The Sandspur Volume 121 Issue 1

Volume 121 Issue 1 Thursday, September 11 , 2014

#Samefacesinnewspaces Staff Writer Micah Bradley investigates the realignment of Student Affairs • page 6

Page 2 • NEWS

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Established in 1894 with the following editorial:

Minsk, Belarus

EXECUTIVE STAFF David Matteson Editor-in-Chief Ali Perry Managing Editor

New York, New York

Aleppo, Syria

CONTENT STAFF

Guangzhou, China

Marcela Oliveira Head Content Editor Alexandra Mariano Head Copy Editor Lauren Waymire Content Advisor Stephanie Garcia Webmaster Kate Barnekow Daniel Udell Copy Editors Raquel Leon Section Editor Kaitlyn Alkass Micah Bradley Nicholas D’Alessandro Staff Writers Matt Boggs Nolan Brewer Production Assistants

DESIGN DEPARTMENT Kayla Powers Head Designer

Ginna Vick Brooke Preston Designers

BUSINESS & FACULTY Greg Golden

Interim General Manager of Student Media

Dr. Emily Russell Associate Professor of English Taylor McCormack Business Manager

PUBLIC RELATIONS Diana Drpich Ben Smith Public Relations Interns John Berggren Multimedia Manager

ADVERTISING

Contact: advertising@thesandspur.

Cover Art Designed By: Jasmine Agosti ‘16

Compiled by Lauren Waymire Minsk, Belarus Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels have signed a ceasefire to bring an end to nearly five months of fighting. The truce, brokered in the capital city of Ukraine’s neighbor to the north, is based on a twelve-point peace plan. The European Union also announced the addition of more persons to the travel-ban and asset-freeze list, including the Crimean government and various Russian decision-makers.

Russia’s foreign ministry severely criticized the proceedings, claiming that they would possibly risk destroying the peace that was made in Ukrainian society.

New York, New York The world mourns the loss of another beloved celebrity, comedic legend Joan Rivers, after she passed away in New York

City due to complications from a procedure on her vocal cords.

In her usual extravagant style, Rivers left a list of demands for her funeral and other post mortem arrangements, such as to “be buried in a Valentino gown,” to have “Harry Winston make [her] a toe tag,” and “a wind machine so strong that even in the casket, [her] hair will be blowing more than Beyoncé’s on stage.”

Guangzhou, China According to foreign news reports, eight journalists from China were arrested for extorting money and essentially blackmailing several companies around the country in exchange for writing only positive news stories about them. The writers, from the 21st Century Business Herald, forced companies to pay steep fees in order to avoid bad

press. Numerous experts in China have called for a reform of the supervisory system in media. As this is not the first time that the country has faced such a media

“

Rivers left a list of demands for her funeral and other post mortem arrangements, such as to be buried in a Valentino gown. scandal, a nationwide campaign against extortion in media had actually been announced earlier

in the year.

Aleppo, Syria A new crop of “monuments men” are being trained by archaeologists from around the world on how to protect some of Syria’s most beloved historic places. The conflict that has raged on between rebel forces and those of President Bashar al Assad have left both death and destruction in their wake, with national monuments often the last concern in the minds of the Syrian people. The University of Pennsylvania’s Cultural Heritage Center, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, and Heritage for Peace have all held workshops for Syrian archaeologists, curators and activists in the midst of a war that has killed more than 190,000 people.

Retraction from Volume 121 Special Issue, Fall Orientation: Micah Bradley, Staff Writer, was the author of the article “Author investigates student life.”

Page 3 • OPINION

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Confessions of a serial monogamist Sexpert David Matteson dispels hook-up culture and relays the difficulties of constantly being in a relationship.

David Matteson

Editor-in-Chief

While I frequently utilize this column as a space to discuss the issues plaguing the hookup culture of our generation, I have a confession: in the past five years, I have only been officially “single” and hooking-up for a period of six months.

The truth is, that this persistent standard of always having a companion has often served as my own Scarlett Letter of sorts. In a generation obsessed with hooking up and moving on, those of us who are so kindly labeled as “serial monogamists,” stand out like sphinxes amongst meerkats.

My choice to proudly display my affection in a series of open, honest and healthy relationships does not make me any better or worse than my single friends—the only difference between me and them: commitment and monogamy. But the truth is despite this hairline of a distinction, single people treat me incredibly differently than I treat them. Like an animal in a zoo, I often feel the eyes of my single friends cast upon me in judgment and awe.

It starts with the label itself, as if the fact that my luck in love has left me with some rare untreatable, affliction—serial monogamy disease. The tone of the term is often prescriptive and judgmental, and has the implication that because of my choice to be “in a relationship,” I am somehow unaware of the trials and tribulations that plague the “single” mind. I prefer to think of myself as lucky and grateful to have found three men at separate

intervals in my life that I felt the need to stand by and say, “In this world of lost souls vying for each other’s attention, I choose to be with you, and only you.”

In an effort to further enlighten my “single” reader, I have decided to dispel three common misconceptions regarding the “serial monogamist.”

I am not a well of endless advice. Often when interacting with my single friends, they ask me for advice in handling their current pursuit in love. While I optimistically hope that this is because of my pseudo-authority seemingly instilled upon me by the decision to routinely publish my thoughts on dating, love and sex, I have gathered the sense that the persistent questioning comes from a position of craving for the life that they seem to think I am living.

Single people seem to think that monogamy is some sort of option presented à la carte. In an effort to order it off the menu, they seek out their closest serial monogamist friend for his or her dining advice. The truth is, monogamy is not some foreign word on a Vietnamese restaurant’s menu that you have no clue how to pronounce. Relationships and monogamy are rather easy to achieve, it is about having an open and honest connection with another human being and voicing this decision— simply use the numbers to order, and you’ll soon be chowing down on phở.

