The Setonian - Volume 93, Issue 24 - 04/20/2017

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In Opinion, Page 11 Volume 93, Issue 24

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University’s transparency in question after grad program suspended Brianna Bernath Asst. News Editor As one of the newest colleges at Seton Hall University, the College of Communication and the Arts has seen its share of difficult times. From the sudden suspension of the Masters of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership (MASCL) program in 2016 to the speedy hiring and premature departure of Dr. Renee Robinson as director of the new College’s Center for Graduate Studies, faculty members have become frustrated with a lack of transparency from college administrators. On July 1, 2016, Robinson became the director of the college’s Graduate Studies program, the day after Dr. Richard Dool, former associate professor of communication and director of Graduate Studies, had suddenly and unexpectedly resigned. Robinson – who is married to former Provost Larry Robinson – had led an ad hoc review of graduate communication programs in May and June, prior to her becoming a full time tenured faculty member at SHU. The MASCL program was suspended after the review. This upset many faculty members in the College, as the decisions to conduct the review outside of the regularly-scheduled program review and to suspend the program were made between Robinson and Deirdre Yates, founding dean of the College of Communication and the Arts, without faculty input. A standard review of the college had been conducted in

2014, and while the results had been backlogged, they were largely positive about MASCL, citing enrollment issues but not stating that the program was on its last legs. Months down the road in November, the college used a $1.75 million donation from the late alumnus Henry F. Roman to create a new Ph.D. program in Communication, including an endowed faculty chair. After the suspension of MASCL, the University conducted a grievance process, which spanned parts of the fall and spring semesters. Eventually, a committee of the Faculty Senate found that the suspension of the MASCL program during the summer of 2016 was a violation of the Faculty Guide. Not even a year after she joined the faculty, Robinson stepped down from her position, effective immediately, on Feb. 16, the same day President A. Gabriel Esteban announced that he was leaving Seton Hall for DePaul University. It was also announced that she would end her responsibilities in relation to college assessment, faculty development and the search committees for the new graduate communication faculty positions. Robinson deferred requests for comments to Dean Yates. “The only update I can offer is that a task force is in place which will combine input from our college’s faculty with market research to inform the direction of our graduate programs,” Yates said via email.

See MASCL, Page 2

April 20, 2017

Most students won’t participate in 4/20 festivities, survey says Some students disagree with first-year survey results

Greg Medina/Assistant Photography Editor Many students do not believe Seton Hall’s claim that 82 percent of students do not use recreational drugs.

Megan O’Malley Staff Writer All the students who enter the Pirate’s Cove pass a sign posted there by the University stating that 82 percent of students at Seton Hall do not use recreational drugs. But many students find the statistic hard to believe. A junior business student, who wished to remain anonymous, thinks the statistic is far from accurate. “I smoke weed on the week-

end, at parties, or just hanging out,” the student said. “It’s pretty relaxing and helps me destress when my coursework gets to be a little hard to handle.” Another SHU student, a senior nursing major, said she believes more than 20 percent of students use marijuana, but she also thinks that at the time students are forced to complete the Campus Clarity survey, on which the 82% figure is based, a lot of them have not even gotten to experience what it is really like on campus.

Welcome Center construction on schedule

Students take to social media in hunt for a roommate

In News, Page 4

In Campus Life, Page 10

“As I was entering college, I had never even had a beer before, let alone smoked weed,” the second student said. “That changed once I got acclimated to campus. The statistic might represent incoming freshmen, but I don’t think it reflects the whole student body.” Ashlee Carter, the associate director of Student Life, said she believes that the statistic displayed in the University Center is accurate.

See 4/20, Page 2

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In Sports, Page 15


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NEWS

April 20, 2017

MASCL:

transparent. Especially a work in progress, as is the restoration of the MASCL program,” Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, who was on the ad hoc committee that assessed all MASCL program reviews, said in an email. “It is too early in the process to say if all of the decisions that were made early on were the right ones.” Hoffman said that there could have been more faculty input in the early stages of the review. “The decision to terminate the program may not have been the right choice. Termination is a huge step,” Hoffman said. “A program that is some 20 years old may need updating. If there were problems with its structure or curricular emphasis they could have been addressed by faculty, from both inside and outside the program. These gradual steps may have been all that was needed.” Dr. Msgr. Dennis Mahon, former chancellor of the University and associate professor of communication whose primary teaching responsibilities were in the MASCL program, did not wait until the ad hoc review committee came to a conclusion to file a formal complaint with Seton Hall’s grievance committee. Some might say that Mahon was hasty

in his jump to higher authority, but to him, it was necessary, as the provost at the time was Dr. Larry Robinson, Renee Robinson’s husband. In September, Larry Robinson had announced that he would retire at the end of 2016, though he planned to stay on as a special adviser on the start of the new medical school until June 30, 2017. “So here was the setup. I have an objection. I said, ‘We moved too fast on this. We ignored the good things.’ So who do I speak to?” Mahon said. “The then-director of the Graduate Center, Dr. Renee Robinson? Okay, and if she doesn’t agree with me, who do I appeal to? The Dean, who just that month hired Dr. Robinson. And if I still have a disagreement with the dean, who does a faculty member appeal to? Dr. Larry Robinson. So it was a tough batting order, and the only option I saw was the faculty grievance procedure.” According to the Faculty Grievance Committee’s report, issued in March 2017, which several faculty members saw, the investigation into the grievance was put on hold until Larry Robinson had officially retired and interim provost, Dr. Karen Boroff, had

stepped into the role to avoid further conflict of interest. “On Jan. 27, Dr. Boroff sent a letter to Msgr. Mahon regarding the grievance in which she acknowledged shortcomings in the handling of the MASCL program and announced that the program would again be considered suspended rather than terminated,” the report stated. “Dr. Boroff ’s letter did not directly address the question of Faculty Guide violations and did not recommend the reinstatement of MASCL in its previous form.” In his grievance, Mahon specifically cited Faculty Guide 12.2, which states, “The entire fulltime faculty of the university shall have primary responsibility for recommending academic policy to the Board of Regents, through the provost and the president, for the following:...review and coordination of all college curricula and academic programs, including continuing education; review and approval of all university degree programs, existing and proposed.” As Yates is not technically a faculty member, the grievance committee decided that her decision to suspend the program was a clear violation of the Guide. Furthermore, the grievance

committee speculated that the decision to suspend MASCL had little to do with “budgetary constraints.” “It is hard for the committee to avoid the suspicion that this may have had less to do with budgetary constraints and more to do with a desire to ‘clear the decks’ to give a new faculty member appointed to a position of leadership the space to ‘re-imagine’ Communication Graduate Programs as she saw fit,” the report reads. “This is not how shared governance is meant to function.” When The Setonian last reported on the suspension of the MASCL program in November 2016, Mahon had said that the program would undergo “re-imagining,” but now he said that “the MASCL program is not coming back,” in its original form. However, elements of the program might be included in a potential healthcare communication program, a possible collaboration with the new medical school. Mahon said that since the issuance of the grievance committee report, everything has been done strictly by the book, taking extra precautions to ensure proper faculty input - a process he says is very time-consuming - and he has become concerned that with the many changes in administration this school year, the drive might be lost. “Having been around the university for a long, long time, my quiet apprehension at this point is: new president. New provost. New VP for fundraising, who could well come in and say, ‘We gave you a lot of resources. We gave you three full-time staff. We gave you use of a major donation….What do you have to show for it?’” Mahon said. Brianna Bernath can be reached at brianna.bernath@student.shu.edu.

According to an email interview with Carter, around 1,300 to 1,500 students participated in the survey. “I’m sure there are a few students who are not honest with their responses to any survey, but I do believe this is a pretty accurate account of how many of our students do not use drugs recreationally,” Carter said. Many students may be deterred from answering surveys honestly because they fear repercussions for their honesty. Diane Lynch, director of Health Services, said via email that Health Services does not question students on recreational drug usage

when they sign into their appointments, but they do ask about alcohol usage and a student’s mood. However, sometimes the medical professionals that work at Health Services may ask about a student’s habits when the student shows symptoms of potential drug usage, she said. Lynch provided a few statistics on drug usage. “Out of the 979 charts I looked at where students were questioned on drug use, I only found one current tobacco user and three former users. In the same charts, I found one former marijuana user and one current occasional user. This

seems a little hard to believe…but hopefully smoking really is losing its appeal among young adults,” Lynch said. Caroline Driscoll, a sophomore diplomacy major, said she believes that statistic about drug use does not accurately represent SHU. “So many of my friends feel as if they need to smoke in order to calm their nerves before going out, or as if they need to get high to have fun,” Driscoll said, referring to the recreational use of marijuana. “It’s a little disheartening to know that so many young adults feel as if they need weed in order to get through the day.”

Carter said she thinks that the nation’s shift to legalizing marijuana has caused the community to become more lax about usage. “I think that weed has been a part of our culture for a long time and has been common amongst this age group consistently,” Carter said. “I think the silver lining of the increased use of marijuana amongst college students is that it appears that students are at least adhering to the warnings of narcotic drugs and amphetamines, as the use of those have been declining.” Megan O’Malley can be reached at megan.omalley@student.shu.edu.

Continued from Page 1 Catherine Zizik, associate professor of communication and a member of the task force, said that she is “hopeful” that the grievance committee findings will be revealed to the department. She said that Seton Hall is a University founded on ethics, and transparency is a pillar of ethics that goes hand-in-hand with accuracy. The review conducted by Robinson last year told a different story. In her review, Robinson presented the communication graduate programs, especially MASCL, in a negative light. Despite the complaints of some slighted faculty members, a plan of action was set at a faculty meeting in September: “Be it resolved that: The consultant’s report be immediately shared with the full faculty. An ad hoc committee be formed to assess all MASCL program reviews as expeditiously as possible to make appropriate changes.” The ad hoc review committee was formed, but it came to the conclusion on Feb. 17, 2017, that this charge could not be fulfilled due to the fact that the ad hoc program review conducted by Dr. Robinson at the request of Dean Yates did not produce a written report. It also found that the way MASCL was treated without faculty input violated the Faculty Guide. The committee concluded that “MASCL should not have been ‘ended,’ let alone ‘suspended,’ regardless of the ‘report,’ without faculty participation and should be reinstated.” “No process is ever 100 percent

4/20:

Continued from Page 1 The information came from the Campus Clarity tutorial that incoming first-year students were required to take. The survey focuses on “preparing new college students for the unique challenges and responsibilities of college life,” according to the program’s website. Some topics covered within the online program include drug and alcohol use, mental health, and sexual assault and relationship issues.

