its five branches, including the Transportation Security Administration and the United States Coast Guard, to present and answer questions from students attending.

These representatives will each talk for 35 minutes starting at noon. During the presentations,

Group works to keep students from leaving the university Continued from Page 6

are enrolled in the major that suits them best, allowing for success.

Students in the same major can be scheduled into similar classes to create “learning communities.”

“Everyone is gifted in certain areas,” Hay said. “We want students to get connected to the major that they succeed in, not in another major where they are getting poor grades.”

Hay also talked about the important role faculty play in retaining students, from teaching to advising.

He said he believes teachers and advisers must build relationships with their students early on and develop strategies for productive interaction between the two groups.

Former Penn State Beaver student Terri Taylor, who transferred to University Park this semester, said that relationships with teachers and advisers are the most important thing in improving retention.

“What I heard from my peers was that they felt like their advisers weren’t scheduling them for the right classes, or (were) lead-

ing them in the wrong direction,” Taylor said.

Taylor said she believed that her positive interactions led her to being successful.

“My adviser always responded quickly to my emails and kept me updated on when I needed to do scheduling.”

Taylor also said it is important for students who may be struggling to know where to get help.

“There is the Center for Academic Achievement where many students can go for help, but many of them don’t know where it is or that it even exists,” she said.

Taylor said that improving retention is possible for Penn State Beaver, but students need to be reminded of people who can help them and the places they can go to receive assistance.

Robin Bower, associate professor of Spanish and co-chair of the Retention Task Force, said that with all of the competition coming from places such as the Internet, it’s important for universities to stress the value of the academic standards Penn State has to offer.

the representatives will discuss opportunities and also roles, responsibilities and career requirements for each agency.

Marian Vendemia, director of continuing education, said that this is a great opportunity for Beaver students of any major because these agencies have needs in all fields much like many businesses do today.

They perform public relations, write and give speeches, create and use computer databases, engineer new security systems, balance a budget and perform many other jobs as well.

Great opportunities can be missed if those who would benefit are not informed.

After the presentations, an hour and a half has been set aside for pizza, drinks and one-on-one time between panelists and students

to ask questions and discuss internship opportunities.

Part of the one-on-one time at the end of the presentation may cut into class time, so Vendemia asked that faculty members allow students this time if they are attending.

The department would also like for faculty members to show up 30 minutes before the presentation for some discussion with the panelists.

The department and Vendemia both hope that this event becomes a yearly occurrence as it gives students ideas and opportunities to find a job they are seeking for or perhaps one that they did not know they were looking for.

For this to become a yearly event, students will need to attend, and therefore information on the event must be forthcoming before April 13.

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Penn State Beaver Roar

March 2011

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PSU stomped on

Gov. Corbett cuts education spending more than half

On March 8, the new Republican governor announced his first budget proposal of his term, slashing funding for higher education by more than half.

The people of Pennsylvania elected Gov. Tom Corbett into office on the promise of no new taxes.

Corbett also vowed to balance the state budget and rid the state of an anticipated $4 billion deficit.

Corbett’s budget proposal fulfills those promises, but at what cost to students?

If Corbett gets his way, Pennsylvania’s public colleges and universities should brace for the single-largest oneyear cut in state appropriation in history. Penn State’s share of the cut is $182 million.

Penn State is already one of the highest-priced public universities in the nation.

Now, in light of the proposed cut in state funding, Penn State students should expect an even greater tuition hike next year.

Penn State students also already graduate with the highest average debt compared to the other universities in the Big Ten Conference, all of which (with the exception of Northwestern University) are state-funded schools in some way.

And if paying more in tuition and having huge student loans isn’t bad enough, the university has put the campus’ plan for constructing a new Wellness Center on hold amid the black cloud of Corbett’s budget.

Students have the right to be outraged … but are they?

A disturbing revelation came from local state lawmakers who visited campus recently: Very few Penn State students, parents, alumni, faculty or staff have contacted lawmakers to complain about the cuts.

As far as state lawmakers can tell, few are concerned about the proposal that slashes our state funding, puts our Wellness Center at risk and threatens to sharply increase our tuition.

That, frankly, is shocking.

Penn State students cannot be complacent about the quality of their education. Penn State students need to care about their future. Penn State students cannot assume someone else will fight the fight for them.

It’s time, Penn State students, to make your voices heard.

Write or call the governor and your state lawmakers.

Remind them that college students represent the future of Pennsylvania.

Remind them that access to public higher education is important not just for students, but for the long-term fiscal health of the state’s economy.

Remind them that an educated workforce contributes more in taxes and workforce development than a bunch of fast-food workers.

Remind them that the rising cost of tuition and the cuts to higher education don’t just bother us, that they make us mad as hell.

And remind them that college students vote!

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March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

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Features Our state officials Gov. Tom Corbett 225 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: 717-787-2500 Fax: 717-772-8284 Email via the web: www.governor.state.pa.us Rep. Jim Christiana 3468 Brodhead Road, Suite 9 Monaca, PA 15061 Phone: 724-728-7655 Fax: 724-773-7802 Email: jchristi@pahousegop. com Rep. Jim Marshall 1122 Seventh Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010 Phone: 724-847-1352 Fax: 724-847-5283 Email: jmarshal@pahousegop. com Rep. Robert Matzie 1240 Merchant Street, 1st Floor Ambridge, PA 15003 Phone: 724-266-7774 Fax: 724-266-7634 Email: rmatzie@pahouse.net Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. 488 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074 Phone: 724-774-0444 Fax: 724-773-7384 Email: evogel@pasen.gov To find other state representatives and a template for writing to them, visit the Penn State Grassroots Network, www.alumni.psu.edu/grassroots.

