The Daily Campus: May 7, 2011

» INSIDE

UConn students redefine bedtimes

By Thomas Michael Campus Correspondent

PreGraduation bucket list List of things to do before leaving Uconn.

FOCUS/ page 7

www.dailycampus.com

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Volume CXVIII No. 161

At least twice a semester, during midterms and finals, some UConn students pull “all-nighters” and stay awake through the night preparing for tests and writing papers.

They work in their dorm lounges and the library. What follows is a description of a typical night during one of these stressful times.

At 1:30 a.m. on a Wednesday in March, a middle-aged man, about 5-foot-10, with a slight belly hiding behind his stiff blue uniform, sits up straight behind the security desk of the UConn’s Homer Babbidge Library and

yawns. He closes his mouth around his straight, coffeestained teeth and lets his head drop forward. Burying his rugged chin with blond stubble into his chest, he continues to read the heavy book sitting in his lap.

Paul is one of the library’s building and grounds patrol officers, as evidenced by the patches on the upper arms of his shirt, the shiny silver badge pinned over his heart and the hundreds of students who come and go through the entrance near where he sits.

This is mostly where Paul sees the students, in addition to occasionally walking through the building to stretch his legs or respond to a noise complaint.

“Occasionally you get some

kids who don’t know the rules, but nothing major,” Paul said.

“Ninety-nine point nine percent of the time, they’re cooperative.”

During final exam week, the library is open 24 hours.

“Some people, they fall asleep and miss their exams,” he said.

“Kids here will fall asleep and put a sign on their bag saying, ‘Please wake me up.’” He points his finger to a quiet study room across from where he sits that is open 24 hours during the regular school year.

“You know, they can’t bring their alarm clocks in here,” he said.

2-4 a.m.

Mei Cruz and Lena Mullen have been camped out since din-

ner, in preparation for a possible all-nighter in UConn’s Russell Hall study-lounge.

Sitting on a blue couch they pushed against the wall, Cruz and Mullen block themselves in by the long rectangular table they use for their supplies. Fruity Snacks, Sour Patch Kids, chocolate covered biscuit sticks, a plastic container of half-eaten Easy Mac, an empty Tupperware that once contained Chef Boyardee pasta, an opened bag of pretzel pieces, a browning apple core, an empty yogurt drink and a plastic bag with more unopened food are strewn about the table within their reach.

Closer to the two, however, are highlighters, pens, class

Four years of memories

Moore ends stellar career in Storrs, starts next chapter.

SPORTS/ page 14 EDITORIAL: JUST WONDERING....

Questions and answers from the Editoral Board.

COMMENTARY/ page 4

INSIDE NEWS: GRADUATION SCHEDULE

Briefs on the speakers for undergraduate ceremonies.

ERIN MIZLA/The Daily Campus

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» STUDENTS, page 6

Student debt tops $1 trillion

By Courtney Robishaw Campus Correspondent

Maya moore leaves legacy

NEWS/ page 6

notes, study guides, cell phones and, of course, laptop computers on which they do most of their work. Mullen is chewing on a straw that sticks out of the top of a Red Bull can as she slumps over and stares wideeyed at the study guide on her thin, crossed legs.

“I stayed up until 5 a.m. the other night creating a 20-page study guide,” said Mullen, a 5th-semester biology major.

She is preparing for a lab practical she will take later in the day, while also studying for a biology test on Friday. Her hope is that devoting extra time to a subject she doesn’t enjoy studying will improve her grade.

In this 2006 file photo pharmacy, business, fine arts, nursing, agriculture, engineering and continuing studies. students prepare for graduation ceremonies.

This year student loan debt will now top $1 trillion and for the second year in a row top credit card debit, according to Rich Williams, Higher Education Advocate for U.S. PIRG, a nonprofit, non-partisan public interest advocacy organization.

The increasing amounts of financial aid are becoming more and more of a problem for college graduates.

The average debt of a graduating student about 10 years ago was $12,000 and only onethird of students had to borrow money to attend college. Now over two-thirds of students have to borrow money for college, and the average debt is almost $25,000, according to Williams.

However, Congress is currently considering a cut to financial aid, which would increase this issue even more.

Congress wants to cut Pell Grant aid, which currently helps subsidize over 9 million college students’ educations.

“The Grant covered 72 percent of the average cost of attending a public four-year college in 1976, but only 32 percent of this cost in 2008, the lowest share in history,” said Williams in a statement.

U.S. PIRG believes Congress should actually increase Pell Grant aid or at least allow it to remain the same to help subsidize the increasing costs of education.

Courtney.Robishaw@UConn.edu

History department awards student excellence

By Courtney Robishaw Campus Correspondent

The history department held its annual History Prize Day Ceremony to recognize the accomplishments of the top students in UConn’s Department of History on Friday, April 29.

The ceremony has been held every year since 1997, according to Sylvia Schafer, chair of the Department of History Prize Day Committee.

Undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, parents and friends attended the event. In total, 13 different prizes were awarded.

Professor John A. Davis, Emiliana Pasca Noether Professor of Modern Italian History, gave the Prize Day address entitled “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want to: Italy and Its Anniversary, 1861-2011.”

Davis discussed how to celebrate (or not celebrate) the 150th anniversary of the founding of the modern Italian state through a discussion on how anniversaries shape the way we think about the past and the present, while explaining why it is important to study history.

Joao Batista was awarded the Undergraduate History

Excellence Award, which is presented every year to one or two of the top history majors. Batista was very excited to receive the award, but more grateful for the faculty he had the opportunity to work with.

“It is a great honor to receive this award. However, the focus should be on the level of talent and dedication present in professors within the history department. The passion and enthusiasm that they have for their own respective areas of expertise is inspiring and evident in every lecture and every discussion held in class. As a history and secondary education major, the impression they have made on me is a lasting one that will undoubtedly influence the way I will one day teach history,” he said.

Thomas Westerman received the Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Award.

Graduate student Kevin Finefrock and undergrad James Brundage received the Connecticut Celebration 350th Scholarship.

Casey Green received the Michael L. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship .

Christopher Curry was awarded the Hugh M. Hamill Graduate Fellowship in Latin American History.

STEVE SWEENEY/The Daily Campus

New members of Phi Alpha Theta are initiated during a History department awards ceremony Friday, April 29.

The Harry J. Marks Fellowship was awarded to Janice Gunther.

Elena Lunt received the Thomas G. Paterson Graduate Fellowship in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations.

The Andrew W. Pyper Scholarship was awarded to Michelle Shukis.

Rachel Traficanti received the Bruce M. and Sondra Astor Stave

Prize in Recent American History.

Steven Turgeon was awarded the Karl Z. Trybus Undergraduate Award for Exceptional Work in Modern European History and Dennis Bench received the Karl Z. Trybus Graduate Award for Exceptional Work in Modern European History.

Allison Horrocks received the Albert E. and Wilda E. Van

Dusen Scholarship.

The Allen M. Ward Prize in Ancient History was awarded to Neale Hutcheson.

Twenty-seven undergrads were also inducted into the national history honors society, Phi Alpha Theta during the ceremony.

Courtney.Robishaw@UConn.edu

The Daily Campus, Page 2

Commencement Locations and Times Forgot where your graduation is?

The Daily Campus has your back.

Check below for the times and locations of the 201 ceremonies.

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources TIME: Saturday, 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Gampel Pavilion School of Business TIME: Sunday, 9 a.m.

LOCATION: Gampel Pavilion Center for Continuing Studies TIME: Saturday, 1 p.m.

LOCATION: Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts School of Engineering TIME: Sunday, 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts School of Fine Arts TIME: Saturday, 5 p.m.

LOCATION: Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts College of Liberal Arts & Sciences CLAS I TIME: Sunday, 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Gampel Pavilion CLAS II TIME: Sunday, 4:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Gampel Pavilion Neag School of Education TIME: Sunday, 9 a.m.

LOCATION: Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts School of Nursing TIME: Sunday, 1 p.m.

LOCATION: Jorgensen Center for the Performing Art School of Pharmacy TIME: Saturday, 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Rome Ballroom The Daily Campus is the largest college daily newspaper in Connecticut with a press run of 8,000 copies each day during the academic year. The newspaper is delivered free to central locations around the Storrs campus. The editorial and business offices are located at 11 Dog Lane, Storrs, CT, 06268. To reach us through university mail, send to U-4189. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

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All advertising is subject to acceptance by The Daily Campus, which reserves the right to reject any ad copy at its sole discretion.

The Daily Campus does not assume financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertising unless an error materially affects the meaning of an ad, as determined by the Business Manager.

Liability of The Daily Campus shall not exceed the cost of the advertisement in which the error occurred, and the refund or credit will be given for the first incorrect insertion only.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

News

Dr. Gwo-Duan “David” Jou is an international businessman who focuses on life insurers and property development in Taiwan. He is the Founder and Chairman of Bigrock Asset Management Ltd. He is chairman of the Taiwan Insurance Institute, commissioner of the National Pension Fund and Commissioner of the Financial Institution Reform at the Republic of China. Jou graduated from UConn with a Bachelor’s Degree in math and earned a Ph.D. in business administration in 1992. He was recently inducted into the School of Business Hall of Fame.

Who’s who at graduation: Andrea Dennis-LaVigne is a veterinar-

ian and University of Connecticut Board of Trustees member as an alumni trustee. She attended UConn after transferring from Cornell University and went to Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine a year before she was supposed to graduate with a four-year degree. She came back to UConn and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies. Dennis-LaVigne opened Bloomfield Animal Hospital in 1991 and received the Connecticut Alumni Award in 2000. She also hosted “Pet Talk” on WTIC-AM 1080.

^ School of Business

Susan Rigano,

executive director of the Stamford Public Education Foundation, works to help the students and teachers in Stamford public schools through “community collaboration and philanthropy,” according to the organization’s web site. The foundation supports literacy initiatives and college and career readiness. Rigano consulted other local nonprofits, including the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition. She was also the director of developent at Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport. Rigano graduated from the General Studies program with a 3.98 Grade Point Average.

Photo Courtesy SPEFCT.org

^ Center for Continuing Studies Mia Farrow may be best known as the Golden Globe-

winning performance in “Rosemary’s Baby,” but she is also a well-known humanitarian. She has worked for several humanitarian groups, including UNICEF, where she is a Goodwill Ambassador. She is an advocate for children and refugees in Darfur, Sudan and Rwanda, to name a few. TIME magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world in 2008. Farrow has also written over 20 columns advocating for people suffering in Africa in major newspapers across the country, from The AP Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times.

^ School of Fine Arts

Kelci Stringer became an advocate for the prevention of sudden death in sports after her husband, Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer, died from heat stroke while in training camp in 2001. She established the Korey Stringer Foundation and developed a partnership between the foundation and the Neag School of Education “because of its reputation as a leader in the study of heat and hydration issues related to athletes,” according to Neag’s website. UConn’s school of education, with its competitive kinesiology program was an appeal.

Photo Courtesy KSI.UConn.edu

^ Neag School of Education Erica Peitler

graduated from the UConn School of Pharmacy in 1988. She was part of a $2.5-billion global management team for the health care industry as the youngest member and the only woman. She ran a $400-million pharmaceutical division for a global health care company. Peitler also uses this experience as a leadership coach and author. She works with executives and leadership teams to improve strategies for success.

Photo Courtesy EricaPeitler.com

Photo Courtesy UConn Advance

^ College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Charles Vest

is the president of the National Academy of Engineering and former President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Vest was on the U.S. President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology under two presidents and chaired the U.S. Department of Energy Task Force. As president of MIT, Vest established institutes for neuroscience and genomic medicine as well as co-founded the Alliance for Global Sustainability initiative there.

Photo Courtesy MIT

^ School of Engineering < School of Fine Arts William Trueheart

is the president and CEO of Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income community college students. At UConn he was Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs in CLAS. He was the first African American to be president of a four-year private college in New England when he was president at Bryant College in Rhode Island. Trueheart got his BA in political science and economics at UConn and went to graduate school at Harvard, earning a Masters in Public Administration and a Doctorate of Education.

Photo Courtesy Achievingthedream.org

^ College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Robin Froman holds five UConn degrees

and contributed to the creation of UConn’s School of Nursing Center for Nursing Scholarship, according to Unison, the School of Nursing newsletter. She became interested in nursing after, having earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology, she taught nurses, who were “the most stimulating students I had ever had,” according to an interview with the University of Texas Health Science Center newsletter. Froman was the dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Texas.

Photo Courtesy University of Texas

^ School of Nursing < School of Pharmacy

By Amy Schellenbaum

Corrections and clarifications Front Desk/Business: Fax: Editor-In-Chief/Commentary: Managing Editor/Photo: News/Sports: Focus/Online:

(860) (860) (860) (860) (860) (860)

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3407 4388 6141 6119 6118 6110

Melanie Deziel, Editor-in-Chief Mac Cerullo, Managing Editor Brendan Fitzpatrick, Business Manager/Advertising Director Nancy Depathy, Financial Manager Brian Zahn, Associate Managing Editor Nicholas Rondinone, News Editor Colin McDonough, Associate Sports Editor Amy Schellenbaum, Associate News Editor Jim Anderson, Photo Editor Arragon Perrone, Commentary Editor Ed Ryan, Associate Photo Editor Ryan Gilbert, Associate Commentary Editor Demetri Demopoulos, Marketing Manager Stephanie Ratty, Focus Editor Jennifer Lindberg, Graphics Manager John Tyczkowski, Associate Focus Editor Joseph Kopman-Fried, Circulation Manager Matt McDonough, Sports Editor Brendan Albetski, Comics Editor

This space is reserved for addressing errors when The Daily Campus prints information that is incorrect. Anyone with a complaint should contact The Daily Campus offices and file a corrections request form. All requests are subject to approval by the Managing Editor or the Editor-in-Chief.

