The Setonian - Volume 93, Issue 17 - 02/09/2017

Graduation

In Opinion, Page 11 Volume 93, Issue 17

www.thesetonian.com

Feb. 9 2017

Graduation & ticket limit frustrate seniors Megan O’Malley Staff Writer

SGA works to resolve issues with Muslim prayer space In News, Page 2

LGBTQ students share SHU experience In Campus Life, Page 7

Even though there has been recent speculation about altering this year’s commencement ceremony plans, Seton Hall sent out an email on Tuesday, Feb. 7 that graduation will be broken down into three separate ceremonies and will be held in the Richard and Sheila Regan Fieldhouse in the University’s Recreation Center.

The student body received the email from the Office of the Provost before the University closed for the evening. The email outlined the schedule for graduation, which will be held on May 15. There will be three ceremonies, one at 8:30 a.m., the next at 1 p.m., and the final ceremony being held at 6 p.m.

The 8:30 a.m. ceremony includes graduates from the College of Communication and the Arts, the College of Education and Human Services, and the College of Nursing.

The 1 p.m. graduation will include all students in the Stillman School of Business, the School of Theology, and the School of Diplomacy and International Relations. The final ceremony at 6 p.m. will celebrate those graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences. All three ceremonies will take place in the fieldhouse with a simulcast in the Walsh Gymnasium.

When it was originally released that this year’s graduation ceremony

In Sports, Page 15

will not be held at the Prudential Center as it has been in previous years, there was uproar from the student body. Since then, the Office of the Provost, specifically Bernadette McVey, director of Academic Events, Initiatives and Planning, had been actively searching for a solution.

McVey expressed her deepest condolences for those who are upset over the change in graduation plans this year. After it came to her knowledge that the Prudential Center was booked for the origi-

nal graduation date, she said she looked toward other venues.

McVey and a number of representatives from Seton Hall, including Student Government Association (SGA) President Teagan Sebba, looked into both Metlife Stadium as well as Red Bull Arena.

Red Bull Arena at first seemed to be an alternative, but there were a number of issues with the venue. Graduates would have to sit in the bleachers as opposed to on the field, and that posed a hazard, specifically for women who would

choose to wear heels to commencement, McVey said. The Office of the Provost believed the problem could be easily resolved with a notification for the graduates to wear flats.

Ultimately, despite the work of the Office of the Provost, Red Bull Arena also ended up being booked for a soccer game the previous night and it would be impossible to set up the commencement ceremony in time, McVey said.

See Graduation, Page 3

SGA votes to petition SHU to protect DACA students Samantha Todd News Copy Editor

Recruit Duval talks SHU

Joey Khan/Photography Editor and Digital Editor Some seniors stated that seven tickets for graduation won’t be enough for their entire families.

The Student Government Association (SGA) has approved a resolution in response to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

President Dr. A Gabriel Esteban and SHU have promised to protect DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students, but have not declared any sort of formal plans. The resolution seeks that a plan be put in place.

The resolution was spearheaded

by Adrian Orozco, a sophomore political science major and the senate secretary of SGA. The resolution was passed after a roll call vote, which means the names of

all SGA senators who voted are attached to their vote and made public.

According to the roll call vote, provided by Orozco, the vote was 18 in favor, zero against and six abstained. Five senators were absent and therefore did not vote either.

Those who voted in favor of the resolution are Adrian Orozco, Zachariah Boyer, Kyjah Chandler, Michelle Pan, Maharsh Barot, Sara Johnson, Josie Martinez, Amanda Moreira, Sahil Sharma, Vinay Trambadia, Christian Krommenhoek, Rishi Shah, Bill Kuncken, Jacob Abel, Kristin Donadio, Daniel Kontoh-Boateng, Billy Toney and James Gebhardt.

Chris Morbelli, Anne Bucca, Kathryn Carson, Michael Roma, Mathew Schaller and Jong Woong Park abstained.

The immigration resolution reads that Trump passed executive orders targeting undocumented immigrants and incoming refugees. Further, it says that Trump threatened to end programs like DACA, which allows undocumented students across the country to get an education.

In continuation, the resolution points out that colleges around the country have devised plans on how to protect their undocumented students.

“President Gabriel Esteban has pledged his support for students that benefit from DACA

but has not conveyed how Seton Hall University will protect its undocumented students from federal action,” the resolution reads.

“The Senate of the Seton Hall University Student Government Association does hereby reject President Trump’s anti-immigrant policies,” it continues.

Further, “this Senate asks the Office of the President of Seton Hall University to pledge that it will not voluntarily comply with federal authorities in the event that DACA is repealed and that it develop a relevant strategy to support its undocumented students.”

See Resolution, Page 2

Page 2

NEWS

Feb. 9, 2017

Student Government Association addressing issues with Muslim prayer space on campus Ashley Turner News Editor

The Student Government Association (SGA) said that it is close to finding a new, more suitable space on campus for Muslim students to pray.

Aamna Aamir, a junior biology major and president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA), said that Muslim students at Seton Hall have had complaints about the prayer space in Walsh Library provided by the University.

The main issue that many Muslim students have had about the space is its size – it’s too small for proper prayer.

“Typically when Muslims pray, they need a little bit of space,” Aamir said via email. “It’s difficult to perform the necessary steps, such as prostration, in a small area. This is greatly because prayer times are the same for everyone, so the chances of multiple kids being in the room at once was great.”

Muslims pray five times a day: before sunrise, after the sun passes the highest point in the sky, the late part of the afternoon, just after sunset and sometime between sunset and midnight.

Thaha Sherwani, a senior diplomacy major, said that the Walsh prayer space’s size is also an issue because it prevents students from praying together.

“The room in the library is okay for one person only,” Sherwani said. “You can’t pray with more than one person [in the

Resolution: Continued from Page 1

Orozco said in an email interview that he wrote the resolution because he thinks SHU needs to do more than just pledge support for undocumented students. SHU needs to create a strategy explaining how it will protect students affected by a DACA repeal.

“A formal resolution was necessary to officially denounce Trump’s orders on behalf of the student body,” Orozco said.

“SGA shouldn’t be silent on social issues that affect students,” he added. “It’s SGA’s responsibility to express the will of the students and put pressure on the school’s administration to effect change.”

Orozco, an immigrant from Colombia, moved to the United States when he was 4 years

room]. In Islam, when you pray with more people, God gives you more reward.”

Aamir also said that the space in the library is not technically just for prayer and that it is a multi-faith room. She said that “if such a small space is shared by many other people, it becomes less effective and more distracting for each faith coming in to pray.”

Dr. John Buschman, dean of University Libraries, said that the prayer space in Walsh Library is in room 362, a former scholar study room. Such rooms are available for graduate students and faculty and have a waiting list for use.

Buschman said the size of the room has not changed since he began working at Seton Hall in 2012 and that he reported the “heavy use” of the room to the SGA. Use of the room is recorded because students are required to check out a key for access.

Aamir said that the University granted Muslim students the use of another space, Duffy Hall room 83, which is bigger, but has “had a lot of logistical issues.”

She said that the room remains a priority for classes, so if a class is allotted to that room during a time of prayer, Muslims students will have nowhere to go.

“We really have enough Muslims on campus to have a permanent room that we can set up and keep set up, at the very least on a year to year basis,” Aamir said. “We just want a room that we can set up and keep set up

like the chapels they have in the dorms. However, we are just asking for [a room] somewhere on the campus, available all day, because prayer is from morning to evening. We also just need a place that is big enough for at least 10-15 people and can store our rugs and Qurans.”

Christina Simon, a sophomore English and psychology major and SGA secretary, said that she became aware of this issue at SGA’s Town Hall meeting on Jan. 23.

Simon said that about an hour after Town Hall ended, she walked around campus in search of a proper space for prayer for

Muslim students.

According to Simon, Sebastian Derry, assistant dean for Public Services, attended the Town Hall and explained that Walsh Library could not offer an alternate room for Muslim students to use other than the one that the library was already providing.

“My adviser and I have been in contact with various campus departments, like HRL (Housing and Residence Life) and Campus Ministry since Town Hall,” Simon said via email. “We believe that we may have found the most suitable room, but we are waiting to hear from MSA to see if there is anything else that they

are looking for.”

She said that she is hopeful that MSA and SGA can work together to find a proper prayer space within the next week or so.

“We have not yet looked at the room but I believe it is a classroom-size room, which would be a good space,” Aamir said.

“They are giving us storage space as well. Although, currently, the location is still being worked out and is tentative, so nothing can really be confirmed. However, we do appreciate SGA helping us out by making another space possible.”

Ashley Turner can be reached at ashley.turner1@student.shu.edu.

old. He said his experience made him a stronger believer in immigration reform but the human factor of this issue is what led him to compose this resolution. He explained that this is a humanitarian issue that affects people directly and it is about having compassion for others.

He said most immigrants come to the U.S. for better opportunities and that they improve the country as well.

Two of Orozco’s friends were deferred from being deported because of DACA, showing the power of the program. He also said he will make sure Esteban receives a copy of the resolution.

However, he is unsure how Seton Hall administrators will respond to SGA’s plea.

Zachariah Boyer, a senior political science major, is the parliamentarian Arts and Sciences senator. Having voted in favor of the resolution, he said passing it was important. Boyer

added that he expected the resolution to pass but did not expect there to be as many abstentions as there were.

He said SGA is having this conversation about students being deported and how it’s not fair because immigrant students have done nothing wrong in his opinion.

“I think passing this (resolution) shows individuals, if there are any on campus, that hey there is a community here who wants to support you,” Boyer said.

Boyer wanted to make sure a roll call vote was held so students know who voted for the resolution and who to look at for support if they need help. He added that SGA will be talking to the administration about this resolution.

“That’s the next step, to inspire a conversation,” Boyer said.