Play pulls curtain on bullying Caitlin Vodenichar Assignment Editor

cav5119@psu.edu

For the past 35 years, Penn State Beaver has been putting on a theatrical production for preschoolers in the spring. This year, members of the theater class will perform “Jack’s Big Adventure in Mother Goose Land.”

The play consists of several Mother Goose rhymes tied together with the central theme of dealing with bullies.

After putting on a children’s play every spring, most of the classics have been done. “We’ve done most of the traditional plays; we wanted to do something different,” Associate Professor of Theatre Carol Schafer said.

As a class, the theater students put their heads together to think of something to perform that is new and exciting and will still have a moral lesson.

The play is about an insecure boy, Jack, who is bullied. Jack

falls asleep, and when he wakes up, he finds himself in Mother Goose Land.

Jack learns that he can stand up for himself while helping a bully to make friends.

“The acting students came up with the idea for the play,” Schafer said. “They liked the idea for having a bully and having the hero, Jack, confront him. It gives a good purpose, not just entertainment.”

Bullying is a hot-topic in schools and cases of bullying across the nation are getting lots of attention in the media.

The theater students take the idea of bullying and show that it is unnecessary.

“The idea for bullying came from putting the story together from unconnected kids’ poems,” freshman Andrew Moltzen said.

Freshman Kristina Baker believes that the play will be a success. “It shows that even bullies can have friends and be nice to

everyone,” she said.

A great deal of effort goes into making such a large production.

Not only did the students have to think of an idea for the plot, but they needed to come up with the script and memorize their lines.

The set needed to be built and the technical group had to learn the ins and outs of the light and sound booth.

Costumes were chosen, detail was added, children were invited and, last but not least, the students had to add in their personalities to the characters.

The play will take place in the auditorium in the Student Union Building March 29 and 31 and April 5, 7, 12 and 14.

It will be presented to schools and organizations at 10 a.m. and to groups April 7 at 11:30 a.m.

The public is invited to attend a showing on Sunday, April 10.

“We already have a lot of RSVPs and I think it’s going to be a good show,” Baker said.

upcoming Activities March March 28: Zumba Fitness Class 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. SUB Lodge March 30: Cheesecake with Chancellor 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Harmony Hall Lobby

April April 4: Zumba Fitness Class 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. SUB Lodge April 5: Anatomy of Hate 6 p.m to 10 p.m. SUB Aditorium April 9: Moundsville Penitentiary Trip April 11: Zumba Fitness Class 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. SUB Lodge April 12: Bingo Bonanza 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bistro April 13: Mini Health Fair April 18: Zumba Fitness Class 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. SUB Lodge April 23: Whitewater Rafting April 25–29: Beaverfest (check next month’s edition for more details

This is your campus

Get involved

Student Government Association WBVR Business Club The Roar CRU Choir Club Campus Activities Team Blue & White Society Big Brothers/Big Sisters Intramural Sports Visit www.beaver.psu.edu/StudentLife for more information.

Page 10

Penn State Beaver Roar

March 2011

Features

Students travel overseas Reina Chedid Staff Writer

rmc5314@psu.edu

Several students at Penn State Beaver had the privilege of traveling overseas during spring break for a week of learning and fun.

Some got to visit Spain, while others visited Italy.

Robin Bower, associate professor of Spanish, went with her students from her Iberian Civilization and Culture class to Madrid, Spain.

They visited museums that are home to major international collections of Spanish masters.

Students also got the chance to study the history and culture in other areas of Spain.

“Students had the opportunity to directly experience aspects of a foreign culture that go beyond any learning offered solely at a college campus,” Bower said.

The students visited Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums, National Museum of Archaeology, the Royal Palace and El Escorial.

They also visited the towns Avila and Segovia.

“I learned so much because our tours were not too formally set up, so we were able to explore for ourselves and learn on our own, which kept us more interested,” senior Alexa Farrell said.

“There were so many things to do, and we got familiar with the area quickly, so I wish we had more time to spend there.”

Farrell hopes to go back again on her own time, but sophomore Jake Szemanski feels differently.

“I would not want to go back only because I don’t like being in a place for too long where I am not familiar with the language or culture,” Szemanski said.

“It was hard to communicate and figure things out because they didn’t help cater to English for us.

However, overall, it was still the best trip I’ve ever been on.”

Kay Wijekumar, associate professor of Information Sciences and Technology, traveled to Italy with five of her students from her senior Synthesis class.

Students involved in Kay Wijekumar’s Information Sciences and Technology class visited Venice, Italy, over spring break. During the trip, students visited Castel Sant’angelo, an acient mausoleum built for a Roman emporer.

“

Students had the opportunity to directly experience aspects of a foreign culture that go beyond any learning offered solely at a college campus.”

The students presented an iPhone and Droid Application Development and Prototype at the International Conference on Computer Applications in Venice.

They also toured the information technology systems at the Vatican.

The students visited Rome and Venice, Wijekumar said.

In Venice, the students spent two full days at the conference, exploring and learning the different types of technology that are found in other countries, as well as presenting their own work.

In Rome, students spent a full day at the Vatican and also explored several ancient buildings, which have historical meaning and much to learn about them, Wijekumar said.

