Volume 18 Issue 8 by Eagle News

EAGLE NEWS The oﬃcial student media group at Florida Gulf Coast University since 1997

February 2020 Volume 18, Issue 5 eaglenews.org

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

EN PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA

100-WORD LOVE STORIES Love stories submitted by student and alums. See more on 3A

WHOPELESS ROMANTIC OR JUST PLAIN HOPELESS? Tinder, Bumble, OKCupid, Plenty of Fish, Grindr, Her– these are just a handful of popular dating websites and apps. See more on 8B

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February 2020

INDEX

News ..........................................................................................3A-12A Sports .......................................................................................... 1B-5B Opinion ..................................................................................... 6B-12B

Twitter .........................................................................@fgcueaglenews Facebook ............................................................................ Eagle News Instagram .......................................................................... @eaglenews

Eagle News Executive Editor .............................................................. Jordyn Matez Eagle News Editor............................................................Jacob Pollack Assignment & Features Editor.......................................... Leah Sankey Assistant AF Editor .......................................................... Brooke Stiles Beat Reporter .................................................................. Nina Mendes News Clerk ..................................................................... Lauren Miceli Opinion Editor .........................................................Samantha Roesler Sports Editor .........................................................Harold Solomon IV Assistant Sports Editor .................................................... Jake Henning Photo Editor ....................................................................Julia Bonavita Assistant Photo Editor ................................................ Raphaella Matta Graphics Editor.................................................................. Kris Locker

Senior Copy Editor ............................................. Gabriella Livingston

ONE COPY PER READER One copy of the print edition is free to anyone, but limited one per reader. Newspaper theft is a crime. It is also a terribly effective form of censorship. While most college newspapers are distributed without charge, they certainly are not “free.” Publishing a student newspaper is an expensive undertaking. Like other types of theft, newspaper thieves deprive rightful owners of their valuable property. If you are interested in obtaining more that one issue, please contact the executive editor in writing.

ENTV Director .....................................................................Kaela Thompson Assistant Director ......................................................... Sommer Senne Head Video Editor ........................................................Hassan Brissett Eagle Radio Station Manager ...................................................Abbey Tomaszewski Programming Director................................................Shelby Hancock

ABOUT US

OUR MISSION Eagle News, the ofﬁcial student media group at Florida Gulf Coast University since 1997, represents the diverse voices on campus with fairness. We select content for our publication and our website that is relevant to the student body, faculty and staff. Members are committed to reporting with accuracy and truth. Our purpose is to encourage conversations about issues that concern the on-campus community. Eagle News views every culture with equal respect and believes every person must be treated with dignity.

EAGLE NEWS IS HIRING

Eagle News, founded in 1997, is the student newspaper at Florida Gulf Coast University. The newspaper is the only student produced publication on campus and is entirely student run. Eagle News is published monthly during the fall and spring semesters and monthly in the summer, with the exception of holiday breaks and examination periods. Eagle News can be found on campus and in the community and online daily at eaglenews.org.

We are looking for ENTV broadcast reporters to cover sports, news, entertainment and opinion. If interested, email join@eaglenews.org

FIRST ISSUE FREE Eagle News McTarnaghan Hall 201 10501 FGCU Blvd. S Fort Myers, Fla 33965

February 2020

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Lauren Miceli, Senior “Do you like One Direction?” she asked during our lunch period. “Duh,” I responded, despite not caring for the band at all. I never really liked boy bands growing up. I gravitated toward women more often, with Taylor Swift being on top of the list, but I desperately wanted my best friend’s approval. Her excited smile was worth the white lie. “Who’s your favorite?” Her question caught me off guard. Looking at her light hair and blue eyes, I quickly said, “The blonde one, Niall.” That night I learned every One Direction song just to have another thing in common with her.

Serena Tartaglia, Junior There are only so many “maybe next year’s”. You spent 21 Valentine’s Days watching the clock for February 15 to begin. You resign yourself to passively watching the romantic comedies on TV, because they’re secretly your favorite. You bury yourself in books where the girl finds her Prince Charming, and you live vicariously through them, and their happiness, even though you know you may never find that kind of love. You know you’ve always been the invisible type. You’ve waited for the right guy to walk into your life since you were thirteen. You feel like time is running out.

Shania Bogner, Senior It took her five minutes and one beautifully imperfect smile to stop my entire world from spinning. She wasted no time in seeing right through me and telling me who she saw and letting me know without words, just a simple look that it was okay to be the real me. I had only dreamt of finding someone who could take the pressure off who I always felt I had to be. She said, “You’re gay, right?” No one had to tell me that I was going to fall madly in love with her; I already knew.

Lauren Miceli, Senior Love at first sight usually only occurs in fairy tales, but I encountered it at the age of six. She had soft, golden hair and the cutest little nose. My parents didn’t want us playing together for very long, but I begged them to let her come back home with us. After an hour of pleading, they finally agreed. She broke my heart for the first time when I was 19. The seizures became more frequent. Her growing sickness became too obvious to overlook. As her life slipped away, I stroked her head and held her paw one last time.

Nina Mendes, Senior We kept on driving. Eight more hours until we crossed over into Virginia, and then we would continue our journey up the east coast. We switched shifts every time the gas tank needed a refill, but there were times you would do a double so that I could rest my eyes. Thank you for that. I couldn’t wait to show you the spots that hold such a special place in my heart. We would ride through the streets of my hometown, and I’d show you what growing up was like. Spoiler: It was pretty bleak until I met you. Caroline Vives-Vietri, Alumnus I love my dog more than anyone. It’s true. Curly brown fur, bushy tailed and bright brown eyes looking back at me. Always all ears and wagging tail when I walk through the door. She’ll never leave my side, she’s my Velcro dog. She takes up the whole bed with just a small space for me. Gee, thanks for sharing! Never a complaint unless it’s for more treats. But I thought, I already fed you? Five pounds of please pick me up, where are you going? She is my brown-eyed girl, my best friend fur life, and pawtner in crime.

