The Setonian- Volume 94 Issue - 2 9/7/2017

In News, Page 3 Volume 94, Issue 2

www.thesetonian.com

Sept. 7, 2017

Old buildings pose problems for disabled students Not all buildings on campus are handicap accessible Brianna Bernath News Editor

‘Go Blue’ for Hurricane Harvey relief In News, Page 4

How SHU became a welcoming home

In Campus Life, Page 7

Pitcher’s passion for disabled students In Sports, Page 15

Though two N.J. colleges and two Big East colleges made the ranks of College Choice’s “50 Best Disability Friendly Colleges and Universities,” Seton Hall University did not.

Seton Hall deals with a unique set of challenges due to the age of some buildings on campus.

Some buildings pre-date the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which “prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations,” according to the Department of Labor’s website.

This means that not all of SHU’s buildings are up to today’s standards of handicap accommodation.

According to Dennis Garbini, vice president of administration, SHU is not alone.

“I’m aware of a number of the schools on the ranking who have older buildings with similar challenges to some of our landmark buildings,” Garbini said in an email.

Greg Medina/Photography Editor Automatic doors make navigating around campus much easier for disabled students, but not all buildings have them.

Garbini pointed out that while “facilities are a major component” of the ranking, the list focuses on the overall accommodations beyond facilities. Fairleigh Dickinson University (Metropolitan), and Centenary College - both in New Jersey - and Xavier University and DePaul University,

both schools in the Big East conference, were ranked on the list.

These schools made the list for a variety of reasons, including the services their offices of disability services offer, an area that Garbini said SHU is personally “very proud of.”

“We are very proud of the

services provided by our Office of Disability Support Services,” Garbini said. “They advocate for students with disabilities on everything from their technical needs, to difficulties with instructional materials, as well as any challenges with facilities.”

Angela Millman, director of SHU’s Disability Support Services (DSS), said in an email that since some buildings are not accessible to disabled students, DSS works with services in those buildings to make sure that those students can still use the resources they can’t necessarily reach on their own.

Mooney Hall is one building that isn’t handicap accessible, which means that Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), located on the second floor of Mooney, needs to accommodate for these students, Millman said. “[CAPS] will secure private meeting space in an accessible location to ensure that its services are accessible to students with physical disabilities,” Millman said.

See Accessible, Page 2

SHU renews security contract with Securitas Isabel Soisson Asst. News Editor Since 2004, the independently contracted security company, Securitas, has been employed by Seton Hall to keep the campus safe.

The University recently renewed a three-year contract with the company, which employs nearly 300,000 people worldwide, according to Securitas’s website.

Pat Linfante assistant vice president for Public Safety and Security discussed the process that prospective employees undergo in order to be hired by Securitas.

“To be an officer for Securitas, you have to be licensed by the state, complete the Security Officer’s Registration and finish 16 hours of training,” he said. “You

also have to be fingerprinted, take a drug test, and have a background check done.”

Despite Securitas’ vetting, James Alex Fields Jr., the man charged with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and failure to stop in an accident that resulted in the death of Heather Heyer at the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., worked for Securitas, according to CNN. Shortly after the events in Charlottesville, Securitas released a statement to the public saying that Fields had been fired from his job with the company.

After an employee is hired by Securitas, they are eligible to be assigned to a worksite.

Linfante went on to describe how Securitas was brought to

Seton Hall’s campus.

“Throughout the year, security companies reach out asking if they can have the opportunity to bid the next time the University’s contract is up,” he said.

After that, the university proceeds to announce when the contract has expired, the companies bid and the University decides which security company they will hire based on their own vetting, which consists of everything Securitas screens for minus fingerprinting. Once this process is over, SHU decides which company it will hire.

Although Securitas vets their employees thoroughly, some people, like Fields, surprise them.

At Seton Hall, the university has the jurisdiction to let a Se-

curitas employee go despite the company being independently contracted.

Linfante went on to describe the process of letting an employee go at Seton Hall.

“We tell the site manager who works for Securitas – he or she takes care of payroll, uniforms, and any additional training,” he said. “We tell them that the employee does not fit at Seton Hall and they handle it from there.”

Linfante said this situation arises occasionally. Things like falling asleep while on the job and being inappropriate with a student would constitute being fired by Seton Hall.

“We don’t tolerate anyone who doesn’t follow our rules,” he said.

Isabel Soisson can be reached at isabel.soisson@student.shu.edu.

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Accessible: Continued from Page 1 The mailroom is another issue at Mooney. Brittany Satero, a junior social and behavioral sciences major with spastic dieplegia cerebral palsy, said that since Mooney is not accessible for her and her scooter, which she uses interchangeably with crutches, someone brings her mail to her while she waits outside.

Satero explained that while some buildings like Jubilee Hall, Fahy Hall and the University Center are particularly easy to navigate, others like Corrigan Hall and Boland Hall are a bit trickier. Corrigan’s elevator is old, and Boland has a lot of doors throughout the building, according to Satero.

Even the University Center’s automatic door button, which is conveniently accommodating when it is in full working order, is “always out of order,” Satero said. However, she added that Facilities repairs it quickly once they’re made aware.

Millman explained that there are a couple ways students who run into issues like a faulty automatic door can make the problem known. The student can let the building manager know so they can submit a work order for repair, or they can inform DSS directly.

Either way, Facilities finds out and usually repairs the issue in a timely manner.

As for the future of SHU’s facilities, Garbini said that the University Master Plan features “annual improvements” to all on-campus buildings in the hopes of making life a bit easier for students with disabilities. Some facilities updates have already happened in buildings like Aquinas Hall, Stafford Hall and the extension to the parking garage, all of which placed an emphasis on handicap accessibility.

In addition, the University Center elevator was improved over the summer to “ensure its reliability,” and Phase 2 of the University Center construction will make even more improvements, according to Garbini. The newly constructed Welcome Center will be also be fully handicap-accessible upon completion.

Satero said that Seton Hall is doing well already with accommodating students’ disabilities.

“I never have to really fight for my accommodations,” she said.

Still, there are improvements that she would like to see, like doors that are wide enough to fit all scooters like hers, and an automatic door on every building on campus, including Dunkin’ Donuts. Currently to get her morning coffee, Satero has to wait until someone can assist her by holding the door open for her, which she wishes she did not have to do.

“I hate asking for help,” Satero said.

Brianna Bernath can be reached at brianna.bernath@student.shu.edu.

Sept. 7, 2017

NJ Transit schedules back on track after nightmare summer

Sarah Yenesel/Asst. Photography Editor It was a nightmare of a summer for NJ Transit commuters traveling from South Orange to N.Y. Penn Station. From July 10 to Sept. 1, South Orange residents and other commuters along the Morris and Essex lines dealt with a reroute to Hoboken, adding time and frustration to residents’ summer commutes. However, the construction causing the reroute was completed right on schedule and on Sept. 5, business as usual resumed at South Orange train station.

CAPS & DSS help students navigate college stressors Samantha Todd Managing Editor About 26 percent of Americans ages 18 and older live with a diagnosable mental health disorder, according to Active Minds.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students, Active Minds’ website said that in comparison to older adults, those from 18 through 24 have the lowest rate of seeking help.

While some may not find it easy to ask for help, Seton Hall has resources on campus to aid students – Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Disability Support Services (DSS).

Mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders

and addictive behaviors, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website.

These disorders can affect an individual’s mood, thinking and behavior, according to Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Katherine Evans, director of CAPS, said college provides a multitude of stressors to all students, such as academic, emotional and social challenges. New students who are adjusting to living away from home for the first time may feel loss and sadness, she said in an email interview.

“Students already challenged with a mental illness may find that the additional stress of college may lead to a resurgence of or increase in symptoms associated with their illness,” Evans said. With the change in routine, students may forget to take their medications, which can end in “a return of troubling symptoms.”

She added that it is not unusu-

al to have students “report longterm struggles for which they have never received any kind of treatment.”

Evans said that CAPS works “with all students to address concerns, assess their needs and create a treatment plan that best fits each individual.”

CAPS can assist students who do not have access to their longterm mental health care provider find local providers covered on the student’s health plan, Evans said.

She added that all students can receive CAPS supportive services.

Some of those services included are the Stress and Anxiety Management program, Mindfulness training and crisis intervention services, she said. CAPS also has self-help videos titled “What’s Up, Doc?” which cover a multitude of issues that students en-

counter. The videos can be found on CAPS’ Seton Hall website.

Lots of people struggle with depression, anxiety and other debilitating issues, Evans said.

Those with concerns about their mental health can take a free and anonymous screening on CAPS’ website. There are screening instruments for various disorders, including depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, PTSD, substance abuse and eating disorders.

Feedback is immediately provided to students based on their answers, which includes “referral information if warranted,” Evans said.

In addition to CAPS, students seeking help or information can work with DSS. Dana Giroux, assistant director of DSS, said her team works with students with various disabili-

ties. This includes psychological, learning, chronic medical, neurological, ADD/ADHD and other disabilities.

She said via an email interview that DSS “exists to assist students with disabilities in achieving their educational goals.”

She added, “Our focus is on equal access to all programs and activities. DSS provides reasonable accommodations based on appropriate documentation.”

Giroux clarified that accommodations may include academic or housing accommodations, exam proctoring and referrals to on and off campus resources.

Evans encourages all students to look at CAPS’ website to learn more about their services and staff. CAPS services are confidential and free.

Samantha Todd can be reached at samantha.todd@student.shu.edu.

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Sept. 7, 2017

NEWS

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Professor turned MS diagnosis into motivation Thomas Schwartz News Copy Editor Bruce Freeman, an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship and marketing at Seton Hall, is a syndicated columnist for the Tribune News Service, an author and a motivational speaker, according to Freeman’s speaker profile. He founded Proline Communications, a marketing and public relations service, and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, US News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Freeman was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2008, but he continues to “turn adversity into opportunity,” which is the focal theme of his motivational speeches.

