October 2014 Roar

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Penn State Beaver Roar

News

October 2014

So long, farewell, Williams DANTE MASSEY

Senior Staff Writer Dwm5299@psu.edu

After nine years as the men’s basketball team’s head coach and an admissions counselor, Marcess Williams has moved on to the next chapter in his life.

Williams was hired as a full-time men’s basketball coach at Clarion University.

“The opportunity to step in as head coach at Clarion came very late in the summer,” said Williams.

“Their head coach retired after 26 years and out of about 300 candidates I was chosen.”

Williams calls his departure from Beaver a bittersweet moment because he recognizes the great opportunity but also realizes what he is leaving behind.

“I really love the guys on our team and I think they are going to be really good this season,” said Williams. “It was really tough telling them that I was no longer going to be their coach.”

“We were all really happy for him,” said junior Rob Agurs. “Being one of the older guys, I knew exactly what this opportunity meant for Coach Williams.”

Not only has Penn State Beaver lost a head coach but it has also lost a crucial part of its admissions staff.

“Any time somebody has that much history, experience and knowledge, it’s a tough loss,” said Director of Enrollment Daniel Pinchot. “You can find someone who can go out and recruit, but you can’t replace the other things that Marcess did.”

Pinchot said he believes that the dedication and care that Williams gave to students, ranging from adult learners to at-risk students, was an invaluable attribute.

“Marcess contributed greatly to retention and helping students with financial or academic problems,” said Pinchot. “Somebody walking in can’t replace that and that’s where we are going to feel it.”

“I’m really going to miss the relationships,” said Williams. “Not

“

I really love the guys on our team and I think they are going to be really good this season. It was really tough telling them that I was no longer going to be their coach.”

Penn State Beaver file photos/Cathy Benscoter

Top, Coach Marcess Williams gives Sidney Bates a handshake after Bates hurt his ankle during a January 2013 game. Bottom, Williams gives instructions to his team during a time out at the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoff game in February 2013.

Marcess Williams

Former head basketball coach and admissions counselor

only with my boys, but with my co-workers, students and everyone that I have met here.”

The search has yet to start for an admissions counselor, but the Athletics Department has asked assistant coach Tim Kubis, who has been with the team for three years and was a starter for the team when he played, to step into the head coach position.

“I wanted to make sure that Coach Kubis was left with a great team, and I think he has that,” said Williams.

Athletic Director Andy Kirschner said he believes choosing Kubis will make the transition smooth, especially so close to the season. “We believe Kubis will bring consistency.

He’s coached and played under Marcess, so he knows that style of play.”

Williams said he will cherish the many years he’s spent at Beaver.

“The things I have learned here and the friends I have made … those are things that will continue to be with me for the rest of my life.”

October 2014 Penn State Beaver Roar

News

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Beware of sink hole at the old entrance

MATT SWEIKOWSKI Staff Writer

mrs5822@psu.edu

Have you driven in or out of campus via the old entrance and noticed the bright orange construction barrier? It sits overtop of a hole in the pavement near Old Brodhead Road.

If you take a closer look at that hole, you might be surprised to see just how deep and empty it is.

“Over the past decade, clogging of a storm water drain pipe has led to the erosion of the ground underneath, creating the hole,” said Luke Taiclet, director of finance and business.

The problems with the pipe were first discovered in 2004 and were fixed by cleaning out the pipe and

filling it in. Taiclet said that the underlying problem was never fixed.

Ten years later, the sinkhole has reappeared.

Taiclet said Penn State won’t fix the problem because it’s PennDOT’s responsibility.

“It wouldn’t be a hard fix, but if Penn State touches it, then [Penn State has] to take responsibility for all of the pipeline down to Monaca,” Taiclet said.

A PennDOT representative did not respond to a request for comment.

Taiclet said PennDOT’s plan is to redo the road in 2016 and hopefully deal with the drainage system issues that are taking place.

“Once fixed, a routine cleaning and unclogging would be the best

solution to prevent this problem from arising in another 10 years,” Taiclet said.

This is not the first sinkhole that has appeared in the area.

In August, a sinkhole appeared in a parking lot along McKnight Road in Ross Township.

The hole swallowed a car, and the driver narrowly escaped from being trapped.

Like the hole at the campus entrance, Ross police attributed the sinkhole to an older, deteriorating storm drain.

In 2007, a large sinkhole appeared nearby on Route 65 in Rochester that ultimately swallowed an entire restaurant.

A clogged drain pipe was also to blame.

The ROAR/ Matt Sweikowski

A construction barrier warrns drivers of the sink hole at the old entrance.

POLICE BEAT

Resident charged for having weed University Police charged a 21-yearold Harmony Hall resident with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after a resident assistant reported smelling an odor of marijuana on Sept. 8.

Police charged senior Gary J. Miller of Butler after discovering marijuana and other drug paraphernalia in his room.

Leighton A. Markus of Butler, who is not a student, was also charged with underage drinking in connection with the incident. _____

Police charged two Monroeville residents with possession of marijuana after they were found Sept. 20 in Parking Lot A in front of Harmony Hall.