By Brooke Stiles, Senior For so long I mistreated you I didn’t value or protect you Nurture or love you I disrespected you Cut you Squeezed you Looked at you with disgust It took so long for me to realize how important you are And I’m sorry for that I’m sorry for starving you of the love you deserve For the days I wished you were someone else And I want to thank you For always being there Even through everything I put you through You stood by me And carried me even through my darkest days I understand this now And I promise I will appreciate you I will listen to you Nourish and love you But most importantly, I will accept you for everything you are. From: me To: my body

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February 2020

Brewery Profile: Millennial Brewing By BROOKE STILES assistant af editor

his own, but his vision became a reality when a brewer asked to partner with him to open a brewery in 2016. “As soon as he came to me, I said, ‘Actually, that sounds like the most fun thing ever, and it would be the perfect way to take my skill set and my interests and just blend it all together to have this interesting business,’” Cebull said. The first step to opening a brewery, according to Cebull, is finding a facility because the licensing is dependent on the physical location, which must also be inspected and approved. “We started looking, and what we noticed was that a lot of other breweries in the area were in these kinds of awkward places,” Cebull said. “In the past two to three years, a lot of areas [in SWFL] that

used to be kind of off the beaten path are much more populated now.” Cebull said a lot of breweries were either in a shopping center or industrial park, and he and his partner wanted to be in a social center close to downtown. “We wanted it to be a unique, stand-alone facility,” Cebull said. “We wanted it to be its own thing.” Cebull found the facility that Millennial Brewing Company operates out of on Craigslist. The listing was a carpet storage warehouse that needed major renovations before it would be ready to sustain a business. “It was raw, concrete walls and floors, and the ceilings were covered in spider webs,” Cebull said. “There was no electric, no plumbing and no air conditioning. It was noth-

In 1897, pure spring water and a railroad allowed the creation and shipment of beer to Florida’s first brewery, the Florida Brewing Company in Ybor City. One hundred and twenty-three years later and you can sip a beer at over 200 breweries across the Sunshine State, according to Visit Florida’s website. Southwest Florida didn’t see its first brewery until 2012 when Naples Beach Brewery launched. Now, the area is home to about 30 craft breweries. Kyle Cebull, the owner and founder of Millennial Brewing Company in Downtown Fort Myers, developed a passion for craft beer in 2011. “My interest in craft beer started when they first opened World of Beer in Bell Tower, which was like seven or eight years ago,” Cebull said. “It was really this area’s first introduction to craft beer. You would go to restaurants, and there weren’t craft beers on tap or anything like that. It was just standard, domestic stuff, so when World of Beer first opened, it was really exciting.” Cebull and his friends joined World of Beer’s loyalty program, where you can achieve badges and track the ones you’ve unlocked for drinking different types of beer. They eventually started meeting weekly to try new, unique beers. “That’s kind of where my passion started, and then you combine that with just my enPhoto provided by Kyle Cebull trepreneurial kind of spirit that Millennial Brewing Company in Downtown Fort Myers. The brewery I had all along,” Cebull said. holds weekly events, has food trucks daily, and is family and pet friendly. Cebull said he always knew he wanted to start something of

ing. It was just a building.” Remodeling began in April 2016, along with the onset of challenges the brewery had to face before even opening. “We ran into every possible issue you can imagine, from structurally speaking to dealing with the city of Fort Myers who’d never had experience with a brewery,” Cebull said. “We had to use every dollar and every connection we’d ever got to get it to where we could actually open.” The brewery opened on New Year’s Eve in 2016, but just barely, according to Cebull. “My partner that I started with was just never able to get the brewing right,” Cebull said. “He ended up exiting after the first year, but that was a unique thing because most breweries open, and the person that starts them is the brewer.” Cebull said he’s a sales, marketing and business guy, not a brewer. While Cebull was focused on throwing fun events to attract new customers, he still had a product issue. Because of that, he said they tore it all down and started over by rebuilding the processes, the systems and the recipe. Eighteen months from the date, the brewery opened, and Cebull felt like the brewing was finally under control. Although Cebull said the brewery experienced explosive growth from the start, he plans to continue to grow and expand his connections with the community. “Just exposing the brand and the events to as many different places as we can, that’s what makes it work,” Cebull said. “That’s what keeps the people, and the revenue, coming and allows us to continue to grow the way that we have.”

February 2020

The Freecoasters

By NINA MENDES beat rePorter

The Southwest Florida based reggae five-piece band, The Freecoasters deliver a lively take on southern soul and ska. Frontwoman Claire Liparulo, vocals & rhythm guitar; and bass player, John Schiller are the backbone of the band. The new recruits are Marc Davis, drums; Keith Cute, lead guitar; and Shane Praefke, organ and Wurlitzer. Their first full-length album titled “Show Up” was released back in 2016, and since then, the band has been touring around the country. Before the release, The Freecoasters set off on a month-long, Florida kickstarter campaign to build hype for the album drop. “Tucson, AZ” and “Swim” emerged as fan-favorites and continue to be setlist staples. Not only is the band praised locally, but their fanbase stretches across oceans. Streaming platform analytics say the band has more listeners in São Paulo, Brazil than in their hometown. They have even shipped vinyl records as far as Japan and Australia. “Every time we go to new places, we always seem to find amazing, passionate people,” Schiller said. “The sense of community among those making music, and facilitating the making of music, makes your jaw drop.” The band wrapped up their second west coast tour last November. They played in Texas, Arizona and California along the way. While in Albuquerque, the band had a show fall through unexpectedly. Schiller said the kindness of a stranger turned the entire night

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PHOTO BY MULTIPLE ARMS PRODUCTIONS

The ﬁve-piece reggae band, The Freecoasters. They’re based in SWFL but have fans worldwide. around. “We got hooked up with a promoter in Yuma, who set something up in no time, got a crowd there, managed to get us paid, and then invited us to crash at his place,” Schiller said. “You just don’t get that kind of story if you don’t get in the van and go find it.” The success of the band scored them a spot on the Florida Ska: Closer Than You - Vol. 3 compilation on Spotify, along with over 3K likes on Facebook. Some of The Freecoasters’ musical inspirations include The Slackers, Toots & The Maytals and The Aggrolites. The reggae and soul genres have been heavily male-dominated since its boom in the 60s, and Liparulo is aware of this more than anyone.