The cause of MS remains unknown. However, the medical community knows the disease uses the body’s immune system to attack myelin, a mixture of proteins and phospholipids that surround many nerve fibers, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s website.

MS can cause immobility, fatigue, muscle spasms or weakness, poor vision, depression and other effects, according to the society’s website.

Although MS has greatly affected Freeman’s mobility, the acronym “MS” does not just

Photo courtesy of Bruce Freeman “I don’t need my legs to do my business,” Freeman said. “I need my brain.” mean “multiple sclerosis” to him. It means “mobility and strength.”

“The moral of my story is turning adversity into an opportunity and the good news is I don’t need my legs to do my business,” Freeman said. “I need my brain, my mouth, my education and my reputation.”

While on Seton Hall’s campus, Freeman moves around with his motorized wheelchair and receives help from his students. Freeman applauded the

University’s cooperation and assistance with his limited mobility, saying that the University has been “phenomenal” in accommodating him.

Jordan Panella, a senior marketing major, interned with Freeman and took his two-anda-half-hour Friday morning class. According to Panella, he would help Freeman get to his class and experience Freeman’s personable spirit inside and outside the classroom.

The way [Freeman] paid me

back was by me getting the opportunity to hear a few more jokes before the class starts,” Panella wrote in an email.

Panella described Freeman’s amiable presence in the classroom. He explained that Freeman would stay after class, not only for students to discuss the course’s material, but also to chat about life.

“Professor Freeman eliminates the classroom atmosphere. He teaches as if you were one of his friends,” Panella wrote. “Bruce

always takes time after teaching that two-and-a-half-hour class to talk with students. He would frequently have a line of students looking to talk to him and not always about the class itself, but just life in general.”

Besides writing a column called “The Small Business Professor” and winning the Journalist of the Year Award from the Small Business Administration in 2006, Freeman co-authored a book called “Birthing the Elephant.”

Freeman said he has spoken for the Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD), the Livingston School District, Woodloch Pines Resort, Crane’s Mill and the Abilities Expo. Freeman said his talks encompass the theme, “turning adversity into opportunity.”

Furthermore, Freeman described his grandmother’s emigration from Russia to the United States and explained how her life story serves as an inspiration for how he’s chosen to approach his diagnosis. “[My grandmother] always said to me, you have two choices in this world: you can laugh or you can cry,” Freeman said.

“And when I was diagnosed with MS I did my fair share of crying, but every chance I get I laugh.”

Thomas Schwartz can be reached at thomas.schwartz@student.shu.edu.

Construction progresses on Welcome Center and University Center

Greg Medina/Photography Editor The Welcome Center remains on schedule for January 2018 completion, according to John Signorello, associate vice president of facilities engineering and business affairs. In addition, the second part of the cafeteria project will take place next summer and should be completed next fall, but the initial part of the seating area update is complete, leaving diners with a looks-like-new cafeteria to enjoy. Signorello wrote in an email that Facilities has received “all positive feedback” from students in regards to the dining hall update.

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Sept. 7, 2017

NEWS

Crime Log Aug. 26 Incident: Alcohol was found in a resident hall.

August 29 Incident: Marijuana was found in a resident hall after an odor was detected.

Sep. 1 Incident: Public Safety is investigating an assault that took place in a Resident Hall.

Upcoming Events What: Tuition Exchange Workshop When: Tues., Sept. 19, 2017, 12-1 p.m.

Where: The Ring Building, 457 Centre Street The Details: This workshop will be held to learn about The Tuition Exchange, national non-profit organization that provides tuition exchange scholarships to children of participating universities and colleges.

There are currently over 600 participating universities including Seton Hall.

Cost: Free To register, please email HRTOD@shu.edu.

What: Webinar: Suicide Awareness When: Wed., Sept. 20, 2017 2-3 p.m.

Where: online The Details: Seton Hall will be hosting a discussion on the warning signs and symptoms of suicide and how to prevent them.

Cost: Free For more information, see www.shu.edu.

What: Career Tips for the Savvy Professional When: Thurs., Sept. 21, 2017 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Where: Martin House The Details: At this workshop, learn how to act in a workplace and know what is expected socially and professionally in that environement. Also learn how to do the right thing in every situation in the workplace.

Cost: Free For more information, www.shu.edu.

What: Graduate Assistant Development Training When: Wed., Sept. 27, 2017 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Human Resources Training Room The Details: This half-day workshop teaches aims to teach its attendants how to balance the worload between the office and the classroom.

Cost: Free For more information, see www.shu.edu.

What: Business Writing Workshop When: Thurs., Oct. 19, 2017 9 a.m-12 p.m.

Where: Human Resources Training Room The Details: Seton Hall will be hosting a workshop that will function as a refresher on basic writing concepts including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Cost: Free For more information, see www.shu.edu.

SHU to host Hurricane Harvey fundraising intiative Thomas Schwartz News Copy Editor Seton Hall will host a Go Blue Hurricane Relief event on Sept.

13. The event is a multi-organization initiative planned to provide care and relief to those devastated

by Hurricane Harvey.

Michelle Peterson, director of the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE), said the day will serve as an expression of solidarity with those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Peterson is asking that students participate in the day’s unifying message by wearing blue.

“We are calling on Pirates everywhere to wear Pirate Blue on Wed., Sept. 13 and to donate to Catholic Charities Hurricane Relief Funds,” Peterson wrote in an email. “We are reaching out to our alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students and friends to channel thousands of dollars to communities who need it most.”

There will be various stations positioned around SHU’s South Orange campus where members of the Seton Hall community can donate, according to Peterson. In return, donors will receive a Harvey Relief sticker. Campus Ministry has also designated a special collection for Harvey victims

Photo via Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez/U.S. Department of Defense Students are being asked to wear blue on Sept. 13 to show solidarity to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. during the Mass of the Holy Spirit at 12 p.m., and donations will be collected at the men’s soccer game at 7 p.m., both on Sept. 13.

Gunnar Escamilla, a freshman business major, recently moved with his family to The Woodlands, Texas, approximately a month ago. The Woodlands is about 40 minutes outside Houston, Escamilla said via email.

Prior to Hurricane Harvey, Escamilla’s family prepared by stocking up on food and water. Fortunately, Harvey did not greatly impact his hometown, he said.

“The hurricane didn’t affect my

SGA Updates Isabel Soisson Asst. News Editor The Student Government Association (SGA) meeting on Aug. 28 opened with President Christina Simon delivering the Advisor’s Report on behalf of Advisor Maggie Bach who couldn’t be at the meeting. Bach wanted Simon to let the freshmen attending the meeting for the first time know how excited is she for their interest in SGA. President Simon thanked those who came to support her at freshmen convocation on Aug. 27. She congratulated the Student Activites Board (SAB) for their success with Blue Day, which occurred later on that day. She concluded her report by saying that she met with Dr. Tracy Gottlieb, vice president of Student Services, earlier that week to discuss a resolution to the limited parking on campus.

Vice President Violet Reed then stated that SGA is looking for three freshmen senators and if any of the freshmen present were interested they must attend one interest meeting and one SGA meeting.

The Student Life Committee, Academic Affairs, Finance, Public Relations, and Village Relations chairs all discussed how their committees work to encourage the new freshmen to join.

Isabel Soisson can be reached at isabel.soisson@student. shu.edu.

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family’s life too badly. My little sister’s school was cancelled for a little bit - more than a week,” Escamilla said. “They didn’t lose power, but some of the streets in the area were flooded due to the heavy rain,” he added. “Stores were cleared out, and most businesses weren’t open until a few days after.”

Although his family survived the storm relatively unscathed, Escamilla harbored some prestorm jitters for his family.

“I wasn’t too nervous, but I still had some fears of the storm taking out our house or putting

my family in a dangerous/vulnerable situation. I was able to still communicate to my family prior, during and following the storm,” Escamilla said.

Peterson invokes the University’s Catholic mission in emphasizing the importance of serving those affected in the south.

“Each time there is a catastrophic event, we, as a Catholic University respond to Jesus’s command: ‘love thy neighbor,’” Peterson said. “The Division of Volunteer Efforts organizes a unified effort to aid in disaster relief when it occurs.”

Graduate Studies

TCNJ | Prepare Well

A graduate experience that points you in the right direction.

Find out more by visiting www.tcnj.edu/gradstudies Or call 609.771.2300

Sept. 7, 2017

NEWS

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Seton Hall welcomes largest class in school’s history Kaitlyn Quinn Staff Writer

Seton Hall recently welcomed the Class of 2021, the largest class in its 161-year history.

At a record 1,463 freshmen students came to campus.

Vice president of enrollment, Alyssa McCloud, was thrilled about the Class of 2021’s enrollment.

With an ample housing situation, the class’ large size was made possible, McCloud wrote in an email.

“Last year we intentionally kept the class small because the prior year [fall 2015] we enrolled 1,408 and had to rent housing from Rutgers Newark due to over enrollment and lack of space in our residence halls,” she said.

McCloud mentioned the Class of 2017 surpassed the University’s expectations.

“While we intended to enroll a larger class of about 1,325 incoming freshmen, the class exceeded our goals significantly and we are very pleased,” McCloud said.

Additionally, McCloud de-

scribes an enrollment deficit facing many colleges, particularly private institutions. Nevertheless, Seton Hall’s impressive academics, internship opportunities and esteemed scholarship sets it apart from other schools, according to McCloud.

“Nationally, many colleges are struggling with low enrollment, especially private schools. We are very fortunate to have such a strong incoming class, not only in terms of size, but also in terms of the quality and diversity,” McCloud wrote. “I think our enrollment success is a direct result of the high-caliber academics, amazing opportunities for internships, research and scholarship and of course the dedicated and highly caring faculty.”

Several freshmen explained why Seton Hall was their choice school.