The truth is, when faced with these calls for advice on everything from first dates to kinky sex, I am not always the best source. Sure, I have run the gauntlet a few times, but I don’t

always know what to say. Every situation is different, because everyone is different. I can enlighten you with a tale on how I managed to turn a one-night stand into a long-term relationship, but the truth is that this isn’t a model that will work for you. Building a lasting relationship is not like Ikea furniture, there is not a stepby-step guide to follow.

I too have known heartbreak. When they’re not asking for advice, my single friends are often sharing tales concerning their failures in love. I am always willing to listen, because that’s what friends do, but frequently these tales end with the conclusive statement, “You wouldn’t understand because you have found someone.”

I never disagree with the person who says it, but secretly I resent this summative statement, which seems to imply that I have never had my heartbroken.

Trust me, I have. I have had my heart wrenched out of my chest and shattered, and I can empathize with your pitfalls. No relationship is perfect. I have fought with every boyfriend to varying degrees, which always leaves me bruised and battered. So don’t discount my ability to listen and understand just because I am in a relationship.

Likewise, while I am lucky to have a handful of incredible friends who are willing to listen to my own romantic pitfalls, most of the people I confide in are those in relationships. Sadly, this is because I have come to learn that my single friends are not always the best listeners.

My friendships with singles are seemingly one-sided. I’m sorry, but when I fight with my boy-

friend, I want to talk about it as much as you want to talk about why last night’s suitor hasn’t texted you all day. Difficulties in a monogamist relationship are just as arduous to endure, and sometimes I need a shoulder to cry on.

Yes, I understand that despite the fighting, he and I are still together, but that doesn’t make it any easier, and unfortunately, I am not able to quickly “perk up.”

Not all single people are like this, but empathy and compassion is a goal we should all value: singles and serial monogamists alike.

I also have sex, and I also want to talk about it. The first few months of a relationship are so exhilarating for a multitude of reasons, especially for introducing your new lover to all of your friends. Beyond these initial meetings though, my single friends often seem uninterested in hearing the details of my monogamist lifestyle. Often they are thrilled to share long-winded, detailed stories of their triumphs in the sac, but when they finally catch their breath and ask me, “How are you and your beau,” I only have the chance to utter, “We’re well,” before my friends begin yet another enthralling story about another hook-up.

The truth is, I have great sex with my boyfriend—sex that comes from experience and connection and takes time to fine-tune all the little details of.

And guess what single friends?

I want to share those tales with you as much as you want to chronicle your own adventures.

No, I’m not single. No, I don’t want to be single. Every so often, usually in response to my confiding concerns for a fu-

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur, its staff or Rollins College.

ture with my partner, I have a friend advise me that they think I should try being single for a while. I have even had a professor look at me once and say in regards to my academic future, “Well, you seem to always be in love, David. You should start thinking more about yourself.”

Experiences like this exasperate me. The truth is, that my lifestyle of continual companionship is not one that I am ashamed of. There seems to be this misconception that being “single” is something we should all be prescribed for an incremental period—a time where you are expected to soul search and experience some sort of personal growth. Unfortunately I think that this is a farce devised by single people to justify their solitude. During my tenure of monogamy I have certainly grown professionally, academically and emotionally. I do not feel as if I missed out on some sort of college experience because I am committed to another. In fact, I feel that my partner is someone who challenges me and pushes me closer to success everyday.

Finding someone that you are able to engage and learn from is a goal we should all share for our romantic endeavors.

I harbor no ill feelings towards my single friends, and I rationally understand that my continual “in a relationship” status is something that puzzles them. But the truth is that there is no difference between us; my life is no better or worse than theirs. I am just lucky to be able and willing to let love into my life—an achievement I wish everyone to experience in this world of lost souls.

Page 4 • FEATURES

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Stepping into the past: McCoy’s 9/11 reflection Kyle McCoy

Columnist

After final beads of August sweat have trickled down from leathered faces, then evaporated, September quickly greets us with thoughts of fall fashion and where to buy cheap textbooks.

Although it marks the fourth quarter of our calendar year, September is a new beginning and fresh start for any student—one I think we all appreciate. After a few months home, or abroad, or working two crappy summer jobs... most of us are ready and excited for the first day of classes to arrive.

But September does not just mark the eager return of anticipatory young undergrads back to our beautiful, lakeside stomping grounds. As of today, September 11 2014, it has been thirteen years since our country witnessed, endured, and suffered the brutal ramifications of one of the worst terrorist attacks this world has ever seen. Four planes were hijacked, and several thousands of American lives were lost.

It was more than a decade ago, but I still remember being guided away from the playground and into my third grade

classroom with the rest of my peers to huddle around a tiny television as frantic news was being broadcasted. I remember chaos and crying, and that we were shuttled home soon thereafter. I lived on Long Island at the time. I can also recall the massive, bomb-like cloud of debris, smoke, and devastation rising up into the sky from as far off as downtown Manhattan.

The 23rd floor of 90 West Street is where I lived over the past summer. For those unfamiliar, it is an old, gothic looking building in the core of downtown Manhattan—located one block from the Freedom Tower.

During my first week there, I went out to dinner with my dad one night after he had gotten off work in the area. On the stroll back to my apartment, he suggested we walk through the memorial, as I had not yet done so on my own. Something about a million sweaty tourists aimlessly meandering around while snapping photos of ground zero, a place where 2,573 human deaths simultaneously occurred, had not motivated me to enter the park on my own.

