October 23, 2014

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/ KENDALL COLLINS

5 Annual basketball coverage in ‘Courtside’ pgs. 9-12

Soaring to new ‘Heights,’ the musical in review pg. 13

IT’S

ON US St. John’s launches campaign against sexual assault. Pages 4-6

5 French Montana blows away St. John’s with killer performance pg. 19

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Members of Redzone, the student cheering section, supports the 2014 basketball teams during Tip-Off on Oct. 17

The Torch at Comic Con

News

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St. John’s prepares to celebrate historical presidential investiture Last ceremony was in 1989; Conrado ‘Bobby’ Gempesaw will officially take office on Friday Olivia cunnigham Managing Editor

St. John’s University will celebrate the investiture of Dr. Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw as its newest president on Friday, Oct. 24, with a Mass in Taffner Field House, an academic ceremony in Carnesecca Arena and an evening reception.

“The St. John’s community looks forward to this significant event in the University’s history,” Peter D’Angelo, chair of the University Board of Trustees, said in an emailed invitation.

Gempesaw, who officially took office on July 1, is the 17th president of the University and the first who is not a priest. Previously, he was provost and executive vice president at Miami University of Ohio.

What is the investiture?

The investiture is significant because it represents Dr. Gempesaw’s assumption of the formal powers of the office of the president, according to University representatives. While his presidency began in July, on Friday he will be officially installed and announced as the new president.

“It’s the ceremonial mark of the start of his tenure,” said a University representative.

St. John’s University has not hosted a formal investiture in 25 years, since that of the Rev. Donald Harrington in 1989.

One-year interim president the Rev. Joseph Levesque, who is expected to attend Friday’s ceremony, incorporated the investiture ritual into 2013’s Vincentian Convo-

cation.

Around a thousand people were expected to attend the three events, as of Oct. 17.

What will happen on Friday?

The day will begin with seating for the Mass in the arena at 12 p.m., and the service will begin at 1 p.m. At 2:30 p.m., guests will be seated for the 3:30 investiture ceremony. The reception will take place directly after the ceremony, around 5:30 p.m., and there will be a hospitality area in Marillac Terrace between the Mass and the ceremony.

“The Investiture ceremony will reflect academic traditions dating back to the Middle Ages, while also ushering St. John’s into a new era, as Dr. Gempesaw shares his vision and goals for the University. The entire St. John’s community is excited and very proud to host such a monumental event in our history and to formally welcome our new president.”

-Robert A. Mangione, Ed.D., R.Ph., Provost

The ceremony will begin with a processional led by grand marshal Jack Clarke, Tobin College of Business, a faculty member chosen by the provost for extraordinary

photo/university archives

Previous President Fr. Harrington is pictured holding the University mace during his 1989 investiture ceremony.

service to the university. Following Clarke will be deans, students, alumni and faculty members representing each college based on its size; the President’s Society, an elite group of seniors chosen each year to serve the Office of the President; and approximately 40 representatives from other universities.

The ceremony will include musical performances from students, the presentation of the colors and national anthem by St. John’s ROTC students, the reading of the investiture text used for every president of the University, and the singing of the alma mater.

President Gempesaw will also address the attendees.

Who will be attending?

Bishop of Brooklyn Nicholas DiMarzio will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass.

Provost Robert Mangione will be the master of ceremonies. The invocation will be given by Executive Vice President for Mission Rev. Bernard Tracy, and the benediction will be given by Levesque.

The faculty, students and alumni of St. John’s will each be represented by a speaker at the ceremony, as will the academic and religious communities.

Notable guest speakers include the presidents of Adamson and DePaul universities, Provincial of the Vincentian Community and St. John’s trustee Rev. Michael J. Carroll, and Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the papal nuncio to the United Nations.

Dr. Gempesaw has already received letters of congratulation from figures including other university presidents and

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, which will be on display during the reception.

Symbolism The investiture will be heavily symbolic. Gempesaw will wear the St. John’s presidential academic regalia, a “distinctive red robe,” according to a press release.

The president will also wear a doctoral cap and hood representative of his alma mater, The Pennsylvania State University, which will be switched to St. John’s garb during the ceremony, a University representative said.

After the investiture text is read by D’Angelo and the president dons the St. John’s regalia, he will be presented with the St. John’s presidential medallion, which is decorated with the University crest and is symbolic of the authority held by the president. It is worn at formal academic functions, such as commencement.

Another symbol is the University mace, a 39-inch, 5-pound club representing the “power of higher learning,” according to the Office of the President. The mace was created in the early 1960s and will be carried in the procession. The mace is decorated with symbols based on the iconography of the University’s patron saint, John the Baptist, including the University crest, University seal and the Seal of the Congregation of the Mission.

How to attend All members of the University community are invited to attend the events, which will also be broadcast live on the University website at stjohns.edu. Those who wish to attend should respond by this evening, Oct, 22, online or by calling extension 3118.

photo/university archives

Fr. Harrington delivers the homily during the Mass at his investiture.

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St. John’s addresses sexual assault Talia Tirella News Editor

Nationally, the number of reported sexual assaults has increased over the past few years. Sexual assault on college campuses is a hot-button topic, and St. John’s is not immune to the issue.

In 2013, there were six reported forcible sex offenses on campus, including five taking place in on-campus residence halls. That’s up from three total offenses in 2012 and five in 2011.

There were no non-forcible sex offenses or statutory rapes reported in the same three years.

These numbers come from the the 2014 Security and Fire Safety Report, compiled and published by the St. John’s department of Public Safety. The report includes statistics from the last three years in accordance with the Clery Act. It was the focus of a University-wide email sent Sept. 30.

The Clery Act requires all colleges to disclose crime statistics for their campus, public areas immediately adjacent to campus and certain non-campus facilities. Colleges must compile and publicly release this report every year by Oct. 1.

As mandated by the act, St. John’s ensures that all members of the University community receive training.

“Students, faculty and staff, public safety, and residence life staff are all trained. Anyone who would potentially have information about an incident is trained,” said Dr. Kathryn Hutchinson, Vice President of Student Affairs.

St. John’s is not alone when it comes to an increase in reported on-campus sexual assaults.

The Torch looked at the number of cases in the state of New York in order to determine how the incidents at St. John’s contribute to state numbers. The U.S. Department of Education’s website contains a search engine where the public can access data about crime on college campuses.

Because the Clery Act requires all colleges to publicly report the number of crimes that take place on or around campus, the number of reported sexual assaults, both forcible and non-forcible, are included.

Using the following search criteria, it became obvious that the number of forcible sex offenses at schools in the

state of New York had increased in the timeframe of 20102012.

Search criteria: -Institution state: ‘NY’ -Campus location: ‘US State’ -Campus State: ‘NY’ -Reporting year: 2010, 2011, 2012 -Criminal Offenses: On campus These criteria yielded the following results: In 2010, on campuses, there was a total of 250 reported forcible sex offenses, and 3 reported non-forcible offenses. In 2011, there was a total of 288 forcible, and 3 non-forcible. In 2012, there was a total of 315 forcible, and 3 non-forcible.

The Torch also looked at the number of incidents nationally. The following criteria were used: -Undergraduate enrollment: between 1,000 and 30,000 -Type of Institution: Public, 4-year or above; Private nonprofit, 4-year or above; Private for-profit, 4-year or above -Reporting year: 2010, 2011, 2012 -Criminal Offenses: On campus These criteria yielded the following results: In 2010, there was a total of 2,625 reported forcible sex offenses and 24 reported non-forcible sex offenses. In 2011, there was a total of 3,028 forcible and 26 non-forcible. In 2012, there was a total of 3,595 forcible and 27 non-forcible.

These incidents are increasing by the year. The obvious questions are why they are increasing, and what schools can do about this epidemic.

A few weeks ago, St. John’s announced their participation in the “It’s On Us” initiative, started by President Obama in reaction to an increasing number of reported sexual assault cases on college campuses nationally. The initiative aims to create awareness in order to stop incidents of sexual assault on college campuses.

“Our hope [with the initiative] is to get people talking, and help them realize how they can be part of the solution,” said Hutchinson.

In an article posted on the White House Blog, President Obama addressed the issue with a sobering statistic.

“An estimated one in five women has been sexually assaulted during her college years--one in five,” Obama said. “Of those assaults, only 12 percent are reported, and of those reported assaults, only a fraction of the offenders

are punished.”

St. John’s participation in the initiative is timely. On Oct. 13 and 14, The New York Post reported that a 20-yearold female student alleged she had been raped by two men at an off-campus party, but then recanted her statement on Monday, Oct. 14. So far, no further information has been released and no one has been identified as being involved with the incident.