Police filed charges against Victor R. Watson and Dorian Wilford-Eathorne. Neither are Penn State Beaver students.

Police also charged sophomore Lorenzo M. Hernandez of Chula Vista, Cali., with possession of drug paraphernalia after he was found with drug related items Sept. 22 in Parking Lot A.

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Penn State Beaver Roar

News

October 2014

Beaver welcomes new DAA ERIK MCCLAIN Staff Writer ezm5306@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver welcomed another new face, Professor Carey McDougall, as the new director of academic affairs.

McDougall replaces Donna J. Kuga, who is now interim chancellor after the retirement of Chancellor Gary B. Keefer.

McDougall comes from Kent State University at Stark, where she had been an associate professor of art for 10 years.

In the past she also worked at Washburn University in Kansa, University of Connecticut Storrs Campus and Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

“I had received a lot of support to be the best teacher I could be, and I wanted a position where you can support the faculty so they can be the best they can be,” she said about accepting her post at Beaver campus.

Although the position does come with its own set of challenges, McDougall said she is able to retain a positive and confident attitude.

“There’s a lot to learn. It’s a steep

learning curve. Everyday I learn at least seven new things,” she said.

In spite of that, she said she finds the new position to be very comfortable, adding that Kuga has been a great help in mentoring her.

“I love it. I’m very happy with my new position. I thoroughly enjoy my colleagues.

The faculty are great, as are the students. People really like working here, and that makes it a great place to work.”

McDougall also wants to make it a goal to reach out to the student body.

“I’m here to help students succeed.

I have an open-door policy. I would like to meet more students. I don’t miss teaching but I miss engaging with students.”

As for the future of her art, she mentioned that she has two ideas for eventually continuing the exploration of her passion. These consist of either collaborating with a sculptor friend or teaming up with various performance artists in Pittsburgh.

“I love art. I do hope to collaborate with other artists,” she said. “But right now everything’s about learning the new job.”

The ROAR/Kayla Wagner

Sophomore Christie Abraham jokes with Carey McDougall, the new director of academic affairs.

Search continues for a new chancellor LADE KING Staff writer lak5479@psu.edu

A committee has been put in place to search for a new permanent chancellor for Penn State Beaver.

Robert Szymczak, associate professor of history and chair of the search committee, said he expects candidates to be interviewed on campus late October or early November.

If all goes well, a new chancellor may start as soon as the New Year.

The chancellor position became vacant after former Chancellor Gary Keefer retired June 30 due to health

reasons.

Keefer is suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Donna Kuga postponed her own retirement as director of academic affairs to fill the chancellor role on an interim basis until the search is complete.

Some students just assumed Kuga was the new chancellor.

“Isn’t Dr. Kuga the new chancellor?” senior Chris Best, a Roar staffer, asked. “I really didn’t know that there was a search going on.”

The committee, made up of facul-

ty and staff and a student representative from across the Penn State campuses, reviews resumes and conducts initial interviews of candidates, said committee member John Chapin, professor of communications.

The committee will recommend a short list of candidates for further review and on-campus interviews.

The process is highly confidential, Chapin added.

The chancellor oversees campus operations and can impact students in their academic success and more through the decisions he or she makes.

“The role of a chancellor in a university cannot be over emphasized,” Kuga said.

“Being the current chancellor has been very challenging, yet fun for me,” Kuga said. “I have spent a lot of time going out on behalf of our campus to seek funds for various campus projects including student scholarships.”

Sophomore Ruhi Patel said that she had contact last year with Keefer and saw that he cared about students.

“I’ve found it more effective to voice my opinions during Cheesecake with the Chancellor,” Patel said.

“He made change happen easier and faster because he listened to our problems, needs and wants directly from us.”

Cheesecake with the Chancellor, was an event that Keefer held in Harmony Hall or in the Brodhead Bistro with students to interact and listen to their concerns.

Luke Taiclet, director of finance and business, said the selection of a new chancellor is the most important decision the campus will make.

“My biggest concern is that the new chancellor should see possibilities in impossibilities,” Taiclet said.

October 2014 Penn State Beaver Roar

News

New faculty members hired on campus ERIK MCCLAIN Staff Writer ezm5306@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver has hired four new faculty members this fall in biology, psychology and Information Sciences and Technology.

The new faculty include Amy Camodeca, assistant professor of psychology, Stephanie CabarcasPetroski, instructor of biology, Amber McConahy, instructor of IST, and Marissa Mendoza-Burcham, assistant professor of psychology.

Camodeca previously served as an instructor at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.

She said her goal is to “make diagnoses more accurate and reliable.”

Camodeca’s decision to work at Penn State Beaver was largely motivated by interest in her project. She

CabarcasPetroski

Camodeca

said the resources and small-campus setting are of great value.

“It’s easy to get things done,” she says.

Mendoza-Burcham also has focused on developing her own research on child and adolescent developmental disabilities through clinically-based multisite work.

“I wanted to stay in Pittsburgh, and I want to work with undergrads

McConahy

MendozaBurcham

and help them develop as people,” she said.

