51 W. College St. Waynesburg, PA 15370
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Vol. 88 No. 23
Torrential downpour causes flooding in Buhl, Hanna halls By Brandon Reed
Water gathers outside Hanna Hall during a rainstorm. The water leaked into the building, soaking at least one classroom.
Editorial Assistant It left just as swiftly as it came. There was no delay between the flash of the lightning and the sound of thunder. Water cascaded down hills, steps and anything that sloped on Tuesday afternoon. Senior Vice President for Finance and Adminis-
Photo by Rachel Brown
tration Roy Barnhart said that the troughs that are supposed to run water
down the edges of the sidewalks overflowed due to the excessive
amount of water in such a short period of time. “It was one of the
hardest rains I had seen in a long time,” said Barnhart. “It was a tremendous amount of water in just a few minutes.” According to Barnhart, there was flooding on the first floor of Hanna Hall in two classrooms on the west side of the building. “I was there Wednesday morning,” said Barnhart. “They have extracted a lot of the water out
of the carpet and have replaced the desks and put fans in the rooms to dry the carpet.” Barnhart said that classes were not affected because there was nothing scheduled at that time in those rooms. “Hanna Hall has been semi-restored,” said Barnhart. According to Barnhart, See HANNA on A5
WCYJ-FM raises $1,400 for Relay in 24-hour broadcast By Rachel Davis Staff Writer Senior communication majors Emily Ellis and Mike Winland spent 24 hours in a crowded, hot radio studio this last weekend. To them, it was worth it. “At one point in time there was 17 people in the station,” said Ellis. “It was crazy. And at times it was really hectic, but it was totally worth it.” 99.5 the Hive hosted their second annual 24-
hour broadcast from 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 p.m. Friday. Ellis and Winland only left the studio to go to the bathroom as they raised money for Relay for Life through pledges from students, faculty and friends. They depended on others to bring them food and drinks throughout the 24 hours. Ellis said that because people would bring them food from Sheetz and McDonSee BROADCAST on A3
Students donate 200 baskets for Easter Buddies Record number
Photos by Lisa Jaeger
Students used a variety of activities to raise money for Relay of Life. (Top) Water ballons burst on Andrew Zahn as part of Thayer Hall’s fundraiser. (Bottom left) Each team had to have a member walk around the campus loop for one hour. Teams had to have someone walking from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Center) Peer Educators painted nails for a $1 donation. (Right) WU’s Line is it Anyway performed a special show during the Relay.
By Megan Campbell Staff Writer Waynesburg University hosted its first Easter Buddies project this year. Students delivered the baskets to many different places across Greene County including West Waynesburg School, East Franklin, the Headstart Program and the Salvation Army. The baskets were delivered to these locations on April 18. Student Organization Leadership Group helped write and obtain a $700 Community Impact Grant to fund this project. Children ranging from pre-school
through sixth grade received these baskets. Student organizations on campus, as well as St. Ann’s Catholic Church and Sister Audrey of the Salvation Army Greene County Service Center, will each pledge to fill a number of baskets and be responsible for filling them with items like candy, books and crayons. Emily Ellis, for the student organization WCYJ, collected either $2 from every member or a bag of candy to fill the baskets they collected. “It’s nice to do something closer to home –
of teams walk in annual Relay
Editorial Assistant Walking around Johnson Commons for 12 hours helped to put the pieces of the puzzle together in the fourth annual Mini Relay for Life last Sunday. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 17, a record number of 42 teams participated in the walk, fundraised toward their goal and educated the community on var-
ious types of cancer. “[Relay for Life] is one of our biggest events on campus,” Jessica Malingowski, co-chair of Waynesburg University’s Relay for Life said, “All of the benefits go toward the American Cancer Society; it’s a great time to come together with the community and have fun while supporting a good cause.” See RELAY on A5
Department of Criminal Justice chair hired By Cori Schipani Staff Writer
The Criminal Justice Administration is on the verge of a change in leadership that has not occurred since its formation. At the end of this acaSee NEW on A2 demic school year, assis-
tant professor Adam Jack will be taking Dana Baer’s place as Jack department chair of Criminal
Justice Administration. “He has energy; he is motivated; he is disciplined, and he is just the consummate professional,” said Baer. When Baer agreed to serve as dean of Undergraduate Studies in the spring of 2010, it was decided that she would
transition out of her role as chair of CJA within one year but remain as dean and professor. “I have no doubt that the quality of the program will continue, and that it will continue in a positive way,” she said. “It’s in
SPORTS
COMMENCEMENT
REGION
The women’s track and field team finished second Saturday at Westminster. See Page C1
Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord has been announced as the commencement speaker, while Daniel Sepulveda will be the baccalaureate speaker.
Bull riding came to the county last weekend.
INSIDE Copyright © 2010 by Waynesburg University
By Sarah Bell
Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A1-A5, A8 Editorial/Op-Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . .A6, A7 Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1, B4
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C1-C4 Commencement . . . . . . . . . .AA1-AA8 Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BB1-BB8
See Page AA1
See Page B1
See JACK on A4
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Campus
New program a success
Different places, same goal Librarians travel locally, abroad to forge connections By Amanda Silay Staff Writer Two Waynesburg University librarians will take trips in May to two very different places, but with similar goals in mind. Librarian Richard Blake will travel to Taiwan and Librarian John Thompson will travel to Bethany College. They both hope to bring back information that will benefit the university. Thompson will take his trip across the Pennsylvania border to attend a conference with area librarians. “Everything has gone mobile; libraries are putting out a lot of their information to be avail-
“Going to conferences is important to me; it lets us see what other people are doing. We get a chance to see where we need to be moving to keep on track with everyone.” John Thompson Librarian
able on mobile devices,” Thompson said. “We aren’t leaders, but we are just talking to each other about the new technology.” With all of this new technology there will always be questions that need to be answered. “Will Waynesburg be able to do this?” Thomp-
son said. “I think we will; all businesses and organizations are interested in mobile applications.” This is not something that just Waynesburg is thinking about; university and public libraries are considering these changes as well. According to the Computers in Libraries maga-
zine, “Librarians have begun to realize how powerful an information tool the mobile phone can be, and it is this realization that has propelled a great many of them toward developing services that can be used on these mobile devices.” Thompson expects to learn a great deal while talking with fellow librarians. “Going to conferences is important to me; it lets us see what other people are doing,” Thompson said. “We get a chance to see where we need to be moving to keep on track with everyone.” Blake hopes to bring something back to the university.
He will go to Taiwan from May 16-22 in hopes to create ties for an upcoming service trip in 2013. There are a few goals that he will hopefully accomplish by this eightday trip. “I will be visiting Christ’s College to build an academic relationship with the university and also doing two lectures there on how to do good library research,” Blake said. “Another thing I will be doing is coordinating with several Presbyterian churches in order to find service projects for the students who will be See LIBRARIANS on A4
CHAPEL
People can’t run from God’s plan, speaker says By Eric Bost Staff Writer Chapel welcomed back Leon Haynes III, Executive Director of Hosanna House Inc., Tuesday. His main focus was on one word that all students should know about: prerequisite. “There are sometimes prerequisites of life before you can receive your charge,” Haynes said. “You have them before you take your major courses at college, right? It’s because you’re not ready for your major until you take them.” Receiving a charge was referring to the call by God for people to do his work. “Your charge or purpose in life is not necessarily going to be easy,” Haynes said. “We all have to experience something or go through something in order to receive our charge. We can receive our charge at different areas at different times in our life.” He said anybody can pass their prerequisite at any time. “God will use you when you’re old, little or middle-aged,” said Haynes. “He uses you whenever your prerequisite conditions are met.”
Photo by Gregory Reinhart
Leon Haynes III spoke at Chapel Tuesday about receiving a charge from God. According to Haynes, people must experience something before receiving a charge. Haynes used David from the Bible as an example. “Now he was out in the wilderness alone. He was scared both for his life and for the responsibility of his sheep,” he said. “But he had time spent alone with God. The events that happened to
David then made him who he was in the future.” Haynes said that people are running away from God’s plan for his people. “You better be thankful that God gets us to where He wants us to be because when we get there, there is a blessing waiting for
us,” he said. “Sometimes we want to run to fast in order to get to the next thing, there are people that are running away from their purpose and charge. The blessing is where God [puts] you.” Haynes also looked toward the future, warning his to be wary of dis-
Nursing majors present at Utah conference By Brandon Reed Editorial Assistant On April 5, Waynesburg University’s chapter of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, for the National Student Nurses Association convention. The convention, held over four days, allowed student nurses from all over the country to network. More than 2,200 nurses had preregistered by the start of the conference.
Student nurses created posters, which they then presented at the convention. Other events, such as lectures, panels or author visits, helped to educate nurses on topics relating to their field. However, it wasn’t all work. Nurses could attend social events, like the superhero dance party scheduled on the first night. Senior nursing major Richele Neff went on the trip for the first time this year. She said that she loved it and it
really helped her see why she became a nurse. “The convention solidified everything we did over the course of my last four years,” said Neff. “The trip was expensive but worth it.” Neff said that she plans to be a nurse in the Air Force following graduation and said that the convention provided information about nursing employment outside of a hospital. “It has always been a childhood dream of
mine to join the military in some capacity,” she said. “There is so much out there for nurses that I was not aware of.” The convention will be coming to Pittsburgh next year, and Neff said that she is excited because it would be a great opportunity for younger students that might not get to go due to airfare costs. “I wish I had an opportunity like this,” said Neff. “I think we should try to present next year.”
tractions. “This generation of young people is coming at you so fast that you don’t have time to hear from the Lord,” he said. “With all of the technology you have to be careful that you turn down the volume so you can find out what purpose God has for your life, so you can hear your charge.” He said that we are the only person that can stand in the way of our charge. “You need to hear the Lord for yourself so you can hear what the Lord is saying,” Haynes said. “That’s what is so powerful about a charge. Nothing can stop your charge but you.” Haynes said that God uses the charge for other purposes as well. “I believe God is searching the whole earth to find out who he can trust,” said Haynes. “He wants to give you His trust. He needs to give it to us because of the shape that our country and world is in today.” He gave the students a challenge to close out Chapel. “Waynesburg students, are you willing to put it all out for your charge and for the purpose of God in your life? It’s going to be required.”
Continued from A1 more local - because it’s really awesome to see the impact on these children firsthand,” said Ellis. Easter Buddies is a project similar to Operation Christmas Child, when the university and student organizations collect different things to put into a shoebox for needy children everywhere so they can have a Christmas present. Easter provides Easter baskets for children in the community that aren’t fortunate enough to have an Easter basket. Bethany Taylor, who was one of the students in charge of this event, helped put the baskets together. “We wanted to give them a happy Easter, and with the help of students, faculty, staff and Pat Bristor, we were able to double our goal and filled over 200 baskets,” Taylor said. “Each basket contains a little book with a Bible story in it, candy and the like. We received generous donations from Sarris and Walgreens, as well as students and staff donating and providing fillers.” The university does Easter Buddies primarily because it’s a chance to see the community and campus come together. It had an excellent turnout, and faculty, staff and students came together to help these children and donate for the cause. The group had so many extras that they needed to purchase more baskets. The students involved were enthusiastic, which really helped as well. “My favorite part would be delivering the baskets, because I can’t wait to see the kids in the East Franklin School. I also work with them in my major so that’s really exciting,” Taylor said. “We wanted to do Easter Buddies because we want the community to know that the university is willing to provide help in any way they can and that we are here for them.”
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Athletic trainers send 20 care packages to soldiers overseas By Victoria Kamicker Staff Writer If you’re American, there’s a chance that you know someone in the military. In an effort to support American troops oversees, athletic training students recently sent 20 care packages to military personnel stationed at various locations around the world with the help of faculty, staff and students who donated items and money toward the project. “We were able to exceed our goal of funds
Photo courtesy of Michele Kabay
Athletic training students assemble care packages for soldiers who are serving overseas. and items to send 20 boxes,” said Michele Kabay, assistant professor and director of athletic
training education. “The 20 boxes were sent out in April, and another 10 will be sent in June.
According to militarymissions.org, receiving a care package with simple items like lip balm and other basic necessities can make soldiers’ day while they are deployed. For most of the athletic training students, this project hit close to home, as many of the students know family or friends who are currently deployed. “This project was unique to me because we sent packages to family and friends of people on this campus,” said sophomore athletic training
major Mary Sallach. “We treated every box as if they were our own family, and every item put into the boxes was something that either we loved or knew others our age would appreciate.” Sallach believes that sending the care packages to the soldiers is important because the boxes can be a great reminder of home. Katie Stauffer, a senior athletic training major, participated in the project to show her gratitude and support those serving this country.
“I have family members in the military, and they have told me about their experiences,” Stauffer said. “Supporting the military is a new opportunity that is available for students on campus to get involved.” Kabay asks that everyone continue to keep the service men and women in their prayers. “It’s important to recognize that so much of the freedoms we have are because of the commitment to serve by others,” Kabay said.
EcoStewards plant garden, distribute candy for Earth Day By Chelsea Shaffer Staff Writer The EcoStewards worked to restore the gardens between the Buhl Humanities Building and the Knox lab on April 20. Dorothy Rurak, senior environmental science major, sees this event as a way to transfer knowledge to students about Earth Day. “Earth Day is an opportunity to educate people about what exists in the world around them,” she said. “Through this education, we can hope that people are more environmentally conscience in their everyday decisions.” On April 20, the EcoStewards and Assistant Professor of Biology Janet Paladino’s service learning class planted a native garden by Buhl. According to Paladino, the Earth Day activities will serve as the final exam for her Service Learning and Environmental Stewardship class. Jordan Barton, a member of Paladino’s service learning class, was excited to restore the gardens. “The gardens are covered in vines and weeds,” she said. “We want to redo this garden and make it as beautiful as it
should be.” The EcoStewards will weed and mulch the gardens, said Paladino. She also said that the gardens contain flowers from the perennial garden of Paul R. Stewart and Fuzzy Randolph. Barton expressed the mission of the EcoStewards Earth Day activities. “The purpose of our work is simply to do environmental based service,” she said. “We love the environment, and we love the university, so we are trying to improve both. “ Barton believes that it is important to engage in activities like the one held by the EcoStewards club. “As natural resources are slowly depleting, we need to be more and more aware of what we can do to help our earth,” she said. “This activity is small, but it reflects the love and care that we have for the world.” The EcoStewards will raise awareness in other ways as well. On April 21, the EcoStewards will wear green and take pictures of people hugging trees around campus, said Rurak. They will also hand out organic candies with
Photo by Amanda Rice
Jazzy Tunes
The jazz and percussion ensembles performed at 7:30 p.m. on April 18 in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. Some students played instruments, while others accompanied them vocally.
Faith and fellowship: Committee formed to bring more Christian activities to campus By Jason Logan Staff Writer
Tired of getting emails from Pat Bristor about another activity on campus? For the upcoming school year, more of these messages than usual may be on the way, but for good reason. The Student Activities Board has expanded to create another committee dedicated to planning certain events for the campus community. This new organization is titled Faith and Fellowship and will be focused on Christian events and See EARTH on A4 activities.
Broadcast raises $1,400 Continued from A1 alds, she had food and drink left over from the weekend. Along with this, different radio staff members had a radio show each hour. Shows ranged from “Ask the Athlete” with Amanda Silay and Ryan
“The main purpose is to continue to provide opportunities for students to grow in their faith and share in fellowship,” said K Scarry, the freshman who has been named the new committee’s first chair. Scarry is responsible for planning the events and activities that Faith and Fellowship will advertise and organize. “It is a way for us to reach other members of the student body that may not be involved in Bible studies or other campus ministries already and give them ways to grow together and inform them about ways they can be
involved in ministries on campus,” said Scarry. The committee is in its preliminary stages right now and will be fully active next fall semester. The new group’s members have numerous plans for the coming year. Some of the events include smaller Christian artists in the coffeehouses, popular Christian artists’ concerts off-campus and a lot of other plans, said Scarry. “We have started to add more Christian concerts and events because we have had such a great response to these,” said Pat Bristor, director of Student Activities.
The committee, which is run through SAB, has members of SAB involved, as well as Tom Ribar, university chaplain, and other campus ministry organizations. “I’m excited about working with Tom [Ribar] and expanding the committee so that we can meet more students’ needs,” said Bristor. SAB has worked with Ribar often in the past, but with the creation of Faith and Fellowship, they now have the opportunity to share resources such as a budget with Campus Ministries.
Harr to “Hardcore Jesus” with Steve Hullings and Ben Schlotter. Other shows included “Back to the ’80’s,” “Backwoods in the Burg,” and a “Top 20 Countdown.” Silay talked about her first time working during the 24-hour broadcast. “My specialty show ‘Ask the Athletes’ had an hour at the beginning of the broadcast and I came back the next day and
they were still going strong,” said Silay. “People that had been up all night and day were dancing and singing, and probably had more energy than me, and I got to go to bed that night. [Ellis] and [Winland] had such enthusiasm for the whole broadcast that you couldn’t help but have a good time.” Channel 14 broadcasted the studio during the 24 hours, and those participating spent their time talking, dancing and singing. People could donate online, through pledges or just by stopping in. Online donations alone raised more than $500. Last year’s General
Manager Jordan Thompson donated $20 for every hour he was in the studio, making him the top donator with a total of $140. Thompson hosted two shows in the early morning and then spent some time in the studio when he wasn’t on air. Overall, that 24-hour broadcast raised $1,400 dollars, and their Relay for Life team fundraised over $1,675. Ellis was very pleased with that result. “I’d like to thank everybody that donated and supported. It was a good cause and we really appreciated that support from everybody,” she said.
See COMMITTEE on A4
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Muse & Stone to hold launch party for release of spring issue By Rob Griffith Staff Writer Waynesburg University students with an interest in fine arts will find evocative poetry, prose and visual arts in the new spring issue of Muse & Stone. The university’s journal of literature and arts
will release its annual spring issue with a launch party, held 8 p.m. April 28. Attendees can pick up a free copy of the new edition. This year’s issue of Muse & Stone features poetry, prose and artwork of students, faculty and staff, as well as the work of writers across the coun-
try. Allison Bigler, submission correspondent for Muse & Stone, said that the growing literary magazine has seen an increased number of submissions in the past several years. “As we are gaining more submissions from people, we are becoming
much more selective with the pieces that we do accept into the magazine,” she said. “The vast majority has been outside submissions.” Bigler said that drawing from a larger pool of submissions results in a stronger overall publication. “This year, however,
we decided that it was a good idea to have a shorter, greater quality magazine, than a long one just to fill enough pages,” said Bigler. “I definitely think we’re moving in the right direction.” Sarah Rizzi, executive editor, said selectivity is also important when creating the magazine’s visu-
al arts component. “As far as the number of art pieces, we try to be very selective since we get so much and can only publish a certain amount,” said Rizzi. She said the staff has also sought to include a greater diversity of visual
Committee formed
and added effort put into providing the students with appropriate and appealing activities. “For any college experience, it is not just about attending class; these campus activities can be fun and also serve as a way to grow in your faith, worship and learn,” said Bauthier. Although the committee has much planning ahead, members look forward to the challenge. “I hope [Faith and Fellowship] continues to work with other groups on campus to effectively foster growth and community in faith on campus,” said Scarry. “I am excited to see Waynesburg as a whole grow as we continue to come together for God’s glory.”
Continued from A3
Photo by Lisa Jaeger
‘Nacho’ typical meal
Students line up for nachoes and cheese during the Fun with Fondue event, held 5 p.m. Monday in the Benedum Dining Hall. Pots contained melted cheese, chocolate and other dipping sauces for students to eat.
Earth Day celebrated Continued from A3 eco-friendly tips on them. According to Rurak, these activities reflect the importance of Earth Day by exemplifying the roots of why Earth Day
was created. Earth Day started with the idea of raising awareness and creating educational opportunities for people across the country, she said. “The idea of Earth Day is for people to care for the Earth, and what better way to do that than by creating educational opportunities for
communities?” said Rurak. Paladino encourages students to take Earth Day into their own hands. “Perhaps everybody could make a special effort this week to take recyclables out of dorms,” she said. They can put them in the recycle bin outside of
Martin Hall on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Barton advises students to remember Earth Day in years to come. “Just remember that Earth Day gets more and more important every year,” she said. “And what we do now to help the world will help the next generation.”
Jack named as chair Continued from A1 good hands.” Criminal justice majors were notified of Jack’s new position via email on April 3. “I’ve heard nothing but positive comments from students,” said Baer. Jack graduated from
“One of the big things we are currently working with Tom to plan is a guys’ retreat and a girls’ retreat for a night next fall,” said Scarry. Steve Bauthier, resident director, said he hopes that the men’s retreat will involve camping out and being outdoors, giving students a time of fellowship. “I would look forward to this experience to be time where guys can learn what it means to be a man of God,” said Bauthier. The expansion of SAB is a means for more organization within the group
See ISSUE on A5
making the trip.” Blake thinks he can help the university in Taiwan even though he won’t be there long. There will also be an interesting opportunity available on the trip. “I have also been invited to preach Hakka from a
friend at a church in Taiwan,” Blake said. “I have not decided on doing this yet, but it would be a very nice opportunity.” Blake hopes to get interest from students for the trip, because they would be able to learn a lot. “I hope that the students can learn about the history of the place, especially the missionary history because it has a great deal to with Christians,” Thompson said.