As a female frontwoman, she said she has had to overcome many obstacles due to her gender. “Most of my challenges were personal,” Liparulo said. “[As] a woman with curves, I felt I didn’t have a place on stage as a woman my size, which is absolutely ludicrous. You belong anywhere you want to be, whatever size you are.” Liparulo is now empowered by her presence on stage and radiates positive energy through the lyrics she sings. Her confidence and spunk has contributed in shaping the band’s image into something one-of-akind. “My favorite thing about being a representative of women in music is the impact I have on kids, especially,” Liparulo said. “When they

see a woman on stage with energy and passion, many of them have a breakthrough that I can see in their eyes.” The band has an upcoming run of shows in February and will hit Naples, Cape Coral, Tampa and Punta Gorda. Tracks from their upcoming album, “A Different Kind of Heat” may make their live debut during these shows. There’s only one way to find out. The release date for the album is still being determined as the band wraps up album art and arrangements. Fans can follow The Freecoasters on Instagram and Twitter to receive updates about news and future shows in the area.

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February 2020

Doghouse Rescue Academy

Nessie| Bully mix |10 months old| female Nessie is petite, she’s what we call a “pocket pitty”. She rides well in the car, loves to play with doggy friends, and is a perfect houseguest. Nessie is learning basic commands. She is very loving & would do great in a home with kids or another dog to play with!

Winnie| American Bulldog| 6 years old| Female Winnie had a very rough life prior to being rescued. You would never know it when meeting her today! She has made a full recovery and is ready for her forever home. She is good with other friendly dogs, loves kids and will provide hours of entertainment with her hilarious antics.

These pups are searching for a Valentine, could it be you? Find your furry soulmate at Doghouse Rescue Academy (DRA). DRA is a foster-based 501c(3) rescue that pulls dogs deemed adoptable from predominantly rural areas and highkill shelters, giving them another chance at life. DRA organizes fundraisers, events and in-depth training sessions for our community and volunteers. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip, and full vetting. If you’re interested in adopting and/or fostering, visit doghouserescueacademy.org to fill out an application.

Hercules| Boxer|9 years old| Male Hercules is in perfect health and loves to play! This silly guy will play with toys and sticks and whatever he can find! Hercules is great with female dogs and cats.

February 2020

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FGCU’s newest major: Digital Media Design By BROOKE STILES assistant af editor

With the recent groundbreaking of The Water School, the opening of the new recreational center, and construction starting for the School of Entrepreneurship, it’s clear Florida Gulf Coast University is growing. In addition, FGCU recently added another major to its ever-growing list: Digital Media Design. Prior to this, it was only available as a minor. “We always had a view for creating a design degree,” said Mike Salmond, the Digital Media Design program coordinator. “We had the minor that got madly popular; then we had the design concentration.” Salmond said because the minor EN PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA and concentration were successful, The Digital Media Design center at FGCU is located on the fourth the design program was launched last semester in response. Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z when program, which opened doors to Ninety-two students have joined he was younger. It fascinated him more classes. Hoetzlein has a backthe program since its start in fall to see the drawings moving, talking ground in 3D animation, something 2019. According to FGCU’s weband breathing. students have been wanting for a site, the program is considered to “I always wanted to create some- while now. be an umbrella for many disciplines thing of my own,” Stewart said, “Our main specialty would be within creative industries that can “so animation has always been my interactive design, but we’re also advance students into a wide range long-term goal.” adding 3D animation,” Salmond of careers, from web design to digWithin the design program, said. “We’re building a program ital marketing to electronic sports students can gain experience in a based on kind of what I want and producers. variety of design mediums, from what Dr. Rama wants it to be.” “I was initially an art major, and interactive design to video game According to Salmond, as new I loved it, especially once I saw design and, the most recent addifaculty members join the program, there was a Digital Media Design tion, animation. When the program it will change based on their disciconcentration,” said Levi Stewart, originated, Salmond was a one-per- plines and expertise. an FGCU junior. “I’d always loved son show regarding the program’s “Our main thing is looking at art, but a love of digital art always administration. what the industry wants because fueled it.” Eventually Dr. Rama Karl Hoetwe want to be able to put students Steward watched shows like zlein became an extension of the in positions where they can beat

out people from other institutions,” Salmond said. “Design is so broad, and that’s why we try to get the students to know a little bit [about it all].” The idea is to expose students to all elements of design so they will be more marketable after they graduate. “I appreciate the major for giving me more insight into different disciplines of art and connecting more directly with my passions,” Stewart said. “Beyond simple graphic design and typography courses, the major has things that just speak so clearly to the geek that sleeps in my chest.” Not only does Salmond want the students to know different characteristics of design, he wants FGCU to be recognized for developing excellent performers in the workplace. “I’d really like to see more of our students running their own businesses,” Salmond said. “We’ve had two students set up their own design firm where they actually hired two of our students, which is fantastic. More of that would be great because that’s where innovation happens.” Aside from the hopes for digital design students beyond college, Salmond said he wishes to compliment the significant growth of the major with more faculty, resources and available classes. Students have asked about fashion design as well as interior and product design, and Salmond said there’s nothing stopping the program from moving into such areas.

