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Penn State Beaver Roar March 2017
News
Campus reacts to travel ban ALEXIS SHEFFIELD Staff Writer
azs269@psu.edu
The recent immigration travel ban issued by President Donald Trump has stirred up emotions as students and faculty react to the news. Members of the Penn State Beaver community say they are concerned by the ban despite there being no students, faculty or staff who come from the seven Middle Eastern countries cited in the ban. The immigration travel ban went into effect on Jan. 24 when Trump signed the order banning entry for 90 days by citizens from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
However, less than a week later, a federal judge blocked implementation of the ban and on Feb. 9 a three-judge panel in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the travel ban. According to Penn State’s official enrollment, there are 14 international students enrolled at Beaver this year. Two of those international students are senior Thae Mon and freshman Songmeng Wang. Neither are from the affected countries yet they both said they do not agree with the travel ban. Mon is from Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia. She said she feels that Trump needs to be more fair like the previous president.
“This is our home, too,” said Wang, who is from China. Freshman Chloe Kusi said she understands the difficult process to come to the U.S. Kusi emigrated from Ghana and received her U.S citizenship three years ago. Professor Talha Harcar is a citizen of three countries including Turkey, Canada and the United States. He has traveled to about 50 countries, so Trump’s travel ban is hard for him to understand, he said. “He discriminates against people in the U.S; he discriminates me,” said Harcar. Nevertheless, Harcar said he is proud to be an American but feels there is a divide in the United States that he does not feel in Canada.
Freshman Alexey Stern is a firstgeneration American; his parents are from Russia. Stern, who is also a Roar staff writer, said he believes Trump’s travel ban is building tension with the Islamic culture. Chancellor Jenifer Cushman quickly reacted to the news by sending out a campus email on Feb. 1. So did Penn State President Eric Barron who sent an email Jan. 29. Barron said that Penn State is committed to diversity and honoring the dignity of each individual. He also encourages all to carry immigration documents with them proving their legal status. Cushman’s email stood in solidarity with Barron’s as she reassured the
campus that the same message is true on Beaver campus. Cushman formerly served as dean of International Education at Juniata College in central Pennsylvania. “We believe that diversity enriches the lives of our students and that includes the international community as well,” said Cushman. Cushman said that the campus does not know how the travel ban will develop, but officials are keeping a close eye out over the next few weeks. According to Barron, Penn State has joined the Association of American Universities requesting that the U.S government end this order as soon as possible.
PERSON IN THE BISTRO
How do you feel about President Trump’s immigration policy?
“I agree with the ban for now. Trump still needs time to revise and reconsider some assumptions.”
Josh Lutz Junior
“I don’t necessarily agree with the ban. There is no need for the over-accusations President Trump usually implies.”
Alexandra Ricker Junior
“I think it will do the exact opposite and will create more resentment than there already was.”
James Heberling Senior
“Trump is very irrational and should be focusing on more pushing issues in our country,”
Hannah Yuhasz Sophomore
“The ban could have been handled a little more diligently, but I am for the protection of my country over all else.”
Evan Meyers Sophomore
March 2017
News
Penn State Beaver Roar
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Potential Obamacare repeal garners mixed reaction of students CHRIS ROTONDO Senior Staff Writer
ctr5138@psu.edu
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed to “ease the burdens” of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, by “minimizing [its] economic burden” until both his administration and Congress form a plan to repeal and replace the program. Republicans have not yet formed an alternative to the ACA, though Trump has stated that the ACA and a new healthcare act will be switched “simultaneously.” For many Americans, the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act and lack of a concrete alternative plan causes uncertainty, especially among Penn State Beaver students. “I depend on my dad’s health insurance,” said senior Luis Rodriguez, a business accounting major. “Without it, who knows if I’d be able to afford health insurance.” One of the features of the act, which was signed by former President Barack Obama in 2010, allows young Americans to stay on their parent’s health insurance plan until the age of 26. Trump has said that he would like to keep that feature in a new health care plan. However, an amendment proposed by Senate Democrats to let Americans under 26 stay on their parent’s health plan was voted down by Senate Republicans in January. “Republicans now have their chance to repeal [Obamacare],” said Rajen Mookerjee, professor of economics. “But so far they haven’t found a way to replace it.” Mookerjee says that most economists agree that the ACA cannot be replaced. “They can only repeal and replace [the ACA] with something that won’t cover as many people,” he said. He also says that Republicans cannot afford to repeal the act with-
out a replacement. Trump’s executive order has drawn criticism from many Democrats as well as some Republicans. Since the ACA’s inception in 2010, Penn State has adopted parts of the act into its health care plan, which is provided through a private health insurance company. In comparison, since the ACA has been put into law, some universities have refrained from offering health insurance at all. As an athlete, Rodriguez worries for his teammates who may not be covered if the ACA is repealed. “Any future athlete could be putting their body in a position to get hurt,” he said. Not all students are worried about the uncertainty. “Even if I was dropped from my parent’s insurance, it wouldn’t be a huge deal because I can easily go full-time at my current job and get benefits,” said senior Alyssa Honeychuck, a business accounting major. Honeychuck said that not all students are as fortunate. “Repealing [the ACA] would be a huge deal for others because if you have no type of insurance, even for just a few months, you get a huge tax penalty,” she said. For Rodriguez, the biggest concern is the uncertainty of what will happen. “Who knows how long it’ll take to find a job that will include a good health insurance plan,” he said. “America is the only rich country in the world that does not provide health care,” Mookerjee said. He also added that American doctors are among the highest paid in the world. Despite uncertainty, he still says that students should not be concerned. “If you are under the Affordable Care Act, don’t worry. They won’t have anything to replace it with,” he said. “This is all a bunch of hot air going nowhere.”
The Roar/Chris Rotondo
Sophomores Brenna Cepull and Adam Martinez collect money for THON from sophomore Ryan Onderko.
No dancers in THON for 2nd year in a row MOLLY VERONE Staff Writer
mev5149@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver students may be let down after hearing the news that Penn State Beaver had no dancers for the second year in a row at the 44th annual Penn State Dance Marathon held Feb. 17 to 19 at University Park. The Penn State Beaver THON committee could not send any dancers this year because it did not raise enough money. According to sophomore Adam Martinez, one of THON committee chairs, to be able to send dancers the committee had to raise at least $7,600. The committee had various fundraisers and still fell short. Though he didn’t have a final tally, Martinez said they are less than halfway to where they needed to be. Amy Gartley, the director of Student Affairs and THON sponsor, said that they do not know exactly how much money Penn State Beaver raised at this moment because people are able to donate up until
THON weekend. Martinez said that fundraising was more difficult this year. The main problem they faced was that the canning rules changed. In past years, there were four canning weekends, but this year there were only two. Penn State Beaver only participated in one of the two weekends. Also, unlike the past, they were not able to can on the streets. Students were only able to can in front of stores, Martinez said. Penn State Beaver raised more than $500 from canning. Instead of canning, the Interfraternity Council wanted to have more online donations. “THON wants to try raising money online by people sharing links to the website instead of inperson fundraising like canning,” Martinez said. Sophomore Adele Smith, president of the Student Government Association, said that another area that can make canning more difficult is students from University Park and other Penn State campuses that
come back to their hometown to can. They can take areas that Penn State Beaver students could potentially can at, too. The biggest fundraiser that Penn State Beaver had this year was the homecoming dance in the fall. About 80 students attended the semi-formal dance, which raised more than $1,000. Another key fundraiser was Dress Down Fridays for faculty. The faculty paid $5 to wear jeans on Friday, raising another $200. Even though Penn State Beaver is not sending dancers, Martinez and other Beaver students still attended the exciting 46-hour dance marathon to help conquer childhood cancer. THON raised more than $10 million this year. Martinez said he is disappointed that they could not send any dancers. In the future, he would like more people to help raise money. The more people that are involved, the more fun it can be and the more money that will be raised for THON.
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Penn State Beaver Roar March 2017
News
Fate of Beaver Valley Mall is uncertain SAMMY POOLA Staff Writer
spp5259@psu.edu
The recent ownership change of the Beaver Valley Mall coupled with the closing of Macy’s and the departure of Sears has sparked mixed emotions among the Penn State Beaver community. Store managers from Macy’s refused to comment on their store’s recent closure. Sophomore Corey Price has been working at Pac-Sun at the mall for a little over a year. “When Sears left, I didn’t notice much of an impact, but when Macy’s goes, I think it will really affect the mall,” said Price. Last April, Sears closed its doors at the mall. In early January of this year, Macy’s announced that its store at the Beaver Valley Mall would be joining the list of nearly 100 underperforming stores to close around the country. The store is expected to close around the beginning of March. Later that same month, the Namdar Realty Group of Great Neck, N.Y purchased the mall for $24.2 million, according to an article in the Beaver County Times. The new owners are not only keeping the property
The Roar/Tiarra Gordon
Macy’s at the Beaver Valley Mall is selling the rest of it’s inventory at 40 to 60 percent off until the store closes.
a mall, but they also plan to add new tenants with Sears gone and Macy’s leaving. Initially, Price thought he might be out of a job when he heard the mall was sold. However, he was relieved to hear that it was remaining a mall. In fact, Price says that he’s heard the new owners hope to have all vacancies in the mall filled with new stores by the end of the year. Hannah Yuhasz, a sophomore,
has been working for Signet Jewelers for nearly three years. The company owns many jewelers, including Kay, Zales, and Peircing Pagoda at the mall. Yuhasz is a bit skeptical of the mall’s future. She says that aside from the jewelry stores, the anchor stores (Macy’s, Sears, Boscov’s and JC Penny’s) are responsible for most of the income at the mall. Now with two of them gone, the new owners of the
mall will have some serious work to do. Yuhasz also noted that a great number of maintenance workers and security officers are no longer employed because of the new ownership. They were given a choice between receiving lower pay or facing termination. The pay cuts were too drastic for most of the workers, which led to their subsequent departure, she said.