Waynesburg College with undergraduate degrees in criminal justice administration and biology with a minor in chemistry. During his Waynesburg experience, Jack said he was also involved with the Bonner Scholars Program and played baseball all four years. “He really embodies what it means to be a Waynesburg student,” said Baer. Jack completed his master’s degree in forensic science at Marshall University, and then returned to Waynesburg University as a part-time instructor of CJA. He later became a fulltime instructor of CJA and forensic science and director of forensic science. “Once I received the opportunity for teaching, I fell in love with it,” Jack said. “I didn’t know I was going to be a teacher.” From December 2006 to August 2010, Jack left the university to work as a forensic detective for Westmoreland County. During his time away, he also became a certified senior crime scene analyst. “He knew that to be more effective in the
classroom, he needed that professional experience,” said Baer. Jack’s previous experiences with the university as a student and professor made him a good candidate for chair, she said. “Mr. Jack is very familiar with the program and what makes our program successful and unique among other criminal justice programs,” said Baer. “I think that he is invested in continuing a program that continues those features.” Classes added to the curriculum will be relevant to current law enforcement, according to Jack. “We’re always looking to progress and stay current,” he said. Jack is planning on moving from Greensburg to the Waynesburg area so he can spend more time with his wife, also a University graduate, and his daughter. “I’m really excited for the opportunity [to become chair] and happy that the individuals who made this decision have the faith in me that I can do it,” said Jack. “I do think this is the perfect fit for me and I look to stay here for a long time.”
Librarians travel Continued from A2
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Four mission trips planned By Kyle Oland Staff Writer Beginning in May, Waynesburg University students will be traveling all across the world serving on mission trips. Chaplain Tom Ribar said there are four teams heading to four different areas around the world. He said he will be leading one trip to Jackson, Miss. The other teams will travel to Africa and Arizona as well as another location in Mississippi. “One team will be helping with continued relief from Hurricane Katrina,” Ribar said. “The other trips will consist of serving at an Indian reservation, helping children in Africa and working on houses in Jackson.” Ribar said the mission trip to Jackson is similar to the Pittsburgh Project. “We will work to improve the community,” he said. The group who goes to Jackson will also learn about the history and culture of Jackson. “One day while we’re down there, we will be going on a tour of the area so the group can understand more about the civil rights movement,” Ribar said.
Issue to be released Continued from A4 art in each successive issue.
Hanna, Buhl hit by floods Continued from A1 there was also flooding on the first floor of Buhl Hall. He said that there are multiple possibilities as to how the water got into Buhl. “It was either an overflow of the canopy on the second floor that went down to the first floor,” said Barnhart. “It could also have been due to the pipes that drain water from the roof that go inside the building.” Barnhart said that if these pipes were to get backed up, water could leak out of them. The damages in Buhl Hall consisted of ruined ceiling tiles and a couch was possibly ruined as well, said Barnhart. “Maintenance has replaced the ceiling tiles and are working on the other problems,” said Barnhart. Barnhart talked about how there have been ongoing improvements on the roof of Buhl Hall. “We’ve been working on Buhl on and off for years to try and address weather issues,” said Barnhart. In addition to the flooding in academic buildings, there was mud runoff from the construction site under the canopy on the first floor of Benedum Dining Hall that has been cleaned up, said Barnhart.
(Top) A classroom in Hanna Hall was flooded after a heavy downpour on Tuesday. (Bottom left) Lake Juanita overflowed, almost reaching the sidewalk. (Right) Water seeped in through a door in Hanna Hall, covering the hallway and seeping into a classroom.
“Including more art that isn’t digital photography tends to be a challenge for us since almost all our art submissions are photography,” said Rizzi. “It’s not that we don’t want it; we just try to get
more of a variety.” Last fall, Muse & Stone published its first fall issue, which served as a shorter counterpart to its annual spring issue. Rizzi said publishing two issues in the same
Photos by Rachel Brown
year was a logistical challenge. “We spent some time planning last year,” said Rizzi. “But there are just a lot of things that are hard to plan for until they actually happen.”
Rizzi hopes events like the launch party and the new two-issue publishing format will help build awareness of the literary magazine throughout the campus. “Before, people almost
forgot about us since we only put out one issue per year, so this definitely helps us have more of a presence on campus,” said Rizzi. “I think it’s a really awesome thing we have going now.”
Relay for Life held
Kelley Hardie, assistant director of student activities, helped to bring Relay for Life to campus. “We are such a serviceoriented community and [Relay for Life] provides that service component, but also it is just a celebration of hope and honoring those that survive such a devastating disease,” Hardie said. “It is also about praying for those that have lost a loved one and need support. I do think we come together as a community for one day.” In addition to the teams that were walking, the day also consisted of main stage events, games, prizes and food. All of the “Main Stage Events,” like WU’s Line Is It Anyway and 99.5 “The Hive,” volunteered to help with the event and encouraged donations from the people on campus. Throughout the day, each team had a table where they would accept donations and inform those who stopped at the table about a certain type of cancer. Each team represented a different type of cancer. Shawn Wharrey, co-chair of Waynesburg University’s Relay for Life, thinks that college students should be aware
of the disease and want to help to find a cure. “As a younger generation it’s our responsibility to provide the finances for those that have cancer because it affects everyone: the older generation, our generation and those that are younger than us.” Wharrey said. “It’s universal; it doesn’t matter who you are, almost every single person is impacted by cancer in some way.” There were 23 cancer survivors present at the Mini Relay. They walked the final lap with students and faculty. For the past three years, the university has been the top fundraiser at the Greene County Relay for Life. “We have our Mini Relay and each team is individual, but then Waynesburg University is a Relay team in the Greene County Relay for Life, which takes place in May,” Wharrey said. “So every year all of the money that is raised in the Mini Relay is taken to the Greene County Relay and it represents Waynesburg.” This year, Waynesburg University’s Relay for Life team set the goal to raise $18,000. The total was not calculated as of press time; fundraising May 1.
Continued from A1 The theme of the event was “solving the cure one piece a time.” When each team was announced during the opening ceremony, they laid a decorated puzzle piece on the hill outside of Stover Campus Center to spell out the word “hope.”
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Op/Ed
College coeds Coed housing becomes reality College is not the real world. But, it is one step in the right direction. Next year, Waynesburg University will bring back coed housing. Therefore, life for the residents of South Hall will be closer to reality than ever before on campus. Although parents, and even some faculty, may feel apprehensive about the change, it will be beneficial for students in the long run. Coed dorms will help students prepare themselves for situations in the actual real world: the one where men and women live in the same apartment building or on the same street. And it’s not like the rules in the other residence halls won’t apply to South. Certain things just won’t change, like no one of the opposite sex will be allowed in the student’s room after midnight. on weekdays or 2 a.m. on weekends. Considering the fact that the university chose the only upperclassman “girl’s dorm” that has a resident director living in the building, it is doubtful that there will be more mischief taking place than usual. Also, it adds a feeling of trust to the students who live in the building. Previously, boys couldn’t even let themselves out of a dorm without being escorted by a resident. Although there is no doubt that these rules like still apply in every other dorm, they won’t in South Hall. So, it will be a test for next year’s residents to prove they deserve this freedom. Coed dorms are the way of the future, so it’s about time Waynesburg University got on board.
Excellent teaching Lucas-Hathaway nominations due Nominations for the annual Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards were distributed this week via email and are probably sitting in inboxes campus-wide. For teachers, it’s an exciting possibility: a cash award for two full-time professors and one adjunct. For students, it may be just another email to delete without a second thought. Doesn’t that seem a little selfish? Students are always being rewarded for their academic achievements with banquets and awards. The Honors Convocation was held in early April, and the Dean’s List will be in circulation in only a few weeks. Behind every great student, there is a great teacher. Isn’t that how the saying goes? Not every professors are out to fail their students. It’s their job to teach and lecture to the best of their abilities, and many of the professors at the university do an outstanding job of it, just as the award specifies. And (outside of the occasional raise), they deserve some recognition for it. According to the email, the award guidelines call for a “demonstration of consistency of teaching excellence.” With the plethora of professors at the university, at least one or two names must come to mind. So give that email a second look. It’s only fair that students give back.
Long hours have led to lasting bonds I never expected to be looking through coroner’s reports last Wednesday, yet there I was with stacks of files and folders across the table and floor, burying me up to my knees. In that same week, I interviewed some of the most difficult people I have ever interviewed before. Whether they were annoyed with the questions I was asking or they were simply in a bad mood, I struggled to get anything positive from any of them. I couldn’t get a break in anything else I was doing
KAITLIN EDWARDS Columnist
within the past week either between RA programs, projects for classes or tests. The difficulty of this was nothing compared to realizing all the work I had done writing an investigative journalism piece that took months to research during a fourhour time period was gone in the blink of an eye. Nowhere to be found, just gone. The following two
Administration cannot interfere with journalism I am against censorship. But before you shoot me, let me explain. I’m not saying that we should allow every piece of smut that is broadcasted across the airwaves to be seen by anyone and everyone. I have no problem with that form of censorship whatsoever. But what I’m not OK with is censorship when it attempts to
hours I spent rewriting the more than 2,500-word article at 1:30 in the morning, were some of the most exhausting hours of my life. Needless to say, I was not in the best of moods the next morning. As I trudged into Buhl, I was still fuming about my mishaps and simply wanted to go to class and go back to my room and take a nap as soon as possible. As luck would have it though, I had some work to complete so I remained in Buhl and went to work in the Yellow Jacket office. Before I had even made
KYLE EDWARDS Columnist
prevent the public from receiving information that they have a right to know. The staff of the Collegian, LaSalle University’s college newspaper, agrees. The April 14 issue of the Philadelphia college newspaper went “topless” in protest of the college administration’s attempt to prevent a story from being published. The story was an investigative piece on assis-
it a few steps into the door, I was instantly greeted by a few fellow Jacket staff members. Even though I was tired, exhausted, and in a terrible mood, their optimistic attitudes instantly made me feel better. Anytime I am in the Jacket office working, despite the incredible amount of work we complete and the long hours we spend working, it is almost impossible to remain in a bad mood. Whether we are teasing each other or making a joke about some of the See FAREWELL on A7
tant professor Jack Rappaport using exotic dancers in his symposium on “the application of Platonic and Hegelian ethics to business.” That’s right. Strippers. And they were giving lap dances to both the professor and a few students. Until a dean walked in. Cue dramatic music. Dun, dun, DUN. University students say administrators would not let them print the story above the fold on the front page, so the top half of the April 14 issue was blank, except for the words “See See FIGHT on A7
Cultural immersion broadens perspective Jet lag, disorientation and 90 degree heat. It was August 18. I had a busy day ahead of me, what with getting attuned to my new environment and making sure I had a few essentials that I would need to get by here in the US. So I decided to start off with breakfast. Before departing Northern Ireland I was told to just put myself out there and talk to people from the start in order to make friends early. Otherwise I would struggle with college
JORDAN WHITE Guest Columnist
life. So I’m standing there at breakfast with a bowl of fruit loops looking round the relatively empty dining hall for someone to eat with. Naturally, I’m drawn to the table full of athleticlooking females and I very quickly introduced myself as the new Northern Irish transfer student for the year. I was welcomed very
warmly and quickly learned that I had just sat down to eat with the entire women’s volleyball team. In short: Score 1 for Jordan. But that’s another story for another day. When people ask me about studying abroad, I usually have a few things to talk about. I talk about how it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the world in a different place and in a different way. As Dr. Robert Graham said in the recent international culture conference held
last month it is one thing to sit in on a culture lecture, or attend a cultural presentation and learn about what is out there, but the only way to really understand what it is like in another part of the world, another environment, or another culture is to actually take the initiative and get up and pursue it for yourself. That’s what I’m doing: going to see the world for an extended period of time to help See EXPAND on A7
YELLOW JACKET
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Page A7
Op/Ed
Farewell, family Continued from A6
Colleges price out middle class families The wildest college admissions story of the year involves a 4-yearold. The tyke’s mother sued a New York City preschool, claiming it hadn’t lived up to advertising claims that the $19,000-a-year tuition would set her child on the path to the promised land. Instead of drilling for the intelligence test needed for admittance to a prestigious elementary school, it seems the girl spent most of her time, believe it, folks, playing. “It is no secret that getting a child into the Ivy League starts in nursery school,” the mom said in a legal brief. Well, Harvard admitted only 6.2 percent of its applicants this year, so perhaps this mother is on to something. In other news, waiting lists for selective schools are at an all-time high. And being raised by a tiger mother paid off. The daughter of Amy Chua, the Chinese mom who recounted her stern childrearing methods in a controversial book, was accepted by Harvard and Yale. These are the stories we hear this time of year, as the acceptance and rejection notices from top-flight colleges
roll in. It’s an entertaining exercise to watch. But from a public policy perspective, it’s almost irrelevant. Dips in endowments aside, the Ivies and their students will be fine. Even their rejects will get by. Kids who aspire to the Ivy League usually have plenty of other choices. Here are some more meaningful higher education stories to keep an eye on: Students at all four campuses of the University of Missouri system will pay higher tuition next year. Increases also may be in store at some Kansas universities. A report last year by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni warned that if tuition at Big 12 universities continues to increase at the rate seen in the last five years, the average family with a middle school student can expect to spend a quarter of its annual household income on that child’s college tuition. In a milestone moment last year, the total amount of debt owed on student loans moved ahead of the nation’s collective credit card debt. Students who borrowed money left college last year with an
average debt of $24,000. And many are asking whether a college degree still carries enough weight in the job market to make the cost worthwhile. Every autumn, on community college campuses, students and teachers alike weep over test results that show too many high school graduates lack the reading and math skills to enroll in college courses. These students are channeled into remedial classes – an expense they hadn’t budgeted for. Lack of preparedness is a big reason that less than a third of the students who enroll in a community college with the goal of attaining a two-year degree ever receive one. Four-year colleges also struggle with completion rates. Four of 10 students who enroll at a college or university don’t earn a bachelor’s degree within six years. For too long, we’ve been focused on the campus entrance. “Go to college,” we’ve told our young men and women, holding out a degree as the key to the American dream. We’ve offered them scholarships and grants and loans and applauded them as they’ve walked
through the front gate. But no one pays much attention when they slip quietly out the back door with no degree and tons of debt. That’s starting to change. The Obama administration has asked states to come up with new approaches for improving college completion rates. The Gates Foundation is offering incentives to community colleges to work on the problem. Those are good moves, but they confine themselves to the conventional wisdom that at least some college is good for everyone. A growing number of counselors, economists and, yes, academics, are questioning that wisdom, and instead recommending more apprenticeships and vocational training to prepare students for middle-skills jobs. The solution isn’t one approach or another. Students need options other than college and those who opt for college need support once they get there. College admissions dramas make for good reading. Jobs and financial security make for happier endings. This editorial orignally appeared in McClatchy Newspapers.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Ahh! I’m officially graduating in a few short weeks. I knew this day would eventually come. When I was in Egypt this past fall, I knew that I would be returning to Waynesburg for my last semester. “Don’t become complacent,” were the last words of advice that the director of the Middle East Studies Program told us as we ended our semester and walked through the security check at the Cairo airport. Lately, senioritis has been hitting me hard. After long weeks of hardcore applications, tests, papers and projects, my friends and I decided it was time to have fun.
Expand your world view Continued from A6
expand my understanding of a global society. Life here is understandably different from
We found skateboards at WalMart for only $9 and a Yoda kite for $1. These seemed like great investments. My time is no longer filled with activities, being that I have been replaced in all of my leadership roles. I knew this would happen sooner or later. Youtube video jams, Alf on Hulu, Harry Potter marathons, eating at the cafe for 2 hours for dinner, weekly visits from friends, planning random trips to Niagara Falls and Montreal and spending as much time as possible doing absolutely nothing has taken all of my time and energy. As a senior, I listen to Katy Perry, Jason Derulo, the Script, and an assortment of ’90s tunes
that which I am used to across the water. It’s not better or worse, just different. I have come to the United States eight times now, and each time I have learned something new culturally. In a globalized world – employers will be look-
that allow me to escape from the reality that is my undecided future. My future is unclear. We all have our own dreams to look forward to: I want to travel and see the world, earn my Ph.D. in psychology, scratch wild things off my bucket list, and be able to sit and tell people my interesting life stories. However, I have no set goal anymore and I think I am finally okay with this. As a senior, I am expected to give words of advice to the underclassmen. The only words I have for you are to not become complacent. Danie Brush, 2011 Graduate
ing for something that sets the person they hire apart from the rest of the applicants, and having a study abroad experience on your resume can do just that. While studying abroad might not be for I would recommend it in a heartbeat. I have
benefited immeasurably from this past year and I want to share that same joy and experience with anyone and everyone I can. Waynesburg has done for more for me than I could have imagined 12 months ago, and I have a funny feeling I’m not quite done yet.
typos we find in the articles we receive, laughter can be heard around the fourth floor of Buhl at all hours of the night and day. Whether it is 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we can be found joking around and enjoying each other’s company – all the while managing to produce at least a 16-page newspaper. None of this would be possible without good leadership though. Some of the most influential people on the staff include several of the seniors. Those same seniors who will be graduating in a few short weeks. Throughout the past few years, these seniors have helped shape the newspaper into the dynamic force that it is today. Not all of it was easy, but the end product is well worth it in the end. But the newspaper goes beyond the product that
Fight for rights Continued from A6 below the fold.” Get it? Topless. Awesome, right? After the story broke in the Philadelphia Inquirer, administrators relented, allowing the story to be run. But then administrators issued the restriction on the story’s location. Vinny Vella, executive editor of the Collegian, should be applauded for his efforts. He and his staff stood up for their right to report the news and their persistence paid off in the end, albeit with a slight alteration in layout. But, in the end the administrations insistence that the story not be placed above the fold attracted more attention. The administration of Waynesburg University should be applauded as well. While they had nothing to do with the LaSalle incident, they continue to allow our newspaper, the Yellow Jacket, to choose, report and publish the stories that we deem newsworthy. After hearing about this story and reading the corresponding article, I feel lucky to attend a school
the students, faculty and staff can see every week in hard copy or online. The seniors have done more than manage the paper – they have been teachers, mentors and friends to everyone on the staff. At times when we have received negative backlash for an article, we have all supported and encouraged each other. But things are about to change. New people will join the staff and old members will leave. The newspaper will be making changes in order to continue to improve. But none of this would have been possible without the seniors sharing their knowledge. Everyone at the Yellow Jacket will greatly miss your funny stories, jokes and great attitudes. Remember the cookies and music and the fun times with all of us together – we won’t forget you. Good luck in your future endeavors. We know you will succeed. Thank you seniors. We will miss you.
where the administration does not attempt to filter the content of the student-run newspaper. The fact that we can publish stories without allowing the administration to preview it, is commendable. Because of this freedom, every member of the Yellow Jacket staff holds our paper to the highest of standards. We’re not tabloid journalists. The stories we choose to publish in the Yellow Jacket are not printed for their shock value. We strive to print factual, accurate stories that provide you with information that we feel you need to know. In the process of providing you with the news, we may step on some toes. But know that our goal is not to slander, demean or belittle. Our goal is to give you the news, accurately and professionally. Plain and simple. You could attend a school that restricts and filters the information that its studentrun newspaper publishes, rendering you oblivious to anything they don’t want you to know. You would be a victim of the administrative gatekeepers’ plans to keep you in the dark about their happenings. But you’re not. Be thankful.
YELLOW JACKET
Page A8
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Campus
‘It’s the music that keeps us coming back’ Annual concert creates sense of unity among musicians By Carrie Maier Staff Writer There is an often-overlooked star of the Gross National Product, a band who performed their 41st anniversary concert Saturday in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. That star—a small, fat, brown stuffed bear, who wears sunglasses and belongs to the band’s audio monitor Mark Weis—sat upon an amp for the majority of the show, enjoying frequent camera close-ups and love from band members. “It’s been touring with us since day one of Mark doing sound for us,” said Link Davis, founding member of GNP. “One day I stole the bear and put him up on an amp. “Mark got him the sunglasses,” Davis added. “We’re trying to find him a little three-quarters guitar now.” Every year the bear reappears for GNP’s annual concert. This time around, it exemplified the spirit of the show’s performance in the packed GPAC, which Bill Molzon, coordinator and director of TV operations at Waynesburg, referred to as “a big living room.” This year’s show, as it often does, featured a wide variety of music styles, ranging from jazz to Jimi Hendrix. Molzon likened it to a changing radio dial. “You won’t find a collection of music like this anywhere else in Greene County,” he said. GNP was formed in New Jersey in the mid-
Photos by Gregory Reinhart
(Above) Alumni returned to Waynesburg to perform at the annual GNP concert. (Left) Alumni and students pack the stage. (Below) The stuffed bear has become the group’s mascot and appears at every concert. 1960s. Molzon and Davis are two of five original members to play in last Saturday’s musical reunion. Since their first concert in 1970, GNP has added to their anniversary concert other talents from the school and the region, making the band list total over 30 members. “Forty-one years ago I was a freshman here, and I missed my bandmates from New Jersey so they came down,” said Molzon. “And they just kept coming down.” Molzon’s band members explained the enjoyment of playing at Waynesburg year in and year out. “It’s always great when you come out here and people clap before you even play,” saxophonist Lee Robinson said after the audience went wild for his warm up notes. This year, as in past years, the concert also presented a unique opportunity for communica-
tion students to produce a live show. Flat screen televisions were set up alongside the stage to offer backstage views, close-ups and side profiles of the musicians. The show was not without its flaws as Martin Cockroft, professor of creative writing, lost the back of his chair in the middle of a rendition of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and another song started without the lead guitarist on stage. However, all in all, the show was a rousing success, with the “GNP family” going strong for five hours. After all, it’s as 25year veteran of the show Randy Jones said, “It’s the music that keeps us coming back.”