So far she is very happy with her decision. “I’m loving it so far. My students are fun, they’re interested, and they’re very responsive.”

McConahy is a doctoral candidate in software engineering and designer of a personal assistant platform for “Do It Yourself” projects for Bosch.

McConahy is a Penn State alum-

na, having started at University Park and eventually transferring and, graduating from the Beaver campus.

She cites her past experience with the university as influential towards her desire to work here.

She claims her interest in IST was originally rooted in how she “ended up being the person people would call when computers needed fixed.”

McConahy previously taught graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University.

She said she’s delighted to be teaching undergrads at Beaver.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised.

After teaching at a grad level, I was scared of dealing with more uninterested students, but the students here are engaged in their material. Overall I’m really, really happy with the students I’ve gotten.”

Cabarcas-Petroski is the new addi-

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tion to the biology department. She was previously a postdoctoral fellow in the Laboratory of Cancer Prevention at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Md., as well as an instructor at Gannon University in Erie.

She said she wanted to work here to help establish a four-year biology program, which the campus hopes to launch in the near future.

She also said working with Cassandra Butterworth, assistant professor of biology, is a “fantastic opportunity.”

So far Cabarcas-Petroski has only good things to say about her experience at Beaver campus.

“I like it. I’m teaching both majors and non-majors. I like that they’re not hesitant to participate in class and be engaged. I’ve had a really good experience so far.”

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Penn State Beaver Roar

Viewpoints

MANAGING EDITOR OF CONTENT Julianne Bosley

dwm5299@psu.edu

MANAGING EDITOR OF PRODUCTION Dante Massey

dwm5299@psu.edu

BUSINESS MANAGER Taylor Braxton

tmb5242@psu.edu

PAGE DESIGNERS Andy Germani

arg5226@psu.edu

Ben Keeler

bak5266@psu.edu

Kayla Wagner

krw5239@psu.edu

ADVISORS

October 2014

Strong leadership needed for campus With the search for a new chancellor narrowing down, what exactly is it that Penn State Beaver needs in a chancellor?

Former Chancellor Gary Keefer set high standards as a campus leader who was willing to get to know students on a personal level.

To continue this, whoever steps into this position needs to be personable and outgoing. We need a leader who can relate to students and be willing to put himself or herself in our shoes.

Yet an approachable and friendly chancellor is not enough. We also need a strong and decisive leader.

Our campus has a lot of moving parts, and we need a strong leader

who can make those parts work in sync.

Innovation and out-of-the box thinking is also important. We need a leader who can propel the campus to new heights.

Beaver is a beautiful campus with lots to offer, but it’s not without its challenges. The new chancellor should aim to enhance the atmosphere for student life. Students would love to have more to do on campus. The sports court project is a start, but more is needed.

A chancellor who is driven by student feedback is a must for our campus to encourage a greater influx of freshmen and appeal to the current Penn State population.

Ultimately, at the root of all of these qualities is communication.

A chancellor who can communicate his or her ideas is going to have the most impact, not only on students, but also on the faculty and staff.

Keefer made communication with students a top priority through programs such as “Cheesecake with the Chancellor.” Obviously, this giveand-take must continue.

Communication is one of the many characteristics that a new chancellor would need in order to generate powerful and successful changes to the campus and maintain the Penn State tradition of excellence.

Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu

Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu

Even non-athletes will miss him

Walking in to Marcess William’s office in Admissions for his last interview ever for the Roar, I could tell it was a bittersweet moment for him. He was very humbled and sincere to the end.

I happened to catch him immediately after his send-off dinner, where campus faculty and staff gathered over cake and soda to wish him well.

With questions like, “What do you cherish most about your time here?” and “How was it breaking it to your team?” I could tell it would be an emotional interview.

I had interviewed Williams a bunch of times in the past. Much like my previous interviews, this one

started with just a chat.

That is one thing Williams always did during our interviews, he always wanted to know about how I was doing. Not only did he do this with me, he did this with everyone.

He became a friend over the last few years of me interacting with him through my internship with the Athletic Department and just by

passing by him on campus.

The relationships he built with students made him an asset to the Admissions Office because he was a friendly face to greet new and old students.

He made every student feel like he or she was on his level and could relate to him.

It was no different now and it will be no different when he heads to Clarion University as its new head coach.

Williams has one goal for his career and that is to create great men out of his players, which he has certainly accomplished over his nine years with Penn State Beaver.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: roareditor@psu.edu by the 20th day of each month.

Please include your full name, address, email address and cell phone number.

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The space is limited to one eighth-page ad per club per edition. To reserve space, email The Roar business manager at: roarbusiness@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.

October 2014 Penn State Beaver Roar

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Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

October 2014

Campus gets drenched in honor of Keefer LYDIA AQUINO Senior Staff Writer lra137@psu.edu

On Sept. 5, numerous faculty, staff and students gathered around the Nittany Lion Shrine to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, in honor of retired Chancellor Gary Keefer who is suffering from the disease.

Bags of ice were stacked, waiting to be ripped open, and buckets waited to be filled as more than 50 people gathered in front of the shrine.