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February 2020

The college student’s guide to President Donald J. Trump’s impeachment By JULIA BONAVITA Photo editor

Throughout America’s 243-year history, a sitting president has never been removed from office, and only three have been impeached. Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and now Donald Trump make up the elite fraternity of impeached, but not removed, presidents - with Richard Nixon trailing behind as the only president to resign before the House of Representatives casted their votes. The details of the impeachment process remain primarily up to Congress to decide, since the framers of the Constitution did not leave a specific blueprint for future leaders to follow. The process initially begins with the House of Representatives launching a formal impeachment inquiry. The House Judiciary Committee investigates by compiling evidence and interviewing witnesses, and then drafts the formal articles of impeachment. These articles move to the full House for a vote, where a simple majority (the highest number of votes) is needed to determine the sitting president’s fate. If the articles pass in the House, the president is impeached, but not removed. The case then moves to the Senate for a formal impeachment trial, and requires a two-thirds

majority to convict. Senators act as jurors in a trial, while both sides present their arguments, while the U.S. Supreme Court chief justice presides. So What Did President Trump Do? On July 25, 2019, President Donald J. Trump spoke on the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During their conversation, Trump pushed Zelensky to investigate his 2020 Election rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

In 2014, Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, was named to the board of directors of Burisma Holdings, a private oil drilling company in Ukraine. During this time, Vice President Biden was working to encourage the Ukrainian government to investigate and remove Viktor Shokin, former Prosecutor General of Ukraine, on the basis that he was not pursuing corruption within the country’s politicians. During the call, Zelensky asked Trump for additional military assistance. Trump responded by saying “I would

like you to do us a favor though”, and proceeded to ask Zelensky to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden and other 2016 election conspiracies. Zelensky was informed that Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, will be in touch with more information. The Road to Impeachment On Sept. 9, a whistleblower complaint from August 2019 emerged, detailing concerns about Trump utilizing his position to command foreign electoral intervention. Two days later, the administra-

February 2020 tion released $391 million in military aid to Ukraine, which was also discussed during the July 29th phone call. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi then announced that the House will launch an impeachment inquiry on Sept. 25, which was followed by the administration releasing a rough transcript of the phone call. Trump has maintained that he did ask Zelensky to investigate the Bidens, but was not breaking any laws in doing so. After weeks of private and public testimony from officials

Page 9A involved within the White House, the House Judiciary Committee voted to approve two charges against President Trump: Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The latter charge was the result of possible instances of obstruction by Trump throughout the impeachment investigation. The articles then moved to the full House of Representatives, which voted on Dec. 18 to impeach Trump. The charges moved to the Senate, where a trial began on Jan. 22. After lengthy debate

regarding the length of opening statements, Senators began hearing testimony from members of the House and Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorneys. During the period of time between when the articles were voted on in the House and sent to the Senate, new witnesses and evidence emerged, which was failed to be introduced in the trial after a 49-51 vote. Since the Senate currently has a Republican majority, it is expected that Trump will not be removed from office. The Senate is expected to vote on the removal of Pres-

ident Trump on Wednesday, Feb. 5. What Does This Mean for 2020: It is likely that President Trump will not be removed from office, and will continue his race for reelection. It is still too early to predict who will win the Democratic nomination or overall election, and Americans are likely to not see the full effect of Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impeachment until Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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February 2020

A tragedy turns two

Will anything be done to prevent another Parkland? By YARITZA RIVERO C ontributing writer

On Feb. 14, 2018, 17 victims were gunned down at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County, Florida. The victims included students, faculty and staff. It was broadcast nationwide and is described as one of the worst school shootings in United States history. “I just remember feeling so helpless. I had just lost my best friend, and he was only 15 years old. I cried for days, and I just felt so scared that I could barely think and didn’t want to leave my house,” said Brandon Dietrich, a now 17-year-old who was at MSD during the shooting.

The U.S. is no stranger to school shootings. Broward County schools, along with schools across the nation, practice “Code Red” drills at least once a quarter to ensure that students know what to do in that type of situation. Code Red means there is an immediate and imminent threat to the school. Typically, this means an intruder, including active shooters, is in the school building. “I was at school when we had gone into a Code Red, and after finding out what had happened, I messaged all of my friends that went to MSD because I lived a few minutes away,” said Alexandra Taylor, who now attends FGCU. “Thank God they were all okay but hearing the stories of the families that lost someone was tragic.”

After the MSD shooting, Broward County was in a state of shock, and many parents did not send their kids to school for days. However, the March for Our Lives movement started happening. Schools began having walkouts in protest of the current gun laws. People traveled to Washington D.C. to march in front of public officials’ offices. MSD students spoke out about the incident on national television and wrote the book “Parkland Speaks: Survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories.” This violent event has brought much heartache to the state, as well as the nation. However, little was done by the government to change any gun policies here in Florida or nationwide. Anyone in

Florida is able to buy a rifle at 18 and handguns at 21 with few screening processes. The state does not require a specialized permit to buy a firearm, and background checks are only done by federally licensed gun sellers. Unlicensed sellers often sell at gun shows, and this is referred to as “the gun show loophole.” No background checks are required for person-to-person sales. “Being a part of the Washington D.C. march was life changing because I saw so many different types of people coming together for an important cause to change gun laws,” said Jackery Bart, who attended high school in Broward County and is now an FSU student. “It was just nice to know that we got our voices out.”

GRAPH MADE BY YARITZA RIVERO Information found on NBC and CNN.

February 2020

By BROOKE STILES a ssisYant af editor

Looking for something to do for Valentine’s day? Here’s some events that are perfect for couples, singles or friends to attend.