Three school districts from Greene County are considering the cost of consolidation. Read more on B2
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Looking forward: Marcellus shale impacts Greene County
By Stephanie Laing and Emile Khoury Yellow Jacket Staff
Ken W. Dufalla lived in the good ol’ days of Greene County, Pa.- sitting on his porch, watching the deer frolic. When the Marcellus Shale drilling began, his home and everything else changed. “This gas boom is
definitely going to change the culture of this county, and our culture of Western Pennsylvania is changed. We’ll never go back to the placid days… It just isn’t going to be,” said Dufalla as that lifetime of memories clouded his eyes and a nostalgic smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. “You’ll be smelling
the toxins. My Greene County as I knew it was probably the good ol’ days. Is it good or bad?” Dufalla asks, echoing the question of so many. “It is how you perceive it.”
Right Under Your Nose Greene County sits 6,000 to 9,000 feet above the largest natu-
ral gas deposit in North America. This deposit, the Marcellus Shale, extends underground from Ohio into New York. The entire Marcellus Shale formation contains between 168 trillion to 516 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Put into perspective, in 2008, the United States used 23 trillion gallons of natural gas.
The Marcellus Shale is not a new discovery. According to IQ Energy Conservation, an energy conservation company, “The Marcellus Shale play has the potential to deliver significant economic development and to offer national energy security for the United States.” Greene County now
plays a significant role in one of the largest movements in national history.
Now Hiring Local officials expect Greene County to change because of the Marcellus Shale. The drilling industry will See MARCELLUS on B2
Blast from the past: Water advisory still in effect after two weeks Square dancer attempts to keep traditions alive By Sierra Shafer Op/Ed Editor
By Kyle Edwards Region Editor Dave Dahl doesn’t have a time machine. You won’t find a DeLorean parked in his driveway. But every week, Dahl takes dancers back in time to enjoy an old tradition. “A [square dance] figure caller calls out the calls to instruct the dancers and let them know what they’re supposed to do,” Dahl said. “Really this is very easy; there are no lessons. I’ve had groups of a couple hundred people dancing in less than five minutes.” Dahl said that while the times may have changed, the audience has not. As those who love square dancing grow older, he hopes that the younger generations will pick up the square dancing tradition so that it will continue to be practiced. “It’s just a lot of fun. We encourage the young people to come because it’s been kind of dying off over the last several years,” he said. “We sure would like them to come and dance.” Dahl has been playing for dances since he
was nine, but his career originally started on the radio. “I’ve been doing this for 64 years,” he said. “When I was 13, I had a radio program with WMBS in Uniontown twice a week. While I played the country music, square dancing just kind of fell in.” Last Friday, Dahl called for the dance held at the Rogersville Fire Hall. He said that the dancers spread to that area after attending dances in Carmichaels. “Several years ago, they were having dances over in Carmichaels and a lot of the people there belonged to the fire department here, and it just kind of caught on,” Dahl said. “Back then we had a five-piece band, but now with the diminishing crowds, I do it by myself.” Despite this, Dahl said he manages fine on his own and remains optimistic that the younger generation would enjoy themselves if they came out to any of the dances.
Greene County residents serviced by the Carmichaels Municipal Authority are still, after two weeks, being advised to boil their tap water before drinking it. This may change soon.
The DEP estimates that this advisory could be lifted soon if the samples come back clear of dangerous contaminants. “We’ve been pulling samples all week, and the results have been good,” said Lloyd Richard, manager of the Carmichaels Municipal
Authority. The initial advisory was issued on April 8 when algae and other harmful contaminants were found to be bypassing the filtration system at the plant. Manager of the Carmichaels Municipal Authority, Llloyd Richard, said that due to
budget cuts the Department of Environmental Protection had reduced routine water testing from every two years to every four years. It is unclear how long the contaminants have been in the drinking water in See CLEAN on B4
Thrills abound at bull riding championships
Photo by Stephanie Laing
Bull riders and rodeo clowns entertained the crowd that gethered at the Greene County Fairgrounds for the Buckin’ B. Cattle Co. Championship Bull riding competition last weekend. By Stephanie Laing Editorial Assistant
Last Friday and Saturday night starting at 8 p.m., the Buckin’ B. Cattle Co. held its Championship Bull Riding Competition at the Greene County Fair Grounds. Throughout the night, See DANCER on B4 bulls charged and the
crowd cheered as rides held on tight. Before attempting to ride a bull for eight long seconds, one cowboy sat on a bail of hay next to the bull pins behind the ring, oblivious to the noise. His head was down, hands folded together, praying.
“You’ve been doing it for so long, and you act like you’re not scared, but you really are,” said Devon Hager, a 20-yearold bull rider from Virginia. “You’re getting on something that could kill you. It is definitely an adrenaline rush.” Hager has ridden bulls
for about four years with the support of his family, friends and the men he travels with. Rodeo Clowns supported the cowboys during the night, capturing a bull’s attention from the thrown rider. “I like saving the cowSee RODEO on B4
Food, friends, family fun found at 21st annual Ramp Festival By Stephanie Laing Editorial Assistant Despite rain and wind, over 600 people visited Mason Dixon Park this past weekend. At the 21st Annual Ramp Festival, the visitors experienced Appalachian culture with antique car displays, free door prizes, live music, area crafters, artisans and food made of ramps. “This is our 21st year, and a lot of places don’t have the festival now, but we’d just like to
Photo by Stephanie Laing
A variety of different foods are created and sold at the Ramp Festival, including the popular fried Ramp. continue ours,” said Connie Ammons, the
festival’s coordinator. “People really enjoy the
ramps.” According to Ammons, the festival’s purpose was for the public to experience the variety of ramp dishes offered. Ramp jelly, fried ramp, ramp salad, fried potatoes with ramps, ramp burgers and ramp candy were just some of the dishes available. Those over the age of 21 could taste ramp wine paired with ramp cheese balls. “Ramp is a cross between an onion and a garlic,” said Walter
Danna, the ramp festival’s chef. Danna said the ramp is not a wild onion, which it is commonly mistaken for, and it actually belongs to the lily family. “It is praised for its flavor, hated for its smell,” said Danna. “It does have a little overpowering taste, but I guess that’s what it’s all about.” One man, who has been attending the Ramp Festival since before it moved to the Mason Dixon Park in Mt. Morris, sells carved
wooden figures and furniture like children’s rocking chairs and shelves. On vendor has attended the Ramp Festival since it began, selling pop can figures. Using mainly beer and soda cans, this vendor has constructed multiple train cars, fans and even a small tin man. “You see a lot of the same people here every year, and you even see some new people too,” See ONION on B4
YELLOW JACKET
Page B2
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Region
Three local school districts considering cost of consolidation By Sierra Shafer and Kyle Edwards Yellow Jacket Staff It is one of the first lessons taught in school: sharing. But as three local school districts await the results of an extensive study on the feasibility of shared services, the bottom line is cost. With those results, Carmichaels, Southeastern Greene and Jefferson Morgan school districts may finally have some answers about how to provide their students with the best education the taxpayers can buy. In light of pending budget cuts proposed by Governor Tom Corbett, the three districts are even more eager to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of education. “We certainly all have a common goal in providing excellent educational opportunities for our students,” said Superintendent of Jefferson Morgan Donna Furnier. “We are driven by our curriculum being
aligned by the state standards. We get along well. These are three districts that really do have a lot in common but at the same time are each distinct.” The question remains: will the study produce numbers that imply sharing services will be the best choice for Greene County or is a full merger up for discussion? There may also come a time when merger is no longer up for discussion but instead becomes a mandated consolidation through legislations out of Harrisburg. The PSBA distinguishes that a merger is voluntary joining; consolidation is forced. “We support merger and we support local board choice. We’re opposed to state-wide forced mandate, and the key reason is to do a merger and to do it correctly requires a substantial amount of due diligence. With forced, you do not get the due diligence,” said Dr. Dave
“We support merger and we support local board choice. We’re opposed to state-wide forced mandate...” Dr. Dave Davare Director of Research - PA School Board Association
Davare, director of research for the Pennsylvania School Board Association. According to Davare, giving each district the choice about mergers is in the best interest of education in the state, both financially and academically.
Pride and prejudice If the decision were made to seek a merger, this year’s high school freshmen may be in their first year of college before Greene County sees the ramifications of the decision. “If they agree to merger or if two of the three agree to merge, that merger would take about a year and half of planning and one to two
years to fully implement,” said Davare. After the initial study is complete, additional evaluations of buildings and facilities must be completed to determine if the merged district would relocate and construct new buildings or continue the use of current facilities. The court hearings required for the removal or demotion of teaching faculty would add additional time to the merger schedule. While merger may be a new idea for the county, the consolidation discussion is hardly a fresh idea in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell proposed in 2009 to create a legislative commission to study the best way to “right-size” the state’s
Marcellus impacts county Continued from B1 create jobs and seek out services, contractors, equipment and goods from the local economy they drill in. According to Greene County Commissioner Pam Snyder, local businesses have experienced increased profits. Local hotels have an influx of people, and are usually always full. According to Snyder, one hotel is booked with only people associated with drilling companies. Residents now walk into local restaurants, and where they once knew everyone, they see tables of strangers dressed in work clothes. “I think it is an economic upturn for property owners who have leased their land and who are getting royalty checks if they [drilling companies] have hit a Marcellus Shale well on their property,” Snyder said. “Those folks will have money to spend and buy more things and continue to pump more money back into the local economy.” The DECD estimates that this “boom” will last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, and it gives recommendations for counties in order to ensure their economic stability after the drilling companies leave. It recommends that counties form task forces with members who represent community interests. Many counties have taken this advice, but there is no task force within Greene County to represent the residents’ different interests. Local officials should work cooperatively
Infographic courtesy of The Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research
The boundaries of the Marcellus Shale Base stretch underground from Ohio to New York, covering much of Pennsylvania in the process. with gas companies. “[The Marcellus Shale] does have a lot of good economic benefits to the county and the region,” said Snyder. “Of course with any industry, there are some challenges and some pain too that goes along with it.” The local government is responsible to directly correspond with drilling companies, but monitoring and regulation is done by the state. “Most of the things that they have to be monitored for and regulated for, that is state government’s responsibility. But of course we as a county are the ones living with the effects of what’s happening with the Marcellus Shale,” said Snyder. “So while we’re very involved, we have no enforcement power or regulatory power to really do anything.”
Dirty Water Fracking can harm the environment. Directional drilling requires large amounts of water to frack. As long as drilling companies properly remove water from
water sources and dispose of the used fracking water properly, there are no problems. The DEP has regulations to protect the environment as drilling companies frack. According to U.S. Geological Survey research, each Marcellus well requires 2.1 to 8 million gallons of water. “Many regional and local water management agencies are concerned about where such large volumes of water will be obtained, and what the possible consequences might be for local water supplies,” said the USGS. “Under drought conditions, or in locations with already stressed water supplies, obtaining the millions of gallons needed for a shale gas well could be problematic.” Greene County exists in a seasonal pattern of precipitation. During certain times of the year in Greene County, there is little or no rain, according to Janet Paladino, a professor at Waynesburg University and active environmentalist who collaborates with the DEP and Watershed Alliance.
Paladino is currently developing a sustainability plan for WU and evaluating water monitoring locations in Greene County. Removing water from a water source at the wrong time can leave streams with no water in them. Despite this, for drilling companies to transport water from large distances is expensive, and illegal water extraction occurs. “Of course, every boom seems to have a downside. The large volumes of fracking fluids needed can mean small streams get sucked dry when used as sources of frack water, but worse is the potential for contamination of sources of drinking water,” said Lewis Baker, West Virginia Rural Water Association Source Water Protection Specialist, in an article. “Fracking of the shales, generally thousands of feet underground, can on occasion lead to contamination of shallow fresh water zones of groundwater with the frack fluids or natural gas.” After drilling companies use millions of gallons of water to break
local school districts by reducing the number of districts from 501 down to 100. Rendell believed that reducing the number of districts improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public education through other means. Sweeney said the study will help the districts decide if they will maintain the individual districts but have one unified curriculum. “The one thing that’s seriously being considered now is the potential of having a joint middle/high school, but there wouldn’t be a ‘consolidation.’ All the districts would remain autonomous,” he said. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade would be educated locally while high students would attend school in a centralized location. Each district would pay a portion of the operating costs. While Rendell’s plan for consolidation was rejected by the state legislature, between Corbett’s
up shale and have stored their natural gas, there are millions of gallons of used fracking water mixed with chemicals left. Drilling companies are required to take the water to a wastewater treatment facility, where chemicals are removed and water is recycled. These enormous amounts of water also contain contaminates and chemical additives that can make wastewater difficult and expensive, according to the USGS. The USGS may be unsure of wastewater treatment processes, but illegal dumping directly places hazardous fracking solutions in surface waters. According to Paladino, the fracking solution mixed with water could contaminate surface waters. “It is probably fairly easy in a rural area like this to illegally dump. Because it is going to cost a company more to take it to a recycling facility then it would be to dump it,” said Paladino.
120 Days, and Done Gov. Tom Corbett has called himself a cop who wants “fair and consistent” regulations to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. On March 8, Corbett established the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, with Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley leading it. The commission will decide how to best balance economic growth with environmental protection while addressing other concerns, and report back to the governor in 120 days. Corbett has established a commission that will establish jobs through environmental conservation. This commission has weakness-
proposed budget cuts and Wozniak’s efforts to see mandatory consolidation across the state, finding ways to save is of the top priorities in districts in Greene County.
An imperfect exchange The bottom line in this discussion may be prefaced with dollar signs, but the discussion has also focused on how mergers affect the quality of education attending students receiving. “It could be good or bad. Class sizes would probably increase; however, there would be a wide variety of classes that would be offered, so when you’re talking about quality you really don’t know,” said Patrick Sweeny, business manager at Southeastern Greene. The PSBA released a study in the summer of 2009 that found the factors that “affect student achievement to the greatest extent” include, See SCHOOLS on B3
es, however. “If the composition of the commission is any indication, the sales will tip toward job creation,” said PostGazette reporters Tracie Mauriello and Laura Olson. “The group includes 13 people with ties to the gas industry and only four environmentalists. The others are state and local government officials and a geologist.” Chad Saylor, deputy chief of staff and director of communication for the office of Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, said, “What is important is that they bring a unique experience that is helpful to this whole process,” said. “That is ultimately why they were selected.” If background does play a part in the commission’s decisions, it indicates what areas of Pennsylvania will be unrepresented. Greene County is ranked third in the number of Marcellus wells drilled, but there is no member on the commission representing in Greene County. Board members have backgrounds from Montgomery, Crawford, Cumberland, Lycoming, Allegheny and Washington Counties. Virginia, Florida and Texas are also represented. For Greene County there is a surprising lack of representation. However, Saylor says the state government approached the issue holistically. “We’re coming at it from a different angle which is that the Marcellus shale is an issue for all of Pennsylvania, including Greene County, and the issues we are looking at are impacting everyone in the state,” he said. See SHALE on B3
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
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Region
Schools think about merger Continued from B2 among others, smaller school size and smaller class size. Larger schools and school districts tend to have “lower student achievement and social outcomes – especially in low socioeconomic communities. Depending on the districts, there is a variance of academic benefits to be had through merger. “Some educational efficiencies to be gained – for middle and high schools, more programs could be offered to more students,” said Patrick Sweeny, business manger for Southeastern Greene. “It would also open up other extracurricular activities that we can’t support right now due to our size. If it was a merger or consolidation, it might be an advantage if it were to take place.” These advantages may come at the cost of class sizes. “If we’re taking ten [students per class] and going to 15 or 20, that would be a documented reason for needing fewer teachers. If you fall that into the next step, you can reduce administrators now,” said Davare.
Shale drilling affects area Continued from B2
However, the Marcellus Shale drilling is not happening state-wide. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, only 14 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania have Marcellus shale drilling wells.
Reducing administrators and teachers may lead to savings this initial saving is the end of the line. “There’s not the intuitive savings that you would think there was going to be as a result of merger,” Davare said.
Dollars and sense Not only would a merger affect the quality of education for thousands of students, the cost of educating those students would change in the event of a merger. “Class sizes - even in your bigger schools - are going to go up based on the budget cuts that are coming down from Harrisburg,” said Bailey. “I think where you’re going to save a lot is cutting three superintendents down to one.” According to the Pennsylvania School Board Association, a merger like this one would not guarantee only one superintendent, let alone savings through such a change. “In some very small districts right now, the superintendent may also be the elementary principal,” said Davare. “Superintendents have contracts that are three to five years in length, so if the merger happens and you have a super
Keeping Things Clean The Pennsylvania DEP has proactively increased its oversight of the natural gas drilling in the past two years with regulations on new drilling techniques and technology, and water treatment. When Gov. Corbett announced the 2011-12 state budget, he decreased the DEP’s funding from $147 million to $140 million, cutting 69 employees. According to Saylor,
“A merger would certainly be a major impact on not only the students but also the residents of the district.” Patrick Sweeney Business Manager-Southeastern Greene School District
with four years left on his contract, you either make him an assistant superintendent for the remainder of his contract or you buy out his contract. There’s no savings in the buyout.” Administrative salary isn’t the only area that would see an increase in cost, said Davare. “Each district right now chooses its own curriculum and text books, so when you put two districts together there’s a curriculum issue. If they’re not using the same textbooks you either have to replace half of the books or all of them,” he said. “You’ve got to align curriculum.” Davare said that operational changes like changing signage, sports and band uniforms and even stationary could cost close to $100,000. Pennsylvania law states that when districts merge together, the slate is wiped clean and a new salary schedule is set. Under this new schedule, the high-
est paid faculty member’s salary becomes the new baseline for all faculty members. “That’s one of the other weaknesses in Pennsylvania law,” said Davare of the salary laws. “You cannot reduce salary without providing due process hearings. They have to be individual hearings. So if you merge two districts and they each have 50 hearings, and you’re going to reduce salaries in one, you’ve got to have 50 hearings.” In addition to the upfront costs of downsizing, another concern of merging districts is the potential for taxes to be affected. “If we do a full blown consolidation, we would have to have the entire combining of JeffersonMorgan, Carmichaels and Southeastern Greene come up under a uniform tax structure,” said Patrick Sweeney, business manager for Southeastern Greene. “Tax rates may go up or
the DEP had 5,000 Marcellus shale gas well inspections in 2010. This year this agency is on track to perform over 7,000 inspections. “That is an indication that we are finding ways to do more with less when it comes to ensuring the safety of Marcellus shale gas extraction,” he said. On April 6, DEP’s Secretary Michael Krancer wrote the Environmental Protection Agency requesting that more testing on drilling
wastewater occur to ensure that drinking water is not contaminated. According to AP reporter Marc Levy, Pennsylvania is testing at seven spots on the state’s waterways downriver from treatment plans that accept Marcellus Shale wastewater but upriver from public drinking water intakes. “Most big gas states require drillers to dump their wastewater into deep shafts drilled into the earth to prevent it
down depending on said Bailey. “So, if we what district you’re liv- were to merge, both of ing in now. One instance those would certainly for us is that we would bolster our tax base.” The beleaguered be incurring debt and that debt would be our socioeconomic status of the area will continue to responsibility.” Sweeney said that fuel the discussion about Southeastern Green cost-effective choices for recently finished paying local districts. off their last building project and is debt free. Blurring boundaries “If we were to consolidate, we would have to In a county with a assume the liabilities of deep seeded history in both Jefferson-Morgan coal mining and steel and Carmichaels mills, some may feel because they have that that a merger would debt in their books.” threaten their identity – Bailey maintains that another cost to consider. while Carmicaels has “You have a strong debt, they also have sense of community and newer buildings that are ownership in Jefferson more accommodating Morgan and and energy efficient. Carmichaels and South “Yes, we still have a East Greene,” said debt on our new elemen- Davare. “There is a longtary school, so does Jef- term historical rivalry in ferson-Morgan. But our Pennsylvania because of buildings do not need the coal mines and the renovation,” he said. “At steel industry.” Southeastern Greene, Even after the coal they may be paid off, but mines have run dry in there’s no comparison in the areas surrounding building quality.” the three districts, many Bailey also believes of the families living in that the combining of the area are second and the three districts would third generation who positively impact the tax take pride in where they base. call home. “I know Jefferson“A merger would cerMorgan does not have tainly be a major impact the [tax] base that we on not only the students have, but there is a new but also the residents of coal mine being put in the district,” said near their district, and Sweeney. “It would Southeastern Greene has the power plant,” See CONSOLIDATION on B4
from contaminating surface water,” Levy continued. “Although it has moved to limit it, Pennsylvania still allows hundreds of millions of gallons of the partially treated drilling wastewater to be discharged into rives from which communities draw drinking water.” The DEP has recently experienced roadblocks in enforcing regulations. Two weeks ago, leaked emails said Marcellus Shale drilling inspectors are not allowed to issue violations without the department’s executive deputy secretary, John Hines’ approval, according to ProPublica reporter Abrahm Lustgarten. “The question around here I think that people are asking is compliance. You can have all the regulations that you want, but the question is are the drillers- are the drilling companies- complying with the regulations?” asked Paladino. As the drilling industry grows, regulatory agencies will have trouble monitoring enough to prevent violations from occurring. “They [drilling companies] go in and hydraulically frack the shale, and that of course breaks it up so the gas can get out. But will higher pressures, it is conceivable you could crack the rock,” said Jim Butler, member of the Izaak Walton League, an organization that has begun a water monitoring system in Greene County. “They [drilling companies] only get 30 per-
cent of the water back, at best.” According to the USGS and the DEP, most of the water used for fracking must be retrieved and recycled. However, ProPublica reporter Abrahm Lustgarten found that up to 85% of the fluids pumped into the ground during the fracking process are left there. At 30 percent, if five million gallons of water was used, a drilling company would only extract 1.5 million gallons back, leaving 3.5 million gallons of radioactive materials, chemicals and fracking water underground. “Illegal dumping is a big problem because they’re not going to dump in the same place every time and cause a huge fish kill. They’re not stupid,” she said. “So what they’re going to do is dump in different locations, and the only way to detect those kinds of illegal activities is to have a water quality monitoring program where you constantly monitor the water.” The Marcellus Shale drilling industry has greatly affected Greene County. It has brought economic stability. Businesses are thriving. But as drilling companies enter the area, they affect the environment. The Marcellus Shale has changed Greene County entirely. “It can be good in the fact that is brings in money to the area with the wealth that hasn’t been here since the early oil booms,” said Dufalla. “But what is the price you’re willing to pay for that?”