Some wore shorts and T-shirts especially for the occasion, while some professors and staff were still wearing their everyday clothes.

With a brief introduction from Amy Krebs, director of campus and community relations, everyone in the crowd lifted their buckets over their heads, drenching themselves with the icy cold water. The actual challenge took only about a minute.

The entire men’s baseball team showed up after a practice about 15 minutes later and repeated the same activity, once again dedicating it to Keefer.

“I am completely more aware now,” senior Leah Nyon said of the disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly called Lou Gehrig ’s

The ROAR/Dante Massey

Penn State Beaver students, faculty and staff participate in a campus version of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

disease. “On Facebook for a week that’s all I saw. It’s a good way to support the chancellor and it’s good to show we care.”

Keefer was diagnosed with ALS about a year-and-a-half ago and retired in June because of it. ALS attacks the nervous system, causes muscle weakness and impacts physi-

cal functions until the body eventually shuts down.

In his motorized wheelchair with his wife, Paula, by his side, Keefer attended and smiled as he watched his friends, colleagues and Penn State students drench themselves.

“I’m participating to show support for Dr. Keefer,” said junior Jessica

Findling. “It’s nice to get the campus community together to show respect for him.”

Freshman Radhika Navdiya said the Ice Bucket Challenge was educational. “I didn’t know what ALS was before this day. I’m here to support the campus and Keefer.”

It’s a sentiment shared by faculty

as well.

“We are giving Dr. Gary Keefer lots of support,” said Michael Hay, associate professor of chemistry. “We are all praying for him every day.”

Keefer said it was great to be on campus again and called it “gratifying” to see so many people take the challenge in his honor. “I hope it results in donations, and it is really nice to see this support.”

“The most important thing is it’s raising awareness,” Keefer added.

“The people in the field need the money they are raising to help fight the disease.”

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge became a viral sensation this summer through the web. The people that took the challenge ranged from celebrities to professional sports teams to just the average citizen.

The challenge is about more than just dumping a freezing cold bucket on your head to get Instagram or Facebook likes, and challenging your friends to do the same. The challenge brought awareness of the disease donations to support treatment and the search for a cure.

The non-profit ALS Association has raised more than $115 million in donations from the challenge.

Szymczak, Slifkey honored for their work LYDIA AQUINO

Senior Staff Writer lra137@psu.edu

If you ever sat in a history lecture in one of Robert Szymczak’s classes, you know that the class is never a dull moment.

Szymczak is a very vivid professor and paints the picture of the history he is teaching.

Szymczak, associate professor of history, was one of two campus staffers to recently receive awards.

On June 23, Szymczak attended a gathering at the University of Warsaw in Poland to receive one of Poland’s highest honors, the Polish

Szymczak

Slifkey

Gold Cross of Merit.

At the three-day event, Szymczak presented a paper titled “Cold War Airwaves: The Polish American Congress and the Justice for Poland Radio Series, 1950-1953.”

Being known internationally is

one of the many accomplishments that Szymczak has received throughout his career.

The Swastek Award for Best Article of the Year and the University’s prestigious George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching are some of the other awards that Szymczak has been honored with.

Szymczak said he puts great effort into his research and writes everything longhand so his work is precise.

“You can tell he is passionate about what he does,” said freshman Taylor Maust. “He is a very interesting professor and I enjoy his class.”

Szymczak said he takes great pride

in his work and in his Polish heritage.

“It means a lot to me because I am of Polish ancestry. I’ve written a lot of articles on Polish history and Polish American history. It was a high honor for me to receive,” he said.

Campus Minister Gary Slifkey was also recently honored, receiving the John Cardinal Wright award from the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese on Aug. 24.

Slifkey was one of three recipients to receive this honor.

The John Cardinal Wright Award honors someone who made a significant contribution to the mission

of the church through working with youth and young adults.

“The award reminds me of the importance of connecting with people and inviting them on a journey of faith,” said Slifkey.

He said he was greatly honored to receive this award for all of the goodwilled work that he does.

He was nominated for the award by members of the Bishop’s Latin School (BLS) Alumni Association.

“I cherish this award more than others because I’m not active in the BLS Alumni Association. It’s a great honor, and I have great respect for Cardinal Wright.”

October 2014 Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

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Local haunted houses terrify students ELLE GEORGE Staff Writer erg161@psu.edu

Freddy’s Haunts’s indoor and outdoor haunted attraction is tucked away in the back woods of Independence Township. It’s a popular attraction for students wanting a little frightful distraction from their studies.

Senior Kayla Wagner, a staff member for The Roar, said she expected Freddy’s not to be too scary when visiting it on a Saturday night in September.

Wagner was chased out of the outdoor maze by a masked man with a chainsaw buzzing at her feet while sophomore Albert Araiza Jr. was left to be tortured by zombies attacking him at every angle in the slaughter

The ROAR/Elle George

One of Freddy’s Haunts employees is ready to scare incoming customers.

room.