The memorial is stunning, to say the very least. Now known for being New York City’s tall-

est building, the Freedom Tower glistens as it rises into what looks like infinity when standing at its base. As my father and I stood at the foot of the enormous building, craning our necks and squinting our eyes to witness the illusion of its grand spire touch space, he told me he liked to think of that shimmering façade as the path each soul took up to

“

I can also recall the massive, bomblike cloud of debris, smoke, and devastation rising up into the sky from as far off as downtown Manhattan.”

heaven. Though less religious in practice than my father, to agree with him awards me some tiny token of relief.

As we traveled around and between the twin pools, I watched as thousands of gallons of water cascaded from its rim

into the basin of their deep wells, cycling back up and around... over and over. It is an emotional experience, a purposeful one. I was suddenly filled with all kinds of questions and speculations for my father that I had always been too young to think to ask. Having just turned twenty-one on the day of my return to New York, I felt like I was viewing our world through adult vision for the first credible time.

“Isn’t the symmetry brilliant?” I said. “Like, the tower escaping into the sky and the pools burrowing beneath…”

“Yes, I agree that the architect did a tremendous job. His design was chosen over hundreds if not thousands, I’m sure.”

I let that sink in before adding, “I mean it parallels human life so perfectly: cyclical energy and all. The water pouring round and round… the tower going off into forever…”

My father stayed quiet, in a polite and observant way, appearing pensive. As we had strolled along the edge of either pool, he had pointed out several names of the men whose funerals he had attended thirteen years ago. My ignorance affected me with overwhelming guilt. I was

alive for this tragedy. But I had been a child.

Exiting the park at its rear, you will pass a bronze engraving. Depicted are the faces of first respondents, many gave their lives in order to save others.

“May we never forget.”

That is what is inscribed on the sculpture, and the thought you are left with upon departing from the memorial.

September is a time for new beginnings, but for far too many Americans, it also triggers mourning, remembrance, and the humble regard for how fragile our existences actually are.

Gaze upon our gorgeous campus. As you take your next breathe of tropical Floridian air, try to picture what a shattered life looks like. Picture thousands... picture families without fathers and mothers, parents who had still existed that very morning. It can be hard at times, in a place such as Rollins, to understand what real human suffering looks like. Cramming for an exam because we partied instead of going to the library is not human suffering. On September 11, 2001, the American people suffered to their core. Thirteen years later, may we never be so ungrateful as to forget that.

Page 5 • FEATURES

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Interim President targets deficit and relationship with professors McAllaster, the new acting president of Rollins College, aims for transparency and a sustainable budget.

Staff Writer

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With the end of add/drop nearly a week ago, Fall 2014 classes are officially in full swing. You (hopefully) have your schedule in check and are settling into the rhythm of a new and exciting academic semester. Now that you have got some general education and major requirements squared away, it is time to start focusing on honing a creative outlet and exploring your interests outside of academia. Yes, it is important to keep that grade point average high, but showcasing to your future employers outside interests and overall well-roundedness is essential. Besides being a fantastic resume booster, campus involvement is known to improve a student’s overall college experience, helps them become connected to the school and build community, and allows for great development in that highly sought after talent that is time management.

If you have always found yourself drawn to various aspects of journalism or media in general, any one of Rollins’ fantastic student media organizations could be the perfect fit for you. Whether you are interested in creative or journalistic writing, creative design, editing, advertising, film/video, radio broadcasting, each organization is looking for new faces with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Brushing: The Rollins literary journal has been in publication for 41 years, showcasing all types of creative works from the campus community. From photography to micro-plays, anything is fair game to be published.

Brushing is always hiring. If you would like to learn more about how to get involved, be sure to contact the Editor-in-Chief, Ali

Perry, at cperry@rollins.edu.

WPRK 91.5: Rollins College’s very own radio station serves the Rollins and metro Orlando community with an eclectic taste of music. WPRK prides themselves on playing music from a wide variety of genres that may not be heard on a regular basis, as well as hosting a variety of talk shows. Interested in becoming a DJ or just want to learn about music management?

Be sure to contact wprk.pr@rollins.edu for more information.

The Independent: The official student-run magazine at Rollins College, The Independent’s mission is to showcase the many voices within the campus community. The magazine is published once or twice per semester and focuses on International Affairs, Food & Fitness and The Arts. Interest meetings are held every Thursday evening at 8 p.m. in the Warren Administration Building, Basement F. For more information, go to theindependentmag.org or email Editor-in-Chief, Sabrina Kent at skent@rollins.edu The Sandspur: The Sandspur is the official student-run newspaper of Rollins. With the mantra, “Everything real, everything Rollins,” The Sandspur engages the campus and showcases both local and global issues through the lens of the campus community. With a combination of both fun and witty columns such as Sexperts and quick yet helpful articles such as Where in the World, The Sandspur has over 1,000 copies in circulation and is published every Thursday. Interest/article assignment meetings are held every Monday evening at 6 p.m. on the top floor of the Mills building. For more information, be sure to contact Editor-In-Chief David Matteson at dmatteson@rollins.edu

With President Duncan stepping down over the summer, the Board of Trustees asked Dr. Craig McAllaster to take over as acting president while they searched for a permanent replacement. McAllaster has three goals for his year as president: develop a sustainable budget, ensure Rollins’ reaccreditation, and to reengage the faculty and the administration.

Last year, Rollins was faced with a four million dollar deficit. The budget is expected to be less of a concern this year, since Rollins has the largest overall enrollment in the history of the college. McAllaster also wants to reevaluate some of the things the college spends its money on, especially things that might not make sense any more.

ulty, I don’t have to kind of hold my cards close, because my goal is we all know the cards,” said McAllaster.

As acting president, McAllaster will have minimal involvement in the search for the new president. He will speak to the search team and consultants, but then he probably will not be involved again until the search is narrowed to only two or three candidates left under consideration. Those candidates will probably want to have a conversation with him about the current status of the college.

