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@PPUGlobe January 8, 2020
This week’s Pioneer Public features Point Park’s own Tik Tok star, Daisy Allebach Editor-in-Chief Dara Collins addresses the student body in a Letter from the Editor Men’s basketball tallies two wins over winter break, improves to 9-7 ppuglobe.com
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Issue 1
Turn of the Decade: Lawrence A NEW YEAR, BETTER YOU Hall turnstiles now operational Luke Mongelli News Editor
The new turnstiles that were installed in Lawrence Hall prior to the end of the fall 2019 semester will be functional and ready for use as Point Park rings in the new year. In an email sent out in the early morning on Friday, Jan. 3, Dean of Students Keith Paylo relayed a message from Chief Besong informing students and faculty that the turnstiles will be fully operational as of Monday, Jan. 16. In addition to a turnstile user guide, the email included information pertaining to larger student mail orders, luggage procedure and new visitor policies. In order for community members to gain access to Lawrence Hall through the first floor entrance, they must place their Point Park Pioneer Card above the keypad located on the turnstile. Once the identification card
has been approved, a green arrow will appear next to the keypad, and the wings will open. If a community member has luggage or any bulky item, they can set it to the side of the of the turnstile or move it in front of them space permitting. When leaving Lawrence Hall through the turnstiles, no Pioneer Card is required. If a student has large packages or mail to send out and needs assistance moving them by cart, they will be unable to use the front doors to Lawrence Hall. Students will be required to use the loading dock area which is located on the Third Avenue side of the building. A card reader for Point Park Pioneer Cards will be outside the doors streetside for all students to use for bringing large items into the building by cart. For students who wish to bring visitors into the building, they will no longer be able to sign visitors in
through the Lawrence Hall lobby. All visitors must go through Academic Hall and check in with the desk attendant. Once signed in, visitors and community members must use the skybridge in order to access Lawrence Hall. Chloe Hoover, a freshman broadcast production major, thinks this addition will bring some needed changes to the campus’ security. “They are a good idea to increase the security and safety of the students, however we may take a while to get used to them,” Hoover said. “Overall, the addition of the turnstiles will definitely improve the safety of Point Parks campus.” Although some students are for the new security measures, some are left with conflicting thoughts. “I have mixed feelings,” Emily Barkhimer, a freshman
TURNSTILES page 3
Emma Federkeil | The Globe Members of Campus Activities Board Shelby Armetta (left) and Nicole Lakovic (right) make custom water bottles at CAB’s “New Year, Better You” event in Lawrence Hall Lobby on Monday night.
SGA kicks off spring semester
Two senators sworn in to legislative body Monday SGA By Sarah Gibson SGA Beat Writer
On Monday, January 6, the Student Government Association (SGA) met for the first legislative body meeting of the new semester. Change was in the air right off the bat. Present at the meeting for the first time were five representatives from the Graduate Student Association, who were granted representation on SGA following a referendum sent out to students last semester. During the initial cabinet and senator reports, President Jake Berlin shared that shortly after a letter containing senator signatures showing support for the students of COPA in their fight for equality in regards to the cancelling of “Parade” was sent to administration, it was postponed indefinitely. President Berlin added that while there was no news regarding the Oakland shuttles, he had reached a point of understanding with the administration. That point of understanding was in regards to the purpose of the shuttles, and that if the school introduced commuter shuttles to
Oakland, they’d have to send them to other Pittsburgh neighborhoods where other students live. Recording Secretary Jordyn Hronec reported that President Berlin and herself were looking into hosting a town hall-style forum once a month where no internal business would be conducted, but it would instead serve as a way for SGA to communicate with the student body in a way that would “channel the energy” from the student involvement in the previous year’s election. Vice President Grace Tyler Frank-Rempel took the time to acknowledge that this meeting was her first as Vice President, and now that there was no President Pro-Tempore, one would need to be elected. Senators Dennis McDermott, Bryce Hayzlett and Jade Steele were all nominated. They all gave short speeches addressing the student body explaining why they thought they would want to be President Pro Tempore. Senator Hayzlett cited his presence at almost every cabinet meeting in the last semester as a qualification. Senator McDermott
SGA page 2
Sarah Gibson | The Globe President Jake Berlin swears in Vice President Grace Tyler Frank-Rempel (left) and President Pro-Tempore Bryce Hayzlett (right).
Esports team to become 18th varsity sport in fall semester
Athletics begins recruiting athletes, searching for head coaching staff Dara Collins Editor-in-Chief
As the fall 2019 semester came to a close, Point Park University announced that it will offer a varsity esports team beginning the fall 2020 semester, according to the press release from Dec. 9. “The addition of esports provides another opportunity for the university to offer a quality experience for students who are interested in this,” Kevin Taylor, Associate AD and SID, said. “Esports is a hugely growing industry, and it will be another step toward Point
Park furthering its esports involvement.” The addition of the esports team totals 18 varsity sports team operating in the Pioneer Athletics Department. “The addition of esports will continue to grow our total number of student-athletes as well as add another coach to our staff,” Director of Athletics John Ashaolu said. “Esports adds another element to our department. Adding esports will provide more opportunities for prospective students, and the university’s investment in the addition of esports illustrates the university’s reputation of
being innovative.” Taylor mirrors Ashaolu’s position on the additional growing sport. “Any time that you add a program to your athletic department, there is always a learning process, especially when it is a developing sport such as esports, or prior to that, competitive cheer and dance,” Taylor said. “A lot of schools are learning the ropes of what goes into these types of new sports programs. It is great to jump in and provide these opportunities.”