Kyla Kembele, a freshman biology major, described Seton Hall as a home.

Kembele said, “Seton Hall has the kind of smallness that makes it like a family. Out of all the schools I visited, it was the place

The record reached 1,463 freshmen students. that felt like home.”

Moira Ryan, a freshman nursing major, expressed her satisfaction with already having many friends.

“We have a group of like 20 of us who go to dinner and everything all together. Seton Hall has such a community kind of feeling

Photo via shu.edu.

to it and I love that,” Ryan said.

“I’m going to join cheerleading and I expect to meet even more people through that.”

A freshman diplomacy major, Khristine Leonardo, who was born in the Philippines, had similar sentiments.

“Coming from the Philippines,

I felt like this was a home-awayfrom-home. I got my acceptance letter on my birthday, which I thought was a good omen.”

Leonardo added, “The diplomacy program here allows for opportunities and to make connections, too.”

Other students talked discussed the educational opportunities and financial reasonability that Seton Hall offers.

Kiera Sayres, a freshman philosophy major said that remaining relatively close to home also made SHU worthwhile.

“I wanted to be as far from home as possible, but also be able to visit,” she said. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she said. “It gave me the opportunity for financial aid as well.”

A freshman biology major, Chiedozie Onon said that Seton Hall was one of his top choices.

“Seton Hall’s program for my major is one of the most competitive,” he said. “I also got a great financial aid offer that I didn’t get from other schools. It was definitely one of my top choices.”

Kaitlyn Quinn can be reached at

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NEWS

Nancy Enright named Director of University Core

Sept. 7, 2017

Throwback Thursday

What was The Setonian reporting years ago?

“Seton Hall alters visitation policy”

Author: Sarah Tremallo Date: Sept. 5, 2002 The story: Seton Hall University established new guidelines for visitors for the 2002-2003 school year. The decision to change the policy came in light of problems such as students abusing the guest passes and residents not being allowed to visit other dorms late at night.

Changes included restricting commuter students to only being allowed to sleep at SHU two nights a week.

“Guilty verdict brings change, discussion”

Photo via LinkedIn/Nancy Enright The Office of the Provost and the executive vice president announced Sept.

5, that Dr. Nancy Enright, associate professor of English and Catholic studies, will be the new director of University Core effective Sept. 1. Dr. Enright started working at Seton Hall in 1988 and received tenure in 2007. Over the years, Enright has served Seton Hall on various boards of advisors, committees, the Faculty Senate and has also led various faculty retreats. She has written two books, multiple essays and articles and has spoken at various events. Enright also serves as a coordinator of core course, Journey of Transformation.

Author: Katie Clement Date: Sept. 8, 2005 The story: Kozlowski Hall was renamed Jubilee Hall in mid-August after Dennis Kozlowski, a graduate and donor to Seton Hall, was found guilty of grand larceny on June 17 by the New York State Supreme Court. According to then President of Seton Hall, Msgr. Robert Sheeran, Kozlowski asked that his name be removed from the building.

New York University:

Harvard University:

American University:

Yale University

Temple University:

UCLA:

Syracuse University:

Kutztown University:

Where: New York City, N.Y. Date: Sept. 1 The update: New York University President Andrew Hamilton wrote a letter to President Donald Trump urging him not to repeal the Deffered Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program set up by the Obama adminstration that protects young undocumented immigrants from deportation.

From: www.nyu.edu Where: Philadelphia, Pa. Date: Sept. 3 The update: Murder charges have been filed against Joshua Hupperterz, the man last seen with missing Temple University student, Jenna Burleigh. Burleigh’s body was found Saturday afternoon in Wayne County at Hupperterz’s grandmother’s home, 140 miles north of Philadelphia.

From: www.philly.com

Where: Cambridge, Mass.

Date: Sept. 6 The update: Harvard University students vowed to protest a lecture given by Charles Murray, a noted white nationalist according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The lecture is being hosted by the Harvard College Open Campus Intiative (HCOCI). The Facebook event for the protest has more than 300 students listed as going or interested.

From: freebeacon.com Where: Los Angeles, Calif.

Date: Sept. 5 The update: UCLA has been named the nation’s top public university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2017-18. The publication took into account factors such as quality of teaching, international outlook, knowledge transfer and research.

From: newsroom.ucla.edu

Where: Washington, D.C. Date: Sept. 5 The update: The president of American University, Sylvia Burwell, has rejected the call to become a “sanctuary campus” in light of the Trump adminstration’s decision to overturn the Obama’s adminstration’s immigration initiative, DACA. She said that the University does not have the authority to exempt itself from federal law.

From: www.washingtonexaminer.com Where: Syracuse, N.Y. Date: Sept. 5 The update: Syracuse University officials met for a public forum on Sept. 5 to discuss Invest Syracuse, a five-year fundraising initiative that aims to raise $100 million for academic programs at the school. There will be two other public forums to discuss the program on Sept. 20 and Oct. 3.

From: dailyorange.com

Where: New Haven, Conn.

Date: Sept. 3 The update: Yale University’s Calhoun College, named after John C. Calhoun, one of the forefather’s of the Civil War, will be dedicated as Hopper College, after Grace Murray Hopper, a naval officer and computer pioneer. The decision comes after a long fight, which included several student protests, and a smashed stained-glass window.

From: www.nytimes.com Where: Kutztown, Pa. Date: Sept. 4 The update: Shiyi Ding, a sophomore history major at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania has been named a student trustee by Pennsylvania’s Governor, Tom Wolf. She is the founder and president of the school’s Slavic Club and has served on the school’s Student Government Board.

From: caledonianrecord.com

Campus Life Jan. 19, 2017 www.thesetonian.com

Sept. 7, 2017 CAMPUS LIFE

Finding my home at the Hall

Julie Trien Campus Life Editor

When I first started school at Seton Hall, I felt an odd mix of emotions. First came the excitement of starting a new chapter of my life and exploring all the new opportunities college could bring. However, I also had a sense of fear.

I was born with a neurological condition called cerebral palsy. From what I learned, it can manifest itself in a number of different ways. In my case, a weakened sense of balance and limited range of motion in my legs forced me to use a walker to walk. As far back as I can remember, people’s stares and general ignorance were a part of my reality. I had no reason to think college would be any different.

On top of being a commuter and worrying about distance from my peers, I worried they would voluntarily distance themselves from me out of fear or discomfort. Luckily, the SHU community proved me wrong almost immediately.

Photo via Facebook/Julie Trien The students and faculty at Seton Hall have helped Julie (center, right) shape her college career.

The main reason I chose Seton Hall over other schools, as cliché as it may sound, was the community vibe I felt while touring campus. At other schools, I found that the students would n’t even look at me when I passed them. However, on SHU’s campus I was often greeted with a smile. That made all the difference to me.

These friendly faces conveyed

a feeling of acceptance I had yet to experience on a college campus.

My personal aide, Kendall Rodgers, expressed a similar sentiment regarding the people she met at the University.

“When I started to meet the faculty and students, I could not be more impressed,” Rodgers said. “Everyone was so friendly and always willing to help. I

wish that I could call Seton Hall my alma mater.”

At the beginning of my freshman year, I connected with an excellent network of friends through Disability Support Services. I was able to meet upperclassmen with disabilities whom had the courage to dream big, such as going to law school or getting involved in social work.

In many ways, talking with these

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students reinforced the idea that my disability is not a hindrance to my future.

This is not to say that collegiate life has come easy, as I am sure it does not for many people. Because of my disability, I often move slower when it comes to fine motor functions such as writing or typing.

While this could have been disastrous for me, I receive certain accommodations so I can keep pace with my classes. For example, my aide is able to help me with note taking. An equally important factor is how my professors have been understanding of my needs in the classroom.

Even though I occasionally encounter a handicap button that does not work or a crack in the sidewalk that trips me up, these everyday inconveniences are helped by the fact that I have an amazing support group around me. From my friends on campus, to my aide and friend Kendall, these people have helped me find a home at the Hall.

Julie Trien can be reached at julie.trien@student.shu.edu.

Campus groups offer support for disabled students

Christina McDonald-Vitale Campus Life Copy Editor Disability Support Services (DSS) at Seton Hall provides students with the ability to acclimate themselves to campus, offering thorough care in the form of follow-ups with students. DSS works closely with academic departments and student affairs to ensure students’ unique needs are met.

Kyle Dailey, a senior social and behavioral sciences major shared his experience with DSS. “I have a specific learning disability classified as dyslexia as recorded with DSS,” Dailey said.

“DSS has done a great job helping me with my learning process on campus. Whenever I seem to have a problem with my academics, they are easily available to meet with to help figure out a way to fix my problem and better my time in the course.”

According to DSS, there was once an alliance created on campus for students with or without disabilities. This group gives disabled students an interactive opportunity to feel connected with their peers. Recently, those members have become inactive

Kiera Alexander/Staff photographer Disability Support Services (DSS) encourages with disabilities to explore clubs on campus. and no record of clubs with this mission formed since.

“Hearing that the club for students with disabilities has become inactive is a bit disheartening as it could be a very helpful tool to new students with disabilities getting acclimated to

life at SHU,” Dailey said. “Personally I don’t think this club would be helpful to me because I am a senior. However, I think this would greatly help any new student coming to campus for adjustment and new friendship purposes.

Daily added that he would be interested in helping to rebuild an alliance club. He explained that he would like to play a part in constructing a support system for future students.

Angela Millman, the director of DSS, said she seeks new ways

to accommodate her students.

“Seton Hall provides excellent opportunities for student engagement,” Millman said.

“The Involvement Fair is a great example. The Green was filled with countless opportunities for students to become involved and connect with other students.

There are a number of clubs on campus that are focused on disability-related issues.”

She cited the “Active Minds” group as well as the Stand Up and Be Loud group as examples.

According to the Active Minds’ blog on the University website, the club is dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health and connecting students to on-campus resources.

