CAMPUS LIFE Syllabus week prompts discussion of attendance policies | PAGE 7 SPORTS Men’s basketball currently riding a four-game winning streak | PAGE 10
The Etownian
www.etownian.com
Vol. 111. Issue 11
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Athletic director announces retirement by BRIAN LUKACSY
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hen June rolls around and Athletic Director Nancy Latimore officially steps down from the position she’s held for 20 years, she will do so having made an impact well beyond what she could have imagined. Latimore recently said via a news release, “It has been an honor and Courtesy Photo privilege leading Blue Jay athletics and Nancy Latimore announced on Friday, Jan. working with my colleagues to provide 2 that she would be retiring in June 2015 our student-athletes with the best possible after 20 years of service.
intercollegiate experience.” Latimore’s impact on Elizabethtown College will be felt by more than just the student-athletes and colleagues who have spent part of or all of the last 20 years with her. Future Blue Jays will have Latimore to thank for the exceptional opportunities each student-athlete has at Etown. “When I became director of athletics in July 1995, my aim was to work with the staff to make an already impressive Blue Jay athletics program even better. I
wanted to create additional participation opportunities for our students, improve facilities, create additional full time coaching positions and build a top-notch staff,” Latimore said. “I am proud to say that my colleagues and I have accomplished quite a bit over the past 20 years and met many of these goals. My only regret is that a fitness and recreation center wasn’t built during my tenure.” SEE SPORTS PAGE 11
Teach-in promotes awareness of current Week-long celebration events, race issues across country honors Martin Luther by KELLY BERGH
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he teach-in held during the first week of the spring semester gave students and faculty an opportunity to discuss current national and global race-related issues. Recent events regarding race and violence stemming from bias in Ferguson, Mo. and Staten Island inspired faculty members to consider how the Elizabethtown College community is affected by such controversies. Several professors determined over winter break that since students are not immune to these hot topics, discussing these high profile events would promote open dialogue and engaged community participation. An email announcing the teach-in was sent to students over winter break, stating that “professors [were] building a campus-wide coalition to encourage engagement from their students and peers about issues that we find difficult to discuss or know little about.” The first two days of the semester, Monday, Jan. 12 and Tuesday, Jan. 13, were dedicated to relating course materials to current events. 47 classes across 13 different disciplines participated in the program. With an average class size of 16 students, as many as 752 students and dozens of faculty members were involved in the teach-in. The majority of the courses were open to unenrolled students as well, providing everyone on campus the opportunity to safely learn, discuss and debate
the issues at hand. Discussion topics ranged from the education department’s “Equity Issues in PreK-12 Classrooms” to Associate Professor of English Dr. John Rohrkemper’s presentation in his American literature class about the history of lynching in the United States. The social work and religious studies departments looked into violence and stereotypes while several psychology professors offered students a look into the science of racism, explaining its role in both the conscious and subconscious and how environmental factors can positively and negatively affect one’s acceptance of other races. Dr. Colin Helb, Assistant Professor of Communications, presented his Introduction to Communications class with a review of media coverage of Ferguson in his lecture entitled “Ferguson and the Media.” Helb discussed the media’s presence in the midst of the violence, explaining how current disagreements often stem from who has authority over media coverage of events and how a source is determined legitimate. “It is the American right to view and cover [information],” Helb said, showing students the Eric Garner fatal arrest video to demonstrate the virtually invisible difference between user-generated content and citizen action. “That’s the crux of [news creation and coverage] — blurring the line between protestor and journalist,” Helb said.
King Jr.’s life, legacy
Photo: Luke Mackey
From Jan. 19-23, the College celebrated the life and works of Martin Luther King Jr. for the tenth year in a row. Events included a Candlelight March and a Gospel Extravaganza.
SEE TEACH-IN PAGE 2
SEE FEATURES PAGE 4
School named to President’s Honor Roll for ninth year
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by KELLY BERGH
lizabethtown College earned a place on the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction at the end of 2014 for its commitment to serving the local community. This is the ninth consecutive year the College has been named to the list. It has been included every year since the inception of the honor roll, earning the title of Distinction the past two years — one of only 11 institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to do so in 2014.