Hutchinson said that St. John’s is working toward making the issue of sexual assault a prominent one. The “It’s On Us” video from the nationwide campaign, featuring President Obama, was played at Tip-Off. St. John’s student leaders made their own version, which was shown as well.

Hutchinson also said that featuring both of these videos during a prominent event is a step in the right direction in order to create awareness. “[The initiative] is making a difference. There’s been an increase in reporting, which isn’t necessarily a good thing, but it means more people are more comfortable coming forward and reporting incidents,” said Dr. Luis Manzo, Executive Director of Wellness & Assessment.

Members of Student Government, Inc. (SGI) are on board with the University’s commitment to stop sexual assault.

“Our door is always open, and we can point students in the right direction if they need help,” said SGI Vice President Caroline Zottl.

President Robert Koehler added, “We keep the resource guide [provided by Student Affairs] at the front desk.”

However, SGI also has some ideas about what needs to be improved.

“There needs to be swifter and tougher action when it comes to allegations, and those allegations that are true need to be met with swift and severe punishment,” Zottl said.

“The steps [on the flowchart] are decently published, but the school could work on having the available resources publicized more,” Zottl said. Both Koehler and Alick agreed, and added that the school has resources for survivors that should be put out in the open.

The flowchart in question is posted in public areas around campus, and features steps that a victim or witness can follow in order to report an incident or get help.

“It’s a two-step process. We need to eliminate the occurrence and facilitate the recovery process [for victims],” Alick said.

‘Take Back the Night’ event raises awareness NATHALIE TIGUA Staff Writer Every Thursday, ‘DAC After Dark’ has a theme.

Themes vary from a “Friends” showing in the coffeehouse to Fondue night. However, this week’s theme was different.

This week, the theme dealt with sexual violence as DAC hosted the ‘Take Back the Night’ event.

‘Take Back The Night’ was an opportunity for students and faculty to express their thoughts about sexual violence. According to the National Sexual

Violence Resource Center, it is estimated that the percentage of sexual violence among women in colleges may be between 20-25%.

The event included readings that empowered women to speak up about sexual violence. It also included a performance from the St. John's ‘Step Your Game Up’ step team. SYGU also taught people at the event how to step.

Senior Destiny Jones said, "Everyone makes a difference. Speak up if you know, or have been a victim of sexual crime."

Title IX coordinator Jackie Lochrie said, "Raise awareness [about] issues of gender-based violence on university campuses. Community members can make

a

difference [...] at St. John's."

Johan Kerr, a graduate student, said "Responsibility falls on everyone; if you see something, stand up.

Do not be a bystander. Do something!"

Junior Jaymiah Herring said, "Don't overlook activity that doesn't look normal because it can lead to violence."

Senior Ada Lee said, "We all have the power to come together to fight domestic and sexual violence. The event made me feel empowered to fight it.

‘Take Back The Night’ is in response to President Obama's initiative to prevent sexual violence, “It’s On Us.” October is also sexual violence prevention month.

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St. John’s Student Code of Conduct October updates emphasize sexual violence policies AMANDA UMPIERREZ Staff Writer

The St. John’s Board of Trustees updated the Student Code of Conduct on Oct. 1 changing and adding a major emphasis on the policies and procedures of sexual violence.

“It’s a critical piece because a lot of times I think the student does not understand,” Daniel Trujillo, associate vice president and dean of students, said. The clarification of the focus serves as a result to the students’ lack of policy accessibility.

Subcategories in the modified report include sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, sexually inappropriate conduct and unambiguous definitions of consent and stalking, along with other points.

The code cites consent as “when a person freely, actively and knowingly agrees at the time to participate in a particular sexual act with another person,” and goes on to note that “consent can be revoked by either party at any stage.”

Along with a definition of consent, the code outlines the denotation of non-consensual acts and attributes.

Similar to the reasoning behind the articulation of consent, a more explicit definition of stalking is accentuated in the code of conduct.

The code defines stalking as a “behavior or activity that places another individual in fear of

personal harm and/or is intended to cause emotional distress to another individual.”

In any case, even if there is a relationship between the individuals, the code states the prohibition of any behavior that may be considered stalking.

Layla Noriega, a junior legal studies major and a member of the University’s Student Conduct Board, thinks the revisions will play a larger role in helping conduct board members finalize decisions in cases.

“It is hard finding what students can be responsible for when they do something wrong,” she said. “We read definitions and sometimes it is hard to put the facts of the case with the rules of the code.”

Paul Lee, a sophomore at St. John’s who also participates in Student Conduct Board, understands the reasoning behind the clarification but anticipates bigger actions. “I think St. John’s should have a seminar on the issue, and a day dedicated to preventing sexual violence,” he said.

In addition to the code, the student conduct process asserts the procedures and interim sanctions that may follow. These tentative actions include a “no contact” policy between individuals involved, and/or a “suspension or limited access to University facilities, residence halls, activities or events.”

The “no contact” policy allows Student Conduct to provide a major focus on consulting with victims of attacks.

The policy ensures no contact between a survivor and perpetrator, ranging from social media to the friends of those involved. Resources such as change in class schedule, counseling and a Public Safety escort service may be administered as well.

Trujillo believes the attention brought to these issues will encourage victims to emerge from hiding. “Especially if someone is a survivor, this can make so many victims come forward,” he said.

The Student Code of Conduct and the process are major components in the University’s response to take action, most notably with the “It’s On Us” campaign.

According to Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson, St. John’s University was awarded a three-year grant from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women in 2011, after the University met the 10 suggested steps to comply with Title IX. These steps consisted of training students on sexual assault and establishing ways to settle complaints within 60 days of the filing. When representatives of the DOJ-OVW visited the University this April, St. John’s was selected to receive the grant for another three years.

“St. John’s has always been ahead of the curve in responding to the issue,” Trujillo said.

More information on the Student Code of Conduct and the process can be found on the ‘Student Code of Conduct’ section on stjohns.edu.

Are assault preventatives effective?

AMANDA UMPIERREZ Staff Writer

Within the last year, potential date rape preventatives have been created in order to help prevent sexual assault and violent crimes.

Companies such as DrinkSavvy and LifeShel are among the three latest manufactures to generate these products, which range from cups and straws to cellphone cases.

In 2013, four North Carolina State University undergraduate students became notable after claiming they had made a nail polish that can potentially prevent date rape. In order for the nail polish to work, the holder would stir his or her finger in the cup.

If the nail polish changed color, it was a signal that the drink had been drugged.

However, a Washington Post article published in August debunked the product’s effectiveness by stating that tests examining the nail polish failed to identify the drugs, and showed ‘false positives’ for others.

Other preventative products include the Whistl, a cellphone case designed by LifeShel that, in any uncomfortable situation, can notify police and loved ones with the touch of two buttons.

DrinkSavvy, another date rape preventative company, focuses on using cups and straws to hinder sexual assaults. If a drug is blended into a drink, the cup or straw will turn a different color.

Some critics believe that although the products are filled

with good intentions, they reinforce the victims’ responsibility rather than teaching the wrongness of sexual assault.

After the aforementioned news on the date rape nail polish preventative broke in August, an article published on ThinkProgress noted the faults of the idea.

Tracey Vitchers, the board chair for Students Active for Ending Rape, told the website, “I think that anything that can help reduce sexual violence from happening is, in some ways, a really good thing, but I think we need to think critically about why we keep placing the responsibility for preventing sexual assault on young women.”

Some St. John’s students believe the products are a big step in reducing sexual assault. Angela Necco, a sophomore, considers the preventatives to be an improvement.

“It’s good that companies are putting effort in making products that can help others,” Necco said.

Freshman Justin Katz agrees. “The focus of who is at fault should not be what we look at,” he said. “Rather, we should be grateful that steps have been made to try to prevent date rape from even happening.”

Besides these products, Katz believes there are more approaches to help prevent sexual assault and violent crimes, such as the use of seminars. “Seminars with victims of these crimes would have a massive emotional impact with students, as it would bring the reality of the seriousness of these issues,” he explained. “We often forget how powerful speech can be in person.”

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/ CHEYANNE GONZALES

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Federal investigations search for Title IX indiscretions CHEYANNE GONZALES Photo Editor

In April, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released a list of 55 colleges and universities under investigation for mishandling sexual violence and harassment complaints, which is a violation of Title IX. Every school system--K-12, colleges and universities--that receive federal funding must follow Title IX, a federal law that demands students should not be rejected for participation in educational and other events because of gender.

Since the Department of Education’s release of the 55 colleges and universities under investigation, 30 institutions have been added to the list, making it 85 colleges and universities under investigation.

Out of the 85 institutions, seven of the schools that are currently under federal investigation are from New York. Binghamton University is in the midst of controversy over sexual violence cases, but was recently removed by the Office of Civil Rights. At Columbia University complaints have been filed, but no investigation has been opened.