“It was a completely educational trip. Students had free time for

Robin Bower Associate Professor of Spanish

themselves at night, but during the day they needed to be focused and ready to learn,” Wijekumar said.

“The students wished they had more time to spend in Venice, but overall, they had a wonderful time and really enjoyed learning the new culture,” she said.

Middle: Students stand over the Grand Canal in Venice. From left: Kay Wijekumar, Joshua Godfree, Raja Jasper, Andrew Lacey, Logan Marchione, Eddy Knotek and IST assistant Janessa Weaver Bottom: Robin Bower’s Iberian Civilization and Culture class traveled to Madrid, Spain. From top: Jacob Szemanski, Alicia Dummel and Matt Walker play on a statue outside of the Museo Arqueológico Nacional.

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

Page 11

Features

WBVR faces continuing challenges Kimberly Villella Staff writer

kav149@psu.edu

Have you been tuning in? According to the students who run the campus radio station, WBVR, not many have.

Assistant Professor of Communications Juliette Storr has been the station’s advisor for six years and said there are many reasons why students are not tuning in.

One of the reasons Storr pointed out is that the station is online only.

Online radio is a young medium and students must have the correct software to listen to WBVR. Its lack of portability is another issue.

Junior James Widlicka did not know about the station and was hesitant to say if he would tune in.

“I only listen to the radio in my car,” he said.

WBVR staff needs to find new ways to engage the community, but the drive has to be there, according to Storr. Joining WBVR

is a great way to gain experience, but Storr stressed that it involves time and work.

The end product could be of great value to the campus, she said.

The main reason WBVR does not have listeners, according to Storr, is lack of commitment from both station staff and listeners.

Junior Rachel Paul knows about WBVR, but said she doesn’t have time to go online to listen.

At the beginning of each semester about 30 students join the club.

By the fourth week, Storr said no one shows up. Many students are not dedicated to the work involved.

Junior Chris Colalella, a station disc jockey, said students should tune in to WBVR because of the programming.

“We are college students, so we know what other college students like to hear,” he said.

Colalella is one of the hosts on the station’s sports talk show and broadcasts two shows a week on the local sports scene.

“

I would check it out online.

Maybe they should advertise more.”

Elocia Skiba Junior

Sophomore Frankie Mitchell and freshman Chris Scriva are hosts of the new heavy metal show, which airs once a week.

Senior James Hustead, the station manager, host’s a show with a variety of music.

All shows are live and 50 minutes to an hour long.

Each DJ encourages listeners to call in, though junior DJ Craig Oskin said in a year and a half he has never had a caller.

Hustead wants to encourage local bands to submit their music to be played by the station.

Band members are even invited to come by for interviews.

WBVR is also working on broadcasting

live from campus events.

WBVR is always looking for new DJs. There are positions available that do not require being on the air.

WBVR DJs said they could always use an inventory manager along with a promotional manager.

A promotional manager might be a good idea, because junior Elicia Skiba, along with other students, did not know about WBVR. “I would check it out online,” she said.

“Maybe they should advertise more.” She would also like them to announce upcoming school events during their broadcasts, which might help the adult students and commuters who do not spend a lot of time on campus.

WBVR is broadcast at ustream.tv/channel/wbvr-live.

When the station is not broadcasting a live show, music is streaming.

Anyone interested in the hosting a show or calling in during a show should call 724773-3649.

Page 12

Penn State Beaver Roar

March 2011

Features

Beaver students gain work experience

“

Julie Leeper

Start looking for an internship and don’t limit yourself. Don’t think about putting the hours.

Think ‘this is my chance.’”

Staff writer

jal5624@psu.edu

Lucas Morack is a hockey lover, so the opportunity to intern for the Pittsburgh Penguins was a dream come true for the senior business major.

For Morack though, it’s more than just a chance to hang out at the CONSOL Energy Center, mingle with famous hockey players and get prime seats for game nights.

As the community relations intern, his responsibilities include managing outside donations requests.

On game nights, Morack helps with a charity suite that is rented out by Sydney Crosby to various charity organizations.

He welcomes guests to the game with Penguins gift baskets and brings Iceburgh the mascot in for personal meet and greets.

For most students, internships are skill-building, career-oriented and are generally required to complete a degree.

Several Penn State Beaver students, like Morack, opted to make the most out of the requirement by pursuing unique and rewarding experiences by thinking outside the box of typical internships.

“I was just lucky,” said Morack, who also serves as business manager for The Roar.

Morack’s most recent project was organizing the Pittsburgh Penguins’ annual Skates & Plates Charity Gala which included dinner and auctions.

During the event, Penguins’ players take a break from the ice to don tuxedos and become waiters for the evening.

Morack had the honor of helping the staff of Men’s Warehouse fit the players for their tuxedos in the team’s private locker room in the Iceoplex at Southpointe.

“I saw a little bit more [of the players] than I needed to,” he said with a sinister grin.

Junior Information Sciences and Technology major Valerie Cycholl

Valerie Cycholl Junior

Submitted photo

Senior Lucas Morack poses inside the CONSOL Energy Center where he’s currently interning.

also found her niche in an organization that has both roots in Pittsburgh and a worldwide reach.

After completing her first internship with Rue21, Cycholl applied for a summer internship with Bayer Material Science Division.

She was accepted and began working full-time in the Organization & Information Department.

She began by helping her supervisor, who was overwhelmed with long-term assignments.