Meghan Sorrento, a senior social and behavioral science and occupational therapy major, said that while she is interested in joining an alliance club, nothing should affect the way students with disabilities are treated.

“No matter the disability everyone should be treated equally whether the disability is severe or not,” Sorrento said.

Christina McDonald-Vitale can be reached at christina.mcdonaldvitale@student.shu.edu.

Page 8

CAMPUS LIFE

Sept. 7, 2017

SHU alums’ gym-on-the-go reflects grit Payton Seda Staff Writer

took a job in the finance division of corporate America.

“We’re not experienced entrepreIn 2009, Rob Gasko and Allen neurs,” Meretsky said. “We have Meretsky packed up their respecother experiences we’re putting totive cars and drove to Seton Hall gether.”

University to begin their sophoThese experiences refer back to more year as randomly assigned Stillman teachings where students roommates. Now, almost 10 years applied what they learned in the later, Gasko and Meretsky are packclassroom to real world scenarios. ing up a van full of exercise equip“The school is focused on both ment and driving to clients’ houses the theory and the practice,” said as they attempt to revolutionize the Elven Riley, a professor in the Defitness business with their at-homepartment of Finance who taught gym franchise, GYMGUYZ. both Meretsky and Gasko.

Self-proclaimed “gym rats,” Dr. Daniel Ladik, a former marMeretsky, with experience as a keting professor of Gasko’s, creates personal trainer, and Gasko, with live student marketing projects for a background in sports, combine real clients. convience and creativity to ensure “Stillman prepares [students] for a unique and individual fitness rouall possibilities,” Ladik said. tine for every client.

Gasko and Meretsky attribute “Convenience is our biggest selltheir success to professors such as ing point,” Gasko said.

“It’s comRiley and Ladik who “[put them]

Photo courtesy of Rob Gasko pletely mobile.” in uncomfortable situations” that Rob Gasko (pictured) and Allen Meretsky started GYMGUYZ to be a mobile fitness service.

He compared GYMGUYZ to forced them to grow and mature. companies like Amazon that speBoth alumni said they gained a toward his goals.

County and they hope to one day thankful for my experiences,” cialize in going to clients’ front sense of maturity, pride and confi“Friends who were like-minded become the largest fitness franchise Meretsky said. “Try jobs, get out doors. dence while at SHU. and ambitious, having those peoin the area. and learn, be willing to take on Gasko ’11 and Meretsky ’10 said “Once you get through college ple around you is huge,” Meretsky According to Ladik, in order risk.” they wanted to start a business toyou believe in yourself,” Gasko said. said. to do this “[Gasko and Meretsky] Most importantly, Gasko and gether since their first meeting as Gasko explained that having “They don’t give up,” Dr. Ladik have to keep learning. They can’t Meretsky said that one must have students at SHU’s Stillman School professors who were not just teachsaid, regarding the business stukeep static.” ambition. “If you don’t have a viof Business. However, their dream ers, but who had real life experience dents at Seton Hall. “It’s a grittiGasko encourages perspective sion of where you are going to be, did not come to fruition until years and taught in practical terms was a ness, a doggedness.” entrepreneurs to seek un-comyou don’t have anything to fight after graduation. great advantage.

Gasko and Meretsky’s “grittifortability, to go outside their comfor,” Gasko said.

Gasko, a marketing major, beMeretsky found his peers to be ness” has allowed them to build fort zones.

Payton Seda can be reached at gan a career in sales while Meretsky the most influential in driving him their business across Monmouth “Be patient. I can’t be more payton.seda@student.shu.edu.

SAB exhibit gives students butterflies Claudia Emanuele Staff Writer

Campus was all aflutter on Aug. 28 when the Student Activities Board (SAB) set up a mobile butterfly sanctuary on the Green.

Students were welcome to drop their bags and relax while they sat amongst butterflies, specifically hatched for Seton Hall.

Many students took the view to social media, ‘Snapchatting’ the event while others sat and enjoyed the surroundings. Instructions on how to properly feed a butterfly were accessible to those who wished to get closer to the butterflies.

Allison Schaeffer, a freshman biology and physical therapy major, said that she saw the event on a flyer for the First 56 activities.

“It was such a cute idea and I wanted to be involved,” Schaeffer said.

She explained it was a new experience for her, adding that she never had a butterfly crawl on her before this event.

According to SAB President and senior marketing and economics major Alyssa Behrendt, the idea for the exhibit came last semester from Payton Seda, SAB’s Campus

The mobile butterfly exhibit on the Green offered students a way to combat first-day butterflies.

Life co-chair and staff writer for The Setonian.

“The inspiration came from a county fair [Seda] visited a few years ago, where there was a mobile butterfly exhibit,” Behrendt said.

The theme of this exhibit was that every student has “butterflies” on the first day of classes and that

it is perfectly OK. Some students grasped this concept, noting how this event was an opportunity for new students to go out and socialize.

“This is a nice welcoming event, especially for freshmen who can walk into this exhibit and meet new people by sharing a common experience,” Abby Cordaro a ju-

nior diplomacy major said.

Other students explained that this event was a reminder of the growth that students can experience in their college years.

“This event I feel is about transformation, the freshman are moving into a new chapter in their lives, just like the butterflies who started out as just merely caterpil-

Claudia Emanuele/Staff Writer lars,” Morgan Tirpak, a sophomore public relations major said.

Behrendt noted that the feedback for this event was “overwhelmingly positive” and therefore, SHU can expect to see another butterfly exhibit in the future.

Claudia Emanuele can be reached at claudia.emanuele@student.shu. edu.

Sept. 7, 2017

CAMPUS LIFE

Page 9

Class of 2020 reflects back on their first year Valerie Qiu Wen Ong Staff Writer

Stepping into college can potentially be a roller coaster ride, and it would help to know where the drops are. As first semester sets in, anxiety can be on the rise. Getting lost on the first week of school is something that many students experience here at Seton Hall.

The freshman experience is still fresh in the minds of the current sophomore class and some of them extended advice to the class of 2021.

Finding food options may be a challenge for freshman, who are new to South Orange.

“The diner on South Orange Avenue is really good and the student discount doesn’t hurt,” said Ava Alban, sophomore psychology major.

Nkili Cooper, a sophomore history major, prefers No.1 Chinese, which is only a 3 minute walk from school. She said that since it is a short walk, students can avoid the delivery fee. If they don’t want to walk, freshmen can also utilize the SHUfly service to and from South Orange as soon as they come onto campus.

When asked to recall memories fom her freshman year, Taji Steele, a sophomore theatre major, said that before school started, she experienced some interesting issues. She had been wrongly classified as a male student on her housing profile and was set to move in with three other male students. The problem was eventually resolved.

“I’m glad my college expe-

Abigail Deffler/Staff Photographer Sophomores share their stories and offer their advice for the newest class of Seton Hall students.

rience improved from this initial mix-up,” Steele said, even though she said it was a stressful start to her college career.

Though Cooper didn’t have a similar experience to Steele, she still had mixed opinions about her first year. Though she was unhappy with her roommate, she still had fun making new friends.

“I would consider my first year a success because I made the best of friends, had a million opportunities to have fun and grow as

an individual, and I learned a lot about myself and others,” Cooper said.

Even though there can be some bad experiences from being in a new environment, Alban found that being 15 minutes away from New York City was a highlight of her Seton Hall life.

Freshman students have many services available to them at SHU. When asked to list a couple that could be useful for the class of 2021, Cooper and Alban both mentioned Counseling and

Psychological Services (CAPS).

“I think it’s helpful that freshmen are able to go to CAPS if they become homesick or are having trouble adjusting to the independence that comes with living away from home,” Cooper said.

Steele recommends taking note of professors’ office hours and making good use of them.

“It’s better to just suck it up and ask for assistance if you really need it. You’ll save yourself from the anxiety of wondering if

you’re doing well in your studies,” Steele said.

While Seton Hall has not exactly been a smooth sailing journey for the three students, they agree that they like being here.

“Don’t let the stress get to you.

Remember that as important as classes and grades are, you come first,” Alban said. “Talk to people, make friends, and enjoy your time here.”

Valerie Qiu Wen Ong can be reached at valerieqiuwen.ong@ student.shu.edu.

Some Seton Hall students experience degree shaming Erika Szumel Staff Writer

Whether it’s a relative at Thanksgiving dinner or a new friend, many Seton Hall students have experienced degree shaming. What is degree shaming?

Though it is not in the Webster dictionary, degree shaming is defined by many as students or adults shaming other students for their choice of study.

Speaking with a student from the College of Communication and the Arts, degree shaming is prevalent at Seton Hall.

Hope DeVito, a senior visual and sound media major, expressed a strong disappointment in the degree shaming she’s encountered from friends who study science. “I feel like they don’t understand,” DeVito said.

“Science majors work really, really hard, but they’re not the only major that does.”

DeVito will complete a television concentration this year and has interned for ABC’s The Chew, as well as the Assignment Desk at CNBC. She said her major can be stressful; from constructing pro-

Photo via Maura Babulesca/Pixabay Many Seton Hall students have experienced degree-shaming during their college careers. duction sets at the crack of dawn to running around last minute looking for a new stage guest.

While some students might not understand the meaning behind these things, they are crucial for success in her major’s core classes.

The root of the problem, according to senior environmental studies and political science major, Emily Lavallee, is the way that certain professions are portrayed in society. Lavallee said to eliminate degree shaming students must talk to their peers.

“Listen to what they’re learning about. I don’t study science but I live with all science students and I respect what they’re studying because they talk about it all the time. It’s fascinating,” Lavallee said. “And vice versa, I’ll talk about what I’m studying

and they’re listening and learning new things. I think it’s beneficial not only to stop degree shaming but also just to create a more well-rounded workforce.”

According to the Seton Hall website, SHU currently has a 90% employment rate and was voted one of the top five universities for internships. Seton Hall offers internshpis and job opportunities for students of all majors.