Greg Medina/Assistant Photography Editor Dr. Renee Robinson stepped down from the position of Director of Graduate Studies on Feb. 16, 2017.

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April 20, 2017

NEWS

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Students often disregard SHU’s strict alcohol policy Isabel Soisson Staff Writer Despite Seton Hall’s alcohol policy being strict, SHU’s Annual Security Report recorded 109 on-campus disciplinary referrals for alcohol-related policy breaches in 2015, which is the most recent data. SHU’s alcohol policy states, “only residents and their guests who are 21 years of age and over may legally possess and consume alcoholic beverages in alcohol designated living areas.” Kathleen Hynes-Lifland, assistant director of Health Services, said via email that although many students have already experimented with alcohol by the time they arrive on campus, “certain factors can influence their relationship with the use of alcohol.” These factors include peer pressure, social acceptance, availability of alcohol, and weakening of parental supervision, she said. Hynes-Lifland added that students are most susceptible to heavy drinking during the first six weeks of freshman year. “Most young adults may not be aware that they are drinking heavily,” Hynes-Lifland said. “Proactive screening may be beneficial for those students who are at high risk for heavy drinking.” Hynes-Lifland added that students who come to SHU Health Services for regular care are required to fill out an alcohol-screening questionnaire once a year, and based on their answers, interventions and ses-

Students that overdo it with alcohol are taken to the hospital for medical attention. sions with a counselor may occur. Housing and Residence Life (HRL) and Public Safety declined to comment. Ryan Tonra, freshman diplomacy and international relations major, said he believes the rules are outdated and should be changed. He said he thinks that pretending alcohol is not a part of being an adult does not help prepare students for the real world.

“Other universities have looser policies,” Tonra said. “As a result, the students feel they are being treated as adults and behave more maturely.” But other students think SHU’s policy should stay the same. “I don’t think they should be changed,” said Allison Kroeger, a freshman economics major. “We’re lucky enough to not be a dry campus, especially as a Catholic university.” Kroeger also said that she

understood why the rules were written the way they were. “The rules that they have in place are to keep kids who are not of drinking age from drinking and that’s fair because the school has to follow the law,” she said. Kendra Campbell, freshman sociology major, echoed Kroeger’s thoughts. “I think the policies are pretty rational and not too harsh,” Campbell said. “It’s a two strike

Greg Medina/Assistant News Editor system, which is sensible considering everyone at SHU is an adult and can make their own decisions.” Campbell did say, however, that she believes a student’s parents should not be contacted if they violate the school’s alcohol policy. “They shouldn’t be informed until at least probation two,” she said. Isabel Soisson can be reached at isabel.soisson@student.shu.edu.

SHU teaches responsible drinking through education Samantha Todd News Copy Editor While April is Alcohol Awareness Month, students can educate themselves about the topic throughout the school year by signing up for alcohol education programs offered by Seton Hall. Programs offered include Anatomy of the Red Cup, How to Help a Friend and Drink Like a Lady, Act Like a Woman, according to SHU’s website. SHU has programs entitled Seton Hall University’s Guide to Hosting Safe Parties, Alcohol Use and Sexual Assault, and Stay in the SHU Blue: The ABC’s of BAC. Customized programs are also available to students upon request, SHU said. Ashlee Carter, assistant director of Student Life, said these education programs are structured to serve the needs of students. “Roughly 60 percent of our

students are drinking responsibly when they choose to drink, and nearly a third of our students are not drinking at all, whether it be because they are not 21 or that they just choose not to drink,” Carter said via email. “We want to continue to positively acknowledge the students who choose to abstain, while also working to educate the students who drink to excess in hopes of changing their behavior.” According to Carter, a message of the Alcohol Use and Sexual Assault program is “that heavy alcohol use and sexual assault often go hand in hand as either the victim, perpetrator, or both had been consuming alcohol prior to the incident.” However, Carter points out that consuming alcohol does not mean a person will become a victim of sexual assault and alcohol does not cause sexual assault. Even so, the No. 1 date rape drug is alcohol, she said.

“This program also discusses the importance of bystander intervention as well as navigating consent when alcohol is involved, because if you are incapacitated due to alcohol or drugs, you cannot give consent to any sexual activity,” Carter stated. In addition, Carter mentioned the CHOICES program, which is for students that are “firsttime violators” of SHU’s alcohol policy. “CHOICES is an evidence-based harm reduction program, with content that applies equally to all levels of alcohol use from students who abstain from drinking to those who are frequent heavy drinkers,” she said. The program is offered in the form of a workshop once a month. “Alcohol use behavior and patterns of college students can change over the years,” Carter explained. “So it’s important to monitor trends and behaviors

and offer programs that speak to what our students are experiencing now.” Carter has done several programs for Greek organizations over the years on alcohol use or sexual assault, she said. Usually, Greek Life organizations request these education programs, she added. One president of a Greek organization thinks that having alcohol education programs could be helpful. Tammy Quach is the president of Alpha Phi Eta Eta, as well as a junior special education and environmental studies major. She said Alpha Phi hosts two programming events for the chapter every month. The events include healthcare, fitness, sisterhood, alcohol awareness, CPR and more, Quach said. “One thing that I have noticed is this black out culture/ idea. A lot of people, not only

at Seton Hall, have this idea that they need to drink until they are blacked out,” Quach said. In addition to these programs, Carter also does another one in conjunction with Roberto Sasso, assistant athletics director for Student-Athlete Development and Leadership. The program is for athletes who move off campus. The program “discusses statistics on alcohol use of collegiate athletes, how to host a safe party off campus, NCAA rules and regulations around alcohol use, and a discussion of other student conduct policies,” she said. “We host this program because we want to make sure the student-athletes are prepared and have an understanding of university policies and local laws when they are moving off campus,” Sasso said in an email interview. Samantha Todd can be reached at samantha.todd@student.shu.edu.


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April 20, 2017

Upcoming Steel tops out as SHU progresses with newest campus building Events Benjamin Jaros Staff Writer

What: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma production When: Sunday, April 23, 2 p.m. Where: SOPAC The Details: A grand musical set in the Oklahoma territory. Can cowhand Curley win Laurey’s heart and save her from Jud? Only after much song and dance can the lovers reconcile their differences to the enjoyment of all. Cost: Free For free tickets to SOPAC events, please contact the box office at (973) 313-2787 or www.sopacnow.org. What: Sixth Annual Servant Leadership Day When: Thursday, April 20, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Where: Chancellor’s Suite, University Center The Details: Sponsored by the Center for for Vocation and Servant Leadership, this event was made possible by Colleen and Hank D’Alessandro, Regent. Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk will be giving a talk on “Saint Teresa of Calcutta: Model of Servant Leadership. Cost: Free For more information, contact Laura Garofalo or Francia Peterson at csl@shu.edu or (973) 313-6042. What: Business Boot Camp When: Tuesday, May 16, 9 a.m.-Friday, May 19, 5 p.m. Where: Seton Hall University The Details: The College of Arts and Sciences will host its first ever Business Boot Camp for upperclassmen in the college to build their portfolios. The first three days of the conference will be workshop-style, and the program will culminate in a field experience on the fourth day. Each day will begin with a continental breakfast in the Dean’s Conference Room. Room and board will be provided to all accepted students. A certificate will be granted at the completion of the program. Cost: Free For more information, contact Associate Dean Christopher Kaiser at (973) 761-9430 or christopher.kaiser@shu.edu, or stop by Fahy Hall, Room 130. What: Stranger at Killnock When: Monday, April 24, 2017 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Where: Theater in the Round The Details: The adaptation by James P. McGlone, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Communications, presents the story of a young priest in an Irish village who must navigate the superstitions of the locals and the lonely, Atlantic landscape. The sleepy village is awakened by the arrival of a stranger whose actions kindle the imagination of the locals. Dermot A. Quinn, D.Phil., Professor of History, will provide commentary on the cultural context of the work at the conclusion of the dramatic reading. Cost: Free For more information, contact Eilish Harrington, (973) 761-9733, eilish.harrington@shu.edu

The Welcome Center is still on track to be finished in January 2018, according to John Signorello, associate vice president of Facilities Engineering and Business Affairs. Further, Signorello said in an email interview that no updates to the plans have been made since his last interview with The Setonian. Signorello said, “the steel frame has been completed so there is still a lot of work to be completed such as the exterior walls and interior fit up.” The 68,222 square foot Welcome Center will be three stories tall and include additional parking underneath the building, according to Signorello. The building will host the campus Office of Admissions, a gallery and event space that can hold up to 500 people. Students commented on the project, which occupies a prominent place alongside the Farinella Gate, the main entrance to the University. Julie Devoti, a freshman public relations major, said, “It’s interesting how each time I come to

Greg Medina/Asst. Photography Editor The Welcome Center is still on track to be completed in Jan. 2018. school there seems to be a lot of progress, to me it is really impressive.” When asked about the completion of the project, Devoti said, “It will be a wonderful addition to campus and I am very excited for its completion. It will help increase enrollment at SHU and increase the value of my degree in the future.” However, Danielle Marinis, a freshman creative writing major, said, “I do not necessarily see the

SGA Updates

need for the new building because its function of welcoming students is already served in other places, such as Duffy, the Library and the University Center.” Marinis added that she thinks the ongoing construction is loud and bothersome to classes being held in Fahy Hall. McKinley Brock, a freshman undecided major, said the Welcome Center is a good idea and time will tell “how well it serves the campus in the future after

completion.” While he does not know a lot about construction, he said the structure looks like it is forming rust, which is “slightly disconcerting.” He added, “I am from Alaska, and I am not used to winter construction, so I have been very impressed with how quickly they have been able to construct the building.” Benjamin Jaros can be reached at benjamin.jaros@student.shu.edu.