Saturday, May 7, 2011 Copy Editors: Mac Cerullo, Arragon Perrone, Colin McDonough, Melanie Deziel News Designer: Nicholas Rondinone Focus Designer: Stephanie Ratty Sports Designer: Matt McDonough Digital Production: Jim Anderson

Saturday, May 7, 2011

News

Seniors with cool jobs in a bad economy

By Liz Crowley Senior Staff Writer UConn seniors are throwing their caps in the air and heading into the real world today, prepped and ready to land on their feet.

While the job market is not in its prime many graduates have snagged fantastic jobs that they are revved up to being.

Maya Moore, former forward for the UConn women’s basketball team was drafted No. 1 overall by the Minnesota Lynx. Kemba Walker, former point guard for the UConn men’s basketball team, is graduating after three years at UConn and has entered the NBA draft.

But other UConn graduates this year have gotten their dream jobs too.

Karina Jakobsen was offered a seasonal position at the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

She is graduating with a B.S. in biological sciences and a minor in ecology and evolutionary biology.

“I was looking for any sort of field work position in any marine setting,” Jakobsen said. “It seemed like something I’m interested in because it’s working outdoors and working with animals, which is something I’m interested in working in down the road.”

She will be working with diadromous fish. Jakobsen said it is exciting because it is a job she cares about. She said it’s also nice to know she is working in something that will help build her career as a conservation biologist.

Estrellita Ballester has decided to work as a research assistant at the Center of Health Intervention and Prevention at UConn. She is graduating with a B.S. in psychology.

“I plan to go to graduate school…it definitely will prepare me…just getting a first hand experience,” Ballester said.

She said it mostly involves clinical and social psychology. Her job will be to study HIV/AIDS interventions to see how they can be improved.

She said that although it is a long process it is really cool.

The Daily Campus, Page 3

How to live on your own

By Becky Radolf Staff Writer

KELLY GANLEY/The Daily Campus

Aimee Rodas, an 8th-semester English major and Pier Gutierrez, a 2nd year graduate student, review resumes at the career center.

She said she’s excited because she will be able to work on many different projects and not get bored with one task.

Ryan Eblen is graduating with a degree in sport promotion, an individualized major that he put together. He has landed a summer internship with the Connecticut Sun, Connecticut’s WNBA team.

“I want to go into pro basketball or basketball any way, that’s my favorite sport, I’m obsessed with it,” Eblen said.

“I’m definitely going to learn a lot. It’s going to be a great experience. You learn a lot on the job.”

He will work during the games, running contests, give-aways and making it a fun atmosphere for the fans, he said. Although it is an unpaid job, he said the experience is worth it.

Eblen hopes to turn this into a full-time position or use it to find a similar job. His dream is to work in professional basketball so it is good that he gets to do it right from the start, he said.

His advice in finding a job is to network. He said it is

the most typical answer but that it really helps. He has a LinkedIn account and tries to connect with alumni in his field.

Eblen has volunteered at the Basketball Hall of Fame and worked for the teams at UConn.

Nicole Allinson has been accepted to work for the Jewish service corps ADVODAH, in Washington D.C. She is graduating with a degree in human development and family studies with a concentration in public policy.

“It’s pretty much everything I could as for in a job,” Allinson said.

She will live in a house with other ADVODAH employees all of whom work in different nonprofit organizations. She has been offered the position of community outreach coordinator for D.C. Scores, an after school program for inner-city youth.

Allinson said mainly they help the students with their school work, teach them how to live a healthy life and help them learn that they have many options too, even though they

are from the inner city. The ultimate goal is to get them into higher education.

“I’m most excited because I’ve never lived outside of Connecticut…I’ve never ventured outside my comfort zone,” Allinson said. “I definitely want to work for the nonprofit sector…I’m thinking about going to law school or getting a degree in public policy.”

Beth Shapiro Settje, a counselor from Career Services, said there are many paths students can take to get a great job out of college. She said many students go through their previous internships, job websites and through connections. She said networking is the best way to find an opportunity.

“It’s the first job out of college, so it may not be the dream job, but that’s ok…if you get your dream job out of college, what’s next?” Settje said. “The choice of occupation is less important than the attitude and what it can do long term.”

Elizabeth.Crowley@UConn.edu

So here you are.

You’ve got your diploma.

You’re one of the lucky graduates who’s managed to snag a job. You’re ready for the world.

It’s a big moment: the day you move out on your own for real, with no help from your parents to pay the rent – completely financially independent. Soon, you’ll face the reality of making things work and with a few tips you’ll be just fine.

The most important thing you could possibly do is make yourself a realistic budget.

The first time that paycheck hits your hands – and trust me, it will be bigger than any paycheck you’ve ever had before – you’ll immediately begin to think of all the things you can buy.

But slow down, tiger. As much as you want to blow that money on a 52-inch flatscreen or a pair of Jimmy Choo’s, recognize the things you truly need to spend all that dough on.

The first thing you should do is scrape 10 percent off of your paycheck immediately and put it toward your savings. Start a Roth IRA, because it’s never too early to start saving for retirement, as far away as that seems.

If that seems too long-term, then at least put some money in a savings account, because you never know when you need it.

Next, budget how much you’ll need for food, rent, utilities, and any other necessary expenses you might have.

What you have left becomes your spending money. It may not be much, but at least you won’t find yourself deep in credit card debt, calling your parents and begging them to bail you out.

Next, accept the fact that in a new area, you’re going to have to get out there and

make some friends.

It’s going to seem very lonely at first, but all you need is one good pal to hit the bar scene with, no matter if you live in Poughkeepsie or New York City.

Be social at work.

You’re the new guy, and as much as you think you’d extend to the newbie in the office, you can’t expect others to give you the same courtesy.

So be social, be friendly and chat up everyone. You never know who is going to be your next lifelong friend.

The most important thing you could possibly do is make yourself a realistic budget.

Finally, take care of yourself. If you don’t have the funds to join a gym, all you need is a good pair of running shoes to stay in shape, or even buy a workout video (Insanity or P90X are two great ones) and you’ll see how easy it is to stay fit without all the equipment a gym provides.

Also, make a strong attempt to eat right. Cooking for one is annoying, but not impossible. You can buy frozen vegetables that are just as good as the real thing, and you can buy portioned chicken and fish for single-serving meals. If you cook up some brown rice for the week, you can throw it in stir-fry and mix in different seasonings, or simply mix in a little butter to make it a side dish. Just no matter how hard living alone may be, it’s always better than moving back in with your parents.

Rebecca.Radolf@UConn.edu

To the graduating Daily Campus staff members of the

Class of 2011: Russell Blair Taylor Trudon Steven Sweeney John Kennedy Sarah Parsons Caitlin Mazzola Garrett Gianneschi Jordan Acker Mike Ferraro Laurelin Matulis

Congratulations and Good Luck!

Page 4

www.dailycampus.com

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Daily Campus Editorial Board

Melanie Deziel, Editor-in-Chief Arragon Perrone, Commentary Editor Ryan Gilbert, Associate Commentary Editor Michelle Anjirbag, Weekly Columnist

Just wondering...

A

re you excited to graduate?

Do you have a job offer?

Are you going to move out of the house?

Will you miss UConn?

What will you miss the most?

Does Buckley food count?

Who will you stay in touch with?

Who will you de-friend?

How many friends does Kemba have?

More than you.

Will you live in your parents’ basement?

Do you regret your major?

I wish I had done puppetry.

Did you ever meet Kemba?

Does Kemba even want to meet you?

Why does UConn bread look moldy?

Who has been in the red room in ITE? Kemba has been in the red room.

The market is still pretty bad for jobs.

Except for Kemba.

Kemba doesn’t have to find any jobs.

Jobs come to Kemba.

Did you ever paint the rock?

How did the rock even get there?

Kemba put it there.

Will you study for finals?

Kemba doesn’t have to study for finals.

Do you even have finals?

What are No. 2 pencils anyway?

Kemba uses No. 1 pencils.

Will you have a graduation party?

Will anyone come?

Did you invite Jay Hickey?

Jay Hickey is at Buckley with Kemba eating moldy bread.

What about Maya?

She’s graduating, too, right?

Maya! Maya!

Vote Kemba and Maya 2012.

The Daily Campus editorial is the official opinion of the newspaper and its editorial board. Commentary columns express opinions held solely by the author and do not in any way reflect the official opinion of The Daily Campus.

Is this Paul Gaines?

I’m sad that I’m graduating. I will no longer get the chance to play real life Angry Birds off the building structure near the library.

I can’t graduate until I get in the Instant Daily. Do me a solid, dude.

Bring on Herbst!

Is this thing still on?

It has recently come to my attenshoon that I love the Instant Daily and gradooashun.

One last time for the seniors: I think West Virginia just scored again.

It’s gonna be a long summer, Russell... ...have a happy solstice, Russell.

How many people a night send in something like “Hey” to the Instant Daily thinking that they stand a chance of getting in?

I heard a rumor that all articles for this issue came in on time. I find this scyntillating.

This is going to be the most facetious Instant Daily EVER!!!!!

I am going to miss all of my new squirrelfriends. A lot.

I graduated 12 years ago and I read all of The Daily Campus stories online. I simply love it!

Donating a couch to someone is only nice if you don’t defecate all over it first.

The Daily Scampus was all over this Coombs business.

Send us your thoughts on anything and everything by sending an instant message to InstantDaily, Sunday through Thursday evenings. Follow us on Twitter (@ InstantDaily) and become fans on Facebook.

Prepare for grad school early to avoid hassle

I

f you are an incoming junior or senior, watching the Class of 2011 graduate is a watershed moment. Yes, as the Class of 2011 departs, you are one step closer to your own graduation. That means thinking about your own postgraduate plans, which you have probably already started to do. Right?

Deciding whether to continue on to graduate school – and if so, where – is a tough decision, but it does not have to be unbearable. Getting an early start allows you to think about your future without stressing out under the pressure of immediate deadlines. Here are some stress-minBy Arragon Perrone imizing ways to prepare for grad Commentary Editor school without losing your mind.

First, “to thine own self be true.”

Contemplate what you really want to do with your life. You know yourself the best, and what you do from here on out is up to you – not Mom or Dad, not your best friend, and not even your successful lawyer-uncle who thinks that all smart people should be lawyers, too. Spend some time finding out what work actually gives you a thrill and look for the corresponding career that offers the best comparative shot at financial independence.

But ultimately, the bottom-line is this: Learn what you love and do it; if you love it, you will do it well and the money will follow.

You want to enter grad school knowing what you want to do with your life. The sooner you sit down and figure this out, the better off you will be down the road.

Secondly (and this can be accomplished before, during or after step one), explore online. The Internet is an amazing source of information about grad schools, but it is easy to get lost. One of the best sites for future grad studetns is US News & World Report Online – yes, the same beloved source you used to choose your undergraduate careers. But if you thought US News was helpful then, it is

even more relevant now. USNews.com lists and ranks graduate schools based on both program and specialty. It also supplies colleges’ contact information and gives essential tips about loan forgiveness plans. Loan forgiveness and loan repayment assistant programs (LRAPs) specifically target graduates who are interested in careers in public service or nonprofit work, which are traditionally lowpaying fields. Debt remains a major problem for all graduates, who can expect to be $79,836 in the red after earning a professional degree, according to the 2008 average. For advice and information about loans, scholarships, savings and military aid, consider visiting FinAid.org, which features links to FAFSA and PIN applications as well.

“Spend some time finding out what work actually gives you a thrill...”

Also, talk to undergraduate professors in your field of study. Let them know what you are interested in and ask for their advice about graduate schools and their profession in general. Remember, they were once undergraduates, too, and are usually more than willing to guide interested students. Moreover, most have established contacts within their career field that might just happen to work at a grad school you would like to get into. Of course, forging good working relationships with academics does not ensure acceptance into a specific grad program, but it will only help. If you like a professor and are interested in the work he or she is doing, do not be afraid to sign up for an independent study. Semesters fly by, so if you have not yet looked into an independent study, try to jump on that as soon as possible.

Another way to acquire “real world” experience is through an internship that is related to your major. Internships fill up quickly, so be

sure to talk with your advisor and internship director about the opportunities for the fall or spring (most deadlines for summer internships have passed). Often, professors will forward internship announcements through Huskymail, so staying up-to-date with your email is key. As with independent studies, the sooner you complete an internship the better.

Once you work in a professional environment that is in your career, you may find out that it is not what you expected it to be. Interning early allows you to switch paths without compromising your four-year academic plan.

Lastly, get ready for the GRE, the Graduate Record Examination. This standardized test is required before applying to most graduate schools in the United States. Currently, the revised test is set to come out on August 1, so if you do not want to experiment with the new format – or want your score before November—be sure to take it earlier. However, if you can afford to receive your results after November and are feeling ambitious, take the revised exam. All who take the test in August and September will get a 50 percent discount on the test fee, quite the incentive for the cash-strapped college student. Finding a test place close to you is easy, but to do so you need to take a few minutes and make an online account.

Locations near Storrs include Glastonbury, Conn.; West Springfield, Mass.; Hamden, Conn. and Warwick, RI. As you can see, there is a lot to get done before you walk onto the stage and receive your diploma. But with some foresight, you can tackle these steps early on to avoid the anxiety that comes with procrastination.

It is never premature to think about grad school. So relax, follow these steps, and enjoy this awesome chance to further your academic career.