Sadly, McAllaster evaded the burning question of when this year’s anticipated Fox Day will be. “I was thinking about having it on my birthday… September 28. “ But then he quickly added, “I’m going to try to be creative of when it is. But September’s too soon.”

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“What are we really spending the money for? What is a more strategic use of the funds that benefit the institution today and tomorrow?” he asked.

Reaccreditation happens every ten years. Rollins has to send in extensive paperwork this month detailing the operations of the college, and there will be a site visit in March.

“At the end of the day, accreditation really measures: do you do what you say you do? Is it of high quality? And, are you always trying to figure out ways to improve?” said McAllaster.

It is not a secret that the faculty often did not appreciate President Duncan’s communication and decisions. The new president is hoping to have a more positive interaction with the faculty by working on transparency and communication.

“So, when I’m talking to fac-

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Student media offers involvement opportunities

Micah Bradley

Page 6 • FEATURES

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Page 7 • FEATURES

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Student Affairs undergoes realignment Following the SGA retreat last fall, Student Affairs underwent a reorganization to increase accessability Micah Bradley

Staff Writer

The Division of Student Affairs went through a major restructuring over the summer, with the goal being to become more accessible to students. The department divided into three sections focusing on care, community, and career. The Center for Inclusion and Campus Involvement, The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, and The Center for Career and Life Services are each composed of different offices and sections from Student Affairs.

Each of these departments reports to the newly appointed Assistant Vice Presidents: Megan Harte Weyant is in charge of Campus Involvement, Micki Meyer oversees Community Engagement, and Lisa Johnson runs Career Services. They all were hired internally.

Vice President of Student Affairs Mamta Accapadi had been considering reorganizing Student Affairs, and she began talking to students at an SGA retreat last fall. She noticed some common problems the students had and decided to reorganize Student Affairs to make it more accessible.

Issues ranged from a feeling of separation between departments to a desire for more faculty involvement. Several students also felt as if it was difficult to be involved in different ways; for example, some RAs felt it was difficult for them to be active in departments other than Residential Life, and some students who were active with Multicultural Affairs felt too separate from

“

Student Involvement and Leadership.

“Students were feeling divided loyalties. And of course…

I don’t think the staff ever intend that… but sometimes that happens when you’re just kind of focusing on your area,” said Dr. Accapadi.

After the SGA retreat, Student Affairs began to talk to the Rollins community as they considered rearranging. They held a series of focus groups and Dr. Accapadi met with different departments across Rollins, including IT, faculty, and librarians.

Over two hundred students and twenty different student organizations also contributed to the conversation. Dr. Accapadi said it was important to her to talk to many different people who would be affected by the change.

“I wanted to get as broad a perspective as possible,” she said.

The Student Government Association was in favor of the process since the retreat where the issues were first discussed.

“We supported her in the restructuring process because we felt it would positively impact student involvement and make the inclusion offices more cohesive,” said Elise Ablin ‘15, SGA President.

The new departments have been advertised in emails, blog posts, and by RAs and Peer Mentors who received training in the new system over the summer.

The shuffle has not had a negative impact on the budget.

With last year’s deficit of almost four million dollars, each department was asked to cut 3-6

percent. Student Affairs accomplished their cuts in addition to the restructuring. They made their budget cuts from vacated positions and did not have to let anyone go.

The only new positions are that of Title IX Coordinator and Title IX Investigator. Both of these positions will report directly to Dr. Accapadi and were created to be in compliance with new federal regulations. Though some existing positions were repurposed, such as an executive assistant role re-dedicated as a student and family care liaison, no other new positions were created.

There are two other departments that will report directly to Dr. Accapadi instead of falling under care, community, or career.

The first is the Wellness Center, and the other is International Programs. Both of these will report directly to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

“To me, a re-org should be about maximizing opportunity, not creating another barrier of reporting,” said Dr. Accapadi.

Dr. Accapadi hopes that the restructuring will allow the different areas of Student Affairs to collaborate more, have a better partnership with the faculty, and avoid redundant programming.

“I believe the combination of several offices within student affairs will create the most effective and supportive environment for students. My hope is that with the staff in these offices working so closely with each other, they will create the best possible opportunities for students,” said Ablin ‘15.

We supported [Mamta] in the restructuring process because we felt it would positively impact student ivolvement and make the inclusion offices more cohesive.

-Elise Ablin, SGA President

Page 8 • FEATURES

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Stephanie Garcia

Webmaster

A striking 36% of the student population is affiliated with Greek life, and this semester Rollins welcomed a new official chapter to its row of fraternities: Lambda Chi Alpha. The fraternity has roots on campus dating back to 1939 and was active until 1970 when Lambda Chi dissolved. After a 40-year hiatus, the brothers decided to evolve from a local organization and recharter in 2011. Now, after three years of hard work, garnered by alumni and campus support, Lambda Chi has successfully rejoined greek life this fall.

“Our history is so rich [at Rollins]. For us to have been able to bring that back and make it overt and explicit on campus is something to be extremely proud of,” Lambda Chi president, Armando Santin ‘16, said.

Santin ‘16 joined Lambda Chi in 2013 as a freshman, and his first challenge was joining an organization that was still a work-in-progress and not an official chapter; despite those reservations, Santin jumped on board and reveled in the opportunity to

mold the fraternity from scratch.

A second challenge came with meeting the standards of Lambda Chi’s national headquarters and growing to a 40-member organization.

“The only standard we had issues with was getting the numbers,” Santin ‘16 said. “We’re on campus with four other fraternities that are well established and huge; some of them have roots that go back a hundred years on this campus. We had to prove to the school and nationals that we could compete with them and be sustainable.”