Maggie Bach, assistant dean

of Students for Leadership Development and the SGA adviser, said via email, “I think it’s great that SGA is taking up national issues that have the potential to affect students. They are using their collective voice to advocate a point of view that is important to many of their constituents.”

Some senators who abstained from voting explained their perspective.

Morbelli, a senior political science major and at-large senator, said via email he abstained because he has “conflict of interest regarding past and potential future employment with Local and Federal Governments.”

Park is a junior political science and history major who is a part of the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and is the military science senator of SGA. He explained in an email interview that he abstained because of his position in the ROTC, which means he will conduct

himself in a non-biased and non-political manner. He said he made this promise to his constituents and the United States Army and the U.S. when he signed up to become an officer.

“My abstention does not mean that I do support or do not support the immigration resolution. It also does not mean that the opinions or thoughts of the Army or my constituents are reflected in my actions,” Park said. He added that he respects the decisions of his fellow SGA senators in regards to how each of them voted.

“I hope this isn’t the last time my fellow senators speak out on such a contested issue,” Orozco said. “I hope we speak and act more boldly in the future on broad social issues and campus life issues as well.”

Editor’s note: Gary Phillips also contributed to this report.

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

Greg Medina/Asst. Photography Editor Seen above, the Walsh Library prayer space is big enough to only fit two people at a time.

Feb. 9, 2017

NEWS

Page 3

LGBTQ community weighs Graduation: in on Trump’s choice to keep workplace protection order Continued from Page 1

Abby Deffler/Staff Photographer Teijei Leach said that he doesn’t trust President Donald J. Trump regarding LGBTQ issues.

Isabel Soisson Asst. Digital Editor On Jan. 30, 2017, the White House said that President Donald J. Trump plans to leave in place an Obama administration order protecting LGBTQ citizens in the workplace, according to The New York Times.

Many LGBTQ citizens throughout the country are afraid of a Trump presidency, especially considering Vice President Mike Pence’s stance opposing gay marriage when he was governor of Indiana. Despite the recent White House statement, LGBTQ individuals continue to be concerned about their future.

Some LGBTQ students at Seton Hall commented on the current situation.

Teijei Leach, a sophomore political science major, commented on whether or not he feels the Trump administration is being truthful.

“I don’t trust Trump for a second,” Leach said, “I think he’s only keeping LGBTQ issues the way Obama left them because he’s trying to divide minorities.”

Kaitlyn Bolwell, a freshman special education and English major, voiced her opinion as well.

“I’m still nervous because Trump and Pence have previously had very homophobic and transphobic views,” Bolwell said.

“It’s relieving that the laws are being kept in place, however,” she added. “I hope he’ll go through with it.”

Bolwell went on to describe the heightened homophobia she has witnessed since Trump was elected.

“I think people feel more comfortable coming out with their blatant homophobia because if a person with those views was elected to power, it must be okay,” Bolwell said.

Leach said that although he has not personally experienced homophobia since Trump’s election, he has noticed other issues.

“People don’t really confront me here at SHU,” Leach said, “but I have seen heightened racism since Trump was elected.”

Dr. King Mott, an openly gay, associate professor of political science and women and gender studies, was asked how he feels about the Trump administration.

“Overall, the sentiments range from uncertainty to outright fear,” Mott said in an email interview. “The current administration is reconsidering all notions

related to equal protection of the law,” he added. “Women, immigrants, Muslims, African-Americans, the disabled, and LGBTQ individuals all face heightened focus.”

Mott then commented on the rise of the alt-right, a group with a set of far-right ideologies, whose core belief is that “white identity” is under attack by multicultural forces using “political correctness” and “social justice” to undermine white people and their civilization, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

“There are now unheard of constituencies that have previously been beyond the pale in our public discourse,” Mott said.

“These groups target outsiders and subject them to blame for all sorts of economic and social conditions.”

Mott went on to comment on what the Trump administration means for LGBTQ individuals.

“Queer people are now and have historically been in our culture targets for attack and ridicule,” Mott said. “Political or quasi-religious movements to legitimize that practice are threatening to us all.”

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

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When it became evident that the only option available to the University was to hold graduation on campus, those in charge of the ceremony still actively tried to make a single ceremony so that all graduates could celebrate together, McVey said. Holding commencement on the baseball field was an option, however, the number of tickets each graduate would receive was a huge factor, she said. If the ceremony were to be outside, only two tickets would be given to each graduate. By breaking up the ceremony into three smaller commencements, each student would be able to have an additional 5 tickets.

McVey said she remains positive about the cards that she has been dealt. She hopes that the location shift from Prudential Center to campus inspires more school spirit.

Adrianna Bertoldi, a senior nursing major, is upset about the three separate ceremonies, as she is a triplet. Bertoldi and her two brothers are going to graduate separately.

“My one brother is in the Stillman School of Business and the other is in the College of Arts and Sciences. After receiving the email from the Office of the Provost, it came to my attention that we will not be able to receive our diplomas together,” Bertoldi said. “Graduation is especially sentimental for us because we are the first in our family to ever graduate from college.”

Another aspect about graduation that is unsettling for seniors is the fact that there will now be a limited number of tickets available for family and friends who wish to attend the ceremony. Only seven tickets will be available to each graduate, and three of those tickets are for seats in the gym, where guests can view the ceremony via simulcast, said the email.

Robin Nagel, a senior majoring in English in the College of Arts and Sciences, is most upset about the limited number of tickets available to her.

“Just counting immediate family members, I need a minimum of 11 tickets,” Nagel said. “For a Catholic institution that supposedly upholds family values, mine are certainly being sent through the sewage system.”

This is Nagel’s first graduation she will ever take part in and she is upset that these new developments are going to take away from the significance of the event.

“I’m actually a high school dropout who completed her GED and then applied to Seton Hall, so I’ve been looking forward to the pomp and circumstance of grad-

uating surrounded by my family and friends since I began here in August 2013,” Nagel said.

The livestream of graduation has been the source of ire for Nagel. “I’m mainly angry that I have to tell certain members of my family that the only way they are going to see my graduation is via webcast in the gym. It’s just not the grandiose way Seton Hall seems to like to say things are done around here,” Nagel added.

Despite the criticism, McVey remains optimistic.

“The University is spending more on this graduation than what we would’ve spent if it ended up being at Prudential,” McVey said.

The increased cost is partly because of the cameras that will be used during the ceremony. The University is planning on using cameras to broadcast the graduates lining up on campus, as well as their procession with bagpipes and bells to the Fieldhouse, McVey said.

McVey also pointed out a number of positives to holding commencement on campus. Since there will now be three ceremonies, commencement will be shorter. In addition, guests and students will not have to pay for parking like they would have to if the ceremony were to be at Prudential.

“Seton Hall is a beautiful campus in the spring,” said Dr. Joan Guetti, senior associate provost.

“The opportunities for commencement souvenirs is going to be very appealing for graduates.”

In addition, the Office of the Provost said that events for the whole senior class to come together in the weeks leading up to graduation are in the works. Plus, the Office of the Provost is actively seeking options for either commencement speakers or performers to satisfy graduates.

Despite all the setbacks that have been thrown her way, McVey has continued to actively search for alternatives and has been answering numerous phone calls from upset students and families.

“Bernadette has agonized over this,” Guetti said.

In response, McVey commented, “I love commencement. The fact that it has a shadow over it breaks my heart.”

Some students, although upset, are still remaining hopeful.

Miles Nash, a senior economics major in the Stillman School of Business, said, “Although it is a little disappointing that I will be unable to graduate alongside some of my brothers who are studying within different schools at Seton Hall, I still plan on making the most of the situation to enjoy my graduation. After all, it is still a great accomplishment regardless of how graduation pans out.”

Megan O’Malley can be reached at megan.omalley@student.shu.edu.

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NEWS

Crime Log Feb. 6 Incident: At approximately 12:05 a.m., a student was walking on Wilden Place when the student was approached by two males dressed in dark clothing and armed with a handgun. The student screamed for help and ran toward the Wilden Gate where a Public Safety officer was stationed. The South Orange Police Department was notified and responded.

Feb. 6 Incident/CDS: Public Safety responded to Aquinas Hall on a report of the smell of marijuana emanating from a room. They conducted a search and found marijuana and a black folding knife.

Feb. 7 Theft Someone reported that candy was stolen from the vending machine at Walsh Library. A further inspection by the Public Safety officer revealed that the machine was unlocked and items inside were missing.

Upcoming Events What: Get Hired Boot Camp When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Jubilee Hall, Room 111 The Details: Bob Franco will teach the workshop, focusing on two topics: “Interviewing to Get Offers - Presenting a Professional Value-adding Image” and “The Role of Social Media and Networking in a Job Search.”

Cost: $99 For more information, see www.shu.edu.

What: Sin in the Sixties: Catholics and Confession 1955-1975 When: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m.

Where: Faculty Lounge, University Center The Details: The Catholic Studies program will present the book talk by Dr. Maria Morrow.

Cost: Free For more information, contact Gloria Aroneo at gloria.aroneo@shu.edu or (973) 2752808.

What: Irish Heritage Week Celebration When: Friday, Mar. 17, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, the University Center and New York City The Details: Seton Hall Alumni Relations and the Seton Hall Pirates of Irish Persuasion & Extraction (PIPE) Alumni Club invite Seton Hall alumni, students, employees, family and friends to attend the kick-off to SHU’s first annual Irish Heritage Week.

Cost: Free For more information, contact Brian O’Malley at brian.omalley@shu.edu.

Feb. 9, 2017

Black History Month draws Black Panther speaker Benjamin Jaros Staff Writer February is Black History Month and Seton Hall is hosting numerous events including the Seton Hall Black History Inaugural Lecture, which was held on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 8 p.m. in the Jubilee Hall Auditorium.

The theme of Black History Month this year is “The Crisis in Black Education.”

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Association (MLKSA) hosted Kathleen Cleaver, currently a senior lecturer in law at Emory University and a member of the Black Panther movement in the 1960s, as a speaker. The talk centered on Cleaver’s life and how she became involved in the Black Panther and Black Power movement during the 1960s.