“‘Educate for Service’ is the DNA of Etown, and generations of students have lived this motto during their time on campus and following graduation.” ~Carl Strikwerda
A place on the President’s Community Service Honor Roll is the highest honor a college or university can receive for civic engagement, as it highlights an institution’s commitment to volunteering and service learning. The Honor Roll recognizes outstanding community service programs and effective community partnerships. Membership to this honor roll highlights Etown’s dedication to acknowledging and solving community problems in a measurable way. SEE HONOR PAGE 3
Photo: Luke Mackey
School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Education organization sells HACC reach reverse transfer agreement A-T benefit tickets an associate degree while working towards “Completing an associate degree is a by KELLY BERGH their Etown bachelor’s degree.
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he School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) recently reached an agreement with Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) allowing currently enrolled students to transfer Elizabethtown SCPS credits back towards an associate degree at HACC. SCPS Dean Dr. John Kokolus and HACC President John J. “Ski” Sygielski, Ed.D signed the reverse transfer agreement. SCPS, a part of the Elizabethtown College community for over 40 years, and HACC, Pennsylvania’s first and largest community college, are pleased that their collaboration will allow students to obtain
“Completing an associate degree is a significant academic accomplishment and may help students advance their career goals more efficiently.” ~John Kokolus
significant academic accomplishment and may help students advance their career goals more efficiently,” Kokolus said. Degrees are awarded at the discretion of HACC based on current degree programs and policies. The Central Pennsylvania community college has about 20,000 currently enrolled students and offers more than 150 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs across five campuses and through online classes. Its partnership with Etown will give dual enrollment students access to 53 majors and over 80 minors and concentrations. The institutions’ collaboration aims to expedite the graduation process of SCPS students.
by KELLY MOORE
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lizabethtown College’s Education Organization (Ed Org) will be hosting their annual ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) benefit on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in Leffler Chapel and Performance Center. Ed Org is a club in the Education Department. Their mission is to provide an atmosphere in which future educators feel safe, accepted and motivated to become successful teachers. The club participates in many social and service activities throughout the year such as literacy nights at the local library, volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House, after-school tutoring and many on-campus events such as Into the Streets. SEE TICKETS PAGE 2
News
page 2 TEACH-IN PAGE 1
January 22, 2015 TICKETS PAGE 1
“Etown Engage” teach-in promotes Education Organization conversations about race, violence benefits A-T research Such controversy is a large part of why senior Emily Hornung is proud that the Etown community is standing in solidarity for the lives impacted and lost to violent racism. Hornung, a senior social work major and Elizabethtown native, became interested in last semester’s Stand in Solidarity event, which prompted her to attend a faculty meeting during finals week reviewing Etown’s history of activism and lack of recent awareness-promoting activities. “This event has sparked my desire to stand up for the issues I believe in,” Hornung said. “For me, to speak up in solidarity, as so much of the campus has done this past week, shows others that you care about them, you care about their experiences, and that you care about
equal treatment, regardless of social differences.” During Associate Professor of History Dr. David Kenley’s 11 years at the College, he has never experienced an activity similar to this teach-in. “Several of the faculty felt the events in Ferguson demanded some type of response. Since we are educators, we felt the most obvious response was a campus-wide teachin. I want my students to understand better the underlying issues informing the events in Ferguson and consider ways they can affect positive change,” he said. The devotion of class time the students’ first week back sparked a series of serious discussions focused on bringing awareness to Etown. “Syllabus days are about an orientation,” Assistant Professor
of Religious Studies Dr. Richard Newton said. “What better way to prepare for a real-world learning experience than by really looking at the world?” To provide Etown community members with another opportunity to voice their recognition of recent events and show support for alienated minorities, T-shirts emblazoned with #BlackLivesMatter, a popular hashtag on social media, and #EtownEngage were prepared and worn on the second day of classes. The teach-in’s prevalence on campus increased students’ awareness of racial tensions still present in our country and ensured that the Etown community is dedicated to thinking critically and creatively to provide solutions for social crises.
with raffle ticket sale
This year will be Ed Org’s tenth annual A-T benefit where all of the funds raised from their ticket, merchandise and raffle sales will go directly to the A-T Children’s Project. The president of the Education Organization, Andrea Keller, said, “The A-T Children’s Project is a non-profit organization that aims to raise funds for research to find life-improving and eventually a cure for A-T.” A-T is a rare genetic disease that affects children, which causes a progressive loss of muscle control, immune system problems, and a much higher rate of cancer. For more information on A-T, visit atcp.org.