“The mall needs more stores like Buckle and Forever 21,” said Yuhasz. “Also, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to put a new restaurant where Bocktown used to be.” Students enjoy the mall for a variety of different reasons. Sophomore Dennis Pietrandrea goes to the mall mainly for the eateries in the food court. Freshman Stephen McCutchen usually goes to the mall to shop at American Eagle. However, some students like Lauren Osmanski very seldom shop at the mall. She lives in Moon Township, which means she is close to the larger Mall at Robinson. The changes at the mall have impacted faculty members along with students. Sonya Kitsko, a lecturer in education, has been shopping at the Beaver Valley Mall for 12 years. “I feel that Macy’s closing is a loss for the community,” said Kitsko. Kitsko noted that the size and location of the mall make it a perfect shopping destination, especially for older individuals in the area. She said she believes that some of the decline in business in the mall may be due to the increasing ease and convenience of online shopping.
Students required to have health insurance by fall 2018 NITA WILLIAMS Staff Writer
new5130@psu.edu
With all of the current issues regarding healthcare, Penn State has decided to get involved in its own way and it could end up costing students money. The university plans to introduce a new insurance policy requirement in order to ensure that all students have sufficient health coverage while enrolled. “At a Commonwealth Campus Student Government meeting in the fall, the Student Affairs Committee gave the run-down on what they gather is going on,” said Beaver’s Student Government Association Presi-
dent Adele Smith. This new policy requires that students go through a “hard waiver” which means they will be required to show proof of an existing health insurance policy that is deemed acceptable by the university. If the insurance is not satisfactory or if no evidence of health coverage is presented, they will automatically be enrolled in the Penn State-sponsored health insurance with the cost added to their semester bill. So far, no one knows the exact amount that fee will be. “To my understanding, this fee will get tacked onto tuition,” said Chris Rizzo, director of student affairs. He added that this new policy will
not be implemented until at least fall of 2018, but will be mandatory. “No student will be able to go without health insurance.” Rizzo explained that the university is sending requests for proposals to insurance companies to come up with a package of sufficient coverage for a reasonable price. Penn State already offers an optional healthcare plan to students through Aetna insurance company. The cost to insure student is more than $1,300 a semester, or more than $3,000 a year, but it is only mandated for international students. Nurse Barb Kugel said that University Health Services at University Park is reviewing the compliance
guidelines and notification will be sent out when the process is finalized. Although the idea of offering health coverage to students seems like a good plan, students are not entirely receptive to the idea. “Some people felt very blindsided,” said Smith, a sophomore. “The entire Student Affairs Committee was pretty upset.” Sophomore SGA Representative Adam Martinez said, “I think it’s good that they want to offer health coverage to students, but I think it should be optional, not mandatory.” Freshman Maria Rizzilli agreed. “The intention is good, but expecting students to pay for it is too much. I think we should be able to select if
we do or don’t want it.” Sophomore Lauren Hudnall said students need options. “I think it’s a good idea. I think everyone should have health insurance, but for those who aren’t already covered, I feel like they should be able to have options and talk it out with the university about what they can pay for what coverage and work out a manageable payment method.” Sophomore Paul Varner said Penn State should not get involved. “It’s the university’s business if we have all of our immunizations up to date, but it’s not their business if we have health insurance. That’s a personal matter and they should stay out of it.”
March 2017
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Penn State Beaver Roar
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POLICE BEAT
Student charged with trespassing
Senior Jordan Price uses a new hand sanitizer located in the Wellness Center.
The Roar/Nick Casasanta
New contract gives campus soap dispensers for free
EMILY R. DIETRICH Staff Writer
erd5208@psu.edu
During winter break, Penn State Beaver installed new soap dispensers and air fresheners, provided by Cintas, in nearly every bathroom on campus to enhance cleanliness as well as save money. While these things do improve the quality of campus life for most students and faculty, there has already been one instance of an allergic reaction. Several months into the fall semester, Adam Rathbun, director of finance and business, met with Cintas to discuss the possibility of new soap and air fresheners on campus. “We were looking for ways to save money, so Cintas gave us alternative methods,” Rathbun said. “They provided us with new soap dispensers and air fresheners, free of charge, with free refills and no main-
tenance required on our part.” Rathbun also said that he had hoped the new changes would not only enhance the look of the dispensers, but the overall look of campus as well. “I really like the new changes,” Game Room President Galen Sexton said, “The dispensers are very functional and the soap itself smells very good.” These products are being used in every public bathroom on campus except two, with the exception of the Brodhead Bistro and Harmony Hall. Cintas also provided several hand sanitizer stations on campus. In the short time these changes have been present on campus, there has already been one case of an allergic reaction by a student. However, according to Rathbun, the soap dispensers do not seem to be the problem. “The student was allergic to the
new air fresheners,” said Rathbun. “However, they had been removed from the student’s vicinity.” Sexton, on the other hand, thinks more can be done about the allergy than what was already done. “Don’t get me wrong, I like the air fresheners and all, they smell good, but they should probably try to use something else if students are having allergic reactions to it. I’m sure it exists,” Sexton said. Following the new air fresheners and soap dispensers, Rathbun says there are plans to take these changes even further. “Due to complaints we have received about the lack of hand dryers in the Michael Baker Building, we are looking to implement a hands-free towel dispenser.” By doing this, Rathbun and the maintenance staff hope that this will make for a cleaner environment, he said.
University Police charged sophomore Ivan Rodriguez of Seagonville, Texas, with trespassing after an incident Harmony Hall Jan. 8. Campus police could not provide additional details, but according to online court records from the Magisterial District Courts Docket Sheets, Rodriguez has outstanding charges of trespassing and purchasing alcohol by a minor. The Public Court Summary indicates Rodriguez pled guilty to additional charges of careless driving and accidental damage to an unattended vehicle or property.
TWO PSUALERTS ISSUED
Penn State Beaver students received two text messages this semester via PSUAlert. The first was Jan. 16 about a possible robbery. A student reported someone tried to rob them at gunpoint on the Walmart trail. University Police investigated and the case is still open. The second text message was sent Feb. 3 about a possible sexual assault that was reported to police by third party. Police are still investigating and couldn’t provide additional information.
STUDENTS CHARGED FOR DRINKING
Police charged freshman Cruz M. Galarza of San Diego with underage drinking. An employee reported Galarza was drinking in Harmony Hall Jan. 13. In a separate incident, police charged freshmen Racheal A. Cummings of Evans City, Cheyenne Lopez of Roswell, N.M. and Joshua Paiva of Astoria, N.Y. with underage drinking. A resident assistant reported the three drinking in Harmony Hall Jan. 30.
STUDENT REPORTS HARASSMENT
Campus police reported that a female students said she had been harassed by an unnamed person in the Michael Baker Building on Feb. 10. Police are investigating and the case is still open.
MARIJUANA SMELLED … AND SMELLED … AND SMELLED
Four cases of someone smelling marijuana in and around Harmony Hall have been reported to campus police. On Jan. 13, an officer smelled marijuana smoke coming from a suspicious vehicle in Parking Lot A between Harmony Hall and the Michael Baker Building. The car was unoccupied. No charges have been filed yet. On Jan. 19, an employee reported there was an odor of marijuana in the smoker’s hut outside Harmony Hall. The case has been closed. A day later on Jan. 20, an employee reported there was an odor of marijuana in Harmony Hall. The case is also closed. Police also reported smelling marijuana in Harmony Hall Feb. 5, but no one was charged and the case is still open.
NAMETAGS, FLYERS BURNED IN HARMONY
An employee reported a burned nametag on a door in Harmony Hall on Jan. 22. On Jan. 30, an employee reported someone partially burnt a flier in Harmony Hall. Then on Feb. 5, an employee reported another nametag burned on a door in Harmony Hall. Police are investigating.