Cleaver stressed that the Black Panther movement, which was started by two black college students, should help college students understand that they can make a change. She said, “You are college students, and you have a lot of world changing ahead of you.”

When asked about the impor-

Kiera Alexander/Staff Photographer Kathleen Cleaver spoke about the Black Panther movement. tance of life, whether the individual is African American, Muslim American or any other ethnicity, she responded, “Life is precious.

To be human is to understand that.”

Her presence on campus inspired many of the students that attended the lecture.

Taylor Newkirk, a freshman

psychology major said, “I really appreciated the fact that SHU had brought someone as powerful as Kathleen Cleaver onto campus.

It’s a real inspiration to the young aspiring activists here.”

Another student, Josh Corpuz, a sophomore diplomacy major, also attended the event. “I feel really empowered. I am interest-

ed in the intersection of race and gender and Professor Cleaver embodying passion for civil rights makes me find inspiration in the fight for civil rights,” he said.

Rev. Dr. Forrest Pritchett, director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Program, explained the importance of Black History month on SHU’s website. “Some folks like to say that Black History is American History. That statement would be true if all of the components of the Black experience were treated and covered in American history books,” he said. “The reality is, that historically, most African American children begin to feel different, in a negative way after reading about the experience of their people in traditional text material.”

The reminder of the need for change is seen in Black History Month and Cleaver demonstrated through her talk that there is plenty of change to be seen in the world.

“The world we live in is capable of being changed,” Cleaver said, “You are the ones who make the difference.”

Benjamin Jaros can be reached at benjamin.jaros@student.shu.edu.

SGA Updates Brianna Bernath Asst. News Editor At the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting this week, Interim Provost Dr. Karen Boroff visited to explain the commencement situation in more detail during Public Forum.

Boroff said that despite the circumstances surrounding commencement not being ideal, she encourages graduates not to skip the ceremony as she has always regretted not attending her MBA commencement.

President Teagan Sebba stated during her report that the Provost’s office did as much as they could to help, including looking into other venues. She added that SGA successors need to take the reins for next year’s commencement.

The Student Life Committee reported that they will be working on the lack of feminine hygiene products in women’s bathrooms across campus.

The Academic Affairs Committee reported that it will look into how often the library is repainted to cover writing on the wall.

Treasurer Alyssa Potenzone reported that the co-sponsorship budget is at $10,190, while the SGA spring budget is at $11,655. The operational budget is at $3,888, and the GDS budget is at $6,945.

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

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Feb. 9, 2017

NEWS

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South Orange businesses seek to employ Pirates Brynne Connolly Staff Writer

One Student Government Association (SGA) member has been creating a list of job openings in South Orange for Seton Hall students.

Ravi Shah, a junior political science major and at-large senator, has been working since last November to compile a list of several local businesses looking to hire SHU students.

This initiative was brought to Shah’s attention by his fellow senator in SGA, Kristin Donadio. A senior nursing major, Donadio had heard of many students looking for work close to campus.

“We found that there are not many (jobs) listed on the Navigator so Sen. Donadio made phone calls and visited local business to find job openings for Seton Hall Students,” Shah said via email.

Donadio said that she wanted to strengthen Seton Hall’s relationship with local businesses so she spent a few days over her winter break calling various places in the downtown area and got a list of 10 establishments looking to hire from Seton Hall and their contact information. She said in an email interview, “During my

Katherine Boland/Staff Photographer South Orange is full of job opportunities for students, according to a list compiled by SGA. phone calls, all local businesses that expressed they are hiring were pleasantly receptive and open to hiring students.”

This service is not a database in the way that Navigator is, Shah

said. It is a flyer that students can pick up in the Career Center or download online off of the Navigator website. Navigator is an online database that catalogues open positions for students interested

in internships and jobs.

Some students feel this service could be an efficient and stress reducing method to finding parttime work.

Kristina Dauernheim, a junior

biology major, said, “ I think that providing students with an easier way to see who’s hiring in South Orange will take away one of the difficult parts in finding a job.”

Erica Naumann, a senior public relations major, agreed that this list would be beneficial to the student body. She said, “I would prefer to have a list of prospective employers. I like to see what they are looking for and what I can offer them prior to any other interviews or meetings.”

However, one student felt differently.

Lanie Benton, a senior education major, holds a receptionist position at Mark Murphy’s Music LLC in South Orange. Benton said she felt that using Navigator and her own skills was enough to land a good position.

Benton said, “it would have been nice, everything in one place but I would probably still look outside the list.”

Due to their close relationship with the Career Center, Shah and Donadio ask that if a student gets a job that is listed in the flyer or if they are seeking other part-time employment to please contact the Career Center.

Brynne Connolly can be reached at brynne.connolly@student.shu.edu.

Students with food allergies struggle to eat on campus Sarah Yenesel Staff Writer Students with food allergies can look to Disability Support Services (DSS) to help them find food that is safe for them to eat on campus.

According to Angela Millman, the director of DSS, no one is required to register with DSS. However, if a student does register, DSS can then communicate with Gourmet Dining Services (GDS) about the student’s food restrictions. Millman said GDS can then suggest to students what to eat or provide special options like dairy-free yogurt or gluten-free bread.

“I believe that since food allergies may impose a safety risk, it is especially important to register with DSS so that the university is informed,” Millman said via email.

Millman added that food allergy registration has only been possible for a couple of years, and only a few students with food allergies register with DSS each year.

Students with Celiac disease have limited options at campus eateries. Celiac disease causes an immune reaction to the digestion

of gluten that damages the small intestine, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation’s website.

According to Beyond Celiac, a non-profit that raises awareness of Celiac disease, an estimated 1 in 313 Americans have the disease.

Michael Garcia, director of Business Affairs, said in an email interview that students who register with DSS are referred to GDS’s Registered Dietitian, Jennifer Bostedo. Garcia said Bostedo gives a tour of the dining options on campus, which should leave the student with an understanding of how to achieve maximum nutrition, where there are safe and unsafe foods, and how to get dining help daily.

Isabella Hansen, a senior social and behavioral science major, was diagnosed with Celiac disease after she moved off-campus. Not having a meal plan, she said in an email interview that the specified gluten-free food in the Cove is “gross” and “has been sitting in the fridge too long.” Hansen said she also did not want to ask the school for help because she did not think they would do anything to assist her.

Karissa Delphus, a junior nursing major, is a commuter but lived on campus her freshman

Greg Medina/Assistant Photography Editor Some students with allergies still worry about cross-contamination in the cafeteria. and sophomore year. She said via email when she was diagnosed with Celiac disease about a year ago, she was referred to a nutritionist through the school.

The nutritionist guided Delphus through the cafeteria to show her foods she could and could not eat due to her disease.

The nutritionist was unsure about whether some foods had gluten in them, like ice cream and salad dressings, Delphus said. She

added that her diet in the cafeteria mostly consisted of fruit and vegetables in the fridge that is specifically designated for gluten free foods.

Delphus said the nutritionist told her to contact them with questions, but she never got a reply to her emails and instead was sent a monthly newsletter about Celiac disease.

“To be honest,” she said, “I just want to know if I can eat the

damn sausage at breakfast.”

Delphus said she thinks the workers in the cafeteria may not have been trained on how to handle allergies. She said she has asked workers to change gloves or provide foil so she could cook her gluten-free wrap in the quesadilla maker without cross-contamination. Some workers thought it was funny that she needed it.

Sarah Yenesel can be reached at sarah.yenesel@student.shu.edu.

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NEWS

SGA to add clubs tab on PirateNet Emily Betz Staff Writer

The Student Government Association (SGA) is developing a new club tab on PirateNet to help clubs reach out to students and update them on ways to get involved.

The idea came from SGA representatives Christina Simon, Josie Martinez, Gabby Beard and Sean Bolduc. Simon, a sophomore English and psychology major and SGA secretary, she said the team of SGA representatives had listened to clubs voice their concerns about recruiting students and keeping them updated on events and meetings. This sparked the idea of a club tab, Simon said.

Simon explained the new tab would be a widget located on the SHU Portal homepage in the form of a calendar. This would allow students to stay updated on different clubs, meetings and events. It will show students events for both clubs that they have and have not joined.

“The club calendar aims to make event information more easily accessible to the student body in order to help students become more involved with

Feb. 9, 2017

Throwback Thursday

What was The Setonian reporting years ago?

“Greek housing coming to Ora”

Screengrab via piratenet.shu.edu The SHU Portal homepage will soon include a clubs calendar. clubs’ events,” Simon said in an email interview.

She added that the new application “will be especially helpful to transfer students and freshmen as they search for their niches in the SHU community and to the whole student body as they find new events and clubs to support.”

The app is for all clubs approved through the Student Organizations Advisory Committee (SOAC), Simon said. Clubs would be given a form to fill out for their events, or recruitment, providing time, place, name of event and cost. This information will then appear in the club tab for students to see.

“If an online calendar gives the student body easier access to event information than flyers and social media posts,

then students may feel more encouraged to attend club events whether they are already members or not,” Simon said.

“In return, the higher level of student body involvement can yield higher attendance at club events, creating a more unified community through the events of our clubs.”

Shaaliyah Lyons, a senior sports management major and the president of Alpha Kappa Psi, expressed her feelings about the tab.

“It would be extremely beneficial,” she said. “It’s hard getting the word out.”

“If organizations can work together with this calendar, it will definitely increase involvement,” Lyons said.

Emily Betz can be reached at emily.betz@student.shu.edu.

Author: Mary Marshall Date: Feb. 13, 2014 The story: The Housing and Residence Life (HRL) Director of the off-campus dormitory Ora Manor, Brian O’Malley, met with the Greek Municipal Assembly (GMA) to introduce the idea of a Greek Life living and learning community in the dorm building.

