THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF BENTLEY UNIVERSITY SINCE 1963
THE VANGUARD VOLUME LVII ISSUE XVI
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
Bentley team places 3rd in Fed Challenge News Editor
On December 2, 2014, the team from Bentley University competed at the 11th annual College Fed Challenge. The team received an honorable mention distinction by finishing in third place behind Princeton and Pace. The challenge was held at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. The event is sponsored by the Federal Reserve System, the central banking system of the United States. The team from Bentley made it to this prestigious national competition after winning the regional competition on November 7 in Boston. Each regional competition corresponds to the different Federal Reserve districts. In the First Federal District challenge, Bentley competed with teams from Boston College, Boston University, Bryant, Colby Sawyer, Dartmouth, Harvard, Roger Williams and Trinity. The team ultimately
moved onto the national competition after defeating Boston College, Bryant, Dartmouth and Harvard in the final round. The College Fed Challenge is a team competition for undergraduate students inspired by the work of the Federal Open Market Committee. The event was established to encourage students to learn more about
the United States macro economy and the implementation of monetary policy. Each team is responsible for analyzing economic and financial conditions to formulate a monetary policy recommendation and present to a panel of Federal Reserve economists. After the presentation, there is a question and answer session between the
Courtesy of Mirtha Dominguez
BY Michaela Stephenson
presenting team and a panel of judges. “Students’ participation in the Fed Challenge adds to their understanding of the economy and the Federal Reserve’s role, and, I hope, spurs some students to pursue further study of economics and finance. In addition, the research, analytical, and communication skills that participants gain through their preparations will help them in whatever careers they choose,” said Federal Reserve Board Chair Janet L. Yellen. Teams are judged on economic analysis, responses to questions, presentation and overall teamwork. The judging panel for the final round this year consisted of Ellen Meade, senior adviser in the Division of Monetary Affairs at the Federal Reserve Board, Jamie McAndrews, executive vice president and director of research, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and William Strauss, senior economist and economic
News Editor
Michaela Stephenson Last month, Bentley students in a media-and-society class taught by Professor Jeffrey Sterns participated in a “digital fast,” as described by Sterns. This digital fast challenged students to cut all interaction with any digital device for 48 hours. Being a part of a generation usually defined by technology, Sterns knew the assignment would be a challenge. The “fast” meant students could not text or call anyone, watch television or movies, or access a computer, which meant no checking e-mail or typing papers. “We talked about it on the first day of class two months ago, and they totally freaked out about it,” said Stern in an interview with Eugenia Williamson from the Boston Globe. “They think it’s so funny that I didn’t have the Internet when I was in college. They got their first cellphones when they
Campus life editor
SEE DIGITAL, PAGE 6
See Breakfast, page 6
The “digital fast” showed how impacted we are by technology. to find out when the shuttle is?” The purpose of the assignment wasn’t to give students anxiety, but to show them just how much life is impacted by technology. More specifically, the task challenged students to look at how technology affects relationships. This is a common theme in one of the course books, Present Shock by Douglas Rushkoff. The book looks at how technological devices can distract
BY Kelsey Miller
people from actual life experiences. “Moments get shattered by technology over and over again,” said Stern. “Too many of us let our devices dictate the terms.” The students faced difficulties throughout the two days, but tried to follow the guidelines even if it meant changing plans. For Jassi Gonzalez, this meant forgoing a weekend at home to stay with her family.
SEE Fed, PAGE 6
The Bentley team poses for a picture with Janet Yellen.
were in middle school.” Once students got past giving up social media, many started to have anxieties concerning communication to those near and far. “For me, the scariest part is going to Seasons. I don’t sit by myself or eat dinner by myself, and scheduling dinnertime or lunchtime in advance is weird. I never do that. I just text whoever I’m going to eat with,” said Joey Milici the class before the fast. “I discovered that while face-to-face communication is important, it can only include the people I run into or plan to meet up with in advance on a particular day. I found myself missing my family and friends back home,” said Niki Aldieri. While others worried that they wouldn’t be able finish homework assignments, the major concern amongst students was the inability to tell time. The majority of the class relies on their phone for telling time and setting alarms. “On Saturday, I’m going to Harvard Book Store,” said Tricia Reinken. “How am I going
RHA prepares for Breakfast by Moonlight Finals season is officially upon us, which means it’s time for one of Bentley’s most long-lasting traditions: Breakfast by Moonlight, now in its 47th event. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Breakfast by Moonlight, it is an event co-hosted by Bentley organizations on campus as a way to kick off finals week. It occurs every semester on the night before Reading Day, which this year is next Monday, the 8th of December, from 11—1 am. The event is co-hosted by RHA and APO, which are our Resident Hall Association and Alpha Psi Omega theater fraternity. The two organizations have decided that the theme for the event will be the Academy Awards. One of the purposes of Breakfast by Moonlight is to raise money for a local charity. This semester, all funds raised will go to the Watertown Children’s Theater, which holds musical and other programs for children in the local area. Students can gain entrance to the event by donating $2 to the theater, but anyone who dresses up according to the theme can come for only $1, so wear your best red carpet outfit and head down to Seasons! But what actually is Breakfast by Moonlight? Well, it’s exactly as the name would suggest. Many of our professors and res life members will be there to serve you a delicious breakfast. From little pancakes to French toast, to tater tots (arguably the best part), you can spend the last few hours before buckling down for finals by spending a yummy meal with your friends. Breakfast by Moonlight is arguably one of the only times that Seasons is packed with students from all class levels, the others, of course, being Thanksgiving and Spring Day. Despite everyone getting ready for a week of grueling exams, there is a decidedly festive feeling to the air, especially be-
Students participate in a “digital fast” BY Michaela Stephenson
BENTLEYVANGUARD.COM
Music Review
Black Friday
Men’s Basketball
A look at Wu Tang Clan’s newest release.
The economics behind these huge sales.
Falcons end their 4 game losing steak.
ENTERTAINMENT 9
BUSINESS 10
SPORTS 14