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Region
Dancer keeps past alive
Clean water on the horizon
Continued from B1 “I play and record my own music in the keyboard for the square dancing, but we also do line dancing, clogging, slow dancing and polkas – it’s kind of a wellrounded evening really,” he said. “If we could get the young people to come out, they would certainly enjoy themselves, and we would enjoy having them.” Dahl said that the
Continued from B1
Photo by Lauren Rearick
People gather at different locations each week to remember the past and to keep the tradition alive. Rogersville Fire Hall isn’t the only place where the dances are held. “We do about five square dances at different spots throughout the month,” he
said. “Every other Friday, we hold a dance at the Moose Lodge in Waynesburg. We always welcome the students from the college to join us.”
Onion festival draws crowd Continued from B1 he said. “My favorite part is just meeting people and giving them something to do.” As traffic entered the park, cars were directed to certain parking spaces. A rock-climbing wall and live music entertained visitors. Anyone who wished could attend. The festival was open between 10 a.m. and 6
the Carmichaels area though Richard and the DEP believe it began after pre-treatment practices were changed. Leganos said this caused the chlorine levels in the byproducts to exceed regulations. In order to meet regulations, the authority eliminated the chlorine from the pretreatment process. “We may be having trouble because we were using less chlorine to prevent trihalomethanes in the water,” Richard said. “It’s like in fixing one problem, we created another.”
Consolidation a possibility Photo by Stephanie Laing
Many vendors set up their stalls to all around MasonDixon park last weekend to sell their Ramp wares. p.m. at no cost. There was camping available to anyone who wanted to stay overnight. On Saturday at 9 a.m., the festival offered a traditional ramp-free breakfast; however, ramps were always available. Along with the break-
fast, there was an outdoor church service at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The festival’s musicians included the country bands Get R Done, Nic of Tyme, the 501 Band, Life’s Railway, Country Pride and Al Anderson.
Continued from B3 mean a disruption of the way that people have been educated here for generations.” While shared services would begin to blur these boundaries, a merger would eliminate them all together. But because of Carmichaels’ setting there are specula-
Trihalomethanes are caused when chlorine and the organic materials or bromide found in river water mix together. Trihalomethanes have been linked to cancer. Since the initial advisory was issued, DEP has been overseeing the disinfecting of the plant, which is currently being flushed clean with water from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority. “At the time we were unable to determine if the contaminants were a human health hazard but in the interest of public safety we’re having the filters and basins disinfected,” said Leganos. These precautions are being taken to avoid diarrheal-disease-caus-
ing parasites from entering the drinking water. Until the water is deemed safe to drink by the DEP, Southwestern will provide water to Carmichaels authority consumers. The Carmichaels Municipal Authority services roughly 1,800 people, according to Richard and the cost of the recent treatment producers to protect them are high and unexpected. “There are a lot of expenses in cleaning out the system and treating the water,” he said. “They’ve also offered us an after plan for when we have things running again. The costs are unexpected but we should have enough to cover it as long as it doesn’t go on too long.”
tions that it would be the logical choice for the location of the newly merged school system. “If we were going to consolidate there would have to be central location. That location would be in Carmichaels,” said Sweeney. “Given the facts of the demographics and the geography, we’re going to be inconvenienced because the school would not be centered locally here in our district.” Due to the size of the Southeastern Greene district and sparse distribution of the population, some students are already riding the bus an hour each day. A move to a consolidated school in Carmichaels would add at least 15 minutes. “The Carmichaels Area School District name would be lost. “You’d have to look at location as well, but the hometown advantage of the small schools will be assumed in any merger,” said Bailey. “Yeah, you lose your hometown identity, but I think financially if you see what we’re seeing from the budget end, it’s going to be a forced thing in the future.” According to Davare, the primary concern for the PSBA is determining when cost is going to
override the identity is indeed of great importance to the school districts in Greene County. “There’s always going to be a group out there that is willing to look at merger as they are losing a political powerbase,” he said. “That’s what we see in terms of the politics behind it. But the issue is really one of, does it save money. Not all mergers save money.”
Rodeo thrills audience
colors of cloth hanging from their pockets. After a rider was thrown and before the bull left the ring, the clowns usually played with the bulls to entertain the crowds. At one time during the night, a clowns rolled a large red barrel in front of him and pounded it with his palms, always making sure the barrel stayed between him and an aggravated bull. Between the two rounds of bull riding, willing children attempted to ride sheep as the crowd laughed. Different concession stands were displayed selling food, cowboy hats and jewelry. Event sponsors included Jeff McCracken, Greene County Tourism, Direct Results and Waynesburg Milling.
Continued from B1 boys,” said John Bob Spiker, one of the clowns. “And you don’t get to see bulls like this everyday; it is something new.” However, one group of girls did not attend to see the bulls. The event began as the lights turned out. Fire burned off the ground in front of more than 15 bull riders. After they were introduced, theme music and a spotlight introduced the top four competitors, who stood in different areas of the arena. The announcer also introduced the rodeo clowns, who wore bright
No easy answers With pending budget cuts and a struggling economy, the Carmichaels Area, Jefferson-Morgan and Southeastern Greene school districts have taken the first steps in finding where costs can be curbed while simultaneously protecting the quality of education. When the feasibility study is released in May, Though the results may present three districts in Greene County with some final answers, a decision will still need to be made. That decision will cost something: teachers’ jobs, administrative offices, and taxpayer dollars. For some, the cost is worth the gains. For others, the cost is too risky. Whatever the decision, there is no such thing as a free lunch.
The Pittsburgh Force visited campus. Read more on C3
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Another Softball continues to battle relentless weather Team has just year of nine days to play six doubleheaders athletics at WU By Aaron Thompson
Assistant Sports Editor
Earlier today, the Waynesburg softball team hoped to finally get back on the field after weather forced more postponeSports ments in a spring season Editor that has already seen its fair share of games affected by Mother Nature. In the very first issue of The Yellow Jackets (11The Yellow Jacket this 7, 4-2) still have six conschool year, I used this ference doubleheaders space to comment on the improving state of Waynesburg athletics. As the year begins to wind down, here’s proof that the department truly is on the upswing:
Dave Floyd
remaining to play in the next nine days. A brutal stretch remains for teams across the Presidents’ Athletic Conference as Saint Vincent and Grove City have played the most conference games to this point in the season. The regular season is technically scheduled to end April 30, but more rainouts could force difficulties for schools across the conference as final exams begin May 2 for Waynesburg students. “In the past coaching high school we would always have some games lost in the beginning of
the season, but I’ve not seen anything like this before,” head coach Lou Giachetti said. “We’re really under the gun now. I’ve never seen anything like this in my 20 some years of coaching.” Waynesburg has seen seven doubleheaders postponed so far this season. Three non-conference twin bills against Frostburg State, Penn StateBeaver and Mount Aloysius were postponed in March, and it was decided weeks ago that they would not be made up.
See WEATHER on C2
Photo by Dave Miller, ADM Photography
Senior centerfielder Amber Pivik throws a ball into the infield in the Jackets’ most recent game April 9.
Baseball takes two from Geneva
Fall Women’s soccer – In his first year at the helm, head coach Sean McCarthy guided the Yellow Jackets to their first winning season since 2001. The team missed out on the Presidents’ Athletic Conference playoffs by only a single place in the standings. Individually, four players garnered All-PAC status, including first-team juniors Courtney Ebersole and goalkeeper Katrina Kelly. Ebersole, a forward, was also named thirdteam all-region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for her 12-goal, 27-point season. Those totals placed her first on the team and fifth in the conference. Ebersole and Kelly both return this fall. Football – The Jackets came just points away from defeating nationally ranked Thomas More and archrival Washington and Jefferson in the final two weeks of the season. Victories in those two contests would have given Waynesburg the PAC title and a trip to the national playoffs. Against the Saints, No. 9 in the nation at the time, the Jacket faithful could almost taste the upset when freshman running back Dominic Moore barreled into the end zone from one yard out to put the home team up 10-7 with 6:44 to play in the fourth quarter. However, Thomas More showed the poise of a three-time conference champion by embarking on a 20-play, 80-yard drive that ended in a touchdown and gave the Saints the victory. The Jackets defense, which stifled the Saints vaunted ground game, will welcome back nearly every starter in 2011. Waynesburg experienced more heartbreak a week later. After coming back from 14 points down in the fourth quarter, Waynesburg had the opportunity to finally topple rival
Offense sparks Waynesburg to series victory By Jon Ledyard Assignments Editor
Thanks to a couple of strong pitching efforts and two of the highest scoring performances of the year from the Waynesburg offense, the Yellow Jacket baseball team took the season series from Geneva by winning two of three this past week. In a season in which Waynesburg (9-17, 4-5) has struggled to generate consistent hitting, the Jackets bats didn’t have any problems in the first two games of the series. Waynesburg’s sluggers cranked out 10 hits in Friday’s 9-2 nine-inning victory before adding nine more during their 9-5 win in the first game of Monday’s doubleheader. The Golden Tornadoes (15-14) were able to come away with a narrow 3-2 victory in the second game of the twin bill to avoid being swept.
Jacket women finish in second By Nate Regotti Staff Writer
director and head football coach. Shepas was very successful as the football coach at Massillon, posting a 53-28 record and winning two consecutive regional championships during his tenure there. While at Massillon, in addition to his coaching and athletic director duties, Shepas was responsible for generating most of the revenue for the athletic department by setting prices for tickets and promotional items, among other things. Shepas says that his job at Waynesburg is a little easier in that sense, as he credits others for helping him out.
The Waynesburg men’s and women’s track and field teams were both in action this past weekend at the Westminster Invitational. The Yellow Jacket women had a great outing Saturday. They tied for second with Clarion in the 13-team field, finishing behind only host Westminster. Senior Maria Shepas led the way for Waynesburg on the track. Shepas qualified for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. She completed the event in a time of 11:47.46. Also qualifying for the ECAC Championships this past weekend was sophomore Jaimee Post. Post won the triple jump event after leaping 11.11 meters (36’ 5.5”). She also added a fourth-place finish in the long jump with a leap of 4.56 meters (14’ 11.5”). For her efforts, Post was named this week’s top female field athlete by the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. Junior Krystal Baker added a pair of top finishes of her own. Baker placed sixth in the high jump as she cleared the bar at 1.45m and added a third-place finish in the triple jump with a leap of 10.27m. The men enjoyed a successful day of their own. The Jackets finished fifth out of eleven teams at the invitational. Junior Jordan Wrask had an impressive per-
See YEAR on C4
See FIVE on C4
Photo by Dave Miller, ADM Photography
Senior Brandon Myers slides safely into third base in Friday’s single game at Geneva. The Jackets won that contest 9-2 and took two of three in the series. “We always say we got to win at least two out of three in the series, and we’ve certainly had little hiccups that have cost us series against Thomas More and Westminster, and we wanted to avoid that against Geneva,” said head coach Mike Humiston. An early 4-0 lead gave Waynesburg an edge they would not relinquish in
game one as they added three runs in a dominant seventh inning to close out the scoring and notch the 9-2 victory. Game two was more of the same from the powerful Jacket bats as senior shortstop Anthony DeFilippo’s team-high seventh home run of the season with two runners on gave the Jackets a 3-1 lead heading into the fourth.
Geneva kept it close, and the score was only 4-3 in favor of the Jackets when Waynesburg broke the game open with five runs in the bottom of the sixth. Unfortunately the Jacket bats went cold in the late game, as they managed only five hits in the seven-inning game. Two solo shots over the fence See BASEBALL on C2
Shepas set to complete first year as AD By Ben Carpenter Staff Writer
Replacing a legend is never an easy task. The 2010-11 school year was a big one for Rick Shepas. The head coach of the Yellow Jacket football team guided the group to a 6-4 record in his sixth season at the helm. In addition to his head coaching duties, this year was Shepas’s first as Director of Athletics at Waynesburg. The change came soon after long-time Director of Athletics Rudy Marisa announced his retirement last summer. Shepas took over on July 1, and he took on the additional responsibility very well. See WU on C3 “The change wasn’t as
TRACK & FIELD
“We have a lot of dynamic coaches here at Waynesburg and a solid athletic department as a whole. ... These people and many others really help me out...” Rick Shepas Director of Athletics
big as I thought it would be,” said Shepas. “It was more so a mental adjustment than anything else.” It helped, of course, that Shepas has prior experience as an athletic director, albeit at the high
school level. In fact, he has pulled double duty before, as well. The Youngstown State graduate spent seven years at Massillon Washington High School, serving as the Tigers’ athletic
YELLOW JACKET
Page C2
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Sports
Golf competes in G C - 9, J - 0 Jackets shut out by 20-time champ three invitationals Three matches ROVE
By Brandon Reed Editorial Assistant The men’s and women’s golf teams both traveled to Latrobe Country Club for the Saint Vincent College Invitational this past week. The women’s team was in competition for the individual title only, while the men’s team had enough participants to compete for the team title. Junior Colin Wilson and senior Katie Rihn were the top competitors for the Yellow Jackets men’s and women’s teams, respectively. Wilson led the men with a 10 over par 82, which gave him a 14thplace finish in the 59-man field. Senior Kevin McIlwain, Aaron Mansfield, Ryan Hertz and Brent Heckel combined to put the Jackets at eighth out of the 11 teams in competition. Wilson’s 82 is a fourstroke improvement from last year when he shot an 86 and finished second on the Jackets. Wilson said playing the course previously was a big help, and he knew where to hit the ball. “I knew which holes could get me into a lot of trouble if I tried to go for it and did not make it,” Wilson said. “It definitely was
a big help.” Rihn finally got her clubs going after a slow start this season. “This course was more to my skill level, even though I have never played it before,” said Rihn. She also credited the playing conditions and wide open course. Rihn shot a team-best 97 on the par-70 course, the highlight of Rihn’s day being a 45 on the front nine. She would have ended a few strokes lower had she not finished her day with a 10 on the 18th hole. The women’s team will conclude their 2011 season at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Spring Championship April 26 and 27. The men’s team also played on Monday at the Greens at Greenville in the Thiel College Invitational. Wilson recorded a team-best 82 on the day and combined with Heckel, McIlwain and senior Mike Quinn for a fourman score of 361. The Jackets placed third out of four teams at Thiel, their last event before the PAC Spring Championship, which will also take place April 26 and 27 for the men. PACs will be held at the Oak Tree Country Club in West Middlesex, Pa.
ITY
ACKETS
Continued from C1 were enough to propel Geneva to the 3-2 victory and keep Waynesburg from their first series sweep in two seasons. “In the first two games we came up with clutch hits and drove in runners when we had them on base,” said junior Brendan Scioscia. “In the third game we weren’t patient at the plate, and we swung at too many early pitches.”
“We are the best cage hitting team in America. We just need to carry that over to the field.” The Jackets were next scheduled to battle conference opponent Grove City in a home doubleheader on Wednesday at Waynesburg Field. Results, however, were not available at the time this edition went to press.
By Yellow Jacket Staff Up against 20-time Presidents’ Athletic Conference champion Grove City, the Waynesburg men’s tennis team was shut out 9-0 on the road this past Thursday. The win evened the Yellow Jackets league record at 2-2, while dropping their overall mark to 3-5. Grove City improved to a perfect 9-0, including 6-0 in conference play. Now, the Yellow Jackets have just three matches remaining to prepare themselves for the PAC Championships to be held April 28-30 at Pennbriar Athletic Club in Erie. “They are [just so good] and [so] deep,” head coach Ron Christman said of Grove City. “If we can be on the other side of the seeding from them [in the PACs], maybe we can work our way to facing them [in the finals].” In doubles play, Grove City received a forfeit at number-three and scored an 8-1 victory at numbertwo. At first doubles, Waynesburg’s tandem of junior Peter Mally and senior Emile Khoury jumped out to a 2-1 lead before dropping their match 8-3 to
Photo by Dave Miller, ADM Photography
Senior Emile Khoury hits a backhand at Grove City. Khoury won the most games of any Jacket Saturday. Ricky Garrett and Marc Mentzer. “Because those Grove City players have so much experience, our guys starting pressing a bit [after getting up 2-1],” Christman said. “Instead of doing what they did to get up right out of the shoot, they tried to do to much.” In singles, the Wolverines again were the beneficiaries of a forfeit, this time at number-six. Then, Grove City wrapped up the contest by handling the Jackets in the five competitive matches. Khoury was the only Waynesburg player to take more than one game from his opponent, as he lost 6-2, 6-1 to Mentzer. “It felt good getting some games off Grove
early on, so players know what classes to miss [so they can communicate that with their teachers],” Giachetti said. “Now the schedule has made our students miss classes that they weren’t originally
suppose to miss.” The past week brought a few days of favorable conditions, but because of other scheduled games and saturated surfaces, games could not be moved around to accom-
modate those conditions. The latest postponements took place Saturday as heavy rains postponed the Jackets’ contest at Chatham. This past Tuesday the Jackets were scheduled to travel to
New Wilmington, Pa., to take on Westminster, but the rain started again late Monday night and continued into Tuesday afternoon. The set of showers postponed every scheduled PAC game for both baseball and softball. Something that the rain has done is kept each team in the tournament race heading into the final stretch. “Everybody is in the race right now, and anything can happen,” Giachetti said. “Our key will be to sweep Chatham and Grove City.” Currently Thomas More (8-0) sits in first place with a perfect conference record, followed by Bethany (5-1), Westminster (6-2) and Waynesburg (4-2). The top four teams qualify for the tournament. Chatham, Saint Vincent, Grove City, Thiel and Washington
One of the top performances of the series for the Jackets came from freshman pitcher Zach Kreke. Despite giving up 12 hits in Monday’s first contest, he allowed only four earned runs while collecting his first collegiate win in complete game fashion. “They did get twelve hits off of him, but it doesn’t do a young pitcher a lot of good if when he gets in trouble he expects to get the hook right away,” said Humiston. “The thing about Zach is that he never gets rattled, and he knows some pitches are going to get hit and runs are going to be scored, but
he stays at an even-keel on the mound.” Junior pitcher Ben Oviatt collected the win in Friday’s game for the Jackets as he improved his season record to 3-0. The southpaw allowed only five hits over seven innings of work while walking two batters and fanning three. It was another impres-
sive series for Scioscia as the junior slugger went 5for-10 at the plate while scoring three runs and bringing home another. “Brendan is real consistent at the plate,” said DeFilippo. “Every time we need a big hit he steps up and gets one for us.” DeFilippo came up with some big hits himself, with four runs and
four RBI despite going only 3-for-10 at the plate. “Those guys are both seeing the ball really well, and that really shows in their batting averages,” said Humiston. “As a team we need to get them to share that knowledge and tell us what they are seeing because our biggest detriment right now is our hitting.
Continued from C1
Baseball takes two
and Jefferson all remain in the hunt with plenty of games to be played and not a lot of days left to play them. Waynesburg will be thrown into the fire today when they play the first place Saints. “We are going to go out there and give it our best shot,” Giachetti said. “We got to get back on track and play good ball. I think we were playing real well and peaking, but with this rain, this is kind of like starting the season over again.” Giachetti admitted he isn’t completely sure how his team will react. “Hopefully we can get the bats going again,” he said. “We were doing pretty well [statistically] in batting average, earned run average and run differential. “We just have to pick up where we left off.”
remain before the PAC Championships
Weather still an issue Conference doubleheaders have been a different story. The Jackets seemed to be on the right track after completing three conference doubleheaders by April 9; however, they have not have played since that day when they swept PAC opponent Thiel. “I haven’t heard a word from the [PAC],” he said. “Technically the week after next we aren’t supposed to play during finals week.” Another problem is not only that finals are approaching, but also a lot of major assignments and presentations occur next week. “We set the schedule
City,” Khoury said. “The past couple years I’ve been able to get at least two to three games off of them, and just finishing has been the issue the past four years against them. “I’m hoping to take what I picked up from that match against who I played and take it to the PACs and hopefully do better.” The reason for the two forfeits in the Grove City match was a leg injury to sophomore Joe Kromer, who competes at both third doubles and sixth singles. With just those three league matches left before the conference championships, it does not appear Kromer will be cleared in time to return for the season’s most important event.
So, Christman and his squad needed to quickly find another player to fill in for the stretch run. Enter junior Dave Floyd, who captained the men’s soccer team in the fall. Floyd joined the team late Tuesday afternoon and at press time, was set to make his tennis debut in today’s home match against Thiel at 3:30 p.m. “We were kind of in a bind,” Christman said. “Normally we would have 10 to 12 players, and we’d have somebody fill in, but we’re shy players this year. That’s just what we [had] to do, and it just [worked] out that [he] can do it.” After today’s match, the Jackets will play both Monday and Tuesday before traveling to Erie for the PAC Championships, their final competition of the season. Not only will it be the final competition of the season for Waynesburg, but it will also be the last matches in Khoury’s collegiate career. “I’ve taken second place the past two years, so my ultimate goal is to win a PAC title,” Khoury said. “I’m just going to go out there and play my hardest like I always do. Winning is obviously a goal, but just having fun and enjoying playing tennis with my friends is what’s going to be my memory.”
Photo by Dave Miller, ADM Photography
Sophomore shortstop Rachael Moon swings at a pitch in Waynesburg’s most recent doubleheader at Thiel. That twin bill was all the way back on April 9.