Thomas Irwin, a senior biology and doctorate of physical therapy dual degree student, said that he thinks degree shaming is unprofessional and unethical.

When asked about science majors Irwin said, “I think it’s unjust to say that it’s one particular major that’s doing the degree shaming. I think everyone’s hand is in the pot and every degree has some level of degree shaming.”

He explained that it is unprofessional for students to act this way towards one another. “We go to college to enter our profession,” said Irwin, “we want to be professionals, so we should act as professionals.”

Erika Szumel can be reached at erika.szumel@student.shu.edu.

Page 10

CAMPUS LIFE

Sept. 7, 2017

Some students say SHU falls short in religious diversity Rhania Kamel Staff Writer As a Catholic University, Seton Hall has a strong religious presence that draws in not just Catholic students, but students of other faiths as well. The University also attracts students by offering various courses and events pertaining to the Catholic faith, as well as classes on other religions and their denominations.

Gina Gryskiewicz, a sophomore political science major, thinks that while Seton Hall goes to great lengths to teach students about various religions, more could be done.

“I do believe that Seton Hall could be more inclusive of other religions,” Gryskiewicz said.

“Most of the courses are solely based on educating from a Christian standpoint. By being more inclusive, Seton Hall can broaden their academia while also preparing students for an outside world that is not strictly exclusive to their own ideals and views.”

Rawda Abdelmenam, a senior speech pathology major and vice

Photo via shu.edu Seton Hall is a Catholic university and students have found the school to be true to that faith. president of the Muslim Student Association, thinks that Seton Hall impedes and aids religious growth.

“The required religion courses do a great job at introducing new religious concepts of the Catholic faith and it teaches someone like myself about a religion I knew

nothing about,” Abdelmenam said. “However, these courses fail at teaching about other religions, which I think is crucial, since not all Seton Hall students are Catholic.”

“Seton Hall has aided me personally by serving as a platform to speak out about topics con-

cerning Muslim students and that has been very helpful and had made us all feel safe,” Abdelmenam said, “However, a huge part of our religion is prayer.

Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day. For four years, the MSA has been working closely with the university on creating

a prayer space for Muslim students. We currently have a small room in the library, but only one to two people can pray in that room. This year we are hopeful that the new SGA board will assist us in acquiring a new room.”

While Seton Hall has a plethora of resources to help one grow in their faith and learn about others, Eduardo Mendoza, a sophomore finance major, said that the decision to grow in faith goes back to each individual.

“Personally, I think it is up to people’s way of life to either embrace religious growth or cut it off altogether,” Mendoza said.

“The environment might play some role in it but it is one’s choice to stick with their faith.”

As for his personal religious growth Mendoza said, “My religious beliefs have, surprisingly, grown as having a chapel makes it better for me to go regularly.

Furthermore, seeing Father John greeting everyone at any time of day regardless of the weather strongly encourages me to go to the chapel.”

Rhania Kamel can be reached at rhania.kamel@student.shu.edu.

HALLmarks: Art student secures coveted internship at the MET Megan Beauchamp Staff Writer Summer is a time for fun, sun and relaxation. Or, if you’re a second year B.A. art history/M.A. museum professions major like Sarah Kraft, you might be taking on the world of historic art exhibits and galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET).

Located in New York City, the MET is not only an acclaimed museum but also a place where hopefuls from around the country apply for the sought-after registrar internship every yearsometimes more than once, including Kraft herself.

“The MET internship is something I’ve applied for multiple times throughout my time at Seton Hall as an undergrad and grad student,” Kraft said.

An institution that stood out among all others, Kraft explained that the MET is one of her favorite museums, so acquiring this internship was something of a ‘dream.’

Working at any renowned institution, there is the bonus of bearing the prestige of the name, Kraft explained.

“It was intimidating being surrounded by people who were so experienced,” she said. “Just being named a MET intern was daunting because of the weight it carries.”

Intimidating as it may have been, Kraft said she was exposed to hands-on experience that helped her greatly. For 12 weeks, she was in the thick of the museum world, assisting with creating exhibitions, organizing events, and even led a research project focusing on abandoned property found in the museum’s storeroom.

With experience like this, it didn’t take long for her to feel a sense of place at the museum, encouraging familiarity.

“Spending my time surrounded by incredible works of art and amazing people made it less intimidating,” Kraft said.

Exhibitions like “Age of Empires” gave Kraft the opportunity to truly observe the creative process of installing an exhibit.

“I was surprised by how many people can be involved in the creations of one exhibition,” Kraft said.

Learning from the internship seemed like the last step in a series of obtaining knowledge

Photo via Facebook/Sarah Kraft Sarah Kraft gained hands-on experience in her field when interning at The MET in New York City. for Kraft. She mentioned how much her professors at SHU were at the brink of preparing her for her career, including her internship.

“Instrumental” and “full of wisdom” are words Kraft used to reflect on some her professors.

People like Dr. Petra Chu and Dr. Juergen Heinrichs.

“We always support our students obtaining field experience as Sarah did,” Heinrichs said.

He explained how important venturing out in the field is, something Chu agreed with.

When speaking of advice for Sarah and students like her going forward, Chu said, “Be active in the field, try to network, try to get to know people.”

Megan Beauchamp can be reached at megan.beauchamp@ student.shu.edu.

Opinion thesetonian.com

Sept. 7, 2017

Page 11

The Voice We’re here to report the truth, and nothing but the truth W

elcome back Seton Hall!

With the new year ahead of us, we would like to take the time to thank you for your readership. The Setonian would be nothing if it weren’t for the students, faculty and administration at SHU. That being said, we would also like to reiterate our mission here on campus. As a journalistic organization, The Setonian is dedicated to one thing and one

thing only: the truth.

Though we are ‘only’ a college media organization, we have covered important and controversial topics in the past and aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty. We are aware that these days there is a distrust with the media, but we never want to lose your trust.

The only agenda we have is to serve the Seton Hall community by reporting accurate, factual in-

formation.

What we write may not be pleasing to some, but we aren’t here to please.

The writers and editors of The Setonian wont ever include their opinions in articles (of course, excluding opinion columns.)

The information we write is strictly factual or based on our source’s opinions.

With each article, we will aim to present every side of the story.

Ashley Turner Editor-in-Chief

Some days it comes with absolutely no warning.

My shrill alarm wakes me up in the morning. I groggily roll over in bed to shut it off and internally groan, thinking of the day ahead.

And this isn’t just an ‘I’m still tired’ groan.

No. This is a ‘I truly don’t think I can make it through the day’ groan. The idea of getting out of bed, showering, getting dressed and starting my responsibilities makes me physically sick to my stomach.

When I think about the work I have to get done and the minimal amount of time that I have to do it, I begin to panic and become even more depressed. Although I have friends who tell me I’ll get through it, I truly do not believe it during these moments.

Sometimes all I can do is lay in bed and try my best not to cry.

So how am I expected to go out

and face my peers in class, plaster a smile on my face and pretend everything is alright?

I don’t believe that I, or anyone else, should have to. Yet, in the six semesters I have completed at Seton Hall, I have only had two professors state that students are permitted to miss one or two classes without needing a doctor’s note.

How am I supposed to tell my professors that sometimes my brain needs a day to heal, especially when I don’t have a note that proves it?

I can understand some professor’s skepticism regarding mental health days. It’s almost impossible to tell if a student is just using that as an excuse to skip class. Though I believe some students would potentially abuse this privilege, I think it would also seriously benefit the health of university students who need it.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 83 percent of U.S. adults are not considered to be in “op-

timal mental health” and 26 percent of adults aged 18 and up live with a diagnosable mental health disorder.

I’m not clinically depressed. I don’t take medication and I don’t see a counselor. However, the stress and random bouts of sadness I feel are still valid. Giving myself a day to relax and focus on myself is not something that should be shamed, but should be encouraged.

Sometimes all students need is a single day to regain themselves and return back to work.

Some may say that students wont be able to take mental health days once they enter the real world, but that isn’t always the case.

According to USA Today, Michigan web developer Madalyn Parker emailed her boss in July to inform him that she would be taking a few days off from work to focus on her mental health. Instead of scolding Parker for not coming in to work when she wasn’t physically ill, her boss thanked her for

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Unbiased journalism is a difficult goal to achieve, but it is something we work toward with every article we write – especially if it is a controversial topic.

It’s a new year, but we are the same Setonian. That doesn’t mean that we aren’t growing, though. Any mistakes, of which we hope will be few or nonexistent, will only be lessons for us to learn and become a better organization – an organization

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Professors should permit mental health days

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Photo via Flickr/Savannah Moorghen-Young According to a 2013 American Psychological Association survey, about one-third of college students have experienced depression. reminding him of the importance of taking sick days for mental health.

Allowing mental health days isn’t a common practice for every business and university, but it should be.

We as a society cannot simultaneously claim that we care about those who are suffering from mental illness, yet tell them to “get

The Setonian

Letters Policy

The Setonian welcomes letters to the editor. All submissions must include the author’s first and last name and a phone number where the author can be reached. Submissions should be no more than 375 words. The Setonian reserves the right to edit submissions for style and space.

Deadline for submission is noon on the Tuesday preceding publication. Letters can be e-mailed to Ashley Turner, Editor-in-Chief, at thesetonian1718@gmail.com.

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The Setonian willingly corrects errors in fact. For corrections, please contact Ashley Turner, Editor-in-Chief, at thesetonian1718@ gmail.com.

over it” once it finally strikes.

Battling anxiety and depression happens one step at a time – hopefully one day professors will take the step to recognize that taking mental health days are a necessity for many students.

Ashley Turner is a senior journalism major from Jamesburg, N.J. She can be reached at ashley.turner1@student.shu.edu.