“The A-T Children’s Project is a non-profit organization that aims to raise funds for research to find life-improving and eventually a cure for A-T.” ~Andrea Keller
Photo: Luke Mackey
Brossman Commons featured a wall of students’ responses to the teach-in, which were gathered at the end of each session.
The benefit will have performances from Etown’s campus performing groups, including Emotion, the Dance Team, Melica, Vocalign, Phalanx and Mad Cow.
In addition to ticket sales, Ed Org will also be raffling off prizes during the entire month of February. “Individuals can purchase raffle tickets and then each day during the month of February a prize will be given,” Keller said. “Prizes can include gift cards to local business such as Folklore and TJ Rockwell’s as well as prize baskets such as Breakfast in Bed and Chocolate Addiction. There is no limit to the number of prizes someone can win through this raffle, so if they win one day, their ticket will be placed back in the raffle for the potential to win the next day.” Tickets for these raffles are $1 for two tickets or $5 for 12 tickets. Each year before the event, families affected by A-T are invited to have dinner with the Ed Org board and faculty members. They are also invited to come to the concert. “This is a great event and a great cause because it keeps our Ed Org members as well as the college community connected to a wonderful organization (A-T Children’s Project),” Keller said. “Our club is service oriented, so giving back to the community and helping those in need is one thing that we are all very passionate about, so as a club we try to do as much as we can.” Tickets for the benefit concert cost $5, purchasable in the BSC on Jan. 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase before the show. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Campus Climate Forum held during MLK celebrations
President Strikwerda, Student Senate discuss social justice issues, how to improve campus community by KELLY BERGH
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n Monday, Jan. 19, Elizabethtown College President Carl J. Strikwerda and members of the Student Senate held a campus community climate forum to discuss the College’s attitude towards current issues and how it can best handle and recognize them. The forum was a part of the MLK Celebration Week. Strikwerda began the meeting by pointing out that Etown students are not immune to the effects of the current social issues prevalent around the country. “We’re at a point in American history where I’m reminded that some of the most challenging issues Martin Luther King Jr. faced in a profound way are still relevant today,” he said. Students are constantly reminded that the goal of getting an Etown education is to learn how to live as citizens, not just employees. “I think a college has an opportunity to set an example for the rest of society,” Strikwerda said. Openness to differing opinions and actions — despite how popular or unpopular they may be — is crucial for students to be exposed to in order to graduate ready to participate in any
“We’re as good as we are because people have asked questions in the past.” ~Carl Strikwerda communities they may be a part of. The forum identified the intimidation that comes along with sharing and recognizing such opinions. “It can be difficult to have people talk about issues where there are
strong ly opp os ed vie ws,” Strikwerda said. Etown values mutual respect and aims to discourage “demonizing or silencing other people’s views,” said Strikwerda. “Clearly the tone of the campus has to be one where there is an emphasis on unity based on mutual respect.” Stu d e nt s m a ke a hu ge difference on this front because they are exposed to more circumstances in which respect is necessary through living in the residence halls, eating in the marketplace and attending classes. Strikwerda expressed the responsibility students have to respect boundaries while maintaining a common goal. “It is, in a sense, your campus,” he said, pointing out that the student body is the largest group on campus. He recommends that students question whether or not their Photo: Luke Mackey peers, staff members and President Strikwerda and members of Etown’s Student Senate spoke about how Etown can best faculty members are acting as respond to and maintain a sense of unity in light of current events. they should be. Etown has taken believe everyone belongs, sometimes so much severely was the issue of sexual assault. initiative recently to educate every member so that students are often surprised when their Strikwerda reminded attendees “there has of the Etown campus and become a more views are criticized. Etown’s commitment been, justly and appropriately, a new move sensitive and aware community that values to bond service and education ideally helps to open up” the sharing, investigation and human respect, justice and inclusion. “I’m students live as citizens and “question what’s elimination processes of such issues. “We do pleased with the progress we have made,” going on around here,” Strikwerda said. “We’re investigate everything now, and that’s the way Strikwerda said. as good as we are because people have asked I think it should be,” he said. Attendees were encouraged to share their questions in the past.” Provost Dr. Susan Traverso noted that opinions and ask questions. The campus’ Though Etown has faced criticism in the the Plan for Inclusive Excellence, a “very humility and unity and how that may result in past for how they handled bias issues, steps ambitious plan” implemented over the past a lack of clear avenues to go through to present have been taken since then to make sure that five years, has done much to offer “more strong, dissenting opinions was the first topic changes are being made at the micro-level, opportunities for students to engage in addressed. “[Etown is] wonderful... but including at new student orientation and in issues of diversity of all types” and model the homogeneous,” Strikwerda said. He is glad for dorms, to guarantee that students understand institution’s commitment to social justice. the lack of organized social cliques like Greek that they should speak up if they come across life on campus because he feels students truly impolite, uncivil behavior. Also addressed
News
January 22, 2015 HONOR PAGE 1
College named to Honor Roll with Distinction Receiving the additional honor of Distinc tion me ans Etown displays strong levels of institutional commitment, provided a compelling case for partnerships that produce measurable impact in the community and has a Federal Work-Study community service percentage over 15 percent. To earn the award, students engage in mentoring, community outreach, youth, family and disability services, tutoring, animal rescue initiatives, disability services, mental health support, disaster relief efforts and health services. In all, Etown students devote approximately 190,000 hours to community service each year.