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Sports
Track and field sweeps Athletes of the Week honors By Aaron Thompson and Jon Ledyard Yellow Jacket Staff Congratulations go out to the latest Yellow Jacket Athletes of the Week. This week’s recipients both performed well for the Waynesburg track and field program at the Westminster Invitational. Jordan Wrask and Jaimee Post were voted by the Sports staff as the final Athletes of the Week for the 2010-11 athletic year. Post, a sophomore from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, picked up her first Yellow Jacket Athlete of the Week award for her efforts this past weekend. Post laid claim to the triple jump individual championship after a top leap of 11.11 meters. She also put up a distance of
Photos by Dave Miller, ADM Photography
(Above) Sophomore Jaimee Post competes in Saturday’s Westminster Invitational. (Right) Junior Jordan Wrask runs in the rainy conditions at Saturday’s invitational. 4.56 meters to finish fourth in the long jump. By winning the triple
jump Post qualified for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference
Championships to be held May 19. Post won the PAC’s
WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
Force head coach, QB visit campus Pittsburgh’s 2nd franchise continuing to build in 3rd year By Aaron Thompson Assistant Sports Editor Adam Santoro knows football, and he also knows the challenges are great for the Pittsburgh Force women’s professional football team. Santoro, a graduate of Waynesburg University, became an assistant coach with the Force just before the start of the 2011 season before being promoted to the head coaching position a few weeks later. The Force competes in the National Conference Mid-Atlantic Division of the Women’s Football Alliance. The team is currently 0-3 and has been outscored 105-8 in their first three contests. Last Tuesday, Santoro spoke at a press conference as part of the first annual Public Relations Week held by the Department of Communication. Santoro and Force quarterback Heather Andrews spoke of the early season challenges that the Force face in just their third season in team history. According to Santoro, injuries, changes in offensive schemes and two difficult opponents to start the campaign have hampered the team so far this season. “We are continuing to work and build on finding players,” Santoro said. “We have to continue to recruit players as the season goes on.” Things are hard for the Force, who are currently playing their third season in franchise history. If there is a model to emulate, all the team has to do is look at the other women’s football team in
Photo courtesy of Kathy Ferrari, owner of the Pittsburgh Force
Pittsburgh Force quarterback Heather Andrews visited campus last Tuesday with her head coach. the city. Santoro is familiar with that model as he coached with the Passion for parts of three seasons and saw that team play at a championship type level. He is now trying to bring that to the Force. The first thing the Force must do is get better depth, according to Santoro. “When I coached with the Passion, we had 45 players dressed and another 45 watching,” he said. “If you play [offensive] line, you need to know all of those spots as well. If you play running back you need to know fullback. Everyone is open to play any position.” The lack of depth also means that some players play both offense and defense because Santoro wants to put the best players on the field in order to give the team the best chance to win. The Force also face other internal difficulties. With a small franchise in a league trying to establish itself, revenue is lack-
ing. All of the coaches work on a volunteer basis, and the players play for the love of athletic competition. Some players have to travel a lengthy distance to practices throughout the week, as well. “The background of the players is from a variety of different sports, and some of the players haven’t played sports at all before,” Andrews said. Andrews has excelled throughout her athletic career and as the quarterback of the Force, is trying to help them breakthrough as a franchise. She began playing softball at the age of six before starring at Riverside High School as a catcher on teams that appeared in the PIAA Championship in 1999 and 2000. She earned a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh where she was a four-year starter for the Panthers. Andrews considers herself as a player who leads more by example than anything else.
“I just like to show up,” she said. “I just like to play the game.” She said playing isn’t all easy, though. She works full-time as a drug and alcohol therapist. A typical day for Andrews includes waking up at 6 a.m. and heading off to work from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. She then grabs a quick bite to eat at home before practicing from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Another major obstacle standing in the Force’s way has been the Passion. The Passion have been in existence since 2002 and have established themselves as a great success story in women’s athletics. The team had an undefeated 2007 campaign en route to a national championship and won two more division titles the two following seasons. The Passion were the first women’s football franchise featured on ESPN and in Sports Illustrated. “I think it’s good for the sport and the city,” Santoro said of having two teams in Pittsburgh. “This gives women an opportunity to play football. “From the league perspective, that speaks volumes for the city’s passion for football.” The Passion defeated the Force earlier in the season 30-0, and the two teams will battle again later in the season May 14 at Cupples Stadium in Pittsburgh. Santoro said facing his former team was certainly tough. “It was emotional,” he said. “You form relationships and friendships. It was awkward at times. It was kind of what I expected it to be, though.” But in the meantime, the Force is trying to just take it one week at a time and keep building.
Women’s Field Athlete of the Week award, as well, making it the third time
in four weeks the award has gone to a Waynesburg athlete. Wrask, a Lisbon, Ohio, native, brought his top performance of the season to the Westminster Invitational, placing first in a field of 28 in the 100meter dash with a time of 11.53 seconds. The junior sprinter’s stellar work on the track continued as he added a fourth-place finish by registering a time of 23.48 seconds in the 200meter dash. Wrask’s 15 points helped Waynesburg grab fifth place out of eleven teams competing at the event. For now, both Wrask and Post will focus on the PAC Championships, which are scheduled for April 30 at Bethany at 10 a.m.
Force plan to hold tryouts at local campuses Pittsburgh Force head coach Adam Santoro also spoke about dipping into the pool of local collegiate athletes to recruit players. He said the team has plans to hold tryouts at nearby institutions, such as Pitt, Slippery Rock and Waynesburg, and he hopes that will help spark a greater interest in the sport. “If it becomes that big, you could have a trickle down affect where colleges [could possibly] start having women’s football as well because then obviously there is another step after college for them to go.”
WU athletics improve Continued from C1 W&J at the end of regulation. Sophomore kicker Jon Storck, though, missed a 39-yard field goal as time expired. In overtime, following a W&J touchdown and extra point, the Jackets gambled by trying to go for a twopoint conversion following a touchdown of their own. An option keeper was stopped short, however, and the Presidents won 31-30. Winter Women’s basketball – After winning a combined 18 games the previous three seasons, the squad won a total of 21 contests this past season. Not only that, but Waynesburg advanced to the PAC semifinals and earned the top seed in the ECAC South tournament. The Jackets won three straight games at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse, including a triumph over Catholic in the championship game, allowing third-year head coach Sam Jones and his team to cut down the nets as ECAC champs. First-team All-PAC forward Elisha Jones will certainly be missed next season, but Waynesburg returns the rest of their starting lineup, including all-conference players Hannah Hunter and Brittany Spencer. Wrestling – The Jackets began a streak of their own this past season. Despite an injury to starting heavyweight and probable champion Brandon Fedorka, Waynesburg won the PAC Championships going away, snagging six of the 10 individual crowns in the process. It
was the Jackets second straight PAC title after Thiel had won the previous 10. At regionals, senior Nick Garber, sophomore Alex Crown and Fedorka, a freshman, all won individual championships and qualified for nationals. At the national tournament, Garber came just one match shy of picking up All-American status, and Crown placed fourth, giving him All-American status and the highest finish of any PAC grappler since 1993. Bad news for the rest of the PAC: Garber was the only senior starter on this year’s squad. Spring Softball – While their season has been greatly impacted by Mother Nature, the Jackets have looked strong so far in 2011. They had only played six league games as of Monday, but they had a two-game lead in the race for the fourth and final playoff spot. A deeper pitching staff than in the past, solid hitting and Amanda Baughman being her usual self have the Jackets looking to make a run in the PAC. Track and field – Five athletes—Elisha Jones, Kurt Bonnet, Megan Sowers, Maria Shepas and Jaimee Post—have already qualified for the ECAC Championships to be held after the completion of the regular season. One of those athletes, Jones (whose name you read earlier in the women’s basketball section), has also already qualified for nationals. She’ll look to earn All-American honors for the third straight season and possibly take that next step for herself, the program and the athletic department – a national championship.
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Sports
WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN - 21, JACKETS - 7
Five different Jackets score in loss Waynesburg set for next match with rival W&J
Molly Kramer and junior Samantha Swab, who each scored a team-high two goals. Sophomore Tiffany Stansberry, sophomore Carly Smithyman and freshman Liz Hollis added a goal apiece on the day. Stansberry, Shepas and Kramer all had assists. Senior Miranda Thornton recorded a game-high eight groundballs. Junior Erin Burry and freshman Mariah Dylina each recorded 30 minutes and six saves in net during the loss. The Jackets season
comes to a close today when they take on archrival Washington and Jefferson College. The game is set for 6 p.m. at John F. Wiley Stadium. “I’m going to go into this next game like every other, but this one definitely has more meaning since it’s against W&J,” said Shepas. “We need to communicate on D, have good transitions to get on offense, and we need to score.” When asked about her favorite moment this season, Shepas answered, “I just love being on the field
on game day and being able to compete.” Junior defender Kat Ghion said: “We’ve been able to have more girls score this year that hardly ever did last year. Also, our passing and catching got a lot better, which is basic, but so important to the game. Next year I think we just need to keep working hard and play together. I think the most important thing is to play with Waynesburg pride just like we were taught and to play for each other and the team, not for ourselves.” The Jackets hope to continue improving as they have all season in their last game, as well as into next season. “We had a lot of new players this year, and I saw our play improve each game, and some of the girls were able to do great things,” said Ghion. “The season was up and down, but I don’t think there’s one girl on the team that hasn’t improved since the beginning. Ghion added, “We learned early on [in the season] that you can’t measure success by winning and losing.”
me out by taking the pressure off for some of the ancillary responsibilities.” Always one to look ahead to the future, Shepas has many ideas about how to improve the athletic department as a whole as he moves forward in this role. “We need to do a better job at the retention of our athletes. That means recruiting the right athletes to begin with and then keeping them here
for all four years of their education,” said Shepas. “Obviously, at a Division III school such as Waynesburg it is definitely academics first and foremost, and all we want to do as an athletic department is to add to that experience. The best way to do that is to get better athletically all the way around.” As the school year winds down, it will remain to be seen how well Shepas will do in his first year at the helm of
Waynesburg athletics, but there is no denying the success that teams have had thus far. Of the eight sports that competed in the fall and winter (and had a win-loss record), seven saw an improvement in their overall record from the 20092010 season. Plus, the wrestling team won their second straight PAC title, and the women’s basketball team captured the ECAC South Championship.
By Steve Hullings Staff Writer A total of five different women scored for the Waynesburg lacrosse team last Wednesday when they played against Division II West Virginia Wesleyan. Not only did five players score for the Yellow Jackets, but three women picked up assists in the game, as well. Despite those performances by the Jackets, Waynesburg still fell to the Bobcats 21-7. The Jackets seemed to begin gaining momentum toward the end of the first half, bringing the score back to within seven at 10-3. They also scored early in the second half, but the Bobcats never slowed down scoring and put 11 more balls in the back of the net by the end of the game. “We just need to work hard and continue to get better,” said senior Maria Shepas. Scorers for the Jackets included sophomore
Year No. 1 nearing end Continued from C1 “We have a lot of dynamic coaches here at Waynesburg and a solid athletic department as a whole. Mike Kabay also does a great job as facility and game day manager,” Shepas said. “These people and many others really help
Photo by Gregory Reinhart
Junior Kat Ghion controls the ball as a West Virginia Wesleyan player defends in last Wednesday’s match.
PAC award For the third time in the first four weeks the award has been given out, a Waynesburg Yellow Jacket was honored as the top female field athlete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. This week’s recipient was sophomore Jaimee Post. The sophomore was named PAC Post Women’s Field Athlete of the Week after winning the triple jump at Saturday’s Westminster Invitational, which featured five schools from the PAC. Not only did Post best the 15 other women in the field, but she qualified for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships with a top jump of 11.11 meters (36’ 5.5”). She also placed fourth in the long jump with a jump of 4.56 meters (14’ 11.5”). The Jacket track teams returned to action Wednesday when they took part in a PAC Quad meet at Bethany. Results were unavailable at press time.
Five Jackets finish first Continued from C1 formance. He brought home the 100-meter dash title, beating 27 other competitors with a time of 11.53 seconds. Wrask also completed the 200meter dash in 23.48 seconds, which was good enough for a fourth-place finish. Freshman Justin Angotti brought home an individual victory, as well. Angotti crossed the finish line in 38.26 seconds in the 800-meter dash, faster than 30 other runners. Sophomore Kurt Bonnet continued to be dominant in the discus throw. Bonnet finished first in the event with a toss of 44.22 meters (145’ 1”). Fellow sophomore Tony Lamosek finished close behind in fourth place, tossing the discus 38.26 meters (125’ 6”). Both the men and the women outperformed PAC opponents Geneva, Thiel, Bethany and Washington and Jefferson this past weekend. The Jackets competed
in a PAC quad meet at Bethany College Wednesday, but the results were not available at press time. “We’re hoping to get back-to-back titles there,” said senior hurdler Mikey Macosko. The next competition for both squads will be the PAC Championships April 30. “As far as the season goes I think we are going to win PACs on the women’s side,” Macosko said. “Weather and injuries have affected us, but I think we’re going to pull it together. This really means a lot to us.” Waynesburg does have one meet on the schedule for everyone after the PAC Championships. That event is the Gator Invitational to be held May 13 at Allegheny in Meadville, Pa. Then, it is championship time for the Yellow Jacket athletes who have qualified. On May 19 and 20, it is the ECAC Championships at Moravian, and from May 25-28, it is the 2011 NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships to be held at Ohio Wesleyan.
Treasurer to give commencement speech at ceremony By Kaitlin Edwards Managing Editor Pennsylvania State Treasurer Rob McCord will speak to 702 graduating seniors during the Commencement ceremony on May 15. “The mission of the University plays a sig- McCord nificant role of who is chosen to speak at commencement. The whole process takes time, but it is worth the effort we put into it,” said Thyreen. “Rob McCord is a good
fit to speak to this University for commencement because of his beliefs and personal qualities.” McCord is involved in many different activities that all contribute to his unique experience and understanding. “I expect to have fun when I spend time with graduates and their families, and I hope to offer entertaining and useful remarks. My plan is to focus on shared values in these divisive times,” See TREASURER on AA2
DANIEL SEPULVEDA
Steelers punter named baccalaureate speaker
Photos courtesy of Mad Anthony
The graduation ceremony for students will be held on May 15, beginning at 2 p.m.
‘A day of excitement’ Commencement ceremony to be held on May 15; 702 students to graduate By Rachel Brown Executive Editor
By Sierra Shafer Op/Ed Editor In the four years since his graduation from Baylor University, Daniel Sepulveda has seen great successes in his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers football club. Amidst being recognized as their top rookie during his first year and winning a Super Bowl championship, Sepulveda recovered from two ACL reconstructions to rank among the top ten punters in the National Football league last year. While his football stats are excellent, the Waynesburg University community is more interested in the punter’s character – and his faith. Sepulveda will be speaking to the graduating class at the Baccalaureate service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 15 in the Marisa Field House. “The past four years have been an incredible faith journey for me,” said Sepulveda. “I’m on the cusp of what, for me, was an awesome time of growth. God has changed me and I have grown in the past four years so I am excited to share those experiences.” Having recently spent time studying the book of Daniel, Sepulveda’s message “Loving God More than Life Itself” will focus on how Christians facing a time See SEPULVEDA on AA5
Provost Robert Graham remembers his graduation well. “It was a day of excitement and uncertainty,” he said. “I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going to do after graduation. I didn’t have a job lined up yet, but I was confident I had a good education and a lot of opportunities. I was excited to find out what God had in store for my life.” And on May 15, he’ll watch many Waynesburg University students undergo the same emotions he experienced. During the graduation exercises, 702 students will walk across the stage to receive their diploma. Some already have jobs lined up. Others are still searching.
Some students will attend graduate school. Others are still hoping to get in. What binds them together is their sense of accomplishment in earning a college degree. Five students will graduate with a Doctorate of Nursing, and 273 students will graduate with a master’s in business administration. As for undergraduates, 440 students are expected to receive their diploma. While Graham has seen a number of students graduate during his tenure at Waynesburg, he believes each ceremony is important. “It is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on each student’s accomplishments,” Graham said. “It’s a ceremony that marks the end of one stage of students’ lives
and the beginning of the next stage.” Graduation exercises begin at 2 p.m. on May 15. However, graduates participating in the ceremony should arrive at 1 p.m. Family, friends and faculty will be present at the ceremony. Graham said the faculty members’ participation in the ceremony is important, as it gives them a chance to congratulate the seniors on their accomplishments. As students receive their diploma, Graham hopes they take time to
remember their time at Waynesburg. “Hopefully, they’ll take with them a sense of pride in their accomplishments and in their alma mater,” he said. “Each student will have had an opportunity to get a great education and make friends for life. These are things that will stay with each student throughout his or her life.” And while the future may be unclear for students, Graham is sure they will succeed. For Graham, success See PLANNING on AA2
Good cause: Senior class gives back to mission trip funds By Megan Campbell Staff Writer The Class of 2011 senior gift Committee will be presenting a check to the President at the senior meeting on April 27 at 3 p.m. The money donated will be donated to the mission trip fund. The senior class voted that the gift be donated towards that cause. The senior class gift is a longstanding tradition dating back to some of the first graduates of Waynesburg. In fact, one
of the original stained glass windows in Alumni Hall is still displayed and was given by some of the first senior classes. The senior gift is an opportunity for the class of 2011 to collectively give back to their alma mater and future students by making individual gifts for a common university purpose. Heidi Szuminksy, Director of Alumni Relations, commented on why the senior gift is important to Waynesburg University. “The Senior Class Gift
is important because it postures our future alumni to begin thinking about the importance of giving back to their alma mater,” said Szuminsky. “The reason we have many of the buildings on campus, lecture series, mission trip opportunities and scholarships and grants is because of the generosity of alumni. Because current students benefit from the donations of current alumni, we hope that when our students become alumni, they will help students, just as they were helped
as students.” The class gift is overseen by Courtney Dennis, assistant director of Alumni Relations. The seniors on the committee consist of Ian Lundholm, Kristy Gidley, Adam Swingle, Kyle Kooyers, Elise Lane, David Call, Lindsay Benish, Stephanie Zeek, Leigh Palmer and Chelsey Clark. The committee did a few things to collect money towards the senior gift. “The senior gift committee collected gifts at
the grad fair at the book store on March 25,” Szuminsky said. “We sent a letter to the parents of seniors, giving them the opportunity to make a gift in honor of their graduate.” Students who donated $20 or more got a Waynesburg University Alumni t-shirt. Seniors, as well as anyone else, could of donated online as well. Future Waynesburg students benefit from the senior gift. Specifically, the class of 2011 senior gift will
benefit future students by adding to the funds available for the mission trips. Marsha Opacic, a graduating senior, is enthused about the decisions made about the senior class gift. “I am really happy that it is being donated to something with a good cause. I was encouraged to donate because I knew that other people would be benefiting from it,” Opacic said. “I am going to miss Waynesburg, but I am glad that I can leave something behind.”
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Financial system Graduate employment in ‘cyclical’ state stable at University during recent years By Alex Hinton
Editorial Assistant
College seniors that fear unemployment in the real world may have new hope to lessen their fears. By Sandor Mecs Staff Writer According to new research from the FedStudent financial aid has been an anomaly at Way- eral Bank of San Frannesburg during these turbulent economic times: Everything about it has been stable for the past few years. Around the country, the number of students to default on their school loans has been expected to jump, due to a stock market slump that butchered many savings and investments and a depressed job market that places great insecurity upon part time, unskilled labor. According to Matthew Stokan, director of Financial Aid, the rate at which students have defaulted in the Continued from AA1 past years at Waynesburg has remained at a stable 3.3 percent. isn’t defined by the Meanwhile, students who have defaulted have amount of money people schools to reach loan default rates of at least 10 percent. make or the title of their Melissa Crouse, associate director of Financial Aid, job. has faith that Waynesburg would continue to see a slim Instead, it’s about fulnumber of students having to bail out on their debts to fillment. the school. “It goes back to that “I think that our student body is made up of the type notion of making a differof student who can be expected to pay back money they ence,” he said. “I’ve had owe,” she said. “The students who come to Waynes- many different jobs in my burg are ones who go into fields in which they can afford life, but the ones where I to pay back the large sums that were borrowed. A lot of feel I’m making a differschools that have these higher rates are proprietary ence and not just earning schools that, for instance, teach someone how to a paycheck are the ones I become a massage therapist. Those schools are very found most fulfilling.” expensive, and you can’t make that money back in that To find these jobs, stufield while affording to pay the loan.” dents should be open to However, Stokan gave reassurance that most stu- “new possibilities and dents who come in dreading that they may need to opportunities” that may default are actually given a few layers of accommoda- not be in their original tion before such a last resort needs to be taken. field of study, Graham Students can scale back the payments by negotiating said. with the network of banks that are the actual lenders in However, he encourorder to leave breathing space for a student. aged students to ask, “Is the world a better place See WU on AA5 for you doing that job?”
cisco, unemployment for college graduates is cyclical in nature. Marie Coffman, director of Career Services, believes the cycle is slowly returning to a lower unemployment rate. “I can see that trend,” she said. “It’s
going down, little by little.” Waynesburg University’s Class of 2010 is proof that the unemployment rate for college graduates is decreasing. Eighty five percent of the university’s recent graduates are currently working
or enrolled in graduate school, Coffman said. A Wall Street Journal article explored the possibility that a cause of the nation’s unemployment rate could be structural. Structural factors include the disSee MORE on AA8
Planning for graduation
Treasurer to present Continued from AA1 said Rob McCord. “I’ve been lucky to wear a number of different hats in my career – as a Congressional staffer, an entrepreneur and investor, and a statewide
elected official – and my experiences there have turned into a few stories and ideas about what unites us. Hopefully that’ll help motivate emerging graduates as they work to launch their own careers during these challenging times.” According to McCord’s website, before getting voted in as the Pennsylvania State Treasurer in
2009, he worked as a venture capitalist. After graduating with high honors from Harvard University, he earned his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania before beginning his career as a venture capitalist. He was the founder for the Eastern Technology Fund, which provides funds to Internet and technology companies
Photo courtesy of Mad Anthony
During last year’s ceremony, Eric Wisler embraced Chaplin Tom Ribar after the graduation exercises on May 16.
located in the Eastern United States. He has also served as the managing director and co-founder of the Pennsylvania Early Stage Partners. McCord has also worked on budget and technology issues for Capitol Hill and CEO of the Congressional Institute for the Future, which is a bipartisan think tank. “He is very passionate
about his work,” said Thyreen. “He will bring a lot of good advice to the seniors with his solid understanding of business.” McCord has become the forty-fifth treasurer of Pennsylvania. “His service to others seems to have impacted his career greatly,” said Thyreen. “He has a unique approach to how he reaches out to the world through his enterprise and approach and the emphasis he put on finding new ways to solve problems.” McCord has not revealed exactly what he will be speaking about
during the Commencement ceremony as of presstime. “We provided him information about the University and what we stand for,” said Barbara Duffield. “We are confident he will do a good job.” Currently McCord lives in Montgomery County, Pa., with his family. “Mr. McCord is very active in the community and in the business world,” said Thyreen. “He takes very innovative approaches to every project he works on and he could provide the students with a lot of good information.”