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Penn State Beaver Roar March 2017
Viewpoints
#StopTweeting
Trump can’t lead the country through social media MANAGING EDITOR Brooke Doerfler
bmd5296@psu.edu
PHOTO CHIEF Evan Pinchot
emp197@psu.edu
BUSINESS MANAGER Brianna Ditri
bbd5033@psu.edu
PAGE DESIGNERS Khalia Adams
ksa5120@psu.edu
Shay Barchie
smb628@psu.edu
Jerilyn Borowsky jab1066@psu.edu
Jeremy Brown
jjb5772@psu.edu
Nick Casasanta nec5137@psu.edu
Ty Cole
wtc5037@psu.edu
Adam Espinoza ate5052@psu.edu
Tiarra Gordon
tag5361@psu.edu
Savanna Griggs scg5198@psu.edu
Brittany Jackson brj5080@psu.edu
Chris Rotondo
ctr5138@psu.edu
Zach Ulrich
zau5001@psu.edu
ADVISERS Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu
Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu
@realDonaldTrump: Please put down your phone for 5 minutes and focus on the business of running our country instead of seeing how many retweets you can get. #stoptweeting #doyourjob A month after taking the oath of office, President Donald Trump is still dominating headlines in a way that the Kardashians could only dream of. How is this possible? The answer may simply be something that nearly everyone has: Twitter. Since taking office Jan. 20, Trump has tweeted more than 190 times (up to Feb. 21) on his @realDonaldTrump handle – an average of more than six tweets per day. In contrast, President Barack Obama tweeted 352 times since his @POTUS44 account was created in June of 2013. That’s roughly one tweet every four days. It’s not just how much Trump tweets, it’s also what he says. Here’s just a sampling of some of Trumps’ more outlandish tweets. Feb. 17 “The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCnews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is
the enemy of the American People!” Feb. 8 “My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible! Feb. 9 “SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!” Feb. 3 “Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger did a really bad job as Governor of California and even worse on the Apprentice...but at least he tried hard!” In an incredibly short amount of time, Trump has transformed not only how we think of the presidency, but also what we think is appropriate of a president. Trump has repeatedly broken the norms set by past presidents while ignoring some of the basic principles that we associate with our leaders. While Trump’s Twitter tirades may be entertaining and good for the late-night talk shows, they doesn’t seem to sit well with most Americans, many of whom proudly voted for him. Furthermore, one can’t even argue that Trump’s politically incorrect, often meanspirited tweets are funny. Instead, Trump
continues to taunt anyone and everyone that annoys him, including the media, federal judges, entire religions and department stores, while still having 25.2 million followers and counting. After a month of primetime news stories focused on Trump’s executive orders, court battles, ethics scandals and off-thewall press conferences, why are we allowing this to become the norm? Trump is only the second president to be in office during this Twitter generation, but he seems to be setting an awful example for those who will follow him. Ironically, students aren’t even allowed to tweet in class or during their jobs; yet Trump is given free reign to tweet some of the most absurd and insulting comments while serving in the most important job in the country. So, Mr. President. For the sake of our country, the sake of your reputation as the leader of the free world, and for the sake of our own sanity, we beg you to please stop with the tweets. Where are the funny videos and clever memes that ruled our Twitter feeds not so long ago?
Unfunded mandate PSU should not force students to pay for health insurance As if the cost of a Penn State education is not already high enough, leaders are now touting a plan that could price PSU out of reach for many students. According to Beaver’s Student Government Association, Penn State has recently announced that it will make health insurance a requirement for all incoming students beginning in fall 2018. The university’s new policy on insurance would require incoming students to show proof of adequate coverage before being enrolled, or be forced to pay for health insurance on your semester bill along with tuition and fees and room and
board. Costs haven’t been released yet, but if it’s anything close to the optional health insurance Penn State currently offers students, it could be as much as $1,300 a semester or more than $3,000 a year. While it is true that most people think having health insurance is a good thing and that everyone should have some sort of coverage, requiring this of students seems like a step too far. Furthermore, the Affordable Care Act, which is in jeopardy now that Donald Trump has been elected president, already carries this mandate along with tax penalties for those who fail
to obtain coverage. Face it: If health insurance is mandated, this will raise the price of college for some students, likely those students who are already struggling to meet the cost of education at Penn State. While the intention of this policy seems to be good, forcing families to spend more money for their students to attend college isn’t a fair deal for anyone. Worse yet, we may end up closing the door to a Penn State education for some students. It’s time to remedy this situation by ending this mandate before any real harm is done.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: bmd5296@ psu.edu. Please include your full name, address, email address and cell phone number.
ADS FOR CLUBS Free advertising space is offered to any universityrecognized organization or club to promote upcoming events. The space is limited to one eighthpage ad per club per edition. To reserve space, email The Roar business manager at: bbd5033@ psu.edu The content and opinions of this publication reside solely with the authors and not with the Pennsylvania State University or the Penn State Beaver Student Activity Fee Committee.
March 2017
News
Penn State Beaver Roar
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Entrepreneurship minor available this semester JERILYN BOROWSKY Staff Writer
jab1066@psu.edu
The Roar/Khalia Adams
Sophomore Morgan Stillwagon and freshman Hadiya Hall work in the greenhouse in the Laboratory Classroom Building. Current biology classes use the greenhouse as a lab to work with plants.
New biology major added to science department RYAN LOCKHART Staff Writer
rnl5086@psu.edu
Beginning in Spring 2018, students at Penn State Beaver will be offered a brand new major in biology. The general biology degree, announced late in November, will give students a broad background of everything they need to know. “Instead of transferring somewhere else, students should be able to complete the major in four years,” says Cassandra Butterworth, associate professor of biology. Butterworth said Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth, felt that there should be a four-year biology degree in the western part of the state. A proposal was initially submitted years ago to make Beaver that campus. Butterworth said that though Biology is a challenging major, extra work will make it much easier. “Don’t just memorize things. You have to learn the concepts of biolo-
gy,” said freshman Siu-Len Navarro, who is excited about the new major. Navarro was planning on doing two years at Beaver and two elsewhere to complete her major, but decided to stay at Beaver for the full four years when the major was announced. “A lot of students come to school looking to go into the medical field, wanting to major in pre-med,” says Butterworth. “We always try to steer students away from pre-med since it is so restrictive. We let them know that majoring in biology can keep those doors open for them.” Butterworth said that by majoring in biology, students fulfill all the prerequisites for taking tests like the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and being accepted into a medical school. In addition to introducing a new major, Penn State Beaver will also be planning to hire two new full-time faculty to help teach biology. The new teachers will both be biologists and are due to start in the fall of this
year. Both Butterworth and Stephanie Petroski, instructor in biology, will also be teaching classes once the new major rolls out. Butterworth explained that there will also be new 400-level classes offered at Beaver due to the new major. The 400-level biology classes consist of hands-on things from field work to lab courses. “The plan is to roll out these new courses slowly over the next few years,” said Butterworth. For a student to have biology as their major, they must have certain prerequisites met, including a 2.0 GPA or higher, Math 140 and 141, Chemistry 110, Biology 110, and at least one of the 200-level Biology courses. In addition to the new major, biology students are working with Butterworth, a native of South Africa, and Petroski to plan a trip to South Africa in the summer of 2019. “It will tentatively be a twoweek trip in the summer to do some hands-on work,” said Navarro.
A new minor in entrepreneurship and innovation is now available for Penn State Beaver students. This minor is designed to help graduates meet the critical global needs companies have for entrepreneurial behavior and innovative thinking. Student can earn a minor in numerous fields by taking 18 credits in an area of concentration. The other minors that are available at Penn State Beaver are information sciences and technology, psychology, security and risk analysis, business, civic and community engagement and criminal justice. Ashu Kumar, IST instructor, is the advisor for the new minor. Last semester’s Lion’s Den event, in which student groups pitched innovative business ideas to a panel of experts – much like on TV’s “Shark Tank” – got some students on campus interested in the entrepreneurship and innovation minor, Kumar said. Evan McStay participated in the
Lion’s Den competition. McStay was one of the winners of the competition. McStay, a junior IST major at Penn State Beaver, talked about how he was always interested in creating in many different ways from model building to wood working. “It is a good minor for any major that is at Penn State.” Josh Lutz, a junior business major, has a small-scale chicken farm, eBay store and a land lording company of his own. He likes the idea of expanding his ventures. That’s why Lutz said he believes that this minor can help with his understanding of the business market and how it is adapting and changing. “The marketplace is changing by the day and future business men and women need be able to innovate and adapt.” Lutz said he knows that the marketplace is not a friendly place and small startup companies can be chewed up and spit out if they don’t know how to handle themselves. The minor can help prepare students to understand the marketplace and to learn what is needed to understand what it takes to create and run a business of their own someday.
Penn State provost visits Beaver ZACH ULRICH
Senior Staff Writer zau5001@psu.edu
When Provost Nick Jones, the second-highest ranking official at Penn State, visited campus Feb. 8, he had a pretty simple question for students: what did they like about Beaver campus and what could be better? “What has been great about your experience at Penn State Beaver?” Jones asked the small group of students gathered in Room 16 of the Student Union Building. Jones was accompanied by Madlyn Hanes, vice president for the Commonwealth Campuses. Freshman Alexis Albrecht had a simple response that summed up
much of what the students talked about. “Teachers, real understanding and support of athletes.” Students were then asked what can improved on campus. “We need better locker rooms in the gym,” said junior basketball player DJ Austin. Junior Roxie Kie lives in Harmony Hall and would like to see more amenities. “I wish we had our own bathrooms.” Jones said he values the feedback from students. “My job is to make sure Penn State has a good reputation and maintains that reputation, (and) also to make sure the academic bar stays high,” said Jones.