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Point Park
GLOBE
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
NEWS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Conservatory replaces show ‘Parade’ with ‘Pippin’ Jordyn Hronec Editor-Elect
The 2019-2020 Pittsburgh Playhouse season was altered once more following weeks of student advocacy at the end of the Fall 2019 semester. Over the semester break, a statement was released by Point Park announcing that the show “Parade,” which was scheduled to be performed in the spring, was being replaced by another musical production, “Pippin.” On Dec. 18, a statement was released directly from the President of the university, Paul Hennigan. “The 2013 Broadway revival brought renewed luster to this popular work, and we believe it will both challenge our students and delight our audiences,” Hennigan wrote in regards to the show “Pippin.” The change follows several town hall-style meetings hosted by the dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts, Steven Breese last semester. The first meeting was held in regards to the show “Adding Machine: A Musical,” which was cancelled due to mishandling of the show’s content by its creative team and student concern. A town hall meeting with President Hennigan was also held, where he promised students that changes would be made in order to correct a lack of diversity and inclu-
Jared Murphy | The Globe
The PNC Theatre inside the Pittsburgh Playhouse, where “Pippin” will be performed by COPA students from March 13-22 sivity, specifically within the conservatory. The last two town hall meetings were held in order to discuss the musical “Parade.” “Parade” tells the story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory owner who is wrongfully accused of rape and murder and who is ultimately lynched because of this. At the town hall meetings to discuss the show, it was also revealed that it contains im-
agery such as Confederate flags and KKK hoods. While Breese assured students that should the show go on, proper care would be taken so that the material could be presented artistically and sensitively, students were concerned that the university was not yet equipped to do either the show, or its participants justice. At the meetings, Breese made it clear that a decision
regarding “Parade” would not be made on the spot. “As we continue our dialogue and work together to enhance the culture at Point Park in a way that will lead to a more inclusive community, we have made the decision to postpone indefinitely our production of the show ‘Parade,’ which was scheduled for April,” President Hennigan wrote in his statement. President Hennigan also wrote: “Through my involvement in these discussions with the Point Park community, it is clear to me that our priority as a university must be our students, and we cannot allow a production to move forward that could overshadow our educational and developmental mission. We also would not be serving the best interests of our loyal patrons or the show “Parade,” a widely acclaimed and important musical that generates robust conversation about social awareness and societal change.” The show “Parade,” was slated to be directed by Rob Ashford, a Tony award-winning Point Park alumnus. “Pippin” will be directed by Stephen Sposito, who was
slated to be the assistant director to Ashford. A song from the show “Pippin” was performed by the cast of “Adding Machine: A Musical” at a cabaret style show that was put on the week before the semester break in the Highmark theater, where “Adding Machine” had been set to take place. The show was titled “Reclaiming.” In an effort to reclaim their performance space, each member of the cast performed solo and group numbers that expressed what they considered “reclaiming” to mean. The show also included numbers from shows such as “Frozen,” “Chicago,” and “Newsies.” The cast performed the song “Morning Glow,” from “Pippin,” at the conclusion of the show. “Pippin” tells the story of a young prince and his search for true happiness. Auditions and callbacks for the show are scheduled for this week. The show is set to be performed in the Playhouse’s PNC theater from Mar.13 to 22. Jordyn Hronec
jthrone@pointpark.edu
SEPT. 3, 2019 - SEPT. 16, 2019
Sarah Gibson | The Globe
Students Hattie Charney (left) and Zach Washington (right) were sworn in as SGA senators during Monday’s meeting.
Hayzlett becomes President Pro-Tempore from SGA page 1 explained that he wanted to create a spreadsheet for attendance and put it in a public place so that senators could keep track of each others’ attendance. Jade Steele noted that SGA was something that she did in her free time, as an education major, and it would be something that she’d be able to commit a lot of time to this semester. After ballots were passed out and collected, it was revealed that Jade Steele received one vote, Dennis received eight and Bryce Hayzlett received 12, meaning that Senator Bryce Hayzlett would step into the position of President Pro-Tempore. After two new senators, Zach Washington and Hattie
Charney, were sworn in, Vice President Frank-Rempel and President Pro-Tempore Hayzlett were sworn in by President Berlin. During the last student government meeting of the Fall 2019 semester, there was supposed to be an impeachment trial for Senator Mathew Johnson. However, the trial did not occur, as Johnson sent in his resignation to President Berlin. President Berlin read the letter aloud, and Johnson clarified that he was not resigning due to the impeachment trial, but due to his own personal reasons. However, Parliamentarian Jess Wrzosek was called upon to reveal the results of the impeachment investigation. Parliamentarian Wrzosek revealed that she contacted all
10 of the students who were listed on the proposed club Turning Point U.S.A.’s club constitution. She stated that five students responded to her, and that out of the five, one student stated that their consent had not been given to be included on the list. President Berlin and Senator McDermott stated that they hoped that the body was able to “learn from” this instance. In addition to Johnson’s resignation, Senator Christen Schoenle resigned from the body, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason. On Monday’s meeting, it was also announced that Senator Noah Glaister had resigned. Sarah Gibson
sagibso@pointpark.edu
Monday, December 9th 3:03 p.m. - Wood Street Intoxicated Person
Friday, December 27th 8:02 p.m. - 3rd Avenue Warrant
Need Help? Call Public Safety at 412-392-3960
Alysse Baer | The Globe
NEWS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
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SGA welcomes new Vice President for Spring 2020 Grace Tyler Frank-Rempel steps into the vacant position after former Vice President Alexa Lake transfers to Pitt By Sarah Gibson Co-Opinions Editor
It’s a new semester at Point Park, and for the Student Government Association (SGA), that means many things: a new funding period, new events to plan and this particular year, it means that it’s sophomore global cultural studies major Grace Tyler Frank-Rempel’s first semester as Vice President of SGA. This position change over break came as somewhat of a shock to Frank-Rempel, as she was not elected into the position. She succeeded Alexa Lake as Vice President once Lake revealed at the last SGA meeting of 2019 that she would not be returning to the university. Frank-Rempel knew that possibly being Vice President was part of the job, but
it was never something she thought would actually happen. “No. I mean, it was in the back of my head thinking like ‘It’s part of the job. If something happens, I will step in,’ and I was prepared for that as much as I could be, but I wasn’t expecting to have to do it,” Vice President Frank-Rempel said. With that being said, Frank Rempel is no stranger to SGA, formerly USG. She joined when she was in her first semester as a freshman senator. She joined the rules committee so she could change the constitution, which she described as “a mess.” Over the last semester, she was President Pro-Tempore, where her job was to keep track of office hours, dress code and be next in line for the Vice President.
Between these two jobs, Frank-Rempel admits that being Vice President daunts her more than being President Pro-Tempore. “They are very different jobs. It’s a lot more time, which is fine, but the duties of it are very different and I don’t quite understand them yet,” Frank-Rempel said. She notes that both jobs are very different, so it will take some getting used to for her new duties. “My job was to work within our group of people to better us,” she said. “Not how I would affect the entire student body.” Frank-Rempel also faces a challenge in that her predecessor had an entire summer to study and prepare, and she only had winter break to prepare for the duties of Vice President. Speaking of Alexa Lake,
Frank-Rempel admitted that Lake had been very useful in the transition process from President Pro-Tempore to Vice President. “We have had meetings about it, yeah, and she is still in my back pocket and I still call her about any questions that I have,” Frank-Rempel said. She also noted that she is in a similar boat, helping new President Pro-Tempore Bryce Hayzlett with his transition. In the coming semester, she hopes to see the legislative body work together and hopes the upcoming season offers the chance for her to work with new faces as well. “What I wanted as Pro-Tempore this semester is for us to work as a cohesive unit. Which is still what I want as Vice President. I don’t have as much ability
to feed into that anymore, but I think it’s an opportunity for me to connect with club leaders and the administration more as well,” she said. For other students, Frank-Rempel sees the upcoming semester as a chance for teamwork. “I think this semester is a fresh start for us and it’s an opportunity for people to understand each other and to set expectations for each other,” she said. Frank-Rempel closed out the interview with some thoughtful words about the purpose of SGA. “That’s what we’re here to do: Make an impact on people and change things in a way that our student body wants to be changed and in a way to better our school,” she said. Sarah Gibson
sagibso@pointpark.edu
Lawrence Hall turnstiles in operation on first day of class from TURNSTILES page 1 sports, arts and entertainment management (SAEM) major, said. “I think they will increase the safety of Lawrence Hall, but I also think the same issue could have been solved with another full time desk attendant, like they do in Academic Hall. This could cause a backup of people, and will affect students and faculty members’ commutes to classes and meetings.” This change also forces families of students who occupy Lawrence Hall to divert to Academic Hall in order to help move things in.