“At Etown, where the spirit of service is a core value, and where acts of service are everyday practice, the President’s Honor Roll is an important recognition of the culture of the institution.” ~Matthew Ascah Etown’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement is the significant facilitator of campus and community partnerships. In accordance with their mission statement, the Center fosters opportunities for meaningful and reciprocal relationships between Elizabethtown College and the community. Their communitybased learning instructional strategy parallels the school’s commitment to Etown’s mission statement to Educate for Service. President C arl St r i kwerd a expressed how proud he is of students for fulfilling Etown’s mission. “‘Educate for Service’ is the DNA of Etown, and generations of students have lived this motto during their time
on campus and following graduation. It is humbling and gratifying to have our long tradition and the success of our students who are now on campus serving others be recognized by the White House,” he said. The Center for Community and Civic Engagement has also received the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s 2010 Engagement Elective Classification, the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education since 1970. These recognitions highlight the Center’s success on campus, most notably through its mentor programs, Moving Forward Together and College Bound, hunger and homelessness education and campuswide service opportunities such as Into the Streets and Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. “At Etown, where the spirit of service is a core value, and where acts of service are everyday practice, the President’s Honor Roll is an important recognition of the culture of the institution,” Matthew Ascah, director of the Center for Community and Civic Engagement, said. “[We are] the unit on campus responsible for submitting the application for the President’s Honor Roll each year, and we are pleased to be able to do this on behalf of the College.” The Center’s solid foundation has helped Etown fulfill the goal of the Community Service Honor Roll program: to increase public awareness of the impact that volunteer service from college students has on communities throughout the nation. In 2013, the value of student community service in the U.S. was $2.5 billion. The award, established in 2006, has resulted in an increase in the number and impact of students in meeting community needs, rendering them more likely to pursue a lifelong path of civic engagement that achieves meaningful outcomes in the world around them. Such defines Etown’s long history of passion for experiential learning that benefits both students and the world in which they live.
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Sophomore develops American Sign Language course for Core Program by JENN LLOYD
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n the Fall 2015 semester, Elizabethtown College will be offering ASL 105: Social Participation and Communication in the Deaf Community: American Sign Language, to all students. This means of communication is often overlooked when schools solidify their language departments. Etown sophomore Tyler Latshaw has made sure that Etown does not follow suit. L atshaw f irst considered creating this course when asked by a student in his peer group whether the college offered an ASL class. At that point, the college had a two-credit course, ASL 325, and was discontinued when the professor retired. This event was the catalyst for Latshaw’s push for an American Sign Language class. The goal was for the course to fulfill part of the core program, the root of a uniquely Etown education.
“[Out-of-class experiences include] creating a deaf music video, being deaf for a day, watching a deaf movie or play or going to a ‘deaf hour’ at a coffee shop.” ~Tyler Latshaw The process of turning this idea into a reality was long and complicated, according to Latshaw. He estimated that the amount of time it took him and his group of student supporters to finally establish this class was
Photo: Luke Mackey
Sophomore Tyler Latshaw is responsible for the development of new core class ASL 105: American Sign Language.