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Penn State Beaver Roar March 2017
News
Bistro hopes to use touchscreens soon
NEW FURNITURE GIVES SUB NEW LOOK
The Roar/Jerilyn Borowsky
Students enjoy the new furniture purchased for the Student Union Building. The Student Facility Fee committee authorized the purchase of the furniture in the upper and lower lobbies. More furniture is expected to arrive over spring break to turn the SUB Lodge into a student lounge area. The last project the committee funded was the sport court. Adam Rathbun, director of Finance and Business, said that the final cost of all the upgrades will be around $180,000.
The Roar/Brittany Jackson
Touchscreens will soon be used to allow students to order fried and grilled items in the Brodhead Bistro.
GARRETT TROY Staff Writer
Chapin, Pierce and recent alums collaborate on academic research HALEY PAUL Staff Writer
hxp169@psu.edu
John Chapin, professor of communications, and Mari Pierce, associate professor of Administration of Justice, have both recently been published in academic journals. Chapin’s research is mainly focused on prevention education, where he works with Crisis Center North of Pittsburgh to develop programs and assess them. The programs reach as many as 10,000 middle and high school students. Recently, his work has focused on optimistic bias, or the belief that bad things happen to other people. His recent publication, “Sexism and Bystander Intervention,” cowritten with communications alum Nancy Paoletti, looks more in depth at how sexist attitudes predict who is more likely to step in when a female student is being harassed by a male
student. Pierce and Chapin collaborated to research the impact of visitation on inmate misconduct within the Beaver County jail. There they tested optimistic bias and inmates. This is not the first time the two worked together. Pierce has a strong interest in law, and Chapin is interested in websites people use to locate offenders. Their work, which recently appeared in “Security Journal,” is based off of Pierce’s curiosity in how changing visitation privileges impacts misconduct among inmates. “Many people ask how you are working together when you’re a criminal justice professor and he’s a communications professor,” said Pierce. “Dr. Chapin was my mentor when I first got hired here and we became friends as well as our research interlinks,” she said.
The other two co-authors for “Security Journal” were Pierce’s former AOJ students Brittany Epling and Tyler J. Madden. This is not the first time professors and students have collaborated together to do research. In the past, Chapin has always has student research assistants. “Writing with students has been interesting,” said Chapin. “It kind of turn’s research into a teaching opportunity.” His current research assistant is Brianna D’Itri, senior communications major. “I enjoy being his research assistant, I think it’s a great opportunity,” said D’Itri. Chapin said the work doesn’t have to end when a student graduates. “If she’s interested in writing together this summer after graduation, I’m sure the tradition will continue,” said Chapin.
glt6@psu.edu
Brodhead Bistro officials still do not have a definitive answer on when the new touch-screen ordering system will be unveiled and in full use, but officials hope to start soon. Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services, told The Roar last semester that he hoped to have the system up and running after Thanksgiving break. But the screens still remain unused in the same place as they were three months ago, on the stand between the cash registers and trash area. The touch screens aren’t being used yet because the transition of the students this year didn’t run as smoothly as it was anticipated, Lindner said. “There is no set date on when they will be released. This year’s students haven’t transitioned well so I am trying to find the right time to walk them into the change.” They could be put to use soon. “The touch screens are ready. I just programmed them last week,” Lindner said. He does not want to start using them in the middle of a week because it would be hard to adjust to and confusing. “I am try-
ing to find a time that will work.” Lindner said it would be hard to introduce the touch screens out of nowhere because it would be a huge change not only for the customers but for the employees working in the Bistro. Freshman Paul Cook was not even aware that the Brodhead Bistro was supposed to get touch screen ordering. “They’d be pretty cool,” Cook said. “You don’t have to wait for somebody in front of the fryer or grill.” The touch screens are similar to the ones at Sheetz or GetGo and provide an innovative solution for prompt and effective ordering. As for the food ordering process, Lindner said that the touch screens will only pertain to fried and grilled foods. The touch screens would eliminate the hassle of the workers not being able to accurately hear the order due to the noise coming from the kitchen, Lindner said. While the touch screens won’t mean any new products, Lindner said he hopes they add a “better level of service.” The touch screens should expedite the ordering process and would make the Brodhead Bistro run more smoothly, he said.
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Maker Lab puts theory into practice MATTHEW PALAHUNIK Staff Writer
mgp5156@psu.edu
Engineering students can now start using new state-of-the-art equipment on the campus in the Maker Lab, which is located on the lower level of the Michael Baker Building. The Maker Lab allows engineering students to make complex contraptions with precision and skill. One such machine is known as the Computer Numerical Control Router Shopbot, or a CNC Shopbot, which allows students and staff to create anything they want. The Shopbot is one of many features in the Maker Lab along with a drill press, an industrial air filter and a band saw. The Shopbot “is a great assett” for the school to use, said Carrie McDougall, director of Academics Affairs. The shopbot was actually a last-minute purchase with donations that came through just before the building was opened. “The new machine will allow the engineering students to gain knowledge, experience and creativity before they enter the business world,” McDougall said. “The curriculum needs to adapt to the 21st century.” “The engineering department is moving forward with its ability to
The Roar/Penn State Beaver Photos
Sophomore engineering students Nicole Chemini (left) and Leah Berry demonstrate the CNC Shopbot for Carrie McDougall, director of Academic Affairs. The students, who will both attend Penn State Behrend next year, say that the new equipment has helped them in their major.
teach and prepare students for the workforce with these new machines,” said Jim Hendrickson, instructor of engineering. Hendrickson said he is ecstatic to have this new machine. With it,
students will be able to execute precise and detailed incisions in various materials such as metal, plastic and wood. Before this new addition, students had to travel to Pittsburgh to use a
machine like this. Students can now create signs, shirts and various other forms of art using this machine. Like anything new, there are a few issues that appeared which is preventing students from using this machine
to its fullest potential. Brandi Baros, the regional Environmental Health and Safety coordinator for Penn State, said the machine creates super fine particles in the air that could harm anyone who breathes them in. Not even the body’s natural air filters could filter these particles out. As a result, students are not allowed to use this machine to cut, but it can still be used for most other functions. The school is developing protocols to ensure its safe use. Down the hall in the computer engineering lab, students have already begun using the new 3D printer. Sophomore Leah Berry is one of a handful of students who are trained to use the Shopbot. Being able to use a Shopbot will “open doors by having it on a resume,” she said. Berry added that companies would love to see that she is able to use this advanced machine fluently. Sophomore Nicole Chemini, who is also trained to use the Shopbot, said that “operating [the machine] isn’t difficult.” She said it would be good for an employer to see that not only does she know how the machine works on paper, but that she also has hands-on experience with a Shopbot.
Flooding in new Michael Baker Building cancels class KARL TRUSKOWSKI Staff Writer
kzt5265@psu.edu
On Jan. 12, during the first week of the spring semester, Penn State Beaver was struck with a massive downpour and room 103 in the Michael Baker Building suffered due to the rainstorm. Flooding had stopped classes for the evening. While a crime and detection in literature class was going on, students noticed that a puddle was starting to form.
“Someone had mentioned a leak on the floor, and the next thing I know there is a stream of water under my desk,” said freshman Alexis Teny. The puddle turned into a small pond due to the water flowing from the windows on the left side of the room to the right wall on the opposite side of the room. A main concern from instructor Robin Bower, associate professor of Spanish, was that the water would get underneath the podium and
strike the electrical cords. Class was dismissed early by Bower, due to the flood that had sprouted. What caused the flood to happen? How did the water come into the building, let alone on the upper floor? Adam Rathbun, director of finance and business, said he believed that the seals that lock the windows into place had either broken all together or that holes had gone through the seals.
The seals were all placed in the corners. Due to the break, the rain was heavy enough to seep through the exposed areas. Rathbun said that the room was closed soon afterward and vacuums were brought in to suck up the water. The window company that had originally put the windows into the newly renovated building had to return to campus. They filled in the window corners and adjusted the broken seals. The windows also had to be adjusted.
Other leaks have been reported due to a faulty roof. Most of the leaks were in the mechanical rooms, and not in classrooms. The roof is planned to be fixed in the summer. The Michael Baker Building opened last fall after undergoing a $10 million renovation. “All students and faculty love the new building,” said Rathbun. “Although there are minor defects, most say it’s their favorite building on campus,” he said.