Commentary Editor Arragon Perrone is a 7th-semester political science and English double major. He can be reached at Arragon.Perrone@UConn.edu.

The most important advice of all: your own advice

I

t’s my duty this week to, in the span of this column, provide some relief or inspiration to the seniors that are about to graduate and enter the “real world.” With 700 words, I’m meant to tap into your subconscious and reassure you that everything is going to be OK. I’m supposed to convince you that there’s a plethora of opportunities for you out there, that you’ve not squandered four years your

By Ryan Gilbert of and Associate Commentary life $40,000 of Editor your, your parents’, and the government’s money on your degree (unless you’re a puppetry major that is), and that the fulfillment of your hopes and dreams is right in front of you as long as you believe in it and reach for it. Yet as I sat down and began to think about how I should construct and impart that message, I realized that the best advice is no advice at all.

Advice is nothing more than a belief or a suggestion offered up as instructions and, the truth is, you’ve been given more suggestions and even instructions over the last four years than you’ll ever

QW

know what to do with. You’ve reached the finale of a journey that started years ago when you staggered onto campus uncertain about where to find your classes, what the differences between meal swipes, flex passes and points were, where and when you can park (I’m still figuring this one out, $200 in parking tickets later), and if you were going to be able to pull it all off. But look at you now, all capped and gowned and ready to go out into the “real world.”

Remember: the world doesn’t owe you a living. Some of you may end up serving soup, salad and breadsticks, changing tires, or mastering the art of folding and displaying apparel – great. There is no work that is below you.

Also, don’t pin your hopes and dreams on graduate school. I’m sure a lot of you are postponing the onslaught of the “real world” by applying to grad programs because you’ve no idea what else to do. No matter what anyone else tells you, grad school is for people who want to go into specialized fields, and, by the way, it’s really friggin’ tough. A lot tougher than anything you’ve seen here.

That’s where the advice ends as far as this column is con-

cerned. I mean, for God’s sake, it’s about to be summer! We can all feel it when we only have to throw on a hoodie before we walk outside.

“Advice is... offered up as instructions and, the truth is, you’ve been given more suggestions and even instructions over the last four years than you’ll ever know what to do with.”

And every once in a while we can smell and almost taste it when the neighbor down the road decides to cook his first hotdogs and hamburgers out on the grill. And we can just barely see it when we decide to throw on that cool pair of Ray-Bans (or Panama Jacks if

you’re on the Wal-Mart budget like me) before we walk to class or drive to work. You can definitely hear it on the radio.

No more pencils, books, teachers’ dirty looks, yadda yadda yadda. Summer: a season dedicated to relaxing, spending time with best friends, vacationing with family and, hopefully, making some money.

The cold hard truth is that nobody knows what the heck they’re doing. And if somebody tries to tell you that they DO know what they’re doing then they’re lying and you should probably not talk to that person anymore.

The only thing you should really learn how to do from this point forward is to take things in stride. The Daily Beast recently published a list of the 20 most useless college majors. My curious taste/masochistic nature led me to peruse this list and see what good tidings it had in store. The number one most useless college major according to this list: journalism. Not puppetry. Journalism.

So…yeah…learn to take things in stride. I know I have.

Associate Commentary Editor Ryan Gilbert is a 7th-semester journalism major. He can be reached at Ryan.Gilbert@UConn.edu

uick

it “President Obama has done something that no one else has been do. He got Donald Trump to shut up.” – Jay Leno

able to

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Daily Campus, Page 5

Commentary

Life experience trumps enrolling in grad school immediately

I

t’s here. Graduation day. Maybe you’re a parent watching your child graduate. Perhaps you’re actually graduating.

You might be the guy who takes tickets.

No matter who you are, congratulations for getting to this point in your life. For all those graduates celebrating today, however, I urge you to do one thing: Do not go to grad school.

I’m not against graduate school entirely. I just believe that when deciding to dive into your next educational journey, it’s best to head out into the real world first.

Your priorities may change. We all wantBy Michelle Wax ed something coming into college, whether Staff Columnist it was new friends, discovering the purpose of life or learning to chug a few beers. But we all wanted to grow. What you want to study in grad school may change after having a few years of real world experience. What is interesting or beneficial to you will most likely change after experiencing something new.

Most grad students become teaching assistants, or TAs, either as a requirement of their department or just to make money. I assume most grad students do not want to pursue teaching for their entire career. If they do, I’m pretty worried about the quality of teachers coming out of grad schools.

Though there are a few exceptions, the resounding response I’ve received from fellow students and friends is that most TAs are awkward, nervous and boring. But I can’t blame them.

They’re not in school to teach and engage a group of hungover college students on a Friday morning. They’re in school to learn, just like us undergrads.

“Most grad students become teaching assistants, or TAs, either as a requirement of their department or just to make money. I assume most grad students do not want to pursue teaching for their entire career. If they do, I’m pretty worried about the quality of teachers coming out of grad schools.”

The power is all yours. Rather than listening to what a professor tells you and taking their word for it, you have the power to confidently make your own decisions with the information you are given. There’s no speculation involved. With a few years of real world experience, you’ll know how people in your

field think and what they really care about. This not only allows you to form educated thoughts from new material, but to focus on areas you may not have otherwise thought to study.

It’s not a guaranteed win. The job market is pretty barren these days – having a graduate degree is not going to guarantee you a job, or even help in getting one. According to The Economist, “Graduate courses are so specialized that university careers offices struggle to assist graduates looking for jobs, and supervisors tend to have little interest in students who are leaving academia.” There’s a common misconception that more education will put you above the rest, but it’s not just about the degree—it’s about experience.

We’ve been in school for 17 years. Isn’t it time for a break?

Thomas Benton of The Chronicle of Higher Education agrees. “Don’t be in such a hurry to re-institutionalize yourself.

Throw your mortarboard in the air. Consider yourself free for the first time in your life.”

So congratulations, graduates. Don’t go back to school. Turn to something new, something exciting. Head on out into the world and show ‘em what you’ve got.

Staff columnist Michelle Wax is a 7th-semester management major. She can be contacted at Michelle.Wax@UConn.edu

» THUMBS UP OR THUMBS DOWN - Grad Edition: I’m going to miss UConn after all

Mother’s Day couldn’t happen at a less convenient time

Totally bad

The ducks are back

Summer is calling

Joey Homza graduating

Totally saw that coming

Totally rad

Graduate school provides a refuge from frightening economy

G

raduation’s just around the corner, and whether the big walk comes next week or next year, the working world beckons.

For those who aren’t ready to surrender their summers to face an unsure employment market where 8.8 percent of people are unemployed nationally, graduBy Taylor Poro ate school provides an alternaStaff Columnist tive. It offers a refuge from the real world’s uncertainty, but getting into it requires certain life qualities and changes.

Being a grad student requires an unquenchable love of reading, but not for anything entertaining or relevant.

No, grad students spend their weeks reading hundreds of pages of articles written decades ago, using questionable methodologies that are about as enthralling as a crusty sandwich. Further, most of the articles and books, even in a person’s field, are tedious and nigh incomprehensible. Few books read before entering grad school can prepare a student for the monotonous bibliophile drudgery he or she must endure.

At some point, dorm living, with its shared bathrooms and communal freezers, stops being acceptable. Unless moving back home is preferable to paying $8,000 per academic year for room and board, apartment living is the only option, but it’s no better than the dorms. The cacophony of the neighbors, heating issues and plumbing problems are still there, only rent is due at the end of the month instead of at

the beginning of each semester and living miles from campus is far more inconvenient than imagined.

On the subject of rent, future grad students shouldn’t get too accustomed to money. The best-case scenario for a grad student is to have a TA job, which provides tuition remission and a stipend. The first problem is that considering how much work a TA does and how much they’re compensated, grad students make around (if not less than) minimum wage.

The second and more serious problem is the lack of continued funding for Ph.D. students. Budget cuts have resulted in funding cuts for many students, and while incoming students have mostly been spared from these cuts, they tend to shoulder more of the burden.

There is no question that the economic climate in Connecticut is perilous and that shared sacrifice is needed, but a Ph.D. is a lengthy endeavor in which funding is expected. Cuts are akin to pulling a rug out from under the feet of UConn’s grad students.

Of course, there are many ways to save money as a grad student. One way is to cut out TV. Even for grad students with enough time to watch TV, actually watching it, and especially discussing it, is a taboo of epic proportions. For those who have made the mistake of mentioning a TV program, the accompanying scorn can be displaced with a single phrase

“So, after cutting out TV, how much closer to finishing these are you?”

There are two exceptions to this rule. “The Office” is perfectly fine for grad students to discuss, which is ironic considering few have worked in an office. The second exception is engineering students, for whom not watching TV is taboo.

“Grad school offers a refuge from the real world’s uncertainty, but getting into it requires certain life qualities and changes.”

Finally, the most important thing about being a grad student is the thesis. For those not familiar with university policies, there are three ways for grad students to graduate. Master’s students are required to write either two master’s papers or a single thesis, whereas Ph.D. students must only author a thesis. Both types of students must defend their papers to a panel of professors, but the difficulty is far less for master’s students, so

they can stop reading this now.

The thesis is the central aspect of a grad student’s career. It’s a 50-100 page paper creating an argument they’ve spent their career defining and redefining that, much like a child, becomes the center of their life. It’s the focal point of any conversation. Every article, regardless of how obscure or esoteric, is run against the thesis to see if it can be included.

Also, grad students must face the insults that are hurled at their theses.

Entering grad school also requires learning a new way to read. Most people have already stopped reading this article and are looking at the comics or the Instant Daily, while others are reading through this intently and a small subgroup have just read the first and last paragraphs. But congratulations to those skimmers out there: you’re ready to be grad students.

Sure, there is a life change during grad school: there is no more money, TV, or conversations that don’t include your thesis. But at least student loans are postponed and there is no need to worry about a job in a stagnant economic recovery.

Staff columnist Taylor Poro is a 3rd-semester graduate student studying political science. He can be contacted at Taylor.Poro@UConn.edu

What will you miss most about UConn?

– By Dana Lovallo and Wynne Hamerman

“Whitney Dining Hall.”

“The eccentricities of East Campus.”

“Horsebarn Hill.”

Mindy Brown, 8th-semester English major

Dan Peacock, 8th-semester political science and economics double major

Erin Lofink, 8th-semester English major

“Ted’s.”

“Well, I’m not graduating yet so...nothing.”

Libby McCormick, 8th-semester sports management major

Ben Baldwin, 8th-semester marketing major

“Karaoke Wednesdays, Nickel Night Thursdays, Carriage Fridays and Mohegan Saturdays.”

Kelly Hallinan, 8th-semester finance major

“I’ll miss a lot of things – the whole college experience.”

Joe Huff, 8th–semester physiology and neurobiology and psychology double major

“I’m going to miss walking onto my grassless lawn, seeing my chair dangling from a tree, and my kitchen table charred a crispy black. You don’t shrug those kinds of things off as an adult.”

Rico Deluca, 8th-semester allied health major

The Daily Campus, Page 6

Students embrace late night lifestyles during the finals

from UCONN, page 1 “I studied for the last exam for a week and a half and I got a 74 on it,” Mullen said.

She returns to her work.

“Wait, where am I?” Mullen said, sighing. Having lost her place on the page, Mullen places her elbows on her knees and plops her head in her hands. She finds her place and continues to read: “‘Genotypes linked to phenotypes. Give examples.’”

Cruz, Mullen’s roommate and a 5th-semester math major, said she is writing a paper for her women’s studies class, but this does not appear to be the case. Shouting over Mullen, Cruz talks about Facebook with people in a nook attached to the study-lounge. This stirs up laughter from two women who leave their table to join Cruz and devour the food that is laid out.

Outside the study-lounge in the lobby of Russell, a black MacBook, a notebook and a piece of paper with long, complicated calculations and eraser dust are left to be put in sophomore Samir Dahmani’s backpack before he leaves the wooden study cubicle for bed.

“When I have exams I’m working throughout the day, so I’m not very productive after 12 a.m.,” said Dahmani, a biomedical engineering and French double major.

Dahmani said he usually goes to bed at midnight, but this night it will be later because of a pickup soccer game he played earlier that took up studying time.

He has a bio systems analysis exam on Friday and an electrical circuits and engineering homework assignment due tomorrow.

“If I have some time to study during the day I’ll use it,” Dahmani said. “But on days that are busy if I have time in between classes, I’ll listen to music.”

Dahmani also feels that if the subject he is studying is enjoy-

Saturday, May 7, 2011

News

able, he understands it better.

“Yesterday I was studying for French and it was a lot more relaxing,” he said. “[Engineering] can be dry. I definitely burn out a lot quicker with this than with French.”

Dahmani is always busy. In addition to soccer, he is a lab research assistant, he plays violin in the UConn orchestra and he is working on a DJ startup firm. Listening to music, playing guitar and spending a lot of time in the dining hall helps him maintain his sanity.

“I wouldn’t say I stress out easily,” he said. “But I do get frustrated sometimes.”

Dahmani’s busy schedule is not the only reason he tries to get to bed early.

“I’m forced to sleep at 12 because [my roommate] goes to bed at 12, and if I don’t get to sleep before him, his snoring keeps me awake,” Dahmani said.

“For a while, like for a week or two, I wasn’t going to my first class because I would go to bed at one, somehow fall asleep, and his snoring would wake me up.

If I went to class I would learn negligible amounts.”

Some people can still function missing classes, according to Dahmani.

“I know kids who don’t go to the big lectures and do better than other kids who do attend the big lecture,” he said.

Dahmani is not one of those students. Instead, he said he takes care of himself.