Every End is a New Beginning

Isabel Soisson Asst. Digital Editor The Student Government Association (SGA) opened its meeting on April 10 by having Adviser Maggie Bach state that the SGA office is open to sentate leadership to meet and talk. Newly elected President Christina Simon thanked the senators for coming to the Meet the Mayor event. She then reminded the senators that their initiatives will have a lasting impact on the campus community. Simon closed by stating that she is beginning to work on the parking app that she promised during her campaign. Newly elected Treasurer Michael Roma reported that the operational budget is at $3,045. Newly elected Speaker Josie Martinez congratulated the new officers. She also reminded the Arts and Sciences Senators of the Meet the Dean event scheduled for April 24. Public Relations Chair Jacob Abel reminded the senate of the Relay for Life event scheduled for April 21 and the Open House scheduled for April 23. Village Relations Chair Asya Crump discussed a South Orange Association Meeting that was centered around discussing community issues with SHU events. Isabel Soisson can be reached at isabel.soisson@student. shu.edu.

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The end of the semester is swiftly coming to a close. Many will find that the end of the semester leads to new prospects for employment, relaxation, and further studies. Some are so burdened by life that they see limited opportunities. Catholic Charities provides hope. Please help us by donating any unwanted clothing, shoes, small appliances, linens, sheets, towels, stuffed animals, novels, children’s books for the Catholic Charities clothing bin which is located behind Mooney Hall, near the Campus Mail Room, under the fire escape. Please remember this as you clean out your closet for the last time before the summer break. Thank you. Any questions or comments, please contact Maria Biancheri at Catholic Charities, at 973.596.3985 or mbiancheri@ccannj.org.


April 20, 2017

NEWS

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Student volunteers celebrated on Servant Leadership Day Kaitlin Quinn Staff Writer The Sixth Annual Servant Leadership Day will be held on Thursday, April 20 at 4:15 p.m. in the Chancellor’s Suite. Francia Peterson, administrative assistant for the Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership, shared information about the Servant Leaders Scholars program and Servant Leadership Day. “The purpose of the day is to encourage Servant Leadership among the Servant Leader Scholars and all the members of the University community,” Peterson said. “Having an inspirational speaker helps to accomplish this goal.” The speaker this year is Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk, MC, worldwide head of the Missionaries of Charity, which is an order of priests and brothers started by St. Teresa of Calcutta, she said. Ten freshmen are chosen each year to become a part of the Servant Leader Scholarship Program, Peterson said. “The students are supposed to do 20 hours of service per semester, either through

the Seton Hall Community or outside of it. Servant Leadership Day allows the leadership skills that they have developed to be celebrated.” Luisa Rinaudo, a sophomore pursuing the speech pathology 4+2 program and liberal studies with a minor in English, provided insight about being a Servant Leader Scholar. “When we all come together at our meetings we always have speakers, of all walks of life and professions that are intriguing and dedicated to discussing the meaning of leadership with us. A lot of what I do is work with people in the special needs community,” Rinaudo said in an email interview. After belonging to the Servant Leader program, Rinaudo said she decided to begin a sports program for people with special needs at SHU called RallyCap Sports. “I believe that by bringing this program to SHU, Seton Hall students can find a way to share kindness, compassion, and love by giving their time to those in the local special needs communi-

Evelyn Peregrin/Asst. Campus Life Editor Seton Hall students traveled to El Salvador on a mission trip over winter break. ty.” Daniele Mallia, a third-year graduate occupational therapy student, shared her experiences in being a Servant Leader Scholar since her freshman year as an undergraduate.

“Being a Servant Leader Scholar, for the past six years, has opened many doors for me,” Mallia said. She began volunteering through the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) and went to the College of Arts and Sciences Ser-

vant Leadership Trips to Jamaica and Ireland. “Currently, I am a member of New York Cares and serving the communities in Staten Island and Brooklyn,” she said. Kaitlin Quinn can be reached at kaitlin.quinn@student.shu.edu.

Some students face difficulties with off-campus living Dominic Lai Staff Writer Beside the deteriorating townhouses on a squalid street in Lower Vailsburg, Newark, Hiyabu Habtemichael, a junior economics and sociology major, stands on the front steps of his small apartment building, enjoying a cigarette and appreciating the first breaths of spring air. His newly built apartment building stands out, freshly painted blue in stark contrast to the peeling paint of the other buildings on the street. “I’ve been through a lot to get this place and I’m not even really sure it’s worth the money,” Habtemichael said. For many students at Seton Hall, moving from an on-campus dorm to an off-campus house or apartment is the norm. With no restrictions placed upon them by Housing and Residence Life, students feel that they experience more freedom living off-campus than they did on-campus. However, for many students this freedom can potentially lead to a path of unsafe and unfair living conditions. From dodgy landlords to confrontational neighbors and subpar living environments, many students face risks that come with off-campus

Sarah Yenesel/Staff Photographer Although the University makes efforts to fit all students in on-campus housing, many choose to live off-campus despite the risks. independence. Jessica Proano, assistant director of Housing and Residence Life said via email, “Each student has different needs and situations that might impact where they live, there isn’t really a type of student who lives on or off-campus, the only thing they all really have in common is that they are Pi-

rates.” She also said that Housing and Residence Life “wants SHU students to make the best decisions for their unique situations, but we would love to have as many students as possible living on campus.” For Habtemichael, his hardships came in the form of a problematic landlord. After surveying

the apartment in May, which at the time was still being built, he was assured repeatedly by the landlord that the apartment building would be completed before the 2016 fall semester started. Those assurances fell short as the school year began and construction continued. The apartment building was largely unfinished when he came back for school and Habtemichael said he felt that “the landlord seemed like he had fallen off the face of the earth,” responding to his messages rarely and only by text. Forced to find a different living arrangement at that time, Habtemichael said he soon resorted to couch surfing at several of his friend’s places in Newark. In contrast, Reyhanillo Andi Kasim, a senior sociology major, had a more positive experience in finding housing off-campus. Finding his apartment on Craigslist, Kasim said via email, “he got very lucky” but “would not recommend it for other people to use” because of the high risk of scams and false advertising. Kasim did find the upsides in off-campus living, adding that the “increased privacy is great.” He said, “I have my own kitchen, living room and bathroom all to myself. While it is tough getting to class some days, it’s all

part of the deal.” Kasim said that living off-campus is a great deal because he pays less and has more freedom. However, Kasim said that “people that live off-campus tend to spend less time on campus and occasionally lose quality social time with friends.” Carl Peels is building superintendent at Scotland Gardens in Orange, N.J., a housing complex that many students call home. Peels said that some parts of South Orange are “beautiful to live in, it’s a great neighborhood and it has great people as long as you screen them first.” He said he stayed around the neighborhood for more than 10 years working as a building superintendent in several different buildings. Peels said his experience has been overwhelmingly positive, renting apartments to college students frequently and largely without complaint. However, he admits it is not easy finding college students that fit with the standards of the building as the company he works for requires parental co-signers, background checks and credit checks. “My college kids [that live in his building], they’re all great people,” Peels said. Dominic Lai can be reached at dominic.lai@student.shu.edu.


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Congratulations to The Setonian Editorial Board of 2017-18

April 20, 2017

Throwback Thursday

Executive Board

News

Photography

What was The Setonian reporting years ago?

Editor in Chief Ashley Turner

News Editor Brianna Bernath

Photography Editor Greg Medina

Managing Editor Samantha Todd

Asst. News Editor Isabel Soisson

Asst. Photography Editor

Sports

News Copy Editor Thomas Schwartz

Online/Digital

Sports Editor Elizabeth Swinton

Campus Life

Authors: Jacqueline Karakos & Leslie Murray Date: April 24, 2003 The story: Panic ensued at Seton Hall when it was announced that a student on campus had contact with a family member who was later diagnosed as a suspected case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The relative with SARS symptoms stayed with the student in a Seton Hall residence hall for approximately two hours. Despite worry about the spread of this sickness, the possibility of the disease being transmitted was very low.

Digital Editor Joshua Steier

Asst. Sports Editor Tyler Calvaruso

Campus Life Editor Julie Trien

Social Media Editor Nicole Peregrina

Sports Copy Editor James Justice

Asst. Campus Life Editor

Sports Digital Editor Andrew Lombardo

Campus Life Copy Editor

Sarah Yenesel

Alyssa Schirm Christina Vitale

Graphics Graphics Editor Clara Capone

“SARS scare hits Seton Hall”

“Alumna fraud trial begins”

Author: Kelly Kaysonpheth Date: April 20, 2006 The story: A Seton Hall alumna, who was the former president of Morris Brown College, was on trial for charges that stated that she and her financial aid director orchestrated a scheme that took more than $5 million in fraudulent student loans and grants. Dolores Cross ‘63, was indicted on 34 counts in 2004. She lpleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement.

Georgetown University: Fresno State: Where: Washington, D.C. Date: April 18 The update: The Jesuit order that founded the university formally apologized on Tuesday to the descendants of 272 slaves sold in 1838 to pay off the university’s debts. The school’s slave-owning past drew attention last year after students demanded the school change the names of two buildings honoring former university presidents involved in the sale of slaves. From: www.usatoday.com

Where: Fresno, Ca. Date: April 19 The update: University lecturer Lars Maischak has been placed on paid leave after tweeting that President Donald Trump should be hanged. Maischak, who has been lecturing at the University since 2006, said any suggestion that he wished violence against Trump was “far-fetched.” The tweet mostly went unnoticed until it was publicized by Breitbart News. From: www.bbc.com

Dartmouth College:

Kansas State University:

U. of Illinois:

Lynn University:

Brown University:

Washington State U.:

Where: Champaign County, Ill. Date: April 19 The update: A student at the university committed suicide by setting himself on fire on Wednesday morning. Police reported to the scene around 2:47 a.m. and extinguished the fire, but the student suffered severe burns and was “likely dead” at the scene. A gas can was discovered next to his body. From: www.chicagotribune.com

Where: Boca Raton, Fla. Date: April 18 The update: Shayan Mortazavi, 18, a N.J. resident and student at the university, was found dead behind a Florida restaurant on Saturday. Police said that Mortazavi had “injuries consistent with a fall.” A cleaning crew and security found Mortazvi’s body. The university has made counselors available to students. From: www.nj.com

Where: Hanover, N.H. Date: April 19 The update: The college reached a settlement with a family that said they suffered health problems from drinking well water contaminated by runoff from a site where the school once dumped animal corpses used in science experiments. The school agreed to pay compensation to the family that experienced symptoms like rashes, hair and skin loss and dizziness. From: www.seattletimes.com Where: Providence, R.I. Date: April 19 The update: The university is now using “gender-inclusive” pronouns on acceptance letters, adding to a growing list of transgender policies. A Brown spokesman told the Wall Street Journal that the university is now using the grammatically incorrect “them” to be more “gender-inclusive.” From: www.freebeacon.com