In April of this year, 23 students filed Title IX, Title II and Clery Act noncompliance complaints against Columbia University with the Department of Education, according to an article in Time magazine.

As of this month, six months later, there has been no response by the Office of Civil Rights on

investigating the complaints and pursuing a federal investigation. The Columbia University office of media relations declined to comment when asked about the recent media attention.

The 7 colleges and universities in the state of New York that are under federal investigation are: -Hobart and William Smith Colleges -Elmira College -Pace University -Hunter College -Sarah Lawrence College -St. Thomas Aquinas College -Stony Brook University Every school under investigation did not return a message seeking comment.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York are facing public backlash after The New York Times published a front-page story about a rape case in July of this year.

According to the Department of Education, investigating a sexual-assault case can take up to 60 or more calendar days.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges closed the case in less than two weeks in September 2013, according to The New York Times article.

On the school panels’ 12th day of the investigation, they closed the case, clearing the three athletes involved from all counts, according to the Times report.

The panelist talked over the possible sexual assault victim, twisted the evidence presented as well as reports from the police and hospital, and

questioned if the possible victim was telling the truth, according to the Times.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges are now facing a federal investigation for mishandling the sexual assault case and having improperly trained panelists.

Hobart and William Smith violated the privacy laws by disclosing Anna’s full name in a letter to many of the students.

“I’m surprised they didn’t attach my picture,” Anna told the Times. The school said that they were obligated to identify Anna to students who might have been called to testify, the Times reports.

However, Anna then agreed to release her first name, a photo and a video to the Times for the article.

Now, as a result of media attention, Anna has the support of people all over the country.

Some people are pleased with the active role the federal government is taking on being transparent with who is being investigated, but some fear that the efforts will be ineffective if it ends here.

Sophomore criminal justice major Jazmine Hayes is concerned about what the Department of Education plans on doing to prevent these events from happening in the future.

“After all of this is over and if the percentage [of incidents] doesn’t go down, then something was done wrong, it was handled wrong,” Hayes said. “If these schools that are under investigation aren’t fined or found guilty, then why would anyone want to go to that school?”

“It’s On Us” here at St. John’s

LIVIA PAULA Staff Writer

St. John’s University aired its own version of the “It’s On Us” video campaign against sexual assault on Friday, Oct. 17 during the university basketball teams’ Tip-Off. The St. John’s version of the campaign features student leaders, athletes and faculty, and it closes with University President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw.

The original “It’s On Us” video campaign features famous faces such as Kerry Washington, Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama. The campaign was launched in early September.

According to Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kathryn Hutchinson, the University has been working for years on educating the St. John’s community on the subject, and she sees the campaign as “another highly visible aspect” of their approach.

Hutchinson said that they used familiar faces from

campus to make it easier for the students to understand the issue “on a personal level.” She also shared her content with the reactions at Tip-Off, describing it as “incredible.”

“Having an arena full of people watching the video together really says that as a university, we believe this is important and we can change the culture,” Hutchinson said.

Senior Yamaris Astudillo said that having students talk in the video makes it “more relatable.” She mentioned that because most people don’t speak up on this issue, it is necessary to show the importance about intervening.

“To have guys and girls in the video shows that anyone can say something if they witness or experience the situation,” Astudillo said.

According to the “It’s On Us” campaign’s toolkit, one in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual assault during their college years. Out of those, only 13 percent is reported.

“This campaign is not just about a video or a badge on a shirt,” Hutchinson said. “Our students understand that we are all part of the solution.”

Editor’s note: as an orientation leader Livia Paula participated in the “It’s On Us” video.

Compiled By: SUZANNE CIECHALSKI and KYLE FITZGERALD

Photo/Suzanne Ciechlaski

Lindsey Dalton, Freshman

Liz Canney, Junior

Q: How do you feel about the issue of women’s safety on college campuses in the US?

Q: How do you feel about rape culture across the United States?

A: That it’s not taken as seriously as it should be, and there should be more action towards women’s safety on campuses. I think that St. John’s is doing a lot with the ‘It’s On Us’ program and making us aware, but many students need to open up their minds about sexual assault because a lot of them are very ignorant about it.

A: I think rape goes against how we are created and the natural law and the intrinsic value of our bodies. John Paul II said that a person’s rightful due is to be treated as an object of love and not an object for use, and rape culture today is taking something so sacred and destroying it. That’s so sad because it’s during our college years and that’s so important and pivotal in our development.

Photo/Kyle Fitzgerald

Anna Misleh, Senior

Photo/Kyle Fitzgerald

De’Jsa Robinson, Sophomore

Q: How do you feel about rape culture at St. John’s, and the university’s handlings?

Q: On St. John’s’ campus specifically do you feel that there’s enough being done?

A: I think we’re doing a very good job of handling and diminishing the number of sexual violence cases that happen on our campus. I think Public Safety monitoring all our residence halls after 11:00 p.m. as well as coming in through Gate 6, prevents a lot of sexual assault from happening.”

A: St. John’s’ campus, I think, is actually really safe. Public Safety does a great job of just keeping safety, not just for women, but for all students here.

Photo/Suzanne Ciechlaski

Thomas Vitale, Sophomore

Photo/Suzanne Ciechlaski

Q: Do you think St. John’s has a good job preveting sexual assault and violence against women on campus?

Q: As a male, how do you feel about the stereotype given to men that they’re all bad due to what’s been happening lately with sexual assault and campus violence?

A: Honestly, from first day of orientation to now as a sophomore, I can’t really say I’ve had the opportunity to really learn anything about sexual assault on or off campus. Ever since that recent incident I think St. John’s is taking proper the proper precautions, and trying to have events and speakers about it.

A: I think it takes a lot of dignity away from men. There are a lot of stereotypes that guys don’t want consent. There are definitely guys that look for consent before they do anything. I think that stereotype is inaccurate.

Should We Take Ebola Seriously?

ABHISHEK JOSHI Contributing Writer

Andrew Venturini, Freshman

“For now, it’s not that serious, all you need is proper safety precautions, and you’re good to go. I am more worried about the flu for now. And as for Ebola, I think it is the next swine flu, people will forget about it eventually,” said Anthony Recently, cases of Ebola Virus DisYam, a fifth-year pharmacy student. ease, also known as EVD or just Ebola, Seeing that the campus is buzzing were registered in North America, causing with mixed responses, the world outside panic amongst Americans. is in a mix-up as well. Certain schools in The recent death of a patient in Texas the states of Ohio and Texas have been has only increased the intensity of this shut down for sanitization and cleaning; health scare, making it a topic of conversurprisingly though, while a majority of sation amongst every community. While the population is taking the issue serithe entire world mourns the death of ously, not many know much about Ebola thousands being infected in West Africa, itself. and many countries including the United President Barack Obama has shown States of America are doing their best to concerns on the issue and has appointed stay safe, some think this is an issue being Ron Klain as the Ebola czar. He has also blown out of proportion. approved Pentagon’s notion of sending Although I have been following the troops to West Africa with an aim to news on Ebola, I initially was taking the contain the virus from spreading any topic lightly. I wondered if that was okay, further. Other authorities have also shown or if I was wrong to do that. Just the other their support. What happens in the end is day, as I was chatting with a friend on something we will have to wait to see.

Facebook, we were laughing about how The Center of Disease Control issued he was getting sick, and kept teasing him a statement saying, “We are open to ideas by saying that he had Ebola. And this and we are doing anything and everymade me realize about how some people, thing we can in order to keep the country including me, are underrating this issue. and the planet in good health.”

After asking some students on the What remains is the scary part about campus about their thoughts on the virus the virus. It has resulted in about 4,000 and how it is being portrayed, I received deaths and even at this very moment, some mixed responses. thousands infected are battling for life.

“If it can take someone’s life then yes My question here is that, are we as a it is serious,” said Brithney Bedu, a fresh- country well prepared to battle this epiman majoring in liberal studies. demic? If yes, then how can we do this While Bedu stands with her opinion without having any collateral damage? and says that she is well-read and updated on the subject, a few students have a different say.

Photo/Suzanne Ciechlaski

Enterovirus: Deadlier Than Ebola Five children suffer from fatal virus KRISTEN CATALANO Contributing Writer

Freshman Kerry Werkheiser said that she has never heard of this disease before and thought that the biggest health concern lately is Ebola. This is cause for concern considering Enterovirus is coming closer and closer to campus every day. According to CBS, a student from Bound Brook New With the news currently focusing on Jersey, less than 50 miles from campus, Ebola, another deadly disease is on the has been diagnosed with Enterovirus. Acrise. Enterovirus, specifically the D68 strain, is making its way across the United cording to the NY Post another child from Southampton, 80 miles from campus, has States; according to latest data from the also been diagnosed Center for Disease with Enterovirus.