Freddy’s Haunts has more than 90 costumed volunteers every night, along with a dungeon, maze and a human slaughter room. It’s one of several popular haunted attractions

that pop up during the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Upon arriving at Freddy’s Haunts, there are zombies with chainsaws lurking throughout the parking lot and woods leading into the entrance.

Once you arrive into the black-lightpainted entrance, it is fair game.

After Araiza was scared by an axed clown popping out of the corner of the trail entrance, he was hesitant about moving forward.

“Holy crap, I nearly peed my pants,” he said after his visit.

“I really can’t go in guys,” said senior Stephen Galmarini, who opted to stay in the entryway while waiting for his friends to return.

“This looks scarier than what I pictured. Just go without me.”

Freddy’s is great for a local haunted attraction because it is only about 20 minutes from campus. But if you don’t mind a drive, the Scare House in Pittsburgh is another horrifying haunted attraction that is certainly worth visiting this October.

Not only is it located just 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, but it also gives college students a discount as long as you have your student I.D. The Scare House has three different themed phases that you must go through, including the summoning, the Pittsburgh zombies black out and creepo’s Christmas in 3-D. “They have the most innovative set designs, along with their gruesome special effects,” said Araiza.

The Scare House is more of an art to the people working there. While walking through the Scare House, you’ll notice the precise detail in each person’s costume.

In 2013, CBS News called Scare House “one of America’s Scariest Haunted Houses.”

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Penn State Beaver Roar

October 2014

October 2014 Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

It’s called Antony’s, not Anthony’s ZACH ULRICH Staff Writer zau5001@psu.edu

Want some good pizza for a very good price?

Try Antony’s Pizza, located right in the food court of the Beaver Valley Mall.

Just get the name right. It’s not ANTHONY’S, but Antony’s. Antony’s operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

“The Penn State student body has been a foundation for Antony’s since opening,” said Manager Mike Carnright.

Antony’s offers Penn State students a 10 percent discount when they show their Penn State ID card.

When you walk up to Antony’s pizza to place your order, you will

Staff Writer blr5321@psu.edu

The ROAR/Rob Trhlin

Antony’s Pizza offers a variety of styles of pizza, subs and Strombolis, all of which are baked to order.

often see Carnright chatting up his customers and upselling everything on the menu. Carnright said he talks with all of his customers to keep them coming back.

Antony’s pizza is located in the food court, where it displays a variety of different pizzas, subs and Strombolis ready to go into the

oven. However, unlike most pizza chains, Antony’s pizza doesn’t deliver.

The dining atmosphere is pure food court, but the quality of the food more than makes up for the ambience.

The most popular item on the menu is the cheese pizza.

Freshman Alyssa Moylan said, “The cheese pizza is among my top five favorite types of pizza. Antony’s is my go-to for my pizza cravings.”

Junior Matt Dorenkott agreed.

“I would give Antony’s Pizza a fourstar rating. It’s so good!” Dorenkott goes there at least twice a week for the bacon cheeseburger pizza.

Student designs shirt for Blue and White Society LADE KING Staff writer lak5479@psu.edu

Last spring, senior Chun Lin submitted a design in a university-wide contest the Blue and White Society held to find a new look for its T-shirts.

Lin was surprised to learn over the summer that her design won the contest and would be featured on the front of the new Blue and White Society T-shirts this year.

As a member of the Blue and White Society, Lin said she participated in the contest just for the fun of it.

“I could never guess that my

Brodhead Bistro goes green BRANDEE ROBINSON

The menu not only includes pizza, but also subs and salads.

Antony’s Pizza was established in 1983 at a different location in the mall, prior to the renovation that introduced the food court. Penn State students have been a welcome and sizeable part of Antony’s business, according to the manager.

11

design would be picked,” said Lin. But it was.

Her design incorporated an image of the Nittany Lion with the Blue and White Society logo. The T-shirts are distributed free to all paid society members.

“This achievement is worth being proud of,” said Jenn Toof, residence life and activities coordinator and advisor of Blue and White Society.

“It’s huge, considering there were other campuses involved in the design contest.”

Apart from the recognition, Lin received a $500 gift card for the Penn State Bookstore and a free membership in the Blue and White Society until graduation.

The ROAR/Marlee Bandish

Chun Lin wears the Blue and White Society T-shirt bearing her design.

Penn State Beaver students now have an option to help the environment by using Green2Go reusable containers at the Brodhead Bistro.

The new containers were introduced at Penn State Behrend in March as a test pilot to see if students would be interested in using them.

The containers are an alternative to the polystyrene containers previously used and are designed to help the environment by limiting the amount of waste.

Students pay a onetime fee of $5 to get the container. Student can return the used container, which the Bistro will clean, and will be issued a new one at no additional charge.

Students who return the container without taking a new one will receive a $5 refund.

Kelly Marcello, manager of Housing and Food Services, said the program, which launched this fall, is staring to take off. “So far, so good.”

Marcello doesn’t have an exact number of how many have been used, but she said she started the semester with 72 containers, and about half of those have gone into circulation.

Eric Marts, a computer specialist, brought his own container to the Bistro for a few years before the program began.