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Students make memories d HALEY PAUL Staff Writer
hxp169@psu.edu
Imagine being told you’re going to Europe. Packing, getting your plane ticket, traveling eight exhausting hours. Seems crazy, right? That crazy idea became a reality this semester for sophomore Sydney Jean and junior Alexa DiPietrantonio. To daydream about going to Europe is one thing, but taking in the sights and seeing them in person is another. Jean, who is an Information Systems and Technology major, is studying in Paris. DiPietrantonio, meanwhile, is studying communications while in Vienna, Austria. Both students are taking a few classes such as international relations, art relations, literature, psychology and history. Each student flew to Europe at the beginning of the year. DiPietrantonio said it is still early in her semester-long journey, but she is enthusiastic about her experience so far. “It’s exciting, but it’s still in the beginning.” A study abroad program is a great opportunity to see destinations that many have only dreamed of seeing. Both Jean and DiPietrantonio have had the opportunity during their time off to visit some prestigious landmarks of each city. For Jean, The Loire Valley is one of her favorite places in France. The Chateau de Chenonceau is one of the most visited chateaus in France, she said. “The Chateau de Chenonceau is one of my favorite places. Just being there and seeing how they lived was cool. The castles and architecture is absolutely beautiful.” With touring Vienna and visiting palaces, museums and attending an opera performance, DiPietrantonio has seen a lot of architecture and culture that Vienna has to offer. But DiPietrantonio is more focused on the activities. Her favorite so far was the Univer-
sity Ball, where everyone dressed in ball gowns and went to a castle where they performed traditional dances. “It was probably the best experience so far. It was definitely unforgettable.” This opportunity is bringing memories that will last a lifetime. It brought both students back with old friends. DiPietrantonio previously spent time in Niederwaldkirchen, Austria while in middle and high school.“It was great seeing old friends and my host family again,” she said. As for Jean, it brought her and an old friend from high school back together due to both of them participating in a study abroad program in Paris. Jean said she is loving exploring Europe. “I went to Belgium and it was a cool experience just to see the difference between the two countries,” said Jean. Jean said it was hard to adjust. “Making new friends is hard because
I’m outgoing and here it’s not common to be outgoing,” explained Jean. “There’s definitely a language barrier. I haven’t taken French for awhile but I had three years of it in high school. It’s stopped me from going out and experiencing more.” Being in a fairytale can be pretty nice but there are some down sides. For DiPietrantonio, it seems as if Austrians enjoy nicotine more than peopl in America. “Everything is great, but everyone smokes a lot of cigarettes and public transportation is a little challenging.” Jean admitted she gets homesick sometimes. “I really miss shopping at Target. I have to buy my deodorant at the pharmacy and my eggs at an actual market.” When she applied out of the blue last semester, Jean didn’t expect she’d be where she is today. “I didn’t think it’d actually happen, when I found out I got accepted, it was one of my happiest days.” Irene Wolf, senior instructor of
philosophy at Penn State Beaver, has knowledge, experience and advice for anyone looking to study abroad one day. “If you have the opportunity to live amongst the people for a whole semester it is so much better. You have to live with them, speak their language, learn about their food, their manners and everything else,” said Wolf. “It teaches you about yourself.” Wolf has taught philosophy in China. She was immersed in the culture by living in an apartment and going on little trips with the school. “Be open minded, be open to differences, be open with their culture, be open to invitations. Try to engage and embrace the culture (and) let go of your fears,” she said. “Fear will not allow you to grow. It’s a perfect opportunity to grow as a human being.” For more information about studying abroad, visit global.psu.edu for instructions.
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during semester in Europe
Far left: Alexa DiPietrantonio takes a Valentine’s Day selfie on a chilly day with a view of Salzburg, Austria, in the background. Middle Left: One of the first attractions Sydney Jean visited on her first night in Paris was the Eiffel Tower. She captured the landmark’s beauty with a nighttime photo from it’s base. Above: While on a tour in Hallstat, Austria, DiPietrantonio stopped to admire a village nestled between the mountains and along Lake Hallstat. Left: Jean enjoys a French pastry in this Facebook profile picture.
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‘He would always be there in a heartbeat if you needed help. That’s Roger.’
Over and out
Officer Kowal retires from University Police after 30 years
“
BROOKE DOERFLER
“You want to retire when you’re healthy. So many people go out when they’re sick and aren’t able to enjoy retirement.”
Managing Editor
bmd5296@psu.edu
When you look in the eyes of a police officer, you can tell he has seen things the average person has only heard stories of. There are sad memories, memories that make you proud and, if you’re lucky, memories that make you laugh. After 30 years of fire drills, arrests and watching both the campus and students evolve, Officer Roger Kowal retired in December. Kowal can tell you stories of a man trying to climb into a woman’s room; a guy busting windows with a road sign pulled out of the ground; and a kid that got caught smoking marijuana in his truck and tried to drive off, which ended up being unsuccessful because Kowal jumped onto the truck door and held on for about 150 feet. There are also personal stories of tragedy, such as when Kowal was a child and a group of kids shot his dog. When a policeman came to investigate, Kowal knew he wanted to be an officer when he grew up. “He helped me and I figured I could help people, too,” said Kowal. Before working for Penn State, Kowal was a policeman in various local towns such as Harmony Township for about five years, and the differences between the positions are notable. “We’re more people-oriented than other officers,” said Kowal. “They
Roger Kowal
Retired Penn State police officer
The Roar/Brooke Doerfler
From left, Officer Roger Kowal shares a laugh at his retirement party Dec. 16 with University Police Supervisor Anthony Budris, Director of Academic Affairs Carey McDougall and Director of Finance and Business Adam Rathbun. Kowal retired in December after working 30 years at Penn State Beaver.
usually go to a call, where we work within a community.” “As a university, we can refer you [through Student Conduct], arrest you, or do both,” said Kowal. “It’s good because we don’t want to ruin lives because they made a mistake.” Because University Police work closely with Student Affairs, Kowal and Amy Gartley, associate director of Student Affairs, have developed a friendship unlike any other.
“I met Roger as an RA and I remember it clear as day,” said Gartley with a laugh while she remembered her time at Penn State Beaver as a student. “I was walking in the entrance [of Harmony Hall] after getting out of my friend’s car and he confronts me. ‘Whose car is that? She has parking tickets!’” When Gartley began working on campus as a professional, Kowal made another impression that has
stuck with Gartley over the years. “The first thing he told me was to go make him a cup of coffee, so I told him, ‘No, I’m not making you coffee – I don’t even drink coffee!’” said Gartley. “We were always like that. We stood our ground on the things we were passionate about.” University Police Supervisor Anthony Budris says Kowal will be missed on campus. “Roger has a tremendous amount
of knowledge about this place. He was great, he did his job, he cared about the officers, he cared about the campus. He would always be there in a heartbeat if you needed help. That’s Roger.” Kowal’s caring nature was noticed by students. “[It was always touching] hearing his story during Pizza and Police and how he genuinely cares about us and doesn’t want us to mess up,” said RA Allison Crouse. Kowal says he is going to spend retirement traveling on the weekends in a new recreational vehicle for Penn State football games with his wife and kids while continuing to manage his construction company. In fact, Kowal is in the process of building houses for each of his three children on the same farm he grew up on. “You want to retire when you’re healthy,” said Kowal. “So many people go out when they’re sick and aren’t able to enjoy retirement.” “When I came here I was the youngest officer and now I’m the first policeman to retire from here,” said Kowal. “My 30 years have been good. You have your ups and downs, but by-and-large it’s been good.”
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Heroin in county has campus wary ALEXEY STERN Staff Writer
ams8317@psu.edu
Since 2013, the number of heroin overdoses in Beaver County has nearly doubled, and campus officials are concerned. According to OverdoseFreePA, over the past three years the number has been steadily rising, killing 30 people in Beaver County in the year 2016 alone. OverdoseFreePA is a collaboration of 16 western Pennsylvania counties, six social service agencies and the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to providing educational resources about drug prevention, the organization publishes drug-use statistics from western Pennsylvania on its website: www.overdosefreepa.pitt. edu. The overall number of overdoses in Beaver County from all drugs has skyrocketed from 37 deaths in 2015 to 73 in 2016. As fear of a potential heroin epidemic floods the community, campus officials are concerned Police Officer Patrick Smith, who has been working on campus since 2003, agrees that there is a heroin epidemic happening here in Beaver County. “This is not just affecting Beaver County. This is quickly becoming a national issue. We are only starting to feel the impact,” Smith said. “It started in large cities but now it
is finally branching out to smaller counties.” As far as heroin abuse occurring on campus, Smith said that there is always an exception, but for the most part, Penn State Beaver is in a lot better shape than the rest of the county is at the moment. “It’s everywhere and you won’t really see it,” Smith said. “(Heroin) has to have some sort of presence on campus, but as far as I am concerned heroin activity has been very minimal in all my years here.” Smith said there are a few factors that he believes prevents a heroin outbreak from occurring on campus. "As students, you are paying to
be here, let alone all the time and effort students also need to sacrifice,” Smith said. “Heroin addiction requires so much money and time that students simply cannot afford it.” According to freshman Alex D’Itri, the campus doesn’t seem to have any heroin activity at the moment. “I haven’t seen any heroin abuse happening around here,” D’Itri said. “I’ll just say that there are always things going on around campus.” Smith agreed that there is always illegal activity happening, but the general consensus over lack of heroin activity occurring on campus appears
to be consistent among the campus community. D’Itri said that one way we could help protect the campus from an outbreak is to get information to students. “We should try increasing visibility on the topic, getting the numbers out to the people,” D’Itri said. “It wouldn’t hurt if students knew about the recent rise in numbers.” Sophomore Nick Pelino also said that the campus looks pretty safe as far as heroin is concerned. “I haven’t seen any heroin activity happening,” Pelino said. “The worst things I really see are random students smoking cigarettes or vaping.” Pelino also suggested that an effective way to get the information about heroin out to students could be through programs. “The campus officials could run programs that inform students about the dangers and facts involving heroin,” said Pelino. Nurse Barbara Kugel is a member of the Beaver County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Council and knows first-hand about the rise of heroin overdoses. “If you read the news, you can see the incidents that are taking place in Beaver County,” Kugel said. Kugel says that the heroin overdoses are affecting the campus in an indirect way. “To the best of my knowledge,
I’m not aware of any direct activity happening on campus,” she said. “I think that the campus community, whether it is through a friend or a family member, can be indirectly affected. This is where we live, where we work and we should be aware of what’s happening.” Associate Director of Student Affairs Amy Gartley says that being a member of the Beaver County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Council has led her to realize that it isn’t just Beaver County being affected, but western Pennsylvania in general. “The numbers are high in other counties such as Westmoreland County and Allegheny County,” Gartley said. “Beaver County’s statistics might seem worse than bigger counties like Allegheny, but at the end of the day, more people are dying [in other counties].” According to OverdosefreePA, 214 people overdosed in Allegheny County in the year 2016 alone, a significantly larger number compared to Beaver County’s 30. Looking to the future, Smith says that the best thing students can do is always to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. “I don’t think we can prevent heroin overdoses, but we can curb them,” Smith said. “It’s such a powerful drug and so accessible right now.”