“Former SHU adjunct tells off students”

Author: Courtney Johnson Date: Feb. 13, 2003 The story: Former adjunct communication professor Mary Ann Swissler sent a harsh email to students in her class, telling them off for her negative reviews on www. myprofessorsucks.com. The 31 reviews of Swissler on the professor-critiquing site bashed her teaching abilities, clothes, personality and hairstyle, landing her an overall grade of a ‘D.’

Pennsylvania State U.:

UC Berkeley:

Clemson University:

Rowan University:

Northwestern U.:

U. of Wisconsin-Madison: U. of Minnesota:

Where: State College, Pa. Date: Feb. 7 The update: A student from New Jersey, sophomore engineering major Timothy Piazza, fell to his death, down the stairs of a fraternity house during a party last week. State College police are investigating, noting that there were 12 hours between the time the student fell and the time first responders arrived at the scene.

From: www.cbsnews.com Where: Glassboro, N.J. Date: Feb. 5 The update: According to authorities, two students were robbed at gunpoint on campus by a group of men. The robbery occurred around 8:40 p.m. when four men in a fourdoor sedan pulled up next to the two male students. One of the men pulled out a handgun and demanded money.

From: www.nj.com

Where: Berkeley, Calif.

Date: Feb. 2 The update: Protests and violence prompted the University to cancel a scheduled speech by Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopolous. Fires were set, and commercial-grade fireworks were thrown at police officers. The violence at what had been a non-violent protest was incited by 150 masked instigators. Police treated six people for injuries.

From: www.nbcnews.com Where: Evanston, Ill. Date: Feb. 7 The update: The University is investigating reports of possible sexual assaults on campus involving a date rape drug. The University sent out a security alert on Feb. 6 to warn students after two separate reports were filed last week with the school’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Office.

From: www.nbcchicago.com

Where: Clemson, S.C. Date: Feb. 7 The update: Three professors will fast for six days to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily banning refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. The professors call it the “Fast Against Silence,” and the goal is to pressure the university into issuing a statement opposing the ban.

From: www.insidehighered.com Where: Madison, Wis. Date: Feb. 7 The update: A student at the university, 33-year-old computer science major Daniel Dropik, has abandoned his efforts to form a Madison chapter of the pro-white group, the American Freedom Party, after he received backlash from other students and university officials.

From: www.journaltimes.com

Indiana University:

Where: Bloomington, Ind. Date: Feb. 7 The update: White supremacist fliers were found on faculty members’ doors. According to Lauren Robel, the school’s Provost and Executive Vice President, the fliers were found on the doors of “faculty members of color or scholars of race and ethnicity.” Other schools have reported similar postings in recent months.

From: www.indystar.com Where: Minneapolis, Minn.

Date: Feb. 3 The update: A University panel has cleared 4 out of 10 football players in a sexual assault investigation, eased the sanctions on one, and upheld the punishments on the other five. Attorney Lee Hutton III, a former University of Minnesota football player himself, represented nine of the players.

From: www.cbsnews.com

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

February 9, LIFE 2017 CAMPUS

Page7 7 Page

LGBTQ community talks about life on campus Alyssa Schirm Staff Writer

When asked about how accepted they feel on campus, several students in same-sex relationships at SHU had mixed answers, ranging from good to bad. Each student who was interviewed, all in same-sex relationships, relayed stories of incidents where they felt deliberately unsafe or unaccepted on campus.

Christina Pepe, a junior criminal justice major, remembered a time in her freshman year where she saw discriminatory posts about the LGBTQ community on YikYak, a public forum for communities to share opinions.

“It was really upsetting seeing those posts,” she said. “I remember telling my mom about them and she was worried about me being openly gay on campus.”

Another student in a same sex relationship, who asked not to be named, said that she’s experienced multiple instances of verbal homophobia on campus, whether towards her specifically or the community as a whole. She, however, like the other students interviewed, still believe that Seton

Katherine Boland /Staff Photographer

Some members of the LGBTQ community have found acceptance on campus.

Hall is an accepting place.

Leanna Agresta, a junior broadcasting major and Pepe’s partner, said that she and Pepe received nothing but support in their same-sex relationship, even if that was not the case for them

individually.

“I feel very accepted here. Even before we came out, our friends would come up to us and say, ‘whatever this is, I love it! Keep doing what you’re doing!’”Agresta said.

While the LGBTQ community is, for the most part, accepted at SHU, all three students also noted that the community is severely underrepresented. The anonymous student added that “Representation is harder to find,

nowhere on this campus have I ever seen a physical representation of the queer community via events, flyers or art. It’s discouraging.”

While Seton Hall does have ALLIES, a club for LGBTQ students to meet others in the community in a non-discriminating environment, this club seems to lack advertising support as opposed to more prominent groups.

Commenting on ALLIES, Pepe said, “I joined my freshman year but it was difficult to find this club because it is not broadcasted as much as other clubs on campus.”

While she noted that the LGBTQ community does feel underrepresented, she also said that ALLIES is an important group nonetheless.

“I feel it would be extremely helpful to other students and incoming freshman in the LGBTQ community to know about this club because it is a place where you feel safe, accepted, and you also get to meet others in the LGBTQ community on campus,” Pepe said.

Alyssa Schirm can be reached at alyssa.schirm@student.shu.edu.

CPC sorority membership resonates with students Payton Seda Staff Writer

After this year’s College Panhellenic Council Formal Recruitment, Seton Hall’s Greek Life community grew by 22.2 percent according to Greek Life liason Michael Davis.

The recruitment process kicked off with the annual Meet the Sororities event Jan. 17, with nearly 200 women from all classes and even some transfer students, Davis explained.

“It was great to see so many women interested in going Greek and being able get to know them all a little bit through the formal recruitment process,” said Alpha Omicron Pi president Laura Way. This year’s Meet the Sororities included Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Phi Epsilon, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Alpha Sigma Tau and newcomer Zeta Tau Alpha. The event serves as marketing for Formal Recruitment.

“It allows women to learn more about each organization before they commit to registering for the Formal Recruitment process,” Davis said.

The recruitment process oc-

Photo via Facebook/ Greek Life at Seton Hall Many students are finding homes in a sorority at Seton Hall.

curs over a course of three days in which potential new members learn more about each sorority.

“During recruitment, we are just hoping to get our values out and have women understand what we are about,” said Amanda Shute, formal chair of Alpha Sigma Tau. Each day potential new members narrowed down their choic-

es to two organizations they would like to join, while each sorority creates a list of women that they feel embody their values and ideals.

“This year we had 144 women match with organizations, slightly lower than last year’s number of 187,” Davis said.

This is in part due to the many “sophomores and upper-

classmen who would’ve went through the Formal Recruitment Process this semester” but joined ZTA during the fall instead, Davis said.

According to Davis, the overall increase in CPC sorority membership came from the new ideas, practices, and initiatives brought to campus by new organizations.

“Students who may have not joined a Greek organization in the past are now able to find one to call their own,” he added.

“I believe that’s what happened with so many women who joined ZTA this past year.”

However, despite this overall improvement, the cap, or quota, for this year’s recruitment was 24, significantly lower than the year prior, said Shute, a sophomore biology major.

Women who withdraw during the recruitment process affect what the quota may end up being for that year, Davis said.

CPC executives are already trying to determine what caused the drop in attendance mid Formal Recruitment for next year.

Davis advises all students who are looking to join Greek Life to keep an open mind and strive to have authentic conversations in order to make real connections with sisters.

“This year’s recruitment was more intimate,” Shute said. “I think each sorority will retain more of its new members and that these new members found their proper new home.”

Payton Seda can be reached at payton.seda@student.shu.edu.

Page 8

CAMPUS LIFE

Feb. 9, 2017

EMT worker reflects on Hoboken train crash Kiah Conway Staff Writer

Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, a New Jersey Transit train crashed into the Hoboken Terminal, due to the engineer’s undiagnosed sleep disorder. The tragic accident, which resulted in more than 100 people injured and one dead, is what led Jeremy Garriga to the scene.

“Before I got called on the scene for the Hoboken train crash, I had fallen asleep in my dorm studying for my first developmental psychology exam,” Garriga, a junior social and behavioral science major said. “I woke up to multiple phone calls and texts. I didn’t realize how serious the situation was until I opened a voicemail from the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps telling all members to come to the train crash site” Garriga knew he had to go. He got permission from his professor to miss his exam and made his way to Hoboken.

The scene of the crash was flooded with police, firemen and ambulances from different towns and companies, all lined up waiting to take patients to hospitals. Five hospitals nearby were packed with patients from the accident. Once Garriga was

Jeremy Garriga saves lives as an EMT and hopes to become a doctor. on-site he was instructed on where he was needed the most and what to do. The training he received helped him while at the scene.

“I believe that everyone, including myself, was very prepared for the incident,”Garriga said. “We have classes held annually to keep us up to date on what to do for what if situations.

However, no one is ever really prepared for the real thing no matter how many training classes one has completed.”

Friends of Garriga find the work he does to be inspiring.

“Jeremy has the best work ethic of anyone our age and that’s something to be inspired by,” said Megan Nolan, a junior at New Jersey City University.

“Many people don’t worry about the seriousness of life, as in careers and work, but rather be out ‘living it up’ instead. Most people dream of being successful and Jeremy sets an amazing example of what a hard-working young adult striving for success

looks like.”

Marissa Banks, a freshman public relations major at Seton Hall said Garriga’s EMT aspirations only enhance his caring aspects.

“He is definitely a do-anything-to-help-people-type of person. Which, to me, is most definitely what you want in an EMT,” Banks said. “He cares so much about people and wants them to be happy and live well.

Literally such a caring guy.”

Garriga has found his calling

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Garriga

through being an EMT. “Being an EMT is truly a unique experience. My work has truly fortified my goals of becoming a doctor. I knew that I’ve always wanted to be a doctor since I was young. More specifically, I would hope to one day become a neurosurgeon. Since I have experience in the emergency field, I know that I would also do well as an emergency room doctor/ surgeon,” Garringa said.