“I eat well, exercise eight to 10 hours a week or something,” he said, although he admitted he had an energy drink a few hours earlier. “If you’re going to pull an all-nighter, you’re going to gain six hours that you would have been sleeping. Can’t you find some time that you can glean six hours from your day?

From your week?”

Thomas.Michael@UConn.edu

Obama closes the circle with visit to ground zero

NEW YORK (AP) — In the days after Sept. 11, a president hoisted a bullhorn and raised his voice in the smoldering ruins of the World Trade Center to galvanize a nation. On Thursday, nearly a decade later, another president brought a wreath to ground zero and bowed his head in silence.

In between, so much had changed. The site is tree-lined and soon to be a memorial to the thousands who died. The attention of Americans drifted away from this crime scene, to the wars being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a world where terrorism is a fearful fact of life.

But then came word of Osama bin Laden’s demise at the hands of Navy SEALs. And Barack Obama, the president who inherited this painful legacy from George W. Bush, was moved to close the circle, to visit ground zero for the first time as president.

This was not a victory lap.

There was little flag waving, few chants of “USA! USA!” Obama made no public remarks; he met privately with firefighters and police officers and family of the dead. The atmosphere was more somber than celebratory, a day devoted to honoring the living, not exulting over the buried-at-sea corpse of a terrorist mastermind.

Still, there was an unmistakable sense of joy in the lower Manhattan crowds. “Obama’s brought us back to ground zero, but in a good way,” said Steven Hamilton, a 47-year-old New Yorker. “This is a good day for him to come out to show that he is tough, that he is our commander in chief, and that we are safer because Osama is out of the picture.”

More than anything else, there was an oft-expressed hope that a painful chapter in the nation’s history may finally be coming to a close.

“Every day is a memory of

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UConn Huskies wins men’s basketball Nation Championship Prince William and Kate Middleton get married Navy SEALS kill Osama bin Laden

AP

President Barack Obama, accompanied by a New York City Firefighter, observers a moment of silence after placing a wreath at the World Trade Center site in New York, Thursday.

that day,” said Detective Steven Stefanakos, among the officers who met Obama on the way to the ceremony. “The difference now is we have an end, which means we can have a new beginning, a chance to move forward past this.”

Obama began the day at Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9, a Manhattan firehouse that lost 15 firefighters on 9/11, more than any other in the city.

“When we say we will never forget, we mean what we say,” Obama said there. America would not forget any of it: not the deaths of helpless civilians, not the heroism of police and firefighters. And not the

crimes that spurred a 10-year manhunt for the man who sent two planes crashing into the World Trade Center and others into the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pa. The president saw the bronze plaques with the names of the companies’ fallen. But he shared a hearty firehouse meal (eggplant parmesan, mesclun salad, a shrimp-and-scallops dish), joked and talked sports.

From there, Obama dropped in on a police precinct and laid a wreath at ground zero in front of a “survivor tree” that somehow lived through the attacks.

The ceremony was nearly silent and entirely nonpolitical; there

were officials from both parties, and Rudolph Giuliani — the Republican mayor whose stewardship during the dark days of September 2001 is legendary — escorted Obama to the firehouse.

There were so many flashbacks. Every time Obama hugged a surviving spouse of one of the victims, it recalled the uncounted times when Giuliani and Bush did precisely the same thing.

And when Obama walked across the plaza, you could almost hear the echoes of George Bush shouting through the bullhorn: “The people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”

THIS DATE IN HISTORY

BORN ON THIS DATE

1902

Martinique’s Mount Pele begins the deadliest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.

www.dailycampus.com

The Daily Campus, Page 7

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Pre-graduation bucket list

Why to keep college college friends

By Joe O’Leary Staff Writer Congratulations, graduates!

You’ve finally made it! After four years of expensive schooling, ridiculous gen-ed classes that you never learn anything in and Red Bull-fueled all-nighters, the university has decided to reward you with… a piece of paper! (Well, a piece of paper that proves you’ve earned your education in a subject and will hopefully lead to a fulfilling job in the future, of course).

Hopefully during your time in Storrs, you’ve led a fulfilling college life that you’ll generically describe to people as “the best four years of your life” for the rest of your days on Earth.

But did you do EVERYTHING? Probably not. This UConn Bucket List isn’t completely serious, but hopefully you’ll find some inspiration in it for your last moments in Storrs.

Swim in Mirror Lake Sure, it’s illegal, and yeah, it’s absolutely disgusting and not fit for human life, but if you’re quick about it, you can sneak right in there! Bonus points if you make it to the island in the middle and completely dry off, leading passerby to assume you made it there through flight or teleportation.

Go to UConn sporting events We all know the basketball raffle is frustrating and the football tickets sell out a mere three months after they go on sale, but games are rewarding, fulfilling and tons of fun. Simply being in the sea of fellow Huskies around you is an incredible experience.

Double that during incredible Kemba game-winners, triple it if you’ve watched a Big East Championship-caliber team and

By Stephanie Ratty Focus Editor

ASHLEY POSPISIL/The Daily Campus

Students clean up in Mirror Lake after the 2010 Oozeball Competition. With your last remaining time at UConn, be sure to take a dip in Mirror Lake, but be sure to avoid the parasites.

quadruple it if you’ve actually seen Charles Okwandu score more than two points in a game.

Sing Karaoke at Late Night As fun as it is watching Lil’ Brit sing “Yeah” every Friday night, it’s twice as fun if you can get yourself onstage. Hey, if you’re getting wings past midnight, you might be drunk any-

way. When is there a better time to belt it out?

Find the ski-lift on Horsebarn Hill Yes, there is a ski lift somewhere on Horsebarn Hill. I have no idea where it is. The long, depressing search for it has stolen my soul. Please find it so I can have closure.

Climb the PNB tower The tallest building on campus, climbing the PNB tower on a beautiful day or a starry night allows you to see one of Storrs’ most beautiful sights outside of Caroline Doty – the entire campus. Seeing the expanse of campus is breathtaking. Try to get one last view in before you leave for good (except you, grad students.

You’ve got a few more years.)

There are thousands of things I could have written on here, so hopefully you can fill the holes in on your own Bucket List. Have fun in the real world, guys! The rest of us jealous undergrads will miss you!

Joseph.O’Leary@UConn.edu

Which celebrities get schooled off the set

By Kim Halpin Staff Writer

When college grads are finally thrown out into the “real world” and asked what it is they want to do, the ocean of options can overwhelm their responses. But come autumn, if nothing worthwhile has presented itself, grads can look to their favorite celebrities for ideas and leadership.

Many actors and stars have been heading back to school even after their highly successful careers have given them all of the awards, jobs and money they need to last them a lifetime. Why are they doing this?

Simply to better themselves and refine the professions they gained their status in.

Perhaps the most talked about second-time student is actually not a second-time or third-time student, but a fourth. Having already earned degrees in fine arts, English and film, James Franco is heading back to school. This time he’s studying at Yale for his doctorate in English. A dedicated student, Franco has forgone many Hollywood events to make it to his morning lectures. Whoever said you couldn’t have a career with an English degree should talk to Franco.

Another celebrity who has

Owen Hart - 1965 Tim Russert - 1950 Gary Cooper - 1901 Robert Browning - 1812

College friends are there for us through four years of new experiences. They are our roommates, classmates, shopping buddies and therapists. They are the perfect company for late nights at the library, tailgating before football games and waiting in line for pizza at Sgt Pep’s on Spring Weekend. They stand next to us in silk caps and gowns and stand with us on stage to get a piece of paper that defines the past four years, which fly by in a glimpse.

Yet these friends should not be saved in memory alone.

College friends can be one of the greatest resources in our lives, both professionally and emotionally.

For starters, the transition into the real world is scary enough, but imagine having to adjust to so many new responsibilities without a friend to lean on.

Amanda Fairbanks graduated in December with an English degree.

She said having UConn friends helped fight off the loneliness she felt from moving back home.

“I found once I left college and moved back home I became very depressed because no one my age lived around me anymore,” Fairbanks said. “If it wasn’t for keeping in touch with my college friends, showing me that no matter what, we will always be there for each other, the transition would have been a lot harder for me.”

Fairbanks added that the friends we meet in college are the ones we hold onto for the rest of our lives.

On a more practical level, friends from undergraduate or even graduate programs can be beneficial when it comes time to finding a “real job.” Odds are, there is at least one friend within your major who is graduating with a job offer. For those who do not have employment lined up, these friends can act as a potential liaison to secure a position in the field.

Second-semester nursing major Christine Ogonowski said that networking through friends might secure more than just a job.

“I will definitely keep my college friends when I graduate because a lot of my friends are different majors and have different personalities,” Ogonowski said. “You never know when you might be able to network and get someone to help you find a job, apartment or even your future partner.”

Graduating communication science and Spanish major Kayla McNickle said she’ll maintain her college friendships because of the impact they have had on her life.

“Often the friendships you make in college prove to be longlasting and important relationships because they are relationships you make during such a dynamic time,” McNickle said.

Whether for networking, transitioning to the “real world,” or simply to hold onto someone who has left an impression, it is important to keep college friends close as you graduate and become functional members of society.

been in the news a lot regarding her education is Emma Watson.

The “Harry Potter” star decided to go back to school and attend Brown University. Recently, however she has decided to take a break and focus again on her acting career by finishing the Harry Potter movies and her next project, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Watson will be continuing her education in the meantime and sent a letter to her fans explaining that it’ll just take a little longer to get her degree. Sometimes, you have to be able to juggle all of you’re top priorities.

Some Hollywood stars’ choices to go back to school can just be baffling, such as Steven Spielberg and Tyra Banks.

Spielberg went to the University of Southern California, but as a poor student, had to drop out before receiving his film degree. He also took classes at California State UniversityLong Beach, this time leaving to work with Universal Studios.

After winning two Academy Awards, countless other recognitions, and even receiving an honorary film degree, Spielberg earned his degree for himself.

Maybe it wasn’t necessary, but it was clearly important to Spielberg that he earn a degree on his own merit.

Banks decided to head back to college at the age of 37. Accepted at Harvard, Banks even “roughed it” by living in the dorms during her stay. She has taken part in a program for business minded people, which has helped her fulfill her dreams of a college education. After giving up her educational track to succeed in modeling, Banks has been wait-

ing for the opportunity to head back to the classroom.

The list of student celebrities is quite long and includes Natalie Portman, Dakota Fanning, Shakira, Denzel Washington, and Shaquille O’Neal. They all had various reasons for returning to classes, such as keeping promises to themselves or parents, wanting

to prove themselves or gaining more credentials.

If at the end of college you’re still feeling lost, it can only help to gain a few more degrees and credentials to make you a more legitimate candidate for your future career.

Kimberly.Halpin@UConn.edu

Stephanie.Ratty@UConn.edu

time management. When heading to college there is a sense of great freedom that students never experienced while in high school. Rather than have a structured schedule like in high school, students can finally decide when to do various tasks on their own schedule. There is also plenty of free time for freshmen, depending on their course load. However, once in grad school, it’s highly advised to have a very structure schedule in order to complete daily tasks on time. Grad students need to learn to juggle life responsibilities along with school work.

Once in grad school it is a new ballpark and the stakes are high with schoolwork and grades. In college many students are ok with receiving a passing grade that can

consist of a C or lower. In grad school there is a certain GPA that students must maintain in order to stay in their classes. Typically it must be a 3.0, and if a grad student receives anything lower, they run the risk of being kicked out of that class for the rest of the semester.

Students transitioning into college life have plenty of time to explore possible majors and fields of interest. The course load for freshmen is typically easy compared to the later years and most students tend to have four to seven classes per semester. This concept changes drastically once in grad school, as most students will only have three classes per semester because of the intensity of the work load. A lot of this work is

concentrated on your primary field of study and will focus on every angle of it. In college, students have the opportunity to take side classes that are not related to their major and usually these classes are just for fun. Unfortunately, in grad school there is no time for extra side classes that are for leisure.

Although, the plus side for grad students is that they will only focus on the subject that greatly interests them rather than worry about fulfilling requirements that have nothing to do with their field.

At the college level, we have lectures that contain over 200 students, which offers the convenience of not having to participate in class. It can be easy to

become lost in a sea of students and not worry about raising your hand in front of the whole class to answer a professor’s question.

This concept changes in grad school because students cannot get away with not contributing to the class. Contributing to the class can sharpen the skills of grad students as they prepare arguments defending what their case study may be. Students need to be ready to devote a lot of time to their specialization and also expect to do a lot of original research.

Transition into grad school is a big step closer to gaining the highest level of education that our educational system has to offer. Although it may seem intimidating for a lot of

students, grad school has its benefits for certain areas of studies. Students can gain a greater knowledge of understanding within their area of specialty and better skills in researching. Grad school isn’t for everyone. For instance, the work load can be over bearing, especially with the focus of only one area. Nonetheless, students transitioning to grad school are more than ready to take on the task and have a great enthusiasm for their field. The transition of high school to college and college into grad school are two contrasting experiences in a student’s life.

AP

(Left) James Franco at the 2011 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Franco is pursuing a doctorate in English at Yale University.

(Right) Emma Watson at the BAFTA Film Awards 2011. Watson is taking a break from her studies at Brown University to continue filming.

The big switch: making the transition to graduate school

By Loumarie Rodriguez Campus Correspondent Transitioning from high school to college life can be difficult for some students.

Balancing a newfound freedom with a larger work load can be tough, but at the same time most students manage to pull it off while being able to party on weekends. However, transitioning into graduate school is a very different process from transitioning into college life.