“It makes it harder for my family and I, or even just myself alone, to move bags or other things to my room. It just seems inconvenient to me,” Barkhimer said. Kaitlyn Zoladz, a freshman forensic science major, was one of the many who opposed the idea entirely. “I think that the turnstiles are inconvenient and not needed,” Zoladz said. “While they may seem like an easy solution, if someone truly wanted to get in the building, a turnstile will not stop them.” “I also feel that overall they will be a detriment to the flow of students day to day,
and especially after breaks when students have a lot of luggage, and of course during move in for new and returning students,” Zoladz said. “They are bound to break down and stop working, and if we have to wait weeks for elevators to be fixed, how often are the turnstiles going to be maintained?” Community members are asked to not go through the turnstile with excessive speed and to not drag luggage over the keypads, to keep them proficient in their efforts at keeping Lawrence Hall and our campus safe. Luke Mongelli
lrmonge@pointpark.edu
Grace Tyler Frank-Rempel | Submitted
The new Student Government association (SGA) Vice President is Grace Tyler Frank-Rempel, last semester’s President Pro-Tempore.
First Cavs Legion GC scholarship awarded Dara Collins Editor-in-Chief
Point Park University junior Zach Jenkins received the first ever Cavs Legion GC Scholarship, according to the Cavs Legion Twitter account. “I feel so honored to be the recipient of the Cavs Legion GC scholarship,” Jenkins said. “Receiving this scholarship has shown me the value of hard work and dedication in the classroom and the importance of the strong support system around me.” “While this is an individual achievement, it certainly does not feel that way to me. I want to thank the Rowland School of Business and all of the professors within, and also the Cavs Legion GC for providing the opportunity. It is truly an honor.” It was announced in September 2019 that the Cleveland Cavaliers’ NBA 2K League franchise would team up with Point Park University to create a scholarship for students who intend to further their education and aim
for a career in the growing esports industry. The scholarship is $1,000 and will be offered annually to a qualifying student from Northeast Ohio interested in a career path toward game design, business or marketing in esports. The inaugural winner announcement surfaced just after the university’s announcement of the addition of a varsity esports team to the Pioneer Athletics Department for the fall 2020 semester. Dean of Students Keith Paylo, and Athletics personnel John Ashaolu, and Kevin Taylor agree that Point Park is leading the way for esports in the region. Jenkins is an Aurora, Ohio native attending Point Park for business management with a minor in finance. Jenkins previously participated in the men’s cross country and track and field programs at the university.
Dara Collins
dmcolli2@pointpark.edu
Katie Williams | The Globe
The turnstiles installed in the entrance of Lawrence Hall are now operating.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
FEATURES
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
‘The Witcher’ series reigns supreme on Netflix The Netflix Original draws in old and new fans to fantasy adaptation Amanda Andrews Co-Features/A&E Editor
Fans of the supernatural and fantasy have a new, highly developed universe to delve into—if they haven’t already. The Netflix original fantasy series “The Witcher,” which debuted Dec. 20, gained massive popularity towards the end of December, even briefly contesting the highly praised Disney+ show “The Mandalorian.” Starring “Superman” and “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” actor Henry Cavill as the main character Geralt of Rivia, the eight-episode show explores three different stories that all eventually converge. Geralt is a rougharound-the-edges monster mercenary for hire, with a skill set unlike most men. He is a mutated human, belonging to a dying-out group of men called witchers, whose superhuman strength and training allow them to uncannily slay monsters with relative ease. However, witchers are often viewed warily, cast as outsiders in a world of men unless they are absolutely necessary. Geralt receives a prophecy in the first episode that he will be forever followed by a girl in the woods who is his destiny. The concept of destiny and fate is a huge element of the show. However, it will take several years for that prophecy to come to fruition. In the meantime, Geralt rather grudgingly befriends charismatic bard Jaskier (Joey Batey) whose insanely catchy song gains Geralt notoriety across multiple kingdoms. Geralt and Jaskier
PIONEER PUBLIC Daisy Allebach Sarah Gibson Co-Opinions Editor
“Kids these days know how to whip and Nay Nay, but do they know how to bless and pray pray?” -@Uncle Daisy on TikTok To Point Park students, she’s Daisy Allebach, a junior performance and practices major, but the internet knows her as Uncledaisy, a TikTok user with 30,000 followers on the app. TikTok is an app very similar to the once popular Vine Users can post videos using their own audio or lip sync to someone else’s song. What makes Daisy remarkable is how many followers she has
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons Main actor Henry Cavill speaks at 2019 San Diego Comic Con. Cavill played Geralt of Rivia in the new Netflix Original series “The Witcher.” The show has been renewed for a second season.
eventually journey to the kingdom of Cintra where military powerhouse Queen Calanthe (Jodhi May) rules. She is hosting a banquet for her daughter Princess Pavetta (Gaia Mondadori) who is to wed a nobleman from another kingdom, which quickly goes sideways. Spoilers aside, Geralt accidentally makes himself the godfather of Pavetta’s soon-to-be-born daughter, which is upheld legally and magically by destiny. Geralt decides to instead run away from destiny and in doing so meets his main love interest, a powerful mage named Yennefer (Anya Chalotra). Yennefer is the second protagonist, and her painful backstory is thoroughly chronicled in the first few episodes. The third story follows the tumultuous journey of Princess Ciri (Freya Allan) of Cintra. She is the granddaughter of Calanthe and daughter of Pavetta, who
raised her after her parents died when she was young. Cintra currently is under attack from the neighboring kingdom Nilfgaard, ruled by religious zealots who seek to use Cintra’s magic powers as a military weapon. Calanthe on her deathbed tells Ciri she must find Geralt because he is her destiny. The story is highly engaging, even with the initial confusion of keeping track of the three separate timelines of the three different protagonists. It may not be for those not fond of graphic images, as a lot of explicit violence and sex features throughout all of the episodes. The music, composed by Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli, sets the tone of the show at times intense, hauntingly beautiful or comedic with Jaskier’s unique lyrics in his songs. It very much matches the very medieval setting of the show and appropriately sets the mood for many seasons.