With increased membership, it became easier for Lambda Chi “to have brothers at community events, to raise money and to have a presence on campus.”

This past July, the chapter was recognized for their high degree of campus involvement at the Lambda Chi Alpha General Assembly & Leadership Seminar in Arizona. This academic year, the fraternity was also awarded group housing in Elizabeth Hall due to their community commitment.

“It wasn’t just pure hard work on the part of the brothers,” Santin ‘16 notes, “there

Armando Santin

Lambda Chi (re)joins fraternity and sorority life

was help from the outside too.”

Such sororities as Delta Zeta and Kappa Delta were instrumental in helping spread awareness by co-sponsoring philanthropies with Lambda Chi. Santin ‘16 compares running a fraternity to “running a business,” and the alumni advisory board carried some of the heavy load by dedicating time away from their careers and families to propel the rechartering process.

“Under different circum-

stances, if I had joined an already active chapter, it would have taken me a lot longer to get to know [my brothers],” Santin ‘16 said.

“Times of adversity really do bring out a person’s character, and going through these tough times with my brothers has really helped me see them at a deeper level.”

Being a part of an official presence on campus, Santin ‘16 wants his brothers to “officially start making a difference” by not

just “becoming the best chapter at Rollins, [but] the best Lambda Chi Alpha chapter in [their] fraternity.”

“There is just a special level of satisfaction that comes with being a chapter once again; there is a greater sense of permanence,” Santin ‘16 said. “This is not the end of the line; we reached a peak by chartering, but behind this peak lays an even bigger one, and who knows how tall that [will be].”

Rollins community reflects gender equality Danielle Del Pico

Writer

Twelve years—that is how long it has taken for the city of Orlando to pass an amendment to Chapter 57, an ordinance that enacts non-discrimination protections in housing, employment and public accommodations on the basis of gender identity. This ordinance was first proposed in 2002, however this objective was a revision to a 1973 ordinance that did not include sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. The opposition in 2002 was great and many took issue against the proposition. On August 11 of this year, the decision was unanimous. So far, eighteen states and the District of Columbia have passed non-discrimination laws based on gender identity. In 2009, Rollins College amended our Equal Opportunity policy to be inclusive of gender identity and expression.

Dr. Lisa Tillmann, Professor of Critical Media & Cultural Studies at Rollins, serves as the coordinator of faculty and administrators at Rollins on

the 2014 Chapter 57 proposal.

Since 2001, she has been working with her fellow colleagues and Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee on LGBT-related human rights initiatives. She considers social justice and self-interest to be the fuel behind college administrators’ involvement in city politics.

The proposal written to Orlando city commissioners by her and fifteen members of faculty and staff at Rollins invokes a sense of duty by our city to be proactive in their mandates. She declared that, “Rollins has a vested interest in being able to attract the broadest, deepest pools of faculty, staff, and student applicants and to retain our top talent—which entails a welcoming, inclusive environment. On ethical grounds, citizenship is at the core of Rollins’ mission.”

A report entitled ‘Injustice at Every Turn,’ compiled by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, presents data that emphasizes the impact of anti-transgender bias. In summary, what was found from surveying 6,450 transgender and gender

non-conforming study participants is staggering. The report states, “78% of those surveyed who expressed a transgender identity or gender non-conformity while in grades K-12 reported alarming rates of harassment.”

In the workplace, “47% of people said they have experienced an adverse job outcome because of being transgender or gender non-conforming, and 71% of people attempted to avoid discrimination by hiding their gender or gender transition.” Similarly, “57% of people delayed their gender transition.” Overall, 16% of those surveyed said they had been “compelled to work in the underground economy for the sake of income.” Concerning housing discrimination, “19% of people reported having been refused a home or apartment, and 11% reported being evicted because of their gender identity/ expression.” There are also some cases of homelessness because of these acts of discrimination.

Overall, “63% of the participants had experienced a serious act of discrimination-events that would have a major impact on a

person’s quality of life and ability to sustain themselves financially or emotionally.”

According to Lecturer in the English Department, Dr. Lori Coffae, we must engage, academically and civically as a community to further ourselves: “The ordinance’s passing allows us to better achieve that overreaching goal.”

On August 24, the Federal court ruled the Florida Marriage Ban unconstitutional. The Human Rights Campaign website stated, “Since the Supreme Court’s historic marriage rulings last year, there have been 21 consecutive federal court decisions that bans on marriage equality are unconstitutional.” Florida is making great strides for the LGBT community, and the momentum cannot cease. Dr. Tillmann reflects on what lies ahead for the civil rights of the transgender community: “The culture has changed and is changing, but a lot of important work remains.” Although we can agree that twelve years ago social media was not quite as advanced as we know it today, it is unde-

niable that it is a useful tool in facilitating a variety of opinions and issues to be heard. Rollins student Allie Quinteros ‘15 says, “I believe educating ourselves is one of the best tools we can use to create our own voice and become involved. Although the use of social media may prove to have a lot of potential through gaining awareness, I think it also may silence more individuals who fail to realize how important their words truly are to the community.”

How can Rollins students make a difference in their community? Along with the myriad of organizations on campus devoted to the community, students can also make a difference through using their voice.

Dr. Coffae says it best: “I believe language can shape reality and that if students want to make a difference, then an amazing place to begin is through writing. The ordinance was crafted in language, through the written word—writing’s power to make a difference is undeniable!

Through rhetoric and writing, we can create equality!”

Page 9 • FEATURES

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Sandspur stadium gets a makeover Rollins spends 800K in expanding the Sandspur field to meet NCAA regulation, as well as to prevent injury and make the field more soccer and lacrosse friendly.

Amy Martin

Writer

“15 feet... What’s the difference?” has been a question echoing around campus since renovation of the Sandspur stadium began this summer.