Kiah Conway can be reached at kiah.conway@student.shu.edu.

Professor brings military style to SHU public relations classes Zachary Wohl Staff Writer

Professor Nicole Dieso is teaching for the first time at Seton Hall this semester, yet she has already attracted the interests of other faculty members and students due to her unique, confrontational teaching method.

Dieso’s character and unique style can largely be attributed to her background. Working as a Public Relations professional, Dieso traveled to different countries to apply her skills.

“I was a female civilian in the Middle East. Everyone makes assumptions about you and you are not met at a level playing field.

This gave me a perspective as an international PR (professional),” Dieso said.

The professor spent time in countries such as Kuwait and Qatar. According to Dr. Jon Radwan, chair of the Communications Program, Dieso has notable military experience and demonstrates leadership.

Dieso originally came to Seton Hall last semester as a guest lecturer. In her lecture, she talked about effective messaging and how to get a point across. Radwan

In addition to her PR work, Nicole Dieso has worked with ROTC. noted that Dieso’s lectures “were met with a very positive reception.” When deciding on bringing

her to Seton Hall as a professor, Radwan remarked that, “her leadership experience is important

Photo courtesy of Nicole Dieso and valuable. She can really help develop an international side of the PR program.”

Now, as a professor, Dieso is looking to apply the lessons and morals she developed during her time both abroad and in the military.

“Discipline is important; say what you mean and mean what you say,” Dieso explained.

Her course, Promotional Writing, deals with press releases, communication skills, effective writing, and professionalism. Aside from the skills one requires to study PR, Dieso hopes to impart one specific idea to her students.

“A major component is feedback,” Dieso said. “There is this idea that Gen-X and millennials don’t like feedback. Criticism is not feedback. Feedback is actually giving somebody something they can use. Being able to receive and give feedback is important.”

Though her course has only met a couple times so far, her style has already begun impacting students.

“I really like her class because she is forward and stern,” Sam Berenato, a junior PR major taking Promotional Writing, said.

“She calls people out and gets you out of your comfort zone.”

Zachary Wohl can be reached at zachary.wohl@student.shu.edu.

Page 9

CAMPUS LIFE

Feb. 9, 2017

Students go Loco for local cuisine

Rhania Kamel Staff Writer

In the 80s, South Orange was without a Mexican restaurant leaving the door open for Ignacio Guzman to seize an opportunity.

Toro Loco is a family owned Mexican restaurant located at 23 Valley Street in South Orange.

Teresa Guzman, the owner of Toro Loco said,“30 years ago, the market was void of Mexican Food, and that void needed to be filled. My brother, Ignacio, recognized the need. He was the one with the initial idea and drive to open a Mexican restaurant.

Ignacio asked me if I wanted to have my own restaurant, and that is how Toro Loco came to be.”

The family run business was established in 1988. Many workers have been with the restaurant since it opened. Its menu is a mix of family recipes and original ideas.

“Ignacio created the menu, some are based on our mother’s recipes and others were his own creations, of what he thought the consumer would want to eat,” Guzmansaid.

Toro Loco tries to give back to the community by participating in local fundraisers, hosting various community events and

Toro Loco’s owners said they saw a need for Mexican food in South Orange. supplying food for their attendees.

“When we first joined the South Orange community, we faced some adversity because the community had not dealt with Mexicans or Mexican food before,” Guzman added, “It was something new, and as you know, with new or foreign things, people tend to be frightened because they don’t know what to expect.

Due to our involvement in the community, we have enriched our own lives and those of others.”

The restaurant is a hot spot for Seton Hall University students because of its food and inviting atmosphere.

“I like that Toro Loco is so close to campus,” Allison Kroeger, a freshman economics major, said.

Popular items from the restau-

rant are its empanada appetizers, sizzling fajitas and mole poblano, a traditional chocolate-based sauce that pairs with enchiladas and grilled chicken. Guzman estimated that about 80 percent of customers are students that keep coming back for more.

Toro Loco’s busiest day is Cinco de Mayo. On that day, reservations are nearly impossible to book and the restaurant needs

Kiera Alexander/Staff Photographer security to control the influx of customers.

Popular times for SHU students are dinner, happy hour and Friday and Saturday evenings.

“Toro Loco is a pretty chill place when you’re looking for a different flavor than usual,” Kyle Adams, a junior Political Science major, said.

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

SHU acapella group hits the right notes Erika Szumel Staff Writer

Mixing songs, dropping beats, hitting notes and making harmonies, all without instruments, is the foundation for acapella. Now, Seton Hall has a group of its own, Seton Notes.

Seton Notes, had its debut in fall 2015, but became official in the fall 2016 semester. Amanda Derosa, a sophomore business management major and president of Seton Notes, explained that the group is about more than just singing covers and “dropping sick beats,” but spending time together outside of rehearsals and harmonies. They focus on building their friendships as well.

“Our music is able to bring even more people together which is the best part,” she said. “The group’s said multiple times that they love that they’re able to reflect their relationship with each other on other people as well and it can make them just as happy.”

Derosa added that the group sings mostly popular music, but turns to classics such as Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” to showcase their talent and fill out their

Photo via Flickr/Seton Hall University Seton Hall’s first co-ed acapella group will be holding auditions in February. repertoire.

Shawn Brelvi, a sophomore mathematics major, Seton Notes

member and publicist, said the group wants students to know that Seton Notes is an accepting

and welcoming gateway for them to sing and perform together. He also spoke about the dynamics of

the group and the elements that contribute to an acapella performance.

“There are two beatboxers in the group as well as two mouth trumpets. These sounds have been in some of our performances and never fail to shock people,” he said.

Students may have seen them perform “Mary, Did You Know?” at this year’s Tree Lighting or possibly at SAB’s Final Free Zone last semester. Seton Notes currently has 11 members but will be holding auditions on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 from 3-6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12 from 3-6 p.m. in Corrigan Hall.

Victoria Lieto, a junior occupational therapy major and vice president of Seton Notes, said that musical talent is present everywhere.

“People mostly do have an ability, even if it’s not singing, maybe it’s beatboxing. Everyone has this natural ability for music,” she said. “I feel like that’s what Seton Notes is about, it’s letting everyone get in touch with this inner musician that they have.”

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

CAMPUS LIFE

Page 10

Feb. 9, 2017

Professor talks faith, religion and film Megan Beauchamp Staff Writer

In her new book, Catholic Literature and Film: Incarnational Love and Suffering, English and Catholic Studies professor Dr. Nancy Enright depicts a distinctive interpretation of watching films through a religious lens.

The idea of the book was cultivated from a course Enright created called Catholic Literature and Film. The discussions and spirit of the class prompted Enright to write the book based around the course.

“I really loved teaching the course, it was interesting to me,” she said. “So I just thought, I’d really like to turn this into a book.”

Enright, explores film adaptations like The Lord of the Rings and Les Miserables, unearthing the sometimes overlooked religious themes that a movie-goer might not notice among the numerous aspects of film. She explores themes of suffering, sacrifice and the idea of romantic love being a vehicle for salvation.

These major themes are heavily rooted in religion. However, according to Enright, we also find them in films, something the average viewer might not realize.

“You see suffering depicted in a redemptive way, that their suffering brings them to a place

Dr. Nancy Enright’s new book discusses religious themes in literature and film. where they can open up to God,” Enright said, referring to the book and film adaptation of Les Miserables.

Peter Fraser, the dean of College of Arts and Sciences at Regent University, noted in a review that the book “defines how a film can be ‘incarnational and sacramental.’”

Enright also shared her opinions on faith and religion in gen-

eral, commenting how they are becoming more marginalized in society.

“When people think of religion, it’s over there, and the rest of our lives are over here,” she said. “If faith is going to be genuine for us, I think it should be in every part of our lives.”

Shaun Holder, senior and social and behavioral sciences major, had similar remarks to En-

Photos via Facebook/Nancy Enright and shu.edu

right’s first point commenting on the role of religion in other types of media.

“I listen to a lot of rappers, and I think their views of God line up with mine,” he said. “Hearing it through music is just a little more comforting.” Enright also highlighted the aspect of music that enables it to become a type of outlet where people can express faith more obviously than

say a piece of literature or even film.

More than the content of the book, Enright urges people to think about faith in thier own lives when reading the book.

“The most important thing is if it can touch someone’s life positively,” she said.

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

SHU production at SOPAC

Photo courtesy of Melanie Weir The SHU Theater production of “As It Is In Heaven” will be free to the public from Feb. 9-12 at SOPAC. The play is set in the 1830s and centers on the Shaker community. When a new member arrives, a new belief system leads to a confrontation with Shaker values of living simply and a strict focus on faith.

The seven-person cast goes on a journey, rebelling against the limitations of their society and facilitating change in the process. Showtimes are Feb. 9-11 at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 12. The cast and crew are also preparing to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Opinion thesetonian.com

February 9, 2017

Page 11

The Voice Graduating seniors deserve better from Seton Hall O

n Tuesday, Feb. 7, Seton Hall sent out an email in which details for the 2017 commencement ceremony were finally released.

It’s about time.

With graduation just a few months away, seniors finally know what time they will be walking.

They know that they will walk in the fieldhouse. They know that they will receive four tickets for loved ones to watch in-person.

They know that they will get another three tickets for a Walsh

Gym viewing room that will show a simulcast of the events. And, of course, they know that they deserve so much better from their University.

The disappointment is nothing new. We all knew this year’s seniors were in for an unsatisfying end to their college careers when it was first announced that Prudential Center would not be the host. Still, the unpopular plan of having three separate ceremonies divided by schools and colleges, announced months ago, seemed

An open letter to my pro-life father Ashley Turner News Editor Political discussion has become an unavoidable topic in my home since the election of President Donald J. Trump – especially since I am a liberal Democrat and my father a conservative Republican.