“My supervisor said, ‘You’re here to help us and we’re here to teach you what you need to know,’” Cycholl said.

Most of Cycholl’s assignments were to be completed individually with reasonable self-regulated dead-

lines.

She was encouraged to apply her IT knowledge to solve business problems, create a new webpage for Bayer’s Procurement Department and make professional presentations within her department.

The degree of individual responsibility along with the professional treatment, she said, made her feel more like an employee than an intern.

Cycholl’s experience with Bayer was so rewarding that she followed her summer internship with a short-term credit-free internship during Christmas break.

Currently, she is working to secure her third internship with Bayer for summer 2011.

Two students found internship opportunities outside of the Pennsylvania borders.

Sean Dickey, a junior majoring in IST, packed up last summer and moved in with a friend in Washington, D.C. to intern with American Systems, a technical and IT service provider.

Dickey said the internship taught him valuable personal development and social skills. The best part of the internship, he said, was being in Washington, D.C Dickey’s friend and fellow IST major, senior Raja Jasper, expanded his internship search one step further.

He began interning for World

Vision, an international aid Christian humanitarian organization, at their distribution center in Sewickley.

The following semester, Jasper studied abroad in Australia and was accepted into the same organization’s internship program on the opposite side of the globe.

Upon returning to the U.S. this spring semester, Jasper again found himself interning with World Vision in his original local internship site.

Many degree programs at Penn State require the completion of an internship, and finding a fitting and exciting internship can be a daunting task.

Penn State Beaver Career Counselor Larissa Ciuca or a faculty internship advisor can help students find a good placement.

Attending career fairs and workshops can also help.

Business Instructor Dan Smith recommends looking for an internship six to nine months before you need to do one.

“It’s just like finding a job; it’s a lot of hard work,” Smith said.

Smith characterized a good internship as one that allows a student to build marketable skills that will be applicable in a future career.

On average, he said, students who complete a meaningful internship will usually be offered a 10 percent higher starting salary.

So what is the golden ticket for landing the perfect internship?

“Start looking early for an internship and don’t limit yourself,” Cycholl advised.

“Don’t think about putting in the hours. Think ‘this is my chance.’”

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

Page 13

Features Coming soon

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/JUSTIN VORBACH

Angry Birds is a popular app played on Apple’s iPhone.

Not-so-smart?

Some find new cell phones to be distracting in class Dan Trzcianka Staff Writer

dvt5050@psu.edu

Smart phones, which can do a lot more than an average cell phone, are rising in popularity among students.

While most cell phones can make calls and send text messages, a smart phone — such as the Motorola Droid and the Apple iPhone 4 — can connect to the Internet, use various “apps” and even double as an electronic book.

Senior Victoria Phillipi said she does everything on her BlackBerry, including Facebook, e-mail and even shopping.

“I don’t use it in class; that’s disrespectful,” Phillipi said. “If you are going to use a smart phone, it should be for productivity. For example, I’ll use it to schedule my daughter’s dance stuff.”

On the other hand, freshman Kaela Martin uses her iPhone in class, but manages to find productive ways to use it.

“I use it in class, but I use it in academic ways,” Martin said. “The one time in my chemistry class, I used it as a periodic table.”

Although students might find it appropriate to use their phones in class, even for academic-related apps, faculty members such as Associate Professor of English Kristen Olson find it disruptive to the classroom environment.

“It’s not that I’m against technology. I love my iPhone,” Olson said. “But it gets in the way, and it’s very limiting.”

Olson said that while teaching Shakespeare, she might have her students look at three pages at one time. This feature is difficult, if not impossible, to do on a computer or phone.

“What concerns me the most, though, is the dimension we lose in conversation,” Olson said.

“It seems almost threatening now to have to talk to someone face to face. It makes it easier through the technology, but it is much more threatening.”

One of the more popular uses for the smart phones is the ability to play games, such as Angry Birds or Bejeweled.

While some students focus more on texting or Facebook, junior Craig Oskin said that he likes to have fun on his phone. “I’ll use my phone in class, but I’ll be playing Angry Birds,” he said.

Although a growing number of students possess smart phones, some students such as sophomore Kaitlynne Anzur still rely on a standard cell phone.

“I would like a smart phone, but I’m still trying to decide which one I want,” she said.

Anzur said that one of the main reasons she wants a smart phone is for the Internet feature. She finds it irritating that her current phone’s Internet is slow.

“I’d love a phone that could send e-mails to save me time during the day, or one that could let me save or view attachments,” Anzur said.

WBVR New DJs wanted!

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Page 14

Penn State Beaver Roar

March 2011

Sports

Nearly perfect season Lady Lions fall one game short of both PSUAC and uscaa championships Don Ware IV Assignment Editor

dww5080@psu.edu

It was a frustrating end to another great season for the Penn State Beaver women’s basketball team, as the Lady Lions came up one win short in both the Penn State and national conferences.

The team ended its season March 5 as the runner up in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, having lost the championship game to Ave Maria University of Florida 80-55.

The two teams were swapping leads until late in the first half when Ave Maria went on a 14-0 spurt to put them ahead, ending the first half 44-30. Ave Maria took that momentum into the second half when they outscored the Lady Lions 36-25.

Penn State Beaver had 16 turnovers which lead to 20 points for Ave Maria, while Penn State only shot 33 percent from the field.

All-American Jasmine Green, senior, led Beaver with 20 points and six rebounds.