Marts, a member of the Green Team at Beaver, still uses his own container but said he is on board with the program. “The onetime fee is not unreasonable.”

Freshman Tiarra Gordon uses the container and says she thinks that they are making an environmental difference. But, she said the Bistro needs to advertise them more.

“I don’t think a lot of people k-now about [the containers],” said Gordon.

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Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

October 2014

Personalizing your Penn State dorm BRANDEE ROBINSON Staff Writer

blr5321@psu.edu

Are you a student still wondering how to decorate your dorm room or what to do during the holiday decoration season?

Look no further as students and staff at Penn State Beaver have recently provided their insights on room decorations and the regulations you need to follow.

Sophomore Tiara Mills says she found most of her decorations, such as her rainbow zebra print bedspread, at places like Walmart and IKEA. She also received some as graduation and birthday gifts.

Junior Jessica Findling, a resident assistant, found many ideas from Pinterest and arranged her room so that it was “more open and approachable for residents to come and talk to [her].” She has her two twin beds pushed together in the middle of the room to form a makeshift full bed and her desks and dressers arranged on all four corners.

Tiara Mills stylishly decorated her dorm room with finds from Walmart and Ikea.

Kelly Marcello, manager of Housing and Food Services, says there is a lot that can be done to spruce up your dorm room.

Decorations can be hung on the

walls using sticky tack, she said. You can cover your bulletin board in wrapping paper and choose bedding to suit your tastes. You and your roommate can also reconfigure the

The ROAR/Khalia Admans

beds to any position in the room, including as bunk beds.

Junior Maura Francis had the creative idea to make her room themed as if she were living in the city, using

a poster of the city to cover her bulletin board while lights hung in her curtain to create the stars above the city.

“It’s very relaxing, especially after a long day,” says Francis.

Regulations and guidelines can be annoying, but they are put in place for a reason.

According to the Housing and Food Services Terms and Agreement online, HFS does not permit anything to be strung across the room for decorations and you aren’t allowed to use tape, glue, nails, staples or screws to affix anything to the walls or furnishings.

Candles are never permitted and neither are live trees or greens during the holidays.

You may string decorative lights in your room for holiday decorating.

Marcello said the rules are mostly about safety. “The regulations have been the same for a long time and are put in place to maintain the safety, quality, and façade of the dorms,” she said.

McBride brings new life to Beaver County cold cases CHRIS ROTONDO Staff Writer ctr5138@psu.edu

LaVarr McBride, instructor of administration of justice, has added the role of host to his résumé.

McBride is the host and narrator of a new web series for the Beaver County Times titled Cold Case Beaver County.

McBride has worked in the field of criminal justice for more than 30 years, having previously served as a training specialist with the Office of Defender Services and as a Defender Initiated Victim Outreach consultant for federal and state cases, among other roles.

However, this series is different from his previous work.

Cold Case Beaver County is a monthly video series published on

Photo courtesy of the Beaver County Times

LaVarr McBride records a new episode of Cold Case Beaver County.

the Beaver County Times website. It recalls local murders that took place in Beaver County over the past few decades.

McBride narrates the series, explaining in detail the events of each crime. He also talks to the victims’

families. So far, the series has focused on the murders of Patty Patton, Sarah Boehm, Becky Triska and William Williamson through interviews with family members, police officers, district attorneys and other important figures who were involved with

the cases in some way.

The series came to fruition shortly after McBride landed the role of instructor, program coordinator and internship supervisor in administration of justice in 2011. McBride splits his time at three Penn State campuses: Beaver, New Kensington and Shenango.

In 2013, McBride wrote a book titled, “Through a Convict’s Eyes: An Overlooked View of the Criminal Justice System” along with ex-convict Eric Wicklund. This attracted the attention of the Beaver County Times, which published a featured article on McBride and Wicklund in October 2013.

Shortly after, the Times expressed to McBride its interest in having him host a web series. Four episodes later, the series has generated more views

than any other Times web series with more than 3,000 viewers. The series has even garnered attention from the Discovery Channel, one of the most viewed cable channels in the U.S. Because of his work on the show, McBride finds Cold Case Beaver County to be a great tool to use in his classes, giving his students the chance to learn about these crimes from both their professor and those close to the crimes.

With Beaver County Cold Case, McBride says that one of his goals is “getting people to communicate [about the crimes].” He said that often, “[the] victims feel forgotten.”

New installments of Cold Case Beaver County are released at the beginning of each month. Twentyfive cases area planned so far for the series.

October 2014 Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

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Sports court planned behind Harmony Hall ERIK MCCLAIN Staff Writer ezm5306@psu.edu

Illustration by Dante Massey

Matt Young was recently appointed as an 18-year-old member of the Blackhawk School Board.

Out with the old, in with Matt Young CHRIS ROTONDO Staff Writer

ctr5138@psu.edu

When 18-year-old Penn State Beaver freshman Matt Young celebrated his birthday in April, he was just then able to cast a vote in the May primary election.

With one election under his belt, Young was chosen last month to be the newest – and youngest – member of the Blackhawk School Board.

He was voted in by the board to replace former member Paul Heckathorn, who resigned from the board in August 2014.