a year and a half. L atshaw cont ac te d t hre e different departments — Modern Languages, Education and Occupational Therapy — t o at t e mpt t o g a i n t h e support of Etown professors. The Occupational Therapy department saw the need for this class. Dr. Nancy Carlson, Associate Profe ss or of O c c up at i ona l T h e r ap y, t e a m e d u p w i t h the students to research how other schools were making an American Sign Language class a reality on their campus. After hours of research and discussion, L atshaw and Carlson drafted a proposal, formed a tentative syllabus and submitted the class information for review by the Etown College Board. The class counts as a Modern L ang u age and a Si g n atu re Learning Experience. In this course, students will immerse themselves in the deaf culture and will not be able to verbalize any questions. “ This s e ems s c ar y,” s aid Latshaw. But this method is proven to yield very successful results and students are always able to write down or act out any questions they might have. Latshaw and members of Student Senate were able to
design some of the curriculum for this course. Latshaw said that students will complete 15 hours of work outside of the classroom that will aid in their experience of the deaf culture. “C r e at i n g a d e a f mu s i c video, being deaf for a day, watching a deaf movie or play, or going to a ‘deaf hour’ at a coffee shop,” Latshaw said, will count as ways to complete these 15 hours. Students will gain an understanding of the struggles deaf individuals have to face every day and learn to converse with people whose form of communication most institutions tend to overlook. After almost a year and a half of discussion and revisions, t h e c ou r s e w i l l f i n a l l y b e ready to offer Etown students next fall. Latshaw shared his excitement for this new class and said that he has gotten very positive feedback from his peers regarding the addition of this class to the Etown course catalogue. Latshaw expressed his gratitude for the administrators and f a c u lt y me mb e rs w ho provided him with the backing and support he needed to make this class a reality. All students have the option of registering for this course next semester.
Newsome wins award for “The Women of the Pavillons” paper
Professor of history receives Triennial Charles R. Bailey Memorial Prize for best journal article by CRYSTAL UMINSKI
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ssociate Professor of History Dr. Brian Newsome received the Triennial Charles R. Bailey Memorial Prize for best journal article. The New York State Association of European Historians awarded Newsome for his article “The Women of the Pavillons: A Case Study,” which was published in the Winter 2012 issue of Historical Reflections/Réflexions historiques. In “ The Women of the Pavillons,” Newsome argues that during the 1960s t h rou g h t h e 1 9 8 0 s l i fe for wom e n living in single-family housing units in France was not as isolated as many scholars have assumed. Newsome studied Villagexpo, built in the Paris suburb Saint-Michel-sur-Orge in 1966, which was one of many government-sponsored model developments. Through archival research and interviews with the original inhabitants of the Villagexpo development, Newsome concluded that associations and group relations were crucial to developing a community network within developments. Rather than being socially isolating, life for women in the singlefamily housing was “vibrant,” and the “village’s model of Villagexpo attracted a critical mass of families who were deeply devoted to associational pursuits and community life,” Newsome wrote in his article. According to Newsome, “The Women
of the Pavillons,” was a project that was “years in the making.” His interest in the French single-family housing began in the early 2000s when he encountered the topic while completing research for his dissertation on the development of participatory architectural and urban planning in France between the years 1940 and 1968. Newsome took a leave from Elizabethtown College in 2012 and traveled to France to conduct interviews wit h t he or ig ina l o cc up ants of t he Villagexpo development. Newsome was new to oral history research, but said that he enjoyed the interviewing process. His French hosts were “very gracious,” and often provided him with meals during the interviews. Some of the interviews he conducted were over six hours long. “The Women of the Pavillons” was chosen to receive the Charles R. Bailey Memorial Prize from a half-dozen other submissions. Newsome was presented the award at the 64th Annual Meeting of the New York State Association of European Historians, which was held at the State University of New York at Geneseo. Newsome said “The Women of the Pavillons” was one of the most enjoyable projects he has ever worked on and that “it was a pleasant surprise” to win the Bailey Prize. Newsome’s article, “The Women of the Pavillons: A Case Study,” can be found in the collection of Faculty Publications at the High Library.
Photo: Luke Mackey
Dr. Newsome received the Triennial Charles R. Bailey Memorial Prize for his article “The Women of the Pavillons.”