For students planning to pursue a masters or doctorate degree have a new transition to overcome once in grad school. College and graduate schools are two separate establishments of higher learning, and their differences start with

Loumarie.Rodriguez@UConn.edu

The Daily Campus, Page 8

Catching a UConn squirrel

By John Tyczkowski Associate Focus Editor You know the ones. The cute little critters that dart around campus. Those beady black eyes and big bushy tails.

They’re everywhere, and I’m sure you’ve been tempted more than once to make one your pet. There’s so many of them, who’d notice? And it’d be so cool. Well, in honor of these lofty aspirations, I figured I’d introduce into the public consciousness a few ideas on how to capture the infamous UConn squirrel and make it yours. I’ve heard many different ideas over my years at Storrs and here are a few of the best.

Squirrel Fishing This one is pretty intuitive, as this activity’s just what it sounds like. The setup is pretty simple: get a fishing ad, put some kind of nut on the end of it (and yes, I’m referring to the bait, not the person holding the rod). Peanuts do very well, I’ve observed, and I would imagine acorns could probably do wonders as well. Then comes the exciting part: find a relatively unoccupied space on campus where you can cast your line, but make sure it’s not too open (squirrels like their trees after all). Then, while far enough away to stay out of sight of the squirrel but still close enough to react, begin the waiting game.

Now, while the setup is ingenious and daring, I’m not exactly sure what happens when the squirrel takes the nut. If you can

MATT LIN/The Daily Campus

Jonathan the Husky leaps at a squirrel Rentschler Field in East Hartford. Take a tip on his form to catch one of your own.

reel him in, be careful because he’ll be a lot more dangerous than those little spiny sunfish you used to catch down at the lake. Maybe another effort’s worth a try.

Find, Flank and Finish This particular strategy comes from many popular

strategy video games, as well as from real life military tactics. However, you’ll need to have a few friends (at least two) in tow to make this one work. Also, you have to set the time and place of the engagement with your prospective pet, as terrain seri-

economics major and business minor, was a part of the Polish Cultural Society during her years at UConn. She became an officer of the society in the spring semester of her junior year. “I’m going to Europe and I’m planning to have the time of my life,” Remiszewski said.

This trip is offered to all seniors and is organized by the Alumni association. The handful of students attending the trip will visit England, France, Greece and Italy. Students will travel from May 16 through June 1.

Remiszeski, hopes to find something in the job market after returning from her trip.

“Within the next couple of weeks I will figure out the job situation and figure out where I am going to be. It’s kind of stressful,” she said.

Brittany Londa, a journalism

major, was the primary anchor and field reporter for UCTV News. She has covered numerous stories during her years at UConn and anchored her final news cast on April 28. She also has interned for NBC and plans to become a TV reporter.

“I want to be a reporter and apply to jobs around the country,” Londa said. “I’m just trying to get on camera anywhere and I’m just hoping it will work out.”

Daniel Sottini, a psychology major, has a different set of aspirations after graduating, compared to the other two graduates. One of his main goals is to make a million dollars and be retired by the age of 30. Sottini said, “After graduating, I plan to be a good husband and a home owner with no mort-

ously impacts this technique’s effectiveness. Ideally, you want a space where there are few, if any, trees, as well a corner (though a wall will do in a pinch). The lack of trees prevents a vertical escape avenue that you aren’t equipped to handle, and the corner helps to surround the squirrel. The actual method is pretty easy: one person scares the prospective pet towards the corner, and then the other people come in from the sides to try to rush the squirrel.

Better wear really thick gloves with this one. And maybe a full body suit. Those critters can bite, so I’ve heard.

But they’re also wicked fast and once you’re over-encumbered in your squirrel-resistant gear, they could just run through your legs. Though better, this one’s not quite there yet.

Chase and Outsmart Man versus squirrel in its purest form. A true contest of agility, cunning, and wills between human and rodent.

No special equipment or gear needed here, and no training or planning. Just simply run after every squirrel you see, preferably flailing your arms and screaming, to complete the unhinged appearance.

Who knows, one day you just might get lucky and grab the tail or something. At the least, you’re certain to go viral if your efforts are outlandish enough. Or at least make the Instant Daily.

John.Tyczkowski@UConn.edu

Class of 2011 post-grad plans

By Loumarie Rodriguez Campus Correspondent The graduating class of 2011 is heading into the “real world” with many worries of the job market but there are many different paths to choose from.

Each graduate has numerous options of what to do immediately after graduation.

While some plan to jump into the job market, others plan to take this opportunity to see what other parts of the United States have to offer. Other graduates plan to use this time to explore the world before heading to the work force. A lucky few may already have a job lined up.

The options of post graduation are limitless.

Monica Remiszewski, an

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Focus

gage in three years.”

Sottini also described his years at UConn as rewarding and says he has met some great people.

Bethany Ciullo, music major plans to head to grad school after graduating.

Ciullo will be heading south to the University of Miami and will continue her study in the field of music. “UConn has given me the flexibility and the opportunity to succeed,” Ciullo said. “I hope to compose pieces of music for video games, film and even TV shows.”

With a list of aspirations almost as diverse as the graduates themselves, it seems that the graduating class of 2011 is ready to take on the world.

Loumarie.Rodriguez@UConn.edu

» RELATIONSHIPS

Advice on maintaining college relationships after graduation

By Alessandra Petrino Campus Correspondent There is enough to stress about after college—such as securing a job and deciding where to live—without worrying about maintaining a special relationship.

Despite this, many soon-tobe graduates are concerned about maintaining a longdistance relationship with friends, family or significant others as they once again transition into the next chapter in their lives.

“To me, the fear is the uncertainty of what will happen once we’re apart. It’s especially scary when your relationship hasn’t come to a point where you’ve had to spend that much time apart from each other without seeing each other on a daily basis,” said one student graduating this weekend who wishes to remain anonymous.

Yet, just because the thought of maintaining a long-distance relationship is scary doesn’t mean it is impossible to do.

“It is a more difficult type of relationship to have, but just because a relationship is long-distance does not mean it is problematic,” said Barry Schreier, Director of Counseling and Mental Health Services at UConn.

Along with Schreier, several college students offered tips about how to maintain a healthy long-distance relationship: Communicate “Schedule communication, have communication regularly and be sure to get together in person from time to time so that the relationship does not become only long distance,” Schreier said.

Visiting is a must Use social media (such as Facebook chat) or text and call each other several times a week.

“It requires honest and authentic communication between both parties and both parties need to be engaged in each other 50/50,” said 22-year-old, Alex Spitzenberger, a student at Western Connecticut State University.

Use Skype Though the physical separation is difficult, using a webcam helps to minimize the distance.

“With all the new technology, it is now so much easier to keep very close relationships with your children who are away at college. In my case, my child is in Canada and Skype has been my savior,” said Geraldine White, a mother.

“Just because the thought of maintaining a long-distance relationship is scary, doesn’t mean it is impossible to do.”

Don’t be afraid of snail mail. A handwritten note can go a long way.

Establish trust “Only by speaking with each other and ensuring that both are on the same page will you go a long way to ensure that the situation yield a positive outcome,” Spitzenberger said.

And finally, make a support network. Others know how you feel. Talk to friends and family going through something similar and if need be, talk to a therapist.

“Know that this will feel like a lot of transition all the time…continue to have shared lives not only between yourselves, but also with each other’s daily lives: the things and people within them,” Schreier said.

So, though the thought of yet another journey comes with a lot of frightening thoughts, being able to maintain a relationship with your loved one wherever you two may be, doesn’t have to be scary.

Relationships, no matter what type, are work, and just like any other relationship, one of long-distance needs to have trust, communication and understanding.

Alessandra.Petrino@UConn.edu

Graduation day soundtrack: songs for every mood

By Purbita Saha Staff Writer Graduation: tears, cheers and fears.

It’s necessary to capture this wide range of emotions with the perfect playlist. Surprisingly, this playlist doesn’t include Vitamin C’s “Graduation (Friends Forever)” – sorry, Russell – or Nelly Furtado’s “Like a Bird.” For an ideal graduation soundtrack you need some pomp and circumstance, some nostalgia and most importantly, some inspiration for the future.

“Stand By Me”-John Lennon: “I won’t cry, no I won’t shed a tear/ Just as long as you stand, stand by me,” sings Lennon. And he speaks the truth – college is just the end of the beginning.

Your good friends will always be with you to pick you up when you fall.

“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”-Green Day: This song has been exhausted from being on every middle school/ high school/college graduation playlist. But there’s a defining quality to this Green Day piece that makes it suitable for any terminal situation and keeps it from being a cliché. Hopefully, all of you are satisfied with your UConn experience. You can now leave this campus peacefully, with countless memories of basketball, Jay Hickey, cow

farms and Spring Weekend.

“Young Forever”-Jay-Z: I was going to go with the original version of this song – “Forever Young” by Alphaville. But then I realized that Jay-Z adds a certain confidence to it that makes it a much better fit for graduation. “Just a picture perfect day that lasts a whole lifetime/ and it never ends, ‘cause all we have to do is hit rewind.” Jay-Z doesn’t think that you need to say goodbye, so you should just stop while you’re at it.

“Where are You Going”Dave Matthews Band: This is one of those songs that you’re allowed to be sad to.

At the same time, it doesn’t warrant any crying. Go out into the world and search for what makes you happy. Find “answers to questions under the stars.”

“Your Song”-Elton John: John meant this song to be a romantic serenade, but it’s generally an optimistic song that predicts a sunny, happy future for each and every one of us.

Also check out Ellie Goulding’s cover of the song. It’s more bare bones and yearning, and at times, more emotionally-moving than the original.

“Snow (Hey Oh)”-Red Hot Chili Peppers: The instrumentals on this song can singlehandedly set the mood for graduation. The lyrics are also perceptive: “When it’s killing me/ What do I really need/ All that

I need to look inside.” Every UConn graduate is a winner.

Every UConn graduate has the chance to make it to the top of the world.

“Power”-Kanye West: This pick may seem a little too obvious. But it’s the ego-booster and extreme measure of confidence that is necessary for you graduates as you make the transition from the Storrs bubble over to the real world. Don’t worry, you got nothin’ to lose, you rollin’.

“Hello”-Martin Solveig & Dragonette: “Hello” is not really relevant to graduation.

The song however, is fun and blissful enough to get everyone pumped up for the post-graduation celebrations.

“Lived in Bars”-Cat Power: Be warned, this song is a bit of a downer. Cat Power sings about wallowing in nostalgia.

However, she also talks about enjoying carefree times and the company of friends. “Lived in Bars” is a good song to define the first few months that follow graduation.

“Heroes”-David Bowie: Everyone wants to make a difference – and according to Bowie, everyone can. As corny as it sounds, every UConn graduate will make his or her mark on the world someday. You’ve all left your legacies at UConn already, and that’s as good of a start as any.

Purbita.Saha@UConn.edu

Photos courtesy of Amazon.com

(Top left) “Where are you going” on Dave Matthews Band’s album, “Busted Stuff” will help to find the right path. (top right) John Lennon says friends will always be there for you on his single, “Stand by me.” (bottom left) Green Day’s “Good Riddance” on the album “Nimrod” is the go-to graduation song, and “Snow (Hey Oh)” (bottom right) on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Stadium Arcadium” will put anybody in the mood for graduation.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Daily Campus, Page 9

Focus

Excitement builds as word of newlywed British royals’ California visit hits the US Prince William and new wife Kate to visit California’s Dodgers Stadium LOS ANGELES (AP) — They could visit a movie set, grab a surfboard and shoot the curl at Malibu, sample a winery or two, even take in a baseball game at Dodger Stadium.

And, if baseball didn’t seem too strange a sport to people raised on cricket and soccer, maybe Prince William and his new bride, the former Kate Middleton, could buy the team afterward. There is a rumor it might soon be up for sale.

The point is, there will be plenty to do when Britain’s new hot young royal couple arrives in California on July 8.

And, if the titters of excitement already emanating across the state are an indication, they will be welcomed with open arms by throngs of people.

Not that there won’t be a downside to that as well.

“Wherever they go, it’s going to be more traffic and more security and the locals aren’t going to be thrilled with that,” said Jeff Aberbach, a government employee who lives in the Sacramento area and was quick to post the announcement of the royal visit on his Facebook page Thursday.

“But it will give people something to look at. It’s a nice way to break the summer doldrums, having a future king and queen of England visit us.”

If the prince and his bride, aka the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have decided where they want to go during their three-day stay, they haven’t told the British consulate in Los Angeles, said Katharine Keith, a consulate

spokeswoman.

It will be Kate’s first visit to the United States and William’s first official visit.

Their wedding last month at London’s Westminster Abbey created a flurry of excitement in the United States.

Hundreds stood in New York City’s Times Square to watch it on the massive television screen there.

Across the country, hundreds more jammed into Ye Old King’s Head British pub in Santa Monica to take in the exchange of vows over an English breakfast of bangers and mash.

At Walt Disney World in Florida people gathered near Cinderella’s castle to catch the broadcast.

“No matter where they venture in California, the royal visit will create a global postcard for the Golden State,” Caroline Beteta, president of the California Travel and Tourism Commission, said Thursday. Pretty much all royal visits do.

Although sometimes dismissed as dour and dowdy, William’s father, Prince Charles, and his wife, Camilla, were a big hit when they visited the San Francisco Bay area in 2005, mingling with the common folk as they sampled produce at farmers markets.

William’s mother, Princess Diana, created a huge stir when she visited in the 1980s, charming people everywhere she went.