amassed in such a short period of time. Daisy only started making TikToks in February of 2019. “I made it to like posts, and lurk on my brother’s friends accounts, because he was like ‘My friends are all making TikToks. I want to watch them,’ so I was like ‘I’ll get an account for you,’” Daisy said. Daisy describes the TikToks she makes as “bad.” Daisy likes making TikToks about what she describes as “Weeb stuff,” or anime. She posts often about “My Hero Academia” and “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures,” both shows she watches with her roommate. The first TikTok of Daisy’s that became popular was a joke about theatre kids going to diners set to a mashup of an 8 bit version of “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” and the opening of “Hooked on a Feeling.” Daisy recalls the first time she was recognized in public as “the worst day of [her] life.” “I was going to see my brother at his one act and these two freshmen from his high school, these little tiny babies, they’re just like ‘Are you from TikTok?’ and I was
like, ‘I’m about to go into the witness protection program.’” Daisy said that the biggest thing to come from her TikTok fame is finding herself on a TikTok compilation while watching a compilation of “TikToks with Vine energy” with her roommate. While she has found herself in several TikTok compilations, she noted that she is disappointed that she hasn’t made it into any “cringe compilations” yet. Daisy’s approach on making TikToks has changed through her time on the app, as she attested. “I used to be so ‘I don’t wanna do this it’s cringy.’ but now, it’s like ‘I am going to [make a] post on anime for 28 thousand people and they’re going to like it.’” Once she graduates, Daisy is looking to move to New York after staying at home for a little while, but she states that, if faced with the right circumstances, she’d be willing to be a professional TikToker. “If I had the clout for that, I absolutely would,” she said.
Sarah Gibson sagibso@pointpark.edu
In particular, “Toss A Coin To Your Witcher” is a definite earworm, and the main theme “Geralt of Rivia” will get any viewer pumped for a fight scene. The acting is also very well done, but the noteworthy performances of Geralt (Henry Cavill) and Calanthe (Jodhi May) alone are worth watching the show for. Calanthe is fascinating to watch as a military matriarch who cares deeply about her loved ones and quite literally has more than a closet full of skeletons; May’s portrayal of the character immediately draws viewers in. Even more importantly, the character evolution of rough-around-the-edges Geralt who denies he feels emotions to selflessly sacrificing for other people is a very satisfying character arc to watch. Many online have compared the essential premise of “The Witcher” to “The Mandalorian,” and for good
reason. Aside from some similar plot elements, the latest statistics show that the two shows were the most streamed last week, with “The Witcher” ranking above “The Mandalorian” in the week it premiered on Netflix. For those who binged the series and can’t wait for more content, they actually don’t need to wait for season two. The show was adapted from a book series that started in the 1990s by a Polish author, which then led to three video games: The Witcher (2007), The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015). The books were also adapted into a Polish film and a separate TV show, both called “Wiedźmin,” which roughly translates to witcher in English. It was redubbed “The Hexer,” for its internaional release, which debuted in 2001. The Polish people are reportedly so enthusiastic about “The Witcher” that their prime minister at the time gifted President Obama a copy of the collector’s edition of “The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings” back in 2011. The show on its own is absolutely approachable to newcomers to the franchise, so don’t feel as though you need to read the books or play the games before watching. Luckily, there is no question that there will be a season two—showrunner Lauren S Hissrich announced that there will be a season two before the first season even aired.
Amanda Andrews
aaandre@pointpark.edu
Daisey Allebach | Submitted
A&E
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
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My Chemical Romance reunion delights longtime fans Kylie Thomas Staff Writer/Photographer
My Chemical Romance is back, and the band has fans joining the Black Parade all over again after playing its first show in seven years in Los Angeles on Dec. 20. My Chemical Romance is considered a part of the so-called “Emo Trinity.” The band has been inspiring those terrible emo bangs for decades now. The popularity of the band only grew through the years, especially after the members shocked fans when they announced their breakup on Mar. 22. Ever since that point in time, the official break-up date has been mourned as the day all emos lost their favorite band. Though fear no longer Killjoys, the band is back and possibly for good! The band announced via social media on Halloween that there would be a return at the Shrine Expo Hall in L.A. on Dec. 20. This caused hysteria through the internet as fans of the band rejoiced in the reunion which they never thought would happen. The band then continued to announce four other shows
in Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Osaka. Other than these foreign shows, no tours or other dates have been announced. With all of the news, fans had a lot of questions. Why only one show in the United States? Why a reunion now? What will they play? What will their stage personas be like? Will it still be like before the break-up, or will the band be boring and sound bad? And probably the most important question of all is, will My Chemical Romance back for good? Some of these questions have been blatantly answered, while others have been left a mystery. Needless to say, the return show gave fans a lot of answers. After almost a month of impatience, Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Ray Toro and Frank Iero took the stage once again and gave fans a show like no other. Thanks to dietshampoo on Instagram and a few other users, fans were able to watch a free livestream of the entire show. While it wasn’t the same as being there, the livestream gave fans an opportunity to see all the passion that the band left
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons Bassist Mikey Way plays on-stage. My Chemical Romance, sometimes called MCR, announced on Halloween that they would be reuniting for a series of concerts.
on stage. The set-list of the show was both shocking and fulfilling. It covered classics like “Helena” and “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” but also gave some unexpected surprises like “S/C/A/R/E/C/ R/O/W,” “Vampire Money” and “Destroya.” On top of the set-list the band went right back into their old stage personas, giving the crowd their all and putting
on a true show. Iero was destroying his guitar, Toro was a bouncing ball full of energy, Mikey Way was rocking out, and best of all, Gerard Way had a smile on his face as he took on his frontman persona. The stream showed that they were all back to doing what they love, performing for their fans. While the show was amazing, that same big
question was left to answer: is the band truly back, and what is next to come? Fans were given some hints at the band being back by remarks by Gerard Way at the show. Way had repeatedly mentioned that it was “good to be back” and how great the “welcome back” had been. There has also been talk that the Dec. 20 show was a tester for how big of an arena or space the band could play and sell out. On top of this, there has been an unofficial poster for a United States tour floating around social media as well as rumors of new music. Not to mention, the band has been planning this return since 2017, so who knows what’s in store with that much planning. So, are My Chemical Romance back for the long run? Signs point to yes, but considering the band has given us nothing but surprises, there is no truth to which way this could go. For now, just enjoy the return and stick together Killjoys, there’s going to be a lot more coming in 2020.
Kylie Thomas kjthoma@pointpark.edu
‘You’ returns for second season By Tia Bailey Co-Features/A&E Editor
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons Harry Styles performs at a concert.