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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Research: Importance placed on higher education By Amanda Wishner Editorial Assistant With the deadline for college applications quickly closing in, some prospective students are asking the question: Is college really worth it? Tuition and fees continue to increase at
both public and private universities. The number of successful college dropouts also continues to grow. Some of society’s highest-paid executives, such as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey and even Bill Gates and Steve
Jobs, are college dropouts. However, recent data supports the importance of postsecondary education. Whether students pursue a certificate at a community college or bachelor’s degree, statistics say it will benefit them. Graduates are set
apart from other candidates in the job field. “If an employer is hiring for an entry level position, common sense says they’ll go with the college grad because of their course work,” said Marie Coffman, director of Career Services and Placement. “Especially with a
school like Waynesburg University, with our liberal arts background, we’re producing well-rounded students. We provide employers with the complete package.” Jobs requiring postsecondary education have increased over the past several years, climbing from 28 percent in 1973 to 59 percent in 2008. This number is expected to reach 63 percent over the next decade, according to scholars at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Despite the current state of the economy, the unemployment rate of college graduates has remained low. The latest figures provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only 4.3 percent of college graduates, aged 25 or older, are unemployed. In contrast, 9.5 percent of high school graduates and 13.9 percent of those with less than a high school education are jobless. According to Coffman, Waynesburg University has seen very little impact on job placements due to the constant need for entry-level positions. Because of the unfavorable economy, businesses are laying off
their high-level, highpaid executive positions. “Ultimately it’s up to the student if they want to be successful and if they are going to use all of the avenues offered to them, like Career Services,” she said. With graduation quickly approaching, it is nearly time for this year’s seniors to put the value of a college degree to its true test. Coffman said that future graduates should be nervous. “[Nervousness] will help them be successful,” she said. “That’s what we [Career Services] are here for; to help calm their nerves. We offer students mock interviews and can review resumes.” Because pursuing a college degree has become the norm, some students may feel that attending graduate school is a necessity to separate themselves from their competition. Coffman disagrees. “I think students are deciding to go because of the economy, and that’s not a good reason,” she said. “Don’t just go to go. You’re keeping yourself out of the job market and doubling your student loans. Take a step back first.”
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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Page AA5
Commencement
Graduating seniors optimistic for 2011 job prospects
WU in stable condition Continued from AA2 Stokan said too many students across the nation see the option to default as an easy way out of their
obligations. “A lot of kids who default think ‘Yay, I don’t have to pay money anymore,’” he said. “But later in life, whenever they end up going to a bank to get a mortgage on a house or any significant borrowing like that, it will show up on their records that they
didn’t pay back their loans to the school, and their chances of getting that loan sink much, much lower. We are even required to give anyone graduating Waynesburg who has defaulted exit counseling that explains what problems they are going to
come up against and what they can do to work around them.” An advocate of strict fiscal responsibility, Stokan recommended that students not look to financial aid as a means to avoid paying as much money as physically possible.
By Stephanie Laing
management and human service majors seem to find jobs pretty quickly,” This year, graduating Coffman said. According to Coffman, seniors at Waynesburg a lot of seniors already University are lucky. Job outlooks are better have jobs lined up for after graduation. in 2011 “It really than last is dependent year, and A lot of it is on the stuemployers dent and are now dependent on if a how active hiring student is open to they are in more moving out of the finding a employees. job,” she Accord- area. said. “Finding to the Marie Coffman ing a fullU.S. Director of Career Services time job is Departdifficult but ment of not impossiLabor, ble.” employment rates in 2011 Coffman also states have risen as the professional and business servic- that professionalism is es, health care, leisure and key, specifically on the hospitality, mining and cell phone and in convermanufacturing industries sations. “Look at yourselves have job gains. “Because the job world like the employers would is opening a bit, people look at you,” she said. Coffman has been confeel free to move around,” said Marie Coffman, tacted by prospective director of the career serv- employers who did or did ices at Waynesburg Uni- not hire students because versity. Although the of their professionalism economy has better job over the phone or at the outlooks than past years, interview. She also recommends graduating seniors should still apply for jobs outside dressing professionally. For students that have of the area in which they not found a job, Coffman live or want to live. “A lot of it is dependent recommends several safe on if a student is open to job-search websites where moving out of the area,” a student may find jobs, post resumés and access said Coffman. A survey sent to the employer contact inforgraduating seniors shows mation. These websites Coffman that many sen- include the following: iors have already found www.collegecentral.com/ jobs. Coffman encourages waynesburg, students that haven’t yet http://careers.pghtech.org found jobs to be willing / and others. Students looking for and open to the idea of relocating. Coffman internships should access believes students with www.theregionalinterndegrees that could go in shipcenter.org. Coffman said, “This is more than one direction are more likely to find the key to all the majors: jobs and will have more be flexible and willing to accept that that first options for advancement. “Accounting, business entry-level position.”
Editorial Assistant
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Photo courtesy of Daniel Sepulveda
Steelers punter Daniel Sepulveda will be delivering the baccalaurette address at 10 a.m. on May 15. Sepulveda, a native of Houston, Texas, has spoken at several events including the Jubilee Conference.
Sepulveda to speak Continued from AA1 of transition and change can let their faith drive them forward. A native of Houston, Texas, Sepulveda is familiar with the experience of leaving the comfort zone of home. He said that his experiences helped him to become his own man and has continued to shape and strengthen his faith. “After college, God took me away from what was comfortable,” he
said. “When you’re 1,200 miles away from family and friends and everything you know it’s a time that you have to trust God and really let him do something in your life.” Sepulveda said that his rookie year with the Pittsburgh Steelers was challenging until he settled into his place among his teammates and the NFL. “Trying to find my placed in that locker room environment my first year was exhausting,” he said. “I felt that I had to have my guard up all the time. But once people started to see who I was and what I stood for, I was understood.”
While NFL is often painted in a harsh light, Sepulveda feels that it only a slice of a broken world. “We live in a world that isn’t defined by Christian beliefs,” he said. “People always ask if it’s hard to be a Christian in the NFL. Well, it’s hard to be a Christian anywhere, isn’t it? This is no different.” Sepulveda said he is honored that the NFL has not only allowed him the chance to continue his football career, but also provided him with opportunities to speak about his faith in Christ and how
important it is to him. “I have had these chances fairly often and if gives me the platform to take something God is doing in my life and apply scriptures to it,” he said. “Thankfully, people want to hear what I have to share.” Sepulveda has given his testimonial at the Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh on two different occasions, in 2009 and this past February as well. Additionally, he has been invited to speak on behalf of the “I Am Second” campaign and numerous other collegiate engagements in the greater Pittsburgh area.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Commencement
A word from our seniors... Past words of advice Friends, laughter, and the Yellow Jacket still ring true today My last column. Ever. Now why does that reek of déjà vu? Oh, right. Because I already wrote my last column. Ever. My senior year of high school. I was 17. I toyed with the idea of doing a little copy and paste magic this week; rerunning that same column a second time around. It probably could have worked. The clichés about growing up and moving on would still apply. Live, laugh, love is still trending. And I really nailed the use of the semicolon in places. I’m not sure what happened, but I can barely spell semicolon now. Overall, it’s not a bad piece. But I just killed myself for four years in hopes of becoming a strong journalist. You’d think I could at least come up with some new material. For the last time. Ever. Plus, I talk about some really embarrassing things that happened to me in high school in that column. Like the time I scored on the wrong basket during a home game. Or when I got my wisdom teeth out and I was unknowingly drooling all over myself for a couple days. I don’t want people here to know about that stuff. So embarrassing. I’d rather not bring any of those things up. I’ll write something new. Goals: avoid cliché references to ends or beginnings. Here’s a little math equation instead. Communication major disclaimer: there may have been some rounding and guestimating. And I had to use a calculator. If I make it to 80
SIERRA SHAFER Columnist
years old, which I expect to, I have only lived one quarter of my life. In terms of a load of laundry, I still need $.75 before I can put this thing on tumble dry. I am just getting started, but indeed I have started. The roughly 7,800 days that I have lived are starting to add up to something. I don’t know what it is yet, but I’ve definitely got something here. It’s funny, because when I think back to all that I have experienced, all that I learned, all that I have lived, I am surprised it has only be 7,800 days. Yet really, I am so young, so inexperienced. At this stage in my life, my greatest possession is my education. Graduating college speaks volumes about what I have learned in 16 years of formalized education, but like my dad has told me at least a thousand times, “you can’t let school interfere with your education.” Preach it, dad. Experience is our greatest teacher. Maybe that’s why they let me get into some crazy things growing up. Maturity marker: acknowledging your parents are right. Still kills me a little inside, but I’m getting there. But wow, they let me get away with a few crazy adventures.
I’ve composed several farewell columns in my head during the past few months. I’ve hated all of them. I’ll compose what I think is some spectacularly witty yet poignant paragraph and then realize how trite and inconsequential it is. Of course, by that time, I’ll have forgotten what I mentally composed, so it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that I’m graduating. Soon. And I’m terrified. So many details still need to fall into place. However, I know that everything will work out (or at least that’s what my fiancé keeps telling me). I’ll get married. (And
RACHEL BROWN
Columnist
get a new last name.) I’ll move onto graduate school. (Pitt, here I come!) And I’ll never work on the Yellow Jacket again. That’s the hardest part for me. The people I work with on this newspaper have truly become my family. We spend hours and hours working on the Yellow Jacket. Walk by Buhl 400 on a Monday or Tuesday night, and you’ll find complete and utter chaos. We might be singing Disney songs, or the
sports guys will be incessantly quoting “Anchorman.” The guys will probably still be trying to assert their section’s dominance. (Sorry, guys. Campus is best.) We might be complaining about missing articles or whining about how little sleep we’ll get that night. But I guarantee we’ll be laughing. Those nights have become some of my fondest memories. Working on the Yellow Jacket has given me a home where I can be myself. I’ve truly been blessed to find such great friends, both on staff and outside the Department of Com-
munication. My dorm room wall is covered in photos of my friends and Post-it notes with silly things we’ve said this year. (Some examples: “I’m not angsty! I’m in a leadership position!” “Can I babysit Justin Beiber?” “It’s not a curse! It’s a disease of the mind!”) Every time my roommates and I see those notes, we’re reminded of a good memory. Laughter has been a common theme throughout my four years at Waynesburg. My fiancé first caught my attention with his humor during a service learning class. (I’ll always See LAUGHING on AA7
Working to create a better tomorrow
I definitely know that I can’t be called an expert on life quite yet, but I have learned a lot about it in 22 years. I would also have to say that most of my learning didn’t begin until I set foot on this campus. Waynesburg University may be small, and it may be located in a very small town, but what I received from my education at this institution of higher learning is nothing short of amazing. Originally, Waynesburg University was not my first choice. I remember quite distinctly that I had an urge to live in the city. That urge still exists, but now I realize I might not have the funds right out of college to fulfill that dream, not yet anyway. Point Park University, located on Boulevard of the Allies right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, was my first See I’LL on AA7 choice. The university’s
NATALIE BRUZDA Columnist
communication program seemed attractive, and I loved the fact that I would be in the city. I grew up in a mediumsized city, but being the first daughter, I was a little sheltered, to say the least, and had a yearning to break free. So Pittsburgh seemed like a big enough leap for me. But I still had one more place to check out. I fell in love with what was then Waynesburg College from the moment I set foot in Alumni Hall. I felt a very good energy, and everyone was unbelievably nice. The Department of Communication also seemed like a better fit for me. Not to mention, the campus was an actual campus; not a three-story structure like Point Park.
Deciding that I could put my dreams to live in the city on hold for four years, I applied, and here I am, four years later, talking about my experience. My editor warned me that I was to avoid any sappiness in my very last column, so I’ll do my best. From the start, the University and its faculty caused me to look outside the little bubble that enclosed me. Greene County, if you didn’t already know, is one of the poorest counties in the state, and there’s a lot of need right in our own backyard. It might sound cliché, but I don’t think I truly realized this prior to my experience here. I didn’t understand the concept of servant leadership until fairly recently. Now, I’m very happy to know that although I might be looking for a job, and I don’t have one yet (which is frustrating and upsetting), there are millions of people out there
who will never have an education and are lucky if they can scrape up enough money to put food on the table. I now know that I have a responsibility to others, both locally and globally. I’m so grateful to the university, because without teaching me this, I never would have interned with the United Way of Westmoreland County, and I never would have grown as a person. Just last week, I had the opportunity to listen to Bob Harris. He has traveled all around the globe after a request by Forbes Traveler to compile a list of the finest accommodations on earth. He talked about visiting the United Arab Emirates and staying in the most expensive building on earth while, just across the street, slave labor was being used to construct See MAKING on AA7
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Page AA7
Commencement
Laughing through life Continued from AA6
File Photo
From right to left, Jon Ledyard, Kaitlin Edwards, Rachel Brown, Sierra Shafer and Kyle Edwards pose for a photo in the Publication office. Rachel Brown is the current Executive Editor of the newspaper.
‘I’ll be seeing you’ Continued from AA6 Summers in South America at 13, without them; spending Y2K four miles in the Colorado backcountry to sleep in a snow cave; transferring to Waynesburg University on a whim just two weeks before classes started. Oops, it looks like they let me do what I wanted. Except for eat pepperoni pizza before I was in high school. Darn vegetarians. But there are a lot of things I still want.
Many of things I will never get; some for good reason, some for lack of trying. But there are others that I know, in this lifetime, I will achieve. They are goals and desires deeply engrained in who I am that seem innately part of me. They have to happen, and they will, if I can keep out of my own way. I’m older and maybe even getting wiser – but still so young; still in need of words of wisdom for life and supervision when using semicolons. If only I could channel my old semicolonproficient ways. I can however, dig up
some insight from my younger years, from the glory days, from the final words of my last column. Ever. “Love each other and always show your utmost respect. Decide what is really important to you and hold on tightly to it. In spite of it all the struggles and the uncertainties, I am glad to have been here; to have done it. It is why I am ready to go. I am going to leave; we all are. But we can’t forget where we have been because it has everything to do with where we are going.” – Sierra Shafer, 2007 Cheers, Waynesburg. I’ll be seeing you.
have a soft spot for service learning.) My professors don’t hesitate to use humor to make classes more interesting. (Thank you for making classes accessible and enjoyable.) My friends and I continually tease each other good-naturedly. We make each other laugh. College would be insufferable without laughter. Sure, there have been tears. Sure, there are those sleepless nights in which I don’t think I’ll ever be able to finish the moun-
tain of work I have in time. Sure, there have been fights. But I don’t focus on those. For me, college is more than whatever I’ve learned in the classroom. And I’ve learned a lot. (I can write grants and tape news packages now. I definitely couldn’t do that four years ago.) College is about the experiences, about the people, about the laughter. Years from now, when I look back on my four years at Waynesburg, I won’t remember the tears or the fights. I won’t remember the failed quizzes or missed homework assignments. But I sure hope I’ll remember the laughter.
File Photo
From left to right, Dylan August, Sierra Shafer and Brian Davis return after a mission trip to Mississippi with the John Perkins Foundation last May.
Making a change Continued from AA6 another fancy building. And it got him thinking. Now, he has found his own way to change the world. I’d like to say that Waynesburg University got me thinking. It got me thinking a lot.
I’ve been thinking that even though I might be having the worst day of my life, it is nothing in comparison to what someone else is going through down the street, across the country or on another continent. Because at the end of the day, I have a roof over my head, shoes on my feet and a beautiful mind that God gave me. So I need to stop complaining. I need to stop
whining and grumbling about job searching. Because it sounds really silly when there’s so much that I should be thankful for. The United Way believes that if we live united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. I want to create a better tomorrow; Waynesburg University started me on my journey.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Commencement
Teaching award deadline approaching By Kyle Edwards Region Editor Commencement is approaching fast, which means that nomination forms have been sent out for the Lucas-Hathaway Award for teaching excellence. “Basically this is an opportunity for us to recognize outstanding teaching,” said Dr. Robert Graham, provost for Waynesburg University. “The University prides itself in providing students with an excellent education, and a key component of that education is faculty and teaching.” The Lucas-Hathaway Awards were started in 1990 and only had two categories, said Dr. Graham. “Over the years we’ve modified that to the current three categories,” he said. “We chose these categories to recognize continued excellence in the classroom.” According to Dr. Graham, the categories focus on recognizing faculty members with a history of teaching excellence, faculty who are relatively new and part-time instructors who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom. “We want to recognize the teachers who have excelled at their jobs – we want to recognize their achievements,” Dr. Graham said. The three professors who are selected for the
Photo courtesy of University Relations
Dr. Ronda DePriest was a recipient of Lucas-Hathaway award last year. Applications are due April 29. awards receive a small plaque and a cash prize. Dr. Graham explained that nomination forms are sent via e-mail to all students and faculty. “All we ask is that if there is a particular teacher who has demonstrated excellence in the classroom, we ask that the student take some time to fill out a form, nominating that person,” he said. After all the nominations have been turned into his office, Dr. Graham said that a selection committee comes togeth-
er to make decisions on who should receive the award. Dr. Ronda DePriest, associate professor of instrumental music and director of the music program, was one of last year’s recipients. “I was given the LucasHathaway Award for teaching excellence – the one for a reasonably new professor,” she said. “Last year was my fourth year teaching here, so I was considered ‘reasonably new.’” Dr. DePriest said that she was overjoyed to have
been nominated, let alone receive the award. “I was ecstatic when I was told I would be receiving the award. It’s just such an honor,” she said. “To have your students suggest you is the ultimate honor. I’m so appreciative – it’s just so wonderful to be nominated and to receive the award. I hope I can continue to live up to everyone’s expectations.” According to Dr. Graham, the recipients of the award are announced during the commencement ceremony. “During the ceremony, we have a specific point in the program where the award recipients will be recognized,” he said. Dr. Graham said that there is not a rule against receiving the award more than once. “We just don’t want to reward the same person every year,” he said. “There are so many of our faculty members who are excellent teachers. We want to give them all a chance to win the award.” Students who wish to nominate one of their professors should fill out the attached forms found in their email and return them to the Office of the Provost no later than April 29. Included with the nomination form should be a one page, double-spaced letter of support detailing why the professor should be nominated.
very actively pursue job opportunities. “Finding a job is pretty much a full-time job,” she said. Continued from AA2 Coffman said that there are four “p’s” that graduates connection between college should adhere to during the kind of workers available and what jobs their search for work, which are: patience, actually exist. “Similarities in the persistence, professionalism and experibeing ences of proactive. recent college Finding a job is She said that profesgraduates pretty much a fullsionalism is in the a huge labor martime job. aspect for ket during the two Marie Coffman successfulDirector of Career Services ly finding recessions employand recovment, eries are which may evidence that high unemploy- include simple things ment rates in the cur- such as phone etiquette rent downturn and and having a profesrecovery are also main- sional voicemail greetly cyclical,” bank econ- ing. “It goes from cell omists Bart Hobijn, Colin Gardiner and phone, to email to the image of yourself Theodore Wiles wrote. The Wall Street Jour- you’re portraying on nal article said that Facebook,” she said. graduates recent graduates work- College should also be flexible, ing full-time jobs are making as much money Coffman said. “Some may find that as those who graduated when the recession perfect first-time job; began in 2007, howev- 90 to 95 percent of the er, the earnings for the time that may not be average worker grew the case,” she said. 7.3 percent in the same “They may have to take a lower paying job first time period. The bank economists to get their foot in the concluded that it would door.” According to Federal not have happened this way if structural factors Reserve officials and were the main cause of private-sector econohigh unemployment mists, hiring is expected to continue to rates. over the Coffman believes increase that in times when upcoming months and unemployment is high, the unemployment rate college graduates must should continue to fall.