Another All-American, senior Heather Sandusky, scored 11 points.

“It was a very flawless game for them,” said junior Shelby Parks.

It was the second championship loss in two weeks, following Penn State Brandywine’s surprise 57-54 upset over Beaver in the Penn State University Athletic Conference Feb. 23.

The loss ended Beaver’s threeyear reign as PSUAC champs.

In the PSUAC championship, Beaver, undefeated in conference play, had a 10-point lead at the half.

But Brandywine fought back and tied the game 54-54 with 30 seconds remaining. Brandywine took the win with a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left.

Sandusky led all scorers with 20 points, while Green chipped in 11.

Coach Bert DeSalvo said he is

THE ROAR/CATHY BENSCOTER

The women’s basketball team poses with its second-place USCAA trophy after its loss to Ave Maria University.

THE ROAR /CATHY BENSCOTER

Jasmine Green, center, takes a shot against Ave Maria University in the USCAA championship game.

still shaking his head about the loss.

“I think it was the perfect storm.

The other team — I don’t want to take anything away from them.

They made the shot,” DeSalvo said.

Green took the loss personally.

“I still feel like I let my team down by not showing up down the stretch, and it hurts,” Green said.

“It’s tough to lose a game that you should’ve won by at least 20.”

Green said the PSUAC loss was tough because the team didn’t play up to its potential.

“I am not trying to sound cocky, but Brandywine didn’t beat us. We beat ourselves,” she said. “We had, I think, 24 turnovers. I had nine myself.

We just didn’t play Beaver basketball for 40 minutes.

Brandywine got the win because we gave it to them.”

As a result of the PSUAC loss, the Lady Lions ended up with the No. 7-seed in the USCAA tournament and missed out on a firstround bye, DeSalvo said.

But DeSalvo said the PSUAC

loss actually benefitted the Lady Lions at nationals.

“I definitely think that loss propelled us. They had something to play for, something to prove,” he said.

But the national tournament schedule took its toll on DeSalvo’s team. “It’s tough to win four games in four days.”

After three rough USCAA games against higher-seeded opponents, the team was running on emotions, according to Parks.

Beaver held off a late rally in the first round to defeat Apprentice School 68-60. Green scored 23 points and Sandusky added 16 and 10 rebounds.

In the quarterfinal round, Beaver saw a 12-point lead dwindle to 1 with under a minute left before holding on for a wild 52-49 victory over No. 2-seed Rochester College.

Despite a 46-35 Beaver lead with four minutes left in the game, Rochester mounted a furious comeback, going on a 14-4 run, cutting Beaver’s lead to 1.

The Lady Lions appeared to stall the threat when Green stole the ball in the waning moments, but a controversial charging call gave Rochester back the ball with 19 seconds left.

The Lady Lions’ defense forced an off-balance shot by Rochester which was rebounded by Parks

with two seconds left.

Sandusky was fouled and iced the game with a pair of free throws with 1.6 seconds remaining.

Green led with 20 points and nine steals and Parks added 13 points.

In the semi-finals, the Lady Lions beat the No. 2-seed Lady Eagles of Robert Morris University-Springfield, 72-60.

At the 11-minute mark, the Lady Lions were leading 19-2.

The Lady Eagles came back to within seven, but Beaver came back and took the lead 40-21 at the half.

Robert Morris tried to make a comeback, coming within nine points of the Lady Lions twice in the second half.

Sandusky hit two back-to-back three pointers to keep the overwhelming lead and helped launch the Lady Lions to the championship game.

DeSalvo said he was proud of the way his team played.

“All in all, they had a great year,” he said. “They gained a lot of respect for our athletic program.”

Green called it the culmination to the best season yet.

“As a team, our best performing experience has to be this past one, the 2011 USCAA tourney.

We played the best basketball this team has played in four years and it was awesome,” Green said.

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

Page 15

Sports

Seniors create women’s basketball dynasty

“

They will be remembered in our athletic department for a long time. Their legacy will last for a very long time.”

From Staff Reports

Penn State Beaver senior basketball players Jasmine Green and Heather Sandusky were recently named First-Team All American by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

It was a fitting end to a collegiate career for the two standouts who, along with seniors Noelle Milosewski and Laura Perkins, started the team with Coach Bert DeSalvo four years ago.

Senior Jessica Bartges and Shelby Parks, a junior who will be graduating a semester early, also saw the end to their college basketball careers.

“It hurts! It hurts a lot,” Green said. “I love these girls and my coaches.”

Green called her teammates “sisters.”

“We watched each other mature so much, and it’s going to be difficult leaving them. But I know we will stay best of friends because we have a bond that only a few teams have. And that’s sisterhood.”

Miloszewski agreed, saying that when the four first met, they instantly hit it off. “You go

Bert DeSalvo Coach

THE ROAR/CATHY BENSCOTER

Heather Sandusky (20), Noelle Miloszewski (33), Jasmine Green (24) and Laura Perkins (13) walk off the court in disappointment after their loss to Ave Maria University in the USCAA championship game.

through so much together.”

Over the past four years, the team has amassed an unbelievable 96-26 record. The four origi-

nal seniors, DeSalvo said, were “a bunch of kids that never played together” who built Beaver’s women’s basketball dynasty.

“I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “They will be remembered in our athletic department for a long time. Their legacy will last for a

very long time.”

Parks said it was tough to end the season — and her collegiate career — with two championship losses.