Where: Manhattan, Kan. Date: April 19 The update: The federal government is opening a fifth investigation on how Kansas State University handles reports of off-campus sexual assaults. Two former students from the university are suing the school for not investigating their reports of being raped at fraternity houses, saying it’s the university’s responsibility to investigate the reports. From: www.washingtontimes.com Where: Pullman, Wash. Date: April 18 The update: A pro-life display at the university was destroyed by a student who was angry that it was “pushing a religious agenda.” Student Keaton Aspell is seen on video pulling pink crosses from the ground. The crosses were a part of a “Cemetery of the Innocent” display made by the school’s Students for Life group. From: www.insider.foxnews.com


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

April 20, 2017 CAMPUS LIFE

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“Parks and Recreation” star talks about taking risks Ben Schwartz:‘You have so much time to figure it out’ Ashley Turner News Editor

In 2003, Ben Schwartz, a recent graduate of New York’s Union College, donned a suit and tie, printed 25 copies of his resume and strapped on his backpack in preparation for a long day in Manhattan. Schwartz was on a mission to score a job with MTV, a television network owned by Viacom. However, there were a few challenges in his way. To start, Schwartz did not have an interview with MTV. Nor did he have permission to enter the building on Broadway. That didn’t stop him. Schwartz, pretending to be a frantic interviewee in a rush for a meeting with Viacom, convinced a security guard to grant him access to the elevators. Landing on the wrong floor, he then – in Spanish – convinced a janitor to direct him to where MTV headquarters was located. After sneaking around the building, Schwartz finally located the MTV floor, only to be told by a worker that he was in the wrong place. Schwartz was at the company president’s office. “Well, surely he can get me a job,” he joked. His sense of humor got him all the way to a hiring coordinator’s office, but Schwartz only met heartbreak there. The hiring coordinator took Schwartz’s resume, opened a drawer and dropped it on top of a mound of other unread resumes. Schwartz never received a call from MTV, he told The Setonian in an exclusive interview. However, this wasn’t the end of Schwartz’s career in the entertainment business. Almost 15 years later on April 18, the “Parks and Recreation” star ran onto the stage in the Main Lounge at Seton Hall University, cheered on by the applause of student fans. Not shying away from any topic – except for a request for him to sing like his character, Jean Ralphio Saperstein – Schwartz fueled the comedic vibe in the room by answering questions like what his favorite meme is. However, underneath all of that hilarity and goofiness, Schwartz had a serious message for the crowd: take risks and be prepared to fail. Schwartz is most well-known

Ben Schwartz, who discussed risk-taking in his set, took many chances early in his career. for his portrayals of Saperstein and Clyde Oberholt in Showtime’s “House of Lies.” He was a staff writer for the third season of Adult Swim’s “Robot Chicken” and a freelance monologue writer for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s Weekend Update segment on Saturday Night Live and the Late Show with David Letterman. Schwartz has also appeared in CollegeHumor sketches and started his own website, RejectedJokes.com. Wearing a t-shirt printed with a skateboarding Bart Simpson, Schwartz faced the crowd and immediately began answering questions asked by Morgan Tirpak and Emma Tobin, members of the Student Activities Board, which hosted the event. “It was an unbelievable opportunity to interview Ben. He was so witty and kind and helped to keep both my co-host and I completely at ease,” Tobin, a freshman diplomacy and international relations major, said in an email. “I also had the ability to talk to him both on and off stage which was a great opportunity to connect and learn about the process of writing and being a pro-

fessional comedian.” Tobin called Schwartz “down to earth and friendly” and said that he made a “sincere effort” to get to know her and Tirpak before the interview. The main points Schwartz made during the question and answer presentation focused on the risks that he had to take to become a successful comedian. “I feel like when I was in college I was very hesitant to take risks,” Schwartz told The Setonian. “And just the idea of learning to take a risk and learning that it’s okay to fail, for me, was really important.” Schwartz said he became seriously interested in comedy after he joined the Idol Minds improvisation group at his alma mater, where he studied anthropology and psychology. He was first hesitant to join Idol Minds, however, because he was afraid of failure – his ex-girlfriend pushed him to join the program. “When I was a kid, I always wanted to do (comedy), but I never thought it was real,” Schwartz said. “It was like being an astronaut . . . we didn’t know anybody that was an astronaut. I

Joey Khan/Photography and Digital Editor

couldn’t talk to an astronaut, so it was just impossible. Like, ‘Oh, how cool would it be?’ So for me it was the same as being in comedy.” Before and after graduating college, Schwartz had no idea what he wanted to do with his career. “For me it was scary because I wanted to know (what would come in the future), I really wanted to have something click in me, but I never thought that it was possible to do what I’m doing now,” Schwartz said. “That’s why I like doing these (events) because maybe someone that’s in my position can see that some people get to do this.” Schwartz said that risk and failure are something that everyone has to face to achieve their goals. “I would tell students to take their time. Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems. And then breathe,” he said. “I think the idea is to trust that things are going to happen.” That was exactly the case for Schwartz after he left MTV studios years ago. Schwartz was stopped as he

walked up Broadway, beginning his journey back home. The Late Show with David Letterman was low on audience members and Schwartz was invited in to see the show. While standing in line, Schwartz saw people enrolled in CBS’ page program keeping crowd morale up and helping in any way that they could. He knew that was what he wanted to do, so he found a manager and spoke to him about the job. “I’d love to help you out, but you’ve got to have a resume,” the manager said. Schwartz whipped off his backpack and handed the manager 10 copies of his resume. He received a phone call from the manager the next day. “One of the things I learned is the idea that you have to kind of take a risk,” Schwartz said. “So if you want to take a risk, be okay with failing and learning from it. It’s the idea of maybe going for it, following your gut, taking a risk, failing – because you’re going to fail – learn from that failure and then, you know, do it again and repeat.” Ashley Turner can be reached at ashley.turner1@student.shu.edu.


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CAMPUS LIFE

April 20, 2017

Village president works toward ‘communiversity’ Evelyn Peregrin Asst. Campus Life Editor Sheena Collum came to Seton Hall University as a student in 2002 with a scholarship for the Brownson Speech and Debate team and immediately saw the potential in the South Orange community. She had traveled from her home in Starkville, Mississippi to her birthplace in New Jersey with goals that were tangible in her mind. Collum began pursuing her passion for politics early in life, attending South Orange board of trustees meeings by age 17. The first female Village president in South Orange has a lot of plans for the future of South Orange and Seton Hall relations. Collum, 33, discussed different ways to bring students “outside the gate.” While at Seton Hall, her initiatives brought students the SHUFly, the Pirates Gold card and, in an effort to get students to vote in the 2004 election, she managed to get the voting booths moved to the Walsh Library. The Village Liason Committee formed in 2004 “to build a stronger partnership with South Orange,” Collum said, recalling her first year as Student Government Association (SGA) president. She stared with SGA as a freshman senator.

“It’s been a calling since I was a kid,” Collum said. With the goal of five hours of sleep per night, she is committed to her offcial role as Village President, one of the strongest forms of local government. This role overlaps with her position as the Executive Director of the American Planning Association New Jersey Chapter. Her hope as a SHU alum is to bring the town and University together. “We have a community and a university and together we have a communiversity,” Collum said. She stressed the possibilities of student housing in town away from single-family resident homes to bring students closer to the business dis Photo courtesy of Sheena Collum trict. This is one step she wishes to Sheena Collum is working to get students acquainted with the South Orange community. take in building a college town. “We want an anchor from Seton Orange, which was held in light of laboration with the administration. of South Orange as a whole.” Hall in our downtown,” Collum the Orlando shootings,” Simon ex“In my opinion, she is South This may take shape through the said. “When you get off the train plained. “I was immediately struck Orange’s best kept secret,” said College of Education working with (in South Orange) you don’t know by her compassion for the Village SGA Vice President Violet Reed. the South Orange/Maplewood it is home to Seton Hall.” Her vicommunity and her ability to unite “Because, while she goes out of her school districts, nursing students sion includes a bookstore in the people in the midst of a dark issue. way to make herself available, few applying their studies to senior citidowntown area that sells SHU apI am privileged to work more closeSHU students make themselves zens in town, or SHU athletes runparel and has a café. ly with her and other Village offiknown to her or come to her with ning workshops with kids “to show Newly elected SGA president cials in conjunction with my fellow University and town relations conthem they can be as good as college Christina Simon has worked SGA representatives.” cerns.” athletes,” Collum said. alongside Collum since freshman Collum said she “adored workCollum strives to see different “She gets that any group comyear and relayed her admiration for ing with (former SGA President) colleges from the Seton Hall community or groups is built on good the way Collum has involved the Teagan Sebba and that sense of girl munity partner with various entirelationships and connections and students in town events. power” inspired her. Her advice inties in South Orange. She stressed I admire that,” Reed said. “I first met South Orange Mayor cludes knowing when to push back that faculty might make learning Evelyn Peregrin can be reached Sheena Collum at a vigil in South and knowing when to work in colobjectives “apply to the betterment at evelyn.peregrin@student.shu.edu.