Feb. 8

Bestie Bash Hearts & Crafts Edison Mall 2-4 p.m. An event for the whole family! Enjoy Valentine’s Day crafts, face painting, music, and more.

Feb.13

FGCU GSA Palentine’s Day Party Ben Hill Griffin 109 @ 7:309:30 p.m. Celebrate love and community with FGCU’s Gender & Sexuality Alliance. PiKapp Rose Garden Library Lawn 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buy a rose from fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha to support The Ability Experience, an organization that helps people with disabilities.

Feb. 14

Vegan Valentine’s Day Millennial Brewing Co. 5-10 p.m. “A casual, all-vegan event for low-key couples!”

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Single Valentine’s Mingle Old Soul Brewing 7-11 p.m. Mingle with singles, grab desserts and beer, and engage in presentations on love and relationships. Sunset Dolphin Cruise Adventures in Paradise on Fort Myers Beach 5:15-6:45 p.m. Cruise through the waters surrounding Sanibel for a relaxing Valentine’s journey. Chocolate and Beer Pairing Palm City Brewing 4-11 p.m. Enjoy select chocolates from Normal Love Chocolatier and pair it with a favorite Palm City beer. Valentine’s GLOW Sky Zone Fort Myers 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Lasers, music and blacklights will transform your Valentine’s Day into a glowing, jumping night club! Dinner and Dancing Cruise J.C. Cruises 7-10 p.m. Sail down the Caloosahatchee for a 3-hour cruise filled with a buffet, music, dancing, and an open-air deck. Singles Mixer Lani Kai Island Resort 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. A fun and free event for singles looking to mingle! Games and DJ included.

80’s Dance Party Nauti Parrot Dock Bar 6-10 p.m. Join Girl Krush in a night of girl-powered 80’s pop, dancing, food and drinks on the water.

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February 2020

SpORTS

ON TO GREENER PASTURES Senior forward Shak Adam’s left his mark in the FGCU record books and looks to do the same at the professional level after being selected in the MLS Superdraft this past month. See more on B2

Hop, skip and a jumper: Women’s hoops leapfrog into No. 24 in the USA Today Coaches Poll

EN PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA

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February 2020

Women’s hoops: can’t stop, won’t stop

EN PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA Nasrin Ulel continues to cement her legacy in the FGCU record books, pushing herself into the top 10 of all-time scorers against ASUN competition. She is currently the third-highest scorer on the team with 321 points.

By HAROLD J. SOLOMON IV Sports Editor

Since Dec. 19, 2019 the FGCU women’s basketball team (21-2, 8-0) has been on an 11-game tear, outscoring opponents 869-631. Head coach Karl Smesko’s squad also boasts the third-best conference winning streak in the nation with 36 straight victories against ASUN competition, which ranks among the top 20 all-time in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history. With the ASUN Championship just eight games away, the Eagles

hold a two-game advantage over second-place North Florida, putting them at the top of the ASUN standings. FGCU looks to become the first ASUN program to win 10 regular-season conference championships, with the current record being held by FIU with nine.

FGCU’S FAB FIVE Following the team’s victory against Liberty on Feb. 1, each member of FGCU’s starting lineup is now averaging double-digit points against ASUN competition. Keri Jewett-Giles is currently on

pace to set the program’s all-time scoring average record and Davion Wingate continues her impressive season as she leads the Eagles with a team-best .471 three-point percentage, which is also fourth in the country. Reigning ASUN player of the year Nasrin Ulel is right behind both forementioned players in points and just recently entered the top 10 in career scoring against ASUN competition throughout the regular season. Kerstie Phills’s best performance came in the Feb. 1 victory against Liberty as she re-

corded 19 points — her best point total since joining the program a year ago. Tytionia Adderly is excelling in both offense and defense, averaging 10.4 points and eight rebounds in league play. The starting lineup of The Fab Five is responsible for 15 of the team’s wins this season and will most likely be the favorite as they near the postseason.

1,000 POINT CLUB In the team’s 80-63 win over Kennesaw State on Jan. 20, Ashli O’Neal reached 1,000 points in her

February 2020

NCAA career, making the Eagles the only women’s basketball program in the nation with four 1,000 point guards (Keri Jewett-Giles, Nasrin Ulel, Davion Wingate). O’Neal became the 18th player in FGCU’s history to eclipse the scoring milestone at the NCAA Division I level and finish their NCAA career at FGCU. Her .400 field goal percentage will prove helpful from the backcourt if the Eagles hope to extend their season.

DEFENDING THE NEST Along with earning their 100th regular-season conference home win on Jan.4 against Lipscomb,

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the Eagles are averaging 81.2 points per game in Alico Arena this season and outscoring opponents 894-606 with their lone home loss coming against LSU back in December. Overall, FGCU is 276-20 against all opponents in Alico Arena.

UP NEXT FOR THE EAGLES The FGCU women’s basketball team looks to extend their already impressive conference win streak and finish the regular season undefeated in league play for the sixth time since joining the ASUN back in 2007. The team will return to Alico Arena on Feb. 8 for its homecoming game against North Florida.

EN PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA Tytionia Adderly became the first player in program history to reach 1,000 career rebounds in FGCU’s 82-56 victory over Lipscomb on Jan. 6. She is fifth amogst active career rebound leaders with 1055.