Despite his age and his seemingly unrelated major of computer engineering, Young, a Blackhawk alumnus, said he is well-informed about the district and its policies.

Young has been attending the school board’s meetings for more than two years.

He even convinced the district to videotape the meetings and upload

them online for parents and staff to view.

As a former student, Young said that he can use his personal experience to improve the district. Previously, he has spent much time watching the district’s budget.

He said he observed how much is spent annually and knows how that amount can be reduced while still maintaining high standards.

“If you can reduce costs, do it,” Young said.

Young was chosen to fill the empty seat over Timothy Davis.

Both men were interviewed by the Blackhawk board after Heckathorn resigned.

Before his appointment to the board, Young wrote an essay on a current lawsuit between the Blackhawk School District and its teachers, elaborating on why the district was legally able to sue the teachers union.

Young’s goals while on the board include to balancing the budget and reviewing all of the district’s policies.

“They have only updated certain sections [of the policies] every now and then.”

Young said he hopes that this experience will pave the way for future political prospects, including a possible run for the U.S. House of Representatives.

His current term is set to end in 2015, but he hopes that his brief time on the board will convince voters that he is well-equipped for the position.

While Young’s fellow board members feel strongly about his addition to the board, he admits that his friends are mixed on his new acquired position, worrying that the role will be too much for somebody so young.

“I’m hoping to prove them wrong,” Young said.

Looking for a place to play basketball or hockey outside when the weather is nice, but cannot find anywhere on campus? In the spring semester, ground will be broken on a new sports court behind Harmony Hall.

Groundbreaking for construction will most likely begin in April, and construction should last six to eight weeks, said Director of Business and Finance Luke Taiclet.

The planned outdoor recreational area will consist of a basketball court along with additional amenities to allow for inline hockey and other associated forms of hard surface play. It will also feature a pavilion and a space to accommodate those with disabilities.

Taiclet has also mentioned the possibility of an included walking path, though he said it “isn’t critical to the project.”

The sports court was first conceptualized three years ago to fill the empty space left from the 2006 demolition of the Lion’s Court complex, an area that has long been the subject of planning discussion.

Lion’s Court was a group of two-story townhouse-style units that were a popular alternative to the traditional rooms of Harmony Hall. The units were torn down when problems with the structure where detected that would have been too costly to repair.

“When we tore down Lion’s Court, we left the area flat. We were unsure of what to put there,” Taiclet said, addressing the long untouched space next to the volleyball court.

The sports court made the leap from concept to reality over a long process of approval and funding.

The project is estimated to cost $300,000.

Director of Student Affairs Chris Rizzo, who has helped with both conceptualizing and securing the approval and funding for the project, is confident in the benefits that the sports court will bring to the campus.

“I believe that the sports court will significantly expand recreational and community development opportunities for both commuting and residential students,” he said.

He said the facility will offer “a vibrant new space facilitating and promoting wellness outside of the classroom.”

Rizzo said he hopes the project will allow for both structured intramural play and relaxed free play.

He said the court may also help “relieve some congestion from the gym.”

Freshmen Kristian Tienda-Langa is enthusiastic about the prospect of the sports court as well. She keeps statistics for the Fightin’ Beavs inline hockey team.

“It will give the hockey team more freedom and more opportunity to practice,” she said.

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Sports

Volleyball loses in first round MATT SWEIKOWSKI Staff Writer mrs5822@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver Lady Lions volleyball team stepped on the court Oct. 15 for what would be their last game of the season.

The fourth-seed Lady Lions came up short to fifth-seed Penn State Greater Alleghany in the first round of the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs, losing 3-0.

“Unfortunately, nobody wants to lose in the first round,” Coach BJ Bertges said after the loss. “I plan to get with my assistants and digest tonight’s game to figure out what we can improve on.”

Beaver came out on fire, controlling the majority of the first set and gaining a commanding lead.

The team was clicking on all cylinders with contributions from senior hitter Natalie Gamble and freshman standout Ryanne “Roxy” Kie. Momentum shifted for Beaver as Greater Allegheny came back to win the first set and eventually the next two.

The loss ended the season for Beaver. With a 12-4 conference record, 16-9 overall, Beaver was ranked fourth in the conference behind undefeated Fayette and Brandywine

The ROAR/Chris Best

Ryanne Kie blocks a spike against Penn State New Kensington Oct. 13 in Penn State Beaver’s gymnasium. Beaver won the game 3-1.

and Mont Alto, both with two losses.

The Lady Lions started the season off in the wrong direction, going 0-4 in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association tip-off tournament hosted at Beaver Aug. 29 and 30.

But the team garnered three con-

secutive wins in the Western Pennsylvania Community College Challenge at Beaver Sept. 5 and 6.

“This team has a lot of hustle and heart,” said Gamble. “We focus on getting better as individuals and then getting better as a team.”

In the month of September, the

Lady Lions turned it up and went 10-3 in conference play, falling only to the three higher ranked teams in the PSUAC. The Lady Lions went on an eightgame winning streak until the 3-0 loss Oct. 5 to Penn State Fayette.