Harry Styles tops music charts with ‘Fine Line’ By Megan Benfer For The Globe
On Friday, Dec. 13, Harry Styles released his second album, which had been highly anticipated since the announcement of it via social media on Nov. 4. Before “Fine Line” was even released, it had been ranked 23rd on Rolling Stone’s “50 Best Albums of 2019,” so it was no surprise when the album topped the charts worldwide. Even people who were not fans of the former One Direction star were excited about the release, and he did not disappoint. Before the worldwide release of the album, Styles had pre-released three of the 12 tracks. “Lights Up”, “Watermelon Sugar” and “Adore You” were all popular among his fans as well as the general public. The three songs are quite different from each other, but they are perfect for an album of such variation. All have a nice upbeat tone that makes anyone want to dance, but nothing could have prepared listeners for the heartbreak that they would feel outside of these singles. With every listen I give to this album, I feel as though I have a new favorite every
time. Although, from first listen I knew that the first track “Golden” would be my favorite by far. It’s one of those songs that you can scream at the top of your lungs with all the windows down in the heat of summer. The track is the perfect way to start the album, with a happy, upbeat song that hides the heartbreak that is to follow. One thing is for sure, there isn’t a song on this album that I didn’t like. Overall, this album is by far one of my favorites that I’ve had the pleasure to listen to, but I might be biased as I’ve been a fan of Harry Styles since the early years with his former band One Direction. This album has shown Styles grow and mature into the adult singer that he wants to be, showcasing how vulnerable he is willing to be towards himself and his fans. From what he was writing and singing about throughout his One Direction years, and even his self-titled album from two years prior, this album more than anything showed the world who Harry Styles really is.
Megan Benfer mlbenfe@pointpark.edu
Netflix’s popular show “You” came back for a second season on Dec. 26 with the return of its controversial serial killer protagonist, now on the run and disguising his identity. To recap season one (spoilers ahead), Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a bookstore clerk in New York City, became infatuated with customer Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) and began to stalk her. He also served as a parental figure for Paco, his young neighbor. The first season ended with Joe having murdered multiple people and a surprise appearance from Joe’s ex-girlfriend Candace at the end, who claimed to have “unfinished business” with Joe. Season two starts in California, with Joe (now going by “Will”) on the run from Candace. Through some flashbacks, we see what exactly happened between the two that made them part
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ways. Without revealing too much, Joe has always been as crazy and obsessive as he was with Guinevere Beck. Now in hiding in a state he hates, “Will” is introduced to new characters Love and Forty Quinn, Delilah and her younger sister Ellie and comedian Hendy. “Will” becomes obsessed with Love and looks after Ellie’s safety like he did for Paco back in New York. The show has flashbacks of Joe’s past, and they show the struggles he had growing up even before he met Mr. Mooney (the bookstore owner who took Joe in as a kid). Young Joe suffered abuse from his father, but he later uses some of his techniques on his victims in California. The flashbacks add some more backstory and context as to why Joe is the way that he is. “Will” forms several relationships and friendships throughout the season while hiding out from Candace, and much like in season one,
he would do anything for them—even kill. The season ends with some surprising deaths and a twist about an important character. The second season of “You” is full of satisfying shocks and surprises, much like the first season of the show. The show is somewhat controversial, due to the actions of Joe in the show. Even the actor who plays Joe hates him and said in an interview conducted by actress Gina Rodriguez that the show is about how far people will go for an evil white man. He encourages fans and viewers to not romanticize Joe or take his side. The season ends in a way that implies there will be a third. A third season for the show was somewhat confirmed by main actor Penn Badgley during an interview but has not been confirmed by Netflix yet.
Tia Bailey tbaile@pointpark.edu
Are you interested in writing, photography, videography, graphic design, social media and more? Contact Editor-in-Chief Dara Collins at dmcolli2@pointpark.edu for more information!
6
OPINIONS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
THE
GL BE’S POINT
New Year, New Campus, New Globe It’s a new semester, a new year and a new decade everyone! Welcome back and welcome to the year 2020! The Globe hopes that you enjoyed a fulfilling and relaxing semester break and holiday. We also would like to wish you a semester that is full of growth and opportunity. With a new semester comes new developments here on campus. In Lawrence Hall, there are now working turnstiles, designed to improve campus security. But be careful Pioneers, those glass doors close hard and fast. This semester will see the show “Pippin” take the Pittsburgh Playhouse stage, performed by the talented students of COPA in the place of the previously-scheduled show, “Parade.” Last, but certainly not least, the United Student Government has officially become the Student Government Association, and it welcomes its new Vice President, Grace Tyler Frank-Rempel.
Point Park is a dynamic and forever-changing place, and there will always be more changes on the horizon. Each year and semester, we welcome new Pioneers and say goodbye to beloved friends. Academic programs are added and changed. Renovations and facility upgrades are made while some facilities continue to age. Part-time faculty fight for fair wages and students fight for equality. Students who are searching for a constant in this tumultuous world, look no further. The one thing you can always count on, besides a tuition increase, is The Globe. Every Wednesday, we will be here on the stands for you to pick up and we are online 24/7. If there’s one thing that the Pioneers can never fear, it’s being out of the loop. We’ve got you covered. Happy Spring 2020 semester! Go out and make it a great one!
Point Park Globe globe@pointpark.edu
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Letter from the editor: A year of growth By Dara Collins Editor-in-Chief
A new year means a new opportunity for growth. In my nearly four years at Point Park University, I’ve experienced personal and professional growth as well as witnessed this same growth from the people and places around me. When I first stepped foot on Point Park’s campus, the Center for Media Innovation was brand new, there was no downtown Pittsburgh Playhouse, Point Perk did not exist and an esports team was not in the works. The university has grown. I’ve watched the students around me graduate, switch majors, join organizations, rack up internships and gain experience each and every day they walk through campus and our downtown campus. The class of 2020, as well as the entirety of this campus community, has grown. The Globe has experienced triumphs and tribulations in the four years I have been a part of this staff. The staff has dwindled as well as content, reliable leadership and its reputation. Now, the staff slowly grows, yields new writers and looks ahead to a brighter future than yesterday. The Globe has grown. Town hall sessions will be held this semester to voice and hear out student concerns after a controversial Playhouse season agenda. Va-
nessa Love is the first to hold the title of Director of Title IX and Diversity. The university’s culture has grown. Progress is progress, no matter how large or small. This can be through assignments, a better quiz grade than the last, or finally grasping a concept that caused headaches a week prior. The astronomical step of figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life isn’t necessary immediately after college. Working at an entry level position in your field or a leadership position in your field - as well as an odd job will earn you money nonetheless. All money is green after all, right? Money is awarded for every job, but not every job will give you the same happiness and peace of mind. It’s important to grow at your own pace and avoid comparing your growth to those around you. In the age of social media, we recognize this is easier said than done, especially when picture after picture of the “perfect” lives friends are living are surfacing by the second. But I promise you that their lives are not as perfect as they seem - and neither is yours. Growth can be objective. When thinking of a plant, we can see when a seed begins to sprout, or when the bud of a
flower begins to bloom. The growth of this university cannot be concealed, as it is clear to naked eye. Growth can also be subjective. As a freshman, I would have never been able to predict where I am now. I would imagine most of my fellow seniors could agree. I’ve developed a more concrete understanding of where I want to step next on my career path. I have discovered my likes and dislikes, as well as my strengths and weaknesses in my field; I continue to learn more each and every day. I have grown, but my growth is subjective to yours. I know individuals in my graduating class with jobs lined up after graduation, a job offer or, at the very least, have a job that they would like to have. Others have no clue - and that’s okay. Growth isn’t perfect. It’s a long, winding road with obstacles – but the obstacles leave you stronger, better and eager for the new opportunities ahead.