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Chemistry major fell in love with campus, program By Sandor Mecs Staff Writer Love at first sight. That is what forensic chemistry major Courtney George believes she had when she first walked around Waynesburg the spring before she
entered the university. This beginning proved to be a harbinger of good things to come. While being involved in the American Chemical Society and reaching out to local children through the regular labs conducted by the Way-
Life in the fast lane: Student athlete excels on track, in classroom By Aaron Thompson Assistant Sports Editor Senior track and field athlete Mikey Macosko realizes that everything she has known for the past four years is going to change in just a few short weeks. She has served as friend, athlete, captain, leader and student at the university. The senior hurdler from Jefferson Hills, Pa., has spent the past four
nesburg chapter, George has been able to connect with friends and professors in an extraordinary manner. One of her experiences in an outside-of-classroom lab held simply for fun highlights this. “We had found this
video on YouTube of people who were able to hold a cup of water upside down on a table, and when they pulled away, had the water stay there for a whole minute. We tried it, and we didn’t get it to work at all,” she said. “We kept trying and
Riding into
years balancing athletics with a very demanding academic schedule. Macosko, a nursing major, said that Waynesburg has taught her a lot about herself and has helped her realize the importance of valuing her time. “[The last four years] have taught me to dig deep,” she said. “You really have to love what you do. There are days where
getting the whole place wet and I just thought to myself ‘Wow, what a nerd I am. I could be taking a nap right now, but I’m here, trying to get water to stand up.’” Her work in the ACS took her to various locations for important con-
ferences. Loving the international atmosphere at last year’s PittCon, she remembered a particular moment when the language of science engaged her with someone in a way that the language of See WU on BB2
the future
See MACOSKO on BB4
Enthusiasm, work ethic makes education major shine, professor says By Amanda Silay Staff Writer After graduation many students will be taking trips, whether it takes them back home or to their future career. Not many of those trips will involve a wedding followed by a twoday mad dash across the country, but that will soon be the life of computer science and secondary education major Ian Lundholm. Lundholm has been greatly involved with his education as well as the community and the children. “I have been involved
with the WWJD Center and their Youth in Action program,” Lundholm said. “I also have Photo courtesy of Danielle Brush a Bible Study with a group of friends every Senior Danielle Brush had the opportunity to ride a camel while she studied abroad with the Middle East Studies week.” Program in the fall. Brush visited several countries while there, including Egypt and Turkey. Most people would assume graduating from college and planning a wedding would be very difficult, but he is making it work. “It is tempting to let school stuff slide, but I wouldn’t let that hap- By Eric Bost year ends, she can cross visited Mexico and Cana“I wanted to go someStaff Writer pen,” Lundholm said. that goal off her list. da while in high school. where where nobody from His fiancée Kristy Through various Add in the United our school has gone Gidley also agrees Danielle Brush made a school-sponsored trips, States, and that’s 10. Her before,” she said. things are working out promise to herself. She Brush has visited Argenti- Middle Eastern travels Brush plans to graduate as well as they can. would visit 10 countries na, South Africa, Turkey, were made possible this year with a psycholobefore she graduated from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Israel through a study abroad See WORK on BB7 college. And, as her senior and Palestine. She also program. See BRUSH on BB6
Senior visits 10 countries, discovers passion for experimental psychology
Busy bee: Bonner scholar involved in variety of activities By Chelsea Shaffer Staff Writer To say that Stephanie Leisie, senior elementary and special education major, is involved on campus would be a huge understatement. Leisie is a part of DRUS Women’s Society, Kappa Delta Pi, Who’s Who Among Student’s in American Universities and Colleges, Xi Psi Epsilon, the Bonner
Scholars Program and the softball team. According to Leisie, it was not always easy. “I found it challenging, at times to juggle school, Bonner and extracurricular activities,” she said. “I had to learn how to manage my time efficiently.” Although she is involved in many extracurricular activities, student teaching and academics are still very
important to Leisie. “I always knew that I wanted to go into a profession that involved working with children,” said Leisie. “Becoming a teacher lets me do just that and more. Not only do I teach students...but my students teach me every day.” According to Sarah Brandstetter, Bonner coordinator, Leisie is very driven toward elementary
and special education. “[Leisie] is a leader. She is very engaged in her studies,” said Brandstetter. “She goes above and beyond in everything she does. She is just a natural in the classroom.” During her college career, Leisie has been on four mission trips. She has served others in Washington D.C., Patzun, Guatemala, and on two trips to Montego Bay,
Jamaica. According to Leisie, these mission trips have had the most impact on her time at Waynesburg. Leisie served as the site coordinator at Kid’s Café in west Waynesburg. For this job, she would recruit and oversee volunteers as well as provide children in the local community with a place to eat, play and do homework. According to Brandstet-
ter, Leisie connected service and faith with what she learned. “[Leisie] has been absolutely outstanding both academically and in regards to Bonner,” Brandstetter said. “She has always been a joy to be around. She is very knowledgeable. She is the type of person who is willing to give of herself to make everyone else feel welcomed.”
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Spotlight
Faith crucial to senior’s success Counseling student interns at SCI Greene
By Jason Logan Staff Writer
By Alex Hinton “I’d like to clone Kyle so I could keep him around here a few more years,” said Ronda DePriest, director of the Music Program. Kyle Kooyers, senior biblical and ministry studies major, is one student who plans on using his love for God, passion of community development and creativity to transpose his works from this school into his future and career. Following his graduation, Kooyers will establish a community house program in Waynesburg, where recent graduates can serve and do research within the community. After this first project, Kooyers hopes to attend seminary. “Faith has been a huge part of my family’s walk and why we are all so close,” said Kooyers. “If I do go to seminary and become ordained, I think I’ll be the first in my entire family to ever go that route, so it’s kind of cool.” The list goes on and on for the activities, ministries and organizations Kooyers was active in during his time spent at Waynesburg. Kooyers was heavily involved in the
Editorial Assistant
Senior Kyle Kooyers (right) used his creativity to create a working Optimus Prime suit for Youth Day. In addition, he was involved in many community outreach and ministry programs. Photo courtesy of Kyle Kooyers
Campus Ministries team, Youth Day, Chapel planning team, Crossroads Youth Ministry, Waynesburg’s music program and Youth in Action, as well as many others. During Youth Day of this year, Kooyers was given the opportunity to display his creative side through his ministry in a big way. “I am a very creative person to the extent that I love to build things,” said Kooyers. “I don’t always get the
opportunity with everything that I do to take the time and really create something. This was the perfect opportunity to build my Optimus Prime robot suit, which became to be about 8 ft tall and 4 ft wide.” Kooyers said his participation with Youth in Action at the WWJD Center in west Waynesburg had a major influence on him. During his freshman year, Kooyers and some friends realized there was
a need to focus on teen outreach at the WWJD Center. Kooyers managed to jump-start the program. The outreach, as well as many other WWJD programs, flourishes and touches many lives to this day. “[Ministry] is this never-ending process of rethinking things and how we can do this more creatively,” said Kooyers. “It is in it of itself this large-scale project that just really doesn’t have an end.”
“Have you ever been chained to a tree, left there for three days and beaten like a dog?” It’s a horrifying scene to imagine, but it is what Randi Chambers, a graduate mental health counseling student, heard from an inmate. She completed her internship at SCI Greene, the county jail. “[The inmates] have been through horrible trauma,” she said. “It’s fascinating but really scary what people go through.” Her first counseling patient was a prisoner and a father. “Most people, when you ask who they are, say their name and what they’re in [prison] for. I said, ‘no, act like we’re sitting at a coffee shop talking,’” Chambers said. “He really wanted to be a dad but couldn’t be with his kids. Everyone has a thing they desire,but they want to live up to everyone else’s expectations. You lose sight of who you are.” A mom of three, Chambers worked three jobs throughout graduate school. Somehow after so much work with her day-
time job in court, two nights of classes, and the other nights and weekends filled with waitressing, she manages to be bubbly and full of energy. Her children Sydni, 20, a special needs child, Sebastian, 17, a high school senior and Peyton, 12, know what it’s like to have a busy mother. “They’re pretty great at not seeing me,” Chambers said. “For a year they went through a lot.” Dr. Elizabeth Ventura, assistant professor of counseling, is someone Chambers looks up to. “She’s such a hoot. She’s sort of a peer mentor,” Chambers said. “There’s not just some magical cure to problems; it’s about figuring out who you are, and she’s done that.” Ventura, too, is impressed by Chambers’s hard work and compassionate personality. “She’s very genuine, kind, humorous and always willing to help other students,” Ventura said. Chambers plans to counsel kids and troubled youth up to adults. “I think maybe [counseling] has always been what I was supposed to do.”
Shocking experience: Education major finds escape in theater CJ major gets tased By Amanda Silay Staff Writer
By Jessica Schinkovec Staff Writer Only a true criminal justice major sees getting tased as a good experience. Brian Wehrle is a graduating senior in the Department of Criminal Justice. His years at Waynesburg University have been busy with experiences such as spending a year as an Resident Assistant, having a part time job at Target, being a part of peer education and having surgery. Getting tased during an
internship that isn’t even needed for graduation has to be one of the most interesting experiences, though. Criminal justice majors are suggested to do an internship, but it is not required for graduation. Wehrle decided that an internship would be a good opportunity anyway. “It was at Washington County Department of Probation for adults; a friend and I did it together, and I was tased,” said
Whether in front of a large group of young children or in an auditorium full of people, Senior Elementary Education Major Melissa Grom is used to it all. What brought her to the university has kept her here for the past four years of her education. “I was deciding between Waynesburg and St. Francis University,” Grom said. “Believe it or not, there was actually more See WEHRLE on BB4 to do here and the people were also more personable.” She has been a very active member of the university and has many interests that she has expressed in her four years. “My favorite part of my experience has been my involvement in all of the musicals since
December graduate dreams of working with U.S. Marshalls By Jessica Schinkovec Staff Writer Knowing exactly what you want to do when you grow up before graduating high school is hard for most students. Imagine knowing and then watching as your dream almost falls apart. Graduating senior Virginia Clasby is working on pursuing her dream to be a part of the U.S. Marshalls Witness Program, and has had some interesting ups and downs in her time here. “I was interested in criminal justice since high
school,” said Clasby. “I knew how corrupt society as a whole was, and I wanted to change that. Frankly, being a superhero was out of the question.” In college, a student is bound to struggle in some way, but some have a harder time than others. “My toughest year was probably my sophomore year, but for more personal reasons than academic,” said Clasby. “I had knee surgery on both of my knees and found out I have the same See CLASBY on BB4
WU holds fond memories Continued from BB1 English could not. “I was standing at the booth, and this professor from Russia comes up and starts talking to me,” she said. “I didn’t understand what he was saying. And he even came back the next day and started talking to me again and I was like ‘OK, I don’t know
Photo courtesy of Melissa Grom
Melissa Grom works with a student on reading comprehension. Grom earned a 4.0 GPA through seven completed semesters of study at Waynesburg. my freshman year,” Grom said. “Getting to create friendships with all the cast members has been the best part about it.” All of her musical talents have been on showcase throughout
her career at the university. “I have been a member of the Beauty Shop Quartet for the past two years, and I really enjoy that,” Grom said. All of these experiences are what her
“...I just thought to myself, ‘Wow, what a nerd I am. I could be taking a nap right now, but I’m here, trying to get water to stand up.” Courtney George Senior chemistry major
what you’re saying, but I’ll just smile and nod.’” But it wasn’t only fellow classmates and foreign professors that she met. Her professors opened her up to memo-
rable experiences. “I remember one of my classes this year—there were only seven of us— and we all got to know each other very well,” she said. “Somebody said
adviser, Diane Woodrum, said make Grom the teacher she is. “The singing, theater and her knowledge of kids help to make her a See GROM on BB5
that we should all have dinner together, and my professor said that we could do it at his vineyard. I just yelled ‘Party at the vineyard!’ and it hasn’t come true yet, but we need to get on that.” George and her classmates have a bonfire at the end of every spring at Dr. John William’s house and will be getting together for the annual event very soon. “We just sit up on his hill and roast marshmallows,” she said. “It’s just a good time altogether.”
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Graduate sets sights on career in Europe By Marisa van der Eijk Staff Writer Brandi Ullom, a senior International Culture major, loves to travel. Her love for traveling has taken her to many places including Ireland, England, Jamaica and Argentina. One reason Ullom became interested in studying international culture is because of her passion for traveling. In addition to traveling, Ullom decided to pursue a major in international culture because she enjoys learning about new cultures. “I’ve always been interested in different cultures and policies, so this was a perfect match,” said Ullom. Ullom takes every opportunity she can to travel abroad. She went on the very first sponsored mission trip to Argentina. “I just picked the Argentina trip and it ended up being amazing,” said Ullom. For Ullom, deciding to attend Waynesburg University was easy. “I’m from Waynesburg so it was an obvious choice,” she said. “I only live six miles away.” Even with the university being so close to home, Ullom has gained so much over her college career. “I’ve gained many
COMMUNICATION
December graduate always set high goals By Rachel Davis Staff Writer
Brandi Ullom traveled to countries such as Argentina, Ireland, England and Jamaica. Photo courtesy of Brandi Ullom
opportunities to travel,” said Ullom. In addition to being a world-class traveler, Ullom is the co-president of WORLD. This organization has helped her educate students about different cultures all throughout the world. WORLD has organized many events such as the several sushi
nights and Operation Christmas Child. As a senior, Ullom is now taking her hardest class, the Israel-Palestine Conflict. “I went into the class not knowing anything,” said Ullom. “It’s really complicated and hard to remember everything.” Even with her busy schedule, Ullom still
makes the Dean’s list every semester. After graduation, Ullom plans to attend graduate school in Scotland. Staying in Waynesburg is not an option for Ullom. In the future, Ullom plans to travel to many more countries. “I really would like to work in Eastern Europe,” said Ullom.
It’s not every day that a college student is able to land the internship of their dreams, but recent graduate, public relations major Rachell Storm, was able to. This past summer, Storm worked with McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations in Nashville. The firm works for top organizations like the Tennessee Titans. It was a great learning experience for Storm. “I worked on all kinds of projects and gained experience in every single aspect of the field. Anything from planning a press conference, to writing a news release, to taking photos and planning events,” said Storm. “I worked on at least 10 client accounts, which allowed me to do something different every day and to constantly improve my writing, speaking and editing skills.” Storm knows that if it wasn’t for the teaching and assistance from Professor Richard Krause, Department of Communication chair, she wouldn’t have had the right
material for the internship. “He expected a lot and made us work hard, but always made sure we were learning and gaining the experience we needed,” said Storm. Perhaps her success was also due to the goals Storm has set for herself, which include “accomplishing more than the bare minimum of what is expected and working hard, no matter how long or uncomfortable it might be.” Working hard is exactly what Storm did in her time at Waynesburg University. She was president of the Department of Communication’s professional honors society Lambda Pi Eta as well as the vice president of the Waynesburg University chapter of PRSSA. Storm recently married her long-term boyfriend Keith Baker and is planning on attending Kent University’s graduate school program beginning in the fall, again focusing on public relations. She hopes that someday she will be able to find a job that contains all areas of the public relations field.
Advertising major to begin work at Mylan Pharmaceuticals By Cori Schipani Staff Writer Brittany Kitzmiller secretly wishes she had an Australian accent. Unfortunately, she could not pick one up when she studied abroad in Australia in the fall of her junior year. Kitzmiller, an advertising and marketing major, has gained attention in the Department of Business throughout her four years at the university through her engagement in international travel and a dynamic internship, and her ability to take advantage of experiences. “I love traveling, so I try to go to as many places as possible,” said
Photo courtesy of Brittany Kitzmiller
Brittany Kitzmiller oversees the advertising staff of the Yellow Jacket. She recently received a job offer from Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Kitzmiller, who also went to Europe this past summer. Gordon McClung, chair of the Department
of Business Administration, said Kitzmiller is one of his favorite students to work with. “She has a level of
maturity and willingness to do international travel, which a lot of students don’t take advantage of,” McClung
said. “I’m not sure there’s anything that would really intimidate her in terms of taking a shot at it.” Kitzmiller’s inspiration has been her father, who passed away when she was 13. “I used to go to work with him thinking it was the coolest thing ever and feeling so important, and ever since then, I knew I wanted to be a businesswoman to be just like him,” said Kitzmiller. Kitzmiller spent this past summer researching strategies and trends as an intern at one of the top 100 advertising agencies in the country, “If I go to a restaurant now, I’m just analyzing the way I did in my
internship and noticing their different advertising techniques,” said Kitzmiller. Being in both the Department of Communication and Department of Business Administration, Kitzmiller does get stuck in between. “I have to be the middleman,” said Kitzmiller, who has had to stay efficient in both departments’ activities. “Dual majors was her decision, and she has done extremely well in balancing those things out,” McClung said. After graduation, Kitzmiller will be living in Morgantown, W. Va., taking a job as a regional sales associate for Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
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Spotlight
Two-sport star to study physical therapy in graduate school By Matthew Snyder Staff Writer The question is simply not what she did, but how she did it all. Elisha Jones is a senior athletic training major, a member of the women’s basketball team, and a member of track and field. She is a member of the Athletic Training Student Association and Leader-
ship Scholars Program. She also has a list of accomplishments and awards from her time at Waynesburg. Ask Jones what was the hardest part of her time at Waynesburg, and her response would be time management. “At times I look back, and I don’t know how I fit all that in,” said Jones. “Really I always kept a planner, and time man-
agement is definitely a strength of mine now that I made it through these four years because I had to be so precise with everything I planned out for the week.” Jones said she picked Waynesburg University because she would be able to study athletic training and still participate in two sports. “Sports are a big part of my life,” said Jones. “I
was not willing to give that up, and at Waynesburg, I didn’t have to.” During her time at the university, Jones acquired a number of awards for both basketball and track and field. Those awards include being named team captain three years, MVP of the ECAC Women’s Basketball Tournament and First Team All-PAC from the 2010-2011 basketball
season. Jones also managed to fit in working as an exercise specialist at South West Regional Hospital for three and a half years along with completing clinical rotations through the Athletic Training department. With a schedule that was sometimes overwhelming, Jones said she had to learn to change her way of thinking.
“Organization is key; you got to learn when to say no,” Jones said. “Prioritize things that are more important than others. There are going to be conflicts, and you have to be able to tell people no.” Jones looks to continue her education. She will be attending the University of Pittsburgh for physical therapy beginning in June.
Senior switches tracks, Fast track: Athlete graduates in three years will attend grad school to be physician assistant By Kyle Oland Staff Writer
By Brandon Reed Editorial Assistant When most students graduate, they do not expect to make great starting salaries, but forensic science major Brett Gage plans to make $80,000 annually as a physician assistant. Gage plans to attend Marietta College in Ohio to complete a 26month graduate program. Gage, who began as a biology major, said that he became interested in CSI one summer and after looking more into forensic science. He soon realized that it combined his two favorite subjects: biology and chemistry. “I have always been fascinated by crime scenes and how deaths occur,” said Gage. “After that summer, I changed over to the forensic science major.” Gage said that he origi-
nally wanted to do autopsies as a forensic pathologist, but after realizing he could make more money and take less schooling being a physician assistant, he decided to choose that career path. Gage said that his biggest challenge was physics. Once he got through that, he enjoyed being a forensic science major a lot. “I loved it the entire time I was here,” said Gage. “It is always something that I have loved.” Michael Cipoletti, assistant professor of forensic science, said he was impressed with his great grades and work ethic. “It amazes me how involved he is in the department,” said Cipoletti. “And how he can still maintain a great grade point average in one of the hardest majors on campus.”
Not many people want to run five miles. Even fewer people want to run five miles after working in the hot and dry Arizona dessert for 10 hours. Maria Shepas is the exception. Shepas, a senior biology and exercise science student, went on a service trip to Arizona to create a trail in the dessert. Dr. Chad Sethman, assistant professor of biology, went on this trip with Shepas. He said each day the group would drive five miles from their camp and work on creating the trail. The group would work for as long as 10 hours, which would involve hard manual labor in the intense dessert heat. Instead of driving with the group back and forth
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Maria Shepas plays two sports and helps with her dad’s football team. She will graduate in three years. from the camp to the trail, Shepas would run those five miles, said Sethman. “I had to get a work out in,” said Shepas. “There wasn’t a gym down there I could work out in.” Along with her tough academic schedule, Shepas pours her heart into the school’s football team, of
which her father is the head coach. “Being able to be with my dad everyday is one of the reasons I came here,” said Shepas. “I have been around football since I was five.” Shepas works daily with the football team, helping with their
Macosko plays balancing act
Senior Mikey Macosko had to balance practices and meets for Track and Field as well as her nursing school work during her time at Waynesburg.
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Clasby works at security firm Continued from BB2 poor knee cartilage that my mom’s side of the family has. I struggled personally, emotionally and spiritually that year.” With great support from professors and classmates she was able to get through her toughest year. “The girl who ended up
being my roommate for the rest of college helped me through the emotional and spiritual issues I was having more than anything else,” said Clasby. “She dragged me to Upper Room so I could get my spiritual and emotional issues ironed out.” Clasby is now working a temporary job doing private security but has applied to many other jobs hoping to work her way up to her dream job.
you’re completely exhausted but you just have to keep going.” Macosko said that the nursing program is what brought her to the university when she was looking at schools as a high school senior. “I didn’t know much about Waynesburg but I applied and got accepted,” Macosko said. “My parents told me to come to check it out. I came down for a visit and checked out the [nursing] program and I felt really at home here. I think if I would have gone to a bigger school, I wouldn’t have done as well.” Macosko originally thought she wanted to go to a large school but the visit to Waynesburg and seeing the program firsthand immediately won her over. “I think our nursing program here is awesome. The program has had a
Wehrle holds Senate post Continued from BB2 Wehrle. “We had an MMA training one day, and before we went to lunch one of the guys
strength and conditioning. “I want to see people do well. The football team is my extended family,” said Shepas. “I want to see them do things they didn’t think were possible. I don’t want to only make them better physically, but make them great people.” Shepas lives a very busy schedule. She works with the football team, plays lacrosse, runs track and manages her academics. “Each day I have a plan for the day, but it never seems to happen because I end up helping someone,” said Shepas. “If anyone ever needs anything, I will help them, even if it means dropping what I am doing.” Shepas said she is still trying to figure out if she wants to come back to school for graduate school or go into the workforce.