This past Sunday’s Super Bowl celebration was no exception.

Almost immediately after the Atlanta Falcons punted the football to begin the first quarter, I thought we had deftly avoided all political talk, but I was wrong.

My mother’s friend mentioned Trump and his position regarding women’s rights and his stance on abortion, which got my father going. (A wonderful start to the game, right?)

To sum up what unfortunately became a 20-minute debate – despite my mother’s constant shouts for us to stop arguing on Super Bowl Sunday – my father established that he believes abortion is murder.

“Dad, if I were to get pregnant right now, would you want me to keep it?” I, a 20-year-old college student who is still financially dependent on my parents, asked.

He pursed his lips, sighed and replied, “Don’t get pregnant.”

“Sometimes you just can’t control those things,” I replied. “It just happens.”

“Oh, yes you can control that,” my father said. “You control it by putting a dime between your legs and never letting it hit the floor.”

Like almost every other college-aged female on Earth, I was

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like one SHU might scrap after the student body expressed its concerns.

Seton Hall didn’t, though, meaning some friends will not walk together and some families will have to sit through multiple ceremonies. Most won’t even be able to have their entire families attend. Some will have to decide who gets to watch in-person, who gets to watch in the viewing room and who gets to stay at home. Perhaps graduates can host a Hunger Games-type competition among

their family and friends to decide who goes where.

But hey, thank Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton that graduation is still on that oh, so sacred Monday on May 15. We wouldn’t want to break tradition now, would we!

We would be remiss to not mention that people worked hard to address these issues, just as there are people working hard to make sure those May 15 festivities are extravagant. Still, as Interim Provost Dr. Karen Boroff acknowledged earlier in the week,

the plan in place simply is not acceptable to many.

Instead of excitement, will-be graduates await the pinnacle of their college careers with anger and frustration.

It’s a real shame more couldn’t be done, Seton Hall. Your seniors certainly deserved it.

The Voice is intended to best represent the collective opinion of The Setonian’s Editorial Board. It is written

by The Setonian’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor, both of whom are graduating seniors.

not prepared to discuss my sex life with my father any further. So, I walked away. However, what he said really hit me.

I love my father and I know he loves me just as much – but I do not agree with him politically. Despite him playing a great role in my creation, he has absolutely no say in what I do with my body.

This column does not focus on whether I think abortion is right or wrong. It solely focuses on the fact that absolutely no man has the right to tell a woman what to do with her uterus.

Listen up, dad.

Act 45, the “Unborn Child Protection From Dismemberment Abortion Act,” is a bill recently passed in Arkansas which prevents women from having abortions after 14 weeks of pregnancy. It also allows a spouse, parent or legal guardian to sue the abortion provider. If you guessed that a man signed this bill into law then you guessed correctly! Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson decided that men can tell a woman what to do with

her body (or at least postpone the abortion until it’s too late for her to make her own choice).

Now dad, I know you said that you believe there should be exceptions to allow women to get abortions if they were raped or if there is a threat to the mother’s life. I 100 percent agree with that, but why does a woman need to be raped or in danger of dying to take control of her own reproductive rights?

You said that women have the right to control their reproductive system by tying their tubes or tak-

ing birth control, but once a fetus is in the picture, the woman just has to deal. But it’s not that easy.

I am not ready to tie my tubes.

Birth control is only 91 to 99 percent effective, according to HealthyWomen.org. And no, I am not willing to hold a dime in between my legs. No man owns me. I belong to myself – and I’ll be damned if anyone tries to tell me otherwise.

Even you, dad.

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

Photo via Pixabay/sarahbernier3140

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Deadline for submission is noon on the Tuesday preceding publication. Letters can be e-mailed to Gary Phillips, Editor-in-Chief, at thesetonian2016@gmail.com.

Corrections

The Setonian willingly corrects errors in fact. For corrections, please contact Gary Phillips, Editor-in-Chief, at thesetonian2016@ gmail.com.

Gary Phillips

Editor-in-Chief

Leah Carton

Evelyn Peregrin

Ashley Turner

Elizabeth Swinton

Brianna Bernath

Asst. News Editor

Samantha Todd

Asst. Photography Editor

Keaghlan Brady

Campus Life Copy Editor

News Editor

Greg Medina

Asst. Campus Life Editor

Managing Editor

Sports Editor

Kyle Kasharian

Asst. Sports Editor

Clara Capone

News Copy Editor

Graphics Editor

Julie Trien

Joey Khan

Volume 93 Issue 17

Isabel Soisson

Asst. Digital Editor

Nicole Peregrina

Social Media Editor

Jenna Pearsall

Social Media Editor

Campus Life Editor Photography & Digital Editor

Anthony DePalma Faculty Adviser

Page 12

SPORTS

Feb. 9, 2017

THROUGH OUR EYES Not easy to get back: The struggle for athletes returning from disc injuries James Justice Staff Writer For most people, Tiger Woods withdrawing from yet another tournament this past week may seem like just another frustrating disappointment for Woods post-scandal. But let’s not generalize the situation, and give due weight to that important detail in why the former world No. 1 withdrew: back spasms.

I speak as someone who is now dealing with two herniated discs, and knows the pain, not just physical, but psychological as well, which Woods and so many other elite, world-class athletes go through in regards to disc or nerve injuries.

I’ve certainly improved since the onset of my injury, over seven months ago, but the road which brought me to where I am today was a lot more taxing, and ultimately, lifestyle altering than I originally imagined. During that time, I’ve witnessed two iconic athletes, Woods and J.J. Watt try and fail to overcome serious back injuries. I hope my experience and insight can give some understanding on the frustratingly difficult challenge these two athletes are facing.

For those who don’t understand the nature of these injuries, one’s back consists of several discs that go down one’s spine. When the disc slips out of its little pocket, one has a herniation. People can have a herniation, but not know it because the disc itself is not touching the nerve. Once that disc does press up against the nerve though, the pain can feel crippling.

Recovery from this injury means a good degree of rest, obviously scaling back activity, and eventually, carefully measured rehabilitation to try to somehow get the disc back into place. The analogy that is often used is that the disc is like the jelly of a donut, and that the injury would be as if the jelly poured out of the middle of the donut. The challenge with recovery is to get that jelly back into the center.

Recovery is not like other injuries, where a person can get to a certain point and be in the clear.

The injury is very much one of lifelong management, because at

Sports Quote of the Week “Excitement is an understatement; we’re all jumping out of shoes to get back out there.”

Softball senior Lauren Fischer on the team’s return to the field Feb. 10.

Why sticking to sports is nonsense Andrew Lombardo Staff Writer

Photos via pgatour.com (top) and NFL.com (bottom) Tiger Woods (top) and J.J. Watt (bottom). any moment, the jelly could spill back out.

Watt and Woods are competing in sports that put a substantial amount of pressure on their backs. The acceleration off any three point stance, or the torque of any swing have the ever-present potential to re-aggravate the condition. Beyond these physical hurdles are the mental ones. The frustration that exercises and daily activities in life which were once done without pause, now might have to consciously be done in a way to avoid aggravation.

A back spasm for Woods is by no means the nail in the coffin.

A back spasm is actually just the back protecting itself from further damage. The spasm shows that something isn’t quite right, but it doesn’t mean that all the progress from the last 16 months is lost.

The fact is these athletes will battle with their respective back problems for the rest of their careers. The public won’t see what goes on behind closed doors; the

stretching, therapy, ice and heat.

The public will hear the quotes with positive spins that things are going well, but they shouldn’t take that as things are back to the way they were. People shouldn’t start making promotions about how Woods is back, and they most certainly shouldn’t get mad at the athletes for doing everything in their power to return.

So the next time you hear back spasm or herniated disc in regards to an athlete’s injury, don’t treat the timetable like that of any other injury. Back rehabilitation is a complicated, imperfect science.

Hopefully these two icons can steer clear of future pain and setbacks long enough to deliver even more moments of greatness. For the sake of our and their gratification, let’s hope the jelly stays inside the donut.

James Justice is a broadcast and visual media major from Caldwell, N.J. He can be reached at james. justice@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @JamesJusticeIII.

In an era where sports and politics are becoming increasingly intertwined, many have called out sports writers and broadcasters for expressing their opinions of the current state of American politics, telling them to “stick to sports.”

However, the idea that anyone in the sports media should strictly “stick to sports” is wrong. Even if one believes the two subject matters should be discussed separately, the age of sticking to sports is already over.

Last year, ESPN sent a memo to its entire on-air and print media, urging them to avoid any discussion of politics. Of course, several disobeyed, instead choosing to use their voice to express their political frustration. Whether or not they are right or wrong, the fact that ESPN felt the need to send its employees a memo said enough.

Nowhere in the job description of a sports writer or broadcaster does it say they must stick to sports. That would be cynical, as anyone that knows anything about sports knows the impact politics has on professional and collegiate sports.

Every stadium finance deal is political. When the Los Angeles Chargers were attempting to build a new stadium in San Diego, the debate was whether the public should have to foot the bill. Does a new stadium actually benefit a city’s economy as much as the owner says it will? Are millions of taxpayer dollars’ worth the sentimental value it gives the culture of the city?

Major college sports have become political. Is the NCAA stealing out of the pockets of hard-working student athletes?

Should the NCAA be allowed to call itself a non-profit?

When 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made the bold decision to protest the political establishment by kneeling during the National Anthem last NFL season, it became the hottest topic in sports almost immediately. So should writers choose to stick to sports and ignore this story? As we all know, that would be utter-

ly ridiculous. Kaepernick chose to use his voice as a professional athlete. If Colin Cowherd or Bill Simmons went to work the next day and decided this topic was too controversial or too closely related to politics, their coworkers would look at them in shock.

These are the types of topics that cannot be avoided, no matter how hard one attempts to stick to sports. Truthfully, if any writer decided to stay away from these topics in an effort to avoid any discussion of politics, they would be doing their job the wrong way.