“It was emotional to know this was the last time I’m going to see these girls, the last time I’m taking the floor with them,” Parks said.

“Getting another runner-up trophy wasn’t how I pictured going out.”

Sandusky said she has appreciated both her athletic and academic opportunities. “My four years at Beaver have been great.”

“Basketball has given me a lot in four years,” she added. “Not only has it given me a great record, but it also has given me a lot of great memories. I became a better player on the court, and a better student in the classroom thanks to my coaches and teachers.”

Interested in playing varsity sports?

Men’s Baseball

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Basketball

Women’s Softball

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Wrestling

Women’s soccer

Women’s Volleyball

Jack Hilfinger 724-773-3879 jfh25@psu.edu

Marcess Williams 724-773-3857 mew23@psu.edu

Dan Grant 724-773-3878 dgg10@psu.edu

Andy Kirschner 724-773-3826 ack121@psu.edu

Bert DeSalvo 724-773-3878 apd12@psu.edu Dan Grant 724-773-3878 dgg10@psu.edu

Andy Kirschner 724-773-3826 ack121@psu.edu Dan Smith 724-773-3909 dws18@psu.edu

Page 16

Penn State Beaver Roar

March 2011

Sports

Team wins third PSUAC title Matt Jones

Senior Staff Writer msj145@psu.edu

In a nail-biting, three-point overtime victory, the top-ranked Penn State Beaver men’s basketball team defeated No. 2-seed Penn College Feb. 23 in the Bryce Jordan Center arena at University Park. The team claimed its thirdconsecutive Penn State conference title.

But the team’s third-place national finish in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association tournament a week later at Penn State Fayette was marred by a bench-clearing brawl that left Beaver with just four players on the court to finish the final 10 minutes of play.

Beaver, the No. 8 seed, had defeated No.1-seed Vermont Tech 92-87 in the second round of play in the national tournament, but lost its third game to No. 5-seed Andrews University 61-51.

In the third-place consolation game against New Hampshire Technical Institute, Beaver and No. 6-seed NHTI were tied going into halftime.

Coach Marcess Williams said Beaver started out slow, but quickly recovered.

“I really thought we started out playing them at the 10-minute mark in the first half,” he said.

By halftime, Beaver had tied the game, and started the second half with a 14-4 run with 10 minutes remaining in the game.

That’s when things got interesting.

According to sophomore forward Rich Gaston, after Beaver scored, he was backpedaling and bumped into an NHTI player.

Both players shoved one another and threw punches that missed.

Gaston said another Beaver player then came and tackled an NHTI player.

“It was a big mess after that,” Gaston said.

Both benches cleared and Williams said a fight that lasted two or

THE ROAR/JUSTIN VORBACH

Tony Houghton, No. 24, holds up three fingers representing the third consecutive PSUAC championship for the men’s basketball team. Celebrating with Houghton are teammates Julian Taylor, No. 5, sophomore Phil Adasczik, No. 32, and junior Tyler Care, No. 13.

three minutes ensued.

Williams was reluctant to comment on the incident because he hadn’t seen the tape yet, but did say that the fight cast a “black cloud” over the rest of the game.

“The long and short of it is, two players got into an argument, got into a disagreement and caused both benches to empty,” he said.

“It was a physical game the entire time,” senior Billy Stoughton said.

“It’s unfortunate what transpired,” Stoughton added. “I feel like if we could go back and do it again, it would never have happened.”

Williams said that any player who gets off the bench during a

game while not playing and enters the court is automatically ejected.

Gaston and the NHTI player he got into the initial scuffle with were also ejected.

After a cooling off period in the locker room, the only players allowed back onto the court to finish the game were the eight remaining players who were on the

court at the time, plus one player from NHTI who didn’t leave the bench during the fight.

That meant that Beaver had to finish the game playing five against four. Freshman Chris Weathers, sophomore Nick Miller and juniors Tyler Care and Julian TayContinued on page 17

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

Page 17

Sports

Snow didn’t stop basketball team Matt Jones

Senior Staff Writer msj145@psu.edu

It’s said that getting there is half the fun.

Don’t tell that to the Penn State Beaver men’s basketball team, though. The team had a metaphorical roller coaster ride on the way to winning its third consecutive Penn State University Athletic Conference title in February.

It had a literal roller coaster ride too.

Coach Marcess Williams said the team planned to leave for University Park at 10 p.m. the night before the tournament. The trip usually takes about 3 ½ hours, but Mother Nature had other plans that night.

A sudden snowstorm made road conditions so bad that the team bus took an hour to get up the first hill on Old Brodhead Road in front of campus.

Visibility and road conditions remained poor, and the 3 ½ hour trip turned into 8 ½ hours. Beaver had a first-round bye and played Penn State DuBois in its first game of the tournament. The game was scheduled for 11 a.m., but because of the snow delay, Beaver’s team bus didn’t arrive at University Park until 5 a.m.

Despite being sleep-deprived

THE ROAR/JUSTIN VORBACH

The men’s basketball team poses with the trophy for a third time after winning the PSUAC championship.

after their late arrival, Williams said his team was able to pull out the win.

That put Beaver in the championship game against Penn College, but the team’s bus troubles weren’t over. On the way to the Bryce Jordan Center for the championship game, the bus broke down.

“It was the trip from hell,” Williams said shaking his head.

Fortunately, the team fared better than the bus. The championship game was back-and-forth throughout, Williams said. But in the end, Beaver was able to pull out the victory.