Well, to the NCAA it makes all the difference, and is a necessary change if Rollins plans to continue hosting post-season contests.

According to Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Clay Starrett, “Rollins has been grandfathered in over the past few years and granted the ability to host NCAA Postseason events, but has known for a while a change had to be made.”

So over the summer, Sandspur stadium, home of the lacrosse and soccer programs, got a makeover. In order to make the surface area meet NCAA regulations, the field was expanded fifteen feet toward Holt Ave. The fence and pillars, light standards, and press box had to be relocated to accommodate this growth.

Then a netting and new drain were installed underneath the field to improve the playing surface.

Athletic Director Pennie Parker, explained that the official reason for the expansion was safety. The runoff area around the field was too tight and needed to be changed in order to pre-

vent injury. Parker said that the also be expanded on the west current dimensions of the stadi- end toward Warren Building to um were too narrow for soccer, center the playing field within and too short for lacrosse. the stadium.

Rollins women’s lacrosse So what did all this cost? VP captain, Alley Rhinehart ‘15, said for Finance at Rollins Jeff Eisenshe is “very excited about the barth reported that the project expansion of Sandspur because came in at about 800k which put the additional sideline room will the program under budget. provide more safety to athletes.”

This number included all Intramural of the work softball player done on Holt Clay Pepe ‘17 Avenue, parksaid, “Sanding, as well as VP for Finance spur stadium landscaping at Rollins, Jeff is not only outside of the important to field area exEisenbarth, Rollins varsipansion. reported that the ty teams, but The good to intramural news? None project came in at of this will athletes, like myself, who come out of 800k. want to showour pockets or case their atheven impact letic prowess.” the athletic These changes will not only budget. benefit the athletes but also the Eisenbarth stated that “to fans. “Freshman year, I attend- date we have received $300K in ed my first soccer game and was gift funding with more anticipatshocked to see the front row ed, and the remaining cost not empty while the other rows were covered by gifts will come from packed,” remarked Andrew Mat- the annual allocation of capital thews ‘17. For years, the front renewal budget.” row has been left abandoned due According to Eisenbarth, to the railing that blocked the the expansion to Sandspur was whole left side of the field. For- an important step in the athlettunately, this will no longer be ic program’s ultimate goal to a problem, with future plans to “provide full access to our playshift the field lines toward Holt ing fields for student recreation, Avenue. intramurals and club sports, as Next summer, the field will well as our athletic programs.”

“

Men’s Soccer Schedule Date 9/12 9/14 9/17 9/20 9/27 9/27 10/1

Against West Florida Alabama-Huntsville Embry-Riddle Lynn Florida Tech Florida Tech Florida Southern

Home/ Away

A A H H H H H

Scott Cook

Men’s soccer brings victory home Samantha Hirsch

Writer

And the season has begun!

September 4 at 7 p.m. the stands were filled with supporting Tars fans cheering on their Men’s Soccer players for the first game of the season. Playing Anderson University from South Carolina, the game was a close one that had Anderson up 1-0 at half time with a goal by Brad Du Plooy. After the half time period, Rollins came back strong scoring three goals and ultimately winning the game. Goals were scored by Rob Crowley, Grant Blackhurst, and Brett Durrance. With a great first win of 3-1, the Tars are looking towards a fantastic new season.

I talked to sophomore Alexis Martinez ‘17 on his thoughts for the upcoming season. He shared, “The team is looking great! Starting the season 1-0 is always a good thing. Our seniors showed great leadership and made sure we kept our heads high after being down one earlier. We displayed great composter as a team and never hung our heads. Yolo.”

Overall, we have high aspirations for the team this year.

With nine new freshman playing their first games at the colligate level, we expect to see some great new talent on the field. The next home game is September 17 at 7 p.m. against Embry-Riddle, so come out and support! Go Tars!

Page 10 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, September 11, 2014

TALK Chris Sarafian

Columnist

Behind the counter of a department store perfumerie, Ms. Piggy asks her co-worker, “Do you think I’m pretty?” Both cashiers are uniformed in pink dresses similar to the Dr. Seuss-like ensemble worn by Lena Dunham at this year’s Emmys.

This raspy celebrity playing opposite Piggy responds, “Of course you are—you’re more than pretty.”

“Gorgeous?” Ms. Piggy asks.

“Don’t push it, pig,” Joan Rivers says before backtracking.

“You’re more than gorgeous, Piggy—you’re unique.”

The scene continues with Joan using the store’s merchandise to make-over Ms. Piggy.

“We’ll fix ya up—we’ll make ya look like a movie stah!”

This was my first exposure to

Joan Rivers: her cameo in 1984’s The Muppets Take Manhattan.

As a little kid watching the film in the mid-90s, I had no idea who Joan Rivers was. One day in the future, she would make me over as well—well, minus the makeup

Comedy queen’s legacy inspires student Sarafian pays tribute to Joan Rivers and relates her stand-up to big life lessons.

other celebrity). When I finally did emerge from the depths of Narnia to vacate the closet, I realized that I had seventeen years of Chris to discover. My past personal repression had deprived me of the opportunity to

mentary, A Piece Of Work, that I came to accept it.

One scene in particular left a lasting impression on me. It involved Joan dealing with a heckler at one of her shows. After someone in the audience takes

If there’s one lesson you can take away from Joan Rivers’ career, it’s this: you can speak your mind. and mascara.

Like most high schoolers, I had “that awkward phase.”

Imagine a racially ambiguous version of the fat kid from UP, but with more pimples and less personality. I was Kristen Stewart—a grey and lifeless shell with a knack for wallflowering and nail biting. Struggles with my sexuality contributed to my drabness (but that is a whole other story involving a whole

acknowledge my true self—not just my orientation, but also other various pieces to my puzzle.