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100 percent pass rate [on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses] three years in a row,” Macosko said. “Our professors have been a real good support system. They teach us great communication and nursing skills. The simulation lab has helped us put real life situations in to practice.” On the athletic side, Macosko has evolved into one of the top performers on the women’s Track and Field team. Macosko has competed in the following individ-
ual events: 400-meter dash, 100-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles. She has also competed on the 4 by100-meter relay and the 4 by 400meter relay teams. She holds the modern outdoor record for school history in each of those events. In the 100-meter hurdles Macosko holds all of the top 10 spots historically and the top nine spots in the 400-meter hurdles. Macosko said that this marks the 10th year that she has participated in Track and Field. She started back in middle school
and has enjoyed it ever since. Macosko listed Head Track and Field Coach Jason Falvo and position coach Dave Majewski as her athletic mentors and Professor of Nursing Stacy Huber as a key during her education. “In this nursing program you really start the major classes during sophomore year,” Macosko said. “Stacy was unbelievable to reach out to. She’s a great service.” Macosko said of her experiences at Waynesburg that she “wouldn’t change it for anything.”
asked if we wanted to get tased, and if we said no, we would be the laughing stock of the office, so we got tased.” Wehrle is also executive vice president of Student Senate. “My main focus this year is Student Senate. In the past I have done many
other things, but this year I have been pretty relaxed on my involvement,” said Wehrle. “Getting ready to graduate and applying to jobs keeps me busy.” Wehrle said he has no dream job, but he has applied to the secret service and executive positions at Target, and he has
a civil test for state police coming up. Preparing to graduate is hard work, as it is the time to step into the real world. “I love the professors; even the associate professors are all great,” said Wehrle. “I’m going to miss it.”
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Senior learns ‘most meaningful lesson’ Science major wants thousand of miles away from campus to find laboratory job or to do field work By Matthew Snyder Staff Writer
Attending college may be about learning and preparing yourself for a career, but it may just give you the opportunity to learn a lesson about your life. “[Mission trips] are a different style of learning,” said L’lee Zimmerman, athletic training major. “Going on those trips teach about the kind of person you should be.” Zimmerman minors in biology and exercise science. She is a member of the Athletic Training Students Association and Drus Women’s Honorary Society. Zimmerman plans on attending Marietta College in the fall in hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant once she graduates. She says that the knowledge from the classroom is not all she learned during her time at the university. Zimmerman said that
By Brandon Reed Editorial Assistant
Photo courtesy of L’Lee Zimmerman
L’lee Zimmerman traveled to Jamaica and Arizona on two mission trips. she learned some of the most meaningful lessons thousands of miles from campus. Zimmerman was given the chance to learn how much mission trips could mean when she traveled to Jamaica over fall break in 2009 to work in the Mustard Seed Community helping physically and mentally disabled children. The great experience led her to take a second
trip in May 2010 to Arizona where she volunteered at a Navajo Indian reservation. Here she helped children in the classroom and put on a two-day carnival for the kids to enjoy. “It was like not being in your own country; it was such a different culture,” said Zimmerman. “It was like being in a different world.” Zimmerman said athletic training was a hard
major because of the need to put in over 20 hours of time a week into a clinical rotation, along with doing homework and finding time for herself. “Time management is hard to balance. Moments of sanity are extremely important,” she said. “The mission trips definitely helped me get through school. They gave me time away from campus and something else to focus on.”
The first dead body that Danielle Celesnik saw was a drug overdose victim, but that is just a day in the life of an intern at the Westmoreland Coroner’s office. According to Celesnik, a forensic science major, the person died from an overdose of morphine pills. She most definitely will not forget that image as long as she lives. “I wanted a university with an established forensic science major,” said Celesnik. “Waynesburg was the only one close to me that had a definite curriculum at the time.” Michael Cipoletti, assistant professor of forensic science, said that Celesnik has one of the highest grade point averages out of anyone in the major.
“Every time I walk through Stewart Hall she is always in there working harder,” said Cipoletti. “She doesn’t just get work done; she does it to the best of her ability.” Celesnik said that she does not want to go to graduate school and is looking for jobs. “She is going a different route from the other students,” said Cipoletti. “She is just going to go straight into the job hunt.” Celesnik said that she hopes to use her degree to work in laboratory or do some field work. “I have had two interviews thus far one for a pharmaceutical company in Pittsburgh called Novum and one for a chemical company called Magnablend,” said Celesnik. “But as of right now I do not have a job picked out yet.”
Graduate nurse Theater minor leaves legacy on stage keeps others safe By Rob Griffith Staff Writer
By Sarah Bell Editorial Assistant Donna Carl wants to make sure others are safe. That is why she is graduating from the Master’s of Science in nursing program at Waynesburg University. “My hope is to create an environment anywhere that I work that is safe for patients and employees,” Carl said. “I think nurses need to be more proactive for their own practice and utilize evidence based practice for safety and quality.” She said that her biggest accomplishments were expanding her knowledge on research and functional
team building. “We were able to explore other avenues; they made us think outside the box and outside of the areas that we were comfortable in,” she said. Her project was important for her department because there was not a program like it in the hospital originally. “My capstone project was something I did for the nursing department where I work and I hope it will last the hospital a long time, longer than I will,” she said. “The project involved evidence based nursing because I want the bed side nurses who will use it to be research consumers, not developers.”
Harry in “State Fair.” Jimmy Smith in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Senator Jack S. Phogbound in “Li’l Abner.” These are just a few of the roles played in Waynesburg University theatre productions by senior Arts Administration Major Jamie Cardenas. Students and the community are likely to recognize him for his many performances on the Goodwin Performing Arts Center stage. Cardenas said his fondest theatre experience was his turn in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” “I would have to say my favorite role was Jimmy [Smith],” said Cardenas. “It was the first time I really took a lead role.”
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Jamie Cardenas said his favorite role was Jimmy Smith in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Other roles included Mr. Antrobus in “The Skin of Our Teeth,” Reverend Chasuble in “The
Importance of Being Earnest” and General H. Howell in “Kiss Me Kate.”
Work with youth inspires counseling graduate
Grom enjoys acting
By Alex Hinton Editorial Assistant Tom Schlosser probably never thought the graduate addictions counseling program would involve becoming a vegetarian for 30 days, but for him, it did. “We had to give up something we love, as drug addicts give up the drug they love,” he said. “I made it through all 30 days. It was a tough 30 days; it was tough taking out something so integrated in your life, you don’t even realize it.” More fascinating, however, is his internship at Gateway Rehab that developed his passion for drug and alcohol counseling. Through his work
with teenage boys at the residential drug and alcohol treatment center, Schlosser realized he wanted to pursue a master’s degree. “I was a youth worker there; I saw a further need of knowledge to further help that population,” he said. “I prayed a lot about it and was led in that direction.” “A standout” is how Dr. Elizabeth Ventura, assistant professor of counseling, described Schlosser. “He has a tremendous amount of integrity,” Ventura said. “He’s genuine, spiritual and empathic.” Schlosser said his best experience in the counseling program has been a combination of his pro-
fessors and his experience at the internship working with clients. “It’s been amazing. It’s been a full experience as far as all aspects of drug and alcohol counseling,” he said. “My supervisor and other therapists have been great.” Schlosser has enjoyed being one of six in his cohort. “I’ve had a journey with five other classmates,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot together. That journey has been one of the highlights of the program.” As a master’s student, it hasn’t all been a breeze for Schlosser. “It’s been one of the hardest things I’ve done,” he said. “Living life, working full time
and [attending] school full time is a challenging experience.” Schlosser will be inducted into Waynesburg’s chapter of the Counseling Honor Society, Chi Nu Sigma, in May. “It’s been a full biopsychosocial-spiritual experience,” he said. “It’s been one of the most challenging but fulfilling times of my life.” Schlosser is in the process of becoming a PRN with Gateway Rehab and is looking for a full-time position with drug and alcohol. “Above everything I really feel like God has called me to this area, and it’s been quite the journey,” he said. “God has shown a lot of grace and mercy to me.”
Continued from BB2 great teacher,” Woodrum said. “She is a pretty spectacular human being, one of the brightest students I have ever taught.” Woodrum used only good words to describe Grom. “She has wonderful critical thinking skills and is unbelievably involved,” Woodrum said. “The remarks of her co-op teachers have been very typical of Melissa.” Her involvement spreads further than the classroom and the theater. “I am also a Writing Center tutor,” Grom
“Just being able to be so involved in the productions, and watching the theatre program grow and change” said Cardenas. “The whole experience has been incredible.” Eddie Powers, associate professor of theatre and director of the university’s theatre productions, spoke highly of Cardenas’ onstage talent. “He has a great energy, a great presence onstage,” said Powers. “I can count on him to rise to the level of a role.” Cardenas said he intends to keep theatre in his life after college, whether as a hobby or as part of a career incorporating his arts administration major. “I still have to do an internship,” said Cardenas. “So I’m looking at keeping theatre in my life that way.”
said. “Most people like to do creative writing, but I have always liked academic essays and being able to express my ideas while having the opportunity to support them.” If there are ever times that she needs to get away, she turns to her true passion of theater. “Theater is an escape from reality,” Grom said. “To play a different person on stage gives you the opportunity to let go of reality and be that character.” With all of the activities it would seem like there is not even time for class and studying, but that is not the case. “I have maintained a 4.0 grade point average and hope to keep it up through the rest of the year,” Grom said.
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Spotlight
Nursing acts as ‘perfect mix’ of her skills, senior says By Matt Giardina Staff Writer Lindsay Benish, a graduating nursing major, started her journey at Waynesburg University four years ago, but she did not start her education here. “I actually transferred here from St. Vincent,” she said.
“I always knew I wanted to do something health oriented, like premed. But I fell into nursing here and loved it.” Benish had her reasons for transferring to Waynesburg University as she showed interest in a major not offered at St. Vincent. “St. Vincent did not
have a nursing major. During my time there I was a biology major; I have always liked the sciences,” Benish said. “I enjoy the challenges of science as well as caring for others and loving them, therefore nursing is the perfect mix. “Waynesburg has a similar atmosphere as
St. Vincent with a small campus and classroom size. The professors are always available for both one on one attention and seeking advice.” Throughout her time at the university, Benish has participated in extracurricular activities and organizations. “I was a member of
the Resident Life staff. I had the chance to be a Resident Assistant for two years. It was a wonderful experience with many challenges and rewards,” she said. “For the past two years, I have been a member of the Student Nursing Association of Pennsylvania and for the past three, I have
tutored student in nursing science classes.” In addition, Benish has taken part in events outside of the campus. “I had the opportunity to go on a medical trip to Mexico. It was an eye-opening experience towards the different health care systems See NURSE on BB7
Senior to study library science in fall English major to turn love of language into future career in law
By Rachel Davis Staff Writer On any Tuesday night, you’ll find second-year Executive Editor Rachel Brown, senior communication major, making the final corrections to the week’s edition of the Yellow Jacket or using coping methods in order to release any stress. “My favorite memory is Tuesday nights. Working on the Jacket, extremely stressed and panicked, hopped up on cookies and sugar highs, and through this all we managed to get the paper done and not kill each other,” Brown said. “We would have Disney sing-a-longs, skipping around the floor all as coping methods to keep from going insane, but we don’t care how crazy we may seem.” The stress relievers are a big help to Brown as she can spend up to 45 hours a week in the office working on the Yellow Jacket. But her favorite way to relax is also why she’s attending graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Brown, beginning in the fall, will study to
Brush travels extensively Continued from BB1 gy degree and go to get her Master’s degree. But four years ago, there was almost no Waynesburg University in her future. “Choosing Waynesburg was sort of a fluke,” Brush said. “I received stuff in the mail and had good visits, but the final decision was made based off of the scholarships I received.” The same goes for her major selection as well. “When I came to Waynesburg University, I listed psychology as my major, even though I wasn’t 100 percent sure of it,” she said. “Over time, it grew on me; everything we talked about interested me more and more. I realized I would never change my area of interest because it was so rewarding to study.” Brush is a triplet who worked hard in school not for the sake of competition, but because of her parents. “Being part of a triplet, there was really no competitiveness between us,” said Brush. “We all push
By Carrie Maier Staff Writer
be a children’s librarian. Brown said that it wasn’t until a conversation with her aunt and a summer internship at her local library that she realized that this is what she wanted to do. “My aunt looked at me and said, ‘You’re going to be a librarian,’” said Brown. Brown, has volunteered at her local library since she was young, even reading over 10,000
pages in one summer while participating the summer reading club. “I read 5,000 then 8,000 and I decided I wanted 10,000 so I just kept going,” she said. This high standard Brown sets for herself is also why she wanted to become the Yellow Jacket editor two years ago. “I knew the quality of what the paper could be, and I wanted to leave my mark on the paper,” said
Brown. And indeed she has, according to her professor Brandon Szuminsky. “Rachel’s tenure at the Jacket has been marked with high quality work and positive changes that I think will be her legacy,” he said. “There are many kinds of editors, and I think Rachel is one of the transformative ones. She left the paper better off than she got it.”
Bennette Sharpe has a lot of planning to do. He’s getting married in two months and plans on going to law school the following year. “I was going to jump right into law school, but in order to make the bills work, [fiancée] Rachel [Brown] is going to go get her Master’s now,” said Sharpe, an English major. “One of us has to work for the other one to go to school.” While Brown works toward her Master’s, Sharpe will spend time researching law schools. “You’d be surprised; most people think if you’re going to law school, you have to go prelaw first,” he said. “But a lot of schools like to see more varied degrees, more holistic and well-rounded students.” Joonna Trapp, chair of the Department of English, agrees that Sharpe is just that, calling him a
ourselves to do well in school because that is how we were raised. Education has always been a major priority.” Brush has certainly been involved in other clubs on campus, but she
also finds time to maintain her first objective. “I have been involved in a lot of different things on campus such as Residence Life, Student Activities Board, WORLD and Student Senate,” Brush
said. “I usually prioritize my schoolwork first, and then it becomes a juggling match between friends, activities and working.” But things have become a little different
for Brush this semester. “A lot of my time this year has been dedicated to hanging out with my friends because I missed them a lot when I was in Egypt this fall,” she said. Although she does plan
Photo courtesy of Rachel Brown
Communication major Rachel Brown also participated in a mission trip to San Antonio, Texas, in addition to being the Executive Editor of the Yellow Jacket.
very accomplished student with an unmatched enthusiasm for learning. “He’s just a cheerful guy with a positive outlook on life,” said Trapp. “He’s just got that kind of mind where if you throw things at him, he just soaks them up.” Sharpe also served as president of Sigma Tau Delta, the national honors society for English majors. “He’s a really good nerd - an English nerd,” said Trapp. “When he’s around he gets excited and he gets engaged in conversation.” Sharpe said he considered becoming a music teacher at some point. “I almost pulled off a music minor, too, but I was one or two classes short,” he said. He will, however, graduate with a minor in Spanish. Sharpe said he looks forward to his future. “I loved my years here, but it’s good to have this section of my life completed and move on to the next stage.”
to go to graduate school, Brush says she wants to return to that area. “Egypt opened that door for me to do my own thing and not follow in the footsteps of someone before me,” she said.
YELLOW JACKET
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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Spotlight
‘Seoul’ for service
Elementary education major blends love of travel, service By Chelsea Shaffer Staff Writer Senior elementary education major Bethany Danaher devotes herself to both mission and service. Danaher participates in the Bonner Scholarship Program, which requires her to commit to 140 hours of community service per semester and 280 hours of community service during a time span of two summers. To complete these tasks; Danaher works at two youth groups in the area, as well as the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Waynesburg. Although time management between the Bonner program and academics was difficult at times, Danaher treasures the opportunities she was given to get involved.
Photo courtesy of Bethany Danaher
Bethany Danaher plans to travel to South Korea after graduation to teach English and witness. Her work in the classroom and as a Bonner prepared her for this job. “Instead of just being a college student, I was able to become a part of the community,” she said. During her academic career, Danaher went on four mission trips. In Guatemala, she painted
classrooms. In Philadelphia, she worked with the homeless. In Camden, N.J., she worked with the school system. In South Africa, she worked with the townships. If there is one thing
that any of these trips have in common, it is Danaher’s devotion to serving others. Sarah Brandstetter, Bonner coordinator, said she will always remember the effect the mission
trips had on Danaher. “Her outlook on life has changed,” said Brandstetter. “It’s like she’s looking at life through many lenses instead of one.” Missions are not the only focus in Danaher’s life. She is dedicated to her studies and student teaching. Of all of the courses she has taken at the university, Danaher named the latter as her favorite. “I learned a lot more from practical experience,” she said. “I learned what worked and what didn’t work in the classroom.” According to Brandstetter, Danaher is very driven academically. “She is very dedicated,” said Brandstetter. “She knows what she wants to do, and she’ll strive until she gets
there.” Danaher studied abroad at Ewha Women’s University in South Korea. She enjoyed the opportunity to learn a new language and culture. In the future, Danaher plans to teach English as a second language abroad. She would like to be involved in foreign missions and teach in South East Asia. Danaher will be able to take all of the experiences, knowledge and memories that she has acquired over the last four years and apply them to her future endeavors. Although her location may drastically change, her devotion to mission will not. “Bethany is just an allaround wonderful person,” said Brandstetter. “She truly has a heart of service.”
Senior to enter pharmacology school History major to join By Kyle Oland Staff Writer Senior biology student Brittany Spitznogle’s fascination with drugs began in high school. Once in college, she knew she wanted drugs to become part of her life. She never was a drug user, but wanted to use drugs to help other people. After graduation, Spitznogle will enroll in pharmaceutical school. Spitznogle said early on in her life she wanted to be a physical therapist, but found her high school science classes to be very enjoyable and interesting, which lead her to want to become a pharmacist. Every year since enrolling at Waynesburg University, Spitznogle has been on the Dean’s list and has received aca-
Work ethic sets him apart Continued from BB1 “We have about the same work load and most importantly we have each other to work together and get everything done,” she said. This balancing act can be difficult at times, but Lundholm’s work ethic is what Professor of Education Robert Kefferstan believes sets him apart from other students. “He is always looking for what is the next thing to do, the next thing in the sequence,” Kefferstan said. “His excitement is infectious; his eyes just pop with an enthusiasm, which is the key to his success.” Lundholm will have a busy few months ahead
“Brittany is one of the most selfmotivated, hard-working and reliable students that I have ever worked with.” Chad Sethman Assistant Professor of Biology
demic excellence awards. Dr. Chad Sethman, assistant professor of biology, said, “Brittany is one of the most selfmotivated, hard-working and reliable students that I have worked with.” Spitznogle not only majored in biology, but also minored in chemistry, requiring her to take extra classes because the science classes are so demanding. “It’s amazed me how much she has taken on,”
said Sethman. “I think she enjoys the extra classes.” During her years at the university, Spitznogle was heavily involved in a number of other activities. She also played soccer where she was on the PAC honor roll, took an internship at West Virginia University and did multiple research projects. Spitznogle said a typical day for her involved going to her classes; working in the labs, which often times meant she wouldn’t have time
with graduation just being the beginning. “After graduation I have my wedding on June 4, then less than a week later we have two days to drive across the whole country to Washington,” Lundholm said. “I will be going to grad school at Washington State University.” The couple’s future plans are still unknown. “The logistics are terrifying; finding Kristy a job and getting out there with all our stuff seems impossible,” Lundholm said. A positive attitude about life is still what comes from this courageous senior. “My mother, my father and my brother have always been supportive of me through everything,” Lundholm said. “I believe God has his hand on everything and directed me toward Waynesburg.”
Nurse finds home at WU
to eat; going to soccer practice and staying up late working on homework. “I don’t know how she balances it all out,” said Sethman. “Her academics have always taken precedent over everything else. At West Virginia University, Spitznogle was able to work on developing new medicines that fight drug addictions. “While at West Virginia University, it was nice to work in a research environment and help develop a drug that could potentially help change lives,” said Spitznogle. After graduation, Spitznogle will leave Waynesburg and head to pharmaceutical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and School of Pharmacy, where she will continue her passion for drugs.
community house By Stephanie Laing Editorial Assistant Ellen Louttit, a history and social science double major, will carry Waynesburg University’s mission of service after her upcoming graduation. She will live in a house dedicated to serving the community of Waynesburg with six other individuals. “I am looking more into social work and caregiving,” Louttit said. The house will be a ministry as the individual tenants dedicate hours of unpaid service to the community. Louttit considers her friends’ and professors examples of why she has these passions. “The [friends] I have become close with lately are the ones I have learned the most from,” she said. As Louttit overcame
various challenges and difficulties in her years at the university, her mother was there for her, acting as an “emotional cheerleader.” On campus, Louttit’s professors have greatly influenced her desires and future goals. “I would consider my biggest influences to be Dr. Coffman and Dr. Waddel,” she said. “They are both my advisors, but both I would say are friends. They’ve helped me a lot, and I look up to them a lot.” She believes their goals and lives are examples of what she would one day like to become. “If I could ever afford to go to a grad school and maybe become a professor, that would be what I’d like to do long term,” she said. “But who knows what will happen.”
Continued from BB6 that are out there,” Benish said. “It also made me realize that registered nurses in America have more autonomy and opportunities than those in Mexico.” Although she believes that the university has prepared her well for post-graduation, she is still apprehensive. “I am nervous about graduating,” Benish said. “I feel that the nursing professors and the curriculum here have really done a great job in preparing me. Regardless of how well prepared you feel going out and providing care for a patient on your own without the help of your instructor is intimidating.”
Photo courtesy of Lindsay Benish
Lindsay Benish traveled to Mexico for a medical mission trip while at Waynesburg University. She will graduate with the highest GPA in the Department of Nursing.
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YELLOW JACKET
Thursday, April 21, 2011