Control, 780 people If this virus are currently infected continues to be with this virus and five “The virus is more comignored, the results children in the past few mon in America than Ebola will be deadly. months have lost their and needs to receive more Without proper lives as a result. This media attention so that the prevention the virus is more common public is more informed about virus will continue in America than Ebola it.” to spread and will and needs to receive eventually infect all more media attention 50 states and claim so that the public is the lives of many more informed about it. people.

If we conStudents at St. John’s should become tinue to wait for new drugs and treatments aware of the symptoms and signs of this then countless people will suffer and the virus, considering children and teenagers number of deaths will continue to inare at the greatest risk of getting infected. crease. Enterovirus needs to be publicized This strain’s symptoms are similar to and talked about, especially on the news a common cold and most people would not be able to distinguish between the two because according to the American Press until the symptoms progress and hospital- Institute at least 87 percent of Americans ization is required. This particular strain of get their information from the news. With most news stations focusing on Ebola, Enterovirus is extremely rare and doctors are still unaware as to how it has managed many Americans are unaware of other viruses that they can contract. to infect so many people this year.

Opinion

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Staff Editorial XCI

SAMANTHA ALBANESE Editor-in-Chief

Illustrator’s CORNER 7

OLIVA CUNNINGHAM Managing Editor TALIA TIRELLA News Editor BRIAWNNA JONES Entertainment KYLE FITZGERALD Features Editor STEPHEN ZITOLO Sports Editor ALEXA VAGELATOS Opinion Editor GINA PALERMO Design Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH The increase of sexual assaults across the nation has quickly become a hot topic, and has triggered campaigns for more awareness and preventative measures. Since the White House created the “1 is 2 Many” campaign and the “It’s On Us” initiative, there has been a national call to create a safe place for victims to express themselves.

Overall, St. John’s has been doing a good job of both promoting awareness of sexual violence and preventing the issue by working to keep students safe. The recent “It’s On Us” campaign and promotion of advertising on how students can report an incident are two examples of this effort.

Over the last few months there has also been a myriad of other, more tangible inventions, such as the Date Rape nail polish that turns a different color if your drink is spiked. Although it was recently shown to be less reliable than originally thought, is a great kickstarter to a national rehaul to dealing with a sensitive and often violent situation.

Another useful device is an app called SafeTrek, which involves holding down a touch-screen button when you are in an area in which you don’t feel safe, say, walking home from campus at night. If the button is released, you have 10 seconds to enter a pre-set PIN; otherwise, the police will automatically be called. Apps and technological innovations like these allow us as a society to stop blaming the victim, and start being preventative.

St. John’s has recently announced that it is taking part in the “It’s On

Us” campaign, and has promoted the campaign on platforms available to the whole St. John’s community. St. John’s Central and Tip-Off, where the video was shown and Coach Lavin addressed the issue, are just two examples of that. Reinforcing the video and the importance of the campaign is a great way to constantly remind students of this ongoing issue.

Looking forward, we suggest that the university consider even more preventative measures, in addition to the rigorous programs already in place. Whether students are victimized on or off campus, or know people are who are being victimized, we suggest weekly meetings where people can feel safe to be anonymous and have ways to talk about what’s going on.

Students should become familiar with the flow chart St. John’s has created of the direct steps to take when reporting an incident. Perhaps making a mobile app similar to SafeTrek a standard program to download for all students, or even by including an emergency alert feature on the current St. John’s app, students would more easily be able to get help when they are having a problem.

For students both on and off campus, additional sexual assault education during welcome week and orientation, and making students aware that there are campus resources such as resident assistants, the counseling center, Dean of Students Dr. Daniel Trujillo and Title IX coordinator Jackie Lochrie could benefit the student body and help the St. John’s community to prevent all sexual harassment, assault and violence.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the T ORCH . Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of The T ORCH .

Opinions expressed in editori-

als, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.

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Mail letters to: The TORCH, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439 Submit letters via email to: torcheic@gmail.com

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ILLUSTRATOR/NICOLE MARINO

“Hyperinflation causes dyspnea on exertion.”

The Importance of Voting This Year ETHAN BROWN Contributing Writer Our generation is consistently being ridiculed by our elders for being lazy, whiny and selfish.

Technology, they say, has not assisted us millenials in learning how to communicate or figure things out for ourselves; rather, the critics complain that smartphones, iPads and Google have inhibited us twenty-something’s to a point where we have succumbed to having a complete reliance on technology.

This does not sound like a vote of confidence from the people who should be trusting the upcoming generation. We yield a lot of power in the events that will shape America over the next couple of decades with our right to vote.

Many analysts suggest every election year that young people are not apt to vote based on lack of interest in politics and/or not knowing enough information on who to vote for.

However, the presidential elections of 2008 and 2012 have bucked this trend.

“Voters from ages 18 to 29 represented 19 percent of all those who voted, an increase of one percentage point from 2008,” said Tyler Kingkade of The Huffington Post.

Despite critical articles stating that college students are not enthused to vote, or that fewer college students are registered to do so, the increase in the youth turnout exemplifies a more intelligent and in-tune generation.

Our parents and grandparents do not give us enough credit for that.

However, critics do have a way with their argument. Many young voters do not seem interested in anything to do with politics, despite the fact that the most controversial issues today — the economy, the job market and national security — will greatly affect our generation in the future. Discussing foreign countries like Syria and Iraq is typically dull and dry for most, but remains important in the sense that these countries will be frequently engaging with the United States for years to come and, thus, contribute to ongoing issues and crisis on the homeland and overseas.

The job market has consistently been volatile since 2008, making this the primary focus of voters on college campuses. How will we pay our loans back? Will we find a job that we like? Will we have to live with our parents forever? These questions are just some to ask ourselves before we brush off the idea that voting, and politics in general, are not important or interesting.

Just because this is not a presidential election year does not mean that it is less important than other elections. Specifically to New York, there are elections for Governor and U.S. House of Representatives, just to name a couple. These powerful positions have the ability to determine the outcome of New York’s politics for the future, affecting the chances of our generation securing a job, or better, our dream job. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. No matter what political party you align with, go and cast a vote. It could be the vote that secures you that dream job.

Courtside

The Torch’s annual basketball coverage

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COURTSIDE Tip-Off electrifies Carnesecca Arena ANTHONY SCIANNA Staff Writer

Over 5,000 eager students packed Carnesecca Arena on Friday night to celebrate the start of the men’s and women’s basketball seasons during Tipoff.

Energy seemed to be oozing out of the arena as crazed students waved their glow sticks.

Feeding off the crowd’s energy, both the dance and cheer team performed. Then the lights slowly dimmed; player introductions shortly followed.

Most players showed vibrant energy. Notable players like D’Angelo Harrison, Aliyyah Handford, Sir’Dominic Pointer and Tamesha Alexander felt the music and decided to dance for the screaming crowd.

Coaches were then introduced. Women’s coach Joe Tartamella then spoke to the audience about the importance of a student section.

It was then time for the Women's NCAA Tournament banner to be lifted, signifying a 5th consecutive year in March Madness play.

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Steve Lavin then spoke about the upcoming season. He promised a trip to the NCAA Tournament and mentioned key talents on

his squad.

Then, the Women’s Basketball team took the floor for a short intersquad game.

Aaliyah Lewis connecting on three straight field goals. Highlighted performances were also turned in by Kyra Dunn, Danaejah Grant, Tana Wade and Jade Walker who all looked crisp.

Up next was the Red Storm Shootout.

This consisted of two teams and was designed to test players shooting skills. Each team came out firing. Ultimately, the team of Harrison, Khadim Ndiaye, Grant and Crystal Simmons gained the edge.

The men then took the floor for their match. This scrimmage consisted of two, six minute halves. Newcomer Adonis Delarosa scored a few monster dunks. Also, Pointer showcased his new off-season range by nailing deep three pointers. The turning point came late in the second half when Harrison elevated, dunking over Rysheed Jordan.

The two shared a smile after and got back to business.

Finally, the Dunk Contest was underway.

Sandra Udobi, Dunn, Selina Archer and Amber Thomson all filled in as judges.

Among the contestants were highflyers like Phil Greene, Chris Obepka, Pointer and Myles Stewart. Each dunker was given two

minutes to complete two dunks.

Pointer was the first to shine with a through the legs alley-oop. Greene was up next and made great use of Harrison, who threw a perfect alley-oop to a flying Greene with a powerful finish.

Newcomer Myles Stewart displayed an impressive vertical, pulling off a “rock the baby” style dunk. With time expiring he pulled off an improvised dunk. Obekpa rounded out the contest with a powerful reverse dunk.

Ultimately, it was Greene and Obekpa who won over the judges. Greene choose to go first and shut Carnesecca Arena down with a 360 alley-oop off the side of the backboard.