Dara Collins dmcolli2@pointpark.edu
Respect designated quiet spaces across campus, please By Sarah Gibson Co-Opinions Editor
It’s normally a joke on my Twitter. Every semester I’ll hear someone sing in the library, or something of the sort, and I’ll make a tweet asking certain students to please, pretty pretty please, not to do that. Normally, I’d just make another tweet instead of writing an opinion piece about it. However There were too many instances last semester to condense my emotions into a tweet or even a twitter thread. Picture this: I’m sitting in the Thayer 212 computer lab, “a designated quiet space,” working on my photography final. I’m not great at photography, so it was very important that I made my photos look as good as possible for this final. People pop in from time to time, as they should. Sometimes they don’t say anything, sometimes they’re quietly talking with their friends, and other times they’re on the phone with their moms, asking how the FAFSA works. None of this I mind. I can work through people speaking quietly. I can even work through humming, even though humming does irk me a little. At some point, however, as I’m reviewing
my pictures on Adobe Lightroom, a larger group of people come in. Before I can even give them the benefit of the doubt, they shut the door and begin shouting. It’s not angry shouting, but it’s definitely louder than what I would describe as “very loud talking,” so I’ll call it shouting. One pulls out her phone and starts playing “Bitch Better Have My Money” by Rihanna. I conclude that they are dance majors, or at the very least, in a dance class, because they are all in dance clothes and seem to be choreographing a dance involving the rows of chairs in the lab. I make eye contact with two of them. They have to know that I’m there. I try to work on my assignment, but they keep shouting and playing music and moving chairs. I recognize that this won’t be something I can just work through. I stand, popping up behind the monitor, and I make the following address, which has most likely been paraphrased because I can’t remember exactly how I said it: “Hi! I know you’re working on something, and that’s totally fine, but this is a designated quiet lab, and I really need to concentrate on what I’m doing. You guys don’t have
to leave, but if you could just take it down a few so I could work, that would be great.” I sit down. I didn’t want to kick them out, nor did I think I had the authority to do so, but it was a designated quiet space, and thus, I felt like reminding them might have helped. Several of the dancers rolled their eyes, and they all started heading for the door. One of them mumbled “WE have a project TOO, you know,” which made me kind of mad. “Yes,” I thought. “Please interfere with me being able to do my final just so you’re able to do yours in a space where you probably shouldn’t.” I got over it, I finished my project, and I did well! I hope those dancers did, too. Around the same time, my friend Mya Pici shared a similar story on Twitter. She was using one of the library’s study rooms when a student started singing quite loudly in one of the private study rooms in the library. She points out that there are rooms on campus that are DESIGNATED for students to practice performance art and music. The library’s private study rooms are actually terrible for practicing music or performance art because they’re all connected by vents, and if you speak louder than a
soft word, your neighbors can hear you quite clearly. After we had these encounters, I was so puzzled and angry. I figured that most of the students singing and dancing in the study spaces were COPA students, since performance art is what they do. I didn’t understand why COPA students were using these spaces when they had an entire Playhouse at their disposal. However, I was talking to a girl at my work who was a COPA student, and she informed me that COPA students weren’t allowed to use the Playhouse, either. This made me angry at the University. You built this giant facility, you claim on your website that your theatre students train there, and then you don’t let them use it for projects like you do with the rest of your facilities and the rest of your students? Do better, Point Park. That being said, COPA students, and all students really, should have the forethought not to use designated quiet spaces for projects and practices, that are, by nature, not quiet. If there’s a shortage of practice rooms, I’m sorry. That sucks, but Point Park is still a big enough school to find spaces that aren’t libraries or computer labs or lounges. It happens every year that
myself and my friends hear people singing in the library. And to you, singers-in-thelibrary, I say: do better. It’s not hard to not sing in the library. I know this because I have never once done it myself or felt inclined to do so. I understand that your jobs are important, but so is everyone else’s. When you decide to sing or practice your performance art somewhere that is supposed to be a quiet space for people to study, it interferes with them, and you’re ruining the space for everyone else. To my fellow “There’s someone being loud in my study space”-ers, I encourage you to call the number for the library (412-392-3171) if you’re in the University Center. Tell them about what’s going on and they’ll help you out by addressing the person who is bothering you. If you are elsewhere, I recommend just addressing them personally and politely. If they stick around, do what I never had the guts to do and call Public Safety.* *This is a joke and I do NOT encourage you to do that.