Royal visits, of course, also create traffic jams, and California Highway Patrol spokeswoman Fran Clader said her agency could be called on to try to help keep

AP

Fans sit in the top deck of Dodger Stadium during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves, Thursday in Los Angeles. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig is taking away control of the Dodgers from owner Frank McCourt, whose troubled finances and unresolved divorce settlement have seemingly paralyzed the once-proud franchise. the roads clear. But for security reasons she wouldn’t say whether the agency has been asked yet.

As they plan their trip, William and Kate might get some tips from the prince’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. She stopped in San Diego, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Francisco and elsewhere in 1983. During an earlier visit she even watched movies being made at Universal Studios.

To help the royal couple plan, the Los Angeles Times asked readers Thursday to offer their suggestions.

Several whimsically replied

that a stop at Dodger Stadium was in order, adding they hoped the couple might like the sport so much they’d buy the distressed franchise.

If William and Kate are superstitious, however, they might want to stay away from San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado.

King Edward VIII stayed at the tony beachfront resort in 1920 and, as anyone who saw the film “The King’s Speech” knows, threw the British monarchy into turmoil a few years later when he abdicated the throne to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson.

“Many have speculated that

they may have first met at the Del,” the hotel says on its website.

Likewise, William might pass on the ongoing exhibition of graffiti art at Los Angeles’ Museum of Contemporary Art lest he get the wrong idea.

During a 1984 visit, his uncle, Prince Andrew, playfully picked up a spray-paint gun at a construction site and blasted reporters and photographers with it, creating a minor international incident.

But no matter, there are plenty of other places to go.

Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica, where the

royal couple’s friend David Beckham stops by for lunch, would pull out all the stops, said Peter Dolan, the Liverpool native who runs the place.

“We’d have our staff dressed up as royal guards, we’d have a couple doormen outside in full regalia,” he said.

“And our girls would all love to wait on Prince William,” he added with a laugh. “They quite fancy him.”

The Daily Campus, Page 10

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Comics

Irregardless

by Lindsey Dunlap 57 First stage 58 Largest city in Africa 59 Common teenage emotion 60 Slow, to Solti 65 Conk out, as an engine 67 Gmail alternative

by Andrew Prestwich

Down 1 Bridal shower pile 2 Really like 3 Take a long bath, say 4 Connecticut Ivy Leaguer 5 Promise 6 Pets on wheels 7 Not stale 8 Credit card user 9 Right-angle shape 10 Mall eatery site 11 Sleep clinic concern 12 Storage closet wood 13 Perfect places 18 Renaissance Faire sign word

22 TV’s “__ Smart” 26 “Sonic the Hedgehog” developer 28 Hedge bush 30 Soap ingredient 31 Electric swimmer 32 E.T. of ‘80s TV 33 Sales meeting visual aid 35 Snug bug’s spot 37 Bubble wrap filler 38 Genetic letters 39 Like JFK and FDR 41 Fun run length, for short 42 Boston nickname 43 Boo-boo kisser 48 “Not happening!”

49 “Law & Order: __” 51 Enthusiastic 52 Voting alliances 53 Russian coin 54 Archipelago unit 55 Goosebump-inducing

Jason and the Rhedosaurus

72 8 x 10 or 11 x 14: Abbr.

73 One of five who heeded the directions in the first words of 17-, 25-, 40-, 52- and 66-Across

Toast

by Tom Dilling

Across 1 Indiana city of song 5 TV channels 2-13 8 Draw unwelcome graffiti on 14 Concept 15 Rowboat need 16 Ran to Vegas to get married, perhaps 17 “Come this way!”

19 “Dirty” hair color 20 Breadcrumbs, in a children’s story 21 Army NCO 23 College official 24 Blush-inducing H.S. class 25 Annual black-tie broadcast, familiarly 27 Needle hole 29 Palm smartphone 30 Turn over a new __ 34 Bungle the job 36 Tall hat wearer at Buckingham Palace 40 Beatles film with Blue Meanies 44 Like Keebler magic 45 Prefix with political 46 Airport transport 47 Writing tools 50 Doc’s org.

52 Hot spot for pizza 56 Inclined to opine 61 Like rain forests 62 “I Got You Babe,” e.g.

63 Asinine 64 Half a Beatles nonsense title 66 MERGE or SIGNAL AHEAD, e.g.

68 Church official 69 __ Jima 70 Lead-in for while 71 Living room piece

I Hate Everything

by Carin Powell

The Daily Crossword

Horoscopes Monkey Business

by Jack Boyd

Aries - Slow and steady does it. Don’t worry, you’ll think of something. If you find yourself moody or disappointed, get lost in a task until your blues change color.

Stickcat

Gemini - Today could be particularly prosperous. Take advantage by taking care of kitchen or home repairs.

Suggest patience to a loved one. Schedule romance for later.

by Karl, Jason, Fritz & Chan

Taurus - Don’t let a minor disagreement mess up plans.

Assess cash flow, and get a second opinion. Avoid the temptation to mouth off. Don’t let money worries interfere with love.

By Michael Mepham

Cancer - No flirting; the time’s not right. If you stumble, get up again. A loved one may seem obstinate. Avoid arguments about money. Allow a subconscious clue to emerge.

Leo - Are there jobs that need to be prioritized? Say “no” to travel, and avoid obvious mistakes.

Don’t gamble, except in love.

Grab a chance for contentment, and mop up any messes immediately.

Virgo - Don’t brag about your recent accomplishments; there’s more work to be done, even if you have to pull the strings backstage and never be acknowledged.

Libra - If you’re feeling upset today, find support in your community. Romantic misunderstandings could occur.

Get a wider perspective from your friends.

Why The Long Face

by Jackson Lautier

Scorpio - You’re more comfortable playing than working now. Complete what you need to, so you can relax.

Don’t be overwhelmed by fantastical concerns.

Sagittarius - Log in extra hours, and use your whole mind and body. Institutional investments may be just the ticket, but don’t go into debt. Stick close to the job, and keep pushing.

Capricorn- - Breakfast in bed can be comforting, if you don’t mind breadcrumbs on your pillow. Find support in your partner, and support them, too.

Don’t be hasty.

Sad Hamster

by Ashley Fong

Aquarius - The excellent work you’ve been doing reflects well on you. Stay in communication.

Discover joy in the moment.

Ease worries by giving thanks to others, especially your mom.

Pisces - Don’t fall for a trick.

Your loved ones encourage you to take on a new challenge.

Keep going for what you want.

Froot Bütch

by Brendan Albetski and Brendan Nicholas www.cupcakecomics.com.

Side of Rice

by Laura Rice

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Daily Campus, Page 11

Sports

Julianne 'Tower'ing above the rest

By Peter Logue Staff Writer

The most important moment for the UConn softball team in the past six years happened at on June 28, 2005, in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains.

It was there, at the Colorado Fireworks High School showcase, that the Huskies coaching staff first laid eyes on Julianne Towers, a feisty shortstop from Tennessee who would blossom into the face of their program and the cornerstone of their future.

Towers has led UConn in every offensive category over the past two seasons, etching her way into the record books in the process. In 2011, she is batting .376 with 30 runs scored, 53 hits, 14 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and 39 runs batted in, all of which are tops on the team. While doing most of her damage out of the leadoff spot, Towers also leads the Huskies with 103 total bases, a slugging percentage of .730, and 15 walks. Her 27 (and counting) career home runs are second all-time at UConn.

With eye black under her eyes, Towers is not just a force at the plate, she is also the staple of the UConn defense at the shortstop position. Although a second baseman by trade, she swapped

middle-infield positions this season to provide more of a vocal leader at shortstop. That was a fitting move, because outweighing all of Tower’s staggering statistics are the intangible qualities that she has brought to her team, most prominently her leadership.

“I’ve always been someone to talk on the field a lot, “Towers said. “My sophomore year we lost seven seniors and we had seven new girls come in and someone had to take that leadership role considering we didn’t have many upperclassmen. I decided to step up.”

For coach Karen Mullins, it will be difficult not to see the player that her staff fell in love with on that warm Colorado summer afternoon.

“Julie has had a major impact on the program right from day one,” Mullins said. “She just loves the game and her passion just sets a huge tone for us offensively and defensively.

She’s just a great competitor.

She has been everything that we thought she would be.”

Although her tenure in Storrs is winding down, the future is bright for the budding star.

Upon graduating with a degree in communications, Towers will try out for a professional team sometime this Spring. In addition, Towers is hoping to land a graduate assistant coaching position at a school in the coun-

Moore will be missed by students, fans and coach Auriemma from MAYA, page 14 fought valiantly until the final seconds of a national semifinal loss to Notre Dame, notching 36 of UConn’s 63 points.

During her final press conference in a Husky uniform, shared with coach Auriemma, reporters were indirectly reminded of an old truth as they witnessed the end of such an incredible career. Upon her exit back to the cheerless UConn

locker room, Auriemma said something that let everyone know that, as disappointing as their season end had been, the journey is much more important than the destination.

“I don’t know that you could wish for somebody better to spend four years with.”

Fans of UConn women’s basketball simply couldn’t agree “Moore.”

Andrew.J.Callahan@UConn.edu

try to enable her to complete her Masters as well as began the journey towards becoming “Coach Towers.” According to one of her young teammates, she is following quickly in the footsteps of associate head coach Andrea D’Innocenzo, a two-time All-American and Big East Conference Player of the Year at UConn who is currently in her eight season on the Huskies coaching staff.

“Much like Coach D, Julie gets pumped up for games and always gives 110 percent” said freshman catcher Andrea Huelsenbeck. “She always, as a leader should, does what she thinks is right. This similarity projects good things for Julie’s future as a ball player and as a coach. By the way she helps her teammates and talks to us when we are having problems, mentally or physically, I can already see the similarities between the way Julie and Coach D deal with players.”

Any sports fan in the country can associate the faces of Kemba Walker and Maya Moore with UConn athletics and the greatness that it stands for. But throw another name on the list of legendary Huskies who will be leaving Storrs this year. Throw on, Julianne Towers.

Peter.Logue@UConn.edu

JIM ANDERSON/The Daily Campus

Julianne Towers, seen here swinging at a pitch, has been the rock of the UConn softball program.

Congratulations to all graduates!

The Daily Campus might not print over the summer, but continue to check online for continued coverage and articles.

The DC Sports Blog is teaming up with Mansfield-Patch and will be posting all summer long.

Interested in writing for Sports next year?

Check us out at the Involvement Fair next fall.

The Daily Campus, Page 12

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Sports

So long to senior student-athletes

Staff Reports

Baseball Doug Elliot – The catcher was redshirted his freshman year but has done an excellent job as catcher this year, making some great defensive plays.

Elliot Glynn – The left handed pitcher has been a solid starter for the Huskies during his time with the team. Last season, he won seven games and finished with an ERA under three.

Greg Nappo – The left handed pitcher has proven himself to be an effective starter for UConn. So far this season, Nappo is 5-2 in his 9 starts.

Mike Nemeth – The first baseman has ben a regular starter for UConn since his arrival. He has been making huge offensive contributions since his freshman year and his defense at first base has improved dramatically.

Joe Pavone – The catcher would have been the starting catcher this year had a torn ACL not ended his season back in February. He had been a regular starter for the Huskies since 2009.

Rob Van Woert – The righthanded pitcher has been a solid starter for weekday games this season. Thus far he is 3-0 in his five starts.

Golf Chris DeLucia – A local product from Norwich who, throughout his career, was a regular qualifier for the Huskies.

Matt Dubrowski – A senior captain who brought leadership to the team and qualified for three tournaments this season.

Jeremy Troy – Another senior captain for the Huskies who came on strong toward the end of the season.

Softball Julianne Towers – The senior will end her career as a Husky as the second all-time leader in home runs and doubles and as the all-time leader in total bases Kathleen Brenneman – The Cheshire native leaves Storrs after appearing in over 54 games, collecting three hits.

Men's Hockey Andrew Olson – He led the team in goals for the past two years and earned the sixth most career points in UConn Division I history.

Stevie Bergin – As one of the assistant captains this year, Bergin ranked third on the team with a plus/minus of plus five Justin Hernandez – The Michigan native had a six-game point streak this season and led UConn in assists during his freshman season.

Matt Miller – He played in over 100 career games and registered five goals. Miller was flagged for 68 penalties in his career, resulting in 144 minutes in the box.

Brian Reagan – He suf-

fered two major injuries over the last two seasons, allowing him to play in 31 games over those years. He earned 16 points on five goals and 11 assists in his career.

Jeff Sapieha – The senior had a three-assist game this season against Bentley. Played in 135 games, including two full seasons.

Jason Krispel – He scored a career-high seven goals in his freshmen year and earned 55 assists over four seasons.

Chris Spicer – He played the most games in his freshman year and acquired ten points. He played in 58 career games and earned a total of 12 points.

Men's Swimming and Diving Alex Davidson – He's an xcellent swimmer with a powerful backstroke. He has been a tremendous leader for his team.

Adam Genuario – With his great speed and strength, Genuario has done a magnificent job of diving for four consecutive seasons. He has competed at the highest level in the Big East Conference, NCAA Zone Meets and the Big East Academic All-Star Team.

Tomasz Sobek – He swam spectacularly for three years and served the Huskies as a vital asset with his dominant breaststroke.

Men's Tennis Andrew Marcus – As a captain, Marcus led the Huskies to an 8-2 start this season, the best since 1999-2000. He’s been superb in doubles play with teammate Scott Warden, and provided valuable experience to the UConn team. Marcus is also revered for his volunteer work, and is a recipient of UConn Outstanding Senior ScholarAthlete award.