The festivities were rounded out with special guest and glorified rap artist French Montana performing his hit tracks to the sell out crowd. Singing in unison, students helped French through his set and cheered as he walked of stage, signifying the end of yet another successful TipOff.

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Junior guard Aliyyah Handford walks onto the court during Tipoff and dances for the crowd TORCH PHOTO/ CHEYANNE GONZALES

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Courtside

Women’s basketball adds much needed length ALLAN GOMEZ

TORCH PHOTO/ CHEYANNE GONZALES

Staff Writer

The confidence is there for the St. John’s women’s basketball team setting higher expectations for themselves for the upcoming season.It started this summer having the ability to play over in Europe, building chemistry together on the court. The Johnnies feel like they can be one of contenders in the BIG EAST and also be a force in the women’s NCAA tournament. The Red Storm were able to add more depth and length, which was lacking last season and in the past seasons. But all the focus will be on junior guard Aliyyah Handford. Handford’s play in the Women’s NCAA tournament has opened a lot of people’s eyes.

ESPN HoopGurlz ranked Handford as the No. 9 point guard and No. 55 nationally before her signing with St. John's in 2012.Handford was Coach Joe Tartamella first recruit for the Johnnies before taking over as the head coach three years ago.

“I think she can play professionally and were lucky to have her playing for us,” Tartamella has said in the past.

Handford expects more for herself and the Johnnies after their defeat to Tennessee in the second round of the women’s

NCAA tournament, 67-51, where she scored 23 points.

“I think teams are going to be very surprise in our play,” Handford said. “I have been working more on my defense in Europe and adding a jump shot to my game, so teams won’t play off me and pack down in the paint. My game is not going to change at all, but will be even better and expects the team to play more faster, were just to quick.” Containing Handford is a scary thought. She is coming off last season as a two-time BIG EAST Player of the Week, a unanimous selection to the 2014 All-BIG EAST First Team and named to the 2014 All-Met First Team. Handford also had 30 double-figure performances and scored twenty-plus points 11 times. Already with an outstanding career at St. John’s, putting up career highs in her sophomore year averaging 16.7 per game, 5.1 rebounds shooting 47.8% from the field. Handford, who can score, also adds toughness on both sides of the ball. Handford is no one trick pony, who rebounds and can pass as well. Handford will need to be more of a leader, which Tartamella said at Media Day. The Johnnies lost key players from last season, such as Briana Brown and Eugeneia McPherson due to graduation.

“I have been showing the new players how plays are run during practices and telling them it starts with hard work,” Handford said. With five straight trips to the NCAA tournament, the new and improved Handford and her teammates will look to make it six straight appearances.

“Were hungry for more coming of last season and have been working harder this offseason together to get back there,” Handford said. Handford and the Lady Johnnies open the season on the road against Yale Nov. 15.

Women’s basketball adds much needed length DAVID DRESSEKIE Staff Writer

It is impossible for any significant amount of time to elapse without significant change occurring.

This phenomenon of change is particularly well pronounced in sports. In professional sports leagues trades, drafts, and retirements can come together in rapid succession to alter a rosters, transforming champions into the dregs of the league while turning former laughingstocks into perennial contenders.

The St. John’s University Women’s basketball team ‘s last season ended in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to the eighth-seeded Tennessee Lady Volunteers. A lot has changed for the Red Storm since that fateful day in Knoxville , as third year head coach, Joe Tartamella, explained at the team’s media day saying, “We have five new faces in our program, four freshmen and a transfer…..”

Coach Tartamella went on to speak about the incoming underclassmen stating that , “We recruit to needs. We expect a lot from them and overall our freshmen are going to play a big role coming off the bench. Sox [Tamesha Alexander] gives us depth at the point guard position and then we have Imani Littleton and Tonoia Wade who are versatile players and can both play multiple positions. Crystal Simmons has been a great surprise for us for what she’s been able to do in this short

period of time. She’s a great defensive player, long, and brings a different flavor to our team.”

After Coach Tartamella’s time with the media graduate student, Tyra Dunn, also gave the member of the press a few moments of her time to explain her role on the team stating that “I live for blocking shots, getting out and running the floor. I think that aspect of my game will just bring a lot of energy to the team.”

Dunn, who stands at 6 foot 3 inches, and some of the other newcomers bring a length that some felt was missing from previous Red Storm teams as Redshirt senior forward Selina Archer explained stating, “As a team we’re pretty long now. For any team to play us on the block it will be difficult as long as we make it difficult. During practice we all compete against one another.”

Much of the changes mentioned thus far are positive in nature, but it is worth noting that change does not discriminate it gives and it takes. With this in mind it should come as no surprise that this season will see the Red Storm having to overcome the loss of three key contributors following the departures of former team captain Briana Brown, Keylantra Langley, and Eugenia Mcpherson, Coach Tartamella , however, did not seemed phased by the changes and appeared ready to meet the upcoming season’s challenges stating, “I think we have great chemistry as we’ve started our year and that will continue to grow, and we look forward to representing and competing in the BIG EAST Conference.”

TORCH PHOTO/ CHEYANNE GONZALES

Life st y l e

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Chappell Players soar to new ‘Heights’

Musical debut leaves fans in awe CATHERINE FARQUHARSON

Contributing Writer

The University’s Chappell Players Theatre Group presentation of “In the Heights,” which originally premiered on Oct. 10, concluded its production on Oct. 18.

The Chappell Players took inspiration from the former hit Broadway show and adapted it to their own unique style.

The musical first premiered on Broadway in 2008 and won four Tony Awards out of 13 nominations including Best Musical and Best Choreography. The music and lyrics were written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also played Usnavi in the musical. The musical was adapted into a book written by Quiara Alegria Hudes.

This year hundreds of students came out to audition for the 24 spots in the musical. The final cast resembled the ethnic diversity of the characters whose stories were shared with the audience members.

The premise of the story takes place in Washington Heights, a tight-knit community in upper Manhattan. The main protagonist and narrator, Usnavi, is brought to life by junior Ryan DeForeest.

The infusion of hip-hop and Spanish create an upbeat atmosphere as the characters share their stories. It’s nearly impossible to not nod your head or snap your fingers to the infectious mixture of drums, piano and guitar. The graffiti-filled setting is the perfect representation of New York as a majority of the musical takes place at Usnavi’s bodega.

DeForeest describes his character as being very charismatic but also very insecure as he struggles to express his feelings to his love interest Vanessa.

He’s given the chance of winning the lottery and returning to his homeland in the Dominican Republic. This possibility motivates him throughout the course of the play as he strives to live his life to the fullest.

When discussing the theme of the play, “dreams and how these somewhat real characters can actually aspire to reach those dreams,” is how DeForeest summed it up.

The characters in the musical want more in their life. Nina played by junior Danielle Maturo returns home from college with surprising news for her father that she’s dropped out of school. She battles

PHOTO/CHEYANNE GONZALEZ

with the decision of going back after her parents have struggled financially to get her out of the Heights.

Another protagonist in the play, Benny, endeavors to start up his own car service business and Vanessa wants to move to an apartment downtown.

“Everyone has dreams and this idea of wanting to get out of the Heights,” Maturo said.

The characters portrayed in Washington Heights share the burden of a setting into which they were born. Each character dream of escaping the financial and personal hardships of their lives.

“Something about Washington Heights seems to them a trap,” director and choreographer Courtney Laine Self said. “The whole neighborhood, to a certain extent, feels stuck- falling short of achieving their dreams.”

As the musical arrives at its conclusion the characters come to realize that the days they felt lost shaped were what shaped them for the future.

Each character revels in the victory of achieving their dreams and appreciates that Washington Heighs helped them get to where they want to be.

“But how often do we look back on an experience in our lives that seems frustrating or stressful and think to ourselves, ‘God those days were great?’” Self said.

PHOTO/CHEYANNE GONZALEZ

Set in Washington Heights, each character rose above their economic and personal hardships to create a better life for themselves.

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BRIAWNNA JONES Entertainment Editor Over the last two weeks, it looks as if Kim Kardashian’s baby sister Kylie Jenner and “Rack City” rapper Tyga have gotten closer than ever.

The two have been spotted out and about around L.A. and on a cozy lunch date. Tyga, 24, is a known friend of the Kardashian ‘klan,’ but

“While there is no drama surrounding their friendship, many fear that the pair are becoming more than just friends.”

DIAWIKIME

has been seen spending a lot more one-on-one time with 17-year-old Jenner. While there is no drama surrounding their friendship, many suspect that they are becoming more than just friends.

Although the teen reality star has yet to address the allegations, the Young Money signee lashed out on a commenter on his Instagram page after being called a pedophile. In his

comeback comment, he said, “Why u sound so hateful. U don’t know s—t bout my life but the fake s— u read online. Worry about your sad boring life.”