Spectrum Works on spreading autism awareness

Julie Trien Campus Life Editor

On April 11, students gathered with Spectrum Works on the Green to get their faces painted blue in a variety of designs, ranging from puzzle pieces to masklike patterns. No matter the design, the message was the same: people with autism can make valuable contributions to the workforce. Spectrum Works, an organization dedicated to job training and employment for young adults with autism, joined with Seton Hall’s Public Relations II class to make the event a reality. The students were divided into teams, each devoted to a different aspect of the campaign, from social media to student-faculty and staff outreach. Though this was not the first project Seton Hall’s PR classes and Spectrum Works collaborated on, Public Relations II professor Devon Gifis said the experience was unique in that it allowed the entire class to work on a campaign for one organization. She added that the class is typically structured so that each group is assigned to a different organization. “I like to use the machine met-

Photo courtesy of Kendall Rodgers Students gathered on the Green to spread the word about employment in the Autism community.

aphor when referencing the Blue Campaign,” Gifis said in an email. “Each group in the class had a particular function and we needed each group to accomplish each task in order for the event to be successful. This experience allowed the students to get a sense of what it was like to work for a PR firm.” Sophomore public relations ma-

jor Joshua Rhim, who worked on the campaign, said the experience taught him the value of teamwork while also reinforcing the importance of taking initiative. “We definitely learned how to apply our PR skills to a more practical field,” Rhim explained. “We had to all those challenges [related to the field], work together as an entire class and I feel like that real-

ly brought us all together.” Students in the class also helped others learn about the employment challenges facing people with autism. At the event, they handed out factsheets that illustrated these difficulties. For example, the factsheet included a statistic from the United Nations, “80 percent of adults diagnosed with autism are unem-

ployed, despite a desire to find employment.” Spectrum Works Operations Coordinator Allie Whitefleet said that many of these obstacles arise from a lack of available resources. “There (are) a lot of services in school but, when people graduate, then they are kind of left without services,” Whitefleet said. “Our organization tries to fill that gap. We wanted to do an awareness and fundraising campaign to support our work but also to spread the word that did you know there’s a huge epidemic of unemployment amongst the community of people with autism? Then, as a part of that, did you know that people with autism can work just like you and I can?” Whitefleet said she hopes the Spectrum Blue face painting campaign will continue to spread. She explained that those who wish to take part in the challenge paint their faces, post a picture spreading the word about employment in the autism community and challenge others with the hashtag #GoSpectrumBlue. Spectrum Works is also selling blue face paint online, with proceeds benefitting the program. Julie Trien can be reached at julie. trien@student.shu.edu.


April 20, 2017

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CAMPUS LIFE

YouTube community represented at SHU Claudia Emanuele Staff Writer

Various Seton Hall students who want to share their passions and views have taken to the video sharing platform YouTube. Burak Eraslan, a sophomore finance and marketing major, runs “EraslaBu,” a channel on YouTube. Eraslan started the channel about a year ago and posts videos about cars, happiness, and inspiration. “[This] channel [is] a place where I can freely create whatever I want whenever I want to. Soon it will be a large portion of my life, but until I get to a set direction, I am trying new videos and experimenting on what I like best,” Eraslan said. Patrick Barron a senior history and economics major is the mind behind “Patishere.” This channel was started last December and is home to his podcast, “The Table of Knowledge,” which speaks to black political and social commentary. “I wanted to put my perspective on multiple issues out there to the public,” Barron explained. “If others were doing it, why [couldn’t] I?” Barron is looking to upload more videos weekly, and continues to share his work with others. Nick Durant, a senior communication studies major, has his own corner of YouTube enti-

Photos courtesy of Burak Eraslan, Nick Durant, and Patrick Barron Burak Eraslan, Nick Durant, and Patrick Barron are three students who utilize the YouTube platform. tled “Durant Interviews.” Durant started the channel in December of 2014, and has a sizeable view count per video. “Some of my interviews have been shared on well-known metal blogs and websites and some bands have shared the interviews on their pages,” Durant said. “I upload the interviews I do with bands up at the radio station (WSOU). I upload the audio and

put pictures of the band as the visual since most of my interviews are done over the phone,” Durant explained. “My favorite video was probably the first one [I did] with Chris Motionless because it got the ball rolling and it has the most views. It was a great interview overall,” Durant said. When asked what advice they would give to fellow students

looking to start their own channel, Durant said, “If you’re passionate about something share it with the world. There are people out there who will enjoy your talents and passions and can relate.” “Keep creating,” Eraslan added. “The best part and the reason why I do this is because I have complete freedom and nobody can tell me what I can or cannot do.”

Barron “Just create and put your stuff out there,” he said “In this day and age, it is easier to create stuff without the burdensome costs of doing it. More importantly, be patient. Your content will find the right viewers and pretty soon, you will have your own following.” Claudia Emanuele can be reached at claudia.emanuele@student.shu.edu.

Professor works to detect teen substance abuse Erika Szumel Staff Writer

Dr. Matthew Corrigan, director of the Master of Social Work Program at Seton Hall, was recently hired by the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services to help implement the community level intervention entitled “Communities That Care.” The program works to promote the health of young people in the area. He has created a screening tool of questionnaires for adolescents’ risk of substance use with the Adolescent Domain Screening Inventory (ADSI). “The ADSI is an evidence-based assessment tool useful in identifying problematic domains, or life areas, for adolescents who have initiated or who are at risk of initiating substance use,” Corrigan said. He worked with Dr. James Forte from Salisbury University, and his mentors, Mrs. Lynn Videka and Barry Loneck. Corrigan explained that the ADSI system has both advantages and disadvantages of detecting

Photo courtesy of Dr. Matthew Corrigan Dr. Matthew Corrigan helped implement a community level drug intervention program. substance use among adolescents. He said that the system has shown promising results and can identify adolescents that are most in need of intervention by discovering the most problematic or troublesome life area for each participant. The disadvantage, Corrigan said, is that the ADSI works like a net. It covers all areas that could

possibly affect an adolescent’s risk “while an individual who is potentially at risk, but who is really not, could experience discomfort from this mis-identification. It is thought that the cost of not identifying one who is truly struggling is too great to pay.” The ADSI is a 33-question scale. According to Corrigan, the five most predictive questions of

substance use include questions such as: If you wanted to get some marijuana, how easy would it be for you to get some? Or about how many adults have you known personally who in the past year have used marijuana, crack, cocaine, or other drugs? Diane Lynch, director of Health Services, explained that there are high risk behaviors for

all students and faculty to look out for if they are worried about someone around them. Alcohol is the most commonly reported drug use by the Seton Hall community. Through her reports, she found that binge drinking (five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women in one sitting) and heavy drinking (15 or more drinks per week for men and eight or more drinks per week for women) were the two most important signs to recognize someone at risk for substance use. With the use of this information and the new ADSI program, adolescents have a number of sources around them to help themselves and others that are at risk for substance use. “The screening tool is simple and noninvasive,” Thomas Irwin, a junior biology major, said. “It sounds effective in making sure people get the help they need.” He stressed that because the system is noninvasive, adolescents will be less resistant to taking the tests. Erika Szumel can be reached at erika.szumel@student.shu.edu.


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April 20, 2017

CAMPUS LIFE

Freshmen turn to social media to find roommates Nicole Peregrina Social Media Editor

As the fall semester rolls around, so do Facebook posts looking for new roommates. “Hello! I’m Serena, and I’m looking for a roommate!” Serena Lopes, freshman political science and diplomacy major, posted to the Seton Hall Class of 2021 Facebook page, earlier this month. “I’m a bit of a busybody and I like to do a lot of extracurriculars, so I won’t be around too much to bother anyone; on the other hand I want a roommate I can be close with.” Eighty percent of freshmen live on campus at Seton Hall, which means they will be faced with the sometimes daunting task of finding a roommate to start off the next four years. The post was accompanied by some social media handles, a few pictures of Lopes, and of course, the invitation to reach out. Why are students turning to social media? Lopes tried the roommate profile on the Seton Hall website first, but soon realized that most of her peers preferred social media forums. Here, she could find someone who had similar traits to some of her closest friends and

someone with whom she could share her ideas. “I’m looking for a roommate who I can share my clothes with and who will understand my fluctuating sleep schedule,” Lopes said. However, finding that roommate that Lopes has been looking for has not been as successful as she would have liked. “I feel that not everyone I’ve tried talking too has been as friendly as I have been,” she said. Seton Hall’s Guide to Finding a Roommate, available for students on the website, advised that students not get their hopes up too high. The list told students to be friendly, without expecting to be best friends. Although it may happen, it is equally likely that it may not. Julia Tumino, a freshman business major, posted around the same time that Serena did. She, on the other hand, reported to have already found a roommate who is exactly what she has imagined. “I would definitely want my roommate to be someone I could talk to whether it be anything from homesickness to sharing a funny video with,”Tumino said. Finding someone that she thought could be her “perfect match” was as quick as the click

Boland Hall is home to most of the freshman class. of the send button. About a month after she had posted her short biography on Facebook, she received a message from her new roommate with the proposal on GroupMe, an app for group messaging. GroupMe and Skype are other platforms that student use to get to know each other. While upperclassmen may already know some people that they could room with for the next year or find roommates through word of mouth, a post on social media is one way that freshmen can find other peo-

ple at Seton Hall before they start. Messaging applications help students get to know each other even before they set foot on campus. “I decided what I wanted in a roommate by just taking time to realize what was going to make a difference when living with someone and what was not going to really matter,”Tumino said. According to the Guide to Finding a Roommate, it is important to have an idea of what you want out of a roommate but also are open to things that might not be so familiar to you. Coming

Photo via Seton Hall University from different places, religions and lifestyles can bring new ideas and experiences as well. Nathaniel Valvo doesn’t expect a fairy tale ending and accepts all possible outcomes. “Having the perfect roommate isn’t that much of an issue to me. If we’re best friends, great. If not, I think my personality is accepting enough to at least be civil with him in my first year,” the incoming freshman economics major said. Nicole Peregrina can be reached at nicole.peregrina@student.shu.

Transfer students find their home at the Hall Valerie Qiu Wen Ong Staff Writer

For many of us, Seton Hall marks the beginning of students’ college lives. However, many transfer students have more recently made Seton Hall their home. Transferring gives students a fresh start, but the transition may not always be easy. Nicole Soto, a junior psychology major, transferred to Seton Hall a year ago after graduating from Union County College, a two year community college located in Cranford, N.J. Soto described the transition experience as “overwhelming”. “Transferring was a good choice,” Soto said. “I was ready to continue on my education. I was also ready for a change. I was looking forward to many things including a new environment, meeting peers and educators, and bigger opportunities.” Soto said that Seton Hall is more advanced in terms of education compared to where she was previously. She found that it was hard to make friends at this point of time, because many people had already formed friendships at Seton Hall.

Photos courtesy of Nicole Soto, Stephanie Montalvo, and Shaleah Hamilton SHU students Nicole Soto, Stephanie Montalvo, and Shaleah Hamilton all transferred to Seton Hall University. Contrastingly, Stephanie Montalvo, a senior criminal justice major, has been quick to adapt to the Seton Hall lifestyle.“I would absolutely choose Seton Hall University again,” Montalvo said. “If I could go back to 2009 when I graduated high school, I would have chosen Seton Hall University.” Montalvo originally attended Rutgers University upon gradu-

ating from high school in 2009. After she had taken time off and gone on to attend Middlesex County College, Montalvo decided not to go back to Rutgers, but to attend Seton Hall instead. She states that Seton Hall is not that different from Rutgers. “I think being outspoken helps the adapting process,” Montalvo said about the differences between schools.