Men’s Soccer Robert Brickley – He spent his final year as a team captain and sweeper on the defensive line. He played in all 20 games, was named Big East Defensive player of the week once and was named to the Academic AllDistrict First Team for District 1 Josh Ford – He had 11 shutouts out of all 20 games he started and allowed only seven goals. He was named Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and named to the All-Big East First Team. In his 85 career games he earned 54 wins and 50 shutouts a school record.

Greg King – The Australian defender played in 79 career games and was named to the All-Big East Second Team this year. He played in the most games his freshman year, and averaged just under 90 minutes a game.

Shawn Nicklaw – He was named to the weekly honor roll twice in the past season. He tallied two career goals and 39 shots from his spot on defense.

Alan Ponce – He scored six goals as a junior, the second most on the team. In the 2010 season he had 10 points on two goals and six assists: the second most on the team.

Matt Sangeloty – After redshirting his junior year, he came back in 2009 and 2010.

This year he played in two different games, totaling almost 60 minutes.

Thomas Wharf – The England-born defender started one game in the 2010 season but played in 16 additional games off of the bench.

Shawn Fonseca – This Newington native, a midfielder, majored in mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering.

Men’s Basketball Kemba Walker – The junior, who will graduate a year early with a degree in sociology, will go down as one of the greatest players in the storied history of the UConn men’s basketball program. Walker, who was honored on Senior Day and permanently enshrined in the Ring of Honor, ends his career with two trips to the Final Four, a Big East tournament championship and a national title.

Donnell Beverly – The Los Angeles native was the only four-year player on the 2011 NCAA champions. Beverly was the ultimate team-guy and perfect veteran presence in the locker room and on the court during the Huskies’ title run.

Charles Okwandu – The 7-foot center from Nigeria played three seasons in Storrs.

He became a key contributor in his senior campaign, averaging almost three points and three rebounds a game.

Rowing Amanda Cote – A four year member of the rowing team and rowed in the junior-varsity eight.

Morfia Efthimiou – A recipient of the “Outstanding Senior Scholar Athelete” award and very involved in community service.

Taylor Hoige – Rebounded from an injury her sophomore season and is a member of the varsity eight boat.

Lizzie Littlewood – A transfer student from Whitman College, spent four years rowing in college and member of the varsity eight boat.

Audrey Squire – A four year member of the rowing team and rowed for the varsity eight boat.

Gretchen Stern – A senior captain of the rowing team and member of First Team All Big East.

Kim Weber – Team captain of the rowing team and president of Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Women's Swimming and Diving Kate Baust – Two-time

captain of the swimming and diving team.

Jessica Hovancik – Diver for the Huskies and has spent five semesters on Dean’s list.

Emily Luchansky – A Connecticut native and a two time member of the Big East Academic All-Star team.

Sophie Staskiewicz – A tremendous athlete and team co-captain.

Football Derek Chard – A two-year starter at long snapper, Chard helped the Huskies convert all 38 extra point attempts this past season, along with 25 of 31 field goal attempts.

Zach Frazer ­­­– Had an 8-2 career record in games played in November, December and January as the starting quarterback, helping lead UConn to its first ever BCS bowl appearance.

Zach Hurd – A two-time First Team All-Big East selection at offensive tackle, Hurd played in 53 games in his career, a school record, blocking for four 1,000-yard rushers during that time.

Alex Kaiser – A walk-on tight end who was named to the Big East All-Academic team.

Greg Lloyd – An experienced linebacker, Lloyd was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft this past April.

Scott Lutrus – A four-year starter at “Husky” linebacker, Lutrus was a First Team Freshman All-American and a captain his senior year.

Bret Manning – A reserve fullback, Manning was initially a walk-on who earned a scholarship his senior year.

Mathieu Olivier – A twoyear starter at left guard, Olivier helped running backs Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon rush for 1,000 yards over that time span.

Alex Polito – An experienced contributor on the defensive line over the course of four years.

Anthony Sherman – A twotime captain and three-year starter at fullback, Sherman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the NFL Draft this past April.

Jordan Todman – Although Todman is not graduating, he decided to forego his senior year to enter the NFL Draft after rushing for 1,695 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. Todman was selected in the sixth round by the San Diego Chargers.

Lawrence Wilson – A twotime First Team All-Big East selection, Wilson is the second leading tackler in school history with 449, and recorded a key pick-six in the Huskies’ BCS clinching win at South Florida this past December.

Women's Basketball Maya Moore – One of the best players in collegiate women’s basketball history will go on to play for WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx after being selected No. 1

overall in the 2011 draft.

Lorin Dixon – The spry point guard finished her career with her best game to date against Syracuse on Senior Night. A thunderous block in the final minutes from the 5-foot-4 psychology major sent the crowd wild.

Men’s Cross Country Scott Johnson – The lone senior on the cross-country squad this year, finished 75th at the NCAA East Regional in 2009.

Men’s Track and Field Seniors Kyle Duggan – A co-captain from Staten Island, dominated pole-vault competitions the last four years. His younger brother, freshman Cory Duggan, will pick up right where Kyle left off.

Kyle Edmonds – After redshirting all of last year, Edmonds ran a team best 53.84 time in the 400-meter hurdles in April.

Tyrone Favery – He posted a career-best distance of 15.10 meters in the triple jump at last year’s outdoor IC4A Championship.

Dan Holst – A vital member of the 4x800-meter relay team, also ran the 1,500-meter run in 4:03 this year.

Zachary Meverden – A native of Wexford, Pennsylvania, excelled in the pole-vault.

Mike Rutt – He has enough accolades to fill a whole book.

UConn’s captain, also a topnotch student, finished second in the 800-meter run at the NCAA Championship this winter.

Ed Strosnick – A senior from nearby East Haven, threw javelin for the Huskies.

Field Hockey Melissa Gonzalez – A twotime All-American and current member of the United States National Team, Gonzalez led UConn to four Big East titles, four NCAA tournaments and a Final Four berth in her freshman season. The midfielder started in all 89 games she appeared in over the course of her career.

Allison Karpiak – The backup goalkeeper who did not allow a goal in four games this season.

Karpiak was named a Big East Academic All-Star in 2007.

Anna Easty – The midfield and forward provided depth in 29 games over the course of her career. Easty was named to the NFHCA National Academic Team in 2007 and 2009.

Women’s Track and Field/ Cross Country: Jennifer Aldeiri – A javelin thrower and a Big East AllAcademic team member in her sophomore year.

Leah Andrianos – An accomplished middle distance runner who set new school records in the 1,000-meter indoor, the onemile indoor and the 4x800 relay, both indoor and outdoor.

Meghan Cunningham – A

middle distance runner who was a part of the 4x800 relay team that set a new school record last year. Also played on the women’s soccer team.

Trisha-Ann Hawthorne – The most decorated track athlete in UConn history, Hawthorne completely rewrote the UConn record books during her time in Storrs, earning NCAA AllAmerican status in the process.

Brittany Heninger – A distance runner from nearby Bristol, Conn.

Coleen Hepburn – A sprinter who qualified for the Big East and New England Championships in the 500meter race.

Tynisha McMillian – A Big East champion and a two-time New England qualifier in the shot put.

Christine Meagher – A distance runner and a Big East AllAcademic team member.

Olga Ponomarenko – A longjumper from Concord, Mass.

Samantha Willis – A sprinter from nearby Tolland, qualified for the Big East, ECAC and New England championship in the 500-meter race during her junior year.

Volleyball Lauren Lamberti – Played significant time on the right side before missing her senior season due to a back injury.

Rebecca Murray – A middle/outside hitter, Murray led the team with 278 kills in her senior season.

Lacrosse Stefanie Burra – Saw significant playing time in her senior year, where she started 14 games and scored eight goals with four assists.

Lauren Gunning – Started 11 games for the Huskies in her senior year, scoring seven goals with six assists.

Jessica Mucci – A two-year starter at defense who has seen game action in each of her four years at UConn.

Katie Parker – A veteran defenseman from Rochester, N.Y. Lauren Sparks – A longtime midfielder who has started every game over the past two seasons.

Women’s Hockey Jennifer Chaisson, Brittany Murphy, Jody Sydor.

Women’s Soccer Cory Bildstein – The lone senior on this year’s women’s soccer team, Bildstein appeared in two games before suffering a season ending injury.

Women’s Tennis Emily Herb – A communications major from Cherry Hill, N.J. Katie Moritz – Studied medicine and kinesiology while at UConn, originally from York, Pa.

The Top 10 Moments of 2010-11

The Top 10 Games of 2010-11

2010-11 Intramural Champions

1. The men's basketball team's third NCAA title, a 53-41 win over Butler in Houston.

2. The women's basketball team's 90-game win streak.

3. Kashif Moore wearing Jasper Howard's jersey in the Fiesta Bowl, the Huskies' first BCS Bowl game.

4. The men's basketball team's five wins in five days to capture the Big East title.

5. Kemba Walker's step-back buzzer over Pittsburgh in the Big East quarterfinals.

6. Maya Moore and Kemba Walker being inducted into the Huskies of Honor.

7. The men's track and field team winning the indoor Big East championship.

8. The women's basketball team going undefeated in Big East play and making its third consecutive trip to the Final Four.

9. Dave Teggart's 52-yard field goal in the final minutes at South Florida to give the football team a Big East title and automatic BCS berth.

10. The hockey teams playing at Rentschler.

1. Elite Eight: UConn 65, Arizona 63.

2. Big East tournament final: UConn 69, Louisville 66.

3. National Semifinal: UConn 56, Kentucky 55.

4. Women's regular season: UConn 93, Florida State 62.

5. Football: UConn 19, USF 16.

6. Big East quarterfinal: UConn 76, Pittsburgh 74.

7. NCAA championship game: UConn 53, Butler 41.

8. Women's regular season: UConn 65, Baylor 64.

9. Baseball regular season: UConn 2, Holy Cross 2, Tied after 16 innings.

10. Football: UConn 16, WVU 13, OT.

Fall Semester: Basketball: UCLA, Abused Pelicans, Rondo's Dimetime, Kobe!, She Wolves.

Flag Football: Big Blast with Turbo, Abused Pelicans 1, Buttered Muskrats, Motherlovers.

Co-rec Basketball: 4 Peat, Shawn Kemp's Kids, Royalty Nation.

Co-rec Soccer: Flipadelphia, Choppin Oaks, The Futbolers.

Softball: Abused Pelicans, ZBT, Cougars.

Ice Hockey: Prestige Worldwide, The Strikers.

Winter Semester: Basketball: Flagrant Fouls, Monstars, T-Rec Services 2, There is No Competition.

Co-rec Flag Football: Sensual Seduction, Dynasty, Playmakers.

Soccer: Iron Curtain, Skoo, Buttered Muskrats, The Shirt Before the Shirt 1.

Co-rec Volleyball: The Spike Lee's, Ace in the Hole, Ketchup and Onions.

- Courtesy of UConn Department of Recreational Services website. All other intramural champions are listed online.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Year in Review Men’s Basketball (32-9, 9-9) Won the National Championship

The Daily Campus, Page 13

Sports

Home of the champions

Women’s Basketball (36-2, 16-0) Lost to Notre Dame in Final Four Football (8-5, 5-2) Lost to Oklahoma in Fiesta Bowl Baseball (31-13-1, 15-3) as of May 5 Home: J.O. Christian Field Softball (19-27, 6-12) Home: Connecticut Softball Stadium

JIM ANDERSON/The Daily Campus

In April, coach Jim Calhoun hoisted the national championship trophy in Houston.

ASHLEY POSPISIL/The Daily Campus

In December, the women’s basketball team broke a record in Hartford.

Men’s Hockey (15-18-4, 13-12-2) Lost to RIT in AHA semifinals Women’s Hockey (13-19-3, 9-9-3) Lost to Northeastern in H.E. semifinals Men’s Soccer (12-2-6, 5-1-3 Lost to Brown in NCAA First Round Women’s Soccer (10-10-3, 4-5-2) Lost to Hofstra in NCAA First Round Men’s Track and Field Won Indoor Big East title Women’s Track and Field Won the New England Championship Men’s Cross Country Placed second at IC4A championship Women’s Cross Country Placed 13th at NCAA Regionals Men’s Swimming and Diving Placed 5th out of 11 in the Big East Women’s Swimming and Diving Placed 8th out of 11 in the Big East Men’s Golf Placed 10th in the Big East Men’s Tennis Lost to DePaul in Big East tournament Women’s Tennis Lost to Cincinnati in Big East tournament Field Hockey (16-6, 4-2) Lost to Maryland in NCAA quarterfinals Women’s Volleyball (6-19, 4-10) Home: Gampel Pavilion Women’s Lacrosse (9-7, 3-5) Home: Sherman Family Sports Complex Women’s Rowing Placed fifth at Big East championship

ASHLEY POSPISIL/The Daily Campus

In January, caoch Randy Edsall led his team onto the field at the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. The Huskies fell to Oklahoma 48-20.

» LACROSSE

Senior Sparks signs off in Storrs

By Carmine Colangelo Staff Writer As finals begin and summer starts to creep around the corner, another year at UConn comes to a close. And with another year ending, thousands of UConn students will graduate and make the intimidating transition from college senior to the “real world.” Like any graduation or completion of a major life milestone, it is human nature to become nostalgic about your accomplishment.

“I will miss lacrosse the most,” said senior Lauren Sparks. “Playing, my teammates and the whole experience of college athletics.”

Sparks is a senior on the lacrosse team here at UConn.

She is a captain, she starts at the midfield and she is a member of the graduating class of 2011.

Sparks is from West Chester, Penn. and attended West Chester East High School. Before graduating in 2007, Sparks, like all high school students, had to think about her plans for the future before deciding to become

a Husky.