As for now, things seem to be unclear as Kim Kardashian’s close friend/Tyga’s former fiancé Blacc Chyna posted a selfie of the two snuggled in bed with the caption “by the way he said I’m not missin no meals” after they celebrated their son Kings’ second birthday. Blacc Chyna later deleted the post.

The Kardashian/Jenner camp has yet to deny or confirm the relationship, but TMZ did acquire photographs of Tyga and Kylie spending time together in France before jetting off to Switzerland and Athens where Tyga was scheduled to perform.

Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg (now Lion) caused quite a stir this past week as he engaged in a Twitter war with breakout rap artist Iggy Azalea.

The beef started with the 42-yearold rapper posting a popular

INSTAGRAM/KYLIEJENNERWW

meme of an albino woman with the caption: “Iggy Azalea without makeup.”

Catching wind of the meme, the “Fancy” rapper fired back, calling out Snoop for being two-faced.

Azalea tweeted out, “Why would you post such a mean pic on insta when you send your body guards to ask me for pictures every time we are at shows. I’m disappointed you’d be such an a— for no reason.”

Unfortunately the feud did not end there as Snoop Dogg posted a series of hurtful memes insulting the Aussie rapper’s looks, as well as a vulgar video verbally attacking her.

The veteran artist even managed to bring the 24-year-old’s boyfriend, Nick Young, into the mix. The Lakers small-forward jumped in the social media feud, calling the West Coast legend a “sucka” and suggesting that he was going through a mid-life crisis.

Acting as a mediator, T.I., Azalea’s long-time mentor and Grand Hustle boss, resolved the issue by giving Snoop Dogg a call, prompting the “Gin & Juice” rapper to post a video on Instagram publicly apologizing to Azalea. Settling the feud once and INSTAGRAM/IISWHOIIS for all she tweeted back

saying, “I appreciate the apology.”

Eccentric pop star Kesha is making headlines this week after she filed a lawsuit to break free of her contract with producer Dr. Luke. In the lawsuit, Kesha is accusing Luke of sexually, physically, and verbally assaulting her throughout the duration of the 10-year partnership.

The 27-year-old pop star is asking the judge to free her of the contract that binds her to Dr. Luke, so that she can regain control of her music career.

Mark Geragos, Kesha’s lawyer, told TMZ, “The facts presented in our lawsuit paint a picture of a man who is controlling and willing to commit horrible acts of abuse in an attempt to intimidate an impressionable, talented, young female artist into submission for his personal gain.”

While the legal battle is just getting started, it is clear that Dr. Luke will not go down without a fight.

The producer filed a countersuit against Kesha earlier this week.

A representative from Dr.Luke’s camp told TMZ that the entire situation is preposterous, adding, “Her statements are false. It is important to note that these are just the latest in a series of bizarre public statements and actions by Kesha and her mother over the years, including Kesha’s claim her vagina is ‘haunted,’ her drinking her own urine on her reality show, and her mother dressing up as a penis on the television show.”

Tinashe releases experimental R&B LP ‘Aquarius’ TAYLOR LEONARD COLEMAN Staff Writer Tinashe

Aquarias

Tinashe’s arrival to the mainstream music scene comes at a time when experimental R&B is rapidly increasing.

Yet even with the likes of emerging women singers like Jhene Aiko, Kelela and BANKS, showing just how quirky and eccentric they

can be, Tinashe may be the songtress best ready for superstardom.

Her party anthem “2 On” ignited anticipation for her debut album “Aquarius,” which released earlier this month, ever since it hit DJ playlists. The single peaked at No. 24 on the Hot 100 chart.

The 21-year old singer could have taken the momentum of the positive reception of her 2013 mixed tape “Black Water” and hit the features circuit, hopping on your favorite rappers’ hooks or remixes.

But instead, she split her time between the stage performing and her own studio sessions. She was later focused on building her fan base and executing her vision for one of RCA’s main projects. The result is a lustful listen that often

centers on either coming together or breaking apart.

Fitting rap features such as “ScHoolBoy Q,” “A$AP Rocky” and “Future,” give this impressive rookie’s LP some edge. But “Aquarius” is mostly an emotional tug-of-war between thigh-shaking highs and starting-all-over lows.

There are definitely a few follow-up hits in the mix, including “How Many Times,” “Cold Sweat” and “Pretend.” The album includes nods to the past with direct influences from Janet Jackson, Aaliyah and her own inspiration, Sade. Yet Tinashe is still a blazing trail for music’s future.

The true winner on “Aquarius” could quite possibly be Tinashe’s songwriting skills. Her voice is not a multi-octave power instrument

like other artists, but she balances the album between her lifting falsetto and ‘swagged-out’ attempts at left-coast rhyming. The combined appearance of both on the album not only gives her some conceptual breathing room but it also is pleasing to the ear.

Overall, the album succeeds on almost every level, creating a space for Tinashe to establish herself.

She allows her music to rise above the strain of heartbreak to simultaneously create an empowered and cohesive debut.

Each track shows just how much work this young California-native has put in and truly embodies who she is and where she is going creatively. With hopes of more to come from this young star, I can only imagine the greatness.

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LOGO/GINA PALERMO

BRIAWNNA JONES Entertainment Editor

“I like to cuff my pants because Steve Urkel was my idol growing up. And although sweaters are always nice, I mostly wear them because I don’t have time to iron my shirts in the morning...”

Mitchell Petit-Frere, Grad Assistant.

PHOTOS/BRIAWNNAJONES

“On days when its hard for me to get out of bed the school girl look helps me get in the swing of things. Going from class to class all day, Its like I’m in full costume so its only right I perform accordingly.”

Brionna Jenkins, senior, Journalism major. .

PHOTOS/BRIAWNNAJONES

“I feel like style is a personal expression when it comes from a person true to themselves; I wear whatever I want regardless....”

PHOTOS/BRIAWNNAJONES

“When I wake up in the morning I dress how I feel and that could very well guide how the rest of my day goes. Today I have on my John Varvatos shoes. He’s all about perfection and today felt like a perfect day.”

Brandon Underwood senior, Graphic Design major.

Venus Rose, senior, Broadcast Journalism major.

PHOTOS/BRIAWNNAJONES

Crystal Castles split after Glass’ departure JON MANARANG Staff Writer

glam metal/new wave sound and makes it into a vocoder heavy, darker modern piece of electronica.

In 2011, the band recorded a new version of the song with The Cure vocalist Robert Smith; the single is their highest charting to date.

Aside from this cover, the band also samples Sigur Ros’ Jonsi’s vocals on “Inní mér syngur vitleysingur.”

Following the band’s move to Warsaw, they released their unofficial swan song in “(III).” With the artwork being a photograph of a Yemeni mother holding her tear-gassed child during a street demonstration, the major theme of the record was oppression.

The result is a haunting, melancholic record that sees them refine the sound of their first two records by combining pop-synth textures and beats with Glass’ macabre lyricism and vocal delivery.

The band also took a completely new approach to the album by not using any of the synthesizers they used on their earlier records and not working from the computer, but actually rooting the songs in keyboard instruments.

Each song was recorded in one take as the limiting process because it provided an insight to the unfiltered power of vocals being only sung in one track.

With a few singles from the record, the album ends on the somber but sweet The duos first single/EP “Alice Practice” was released in 2006 and was limited to melody of “Child I Will Hurt You.” TUMBLR/WEARECYRSTALCASTLES

On Oct. 8, in a series of tweets and a Facebook post, “Crystal Castles” singer Alice Glass has reportedly left the band for professional and personal reasons.

The Canadian synthpop duo, formed in 2003, was comprised of Glass and producer Ethan Kath.

Having released only three albums, each named after the band, they were distinguished by gradually different aesthetics.

In “Crystal Castles (I)” a minimal presence from Glass’ vocals is used, but in the tracks on which she is featured, listeners can hear her viciously belt the lyrics into the microphone.

Following a tour to support the album, the band released their second and last record to be recorded in Ontario, “(II).”

In a shift from the sound of “(I),” the band progressed to make their sound less abrasive by juxtaposing the harsher tones with mellower, heavy reverb synths and drums.

The singles released from the record, “Celestica,” “Doe Deer” and “Baptism” show the band making a more cohesive record. The fourth single, “Not In Love” is a cover of Platinum Blonde which takes the quintessential cheesy 80s

500 copies, selling out in three days.

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Sports

Red Storm shocks Hoyas, fall to Providence TROY MAURIELLO Staff Writer

St. John’s played their final two home games of the season this past week, first defeating number 25/16 Georgetown before falling to Providence later in the week.

The Red Storm began their week with a huge matchup against the nationally ranked Georgetown Hoyas on Thursday night at Belson Stadium.