However, there must be a balance between sports and politics.

The worst thing a sports writer could do would be to oversaturate his work with politics. Some have made it a point to go out of their way to criticize President Donald J. Trump, almost as if they are waking up each day looking for something to be angry about.

The Ringer’s Brian Curtis said it best: “A sportswriter doesn’t have to ‘stick to sports’ if the athletes don’t.”

In an age where athlete empowerment is being emphasized more than ever, more and more athletes are speaking out. If Steve Kerr, the coach of the most talked about team in professional sports in the Golden State Warriors, is going to go out of his way after a game to give a statement advocating against Trump’s travel ban, you had better believe every sports writer in America is going to talk about it.

It can be easy to forget how significant the relationship between sports and politics is. The idea that sports can exist in a bubble completely unattached to the rest of culture is unrealistic. No matter what your opinion of that relationship may be, they will still play the National Anthem before each game. And when someone tells a sportswriter to stick to sports, they must remind themselves that it’s impossible to keep politics out of sports, because sports have always been, and will always be, political.

Andrew Lombardo is a journalism major from Middletown, Conn.

He can be reached at andrew.lombardo@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @anlombardo8.

Feb. 9, 2017

SPORTS

Page 13

Pirate’s path to March requires better shooting Keith Egan Staff Writer

As Seton Hall men’s basketball enters the most vital part of its schedule, the team needs to play the best basketball it has in order to put itself in position for the NCAA Tournament.

Last year the Pirates finished the regular season with 22 wins.

For Seton Hall to do the same this season, it would have to win all of its games the rest of the way. However, with weaker small conference teams than previous seasons and the Big East being as competitive as it is, Seton Hall could likely finish 6-2, get to 20 wins and reach the tournament.

In order for the Pirates to go on this run, they will need to pick it up on the offensive end heading into their matchup with Providence

on Wednesday, Feb. 8, specifically from three-point range. In the three games prior to Wednesday, Feb. 8, Seton Hall shot 28.9 percent from three, including a 16.7 percent game in a five-point loss to Butler. According to NCAA.com, the team’s season average of 33.5 percent has them ranked 229th in the NCAA out of 347 teams.

As a team that started shooting well in non-conference play, the display behind the arc has made the offense stagnant and been disappointing in crucial games.

Khadeen Carrington came into the season expecting to be the main contributor in scoring coming off 41.8 percent shooting last year, including 33.5 percent from three.

His season totals are as hoped, shooting 43.3 percent and 36.9 percent from behind the arc; however these numbers are misleading.

In conference play, Carrington is shooting a mere 36 percent and only 23.6 percent from three.

Myles Powell was brought in to be a knockdown shooter from long-range as well as any other part of the floor. He is shooting 38 percent total and 29 percent from three. Powell has shown some promise lately however and has picked up some of the slack Carrington has left for him. Despite having only a six-point game in the Pirates’ previous matchup vs.

Georgetown, Powell led the Pirates in points in a tough visiting loss to Xavier where he scored 26 and made six three-pointers. A trouble he has had is inconsistency. The first three-game road-trip in the Big East saw him shoot only 11 percent. He will need to find some consistency to get the Pirates on the road to victory.

The most impressive Pirate thus far with his shooting has been Desi Rodriguez. After shooting 38.6 percent from three last season, Rodriguez has put up a three-point percentage of 45.2 percent in conference play and has been huge for Seton Hall on numerous occasions.

Against DePaul, Rodriguez made five of seven three’s and followed that up by having four in the next two games against Marquette and Providence; however, those resulted in losses.

In conference play, Carrington is shooting a mere 36 percent and only 23.6 percent from three.

The Pirates need to shoot better but it also needs to be a full team effort. Seton Hall ranks second to last in the Big East in three-point percentage and seventh in overall field goal percentage. In addition, the team ranks only ahead of Providence and DePaul for total pointsper-game.

Kevin Willard is known as a defensive coach who can recruit of-

Setonian Stats Men’s Basketball Shooting 3pt % 2016-17 Carrington

36.9

Conference 3 pt % 2016-17 23.6

Rodriguez

38.6

45.2

Powell

29

Graphic by Clara Capone

33.3 *As of Tuesday, Feb. 7

fensive players to get it done, however it will take the backcourt of Seton Hall to play to its potential in order to make the run needed to reach the NCAA Tournament.

If Carrington can find his way back into a shooting grove, Powell continues his momentum into the most important part of the season and Rodriguez can continue being a key contributor, Seton Hall will be dancing come March.

Keith Egan is a visual and sound media and journalism major from Tinton Falls, N.J. He can be reached at keith.egan@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @Keith_egan10.

HALL ACROSS THE BOARD SCORES OF THE WEEK WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Friday, Feb. 3

Seton Hall

Xavier

60 103

WOMEN’S TENNIS Saturday, Feb. 4

Seton Hall

Xavier

5 0

Sunday, Feb. 5

Sunday, Feb. 5

Seton Hall Creighton

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

60 86

Seton Hall Army West Point

6 1

MEN’S BASKETBALL Saturday, Feb. 4

Seton Hall

Georgetown

68 66

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

What’s 2/9 2/10 2/11 2/12 ON DECK Home

Away

Basketball Softball Tennis Men’s Golf

Thursday

Women’s Georgetown 7 p.m.

Memphis 1:30 p.m.

FIU 6:30 p.m.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Photo via SHU Athletics Junior Luize Strike earned Big East honors behind a strong weekend where the Pirates bested Binghamton and Army West Point. Against Army, Strike finished with a perfect 4-0 record.

2/13 Monday

2/14 Tuesday

Men’s Women’s St. John’s Villanova 12 p.m.

2 p.m.

Rutgers & Hofstra Memphis 10 a.m, 2 p.m. 9 a.m.

2/15

Wednesday

Men’s Creighton 8 p.m.

Quinnipiac 5 p.m.

Earl Yestingmeier Match Play (Two day match)

TWEET OF THE WEEK

SPORTS

Page 14

Feb. 9, 2017

SHU’s Lauren Fischer honored at national event Tyler Calvaruso Staff Writer

On Jan. 29, one of Seton Hall’s own was recognized at National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Senior softball pitcher and utility player Lauren Fischer received the honor and was recognized at halftime of the women’s basketball game against Butler.

“It was really cool,” Fischer said of the award. “It was a really awesome award because it doesn’t really have to do a lot with what you represent as an athlete but as a person, so it was awesome. I was really thankful to win that award.”

National Girls and Women in Sports day began in 1987 as a day to recognize women’s sports. The day brings together elite female athletes to promote the ability of women to succeed in an athletic setting. The day shows that women have enough confidence and character gained through sports to be successful on the court or field, and off of it.

Fischer credits the relationships that she has developed with the people in the SHU Athletic Department as a driving force behind her receiving the award.

“I think in the past year I’ve created a lot of really good rela-

tionships with the people who work in the athletic department,” Fischer said. “A lot of the people who work here have really cool personalities and once you get to know them, it’s cool to talk to them and create relationships with all of them.”

For Fischer’s teammate and friend, sophomore pitcher Madison Strunk, Fischer was the obvious choice for the honor.

“I knew that she’s perfect for it,” Strunk said. “She’s someone that absolutely fits that honor because, like she said, that award shows who she is as a person and beyond the field.”

Strunk was glad that someone that she is close to was able to receive that kind of recognition.

“Knowing her, it’s awesome that she’s representing our team and our school,” Strunk said.

Fischer is coming off a junior year that was cut short due to an injury and she is ready and eager to get back on the field in 2017.

“I’m really excited to just get back on the field and put a uniform on again,” Fischer said.

“When I first started playing again I was kind of worried about being the player that I was before, but once I kind of accepted that I’m going to be a different player

now, I got comfortable with the kind of player that I am now.”

She will assume more of a leadership role along with the rest of the seniors with a young roster that features seven sophomores.

“I think that this team is very mature even though we have a lot of young players,” Fischer said.

“It’s easy to lead by example and I think that our senior class all together leads well and creates relationships throughout the whole team.”

Being a leader is nothing new for Fischer, as she assumed that role when she was injured last season.

“Since I was hurt last year I was on the side a lot and I created a lot of special relationships,” Fischer said.

One of the people that Fischer created a relationship with was Strunk, as she took her under her wing in her freshman year.

“She was a leader to me last year,” Strunk said. “Being a pitcher, she led me not as just a pitcher in softball, but as a person. We have such a close friendship that if I’m having a bad day or I need to be pushed through the next rep, she’s the person that’s going to be there because she’s always genuine with me.”

Photo via Twitter/Seton Hall Athletics In her 22 appearences as a hitter last season, Lauren Fischer complied four home runs, seven doubles and 19 RBIs. As for the recognition on National Girls and Women in Sports day, her teammates said it was a well-deserved and fitting honor for the hard-working Fischer.

“She epitomizes the award,” Strunk said.

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

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Feb. 9, 2017

SPORTS

Page 15

Dani duo, recruits bring hope to women’s soccer Matt Ambrose Staff Writer Last season was another rough campaign for Rick Stainton and the women’s soccer team, finishing with a 5-11-1 record and a 1-8 record in Big East play. Though the record may not look pretty, it was Stainton’s best season at the helm of the club since being named head coach before the start of the 2014 season. Stainton’s team is young, as it will be losing just five players to graduation, two of which were key members of last season’s squad in defender Cathy Chukuka and midfielder Frankie Maier.

Stainton saw the promise in his young team last season, and he has brought this mindset into the recruiting process. As a result, the women’s soccer team will be bringing in a highly talented 10-player class, highlighted by an All-American and a player with national team experience.

Dani Brinckman is a midfielder from Glastonbury, Conn., who was the top rated high school prospect in her state and the 23rd best prospect in the country. She was named an NSCAA All-American in 2016 and was also named 2016 Connecticut High School Player of the Year to cap off her high school career, in which she

Photo via Facebook/Danielle Brinckman Danielle Brinckman (third from left) signing with Seton Hall among her high school teammates. won three state championships.