With that said, slivers of personality did slip past my censor at times. They involved me quipping an outlandish and sometimes inappropriate statement for the sake of making others laugh. I forced myself to filter my sense humor because I thought it would “give me away.” It was not until I saw Joan’s 2010 docu-

offense at one of her jokes, Joan says, “Let me tell you what comedy is about: comedy is about making everybody laugh at everything and deal with things.

9/11—if we didn’t laugh, where the hell would all be?”

I wondered, ‘why do we laugh? Why do I like to make others laugh?’ Well, laughter is relief and escape—both for the person telling the joke and the person listening.

Joan was right: it is how we deal with things. It was definitely how I dealt with things. After watching her documentary, I acquainted myself with her standup. Now, if there is one lesson you can take away from Joan Rivers’ career, it is this: you can speak your mind, you can push that envelope.

After a lifetime of monitoring, I was given permission to challenge that censor and go against what I deemed “appropriate.”

Joan’s Muppet cameo ends with a manager firing both divas for goofing around on the job.

They pause for a second to absorb the news before continuing to laugh hysterically.

Maybe that is what Joan would want us to do now that she is gone: to keep on laughing. They say laughter is the best medicine. It is also cheaper than Klonopin.

Honest film showcases juvenescence Nicholas D’Alessandro

Staff Writer

A few months ago, all the movie sites started hearing inklings about a new film written and directed by much loved filmmaker, Richard Linklater (Slacker, the Before trilogy, Bernie). However, this was not a normal film. This film used time in a brand new way.

Boyhood is unique. It was filmed over the course of twelve years, using the same actors in the same locations in the same roles, and only filming once a year, so that the character truly got older. It follows the story of Mason, a boy who we watch age, from 5 to 18, and his relationship

with his sister, his parents, and himself as he ages through this decade. Mason is young and adventurous, then older and more thoughtful, until he is finally an adult and very artistic.

This film is remarkable in so many different ways. The first is its honesty. It never falls into clichés just because a regular situation in a movie would call for that. There are no horrific car accidents, no shocking deaths, no dramatic twists. Just honesty.

And that is the biggest twist.

Secondly, it uses time as an effective tool, pulling you in and taking you along for the ride. All of a sudden, over the course of two hours, this child who you watched, is suddenly this adult.

There is no defined constant plot. It is simply about life and what it feels like to grow in this world and how various things affect a child in his development.

Personally, for me, this film resonated because my childhood happened the same years as Mason’s. I had a Gameboy Color and I loved Dragonball Z. It is exciting, and the movie ends on a perfectly ambiguous moment.

Life goes on even when the movie is over.

Seriously. Go see it. The word “masterpiece” is not used loosely in film criticism. I will easily call this a masterpiece. If you are looking for similar movies, I highly recommend checking out Linklater’s other films.

Wikimedia Commons Boyhood director, Richard Linklater and actor Ellar Coltrane discuss their twelve-year long project of capturing childhood.

Page 11 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, September 11, 2014

The Porch changes bar scene

Faith Zimmel

Writer

The Porch is a game changer for Winter Park. Since it opened this past summer, it has blessed us all with a new spot to eat and more importantly, drink. The Porch is much more than your average sports bar, putting the others to shame by doing everything bigger and better. The inside is spacious and open, so you will not have to worry about being rubbed up on by a large sweaty man who you do not know and do not want to know.

There are TVs everywhere you look, including a huge projector on the wall, just in case you missed the others.

The employees are fun, and actually like having us there, unlike every other place around here which dreads the moment a Rollins student walks through their doors. The crowd is always a good mixture of Rollins students and local Winter Park residents, making it a nice alternative to seeing the same faces every time you go out.

Aaron Round, one of the bartenders at The Porch, expressed how much he liked the crowd, saying, “My favorite thing about this place is the people that come in. We have our regulars who we’ll see every night, but we also have new people coming in all the time. It’s refreshing to see new faces and different types of people come in, it makes it interesting.”

The bar is walking distance

Nicholas D’Alessandro

Staff Writer

In the 1940’s, American bombers would drop aerial explosives onto city blocks, practically eradicating the entire area.

Whenever the bomb would do its job and hit, they would call it a “blockbuster.” The words “hit” and “blockbuster” became synonymous.

So, on June 20, 1975, when Steven Spielberg released the classic film Jaws and it grossed over $480 million at the box office, also making back the budget it took to make the film in two

from campus, literally right down the street, so you do not even have to worry about driving or dealing with cabs, which we all know is the most annoying part of going out. If that is not enough to draw you in, they also serve Jack Daniel’s for five dollars all day, every day.

If you are not a big drinker, The Porch also has good food that is atypical of “bar food.”

They are open for lunch and dinner, and also keep the grill open at night for those who may get a case of the drunchies. The Porch transitions from restaurant to bar at around 9 p.m., at which point it becomes strictly 21 and up.

I know many of you underclassmen are thinking, “Yo, I got a fake ID, though!” It will not work at The Porch. Do yourselves a favor and do not try it here; they take their jobs and their business very seriously. If you are under 21, you can always enjoy The Porch during the day for just food, which is worth giving a try. Trust me, I have been to The Porch many times for both the food and the bar. I know the place and I have loved it every time.

I am not the only one under The Porch’s spell; Ashley Morris ‘15 frequents The Porch often, pointing out how, “it’s a good alternative to going downtown or to a party, it’s always fun.

I’ve never had a reason why I wouldn’t want to go.” The Porch invites everyone to eat, drink, and stay a while—and you definitely should.

The Porch’s menu include fried tomatoes and strawberry shortcake. The restaurant also has an impressive drink selection that includes liquor and beer.