Two new officers make themselves at home at Beaver JORDAN DAVIS Staff Writer
jed53@psu.edu
Officer Davis Huang and April Martin have joined Penn State Beaver as new campus police officers. Huang was hired last summer and Martin started work in January. The new officers both agree that Penn State Beaver is welcoming and friendly, and both said they see a long future at Beaver. “Everybody is very nice here and I
have no complaints,” Huang said. Although Martin is the only female officer on campus, she says she doesn’t mind it and admitted it can be normal in her line of work where most officers are men. Martin described her typical day as “checking buildings and walking around getting to know people.” She smiled as she recalled students and faculty coming up to her to introduce themselves. Police Chief Anthony Budris said
the department needed to fill positions because one officer retired and another went to the FBI. There are six full-time police on campus. Budris said that University Police have an “overall favorable” relationship with the students. He said Huang picked up the need to develop relationships really quickly, while Martin understands the difference between working in a municipality versus a university. Martin said she prefers universi-
ty police work because of the small community. Sophomore Mark Clause agreed. “I think most students have a good relationship with the campus police, as long as they aren’t getting in trouble.” Clause said the relationship between students and the police is very important. “The police do a good job keeping the campus safe, but Beaver in general seems to be a quiet place,” he said.
The Roar/Penn State Beaver Photos
New officers are April Martin and Davis Huang.
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AOJ students bond with inmates in rehab program ISABELLE LORI COOK Staff Writer
izc5052@psu.edu
The Bridges to Life program is being brought to western Pennsylvania, all thanks to a Penn State Beaver faculty member. LaVarr McBride, instructor in Administration of Justice, has been working with five AOJ majors from Beaver, New Kensington and Shenango campuses to help prisoners in Beaver County and hopefully soon in Mercer County and other jails in the area. The Bridges to Life program takes victims of crimes into prisons to tell their stories to help prisoners understand the consequences of their crimes. The faith-based program hopes to make the lives of the inmates more stable and to reduce recidivism. For 14 weeks, crime victims and volunteers such as the Penn State students go into prisons to talk with offenders about accountability and responsibility, according to a Penn State press release. Victims tell their stories and offenders complete worksheets and tasks. Research has shown that program results in a drop in the recidivism rate. Dan Kovaleski, a recent AOJ
Photo by Isabelle Lori Cook
AOJ students and Bridges to Life staff engage in a round-table discussion during a training session.
graduate, is one of the students that worked closely with McBride during the start of this project. He and the other students went to Indiana to meet with the creators of the pro-gram. While there, they were trained by Misty Wallace and Keith Blackburn.
Wallace is the regional coordinator for the Bridges to Life program in Indiana, and Blackburn is the man that shot her in 1992. Blackburn shot Wallace and left her for dead, yet she fought through it and later became very close with him.
The two now work together to keep the program going in Indiana, and they were very happy to open their doors to Penn State. The students got to sit in on the meetings that were held at the Plainfield Correctional Facility as well as being able to see how the program is
run inside the prison. Kovaleski said he had visited prisons before, but this was a completely different experience. “I realized that the prisoners are no different from us. They are just normal people that made a bad mistake.” Kovaleski said that working with Wallace and Blackburn was a very moving experience because they were very compassionate about the project. McBride was very happy to see the students working so well with the program, and getting involved with everyone in Indiana. He also said he was proud to see the five students training other AOJ students. McBride said he will work closely with the project to keep it alive on campus. He hopes to see the five students working more with the project on and off the campus, with not only the new students but also the local jails. “There are three components to criminal justice: to stop crime; retribution, holding them accountable; and rehabilitation, letting them go with a good sense of reality. Bridges to Life is growing, and you can see the impact it has on the people,” Kovaleski said.
Library showcases collection of African American autobiographies NICK CASASANTA Staff Writer
nec5137@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver is the home to the only collection of African-American autobiographies in the entire Penn State library system. The books are located in the library on the right-hand side in a tall bookshelf as soon as you walk in the door. These books are easily accessible to the students at the Beaver campus, but are also available to be checked out by anyone at any Penn State campus. Penn State Beaver Librarian Amy Deuink said, “The collec-
Penn State Beaver photo
Mr. Brignano’s photo rests on one of the shelves he worked to fill.
tion started in 1990 and now has a healthy 663 books and counting.” Retired English Professor Russell Brignano had pushed for an African-
American literature class to be added to the curriculum. Even though Brignano was not African American, he took great
pride in African-American culture and literature. When his efforts for a course to be added did not work out, he had a different plan to help spread knowledge of African-American culture, Deuink said. Brignano had an abundance of books about African-American culture at home and went to thenLibrarian Martin Goldberg, who has since retired. He asked Goldberg if he was interested in taking the collection and putting them on the shelves in the Beaver library for students to use for academics or just a personal read. Brignano made a deal with his
wife that every time they bought a new book on African-American culture, they would donate an older one they had already read to the library at Penn State Beaver to be added to the collection to keep it growing and provide a new read for students. Goldberg accepted and even dedicated the bookcase to Brignano, Deuink said. The Penn State Equal Opportunity Planning Committee also donated $5,000 to the collection and it has doubled in size since then. “Cold winter days are a good time to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, so come browse the collection,” Deuink said.
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Seniors help students to find majors SAVANA C. GRIGGS Staff Writer
scg5198@psu.edu
Are you still questioning what to do with your life? Are you still deciding between two or three different majors? Or even a different career in the future? Luckily, there is an answer to your questions, and that is Discover U. Discover U is an event that is being held on April 12. This event is geared mainly towards freshmen and undecided students, but it is for any student who is still trying to decide on a major. The event is being planned and created by students who are enrolled in the two-semester public relations methods course. Discover U is their largest assignment, aimed to show their ability to successfully create a real-life event. This assignment was a labor of dedication because it is for the students, by the students. Part one of Discover U will be held during common hour in the SUB Lodge. The goal is for the participating students to get to know members of the staff and librarians. Senior Brooke Doerfler is the project manager of this project. “[Students] are going to get divided into teams, and it’s going to be a Minute-to-Win-it game at all these different game booths, except it’s going to be like two-minutes-to-win-
The DiscoverU logo was created by Brooke Doerfler, senior corporate communications major and DiscoverU project manager. The logo, like the event, was designed to be traditionally collegiate. It will adorn the T-shirts handed out as giveaways during the event.
it,” said Doerfler, who is also managing editor of The Roar. The winning team will then receive their prizes during part two. Part two will happen in Harmony Hall at 4:30 p.m. The second part will focus on personal development and will bring in local professionals who will speak to the students about discovering the possibilities that can happen when completing their major. “We’re really excited to have different professionals of the community come that correlate with our majors,” Doerfler said. This event was originally made to give the students of public rela-
tions methods a real-life experience of what it is like to work with real people, with real money to fund this event. Director of Enrollment Daniel Pinchot and Academic Advising Coordinator Gretchen Samchuck are the students’ clients. Samchuck said she appreciates the focus on the target audience. “They really want to tackle anybody who’s out there and not really sure [what major they want], and they don’t have to be freshmen,” said Samchuck Freshman Brian Brocato started in psychology, but now he’s considering other options.
Brocato is thrilled to have the chance to hear what the local professionals have to say. “I’m probably just excited to get to talk to somebody and ask them, ‘What’s it like being out there past college in the real world,’” said Brocato. Juliette Storr, associate professor of communications, teaches the course. She said she is impressed by the great progress her students are making, and she is intrigued to see what happens next. “The students were tasked to try and find new, creative and innovated ways to get other students to think about being at Penn State Beaver and
being successful at Penn State Beaver.” Storr added, “I mentor them, I hold their hands at times, and I give them the tasks assigned to public relations skill sets, and tools that they have to learn within the realm of the class.” The public relations students are still working on the details for the event, but students can expect to see marketing for it pop up on campus right after spring break. To stay up-to-date with the event as it develops, add the event on Snapchat. The event’s snpachat handle is DiscoverUPSU.