Shaleah Hamilton, a sophomore public relations major, will be attending Seton Hall in the coming fall. Transferring from Saint Peter’s University, Hamilton said that while she has not attended the school yet, she thinks she has made a good decision. “I actually live right around the corner so I’ve always seen the school passing by, and Se-

ton Hall has a great reputation,” Hamilton said, when asked why she chose the school. “Ask questions and don’t be afraid to do so,” is Montalvo’s advice for future transfer students. Soto, advised future transfer students to be prepared for the change. Valerie Qiu Wen Ong can be reached at valerieqiuwen.ong@ student.shu.edu


Opinion thesetonian.com

April 20, 2017

Page 11

The Voice Seeing right through Seton Hall’s lack of transparency

T

he issue of transparency is creating a lot of buzz in the country right now. Like almost everything else relevant to today’s news cycle, that is because of President Donald Trump. With new and needed tax reform on the table, the commander-in-chief still refuses to release his own tax returns. There is also the fresher matter of the White House’s decision to keep visitor logs locked away, a break from practice under President Barack Obama’s administration. With such important matters being kept secret, there are those wondering if President Trump has something to hide. At the very least, people want

to know why information that should and always has been public is being kept under wraps. As these acts of presidential nondisclosure are debated and analyzed on a national level, the issue of transparency is one that hits here at home, too. As we at The Setonian have discovered time and time again, Seton Hall University is not always forthcoming. Let us preface that statement by noting that our reporters do hundreds of interviews with administrators each year. Most interviews go well and most sources are accommodating in our search for information. Even those who aren’t are courteous and pleasant –

Knowing what it’s like to face the unknown Leah Carton Managing Editor

With four internships under my belt, a 3.6 GPA, and a senior student leadership position on campus, one would think that I have my future planned, right? Wrong. There’s less than one month until graduation and I still don’t have a job. All I keep hearing is “You’ll figure it out,” or “Everything will fall into place.” Maybe that’s true, but what if it’s not? Yes, I am probably putting too much pressure on myself, which isn’t a surprise since I’ve been planning my postgrad life from the moment I stepped onto campus my freshman year. I

did everything that I could to try to ensure a smooth transition from college to my career, but what I’ve come to accept is the reality of the job hunt. I know that I can’t be the only senior feeling this way. I can’t be the only senior that scrolls through their Facebook feed congratulating friends on their accepted job or internship offers while coping with the reality of their own uncertain future. In fact, I sat in a classroom full of seniors a few weeks ago and witnessed one hand raised when the class was asked who had a job lined up following graduation. That’s proof that I’m not alone in this. With that said, I think seniors

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for the most part. Yet, every now and then, we run into a story where administrators decline comment, are terribly evasive or – and this is where they look the worst – ignore us. Everyone gets all hush-hush. But this silence doesn’t just impact our reporting; it affects the entire SHU community when administrators keep us in the dark. Examples of such stories have included those pertaining to the medical school negotiations, the fiasco that was planning this year’s commencement ceremony and President A. Gabriel Esteban’s decision to leave for DePaul – the SHU community didn’t even find out until he was

accepting his new job on a stage in Chicago! The latest example stems from The Setonian’s investigation into the MASCL program, which saw one administrator blow us off and another provide a single-sentence answer before avoiding further questions on a matter that will have a lasting impact on SHU’s educational enterprise. Every department at Seton Hall, ranging from GDS to Athletics and beyond, withholds information. Now, we understand that there are some details that can’t be released for legal reasons, but then there are those that folks just don’t want made public. But the truth usually comes out anyway. When

it does, and people find out information has been kept from them, they tend to be upset. More transparency avoids that. As a community, it is difficult to learn without the truth, both good and bad. Furthermore, it is impossible to maintain trust when facts are withheld. That applies to individuals – like the president of the United States or Seton Hall administrators – and overall institutions – like the federal government or the University we call home. 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.

that I will be one of the seniors who can relay their job status back to Seton Hall. Earlier this year, Seton Hall reported that its overall employment rate for the Class of 2016 rose to 90 percent among students that actively pursued work. That’s great, but that statistic includes students who were hired within six months of graduation. What I want to know is what did the percentage of students who didn’t find something right away do? Did all of those students face the same pressures and fears that correlate with a blurry future that

seniors like myself in the Class of 2017 are facing? Instead of focusing on what I don’t have control over and what I can’t do, what I can do is become one of the only seniors that is okay with not knowing. I could simply become comfortable with the unknown and continue to try my best. I’m still figuring it all out, and that’s okay. Leah Carton is a public relations major from Keyport, N.J. She can be reached at leah.carton@student.shu. edu.

Senior Column are under the false impression that they should have success fast, and have it now. I could see the fear of not having a job make someone take the first opportunity that comes at them, even if it’s not something that they would enjoy. However, I’m not going to take a job simply because it’s offered. I also understand that my first job will not be the job that I will have for the rest of my career, and it may not be a job that I absolutely love, but I just want to be genuinely happy wherever I end up. Six months from May, I hope

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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 24

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

April 20, 2017

THROUGH OUR EYES U.S. Soccer gap between pay and gender still a problem

Sports Quote of the Week “Successfully four-peating would be amazing... We have had a successful year and I am very proud of them.” Women’s golf coach Sara Doell on the Big East Tournament

Kyle Kasharian Asst. Sports Editor In March 2016, a handful of notable members of the women’s national team filed a complaint against United States Soccer protesting the pay disparity between the men’s and women’s national teams. Despite the different pay structures organized by the players association of each team and each collective bargaining agreement, the discrepancy was evident in a number of financial notes and statistics. After more than a year of conflict, U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association signed their collective bargaining agreement on April 5, according to the official U.S. Soccer website. The agreement addressed some of the major qualms of the women’s national team, however, it failed to equate the women’s pay to that of the men’s. Equal pay with the men’s team was the staple of the complaint made by Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and three other USWNT players. Some of the positive changes from the new five-year collective bargaining agreement include better match bonuses for the women’s team and a much-improved base salary, which could elevate their earned income to a range between $200,000 and $300,000 within a single year, according to The New York Times. Additionally, one of the largest controversies addressed was the difference in lifestyle and travel per diems that existed between the separate teams. There was no actual backing to this difference, which gave the men’s teams an additional $12.50 over the women’s $50 per day for domestic events, and an extra $15 per day over the women’s $60 for international events. With this remedied, things are finally taking a turn in the right direction, yet the agreement fell short of the women’s ultimate goal of equal compensation. Many would argue that compensation should be based on revenue generating, and in that case, the women would have the advantage after their successful

Photo via NCAA.com Nigel Williams-Goss transferred to Gonzaga last season.

NCAAtransferrules shouldbeconsistent withplayersandcoaches Elizabeth Swinton Sports Editor

Photo via mlssoccer.com Carli Lloyd is one of the USWNT players who protested the pay gap. World Cup run. According to The Times, the 2015 women’s team exceeded expected game revenue by more than $16 million and netted a profit of $6.6 million, more than three times the men’s profit of less than $2 million. In 2017, expectations for revenue still favor the women, who are predicted to bring in more than $5 million in profit compared to the $1 million loss the men are supposed to incur. Beyond profit, a closer inspection of the workload between the teams show that the men have played almost 75 percent of the games that the women have played between 2012 and 2016. Only one of the five years did the men play more games than the women, and despite taking on a larger slate of games, the women’s team played significantly better by winning 88 of its 110 games. The men on the other hand have been victorious in just 44 of their 76 contests. Despite their clear dominance in team success and ability to generate profit, the USWNT players

that spoke out are not asking to be compensated more than the men, but simply to be compensated equally. U.S. Soccer financial reports revealed that since 2008, the top five highest paid men’s and women’s players made between $1,401,485 and $1,145,629, a minor difference when looking deeper into the rosters. The 25th highest paid male player made $580,522 in that span, while the respective player on the women’s team made $341,721. At the 50th highest paid player spot, the respective women’s team player made slightly more than a 10th of what their male counterpart made. The noble aspect of their stance is that these top tier players are fighting for more than just their own benefit, but to support their undercompensated teammates and the future generations of U.S. women’s soccer Kyle Kasharian is a business major from Green, N.J. He can be reached at kyle.kasharian@student. shu.edu or on Twitter @ItsKyleKash.

It’s transfer season in NCAA basketball, and players and coaches alike are moving to new colleges trying to find a home for their talents. While coaches can move to a new school immediately, players who choose to transfer find themselves in a one-year gap where they cannot play for their new schools, due to NCAA transfer rules. The only exception to this rule is if a graduate student transfers, then he/she is immediately eligible. A player shouldn’t be punished for wanting to transfer to a new school. Sometimes the right fit isn’t always there, and a player wants to better his/her situation, college experience and life. The same goes for college coaches. When a more attractive job offer comes along, it is sensible for one to accept that offer. But why are coaches allowed to make immediate moves, while players have to wait? According to NCAA.org, the mandatory year away from competition is meant to help ease the transition process and to help better the players’ education. “Requiring student-athletes to sit out of competition for a year after transferring encourages them to make decisions motivated by academics as well as athletics,” the NCAA states in a frequently asked question forum online. “Most student-athletes who are not eligible to compete immediately benefit from a year to adjust to their new school and focus on their classes. Student-athletes who must sit out for a year at their new school may or may not receive fi-

nancial aid and practice with their new team.” While the year away from competition may be beneficial in that regard, it is still a long time for talent to go to waste when many collegiate athletes are building toward their prime. The extra year can be used for rest or for extra practice and training, but it must be frustrating for athletes to watch their teams from the bench for a whole season. Meanwhile, the same need for transition can be argued for coaches transferring to different roles in new schools. Why don’t coaches need time to reflect on what they’ve learned at the school they left, as well as time to explore other job options? A year to focus on academics may be beneficial for transfer athletes, but both transfer players and coaches should be held to the same standard. Even though coaches are dealing with job offers while players are dealing with education, either students should be allowed to play right away or coaches should also have to sit a year. There should be no discrepancy. No matter if someone is a student or coach, both should be held to the same standard of staying out of competition for a period of time due to transferring. Coaches may be getting paid to take the job on right away, but being an impact transfer player in the NCAA is as much of a responsibility, and should be treated as such. Elizabeth Swinton is a broadcasting and visual media major from Linden, N.J. She can be reached at elizabeth.swinton@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @eswint22.