In a game that would end up determining first place in the Big East.

Near the end of the first half the Red Storm finally broke through as junior midfielder Shelby Halász netted her first goal of the season in the 44th minute.

“That’s a really good goalkeeper and we were lucky that she made a mistake there,”

head coach Ian Stone said.

“But you know the old saying about if you don’t shoot you don’t score.”

After the Red Storm took a 1-0 lead into halftime, things would look completely different in the second half. Georgetown outshot St. John’s 10-1 in the half, along with taking nine corner kicks.

Sophomore goalkeeper Diana Poulin stood tall, making six total saves in the half and preserving the 1-0 win for the Red Storm.

“This year we’re trying to show teams that we’re here to play,” Poulin said. “So this win kind of shows them that they’re not just gonna walk all over us.”

The win put St. John’s atop the Big East standings for the first time this season, and extended their unbeaten streak to seven straight games.

St John’s had little time to celebrate their huge victory, as they faced a quick turnaround with a Senior Day matchup against Providence on Sunday. On a day in which they honored their nine graduating seniors, the Red Storm were all over the Friars early, and they almost pushed across the game’s first goal after a few good chances.

But Providence survived the early assault, and in the 40th minute Big East leading-scorer Catherine Zimmerman struck in a beautiful goal to give Providece a 1-0 advantage entering halftime. .

Playing without their injured leading scorer, junior forward Rachel Daly, St. John’s was unable to put much pressure on Providence in the second half, as they tallied just four shots in the half and would go on to lose 1-0.

The loss to Providence dropped St. John’s to 9-6-1 overall and 5-1-1 in the Big East. They close out the regular season with road matches at Seton Hall on Saturday and at DePaul on October 31.

Torch Photo Editor/ Cheyanne Gonzales

Jen Gibbons dribbles up field versus Georgetown Hoyas.

Men’s soccer drops two heartbreakers BRANDON MAUK Staff Writer

The season is starting to slip away for St. John’s men’s soccer after a pair of heartbreaking conference losses last week. First, they lost 1-0 to No. 6/2 Creighton at home on Wednesday and then dropped a 3-2 decision at Providence.

The Red Storm have now lost three straight games after losing just once in its previous seven games.

St. John’s (now 4-7-3, 1-40) fiercely battled Creighton, deadlocked for 90 minutes until the Blue Jays broke through

in the waning moments on a free kick by Fabian Herbers to escape with a 1-0 victory.

“I think 70-80 percent of it was very good,” head coach Dave Masur said. “We were organized, we played good against a tough team, we moved the ball, we kept the counter, we had some good ball movement at times. Keeper played really well, kept us in the game, good composure in the back.

On a whole, few minutes to go against the second-ranked team in the country, and it’s 0-0.”

The Red Storm were outshot 17-7 and put just one shot on goal. Keeper Jordan Stagmiller was the bright spot as he picked up six saves and was a brick

wall up until the 90th minute.

“Our idea was to win the game,” Masur said. “We’re deeply disappointed. I think we’ve got to get more intensity and focus and concentrated efforts from many of our guys to win games like that. It’s very hard to beat top-level teams or any teams in the Big East. You have to have the right mentality and the right edges to do that, and our edges just slipped away a little bit and bad things happen.”

On Saturday, the Red Storm fought back from a two-goal deficit on a pair of second-half scores by senior defender Marco Bordon. Providence (82-1, 3-0-1) took the lead back

just moments later in the 80th minute on a header by Markus Naglestad with a free kick. Luis Esteves missed the last potential tying chance in the 83rd minute.

The Friars outshot St. John’s 25-14, with 10 shots going on goal compared to just four for the Red Storm. Stagmiller stopped seven of those 10 SOG. This was St. John’s third consecutive heartbreaker against a top opponent.

The Red Storm has just four games left in the regular season to earn a spot in the Big East tournament. They have three games at Belson, where they are 4-2-1, but they also play at No. 8 Georgetown.

17

Women’s basketball has great expectations TROY MAURIELLO & NICHOLAS HUGHES Staff Writer & Contributing Writer

In each of his first two seasons at the helm, St. John’s women’s basketball coach Joe Tartamella has guided his team to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

Last year under his leadership, the Red Storm made the finals of the Big East Tournament and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

But Tartamella isn’t anywhere near satisfied with what he and his team have accomplished over the past two years, and he knows that his players this season feel the same way.

“Being in the Big East championship game for the first time since 1988, I think that hunger in the offseason was probably the most dominant thing that I saw,” Tartamella said in a press conference at the team’s media day this past week.

“And I think that’s driving our players because we were right there, and so we know we have to do better.”

Tartamella will likely look to junior guards Aliyyah Handford and Danaejah Grant, along with senior forward Amber

Thompson to be the main forces behind that drive this year, especially after last season’s captain Briana Brown graduated.

“Amber Thompson has taken that [leadership] role over from Briana, but she has a lot of help too, just like Briana did,” Tartamella said. “I think Danaejah Grant has been so good over the last few months and in her growth and her maturity level that she’s right there with Amber.”

Tartamella would continue to say, “We’re challenging Aliyyah Handford to be one of those players as well. And Aliyyah has started to do that, and I’m pretty happy with where she is in that progress.”

On the other side of things are the freshmen, and this year’s team will feature plenty of them. Forwards Imani Littleton and Tonoia Wade will join the program this season, along with guards Tamesha Alexander and Crystal Simmons. Coach Tartamella has already expressed high expectations for his freshmen this season.

“Sox [Tamesha Alexander] gives us depth at the point guard position,” Tartamella said. “And then we have Imani Littleton and Tonoia Wade who are versatile players, both can play multiple positions.” He continued to speak about Crystal Simmons, saying that she “has been a great surprise for us, for what she’s been able to do in this short period of time.

Their first game will come on the

road against the Yale Bulldogs Nov. 15. Tartamella wouldn’t give away his projected starting lineup for that game but

did mention that the veterans of the team would definitely get the first look.

Torch Photo Editor / Cheyanne Gonzales

Amber Thompson and her teammates have high expectations for the 2014-15 season.

Volleyball splits Big East weekend trip WILSON SY Staff Writer

St. John’s finishes 1-1 in Conference matchups this past weekend falling to the Creighton Bluejays 3-0 Friday night and then bouncing back to defeat the Georgetown Hoyas 3-1 Sunday afternoon.

With eight Conference games remaining, the Red Storm has a current record of 15-9, while improving to 4-5 in Conference play.

During the first meeting against the Bluejays, the Johnnies got off to a quick start taking an early 6-1 lead in the first set. Creighton was able to answer back by tying the match at 13-13, then finishing the set on a 12-5 run to pull away 25-18.

In the second set, St. John’s was able to keep the game close, as there were six lead changes and seven ties.

After a Aleksandra Wachowicz kill to give the Johnnies a 22-20 lead, Creighton responded on a 5-1 run ending the set on a service ace.

St. John’s was unable to prevail in the third set falling to the Bluejays 25-20.

Senior outside hitter, Aleksandra Wachowicz led the Red Storm with 11 kills on a .375 attacking percentage.

Junior outside hitter, Karin Palgu-

tova finished with 10 kills and fix digs, while senior Ashley Boursiquot added six kills, four blocks and three digs.

Two days after the Creighton loss, the Red Storm bounced back on an impressive four set victory over conference rival Georgetown with a four-set (25-18, 25-20, 18-25, 25-19) victory in the nation’s capital.

Redshirt freshman setter, Hope Demel led the Johnnies on the attack, while posting her first career double-double finishing with career highs with 35 assists, 10 digs along with three service aces. Demel also helped the Red Storm to its highest team hitting percentage in conference play this season (.309).

With an outstanding team effort, St. John’s had four players in double-digit kills for the first time this season, along with having two players in double-digits in assists and digs.

Karin Palgutova and Aleksandra Wachowicz each finished with 17 kills and nine digs respectively. Junior outside hitter, Yaidy Santiago added 11 kills on a .500 attacking percentage along with five digs. Freshman rightside hitter, Julia Cast also had a .500 attacking percentage and finished with a career high 10 kills and two service aces.

Other Johnnies contributions included redshirt sophomore mid-

dle-blocker, Briana Guzman who collected eight kills and finishing with a team-high four blocks. Junior defensive specialist Shawna- Lei Santos posted a match-high 24 digs in the Red Storm victory.

St. John’s will stay on the road

and look to sweep its home-and home series against the Providence Friars on Saturday, Oct 25, the same team which the Red Storm defeated earlier in the month where head coach Joanne Persico earned her 400th career victory.

Torch Photo Editor / Cheyanne Gonzales

The volleyball team huddles up before their match against Butler on October 10th

18

Men’s golf finishes 20th in California

SAMUEL DIEUDONNE Staff Writer

The St. John’s University men’s golf team on Monday and Tuesday participated in the 2014 Bill Callum Invitational where they placed 20th overall.