IT’S FAFSA TIME
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Balancing act: Classes, jobs compete for attention SHAY BARCHIE Staff Writer
smb628@psu.edu
Sophomore Lauren Hudnall is a multitasker. She’s multitasking school, majoring in psychology and Hudnall also has her role as the team manager for Penn State Beaver’s inline hockey team, the Fightin’ Beavs. Not to mention she is juggling two jobs by working as a seasonal greeter at American Eagle Outfitters store in the Mall at Robinson, and working as a resident assistant on campus in Harmony Hall. With all this juggling, Hudnall has to work to find some time to study and earn her education. “Prioritizing is a big challenge that I am learning to work with, as well as time management,” Hudnall said. “I pride myself in being a student leader.” Hudnall works hard for her money to get her through her college years. “I wanted to make my own spending money and I wanted to save up to go on the spring trip with the softball team. I have gained a wealth of professional knowledge by working with the hockey team, being a sales associate and being an RA for the school.” Kate Grant, Hudnell’s supervisor
The Roar/Shay Barchie
Maura Lagamba pours water into a steamer at Massage Envy in Cranberry Township. Lagamba has to manage her work while attending classes.
at American Eagle Outfitters, is very enthused when working with college students. She finds it to be more of a perk to work with them. “Most of the time, they have expe-
rience working and they are more willing to learn because of their age and where they are in life,” Grant said. “They mainly want to grow in the work environment so they have
experience towards their resumes.” Grant added, “Honestly, the only downfall to having a full-time college student working for us is their schedule. Their schedule can be very hectic and busy so trying to find someone to pick up a shift can be difficult.” Hudnall is not alone. She’s one of many students who struggle to find the balance between school, work and life. Maura Lagamba, a junior studying labor and employment relations, works at Massage Envy and likes to make money to support her lifestyle. “I attend school and work part time because I want to gain experience. That way I can build up my resume. “It is definitely not easy, but it is so rewarding. Time management is key and sometimes you must put things off that you love doing,” she said. Junior Jaclyn Warner, who is majoring in marketing and works at Macy’s at the Mall at Robinson, finds it difficult to balance her busy schedule. She explains that she really must prioritize herself. “I honestly have to be and stay very organized with both work and school,” said Warner. Instructor in Communications Alex Regina is attending school for his doctorate degree at Duquesne University and working part time
at multiple colleges including Penn State and the Community College of Allegheny County. “Finding the time to be with friends, family and balance a relationship is one of the harder challenges in a full schedule,” Regina said. “It’s like students have the constant pressure of satisfying everyone in their lives and continuing to succeed in the work environment.” Regina has had plenty of experience over the years trying to maintain his personal life alongside of being a student and working. “The best advice that I can give to the students is to manage your expectations. Don’t make too many plans with people and learn to say no, because you don’t want to overbook yourself,” said Regina. Regina also said it’s important for students to find time for themselves. “Carve time for yourself, even for a little bit. Do something every day that you enjoy to reward yourself for working so hard. That way you don’t become depressed,” Regina said. “Don’t let your life be all about working and school, however, school comes first and make sure that you have an employer that understands your school schedule.”
P-Dubs’ drink and food deals appeal to cash-strapped college students EVAN PINCHOT Staff Writer
emp197@psu.edu
Good food and drinks at a cheap price. What else would college students want out of a restaurant? At P-Dub’s Sports Bar and Grille in Monaca, that’s exactly what they offer, and they’re catching the attention of some students and staff at Penn State Beaver. “This is one of the best bars in Beaver County,” says senior Allen Frye. “I love the atmosphere there, and the food and drinks are so cheap that it has become one of my go-to places.” “The wings there are great,” says
Frye. “And at their prices, I end up getting them every time.” P-Dub’s menu is large, as they offer a variety of classic bar foods, like wings and fries, as well as some unique meals like their Big Mac pizza. Offering more than 40 different wing flavors like barbecue, beer mustard and peanut butter. “I really like their buffalo chicken sandwich and their Big Mac pizza as well,” says Assistant Athletic Director BJ Bertges. Bertges says that she enjoys P-Dub’s food and she highly recommends taking advantage of their specials, if you’re of legal drinking age.
“Yeung’s and Wings is one of their better deals, especially for a college kid on a budget.” P-Dub’s features many different weekend and weekday food specials, including a Thursday “wing day” in which they offer a dozen wings for $5.50, as well as drink specials from 9 to 11 p.m. every night. The specials are one of the biggest draws to P-Dub’s, and there are plenty of options for bargain food and drinks every day. During sporting events, such as hockey, baseball and football games, they even offer specials for both alcoholic drinks and food during the duration of the game.
Being a sports bar, P-Dub’s has a very friendly bar environment with TVs on every wall as well as a pool table and darts. During hometown events such as Steelers or Penguins games, a majority of the TVs will be set to broadcast the game. P-Dub’s does not offer special discounts for Penn State Beaver students, but owner Paul Miller said he is looking to appeal to more of a college crowd. “We would love to do college specials if we could get more students down here,” says Miller. “We have already had drink specials and a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays to get them to come.”
The Roar/Evan Pinchot
P-Dub’s Sports Bar and Grill features a large menu with mulitple wing flavors.
March 2017
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Wanted: New women’s soccer coach Van Kirk stops coaching women after one year, returns to coaching men only TY COLE
Senior Staff Writer wtc5037@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver Athletics Department has announced it will be hiring a new women’s soccer coach to replace men’s coach Scott Van Kirk who took over both teams last year. The women’s soccer coach position was posted online at psu.jobs Feb. 7. Review of applicants is expected to begin soon. Van Kirk agreed to lead both teams last August after former women’s coach Shaun Schetka resigned just days before the season’s practices began to take a full-time assistant coaching job with a Division II school. Both teams ended the 201516 season with two Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference championships. But sharing a coach was rough on both teams, with neither team making it past the semi-final round in the playoffs. Athletic Director Andy Kirschner said asking Van Kirk to coach both teams was the right decision at the time, “I have no regrets about the decision to have Coach Van Kirk coach both teams. To think we were
The Roar/ Penn State Beaver Athletics
Glycerine Bauman attacks Washington Adventist defenders on Sept. 1 in a 10-0 loss. Both men’s and women’s soccer shared a coach last fall.
going to hire a women’s coach on Aug. 20 is absurd. It was by far the best route we could go.” Van Kirk admitted it was challenging to juggle both teams.
“It was pretty difficult and time consuming” he said. “It was hard to give the attention needed to both teams. By the end of the day I was pretty worn out.”
Van Kirk said the biggest struggle was the doubleheaders. “To coach a game then try and get the next team going for warmups was a struggle,” said Van Kirk. “It’s definitely a lot for one person to do,” said freshman goalkeeper William Derry, who is also a Roar staff writer. “I think coach had the right intentions, but sometimes it seemed it could’ve been too much for one person.” The men’s team ended with an overall record of 10-8-1 and were 8-1 in the conference. The season ended in the PSUAC semi-finals on penalty kicks. Women’s soccer ended the season with an 8-9 overall record and were 6-4 in conference play, then lost in the PSUAC semi-finals. “I thought both teams had a successful year,” Van Kirk said. “Both made it to the semis and there’s always room for improvement.” Freshman Glycerine Bauman said she thinks having one coach affected the team drastically. “I don’t think he or anyone else would have the energy to coach two teams and have them both playing at their full potential.” Freshman forward Zach Petey
called the process of having one coach “difficult at times.” “It was hard sometimes. A lot of the times we would do the same drills with both teams and we weren’t able to expand on anything.” Kirschner said having one coach for both teams shouldn’t have affected the teams “We had a need and he filled it for us. I think he did it to the best of his ability and did an admirable job,” Kirschner said. “There were definitely some people that complained, but it was the best route we could go.” Petey and Derry both agreed that having one coach didn’t really affect them winning. They both described it as a “lack of effort, and a willingness of the players to win.” Kirschner also pointed out that Penn State Beaver has 19 PSUAC championships since 2007, and has “fostered a winning mentality” in the athletic department. “It tends to get us a little cocky around here. They didn’t have a bad season; both teams made playoffs,” said Kirschner. “We’re not going to win the championship every year. It’s just not going to happen and that’s just the way it works in sports.”
Students named to PSUAC academic all-conference team
More than 40 student athletes at Penn State Beaver have been recognized by the Penn State University Athletic Conference for their performances on the field and in the classroom. PSUAC Academic All-Conference honors are conferred on students who maintain a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher in season or maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and have at least 24 credits completed.
MEN’S SOCCER
●● Oluwaferanmi Akinpelu ●● William Derry ●● Zachary Petey ●● Jonathan Pogozelic ●● Logan Ridgley ●● Vicente Saldivar (USCAA All-Academic) ●● Samuel Sharpless
WOMEN’S SOCCER ●● Bukuru Edisa
●● Soo-Yon Kang ●● Breanna Pancottini ●● Jessica Spina ●● Africa Williams ●● Jane Wilson
VOLLEYBALL
●● Alexis Albrecht ●● Ryanne “Roxy” Kie ●● Julianna Kon ●● Amanda Mike ●● Jordan Militello ●● Jenna Petrucci
●● Bridgette Woodford
MEN’S BASKETBALL
●● Dominique Stevenson ●● Kevin Louis-Charles ●● Luis Rodriguez ●● Dimetres Moore ●● Makis Rivera
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ●● Rachael Cummings ●● Ryanne “Roxy” Kie ●● Tara McFadden
●● Jenna Petrucci ●● Cassidy Stollar
SOFTBALL
●● Dina Cable ●● Brenna Cepull ●● Brittany Garza ●● Lauren Hudnall ●● Vanessa Jackson ●● Jenna Petrucci ●● Carley Schroeder
BASEBALL
●● Matthew Capo ●● Nicholas Casasanta ●● William “Ty” Cole ●● Jake Debo ●● Justyn Francona ●● Luke Mawhinney ●● Blaise McCarty ●● Dimetres Moore ●● Jordan Price ●● Daniel Vanderslice
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Penn State Beaver Roar March 2017
Sports
Freshmen Dimetres Moore (No. 15), Tavarski Wardlow (No. 12) and Markel Sayles (No. 24) set up in press defense in a loss to Penn State Greater Allegheny 75-59 on Feb. 11.