By JAKE HENNING aSSitant SportS Editor

Through the month of January, Keri Jewett-Giles registered four games of 20-plus points against North Alabama, Kennesaw State, NJIT and Liberty during the Eagles’ impressive 8-0 winning streak against ASUN competition. With her performances, Jewett-Giles moves into the top spot of FGCU’s scorers this season with 380 points and pushes her point average to 16.5 per game. “She has been good all season, but she has played even better in conference,” said head coach Karl Smesko. The Dunbar High School

product also earned her sixth ASUN player of the week selection of her career following a 25-point performance against North Alabama on Jan. 18, which pushed FGCU into first place in conference standings. She rounded out the week with 20 points, seven assists and three steals against Kennesaw State on Jan. 20. If she keeps up her scoring frenzy, the No. 24 ranked Eagles will maintain first place in the standings as they round out the final eight games of the regular season. The next time Jewett-Giles and the Eagles return to Alico Arena will be Saturday, Feb. 8 against North Florida.

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February 2020

Shak Adams selected by Nashville SC in MLS Superdraft

EN PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA Adams finished his FGCU career atop the all-time assists list with 16 and second on the all-time goals scored list with 23.

By CHASE HENRY Staff Writer

FGCU men’s soccer alumni Shak Adams has been selected in the third round of the MLS Superdraft by Nashville SC. Adams becomes the fourth player in FGCU’s history to be selected in the MLS Draft, joining Rodrigo Saravia (2016), Nicolas Samoya (2018) and Kamar Marriott in 2019. “It was a dream come true to

be able to see my name on the draft board, especially seeing it as my hometown,” said Adams to FGCU Athletics. “But the real work starts now.” Adams, a senior forward, scored four goals and contributed five assists over a span of 18 games during the 2019 season. With his assists, Adams became FGCU’s all-time assist leader in men’s soccer with 16, one more assist than Josey

Portillo secured during his career from 2008-2011. In addition to being the assist leader, Adams finished his career second all-time in goals scored with 23 and second alltime in points with 62. Adams joins a Nashville SC team about to play its inaugural season in Major League Soccer. At the forward position, Nashville SC’s roster currently lists David Accam, Dominique Badji, Abu Dan-

ladi, Cameron Lancaster, Alan Winn, Randall Leal and Daniel Rios. Accam, Badji and Danladi all have professional experience in the MLS, while Lancaster, Winn, Leal and Rios all have professional experience in other leagues. Nashville SC opens up its inaugural season playing Atlanta United in Nashville on February 29th and will travel to Orlando to play Orlando City on September 12th.

February 2020

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ASUN considering expansion of conference By HAROLD J. SOLOMON IV SportS Editor

On Jan. 22, the ASUN Conference commissioner Ted Gumbart announced that the league is exploring the possibility of expanding their membership to other schools. One of the considered scenarios is to merge with the CCSA to build a new multisport conference. Ken Kavanaugh, FGCU’s Director of Athletics, released a statement regarding the ASUN’s consideration on Jan. 24. The statement reiterates that

FGCU Athletics has not currently made any decision on the matter but the ASUN will be extending their membership to ten teams with Bellarmine University joining this summer. With the possibility of a new multisport conference being explored, FGCU remains firm on the grounds that it doesn’t plan on adding football to the athletics program. While the statement cites the addition of football would not be feasible financially, it’s worth noting that it was only two months ago that FGCU Campus Recreation suspended it’s club football team indefinitely.

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The suspension came after the reports of then volunteer head coach Kevin Van Duser extending “offers” to over 100 individuals across the country which included

paid tuition in the future. Since then, the suspension on the club has been lifted but FGCU continues to make it clear that it will not add football to the athletics program.

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Opinion

SCRATCH THE STIGMA OF ONLINE DATING Online dating doesn’t only involve “losers” and “hook-up culture.” Online dating is now a real option. See more on 8B

Credit surcharge is being punished for learn ing

By KAT VAN TASSEL Contributing Writer

ust before I started the 2019–2020 school year, I received an email stating I would be in excess of my credit hour threshold and a tuition surcharge would be added for each credit hour I take until I graduate.

I transferred to Florida Gulf Coast University in 2015 with my associate degree and needed a total of 120 credits to complete my degree. According to my advisor, I currently have 132 credits. That’s for every class I’ve ever taken, dropped or had to retake, including the ones I took before I switched majors. So, what is a surcharge and why do some students, like me, have to pay it in order to graduate with a degree? What an excellent question! In 2009, the Florida Legislation passed statute 1009.286 to encourage students to complete a Bachelor’s degree in four years. It’s all well and good to finish early or on time, but this legislation doesn’t take into account that not everyone is able to complete a degree in a fouryear time frame. I’m aware that being a career student isn’t ideal and that the goal of a college is to get students in and out with a degree as quickly as possible, but State institutions are not able to waive the surcharge for any reason.

EN PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA At FGCU, the surcharge is based on the number of credits you’ve taken and what your threshold is. The fee can be between 50% and 100% of the base tuition rate depending when you started college.

In the long run, this legislation punishes students who double major, change majors or take extra classes. At FGCU, the surcharge is based on the number of credits you’ve taken and what your threshold is. The fee can be between 50% and 100% of the base tuition rate depending when you started college.

While Pell grants and loans are available to keep the tuition money from initially coming out of my pocket I don’t think it’s a good idea to go into debt for a degree. But that’s another story. Currently, the tuition surcharge for students who have more than 132 credits at FGCU is 100 percent of the base rate.