The 2014 Bill Cullum Invitational is held at Wood Ranch Golf Club, a 6,819-yard, par-72 course located in Simi Valley, California.

Leading the way for SJU on the first day of action was senior Ben Ludlam, who finished with four birdies to lead to a one-under on the front nine and finish with a two-under round of 70. Senior Dylan Crowley followed by landing four birdies as well as an eagle on the 521-yard par-5 18th to finish with an even-par 72 in round one. After finishing threeover in the first round, freshman Jacob Henny was able to card back-to-back birdies on seven and eight for a three-under front nine to sit at one-under par through his first 15 holes of round two before darkness settled in. Senior Obe Ayton also carded a pair of

birdies in the opening round to finish three-over with a 75.

On the second and final day of action, California native senior Dylan Crowley led the way for the Red Storm in the final round, carding three birdies to end the day two strokes over par for a three-round total of 218 (+2) to tie for 31st overall. Senior Obe Ayton provided a pair of birdies on his final round to end the day with a 77 (+5) to tie for 70th with a 226 (+10) as Ben Ludlam tied for 85th after carding a two-day total of 230 (+14). Freshman Jacob Henny landed an eagle on the par 18th in his final round to conclude the two-day event tied for 94th with a 234 (+18) while sophomore John Russo carded a 79 (+7) in the third round to finish 102nd with a 238 (+22).

USC clinched the team championship after carding an event-record three-day total of 275-280-278--833 (-31) while Arizona State’s Jon Rahm secured the individual title by one stroke with an event-record 67-67-69— 203 (-13).

The Red Storm will round out the fall season on Oct. 27-29 in Fort Myers, Florida, to compete in the 2014 Cobra Puma Invitational at the Old Corkscrew Country Club.

Staff Writer

T h e S t . J o h n ’s w o m e n ’s g o l f team wrapped up its fall schedule this weekend, finishing tied in the top 10th at the Princeton Invitational, carding a threeround total of 973 (+109).

Ya l e w a s c r o w n e d t h e t e a m a n d individual champion, lead by M a r i k a L i u ( + 3 ) w i t h a n o v e rall team score of 896 (+32).

Rounding out the top 3 was Rollins College with a score of 907 finishing in 2nd and Columbia with a score of 908 to finish 3rd.

The Johnnies were able to show improvement finishing in 10th place coming into Sundays play t i e d f o r 11 t h w i t h a o v e r a l l score 643 (+67).

Junior Anna Kim has led the way for the Johnnies this fall finishing in top 3 in her last two events, placing first and

second before carding a 75, 72, 81 for a score of 228 (+12) to finish in 12th place to wrap up her weekend. Kim was tied for third 147 (+3) before going i n t o S u n d a y ’s p l a y w i t h a s c o r e of 147 (+3).

Some notable finishes were redshirt junior Brittany Hurst, shot a career best 85 (+13) to finish 69th. Hurst entered Sundays play carding an 89 (+17).

Also playing in her last fall tournament for the Johnnies was senior Cameron Lambertson, who stayed even 79,78,79, with an overall score 236 (+20) good enough to finish tied for 27th.

Freshman Daniella Castañeda finished tied for 44th with an overall score of 242 (+26).

The Johnnies wrapped up their fall season and will look to return to action in the spring in hopes of capturing a second-straight BIG EAST individual championship.

Cast Leavin’ Their Mark

Poulin & Santos honored by Big East STEPHEN ZITOLO Sports Editor

Athletic Communications

Bed Ludlam finished the two day tournament at +14

Led by Kim, Johnnies finish up fall season Red Storm hopes spring season ends in title again ALLAN GOMEZ

Storm

Women’s soccer sophomore goaltender Diana Poulin and women’s volleyball’s junior defensive specialist/libero Shawna-Lei Santos each received Big East Weekly Honor Roll commendations for their performances this past week.

Poulin received the honor for the second straight week as she had another spectacular week defending the net. In the Red Storm’s 1-0 victory over No. 25/16 Georgetown, Poulin tied a season high with eight saves, while defending against Georgetown’s nine corner kicks on the day.

Poulin recorded her Big East leading seventh shutout on Thursday night.

Poulin would only allow one goal in Saturday’s loss versus Providence.

Poulin and Co. will next play this Saturday at Seton Hall.

Over the weekend Shawna-Lei Santos recorded a team high 4.71 digs per match to go along with 33 digs over seven matches. Her outstanding play garnered her, her first Big East Weekly Honor Roll selection.

Santos will be looking to continue her recent outstanding play at Providence this upcoming Saturday.

Headin’ this Way Red Storm upcoming schedule

Women’s Soccer at Seton Hall Oct. 25th

7:30 PM

Men’s Soccer vs. DePaul Oct. 25th

Athletic Communications

Brittany Hurst finished fall season with best career score

4 PM

Volleyball vs. Providence Oct. 25th

2 PM

19

French Montana rocks the mic at Tip-Off BRIAWNNA JONES Entertaiment Editor

The University scored big time as students anticipated seeing their beloved women’s and men’s basketball teams as well as famed rapper French Montana perform at the Tip-Off. Before 9 a.m., students made their way to the box office,creating quite a buzz as the line surpassed the University Center and ended along Jack Kaiser Stadium.

In fact, the line was so long that French Montana himself retweeted the @Stjohnsredstorm Instagram video shouting out to all his loyal fans that withstood along waiting period for tickets to hear the rapper’s slew of popular club bangers.

While tons of students were overly

excited for the artist’ performance, many were clueless as to who the rapper was and were unfamiliar with his music.

However, the joy of those who were looking forward to the night of basketball and fun overshadowed the less enthused, as they took to Twitter, expressing their happiness to turn up and see if Khloe Kardashian, French Montana’s summer fling, would make an appearance.

As the scrimmage games came to an end, students took to social media restlessly, wondering where exactly French Montana was. A student even posted a Montana sighting at Regina’s Pizzeria on YikYak. There were also claims that super producer Swizz Beats and “Fight Night” rap group Migos were also in the building.

However, it was never confirmed.

Freshman liberal studies major Nicolette Arias agreed with the university’s

choice. “Having French Montana come to the 2014 Tip-Off was a great asset,” she said. “It was a unique way of uniting the students and getting them excited for the upcoming basketball season.”

After anxiously waiting, the announcer finally introduced special guest performer French Montana and the crowd went wild.

Screams bounced off the walls of Carnesecca as Montana appeared from behind the white curtains with his entourage in tow.

“I definitely enjoyed the hype. I got the tickets with intention to see French Montana. I wasn’t the biggest fan going into it, but it’s my senior year so I felt like I had to go,” communications major Landon Morris said.

The hype was definitely felt as athletes, dance/cheer team members, and students swarmed to the court surrounding French

Montana from every angle as he began to perform his 20-minute set. Covering all the basics, he performed his popular verses on Nicki Minaj’s “Freaks” and Chris Brown’s “Loyal.”

The rapper asked for audience participation when chanting “Free Meek Mill” and his trademark word “Haan,” keeping the crowd energized. Walking to every part of the arena, Montana made sure to give fans a show. He turned things up a notch with his hit songs “Shot Caller,” “Pop That,” and “Ain’t Worried About Nothing.”

As his set wrapped up, Montana made sure to get a dance in with Johnny Thunderbird and an impromptu selfie with the massive crowd. Before the night was over, Montana took to Twitter on a performance high, sharing videos of the audience with the caption, “Don’t panic went offf in

TORCH PHOTO/ CHEYANNE GONZALES

TORCH PHOTO/ CHEYANNE GONZALES

TORCH PHOTO/ CHEYANNE GONZALES

French Montana Rocks The House PG. 19

SPORTS OCTOBER 22 2014 | VOLUME 92, ISSUE 07 |

TORCHONLINE.COM

BU S IN E S S

TORCH PHOTO EDITOR/CHEYANNE GONZALES

STEPHEN ZITOLO Sports Editor

The St. John’s men’s basketball team has a group of five seniors that have been together since day one of their collegiate careers. D’Angelo Harrison, Sir’ Dominic Pointer, Phil Greene IV, Khadim Ndiaye and Jamal Branch haven’t done what they know themselves, and they’re teammates are capable in their first three seasons. They are willing to do whatever it takes this season to win.

“"This is a group that cares about one another and is determined to finish their careers on a high note,” St. John’s head coach Steve Lavin said. “This team, similar to the first group that I coached, wants to have a successful season."

As Harrison said in the hype video at Tip-Off, this group of seniors and this team has some “unfinished business” it has to take care of this season.

Above, the seniors pose with head coach Steve Lavin during Media Day.