April 20, 2017

SPORTS

Page 13

Pirates and Musketeers an even matchup on the diamond James Justice Staff Writer

Pirates and Musketeers both carry swords, and as it turns out, the Seton Hall and Xavier baseball teams have plenty in common on the diamond. The two sides met for a threegame series in Cincinnati, Ohio, from Thursday, April 13 to Saturday, April 15, with the Musketeers taking two of three and thereby gaining a one-game lead over the Pirates in the Big East standings. On the surface the teams look comparatively balanced. Only that series in Cincinnati separates their Big East marks – 3-3 for Xavier and 2-4 for Seton Hall – and even their overall record is only differentiated by a discrepancy in games played. Xavier is 20-16 while SHU is 16-16.

But diving below the surface shows that these are two teams that put the ball in play less than any other in the Big East, both in positive and negative ways. Xavier is fifth while the Pirates are sixth in the Big East in terms of batting average with .251 and .247 marks, respectively. Beyond that, the Musketeers are first and the Pirates are second in both strikeouts, 319 to 267, and walks, 156 to 145. The numbers show that these are two sides that are as patient as any in the conference when it comes to sitting in the box. That patience has been just as much rewarded as it has been punished. The similarities do not stop there, because when these two teams do get on-base they have proven to be the most aggressive and productive. Seton Hall is first in the Big East in stolen base at-

tempts with 60, while it is second in successful stolen bases with 45. Xavier is the reverse, sitting second in the conference in stolen base attempts with 59, while it is first in successful swipes with 47.

The Musketeers are first and the Pirates are second in both strikeouts, 319 to 267, and walks, 156 to 145. The two sides do divert from each other in a few key categories, proving just in case any doubts were arising, that these are in fact different teams. The biggest may be slugging, where the Musketeers rank third in the Big East with a .393 slugging percentage. The Pirates rank sixth with a .342 mark. The slugging difference stretches even further when home-runs are singled out, exhibiting more than

anything home run-friendly conditions in Cincinnati compared to unfavorable conditions in South Orange. Xavier is first in the Big East in home runs with 34, which is 16 more than the next closest team, while the Pirates sit sixth in the Big East with 12. Xavier also has the edge with the glove, ranking first in the conference in fielding percentage with a .980 mark, while Seton Hall ranks sixth with a percentage of .963. It is the Pirates who have the advantage on the mound though, ranking third in the Big East in earned run average, 3.51, while the Musketeers rank fifth at 4.40. The two sides will not meet again this spring, but will certainly be looking at each other in the standings for the duration of the season. Which side will be looking up and which will be looking down will

Setonian Stats Seton Hall and Xavier similarities Walks Strikeouts Stolen Bases Batting Average

SHU Xavier 156 145 267 319 47 45 0.247 0.251

Graphic by Clara Capone

depend on the day, but currently sitting at fourth and sixth in the Big East, odds are there will only be room for one in the Big East Tournament. Which side earns that spot could come down to whichever side can put the ball in play more during this final month of the season. 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.

HALL ACROSS THE BOARD PHOTO OF THE WEEK

SCORES OF THE WEEK SOFTBALL

BASEBALL

Friday, April 14 (1 p.m.)

Seton Hall Creighton

0 8

2 3

1 2

Seton Hall Xavier

6 3

Saturday, April 15

Saturday, April 15

Seton Hall Creighton

Seton Hall Xavier Friday, April 14

Friday, April 14 (3:30 p.m.)

Seton Hall Creighton

Thursday, April 13

3 4

Tuesday, April 18

Seton Hall Central Connecticut State

Seton Hall Xavier

0 9

Tuesday, April 18

6 0

Seton Hall Rutgers

9 6

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

What’s 4/20 ON DECK Thursday Home

Away

4/21 Friday

4/22 Saturday

4/23 Sunday

Baseball

Georgetown Georgetown Georgetown 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 12 p.m.

Softball

Providence Providence 12 p.m. & 12 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

Women’s Tennis

DePaul 3 p.m.

Women’s Golf

Big East Championship Three Round Event

Marquette 12 p.m.

4/24 Monday

4/25 Tuesday

4/26

Wednesday

Saint Peter’s 4 p.m. Fairfield 3:30 p.m.

Photo via SHU Pirates Senior Lauren Fischer kept her stride against Central Connecticut State as she totaled three runs, two RBIs, a triple, and her 10th home run of the season on Tuesday, April 18. Fischer is second on the team in home runs.

TWEET OF THE WEEK


SPORTS

Page 14

April 20, 2017

Women’s golf shooting for Big East four-peat Tyler Calvaruso Staff Writer

Starting on April 20, the Seton Hall women’s golf team will be at the Big East Tournament, a contest that has been very kind to them over the past three years. The Pirates will be gearing up to defend their title and go for a fourth straight Big East championship, but things are a bit different this year. This is a younger team than the ones that have taken part in the Big East tournament over the past three years, a team that doesn’t feature a single senior. Despite the team’s youth and Georgetown being the favorite heading into the tournament, head coach Sara Doell is confident that her girls will be up for the challenge of winning a fourth consecutive championship. “We know we can win and we have proven it the last three years,” Doell said. “In such a competitive field over 54 holes, anything can happen.” Given the youth of the team, the Pirates only return two players who have played in and won a Big East Championship in Cassie Pantelas and Macky Fouse. The two have been valuable pieces for Doell all season both on the

course and in leadership roles. “They’ve assumed that leadership role since day one,” Doell said. “Cassie is our captain and has done a great job of leading this team to where we are today and Macky is a strong leader in her own right. I believe the younger players really look to them for guidance and those two have done a remarkable job.” Three of those younger players are freshmen Sammie Staudt, Maddie Sager and Lizzie Win. This will be their first time facing the stage that is the Big East Tournament and facing all of the pressure that comes with it. “The championship is a different experience than other events and you don’t want to not prepare them for whatever pressure that can bring.” Doell said. “We talk a lot about how the event is run, what to expect from the field and how to manage emotions.” Although the magnitude of the tournament is undeniable, Doell works to keep things business as usual for the women. “You want them to know how special it is to compete in your conference championship while reminding them that when it comes down to it, it is just you against the golf course like every other event,” Doell said.

Photo via SHU Athletics Freshman Maddie Sager has been a staple of the SHU women’s golf team by collecting three top 15 finishes this season. Staudt acknowledged that there is the ultimate goal, especially for they be proud of how they hanwill be some nerves as they walk a team that has done it three times dled themselves and by staying to the first tee on Friday, but she, in a row, there are things that can positive, confident and resilient. along with the rest of her underbe taken away from the team’s perSuccessfully four-peating would classmen teammates, will be ready formance in the tournament other be amazing and I have let them “The upperclassmen have been than its ability to come away with know that no matter how this helping us prepare for this since a championship. tournament pans out, we have we first stepped on campus in Au“We had a meeting where we had a successful year and I am very gust,” Staudt said. “They always talked about the process and stayproud of them.” tell us exactly how it is, so I being in the moment,” Doell said. “I Tyler Calvaruso can be reached at lieve we know what to expect.” asked them that when they step tyler.calvaruso@student.shu.edu or While winning the tournament off the 18th green on Sunday, that on Twitter @tyler.calvaruso.

Seton Hall tennis team spends afternoon with local middle school

*Items Include: Burgers, Veggie Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, and Grilled Cheese, OR Free Regular Fries!

Photo via SHU Athletics Seton Hall tennis players took time on Tuesday, April 11 to engage with students at Union Avenue Middle School. Here, the Pirates introduced themselves to the students and told their stories of how they chose Seton Hall and what life is like as a Division I athlete. Additionally, the players conducted a tennis trivia game before giving the students some playing tips.


April 20, 2017

SPORTS

Page 15

SHU softball dons gold laces for pediatric cancer Matt Lamb Staff Writer While Seton Hall softball was able to pick up a dramatic walkoff victory over Hofstra University on April 11 at Mike Sheppard, Sr. Field, there was a much bigger cause that each team was playing for than the names on their uniforms. The game was also supporting the Go4theGoal Foundation with Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer. Both teams donned gold laces on their cleats during the game, and programs with Go4theGoal’s mission were also available at the game. Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer was also supported by the men’s and women’s soccer teams at a home game in the fall. “As a team we talk about life being bigger than softball and sometimes that’s hard to do,” head coach Paige Smith said. “When you’re a coach and you’re with them 20 hours a week and you’re always pressing softball, it’s great to incorporate that into a cause that’s much bigger.” Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer began in the fall of 2011, and more than 250,000 athletes at the youth, college and professional levels have donned the gold laces in support and to show commitment to fight the disease, which is the No. 1 disease killer among children. Go4theGoal works to improve the lives of children battling cancer by providing financial

Photo via SHU Athletics Both Seton Hall and Hofstra sported gold laces on April 11 for the Go4theGoal Foundation. assistance, granting special wishes, developing unique hospital programs and funding innovative research. The Pirates have been adamant in looking for donations and helping the cause through fundraising. They encourage those to continue exceeding their original fundraising goal of $2,500. The team has

raised $2,808 for the cause as of April 18. “The cause helps teach us more than softball ever could,” Smith added. “It’s great to be a part of and it takes a little pressure the kids too, knowing that they can play for something bigger.” Several players, friends and family members have made large

contributions, but none have come bigger than through Darby Pandolfo. The freshman has received more than 10 donations for a total of $630, according to the team’s fundraising page. Pandolfo has been extremely active and involved in a cause she cares about. “I think it’s awesome to con-

tribute,” Pandolfo said. “I think it’s great for us all to come together. We’re two teams playing against each other but we’re able to come together as one for one goal. It’s a great cause and I’m glad I can help out.” Overall, seven players have been able to raise more than $100 to support the cause. This fundraising effort comes after the team participated in an act of awareness for a summer league teammate of Valerie Suto. The Pirates had pink wristbands and raised money for the #DanniStrong campaign. Of course, grabbing the victory in a come-from-behind fashion while down to their last out was a boost for the Pirates, too. The game drew a large number of fans for both teams, and the warm, sunny weather helped get more fans out to the game and aware of the cause. The two-run double by Alyssa Prukop in the bottom of the seventh inning proved to be the difference maker for Seton Hall, which picked up its 19th victory with the win over northeast powerhouse Hofstra. To learn more about Go4theGoal and how to make a difference, visit Go4theGoal.org. To learn more about the Pirates’ efforts in battling the disease and how to donate, visit the team’s fundraising page at donate.go4thegoal.org/setonhallsoftball. Matt Lamb can be reached at matthew.lamb@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @MattS_Lamb.