Sarah Gibson sagibso@pointpark.edu
Covering the world of Point Park University news since 1967 Editor-in-Chief: Dara Collins Editor-Elect: Jordyn Hronec Business Manager: Nathan Vrablic Faculty Adviser: Aimee-Marie Dorsten Administrative Adviser: Dean Keith Paylo The Globe board consists of Dara Collins, Jordyn Hronec and fellow editors. Opinion articles, letters to the editor, columns and cartoons do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper or editorial board. The Globe reserves the right to refuse advertising and edit all submitted articles and letters to the editor. Letters to the editor must be signed and include author’s contact information. The Globe offices are located at the corner of Wood Street and Fort Pitt Boulevard. Writers should address letters to:
The Globe 201 Wood Street, Box 23 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or globe@pointpark.edu
Advertising: Submit advertising related inquiries to globeadvertising@pointpark.edu All ads must be approved by the university. The deadline for ads is Friday at 5 p.m. Details: ppuglobe.com/advertising
News Editors: Jake Dabkowski, Luke Mongelli Photo Editor: Jared Murphy Features/A&E Editors: Amanda Andrews, Tia Bailey Photo Editor: Emma Federkeil Sports Editors: Allison Schubert, Austin Alkire Photo Editor: Mallory Neil
Graphic Design: Alysse Baer Staff Photographers: Katie Williams, Kylie Thomas Staff Writers: Rosalie Anthony, Jake Berlin, Ben Reinke, Mason Strawn, Logan Dubil, Zoey Angelucci, Kylie Thomas
Opinions Editors: Sarah Gibson, Shannon Copy Editors: Mya Burns, Chandni Shah, Nardos Haile, Sabry Mohieldin Hartnett Online Editor: Mya Burns
Story Ideas: If you have a story you think The Globe can use, email globe@pointpark.edu Meetings: Mondays at 2:40 p.m. in the CMI Details: ppuglobe.com/contribute
Public Relations Coordinator: Karina Moussa
Copy Desk: Sara Cronin, Hannah Walden Social Media Coordinator: Payton Comunale
Delivery Assistant: Mya Burns
SPORTS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
All In with Allison By Allison Schubert Sports Columnist
2020 Vision
First of all, I am sorry for the headline, but we did not make any 20/20 vision jokes anywhere else in the paper, so I felt it was my obligation. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about growth and change in the year (and decade) to come, in regards to our basketball teams. We have already seen so much change in this past semester, but I would be lying if I said I was not optimistic for 2020. It is no secret that I tend to favor basketball in nearly every regard - I always have honestly. I am so excited that this year is my final one, however, because I think I will be exiting on a good note with the basketball seasons. The women have been a bit rusty in conference play so far, but there has not been a game where they have not at least competed with their opponent. At the beginning of the season, there was something missing with this team - a certain “click” that just was not there. Something was lacking, and it showed. As we head into the new year, they are starting to find that something. Again, it is showing. I think the problem was in the separation of ages: there was the group of veteran seniors and juniors, and then the group of very talented freshmen. Neither group was used to the other, which resulted in some (minor, but still relevant) issues. In short: they did not know how to play each other’s game. With a 9-7 overall record, but still 0-3 in River States Conference (RSC)
play, they are finally meshing the way I would imagine head coach Tony Grenek wants them to. Although they have yet to tally a win in RSC play, 9-7 is nothing to scoff at, especially in a competitive conference. Speaking of 9-7, that is also the record of the men’s basketball team, although they have had a bit more success in the conference with a 2-1 record. The difference in the teams comes from the veteran-to-newbie ratio. Unlike the women’s team, the men are composed of mostly new faces, with very very few returners sprinkled in. Let me tell you: it was exactly what the team needed. Head coach Joe Lewandowski was actually able to recruit this off season, and did so spectacularly. The entire starting lineup is fresh faces, like Sherron Schifino, R.J. Fairrow, Juwan Willis, Kameron Shockley and Adam Scott, to name a few. In my four years at the university, this men’s basketball team is by far the most fun to watch. They are excited and animated and aggressive and talented. With both teams sitting at 9-7 records, and both teams doing fairly well for the first time in forever, I cannot wait to see what Grenek and Lewandowski do going into the second half of the season. I guess you could say both teams have… a 2020 vision.
Allison Schubert alschub@pointpark.edu
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
7
Men’s basketball goes 2-3 over break, improve to 9-7 By Mason Strawn Staff Writer
While most students at Point Park spent their winter breaks away from campus or with their family and friends, the men’s basketball team was hard at work as soon as break started. The Pioneers played at West Virginia Tech University (WVU Tech) the first day after finals had finished, losing to the hands of the Golden Bears with a score of 95-77. The men started off slow, with the team not scoring a basket until three minutes into the game, already going down by seven. The Pioneers shot less than 50-percent from the field and barely above 25-percent from 3-point range. WVU Tech came out firing, scoring 47 points in the first half, hitting seven of 12 threes. The Golden Bears would stay ahead for the rest of the game, with WVU Tech leading by as much as 30 points in the second half. Junior guard Mark Shehady led the way for the Pioneers off the bench with 12 points and five assists. Throughout the entire game, the team shot just 58-percent from the field and 38-percent from beyond the arc. The men bounced back three days later on December 17, defeating the University of Rio Grande at home, 84-63. Junior Adam Scott led the way in scoring with 18 points, shooting 7-for-7 from the field on only 16 minutes of play off the bench. Freshman Kameron Shockley dropped 16 points, only missing a single shot from 3-point range while going 6-for-7 from the field, with a game-high nine rebounds as well. Point Park kept Rio Grande under 50-percent from the field in the first half, letting them only hit four of 13 3-point shots. “It was a must win for us,” Shockley said. “My mentality for the game was to do whatever helped the team win. I’m going to keep playing any role the team needs me to play that night to come out with a win.” Point Park trailed for only one minute, and did not give up the lead for the rest of the game, leading by as much as 24.
Emma Federkeil | Point Park Athletics Freshman guard Kameron Shockley goes up for a free throw in a game against Salem University over break. The Pioneers lost the match in double overtime, 102-99.
The Pioneers faced off against Buffalo and Stratton-Buffalo three days before Christmas, and was gifted a lump of coal this year. The Bobcats dropped 100 points on the Pioneers, losing 100-82 in Buffalo. Bryant and Stratton was unstoppable from the field, shooting over 60-percent from beyond the arc and scoring 57 points in the second half. Four different Point Park players scored double-digits, but shot just barely above 25-percent from beyond the arc. To start off the new year, Point Park came out firing, blowing out Penn State-New Kensington at home, 84-62. The Pioneers dropped 42 points in a first half routing of the Lions, doubling the opponents rebounds and going on a run, scoring ten unanswered points. Junior forward, Garrett McHenry, led the way in scoring, putting up a double-double with 16 points and ten rebounds. 12 different players, both starters and players off the bench, averaged 13 minutes or more in the dismantling. The men lost a messy one to the hands of No.12ranked Washington Adventist University (WAU) 7266 on WAU’s home court on January 5.
Both teams were cold from the field, especially during the second half of the contest. Point Park shot just 39-percent from the field and 13-percent from three. The “Shock” hit 43-percent, but shot just 5-percent from behind the arc. In a game where the two teams couldn’t muster a single point off turnovers, and combined for 44 fouls, there was a bright spot in Scott. He led the team in scoring and rebounding as a starter, scoring 25 points and bringing down six boards in the contest. The Pioneers currently hold a 2-1 conference record this season, alongside an undefeated home record of 6-0. With a forfeit win from Cincinnati Christian University, the Pioneers’ next game will be Thursday, Jan. 9 at Midway University in Midway, Kentucky. Their next home game is against Indiana University East on Jan. 14 at CCAC-Allegheny. “We have all but one conference game,” Shockley said. “Our goal right now is to win every league game and make the playoffs. Then the national tournament. That’s been our goal all year.”