“The first thing that we saw early on was how good she was on the ball,” Stainton said when asked about what he saw from Brinckman in the recruiting process. Stainton also mentioned her versatility, and how he has seen her used at multiple positions out on the pitch.

The other headliner of this recruiting class in Dani Camilleri, a forward from Mississauga, Ontaio. Camilleri has been training

Child with cancer hosted by men’s basketball team

Photo via Twitter/SetonHallMBB

The Seton Hall men’s basketball team hosted Will Cody at the team’s game against Providence Wednesday night. Will, who has been battling Leukemia since March 2016, served as an honorary player and captain. Will also led the team out of the tunnel before the game and received a round of applause from the fans during a media timeout.

with the top level of the Canadian national team since 2014 and won a CONCACAF Gold Medal with the U15 team that same year.

“Danielle is very mobile, technical and savvy. She is deceptive with the ability to beat you on the dribble or pass. She combines and links up the lines up very well,” Stainton said.

“At first, I wasn’t really familiar with Seton Hall University. After I went on a tour of the campus, I fell in love with the school. The

small campus, programs and environment had drawn me in,” Camilleri said.

These two, along with the eight other rising freshmen, Emily Caza, Izzy Engel, Atley Fortney, Cassy Harrigan, Alyssa Reszkowski, Emilia Ryjewski, Alyssa Santos and Bianca Tata, who will officially call Seton Hall their home this coming fall, will need to build chemistry quickly, both among themselves and with the current members of the team. However,

according to Stainton, that hasn’t been a problem.

“As our program has developed, our returning class has done an incredible job at welcoming not only the prospects, but the families as well,” Stainton said. “Now that they’re all signed, sealed and delivered, we have them on constant group chats and our athletes, on their own, are reaching out to them.”

Stainton also mentioned the visit the recruits made to campus at the end of January and how that helped form bonds between the girls. Camilleri felt this bond firsthand.

“When I got there, myself along with the other recruits were greeted by the team. From there, I was assigned a dorm room, where I stayed with two freshmen on the team, and a recruit,” Camilleri said. “It was so exciting, and I knew from that moment I was going to enjoy attending Seton Hall University.”

If Camilleri’s goals are any indication of the mindset of this recruiting class, Stainton may have found a very special group.

“My goal is to also show dedication, hard work and passion,” Camilleri said.

Matt Ambrose can be reached at matthew.ambrose1@student.shu. edu or on Twitter @mambrose97.

Seton Hall’s Jevon Thomas leaves the program Gary Phillips Editor-in-Chief Jevon Thomas has left the Seton Hall men’s basketball program, according to Kevin Willard.

The head coach issued a statement on Wednesday announcing the junior backup point guard’s departure prior to the team’s game against Providence. Thomas will leave the program, effective immediately.

“Jevon has made the decision to leave our program,” Willard said.

“We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Thomas is now the third personnel loss for Seton Hall this season, joining Veer Singh and Myles Carter as the Pirates’ bench continues to thin. A lack of playing time led to Thomas’ decision, according to Jerry Carino of the Asbury Park Press. With Thomas gone, Seton Hall now has nine players on scholarship.

It has been a tumultuous ride for Thomas in South Orange. He sat out all of the 2015-16 season after transferring from Kansas State, as NCAA transfer rules dictate. Then, last spring, he was

Joey Khan/Photography Editor Jevon Thomas averaged 10.2 minutes per game this season. involved in an on-campus altercation during a recreation basketball game. The incident earned Thomas a semester-long suspension for the fall.

The defensive-minded guard made his Seton Hall debut against Rutgers in December. He came off the bench in 10 games, averaging nine minutes while shooting 18

percent for the Hall. Once looked to as the contingency should Isaiah Whitehead go pro, which he did, Thomas had 13 turnovers but just eight assists.

Thomas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gary Phillips can be reached at gary.phillips@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @GaryHPhillips.

Sports

thesetonian.com @SetonianSports

Women’s soccer scores top talent Page 15 February 9, 2017

Page 16

SHU recruit Trevon Duval talks Pirates fans, Powell Tyler Calvaruso Staff Writer

It was a Seton Hall-themed homecoming for Trevon Duval on Sunday afternoon.

The nation’s No. 1 point guard recruit and Seton Hall’s top target in the Class of 2017 returned to New Jersey this past weekend and put on a show, going for 22 points as IMG Academy defeated The Patrick School in front of a capacity crowd at Roselle Catholic High School on Feb. 2.

Duval, who played his first two years of high school basketball at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, was greeted by Seton Hall’s entire coaching staff, as well as players Myles Powell, Angel Delgado and Desi Rodriguez. Additionally, roughly 150 Pirates fans flocked to Roselle Catholic to show their support for Duval.

“I was really, really surprised about that,” Duval said of the outpouring from the Seton Hall contingent. “Seeing two stands full of Seton Hall fans, I’m glad that they showed love to me and came out to support. It shows that the fans are pretty excited and committed to the recruiting class and to the program.”

Duval’s recruitment has come

Photo via Twitter/DatGuy_Trey Trevon Duval is the No. 1 point guard recruit in the country and No. 5 out of all positions. down to Seton Hall, Duke, Kansas, Arizona and Baylor. He will visit Duke as the Blue Devils take on North Carolina on Feb. 9. He will take a trip to Arizona at the end of the month.

“I’m excited to go to that North Carolina-Duke game,” Duval said. “It’s kind of a kid’s dream to go to those games and I’m excited

to see what they have to offer.”

Seton Hall may be going up against some blue blood programs, but it is still in the thick of things with Duval. A major pitch from coach Kevin Willard and the staff has been the program’s proximity to New York and Duval’s ability to market himself. The idea is that he could increase not only

his exposure to the media, but to NBA scouts as well.

“That’s something that they definitely pitch to me,” Duval said. “It’s something that I’m taking into consideration with them and it’s great to have all of those kind of resources around me.”

Another factor in Duval’s recruitment has been his relation-

ship with Powell. The two played AAU together for the New Jersey Playaz and have maintained a close friendship, which could potentially play a big role in Seton Hall’s chances of landing Duval.

“Myles has been in touch lately and he was here today more as a friend,” Duval said. “I’m hanging out with him later, so I’ll probably hear a bunch of Seton Hall stuff from him.”

A decision from Duval is not imminent, as he plans to take all of his visits before making one.

Duval was not the only Seton Hall target on the floor on Sunday, as The Patrick School features Class of 2018 point guard target Jordan Walker. He had 11 points in the loss.

The former New Jersey hoop star’s return was electrifying, as Duval sent the gym into a frenzy midway through the second quarter with a crossover and a thunderous tomahawk dunk on a fastbreak. As much fun as it was for the fans to watch Duval play, he had just as much, if not more, fun in his return to the Garden State.

“It was Tricky Tre’ day,” Duval said with a smile.

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

Progress has Pirate softball pumped for season Matt Lamb Staff Writer The Seton Hall women’s softball team will be hitting the field for the first time in over nine months on Friday, Feb. 10 when it takes on Memphis in the Felsberg Invitational.

The Pirates’ last game was a loss in Queens to St. John’s on May 8, and the team ended on a six-game losing streak to finish out a 2016 campaign with a record of 20-34.

Head coach Paige Smith vows this season will be different.

“We’ve been outside on our own field longer and it hasn’t made the team cage crazy like in the past,” Smith said. “Now we see what we have, and I’m excited to see how it all stacks up.”

Getting a feel for the game again and preparing for the season, especially in the past few weeks, has brought the spark back to the team, and a twinkle in many players’ eyes. One of those players is senior pitcher and utility

player Lauren Fischer, who made 22 appearances as a hitter and 11 in the circle in 2016 before a season-ending injury. Fischer is one of the many players who cannot contain her excitement.

“Excitement is an understatement; we’re all jumping out of shoes to get back out there,” Fischer said. “We’ve worked a lot on our team chemistry and everything fell into place, and it translates to the field really well.”

The team has been strengthened in all aspects over the offseason, according to Smith. From team bonding activities that have helped the team and specifically six freshmen come together, to hiring two new assistant coaches and bringing in an additional volunteer assistant, Smith said that a jump from last season to this season will be evident.

“I’m excited to bring in somebody new like [assistant coach] Kate Nygaard who has had over 15 years of college coaching experience,” Smith said. “I’m also hap-

py with [assistant coach] Brittany Grage because she’s a good person and you know she’s coming from the right spot and when dealing with pitchers, it’s nice to have someone with a gentle hand.”

After all that had happened in 2016 and adjusting on the fly to a lot of issues, especially injuries, the Pirates are back in full force and ready to show teams what they are capable of, playing a tougher non-conference and tournament schedule that will lead the Pirates into the First Annual Pirate Invitational from March 17-19, and then right into Big East play.

“We’ve been putting ourselves out there and trusting the process,” Fischer said. “If we go all out aggressive and play Seton Hall softball, we’re going to be successful.”

Seton Hall is filled with bigger expectations for themselves and for the team, and will look to prove to their opponents what is in store.

“Every single kid has raised

Photo via SHU Athletics Seton Hall softball had a 20-34 record last season. their game and it’s made my job so much harder,” Smith said. “The first three weeks are going to be a tryout to see what’s in store; everyone has earned the right to start a game early. We are also deep in our pitching, after having [Fischer] back from injury.”

The Pirates’ first game of the season will take place on Friday, Feb. 10 in Miami, Fla. when they

take on Memphis at 1:30 p.m.

Then they will face Florida International later that night at 6:30 p.m. for an opening day doubleheader. Seton Hall will also face Rutgers twice in the 2017 Felsberg Invitational, where the team will play five games in three days.

Matt Lamb can be reached at matthew.lamb@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @MattS_Lamb.