Before Sparks had even graduated high school, however, she had already begun an impressive athletic career. Sparks received a varsity letter in three years at West Chester East High and was a captain her senior year. She helped to lead the team to a championship in her sophomore season and helped lead her team to the state semifinals her junior season.

“I have been playing lacrosse since 6th grade,” Sparks said. “I played soccer and basketball during the fall and winter, so it just seemed natural to fill the spring with lacrosse.”

Soccer and basketball were other sports that Sparks had success in. During high school, Sparks lettered in both those sports three times and was the captain of each team.”

“I wanted to come to UConn because of the combination of athletics and academics,” Sparks said. “The big time basketball and great support of the athletic programs here were definitely a big draw.”

As a freshman at UConn, Sparks started in her first two

games before tearing her ACL. In her sophomore year, she started 11 games and was featured in all of the games that season, scoring three goals. The following season, Sparks was given a redshirt for medical reasons.

She returned in the 2010 season, starting all 17 games and leading the team with 32 draw controls.

This year, Sparks is a co-captain of the team for the third time in her career as a Husky. She helped to lead the Huskies to an overall record of 9-7 this season, with a 3-5 mark in Big East play.

Their season ended with a 17-10 loss to Loyola on Sunday.

Sparks was not just a leader on the field, but also in the classroom. On April 20, Sparks was awarded by the UConn Club as an “Outstanding Senior Scholar-Athlete.” She is a twotime member of the Big East Academic All-Star team and a Dean’s List student.

In her career as a Husky, Sparks stands third in goals, second in ground balls and third in draw controls amongst all active players. When reflecting on her athletic career, Sparks said “my favorite lacrosse memory would

probably be last weekend, beating Louisville on Senior Day. It was an awesome team win and a perfect way to wrap up the home field part of our season.”

The game was a difficult 14-12 victory over the Cardinals, which featured Sparks 12th goal of the season.

Sparks has had some of her favorite memories coming from going to football games here at UConn.

“I have really enjoyed fall football games,” Sparks said.

“Especially tailgating with friends and teammates. Some of us went to the bowl games in Charlotte and Toronto which were both great times.”

Sparks will be graduating this spring with a degree in Communication Sciences and according to her, plans for after graduating are still “up in the air.”

When asked to describe her experience here at UConn, Sparks said her time at UConn was “challenging, rewarding and most of all, fun.”

Carmine.Colangelo@UConn.edu

» WOMEN’S HOCKEY

An anchor, a warrior, Sydor graduates

By Mac Cerullo Managing Editor Over the past four years, Jody Sydor has anchored the blue line for the women’s hockey team. A warrior on the ice, she has been praised by her coaches for her tremendous work ethic, intensity and leadership. Now, after a successful career, the stalwart defenseman’s time in a UConn uniform has come to an end.

“I think that it has finally sunk in,” Sydor said. “It sure took awhile but I am doing my best to adjust.”

Though her senior season did not have a happy ending, as UConn fell to Northeastern in the Hockey East Tournament quarterfinals, Sydor’s career had more than its fair share of highlights. This year, the Huskies played outdoors at Rentschler Field as part of the Whaler Hockey Fest, and previously, Sydor helped the Huskies

reach two consecutive Hockey East championship games.

In her junior year, she was a key member of a team that finished in the Top 10 of the national rankings, barely missing out on the eight-team NCAA Tournament field. She also represented UConn at the WHEA All-Star game against Team USA, an experience she called the highlight of her career.

“It was fun to play at an even higher level of competition against world class athletes,” Sydor said.

Sydor was named team captain following her junior year, and was tasked with leading a promising group that included several key veterans and a crop of young newcomers. The team struggled initially, but rebounded to finish 9-9-3 in Hockey East play, qualifying for the conference tournament.

Following the season, coach Heather Linstad called Sydor a loyal and passionate player, as well as a “great skater who

made it look effortless.”

“I think she has always had the respect of her teammates because of her work ethic,” Linstad said. “Of course, I also think she intimidated some because of the intensity she attacks workouts.”

Linstad went on to recount a story from Sydor’s freshman year, when she broke a finger blocking a shot, and then returned to the ice minutes later.

“The only reason she missed a couple of shifts was because the trainer made her get checked by a doctor,” Linstad said. “Most kids would not have gone back out.”

Toughness and grit were always Sydor’s biggest contributions, although she could make a dent in the scoresheet occasionally, too. Sydor tallied 41 assists in her career, with a career high of 18 coming in her sophomore year.

But in the end, it won’t be the thrill of lighting up the lantern that Sydor will miss the most,

but the camaraderie she shared with her teammates.

“Being part of something that you really care about and are passionate in succeeding was one of the best parts,” Sydor said. “I love all my teammates as sisters and am particularly close with the two other seniors.

We grew up here together, helped each other get through the hard times and celebrated the good times with one another. I will remain close to them as they became the best friends I’ve ever had.”

Though her time on the ice is over, her time in Storrs is not.

Sydor will return to UConn next year as a grad student, and will spend the next two years pursuing her doctorate of pharmacy.

“I can’t wait until next year,” Sydor said. “I hope to stay involved with the team and give back as they gave so much to me.”

Michael.Cerullo@UConn.edu

» INSIDE SPORTS TODAY

P.13: Sydor ends solid career with women’s hockey. / P.12: Saying goodbye to all senior athletes. / P.11: Towers face of softball team.

Page 14

Saturday, May 7, 2011

www.dailycampus.com

MAYA MOORE LEAVES LEGACY Moore ends stellar career in Storrs, starts next chapter

By Andrew Callahan Staff Writer An old baseball player by the name of Buck Rodgers once said, “There are countless ways of achieving greatness, but any road to achieving one’s maximum potential must be built on a bedrock of respect, a commitment to excellence and a rejection of mediocrity.”

Rodgers may have never met Maya Moore, but after four years of unprecedented greatness on the basketball court, he’d be happy to know that his very words have come to life.

A two-time national champion, four-time AllAmerican and three-time Wade Trophy winner, Moore has officially left an indelible mark upon arguably the best women’s basketball program in the country. Through her remarkable play, Moore has accumulated countless honors and awards while simultaneously becoming the face of women’s basketball.

Yet, it was her extraordinary drive to win that facilitated this achievement and will be revered for years to come. And, combining these with the first-rate academic record she leaves behind, Moore may also stake a claim to something no one ever thought possible: the title of greatest student-athlete in UConn women’s basketball history, surpassing current WNBA star Diana Taurasi.

But according to UConn coach Geno Auriemma, when it comes to Moore, the buck doesn’t even stop there.

“I’m going to think more about the best player in the history of the Big East,” Auriemma said after Connecticut’s loss to Notre Dame in the Final Four. “And maybe the best student-athlete in the history of college basketball.”

Upon her arrival to campus in 2007, Moore was already accompanied by numerous high school accolades, whispers of being “the next great one” and favorable basketball genes from her father, a former starting guard at Rutgers. Averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a freshman, she did little to dispel the talk of greatness from all sides. In fact, she helped carry the Huskies to a Final Four right away while withstanding a hot media spotlight, before falling to Stanford in the semifinals.

Then, over her second year in Storrs, Moore and

JIM ANDERSON/The Daily Campus

Moore’s signature jumper will be missed next season in Storrs. The No. 1 overall pick in last month’s WNBA Draft leaves a legacy at UConn with two national championsips and four Final Four berths.

her teammates one-upped themselves by returning to the national stage and topping off an undefeated season. Moore scored 24 points in the semifinal re-match with Stanford and later played a big part in holding Louisville to under 31 percent shooting in the final. The Huskies dismantled Big East rival Louisville 76-54 in the championship, their sixth all-time title.

Prior to her ascent as a senior, Moore would watch teammates Renee Montgomery and Tina Charles join the Huskies of Honor in Gampel Pavilion. The future WNBA stars seemed to unknowingly serve almost as table-setters for the younger Moore, who would duplicate their feats and then some.

Teamed with Charles over the 2009-2010 season, Moore led the charge as UConn stomped their competition and furthered their historic winning streak. Cruising into the NCAAs following another Big East tournament championship, the Huskies again returned to the Final Four.

Once there, UConn dispatched Baylor 70-50 in the semifinal to set up a third match with Stanford Cardinals, a matchup that would serve as a tiebreaker for the first two, split meetings and decided Moore’s place in history. She didn’t disappoint.

Staring the potential death of her championship hopes right in the face, Moore carried the Huskies in the final twenty minutes after the team scored just 12 points in the first half. Moore

snared a double-double with 23 points and eleven rebounds in a performance for the ages. UConn took home its seventh national title that night, the second of Moore’s illustrious career.

Over the course of her senior year, the Lawrenceville, Ga. native continued to pile on the career highlights. Surrounded by a very young team, Moore brought the club back to another Final Four with a 36-1 record and prolonged its historic winning streak to 90 games. While the team fell short of its ultimate goal, the individualized major became a 3,000-point scorer and solidified her spot in women’s basketball history. She

» MOORE, page 11

» FOOTBALL

Frazer answered critics with wins

By Matt McDonough Sports Editor Zach Frazer had already graduated by the time he became the first UConn quarterback to play in a BCS bowl game. It came as no surprise that it was Frazer under center for the Huskies’ matchup with Oklahoma in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1. After all, Frazer had been there for the biggest games in recent history.

Frazer led his team to a comeback win at Louisville in 2008, and was there for the loss at the Big House against Michigan in the 2010 opener. Frazer was the starter for UConn’s 20-7 win over SEC opponent South Carolina in the 2010 Papajohn’s.com Bowl. He quarterbacked the Huskies to a 33-30 double overtime win over Notre Dame in Nov. of 2009, the first win following Jasper Howard’s death. Frazer, who started his career at Notre Dame, beat his old coach, Charlie Weis, at a field, Notre Dame Stadium, that he thought he’d be calling home for his college careers.

Instead, Frazer’s Senior Day was at Rentschler Field, and his senior year was capped off with a Big East championship.

But even though he helped build a program, Frazer has always had plenty of critics.

“Hey man, who doesn’t?”

Frazer answered a question regarding his skeptics at UConn’s Pro Day in March.

Frazer’s numbers never blew people away. He never could run, finishing with no touchdowns on the ground. In 2008, after sitting out 2007

upon transferring from the Fighting Irish, he threw two touchdowns and six interceptions in six games. In 2009, his statistics improved, throwing 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions, averaging 182 passing yards a game. As a senior, Frazer saw time in 11 of 13 games. He came out of summer camp as the starter, throwing for 205 yards in a 20-point loss at Michigan.

But after struggling at Temple and at home against Buffalo, former coach Randy Edsall benched Frazer in favor of Cody Endres. And following Endres’ dismissal from the team in October, Edsall went with Michael Box as the starter. After Box got injured in a 26-0 loss at Louisville, Frazer took the reins again.

Frazer was named the starter for the rest of the season, and helped the Huskies defeat West Virginia 16-13 in overtime on Halloween weekend, culminating in the crowd storming Rentschler Field.

Two weeks later, UConn beat Pittsburgh 30-28 in East Hartford. Similar to when the Huskies reeled off four straight victories to close out the 2009 season, UConn won five straight to capture the conference crown in 2010. In the last victory, a 19-16 win at South Florida, Frazer threw for 122 yards.

In the Fiesta Bowl, Frazer didn’t have his best performance, but it wasn’t his worst.

He threw for 223 yards on 39 attempts, but was sacked three times and picked off twice, with both interceptions returned for touchdowns. He finished his senior campaign with five touchdown passes

and six interceptions. In 24 career games, 19 of them starts, Frazer threw 17 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

Frazer admitted he never thought he’d end up at UConn’s Pro Day. It was a long and winding road for the Mechanicsburg, Penn. native, but he was thankful to everyone who made his UConn experience possible and pleasant.

As a high school senior, Frazer played in the U.S. Army All-American Game. His final act as a college quarterback, after training for most of the winter in Arizona, was throwing in front of NFL scouts.

“I’ve always dreamt about getting an opportunity to get to the NFL and participate in Pro Day,” Frazer said. “You know I dreamt about going to the Combine but things didn’t work out and there are different paths you take, this is my last thing. I’m just excited for the next level... A lot of preparation went into this day and you know getting everything down and being focused so it’s definitely a relief.”

Frazer competed in various drills, including the 40-yard dash as most of his teammates cheered him on.

“I think I did well,” Frazer said. “I felt good throwing the ball. I felt like my releases were going well. Its tough when you don’t have any wideouts to throw to here but spot throwing is just as great.

I know I proved myself and I know I am capable of playing at the next level.”

In late April, the NFL Draft came and went. Frazer went undrafted. But he believes in himself, and has faith he can

JIM ANDERSON/The Daily Campus

UConn quarterback Zach Frazer starts his throwing motion in a game last fall. Frazer graduated this winter and was under center for the Huskies in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1. Frazer, well aware of his critics, started in wins over Notre Dame and South Carolina.

make an impact in professional football.

“I know I can do it all,” Frazer said in March. “I know I can make all the throws, I can learn the offense. Give me a playbook, and I’ll learn it.”

Some mistakes and shortcomings overshadowed Frazer’s college career. But, it wasn’t an accident that Frazer was the guy who led UConn

out of the tunnel in the important games.

“Zach was the type of guy on the field that made his presence known by making plays and using that to motivate us to continue to make more plays throughout the game,” said wide receiver Kashif Moore on Frazer’s presence. “If he ever made a mistake on the field, he made

sure to tell everyone it was his fault and took the full blame, which is a characteristic of a good leader.”

At times, the huddle may have been the most comfortable place for Frazer. It was a safe haven away from all the critics.

Matthew.McDonough@UConn.edu