Ashley Turner

Editor-in-Chief

Samantha Todd

Alyssa Schirm

Christina Vitale

Campus Life Copy Editor

Brianna Bernath

Elizabeth Swinton

Isabel Soisson

Asst. News Editor

Thomas Schwartz

News Copy Editor

Julie Trien

Campus Life Editor

Greg Medina

Asst. Campus Life Editor Photography Editor

Managing Editor News Editor

Volume 94 Issue 2

Sports Editor

Tyler Calvaruso

Asst. Sports Editor

Clara Capone

Graphics Editor

Josh Steier

Digital Editor

Sarah Yenesel

Asst. Photography Editor

James Justice

Sports Copy Editor

Andrew Lombardo

Sports Digital Editor

B.J. Schecter

Faculty Adviser

Page 12

SPORTS

Sept. 7, 2017

THROUGH OUR EYES LaMelo Ball has one shoe out the NCAA door Andrew Lombardo Sports Digital Editor In the last year, LaVar Ball has single-handedly turned his family into the Kardashians of American sports.

The father of the Lakers’ first round draft pick, Lonzo Ball, LaVar made waves in the basketball sneaker world after Lonzo rejected sneaker deals from every major brand. By choosing to create Big Baller Brand, the Ball family turned against the establishment, epitomizing the concept of “player empowerment.”

The latest stunt by Big Baller Brand did not involve Lonzo however; instead it was about the youngest of the Ball brothers, LaMelo. On Aug. 30, Big Baller Brand announced LaMelo’s new signature shoe, the MB1, available to preorder for $395.

With all of the hype and spotlight put on LaMelo in the past few months, it is not a complete surprise to see him become the first high school player with his own sneaker, considering the family’s penchant for big headlines.

LaMelo’s 92-point performance last February made him the most famous high school player in the country, and after witnessing what LaVar had done to promote Lonzo going into the NBA Draft in June, it was only a matter of time before LaVar capitalized on LaMelo’s marketing potential.

While it may seem like an innovative idea, LaMelo’s shoe could pose a major obstacle for his NCAA eligibility, where he has committed to follow his brother’s footsteps to UCLA. But it’s not like LaVar even cares.

“He’s going to have a shoe, NCAA ain’t going to tell me s*** because they’re not my boss,” Lavar said while at LaMelo’s 16th birthday party last Saturday, according to ESPN.com’s Baxter Holmes. “That’s what they do, but they’re not going to be like, ‘Oh, LaVar, you can’t bring that shoe out until we tell you.’ What?

Something that I’m doing for my family? That’s mine? I’m not under no umbrella.”

We live in a capitalistic society, but the NCAA is supposed to protect players. In all likeliness, LaMelo has probably already cost himself his eligibility. The NCAA is anything but lenient and has been known to make more ridicu-

Sports Quote of the Week “We’re finally old, we’re not young anymore and we’re looking to get that NCAA bid like we did in 2014.”

Women’s volleyball coach Allison Yaegar on the new squad.

Domestic violence issue in NFL shows no signs of slowing down Tyler Calvaruso Asst. Sports Editor

Photos via Twitter/@bigballerbrand LaMelo Ball recently celebrated his 16th birthday. lous rulings than fair ones.

A recent example is the case of ex-UCF kicker Donald De La Haye. De La Haye became famous for his YouTube videos, famous enough that he hit 10,000 lifetime views and was able to profit off of advertisements.

The issue was with NCAA Bylaw 12.4.4, which states that an athlete “may establish his or her own business, provided the student-athlete’s name, photograph, appearance or athletics reputation are not used to promote the business.” After De La Haye refused to stop making videos, he was ruled ineligible for the upcoming season.

The public backlash was heavy.

People saw the hard work that De La Haye had put into his videos and understood his position and desire to earn some cash. LaMelo on the other hand, merely designed a shoe and put his name on it, giving us a good feeling of where the NCAA will stand.

So maybe the college experience is not a part of LaMelo’s future. It is possible that his desire is to play overseas, which would allow him to start collecting paychecks when he finishes high school. Because of his fame, LaMelo does not need to establish himself as a star at UCLA in order to cash in on his marketing potential.

But if his ultimate goal is to make it to the NBA, then this decision could prove to be troubling. The overseas rout is difficult, although players like Brandon Jennings and Emmanuel Mudiay have done it.

That being said, playing collegiately for UCLA would be more favorable to LaMelo and I find the sneaker decision extremely short-sighted, as it potentially closes more doors than it opens.

Andrew Lombardo is a journalism major from Middletown, Conn. He can be reached at andrew.lombardo@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @lombardo_andrew.

Ever since the Ray Rice incident, the NFL has been coming down hard on players who have been caught up in any sort of domestic dispute.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry is the latest star to fall into this category, but his case is very different from the others that have been seen recently.

Last March, police were called to Landry’s home for a domestic incident involving Landry and his girlfriend, Estrella Cerquiera. Initial reports said that Landry used his hands, fist, feet and teeth, but no weapons.

However, according to Cerquiera, a different version of events took place that night.

“The father of my child and I had a vocal disagreement resulting in someone calling 911,” Cerquiera said in a statement. “There were no arrests made, there were no criminal charges, I was not in any way physically harmed.”

Cerquiera also said that Landry would never hurt her, and to stop spreading false stories.

So, given that Landry’s own girlfriend said nothing happened and there were no criminal charges, why is the NFL continuing to investigate what is seemingly a non-issue?

The bottom line is, the NFL has a major perception problem and a lot of it has to do with domestic violence issues.

Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott is another player who was never charged with anything, but has been hit with a six-game suspension by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, which was upheld after an appeal.

Some have viewed the suspension as harsh, given the lack of evidence against Elliott and since it has been proven that Elliott’s accuser instructed a friend to lie to police about what happened the night of the alleged incident.

However, Goodell doesn’t have much of a choice when it comes to levying a suspension like the one that he did with Elliott.

Whether or not Elliott and Landry actually committed crimes is irrelevant to the league at this point. What matters is that their alleged actions paint the league in a negative light and the NFL already gets enough negative publicity regarding safety concerns as it is.

Combine safety concerns being at an all-time high and a growing domestic violence issue and the picture is not pretty. When another player’s name is in the news due to a domestic violence incident, all the public can do is shake its head and chalk it up to the culture of the NFL. With stricter domestic violence penalties, Goodell is trying to show that the league is cracking down on the issue and any future incidents will not be tolerated.

The suspension of Elliott and the possible suspension of Landry show that even the biggest stars of the sport are not above the rules.

Despite their stature, they must abide by the rules just like everyone else, or face the now-large consequences that come with breaking them.

Although the NFL’s domestic violence policy has been inconsistent when it comes to giving out punishments, Goodell and the rest of the league’s administration have slowly started to take the appropriate steps to solve a problem that is plaguing the league.

Should Elliott and Landry be suspended? That is legitimate given the lack of evidence, but there is a simple solution to avoiding suspensions all together.

Players need to do whatever they can to remove themselves from possible domestic violence incidents. It takes a lot to get to the NFL and one little domestic violence issue can ruin all of that hard work and dedication.

Conduct detrimental to the league warrants a suspension in today’s NFL and expect commissioner Goodell to keep cracking down.

Tyler Calvaruso is a journalism major for Howell, N.J. He can be reached at tyler.calvaruso@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @tyler_calvaruso.

Sept. 7, 2017

SPORTS

Page 13

Women’s Volleyball digs deep to find early success Kyle Kasharian Staff Writer After last season’s 1-4 start for the Seton Hall women’s volleyball team, the Pirates have turned things around in impressive fashion, jumping out to a 4-2 record.

While a variety of factors have contributed to the team’s success, a notable trend has been its results in contests that last longer than three sets.

The Pirates are 3-1 in matches that are four sets or longer, including two five-set wins. In shorter matches the Pirates have seen mixed results, sweeping Northwestern State on Aug. 26, while also getting swept by Colorado on that same day.

A key for the Pirates seems to be extending matches and tiring

Photo Via SHU Athletics Seton Hall Women’s Volleyball has gotten off to a hot start thanks to their ability to play longer sets. opponents out with a newfound depth in the Hall’s roster.

“For the first time in a long time, we have a lot of depth on this team,” head coach Allison Yaeger said after the team’s win over Rut-

gers on Sunday, Sept. 3. “We don’t recruit anybody just to put them on the bench.”

The team has 10 different players who have seen action in 15 or more sets, including new faces like fresh-

man Amanda Rachwal and graduate transfer Sharay Barnes.

The longer matches have allowed the Pirates to stay competitive with their opponents in most areas during this five-match opening span.

The Hall has averaged 12.3 kills per set to opponents’ 12.4, and for assists, the Pirates are putting up 11.3 per set compared to opponents’ 11.65 heading into Wednesday night.

Seton Hall really sets itself apart in terms of digs per set, where opponents put up 13.7 compared to 15 from the Hall.

Among the Pirates with 52 or more digs are juniors Abby Thelen and Sophia Coffey.

Coffey has made a strong improvement in her digs per set, increasing from 2.12 to 2.60 since

last season, which is just a small indicator of her expanded role this year.

Despite Coffey’s significant improvement, Thelen’s impact is unmatched.

Thelen has more than doubled her digs per set to 2.85, which is good for second on the team. She also leads the Hall in kills per set at 3.95.

With players flourishing in expanded roles, the Pirates are taking advantage of their depth, stretching out contests to the tune of more wins for Yaeger’s side.

Kyle Kasharian can be reached at kyle.kasharian@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @ItsKyleKash.

HALL ACROSS THE BOARD SCORES OF THE WEEK WOMEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S SOCCER

Sunday, August 27

Seton Hall Columbia

2 4

Fordham

Monday, August 28

Rider Seton Hall

2 1

Friday, September 1

Thursday, August 31

Seton Hall

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

1 1

Seton Hall Stony Brook

0 1

Monday, September 4

Sunday, April 23

Monmouth

Seton Hall

1 0

Sacred Heart Seton Hall

0 3

VOLLEYBALL Friday, September 1

Buffalo Seton Hall

Saturday, September 2

2 3

Rutgers Seton Hall

1 3

For complete coverage of all Seton Hall Athletics, visit thesetonian.com or follow us on Twitter @SetonianSports.