Mason Strawn mtstraw@pointpark.edu
Emma Federkeil | Point Park Athletics Sophomore guard Sherron Schifino drives the ball up the court in a midday matchup against Salem University over winter break. Schifino is averaging 14.9 points per game so far this season.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020
SPORTS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Women remain shutout in RSC play, go 3-3 over break By Allison Schubert Co-Sports Editor
The women’s basketball team stayed busy this break, facing six opponents over the three-week pause in academics. The first game for the Pioneers was their River States Conference (RSC) season opener just across the city at Carlow. Point Park got up to a 3729 lead at the half, but a 25-14 run by the Celtics in the third quarter gave them a 54-51 edge over the Pioneers heading into the final ten minutes. Both teams pulled out some big shots in the final few minutes, but Point Park was unable to gain the lead after the Celtics’ big third quarter run. The Pioneers took their first RSC loss 76-67. The women bounced back the following day at CCAC - Allegheny, when they hosted Washington Adventist for a 74-65 win. Four Pioneers ended the matchup in double digits: Michelle Burns with 20 points, Baylie Mook with 16 points, Taylor Kirschner with 13 points and Taylor Rinn, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. With a 1-1 record on the break, the Pioneers waited six days before heading to West Virginia for another RSC game against WVU Tech, who is receiving votes in the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Top-25 Poll. The game was back and forth throughout the first three quarters, ending those
30 minutes tied at 43. The Golden Bears outshot the Pioneers 28-19 in the final quarter, putting them over Point Park 71-62. Senior Tyra James led the effort from beyond the arc, scoring 15 points and sinking four of seven 3-pointers. After their second RSC loss, Point Park looked to secure its first conference win three days later while hosting Rio Grande. The RedStorm held a small lead of 39-38 at the half, but came out of the locker room with a 13-4 rally that eventually led to a 61-52 lead after three quarters. The Pioneers responded with a 12-4 run of their own to start the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 77-74 with 2:48 remaining. Despite that run, Point Park found itself on the wrong end of a last-minute rally, falling 83-76 and still looking for that first RSC win. Burns led all scorers with 22 points, 12 of which came in the form of 3-pointers. Rinn followed her up with 14 points, and freshman Lexi Petit added ten of her own. The RedStorm led in both shooting percentage (73-percent to 52-percent) and rebounds (49-36). After their last RSC matchup, the Pioneers traveled to Buffalo for a non-conference game against Bryant & Stratton-Buffalo. Point Park outscored the Bobcats in every quarter except the fourth, when the Pioneers were held to just nine. The Pioneers held a lead the entire game, but the Bob-
cats got as close as 77-71 in the final few minutes. Bryant & Stratton outscored Point Park 32-9 in the final quarter, but the Pioneers’ work early in the game helped to solidify an 82-79 win. Rinn had a game-high 23 points and later completed the double-double with 18 rebounds. Three other Pioneers finished with double-digits. Petit added 19 points and Kirschner scored 18, making a trifecta of freshmen to lead Point Park’s scoring efforts. The final double-digit scorer with Burns, who added ten. Point Park’s final game of the break came against another Bryant & Stratton team, but this time, but was Bryant & Stratton-Rochester at CCAC-Allegheny. Another difference: this time it was after an 11-day break, and it was 2020. It was another back and forth battle for both teams, coming down to the final seconds. The Pioneers trailed 3826 early in the third quarter, but a buzzer-beater 3-pointer by Burns put them up 48-45 before the final quarter. Burns’ shot swung momentum into Point Park’s favor, and they got their first win of the new decade 68-64. The Pioneers play next on Thursday for an RSC matchup at Midway before returning home to host IU East next Tuesday. Point Park looks to get their first conference wins of the season.
Mallory Neil | Point Park Athletics ABOVE: Freshman Taylor Kirschner shoots a 3-pointer at CCAC Allegheny. BELOW: Senior Tyra James brings the ball up the court.
Allison Schubert alschub@pointpark.edu
Esports team begins recruiting, search for coach from ESPORTS page 1 The discussion of adding an esports team has been alive for a few years now, according to Keith Paylo, Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs. “We try to be intuitive and innovative, ahead of the game rather than behind, and we believe this is the right time to enter this
esports world,” Paylo said. After a National Association of International Educators (NAFSA) conference, Paylo relayed information about the emerging trends of esports to Point Park’s executive board, and believed it was something to keep their eyes on. Now, the emerging trend is becoming a reality on campus. The university is in the
Katie Williams | The Globe The Multipurpose Room, located on the second floor of the Student Center, is the future site of the esports competition and practice arena.
midst of deciding games to play and hiring a head coach. Paylo says he hopes a head coach decision will be made by the end of January. The press release stated that recruitment for athletes would begin immediately. Recruitment and scholarship determination would follow the same process as with the other sports teams. Esports student-athletes can be found like other athletes through high school clubs, rankings of top esports athletes, listings, national organizations and even students inquiring about esports programs, according to Paylo. Paylo hopes for 15 to 20 student-athletes for the inaugural esports team. The team will practice and compete on campus. “We are going to take the multipurpose room on the second floor of the Student Center, and we are going to turn that into our esports arena,” Paylo said. Converting the space into the arena will go “full force” once the semester ends, according to Paylo, and it will be ready before the fall semester. The arena will be equipped with the proper technology, equipment and amenities needed. With momentum on the rise in the esports community, Paylo also mentioned discussions of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) involvement in the future. “We are talking with our own athletic conference...
that within the next year or so, we believe a large number of schools in our conference will form esports teams, so not only can we compete on a national level through the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), but we are also in the very early stages of discussing within our own athletics conference putting together a schedule to make sure that we play each one of our conference schools in esports, also,” Paylo said. The esports team will be governed by The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). NACE includes more than 170 institutions nationwide and more than 5,000 student-athletes receive greater than $16 million in scholarship. Point Park will be provided an intercollegiate competition schedule and path to national postseason competition with the help of NACE. This announcement comes after the university hosted the Steel City Showdown in May. This event was the largest esports tournament in Pittsburgh history. Point Park partnered with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Cleveland Cavaliers and Able Gamers to make the event possible. Hundreds of gamers competed in the Pittsburgh Playhouse for prizes in three separate competitions. The Steel City Showdown will return to Point Park for its second annual
competition this May, according to Paylo. Point Park’s Rowland School of Business offers a class called the Business of Esports within the Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management (SAEM) program. With a curriculum and athletic department supporting the $1.5 billion industry, Point Park continues to be on the forefront of its growing popularity. “It is an opportunity to get Point Park University and Point Park athletics on the radar of a new audience,” Taylor said. “Those folks may not have heard of our university and what it has to offer before this opportunity to be recruited and become involved.” “Because of the fact that Point Park University is going to be one of the few institutions fielding a varsity esports team, I am hoping that we can achieve success rather quickly so that we can be known and seen as the model program regionally,” Ashaolu said. Overall, the addition of a varsity esports team benefits all involved, according to Paylo. “The bottom line is it gives us the ability to offer yet another sport that is interesting to students and attracting them here to the university, so it’s a win win for everybody,” Paylo said.
Dara Collins dmcolli2@pointpark.edu