Pirates’extra base hits have them on Big East Tourney bubble Keith Egan Staff Writer Seton Hall softball has begun its 2017 campaign in fashion, and as it dives into conference play midway through the season, the Pirates currently lead the nation in doubles per game. With 73 doubles in 38 games, the Pirates’ 1.92 doubles per game have opened eyes nationally and are known as the strength of Seton Hall. Minnesota and Tennessee are the only two other teams who have put more runners on second, but the Pirates’ efficiency in a number of games they’ve played is what has them ranked at the top of the NCAA. Alexis Walkden, Darby Pandolfo and Sara Foster each have put up double digit doubles. Destini Peck and Hailey Arteaga currently each come up just short with nine each, as of Wednesday. In addition, all but one of Seton Hall’s usual starters have recorded multiple doubles, which has put them where they are ranked nationally.

Walkden’s 14 doubles also have her tied for first in doubles in the conference as an individual milestone. Her impact on the Pirates has been felt in various different areas and she is a well-known face at the top of the Big East leaderboards. She currently leads the conference in runs scored, home runs and total bases along with her doubles, and is also top five in runs batted in and on-base percentage. Walkden however, is humble when it comes to her success, and gives a lot of her credit to her teammates and their confidence in her. “Knowing that my teammates are really confident in me and that I’m really confident and my coaches are really confident, it really helps you to be successful in anything,” Walkden said. The junior from Texas didn’t start making her impact this year, however. Walkden was the first ever Seton Hall player to be named Big East Rookie of the Year and was named to the firstteam All-Big East as she led the

conference in home runs, RBIs, runs scores and total bases. In her sophomore season, she continued on the same path as she led the Pirates in slugging percentage, home runs and tied for first in runs, earning a second team AllBig East selection. As Walkden continues to rake, the Pirates currently sit in the middle of the Big East standings and will work to make their way into the Big East Tournament with three conference series left. Walkden feels that confidence is key in the Pirates’ pursuit for the postseason. “Everyone just has to be confident every time they go up to the plate,” Walkden said. “All the teams we’re facing we can definitely do great things against and knowing we can do that is going to help us win.” That is what the Pirates will try to do in their final series against Providence on April 22, Butler on April 29 and St. John’s on May 6. Keith Egan can be reached at keith.egan@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @Keith_egan10.

Photos via SHU Athletics AlexisWalkden (top) and Darby Pandolfo (bottom) lead the team in doubles.


Sports

thesetonian.com @SetonianSports

Women’s golf team faces Big East four-peat Page 14 April 20, 2017

Page 16

LeBourne proves age is just a number Matt Ambrose Staff Writer

As a business professor at Seton Hall, Anselm LeBourne sets up his students for future success. After a 25-year career on Wall Street, it’s safe to say LeBourne knows what he is talking about. However, his tenure at the stock exchange capital of America is not the most impressive thing on LeBourne’s resume. LeBourne is a runner at the master’s track & field level, which includes runners at the age of 40 or older. He owns 16 world records. It was through the sport of soccer, however, where the 58-year-old discovered his passion for running. “I grew up in Trinidad & Tobago…and I used to play midfield,” LeBourne said. “The midfielder did a lot of running, and one of my friends said to me ‘Anselm, maybe you could be good at running.’” At first, LeBourne was not enthused with the idea of becoming a runner due to his undeniable love for soccer. It wasn’t until he was convinced to run a 5K race, which he ultimately won, that he realized his newfound appreciation for the sport. “When they gave me the trophy, I whispered to the guy and said ‘When do I have to bring the trophy back?’” LeBourne stated, as in his soccer days, all the tro-

phies he won had to be returned to the league for the next season. LeBourne had a difficult road to get to where he is today. His mother came to New York in 1975, and he followed her two years later. LeBourne continued running in high school, however he did not have the money to be able to pay for college. Luckily for him, he was given a scholarship by Seton Hall to become a member of the track & field team. LeBourne attended Seton Hall from 1978-1982. “It was through that track scholarship that put me in a position to work on Wall Street, to come back and be able to teach at Seton Hall,” LeBourne said. LeBourne has taken the same mindset he has while running into the classroom at Seton Hall. He teaches management classes at the University, where he encourages his students that if they work hard, they will be able to reap the benefits. This is the sentiment felt by sophomore Timothy O’Shea, who believes the mindset LeBourne brings to the classroom is one that sets students up for success. “He’ll relate his training to studying, whereas the more you put into it, the more you get out of it,” O’Shea said. LeBourne is also someone who will let his students know when they are putting in a strong effort in the classroom. Much as LeB-

Nick Santoriello Staff Writer

Photo via shu.edu Anselm LeBourne holds 16 world master’s track & field records. ourne is rewarded with trophies due to his hard work on the track, his students are rewarded with his positive feedback. “He paints a pretty clear picture of what he expects in the class,” O’Shea said. “If he sees you putting in the work, he’ll acknowledge that you’re trying and definitely help you out.” LeBourne doesn’t just run to compete, but he also does it as a way to improve himself and what he does in his everyday life. “Running keeps me motivated to do the things that I need to do and it keeps me focused,” LeBourne said. “I just don’t see myself

giving up running because I enjoy it.” This focus and motivation has resulted in a wide array of success for LeBourne. It has given him 16 world records at the master’s level. It has given him a lengthy career on Wall Street. It has given him the opportunity to come back and teach at his Alma Mater. So, what’s next for him? “I’m just gonna keep on running,” LeBourne said. Matt Ambrose is a journalism major from Exeter, N.H. He can be reached at matthew.ambrose1@ student.shu.edu or on Twitter @ mambrose97.

Women’s basketball signs three recruits Tyler Calvaruso Staff Writer The Seton Hall women’s basketball team announced three signings for the 2017-18 season, the last coming on Wednesday afternoon. The Pirates welcomed Nicole Jimenez, Inja Butina and Donnaizha Fountain into the fold, the program announced. Jimenez is a junior college guard from Miami and she will be immediately eligible following her graduation from Broward College. She will have two years to play for the Pirates. Standing at 5-foot, 3-inches, Jimenez has often been overlooked due to her size, but head coach Tony Bozzella thinks she can make an instant impact upon her arrival in South Orange.

“Cole is an example of a player that may be overlooked because of their size but has consistently shown throughout her career that she is not to be taken lightly as a scorer or a defender,” Bozzella said in a press release. “We are looking forward to the competition that she will bring to our guard position and think that she has the ability to be a star on both ends of the floor right away.” Butina, a product of Croatia, comes over from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where she led the Blue Dragons to a 33-2 record and the No. 4 seed in the NJCAA Tournament last season. Like Jimenez, Butina will come in with two years to play. The 5-foot, 9-inch sharpshooter hit 40.2 percent from three a year ago and was among the top four in total assists in the NJCAA

Pirates win 5-hour ballgame

as a freshman and sophomore. She has also played for the Croatian national team at the U16 and U18 levels. “There’s a belief around the game that players coming from Europe are more fundamentally sound and Inja would certainly fit that mold,” Bozzella said. “Her ability as both a floor general and a scorer will be apparent once she steps on the court as a Pirate.” Fountain comes over from Temple as a graduate transfer, meaning that she will only be at Bozzella’s side for the 2017-18 campaign. The 6-foot wing was an all-conference selection one year ago in the American Athletic Conference, averaging 12.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game over two seasons at Temple University. Fountain has some experience

playing against Big East competition, going for a double-double in games against Villanova and DePaul last season. “Players of Donnaizha’s caliber don’t become available very often and we are extremely blessed that she is choosing to conclude what has already been a tremendous career here at Seton Hall,” Bozzella said. “Her ability to score both inside and outside, rebound and defend will immediately make her an impact player in our league.” Jimenez, Butina and Fountain join incoming freshmen Kimi Evans and Selena Philoxy in the incoming 2017-18 class, a group that is considered to be the best in the Big East and top-50 nationally. Tyler Calvaruso can be reached at tyler.calvaruso@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @tyler_calvaruso.

Coming off a 9-6 victory in Piscataway on Tuesday, Seton Hall baseball walked off as winners in a 10-9 game that lasted 12 innings at home against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Wednesday. Junior Chris Morris took the hill for the Pirates, going five innings and giving up four runs on six hits while striking out six. The Scarlet Knights scored first with two runs in the top of the third and two more in the fourth to jump out to a quick 4-0 lead. The Pirates answered back in the bottom of the fourth with three runs of their own. After loading the bases on three walks, freshman Tyler Shedler-McAvoy got the Pirates on the board with a bases-clearing triple to cut the Rutger’s lead to 4-3. The triple was the first hit of the game for the Pirates and Shedler-McAvoy’s first of his young career. The Hall caught a bit of luck in the home half of the sixth when Jackson Martin’s long fly ball hit off the centerfielder’s glove, knocking in Shedler-McAvoy to tie the game at four. Then with a man on third and one out, Joe Poduslenko got the job done with a sac-fly to put the Pirates up 5-4. The back-and-forth action continued as Rutgers took a 6-5 lead in the top of the seventh. After allowing another run in the top of the eighth on a throwing error, the Pirates came storming back to tie the game at seven on RBI singles by Mike Caputo and Al Molina. Again Rutgers jumped ahead with two more runs in the top of the ninth, and again Seton Hall came back with two runs to tie the game at nine and send it into extra innings. After two scoreless innings, with two outs and no one on in the bottom of the 12th, Rob Dadona hit a walk off inside the park home run to capture the Pirates’ win, 10-9. “I was just trying to get on and get in scoring position to let the lineup work and it worked out great,” Dadona said. “I’m just really happy that we pulled together for a really good win.” In a game that lasted over five hours and saw 14 pitchers used by both teams, Matt Ponsiglione picked up the win in relief. Nick Santoriello can be reached at nicholas.santoriello@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @NickSantoriello.


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