That’s roughly $105 per credit hour in addition to the $203.93 already being charged. Several Florida schools have seen an increase in excess credit surcharges in the last few years. According to an article in the SunSentinel, at Florida A&M alone 72% of the 2015–2016 undergrads exceeded their credit limit— the

February 2020 highest percentage of students at any one state school in excess of their credit threshold. The University of Florida has the lowest percentage of students at 20%. An average of 13,500 out of 48,000 undergraduate students paid excess surcharge fees in order to graduate in the 2015– 2016 school year from 12 state colleges. That number may not seem very high. it’s roughly one in five students. So, if you are in a class of 28 people about seven of those students have more credits than are required to obtain their degree. In order to decrease those numbers, colleges are implementing their own programs to help students graduate on time. FGCU has the Soar in 4 program. First-time students who participate are given a track or path to take of credit hours they will need per semester if they want to graduate on time. There are incentives for com-

Page 7B pleting Soar in 4, including a potential rebate and job placement after graduation are a couple of them. While this can’t help me or other students who have been attending FGCU since 2015 it will help future students from spending a huge chunk of their adult life trying to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Hopefully those students will be able to avoid taking excess credits. Tuition surcharge is a joke and needs to be changed. There are a few ways to make your voice heard. Start local and speak to Student Government about how they are representing the student body and ask what action they are taking to help keep costs down. Call your state representatives. If you don’t know who represents your district you can find that information here for collier county, here for Lee County and here for all Florida officials. Let them know that a high tuition surcharge is financially crippling.

EN GRAPHIC BY KRISTEN LOCKER An average of 13,500 out of 48,000 undergraduate students paid excess surcharge fees in order to graduate in the 2015–2016 school year from 12 state colleges.

Life happens when you’re planning your career. Students shouldn’t be punished for

trying to get an education and do something better with that knowledge.

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February 2020

Hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless? By JUSTIN RAFFONE Contributing Writer

Tinder, Bumble, OKCupid, Plenty of Fish, Grindr, Her– these are just a handful of popular dating websites and apps. A negative stigma had been placed on online dating, especially among college students, that these platforms were just part of the “hook-up culture.” These apps and sites provide service to millions of people trying to find a relationship in what used to be a nonconventional way. There was also a stigma that people who were part of the online dating community were “losers” who couldn’t find dates in person. According to Axios, a news outlet founded by former Chief White House correspondent at Politico Mike Allen, the negative stigma following online dating seems to have dwindled recently. A poll that Axios published in February 2019 stated, “More than half of Americans who have used dating apps or sites said they had a positive view of online dating, and 72% said they think relationships that begin online are just as or more successful than those that begin offline.” Online dating is at the point where there’s not much difference in the type of people you meet online or in person. The stigma that users are just wanting to hook up is no truer than what you run into at most bars. I had a successful relationship that started online. Even though we are no longer together, it was a 3-year relationship that changed me as a person and helped me grow and evolve.

Josh Candelmo, 30, is a proponent of online dating, having been one of the many success stories out there. “I met my wife on Plenty of Fish in college,” Candelmo said. “We dated for two years before we got married. We’ve now been married for four years and have a beautiful 2-year-old daughter and a happy family. I wasn’t finding that at any bar. Sometimes you don’t find the type of person you’re looking for out in person.” However, Axios does state, “The stigma remains among those who have never used a dating app or site. 65% of them had a negative view of online dating, and almost half said they think relationships are less successful if they begin online.” Scott Smith, 24, had given online dating a try but did not have the success he had hoped, so he carries that EN PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA negative stigma that many who have A poll that Axios published in February 2019 stated, “More than half of not tried online dating have. Americans who have used dating apps or sites said they had a positive view “In college, it was all the same,” of online dating, and 72% said they think relationships that begin online Smith said. “I wanted to try to build are just as or more successful than those that begin offline.” something serious even if it wasn’t going to lead to marriage. I didn’t want the people you are talking to and have In college you can hope to find to play games, but that’s all it seemed the patience to weed through the less someone in a class or club, but with girls online wanted to do.” serious options. so much focus on homework and Smith said it was hard to find anyone After all, the poll conducted by other commitments, it can be easy to who took the apps as seriously as he Axios showed that 47% of adults overlook a potential partner. did. But the same thing can happen aged 18 to 24 held a vvt positive It is a place where, when all parties when you’re trying to find someone on view of online dating sites and dating are honest, you know what you’re campus, at a party or a café. apps. That percentage was the most of looking for and don’t have to feel emSome users are purely online beany age group. barrassed or unaware of the intentions cause of boredom and use it as a source Don’t give up on finding what of another individual. of entertainment or a way to drive up you’re looking for if you haven’t had Don’t give up on trying to find their ego. any success or continue to run into the someone in person; human interaction That doesn’t mean it can’t work for negative stigmas associated with the is a beautiful thing. you, however. online dating world. Online dating doesn’t only involve Online dating is a viable option for Online dating is something I feel “losers” and “hook-up culture.” Onsomeone searching for a relationship will become more of the norm as our line dating is now a real option. if you’re true to yourself, honest with digital age progresses.

February 2020

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Megan Markle— a villian or a victim? By KARINA CASHMAN Staff Writer

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepping back from the royal family seemed to take many by surprise, but does that surprise have anything to do with the media’s attitude toward Markle since she stepped into her new role? Do the harsher attitudes that Markle faces say anything about racial treatment globally? The answer, in short, is yes and here’s why. We must first prove that Markle is treated more unfairly by the media and tabloids for things that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is praised for. One such instance occurred in July 2019 when Markle was criticized after her bodyguard asked fans not to take photos of her despite Middleton being called down-to-earth for the same thing in an Insider article. Another instance was when Middleton was pregnant, and a heartwarming story came out about a little boy who gifted her with an avocado in order to help with her pregnancy. Markle, however, was noted to have apparently been wolfing down a fruit linked to water shortages, illegal deforestation and general environmental devastation, according to an Express article. There have been multitudes of cases comparing headlines and comments proving Markle to be more heavily critiqued than her royal peers, but does this speak to a larger issue of her race? It’s fair to say that Markle has