The Roar/ Evan Pinchot
Men miss playoffs again NICK CASASANTA Staff Writer
nec5137@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver basketball team missed out on a playoff spot for the third consecutive season, finishing in 10th place in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). Beaver finished the season with an overall record of 9-16, 5-11 in the PSUAC. The team was actually in pretty good shape in the conference before winter break where they sat at 3-2. In January and February the team only won two more conference games and ended the season on a sixgame losing streak, going 3-9 overall
after winter break. The team had much more depth than the previous season, going from seven men on the roster to 18 the next fall. They finished the season with 11 men due to grades, but that still left room to give them a breather and not have to play cautious to keep others from fouling out. “Overall it was a good experience academically and on the court,” freshman guard Dominique Stevenson said. “I’m disappointed in the outcome of our season, but I’m going to have the same goals and expectations next season of making the playoffs and making a run.” Coach Brian Bibey is headed into his third season as the head coach
this fall. In the offseason he said he is looking at recruits and visiting different schools all around the area in hopes of adding more talent to his young roster in areas where they need help. “We set out at the beginning of the season to go through our stretch of games with the mindset that we’re always going to play hard, smart and together, and we’ve done that,” Bibey said. “So I’m proud of the way the guys have hung in there together, because before anything, that’s the first thing that has to happen.” Bibey said he is motivated to help this team keep growing and get better each year. “When you think about the
future, of course you’re optimistic because we’re realistic and we understand that we started something this year and we’re committed to it and were going to continue to grow as a team, improve, and follow through on what we’ve set out to do,” he said. Senior Ignacio “Nacho” Alleyne has been a huge asset to the program the last four seasons and statistically got better every year. He was the only starting senior this season and averaged the secondhighest points-per-game on the team with 13.2 under only freshman guard Dimetres Moore who averaged 14.4. The season didn’t go as Alleyne had planned. “I feel there was natural growth with the younger guys and I had a ball for it being
my last year,” Alleyne said. “I had a fun time with the guys. I felt like we improved throughout the season and I improved as a player as well.” Alleyne is set to graduate in May and shared his thoughts about Penn State Beaver, not only his basketball life but his academic life as well. “Academically the experience was great. The faculty and students both helped me out. There are a lot of great people around this area and I would definitely come back once in a while,” Alleyne said. “I am going home to Virginia after graduation and hopefully I get a chance to play ball overseas, but if that doesn’t work out, I have a Penn State degree in Administration of Justice.”
March 2017
Sports
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Lady Lions heartbroken over loss WILLIAM DERRY Staff Writer
wfd5070@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver Lady Lions basketball team lost 96-61 against Penn State Hazleton in the semifinals round of the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs, leaving Beaver out of the championship game for the first time in five years. Ironically, Hazelton was the same team Beaver heroically beat last year to win its fourth consecutive PSUAC championship. Beaver earned a first-round bye in the women’s basketball playoffs after defeating Penn State Greater Allegheny 101-61 Feb. 11 to conclude conference play for the 2016-17 regular season. The defending PSUAC champions entered the postseason with a 17-8 overall record, 12-2 in conference. Beaver took a 10-point victory versus Hazleton when the two teams faced off Dec. 2 at Beaver. But in the semifinal game played at Penn State York Feb. 18, it was a slow start for Beaver who trailed at halftime 33-31. Beaver struggled in the first quarter to settle into the contest, committing seven personal fouls which forced key players to spend a significant amount of time on the bench and gave Hazleton 10 opportunities from the charity stripe, where they converted seven free-throw attempts. Additionally, Beaver turned over the ball seven times. The Lady Lions responded in the second quarter, outscoring Hazelton 20-10, with the help of seniors Mason Depetro and Cassandra Flowers, who scored 8 and 6 points respectively. “Our girls went out and they battled,” said Coach Tim Moore. “It was probably one of the toughest games they’ve played all year, so we got some shots to fall and we started doing things well offensively and defensively.” Once intermission ended, the same could not be said. The Lady Lions were unable to slow down Hazleton as they went on an 8-0 run
The Roar/Evan Pinchot
Above, Mason Depetro makes a lay-up over a Pitt Titusville defender in a commanding 103-57 win on Feb. 15. Below, Rachael Cummings sets up a play in the same game.
and scored 34 points in the third quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field and nailing 15 free-throws. “They were hitting shots that they don’t normally hit and we put them at the foul line,” said Moore. “We called it the perfect storm. Everything that had to happen for them that night happened,” Moore added. “They’re a team for the year that didn’t shoot really well from the floor, but that night, they ended up shooting the ball really well.” Despite being down by 20 points to start the final quarter, the Lady Lions remained “classy” and held their heads up high. “I called a timeout before the game was even done and saw that it was evident that we couldn’t come back at that point and I said, ‘We had a great four-year stretch of win-
ning. No other team around has done what we’ve done these past four years. Keep your heads up, be proud of what you’ve done and accomplished. Stay classy, that’s the most important thing. We don’t want to be sore losers. If we’re going to lose, we’re going to lose with class, just like we win with class,’” Moore described after the game. “I was very proud of the girls because they were able to do that,” he added. Sophomore Mia Mattes admitted that it was a tough loss. “I think we got screwed over. We deserve to be there. We worked too hard.” Senior Asia Borders agreed. “I feel like we weren’t getting any calls and Hazelton was just hitting shots and we weren’t.” Freshman Jazmyne Boyd said the team started to turn things around late in the game, but ran out of time. “I think we didn’t come out to play, but the refs played an important part in us losing,” Boyd said. “By the time we picked it up, it was too late.” Freshman Rachael Cummings said the team will grow from the loss. “The final four game was a learning experience for us young players and now we know what to expect.” For the first time in four seasons, the Lady Lions also failed to qualify for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament. Depetro said it’s been a tough way for the seniors to end their final season. “I’m heartbroken about the selection for nationals. I feel like we play harder teams than the people who got selected,” Depetro said. “I just hate to end my senior career like this.” Boyd said she is looking ahead. “I thought we deserved to get in, even if it was the last seed. We deserved to be there, but we will be back next year.” Roar Staffer Khalia Adams contributed to this report.
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Fightin’ Beavs shoot and miss as subpar season continues ADAM ESPINOZA Staff Writer
ate5052@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver Fightin’ Beavs inline hockey team is off to a bad start in the spring semester, winning only one out of four games. The Beavs record this year is 7-5 with three games remaining before playoffs. Sophomore Brendan Rossi leads the team in goals and assists with a total of 16 points. “Hockey is a team sport; it takes a lot to score goals. I’ve always loved to shoot the puck but I have to give a ton of credit to my team for being able to feed me the puck,” said Rossi. First game after the holiday break was played against Robert Morris University on Jan. 26. The Beavs won 10-4. When the Fightin’ Beavs played rival Slippery Rock University on Feb. 1, they lost in overtime 5-4.
The Roar/Adam Espinoza
Senior captain Dom Rossi scores in the win against RMU 10-4 on Jan. 26.
The loss came against Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Feb. 8, 13-6. The most recent game saw them play RMU again on Feb. 16, but this losing 7-2.
New players junior Garrett Troy and freshmen Jaret Mielnicki, Tyler Yarington and Aidan Weis were all added to the roster this year. Rossi had only good words to say
of the recruits. “Garrett is just an all-around great player. He stepped up when senior Matt Welch went down and we are very lucky to have him. I personally play well with Jaret on offense and he’s helped the team by bringing that extra skill to the table and Tyler has stepped up big time as our goalie. If we need a big stop or a momentum swing, we can always count on him to make a huge stop.” Senior Nick Goodbread loves how his teammate acts, saying, “Aiden is always the first on at practice and always looking to get better on the ice.” Coach Justin Vorbach said he doesn’t go out of his way to recruit since they are a club sport, but is happy with the talent they have acquired. “I am very fortunate that we find all the hockey players we do.”
Since they were in the Western Pennsylvania College Roller Hockey League (WPACHRL) championship the last two years, winning one and losing one, the Beavs have high expectations for the upcoming playoffs. “We will continue to play our best hockey and I believe we are strong contenders for the championship again this year,” Vorbach said. Rossi agreed. “The best part of our play and our season hasn’t even happened yet. Losing last year in the championship by one goal was heartbreaking, so I feel like there is a lot of unfinished business from last year we need to take care of.” The Fightin’ Beavs have three games remaining and look to get back in the win column with their next game scheduled Feb. 23 against rival Slippery Rock at Robert Morris University Island Sports Center.