What’s 9/7 ON DECK Thursday Home

Away

9/8 Friday

9/9

Saturday

9/10 Sunday

Men’s Soccer

Princeton 7 p.m.

Penn 7 p.m.

Women’s Soccer

Marist 7 p.m.

Duquesne 1 p.m.

Volleyball Men’s GolfWomen’s Golf Cross Country

9/11 Monday

State Cincinnatti Illinois 1:30 p.m.

5 p.m. Dayton 5 p.m.

3rd W: William M: Colgate All M: Colgate round Day 1st/2nd W: William & & Mary 3rd round Mary 1st round round All Day Cross Country: Stony Brook

9/12 Tuesday

9/13

Wednesday

Delaware 7 p.m.

Hofstra 7:30

Photo Via SHU Athletics Seton Hall Men’s soccer players celebrate a goal during the team’s 3-0 win over Sacred Heart on Monday, Sept. 4.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

SPORTS

Page 14

Sept. 7, 2017

With familiar faces gone, volleyball juniors are stepping up Matt Lapolla Staff Writer The Seton Hall volleyball team faced a tough road heading into the 2017 season, having lost the graduated the duo of libero Tessa Fournier and outside hitter Danielle Schroeder. But, after starting the season 4-2 it is clear this Pirates team is ready for the challenge.

“Dani and Tessa brought a lot to this program,” head coach Allison Yaeger said. “They were kind of a one-two punch for the last couple of years. Losing them is a really big deal, but I think we have been prepared for this for a long time.”

Despite the absence of two stars, the Pirates are off to their best start since 2014. Yaeger said she believes that the team’s experience is the key factor in its early success.

“Dani and Tessa are gone, but we’re finally old,” Yaeger said.

“That big sophomore class we had last year, they’re all finally juniors and a lot of them play significant roles in this team.”

Two of those juniors are already making a big mark on the court – middle blocker Abby Thelen and setter Sophia Coffey. Thelen

is leading the team with 94 kills while Coffey is the Hall’s leader in assists with 140.

Thelen attributes her early success to a focused effort on becoming more consistent for her teammates.

“I want to be someone they can look to and, no matter if I get blocked or shank a pass, I’m going to be consistent and get the next ball,” Thelen said.

Yaeger has had praise for the performances of both Thelen and Coffey.

“Abby has really stepped up as a player, and Sophia more than anything has really stepped up as a leader,” Yaeger said. “She’s a captain this year as only a junior, and she runs the court really well.”

Another upperclassman making an impact is senior Sarah Kenneweg, who has taken over Fournier’s role as the libero. She already has 95 digs on the season.

“Sarah Kenneweg has been awesome,” Thelen said. “Her digs have been really good and she’s been covering really well.”

A second player in her final season is proving to be a difference maker for the Pirates as well – graduate student Sharay Barnes.

Barnes transferred from Kentucky and has already become a captain

and one of the driving forces of the team.

“It’s different coming from a power five conference where everything is bigger, stronger, faster, and harder,” Yaeger said. “She’s adjusted really well. The girls really look up to her just based on experience alone. She’s 23 and we have some freshmen who are 17 years old, so she comes with a lot of good things to bring to this program.”

While certain players have stepped up on the court and in the locker room, the squad is still focusing to improve its overall communication and chemistry.

“This season we are really focusing on connecting as a team and having one unit on the court,” Kenneweg said. “During preseason, we really focused on being loud and being together on and off the court.”

“Most of us have been here since July, so we’ve been able to get to know each other really well,” Coffey said. “Last year we did have good chemistry, but this year I think it’s going to be even better.”

The Pirates are off to a promising start and by putting an emphasis on communication, and they will look to make the NCAA

Seton Hall lands Syracuse transfer forward Taurean Thompson Tyler Calvaruso Asst. Sports Editor

Photo via SHU Athletics Junior Abby Thelen has played a large part in Seton Hall’s early season success.

Tournament for the first time since the 2014 season. Yaeger believes there is a strong chance the Pirates return.

“Our bigger goal this year is to make the NCAA Tournament,” Yaeger said. “We would love

nothing more than a 2014 repeat season, and I think this is the year to do it.”

Matt Lapolla can be reached at matthew.lapolla@student.shu. edu or on Twitter @MatthewLapolla.

Galis to be inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Elizabeth Swinton Sports Editor Syracuse transfer sophomore Taurean Thompson has officially enrolled at Seton Hall University, the athletic department announced in a press release Sept.

5. The news, first reported by Gannett New Jersey on Aug. 31, confirmed rumors of Thompson’s impending transfer.

According to NCAA transfer rules, Thompson will have to sit out the 2017-18 season. The press release states that the year away will act as a “year in residence” for Thompson before his three years of eligibility beginning in 201819.

“Taurean is a terrific addition for the Seton Hall men’s basketball program,” head coach Kevin Willard said in the release. “He is long and athletic with good post skills and the ability to step out and shoot. We will work with him during his sit-out year to further his development both on the court and in the classroom and expect him to be ready to com-

Photo via cuse.com Thompson will be eligible for Seton Hall beginning in 2018-2019. pete for Seton Hall next season.”

Thompson fills the Pirates’ last roster spot a position that was recently opened up by Darnell Brodie pushing back his college enrollment.

In 2016, Thompson’s recruitment decision originally came down to the Seton Hall and Syracuse. Thompson ultimately picked Syracuse, but now he’ll be switching sides.

Jim Boeheim, Syracuse basketball head coach, recently said that Thompson wanted to transfer to a school closer to his home town of New York City.

“My understanding is he wants to go to school closer to home due to some family health issues,” Boeheim said in a statement to

Syracuse.com.

A top-100 player coming out of St. Anthony’s (N.J.) and Brewster Academy (N.H.), Thompson started 21 games for Syracuse last year as a freshman, averaging 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

While Thompson can only participate in practices until the 2018-19 season, the forward projects to be a key part of Seton Hall’s future roster, as he will likely slide into the starting lineup to replace Angel Delgado.

Tyler Calvaruso can be reached at tyler. calvaruso@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @tyler_calvaruso. Elizabeth Swinton can be reached at elizabeth.swinton@student. shu.edu or on Twitter @eswint22.

Former Seton Hall Men’s Basketall standout Nick Galis will be inducted into the Naismath Basketball Hall of Fame on Sept. 8. Galis finished third in the country in scoring his senior year at Seton Hall, averaging 27.5 points per game without the benefit of a three point line. Galis went on to become a fourth round draft pick of the Boston Celtics and after heading overseas to play in Greece, Galis led the Greece A-1 League in scoring for 12 straight seasons, averaging 33.4 points per game in his career.

Sept. 7, 2017

SPORTS

Page 15

Softball pitcher Strunk finds passion in special education teaching Elizabeth Swinton Sports Editor Softball pitcher Madison Strunk is, in ways, following the career path of her mom, even though her mom did not always want it that way.

Strunk’s mother, Paige Sharp, is now a realtor, but when Strunk was growing up, her mom was a teacher of special needs children.

Now, about eight years later, Strunk wants to teach special needs children as well.

“I would always spend time [in her classes]. She would teach summer school and I’d always go with her every day,” Strunk said. “She was a life skills teacher, so every day I’d go with her and get experience there.”

While Sharp is always supportive of her daughter’s decisions, the one to go into the education field was not one she felt strongly about.

Coming from a family of educators, Sharp wanted her daughter to take a different path.

“It wasn’t the special needs kids that I wanted her to get away from, no, because if it was just about the kids, I’d still be a teacher,” Strunk said. “It’s the demand of a teacher. When I got out of [teaching], I saw that there was less support from your administration and that was scary to me.

I don’t know that by the time that [Madison] would start teaching, that she would have that support,

the backup from her administration. I don’t know if that would be possible at that time because I saw it dwindling and you don’t ever want your job to be in jeopardy, or your teaching license. But I’ve given up on that, and I’ve told her, ‘Do what you want to do Madison, you need to do what makes you happy.’”

Strunk’s mother believes that Madison spending time with her in the classroom sparked her interest in her care for disabled children and future career path.

“I attribute that, because she was able to see a lot and she interacted a lot,” Sharp said. “She saw the good and the bad and I think that’s where she started her whole love of these special needs kids.”

It wasn’t until this past summer that Strunk truly made up her mind and confirmed that the education field is the direction she wants to go. She had experience in the past taking care of special needs children, but a summer spent taking care of a 9-yearold special needs boy, Jonathan, helped make her choice clear.

“This summer I babysat a little boy with down syndrome, he was 9,” Strunk said. “But, since I was in seventh grade, I was a peer tutor in the life skills class that we had at my school and so I worked with special needs kids. It’s kind of something I just knew was right.”

Spending time with special needs children by her mother’s side at a young age, Strunk finds

a passion in each instance she has with a special needs child. She takes pride in being privileged to spend time with them and teach them in a way that has been gifted to her by her mother and her experiences.

“I think it’s a really big deal to treat them like you would any other 9-year-old, because he can tell and a lot of people don’t get that,” Strunk said. “My approach on that is of course you have to treat them a little different just to accommodate them, but I think that you should be able to just be direct with him and [Jonathan] started to respond a lot better when I was direct with him.”

As for Strunk’s mother, she saw that drive and passion from her daughter at a young age in her classrooms.

“I’ve always encouraged her to work with the special needs kids because she does have a gift for it, and it takes a special person to work with those kids and understand them, and I fully believe that she’s meant to do that,” Strunk’s mom said.

Strunk’s Texas routes helped play into her career path as well.