been facing a daunting amount of attention and backlash since she first joined the royal family. While public figures will always face a certain amount of scrutiny, I would go as far to say that the amount Meghan received was disproportionate. This is very easily seen when, as was done before, we compare the reaction of similar transgressions between Middleton and Markle. If Middleton wears a certain coat, she’s complimenting the queen’s style. When Markle wears or does something similar, she’s angering the queen or making a royal fauxpaus. Oftentimes, the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind is that Markle is the first mixed race member of the royal family. While it’s easy for anyone to say I’m pulling the race card, it is worth noting that Markle doesn’t particularly exhibit any wildly inappropriate behavior and always dresses and behaves in an appropriate manner. While we could go on all day over what is considered appropriate for the royal family, we should once again look to Middleton for a comparison and better understanding on if Markle has presented herself in any inappropriate manner, as Middleton herself seems to have obtained the public’s favor. This leads us to the understanding that there must be a larger issue for the public than what Markle is doing or wearing, but rather that the public has an issue with who she is and what she represents. As the first known, mixed race

member in the royal family during a time in which there are still global racial tensions and biases, Markle’s criticism may speak to a larger issue of the public’s opinion to people of color an entire group and also in positions of power. If Markle’s treatment speaks to the larger issue of race in the United Kingdom, then our willingness to brush that undue criticism under the rug proves that we’re a part of the problem. The easy thing to do is always going to be nothing; it’ll always be simpler to dismiss the matter at hand as Markle not doing or saying

the right thing with no larger issue behind that, but that doesn’t accurately represent the state of our nation or that of the United Kingdom’s. This could be because of Markle’s ethnicity or the fact that she obtained a position of authority, power and prestige when some view her as being inherently less than. It’s easy to dismiss anything not happening in your own metaphorical backyard as not your problem, but issues of bias and race span globally and have the potential to influence minority groups worldwide.

PHOTO BY © GUILLUAME PIOLLE If Markle’s treatment speaks to the larger issue of race in the United Kingdom, then our willingness to brush that undue criticism under the rug proves that we’re a part of the problem.

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February 2020

2019 TIME Person of the Year decision is a wake-up call By SERENA TARTAGLIA Staff Writer

ast year, seventeen-year-old Greta Thunberg began spending her Fridays alone outside of the Swedish Parliament building.

She held a sign that read “Skolstrejk for Klimatet”, or “School Strike for Climate.” Her actions inspired 7 million people to hold climate strikes and climate protests, including one held at FGCU in September. On Dec. 11 Time magazine announced that she would be its Person of the Year, and she absolutely deserves it. According to Time magazine, the award not only represented Thunberg’s work, but the growing youth activism around the world, including the Parkland students advocating for gun control in the US and the young protesters in Hong Kong fighting for democracy. Thunberg is influential in her own way: her thunderous speech at the UN where she shamed world leaders for not doing enough for climate change went viral. It was the “How dare you!” heard around the world. She also leads “Fridays for Future” protests that has garnered the attention of celebrities such as Jane Fonda and Joaquin Phoenix. However, Thunberg has had

PHOTO BY ANDERS HELLBERG Thunberg is influential in her own way: her thunderous speech at the UN where she shamed world leaders for not doing enough for climate change went viral.

her share of critics, who are intimidated by someone who challenges their worldview. Fox News host Laura Ingraham compared her to the 1977 Stephen King short story ‘Children of the Corn.’ An Australian columnist even mocked her Asperger’s diagnosis, to which Thunberg responded on Twitter, “I am indeed

”deeply disturbed” about the fact that these hate and conspiracy campaigns are allowed to go on and on and on just because we children communicate and act on science. Where are the adults?” While there is still a lot to be done on climate change, there is hope. Time reports that “More than

60 countries have pledged to have a net carbon footprint of zero by 2050.” 183 countries have joined the Paris Climate Accord. Google has pledged to run on “100% clean energy.” Time said of its decision: “Thunberg’s wake-up call is a necessary jolt. It is up to us all to meet it with solutions.”

February 2020

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As soon as finals were over, I flew to the West Sussex of England. The plan was to spend three days in Paris at the start of my trip, but traveling never goes as planned. Before leaving for the airport my friend informed me about the status of France’s public transport. Little to my knowledge workers were striking for pension security, and that meant my train was cancelled. Flights were far too expensive to book, so I got refunded for my train ticket and hostel. The other catch? The weather impeded most outdoor pursuits. Between the rain and ranging 40-degree temperatures, I found myself eager to get out. If this trip taught me anything, it was how important research is. Check your bookings a week, three days and one day before leaving. If something is cancelled, you want to fall within the window of refunds. Decide what activities you want from a trip. Is it being outside to hike? Sit on the beach? See snow in the mountains? Stroll through a local city? Whatever your perfect trip is, find the time of year in that location that gives you the weather you expect. This helps planning your days and optimizing the value of your trip. While I didn’t see the Eiffel Tower or hike every day, I am pleased with my time in England. Happy Travels, Kris Student Spotlight

Allie Prevost, 20, is a junior at FGCU who took her winter break to Europe. She decided to visit a friend in Netherlands for 12 days following finals week. During the trip abroad the two embarked on a smaller trip to Dublin, Ireland. Before this trip Prevost had only been out of the country once before. Prevost said over summer 2019 she went to Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam and Rome. The language barrier was an issue, but most countries speak English according to Prevost. Public transportation was also a new factor for travel abroad. “We don’t have public transportation so learning the system was a little hard,” Prevost said. “There are apps that make transportation easier for foreigners.” Prevost said her favorite part of the trip was immersing herself with the culture of Dublin. “The people were so nice and welcoming, and as a party city, I never felt uncomfortable. I think that atmosphere was my favorite part,” Prevost said. As a full-time college student and waitress, Prevost said it can often be hard to find the time to make money for trips. She said travelling is about working hard and saving up. “My motto is money is refillable, but time isn’t,” Prevost said. “Do it while you’re young and you have the opportunity.”

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February 2020