Summer box office falls flat weeks, Jaws was dubbed the first blockbuster, due to it being an instant hit.

After this, major production companies began working their schedules for a similar release of large budget films in the summer, particularly around the weekend of July 4.

In the summer of 2013, blockbuster films generated about $4.6 billion, including the $406 million Iron Man 3 generated domestically. This past summer, blockbuster films only generated around $3.9 billion. Now, the difference between 4.6 and 3.9 may not seem like a lot, but

when you consider that the lowest summer box office intake of the past decade was 3.4 in 2005?

That is a lot.

Also consider that it is fairly normal for the highest grossing film of the summer to come somewhere in July and break $300 million domestically. The highest grossing film of the summer (and, currently, the year) is Guardians of the Galaxy, which opened August 1 and is currently sitting at $280.5 million domestically. Also, whatever happened to a big Fourth of July weekend opening? The two movies that were released on July 2 were

Tammy ($83 million domestically) and Earth to Echo ($38 million domestically).

What happened? Why did Americans not go to the movies this summer? Many sources say, and I personally agree, that many movies just do not look entertaining. Yet, everyone you ask has seen at least one of the summer top-five grossing movies. But, ticket sales this summer were down 15% from the previous summer. Why? Well, one reason we can find is the growth in the Netflix, Redbox, and On-Demand markets.

What it gets down to is this:

the summer blockbuster was an oversaturated market this season. Too many things to see with so little interest, so the final earnings ended up being weak. We can hope for a brighter fall and winter, being that our upcoming Oscar bids look incredibly promising. While summer is supposed to be the highest earning season for film, why not this summer? It just was not its year.

I have high hopes for next summer, since we open the season with the anticipated Avengers 2: Age of Ultron. But only time will tell. Until then, let us all go see Guardians a third time.

Page 12 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, September 11, 2014

all photos Jonny Scoblionko

Relentless touring machine invades the House of Blues Jonny Scoblionko Columnist

Join the exciting and important effort to keep alumni connected to Rollins.

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This past weekend, Umphrey’s McGee, along with Florida natives, the Heavy Pets, played a scorching two-night run at House of Blues Orlando and Janus Live in St. Petersburg.

Both nights featured a copious amount musical stylings, multiple genre-defying improvisational jams, seamless rock & roll covers, and progressive rock sequences intense enough to melt your face right off your head.

Saturday night at House of Blues began with an extra jammy set from the Heavy Pets, perfect for warming up the crowd for the melodic odyssey that would follow. Umphrey’s opened with a high-energy “Domino Theory” to kick off the weekend. Highlights of the first set included a spine-curling “Sociable Jimmy” which smoothly-gave the crowd “Room to Breath.” The peak of the set was the closing sequence, “All in Time” into “Upward” back into “All in Time,” which contained an outstanding percussion duel between Kris Myers (drums) and Andy Farag (percussion).

The second set was when the big guns of the night really came out. The highlights of the set were a very thick, groovy “Wappy Sprayberry” which morphed into “Phil’s Farm” followed by a cover of “In Bloom” by Nirvana, making the crowd come alive. Following the cover was a beautiful “Puppet String,” which eased into “Intentions Clear” into “Final Word” into “Much

Obliged” and ultimately back into the closing portion of “Puppet String.” This set-closing rock & roller coaster left the ocean of UMPHreaks screaming for more. After a fantastic two-song encore, “We’re Going to War”

by Mark Knopler and “Partyin’ Peeps,” the crowd was still hungry for more; and more is exactly what we got in St. Petersburg the next night.

For the second night in a row, the Heavy Pets opened and set a great tone to the evening.

Due to sound ordinances at the Janus, the show had to be over by midnight; so, by 6:30, UMPHreaks had flooded the venue, and Umphrey’s was on by 7:30.

They opened with “Drink My Drank,” which was coincidentally what I had guessed before the show had started. From the beginning, the band brought the thunder and it was clear this night would be a completely different animal than the previous.

As the smiles grew on attendees’ faces, the band signaled each other for lift-off and launched into a sensational “Mulche’s Odyssey.”

Next was “Nemo,” which increased the amount of air guitars in the crowd exponentially with its heavy, progressive jamming.

The next big gun in set one was a massive “Bridgeless,” which hit possibly the highest peak of the night thus far. The set concluded with a cover of “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash into a tasty “Slacker” featuring Jake Cunninger (guitar) on keyboards.

After an absolutely unreal first set, fans were begging for more.

The second set was about as

flawless as they come. It opened with a sky-splitting rendition of “The Linear” into “The Triple Wide,” in which the band really caught ablaze. At this point, the sun had completely set and lighting designer, Jeff Waful, transcended the audience through time and space. As the set progressed, “Deeper” got especially funky and featured an “Xxplosive” by Dr Dre tease that made the crowd go wild. Bassist, Ryan Stasik really shined during one of the highlights of the weekend, “Utopian Flair,” sandwiching an Earth-quaking rendition of Frank Zappa’s “Willie The Pimp.” The closing leg of the set featured a weird and wild cover of Rush classic, “Tom Sawyer” and ultimately a high-flying “Miss Tinkles Overture.” After a brief departure, the band performed a final two-song encore to close out the weekend in tremendous style: Van Halen’s “Runnin’ with the Devil” followed by Umphrey’s classic, “In The Kitchen.”

Overall, the UMPHlorida run was incredible—some of the best music I have seen to date.

The shows have made me extremely excited to see two more sets of them this year at Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival, happening this November at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL. Between the captivating performances, mind-bending improvisation, incredible energy, mesmerizing light shows, and amazing fans, Umphrey’s McGee is without a doubt something far bigger than a band; they are an experience.