After their championship win, Beaver learned it was ranked the No. 8 seed in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association tournament, which Williams called “a slap in the face” given the

team’s overwhelming conference success.

To add insult to injury, on the way to the tournament at Penn State Fayette a week later, the team bus broke down again.

“Everything that could have happened, happened. Mother Nature’s Mother Nature. The bus breaking down was the bus breaking down,” Williams said.

Team faces sanctions from championship fight Matt Jones

Senior Staff Writer msj145@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver men’s basketball team is facing sanctions stemming from an on-court fight March 5 at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament.

With just 10 minutes remaining in the consolation game against New Hampshire Technical Institute, a bench-clearing fight broke out.

Coach Marcess Williams said

that he would stand by his team if the investigation showed his players were not at fault. But he also said that he would impose his own sanctions against the team if the investigation showed that Beaver was the guilty party.

Chancellor Gary Keefer said Beaver campus has received suggested sanctions from the Penn State University Athletic Conference.

“We have their committee recommendation, which we have accepted,” Keefer said.

Two of the plays on the court when the fight broke out, Julian Taylor, junior, and Rich Gaston, sophomore, will both serve a two game suspension at the beginning of next season.

The remainder of the team, with the exceptions of Tyler Care, junior, and Chris Weathers, freshman, will face a one game suspension.

Other sanctions include community service hours for the team. Additionally, the team will be placed on probation for

the coming season, which Keefer explained would mean any potential disciplinary problems the team has during that period will be met with stricter punishments. “we are taking steps not to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again,” Athletic Director Andy Kirschner.

The men’s basketball team could also face sanctions from the campus, but Keefer said that was still being looked into.

He said he expected to hear from the USCAA soon as well.

Men’s team claims title Continued from page 16

lor finished out the game for Beaver.

Despite being one man short, Beaver maintained a consistent lead throughout, winning 88-71 and taking home the third-place trophy.

Williams said winning third place was a remarkable accomplishment, and that despite the fight, the men’s team had a great season even though it only had two seniors.

“At times this year, I thought we were just young and didn’t know how to win games,” he said.

But the team always seemed to pull through the adversity, and Williams said winning the PSUAC Tournament for a third year in a row highlighted a great year for his team.

“Whenever you win a championship, they can’t take that away from you.”

Beaver had only one loss in the Penn State University Athletic Conference regular season, but narrowly won the conference title in a matchup against No.2-seed Penn College.

Beaver opened the championship game on a 19-9 run, building an early lead in the first half. Penn College chipped away, trailing 35-28 at halftime, and finally tied the game, 42-42, with 15 minutes remaining.

In the next 10 minutes, Penn College built its first lead and was ahead by 10 points with five minutes left, but Beaver stormed back to tie the game with just 11 seconds remaining. Penn College missed its last attempt at the buzzer, forcing the game into overtime.

Beaver outscored Penn College 12-9 in the extra frame.

Senior David McGarry recorded a double-double, scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Miller and junior Tony Houghton each added 11.

Beaver defeated No. 4-seed Penn State DuBois 65-58 in the semifinal matchup.

Page 18

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

Sports

Softball trip unifies team Andrew DiPietrantonio Staff Writer

ahd5039@psu.edu

The softball team is sticking together.

After being cooped up all winter long in the gym, the Penn State Beaver softball team is ready for some action.

Over spring break, the team traveled to Myrtle Beach for spring training where it ended the week with a 4-4 record.

The two non-Penn State teams the Lady Lions played, Milligan College of Tennessee and Wentworth Institute of Technology from Boston, already had 10 to 12 games under their belts. Other games were played against Penn State Altoona and Berks campuses.

Penn State Beaver went scoreless twice to Milligan, but defeated Wentworth in two games. In its second matchup, the Lady Lions recorded 19 hits and 17 runs. Beaver split its two matchups each with Altoona and Berks.

Throughout the week sophomore Ashley Watkins hit three home runs and the pitchers kept their ERA under 2.

But the wins and the losses weren’t the most important things about Myrtle Beach, according to the players and coach.

“First of all, Myrtle was a great experience and it allowed us to become closer as a team,” Co-Cap-

THE ROAR/JUSTIN VORBACH

Freshman Myranda Raymond bats during the Lady Lions’ game in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Lady Lions won the game 6-4.

tains senior Kayla Chambers and junior Lindsey Scialdone called the Myrtle trip a great experience and said it helped the players come together as a team.

Coach Andy Kirschner agreed.

“We played as well as expected and

it was a great team-building experience.”

“Myrtle Beach helped us find what we needed to work on for the season,” sophomore Kori Freyermuth said, also adding that the team is a “tight-knit bunch.”

The captains agreed, and said that having a smaller, closer team that gets along and communicates well will help them to succeed.

“As long as we hit, hit, hit, we will do fine, because our defense is good,” Scialdone said.

“We have as good a shot as anyone to make the playoffs,” Kirschner said.

“The conference gets better every year, we played well in Myrtle, but we need to keep getting better and we need to stay focused every game,” he added.

The Lady Lions have only played two regular season games so far, splitting a double–header with Thiel College March 19. They won the first game 7-6 and lost the second game 3-0.

In the bottom of the fourth of the first game, back-to-back doubles by freshman Lauren Pier and junior Jamie Karpinski brought Beaver back within 3 (6-3).

Pier led off the bottom of the sixth with a single. Karpinski and Chambers followed with bunt base hits.