“Team chemistry is the difference

with the team this year,” Bertges.

“The leadership from the captains has really been a factor with bringing this team together.”

The Lady Lions have put themselves in a great place to succeed throughout the playoffs, Bertges said. “(We’re) taking it a game at a time, and focusing on our side of the net.”

In a recent 3-1 win against Greater Allegheny Oct. 8, the team played well and kept momentum going.

Gamble led the team with 12 kills and sophomore Brittany Davids led the team with 20 assists on their way to the win.

The team also picked up a 3-1 win against New Kensington Oct. 11 at Beaver’s senior night.

Gamble led the team with 20 kills. Kie added 11 kills, Mackenzie Keller had six kills and Julianna Kon had five.

“The team chemistry is a huge part of this team,” Kie said. “It wasn’t a hard transition from highschool, because everyone is sharing the same common goal of winning.”

“This is the best team chemistry in the time that I’ve been here. These girls brought all the positives and left out all the negatives,” Bertges said.

Staff Writer Chris Best contributed to this report.

Women’s soccer team ends season with no wins ZACH ULRICH Staff Writer zau5001@psu.edu

The ROAR/Andy Gremani

Sydnee Abernathy kicks the ball Oct. 8 against Westmoreland County Community College.

This year’s season didn’t go as planned for the Penn State Beaver women’s soccer team.

Despite missing players and key injuries, the Lady Lions battled throughout the season but have come up winless with an overall record of 0-11 and a conference record of 0-2.

The Lady Lions had a hard time putting the ball in the net this year, but did have a few games where they scored.

The closest game this year was

against Penn State Greater Allegheny on the road Oct. 1.

The Lady Lions lost 6-2, with goals scored by sophomore captain Jessica Spina and sophomore defenseman Sydnee Abernathy.

Most recently, the team lost 5-0 Oct. 15 at Western Virginia University Tech.

But the team did get a few shots on goal and played aggressively.

The Lady Lions are a very young team with seven freshmen and seven sophomores.

The Lady Lions have a lot more players this year than in recent years.

“We have more commitment and more players. It’s a step-up from last year” said sophomore captain Ana Paula Garcia.

“We are a few years away, but we are a very competitive, young group,” said Coach Shaun Schetka.

One of the biggest key injuries this year was to freshman goalkeeper Kailey Bonner.

She got hurt during the Bethany College game Sept. 16, and it was tough to replace her.

Senior Rachel Borrell took over at goalkeeper, and the team is very pleased with how she’s done.

“She stepped up very well and we are happy she committed to the team the way she did,” said Spina.

One of the biggest attributes to a team is team chemistry.

“This team has decent team chemistry and gets along very well even though the record doesn’t show,” Schetka said.

He hopes to build off that team chemistry to be successful in the years to come.

The Lady Lions finish up their season on the road against West Virgina Tech Oct. 15 and Valley Forge Christian College Oct. 21.

October 2014 Penn State Beaver Roar

Sports

15

Mens soccer team remains strong in PSUAC play ELLE GEORGE Staff Writer

erg161@psu.edu

The ROAR/Colby Hill

Anthony Voss, 11, dribbles the ball against Penn State Wilkes-Barre Oct. 11. Beaver won the game 5-1.

The Penn State Beaver men’s soccer team ended a six-game winning streak Oct. 13 with a 10-0 loss to Point Park University.

But the team’s 6-2 conference record (7-8 overall) places Beaver at third in the Penn State University Athletic Conference.

With such an impressive conference record, Coach Jim Van Kirk is looking forward to the PSUAC playoffs. “We ultimately want to return back to the conference playoffs this season.”

The team is preparing for its final PSUAC matchup Oct. 18 at home against Penn State York, who is one of two teams undefeated in conference play.

Penn State York is believed to be

the team’s toughest conference competition this year, with an overall record of 7-5-1.

“One thing our team can always work on is the team’s defense,” said Van Kirk. “A good defense is indeed the best offense.”

Most recently, the team lost 13-0 to WVU Tech in a non-conference matchup. The team’s last conference game was a 5-1 win against Penn State Wilkes-Barre Oct. 11.

Although Penn State Beaver came out a little stiff, junior Lamont Wright loosened things up by scoring the first goal, Beaver’s only goal in the first half.

It was the second half when the team came together to pull out a win.

Junior Marcus Smith scored twice while freshman Anthony Voss and Wright each added another point.

“We did not communicate enough

and we came out flat,” said Wright.

“That’s what caused a slow start against Wilkes-Barre and could hurt us against Penn State York.”

Smith said he’s concerned about injuries.

“We need to improve on taking care of our bodies,” he said. “We are having a lot of injuries late in the season which can hurt us in playoffs.”

Wright said he remains optimistic.

“The team’s strengths are that we have all-around chemistry on and off the field, and we never let up. We play hard for 90-plus minutes,” said Wright.

Three of the players on the team are on the top-five scoring list of the PSUAC. Smith has 15, freshman Dom DeMino and Wright each have nine, proving to be assets and leaders to the team.

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October 2014