From her hometown of Adkins, Texas, Strunk was able to get involved in the community and with special needs students in an impactful way.

“We have this place called Morgan’s Wonderland, in San Antonio. It’s the first amusement park for disabled children, so I go there

Photo via SHU Athletics Strunk most recently babysat a special needs child over the summer. a lot and volunteer,” Strunk said.

“I try to be involved as much as I can.”

A junior, Strunk is majoring in social and behavioral sciences and is minoring in social work.

Whether at Seton Hall or elsewhere, Strunk plans to get more involved in the education track since she knows what she wants to do in her future.

One way that Strunk wants to connect her two passions of teaching special needs students and softball is to try and organize a special needs softball or basketball game, where students can come to campus and enjoy themselves.

While this is an idea she has had and reached out to people about, it may be more difficult to bring to life due to liabilities that come with having special needs students on campus.

Strunk is still determined to combine her two passions and make it work.

“I talked about trying to plan something, like a softball game, a day where we can play with the special needs kids in the area, but [people] have said it’s such a liabil-

ity and really tough,” Strunk said.

“That’s definitely one of my goals this fall, to try to find an after-care with these kids. It’s just hard to bring them on campus because it’s such a liability.”

Coming from a line of educators, Strunk is in some ways continuing a tradition. She is becoming a special needs teacher like her mom was and continuing a line of family teachers.

She’s not following that path because of family tradition, though, and was even warned against it.

Rather, she’s following that route to express her passion of making an impact on the lives of special needs kids as much as they make an impact on her.

“It’s something that brings me complete joy and helping kids that actually want to be helped and they see you for you. It’s just awesome,” Strunk said.

“It’s just crazy how these kids can make a huge, huge difference in your life and that’s what I want.”

Elizabeth Swinton can be reached at elizabeth.swinton@student.shu. edu or on Twitter @eswint22.

One more: Men’s soccer star returns for third and final act James Justice Sports Copy Editor After trying to make the leap professionally following the 2016-17 season, Seton Hall men’s soccer midfielder Andres Arcila is back for one final season in South Orange.

When Arcila made his decision to return, it was not announced in a tweet that evoked hundreds of likes and retweets. Instead, it was a text to his head coach of three years, Gerson Echeverry, which made clear his intention: “What are the options,” it read.

Arcila arrived at Seton Hall in the fall of 2014 from Cartagena, Colombia and immediately had to deal with an NCAA hurdle which required him to sit out his first year at Seton Hall.

“When I first was going to come here, the NCAA was mak-

ing a lot of troubles because I was international,” Arcila said. “So, because I had a different grading system, all this stuff, they were complaining about a lot. But then they said, ‘okay, you can come, but you have to sit a year.’”

During his year on the sidelines, Arcila could have sulked, but instead embraced his academics and began working toward his degree with the same determination that would come to embody his unstoppable runs through the Owen T. Carroll midfield. There was also an urgency for Arcila to finish his schooling quickly, arriving at Seton Hall at the age of 20, when most players who intend on playing professional soccer have already made their breakthrough.

When Arcila finally did step on the field in 2015, the talent was indisputable. And Arcila, un-

like most international players, was not overcome by the intense physicality which exists in college soccer. By 2016, Arcila had developed the perfect blend of strength and creativity to thrive in the college game, finishing the season with a team-leading goals seven goals and 18 points.

In his second season, Arcila was ready to see what professional interest existed. Thanks to his persistence in the classroom, which involved taking a full slate of summer classes for back-toback years, Arcila was prepared to graduate by the end of the spring.

“In December, when I finished last season, I was talking to my coach Gerson, and I told him what I wanted. I said, ‘Gerson, I think I’m mature enough now to try and play professionally,’” Arcila said.

And so, after leaving Seton

Hall in the spring, Arcila tested the waters both in the United States, where he first arrived on the soccer field in 2012 training with Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, and back home in Colombia, but things did not materialize.

It was during this period in June where Arcila reached out to Echeverry, someone who Arcila says he stayed in contact with throughout and shares a close relationship with, to see if there was any option for one more runout donning the blue and white.

The text message ringed into Echeverry’s phone from Arcila with the potential to bring back a player who is a guaranteed commodity; the conductor in the attacking end of the midfield who was undeniably the most important player offensively for the Pirates the last two seasons. There

was only one move for the Seton Hall coach.

“He was responsible for about 85 percent of our productivity [last year], you make room for someone like that,” Echeverry said. “I mean in any sport, anyone who has that much productivity for you on the offensive end; it’s an easy change.”

With Arcila back, the Pirates have the chance to do something they could not do consistently in Arcila’s first two years on the field: win.

“The most important thing is to get better results as a team,” Arcila said. “Last year I did a lot of good stuff, so people heard my name, but this season, the most important thing is to get results for the team.”

James Justice can be reached at james.justice@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @JamesJusticeIII.

Sports

thesetonian.com @SetonianSports

Women’s volleyball taking advantage of vets Page 14 Sept. 7, 2017

Page 16

CrossFit Crimi: How SHU alum learned to walk Tyler Calvaruso Asst. Sports Editor

Not many people would be able to fight through what Seton Hall alumnus Peter Crimi has overcome in his life.

Crimi, now 31 and recently married, was born nine and a half weeks premature and was born with a mild form of cerebral palsy. Crimi has had 10 surgeries and the doctors only gave Crimi’s parents a 30 percent chance of him surviving his first 72 hours. Even if he did make it, the doctors said that he was not going to be able to walk or talk.

Despite a bleak prognosis that ended with doctors telling Crimi’s parents to find a home for him to live in if he survived and a rough childhood where Crimi openly admits that he was angry growing up, he did not let that get in the way of what he wanted to do with his life.

Crimi currently works with teenagers with disabilities doing community integration and mentoring, a job that he enjoys a great deal.

“When I hang out with kids, even if they’re adults, it’s just like two dudes hanging out,” Crimi said of his job.

Along with his work with teenagers, Crimi has also adopted

CrossFit as part of his life to help him with his mobility. He first got into CrossFit while doing some research on Mike Murphy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed during Operation Red Wings, and one of the main characters in the movie “Lone Survivor.”

“I was talking to my friend about Mike Murphy and she was like ‘yeah, I know who Mike Murphy is,’” Crimi said. “She said, ‘my buddy and his friends just opened a CrossFit gym and if you do CrossFit, everyone knows Mike Murphy.’”

At first, Crimi was concerned about his safety when it came to doing CrossFit since he needed adaptive crutches to walk. A conversation with the people who ran what is now called “Heroes Journey Fitness” in Parsippany, N.J. reassured him that he would be safe while working out.

“My friend told me if you want to stop using the crutches and you want to lose some weight, go see my friend because this place is different and I promise they’re going to keep you safe,” Crimi said.

From that point on, Crimi has jumped into CrossFit and it has been four years since he has been working out at Heroes Journey.

He no longer uses the adaptive crutches and has lost 30 pounds, but most importantly, he has

found something much more special than that.

“I found a community, I found a family,” Crimi said. “The one thing about CrossFit is that you always feel a lot of support and there is this community of people where the person who gets cheered for the most is the last person and that meant so much to me.”

Lauren McFadden, an associate professor of elementary and special education at Seton Hall, remembers meeting Crimi as an undergraduate student. She recalls Crimi’s drive to attain his dream of working with special needs children.

“Peter was driven to teach special needs students,” McFadden said. “I love that he followed his heart.”

Crimi has since been back to campus, speaking to graduate students in the special education program.

“His message has been one focused on positivity, taking advantage of each new day and never giving up,” McFadden said.

Crimi hasn’t gotten to where he is today without a little help along the way. He has had some amazing people in his life to guide him, people he thinks are the main reason why he is where he is today.

“It sounds hallmark, but you have to have people that push

Photo courtesy Peter Crimi Crimi has used crossfit to overcome his disabilities. you,” Crimi said. “Even though I’m a strong, confident, independent man, I still have cerebral palsy and sometimes I’ll say I’m pretty tired and they push me to

keep going.”

Tyler Calvaruso can be reached at tyler.calvaruso@student.shu. edu or on Twitter @tyler_calvaruso.

Women’s volleyball falls in full match to Princeton Nick Santoriello Staff Writer After a promising start to the season, the Seton Hall volleyball team fell at Priceton in five sets on Wednesday to drop to 4-2 on the season.

Following much back and forth action to start the first set, the teams were tied at 11 points. The Hall then rattled off six straight points to give them a 17-11 lead and put the Pirates in the driver’s seat, where they would remain to take the first set 25-16.

Sharay Barnes led the team in the first set with four kills and finished with 14 for the match.

Princeton jumped out to an early 10-6 lead in the second set, but Seton Hall came storming back.

The team battled to cut the lead to one before finally dropping the hard-fought set 25-23.

The third set was rough for the Pirates as Princeton took an 11-7

The volleyball team has started the season with a 4-2 record. lead and didn’t look back, winning 25-14.

Similar to the first set, the two

teams traded points back and forth to tie the game at 12 points.

In a must-win set, Abby Thelen

Photo via SHU Athletics stepped up for the Hall, finishing the set with six kills to help propel Seton Hall to a 25-21 victory to

even the match at two sets. Thelen finished the match with a teamhigh 15 kills to go along with 11 digs.

Considering how tight the first four sets played out, it was only fitting the fifth and final set follow suit. In an intense and competitive set, Princeton came out on top 15-12 to take three out of five sets from Seton Hall.

Along with Barnes and Thelen, Caitlin Koska and Sarah Kenneweg also played well for the Hall with 11 kills and 27 digs, respectively.

The Pirates will travel to Illinois State this weekend to take part in the Redbird Classic, where they will take on the likes of Cincinnati, Dayton and host team Illinois State. The first of these games is set for Friday at 5 p.m. against Cincinnati.

Nick Santoriello can be reached at nicholas.santoriello@student.shu. edu or on Twitter @NickSantoriello.