With bases loaded, sophomore Alyssa Carver and Freyermuth each drove in two runs with singles to give Beaver its first lead of the day. In the final inning, Chambers induced two groundouts and struck one out to secure the 7-6 victory.

In the game two loss, Carver threw 7 innings, giving up 3 earned runs off of 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out three.

After three more non-conference games, the Lady Lions will begin conference play against Penn College at 2 p.m. April 2 at home.

Volunteer dies on spring break trip

Fred “Stats” Holmes, a volunteer for the Penn State Beaver softball team, died unexpectedly March 12 at Summersville Regional Medical Center in West Virginia.

Holmes, the softball team and athletic department staff members were returning from spring break competition in Myrtle Beach.

Holmes volunteered to run the clock at the men’s and women’s

“

He was a great guy,”

Andy Kirschner Athletic Director

basketball home games. He had recently started doing the book for the softball team.

Holmes was a member of the New Brighton American Legion and was a Salvation Army volun-

teer.

He helped coach New Brighton termite and mighty-mite football and coached little league baseball in Beaver and New Brighton, where he was a former commissioner for New Brighton Little League Baseball.

He was an avid Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan and loved to watch wrestling.

Holmes was a statistician for football, basketball, softball, baseball and soccer for numerous high schools in Beaver County. He was also a statistician at Geneva College.

“He was a great guy,” Athletic Director Andy Kirschner said. “He just loved being part of the team, no matter what sport it was, and he is going to be deeply missed.”

Fred “Stats” Holmes

March 2011

Penn State Beaver Roar

Page 19

Sports

Baseball team has high hopes after losses

Alena Shaffer Staff writer

ass5173@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver baseball team started the season with four loses, two against Lynchburg College (10-4, 8-4) and two against Apprentice school (4-2, 12-0), during its spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. The most recent loss came in the home opener March 22 against Bethany College 7-2, bringing the team’s record to 0-7.

Despite the slow start, Coach Jack Hilfinger remains highly optimistic for the remainder of the season.

“We have a talented team,” Hilfinger said. “We want the wins.”

The team has strengths in every area, especially hitting, pitching and fielding. The team has 20 players this season as opposed to only 12 players last.

Billy Stoughton, the only senior on the team who also played basketball, is promising as one of three pitchers.

Hilfinger is coaching his second season at Penn State Beaver. Last year, his team won the PSUAC conference championship and finished third in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Hilfinger, a Penn State alumnus, said he “could not dream of a better life” now than coaching Penn State Beaver baseball.

Although the team has not won a game this season, Hilfinger said there is still plenty of time for a comeback. The team is working hard toward a winning season.

One possible reason for the losses is the amount of injuries.

Junior Ron Wilkins is out with a shoulder injury. Sophomore Brandon Alexander experienced an elbow injury. Sophomore Tom Lews had arm trouble and sophomore Ryan Hudacsek is out for six weeks from a broken finger.

The team begins conference play at 2 p.m. March 26 at Penn State Mont Alto. The next home game is noon March 27 against Penn State York.

THE ROAR/ BRIDGET MCCULLOUGH

Tom Lews steps up to bat during the Penn State Beaver baseball home opener against Bethany College on March 22.

Fightin’ Beavs want to end season with a winning game Samantha Soracco Staff Writer

sas557@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver Fightin’ Beavs inline hockey team is standing strong as the season winds down.

The team is ranked third in the conference with an 8-5 record.

The Fightin’ Beavs trail the undefeated Robert Morris University Blue team and second-place Community College of Allegheny County North (9-3-1).

The final three regular season games were played in March at the Robert Morris University Island Sports Complex.

The Fightin’ Beavs played Clarion University March 2 and skated away with a 5-2 victory. Freshmen Antonio Allegra and Chris Muffi earned two goals each and sophomore Jacob Szemanski added one.

Unfortunately that momentum

THE ROAR/ DANA SKLACK

Jake Szemanski makes a break into the offensive zone during the game against Robert Morris University-Red March 16.

did not carry into the team’s next game against the Robert Morris University Red team. Despite two

goals from Muffi, the Beavs fell to RMU 4-2.

The team has one regular sea-

son game left at 2 p.m. March 27 against second-place CCAC North.

Though the outcome of the game will not move their position in the standings, the team is focused on this game and is not looking too far ahead to the playoffs.

“As a team we are determined in winning all of our games and that is no different with CCAC,” said senior goalie Justin Vorbach.

“However, we have locked ourselves into third place going into the playoffs regardless of the outcome of this upcoming game,” added Vorbach, who is also art editor of The Roar.

“We are waiting to find out who we will be playing in the first round of the playoffs and are concentrating on getting the upper hand on whichever team that may be,” he said.

Vorbach is the league’s top-

ranked goalie. ”I feel really good about being at the top of the standings. There are a lot of talented goalies in our league and it’s nice to be among them,” he said.

“I’m a very competitive person, so it makes me want to push even harder to stay on top,” Vorbach said.

“Individual accomplishments are nice, but I focus on winning for both my teammates and Penn State,” he added.

Sophomore Dan Vish, who is out with a high ankle sprain, is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.

“I’m going to try to play in the playoffs ... because I’m a warrior,” Vish said.

Even if Vish is unable to play, that Fightin’ Beavs attitude will be reflected through his teammates in the upcoming playoffs.

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Penn State Beaver Roar

March 2011