Features
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January 22, 2015
Martin Luther King Jr. week celebrates diversity with gospel extravaganza, interfaith prayer service, candlelight march
Photos: Luke Mackey
by EMILY DRINKS
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artin Luther King Jr. (MLK) week at Elizabethtown College finds different ways to celebrate diversity on campus. Etown first began celebrating the week in 2005. The program has grown from a one-day celebration to a week-long one that allows students to celebrate on-campus diversity as well as global diversity. The College even cancels classes on the Monday of the week in order to allow students to participate in more events, attend discussions and do service projects scheduled for Monday. This year, the College featured guest speakers discussing topics ranging from Jackie Robinson’s influence on King to racial politics of incarcerating women to voter suppression. However, the week featured more than just guest speakers. Students had a variety of ways to participate during the week by becoming involved in group discussions and events focusing on King’s work as well as celebrating diversity in music, culture and religion. On Monday, Jan. 19, student development workshops about intercultural dialogue were held, focusing on the topic of the American Dream and how race, gender and class influence the concept. Additionally, Student Senate and President Carl Strikwerda held a campus community
climate forum. Monday, Jan. 19 also featured an “I Have Dream” Candlelight March. During the march, members of the College community read a quote about King and provided the quote’s significance both in its historical context and in contemporary society. Students also sang gospel songs to honor King’s civil rights march. Later that evening, students then had the opportunity to participate in a gospel extravaganza. The event featured choirs, soloists, musicians, dancers and other artists, including Etown’s concert choir, Dolce and the all-female a capella group Melica. Associate Professor of Music Dr. Matthew Fritz directed the various music groups. The extravaganza allowed students to experience music from all different cultures, including some of the music popular during King’s time. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Rev. Amy-Shorner Johnson, assistant chaplain, held an interfaith prayer service. The service cited prayers from different religions that influenced King’s life and work. Through the service, students experienced the beliefs and values of different religions. Students and faculty also discussed recent encounters in Ferguson, Mo. and New York, N.Y. and other cities that were influenced by race on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The day
also featured a Soul Cafe that was held by Shorner-Johnson in honor of King. Friday, Jan. 23 featured Dr. Pamela Barnett facilitating an intergroup dialogue with faculty and staff focusing on teaching and learning with diverse students, as well as one later in the day on creating a safe and inclusive college environment. The day also opened an art exhibit for social justice. Director of Art for Justice Ann Marie Kirk spoke about the exhibits at the College as well as the one in the Philadelphia Free Library. The exhibit will be available for viewing in the Student Resources Hallway in the Brossman Commons all semester. The closing event of the week was a culture shock event that allowed students and staff to celebrate and reflect on the week with one another. Other events happening later in the semester that will also celebrate diversity include the showing of the film “12 Years a Slave” as a part of black history month on Thursday, Feb. 5 and “Black People and Africa Discussion,” a panel focusing on the complexity of the relationship between black people and African immigrants living in America, on Thursday, Feb. 12. The College will also host “Harlem Nights: A Celebration of the Harlem Renaissance” on Wednesday, Feb. 18. In March, Etown will host a live multimedia concert titled “HERstory: Celebrating Influential Women in History.”
Features
January 22, 2015
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Six Voices Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. panel asks faculty members, students to present quotes in social context, share personal stories by KAYLEIGH KUYKENDALL
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n Monday, Elizabethtown College began its annual MLK Week which honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. On Jan. 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no classes are scheduled in order to allow all students, faculty and staff to participate in service projects. The rest of the week is filled with arts and educational events, including concerts, notable speakers and panel discussions. On Monday, a presentation entitled “Six Voices Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. in Sixty Minutes” was held in the High Library. The presentation consisted of six members of the college community having 10 minutes to read a quote about Martin Luther King Jr., provide the historical context for the quote and discuss King’s significance in contemporary America. The presentation was sponsored by the Center for Student Success and Director of Student Transition Programs and Assistant Director of Academic Advising Jean-Paul Benowitz introduced the presentation as well as its presenters, highlighting the importance of the presentation in context with MLK week. “We say actions are louder than words, but words give us context. Words give us meaning,” Benowitz said. Coordinator of Multicultural Programs and Residential Communities Brandon Jackson was first of six to present, quoting from Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Jackson briefly explained the historical context of King’s speech, noting how the Civil Rights Movement was in its prime and several important demonstrations and marches had already transpired giving a heavy weight of importance to King’s words. He also noted how the “I Have a Dream” speech was given on the 200 year anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the document which proclaimed the freedom of all slaves within the United States. Jackson finished his 10 minutes with a question for the audience. “Would Dr. King be sat-
isfied?” Jackson said, making reference to King’s repetition of the phrase “I will not be satisfied…” within his speech. Junior Regina Lashley was next to speak, reading from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution,” a commencement speech given at Oberlin College in June of 1965. The idea was that a person who lives through a revolution must do more than just live and watch it go by. They must be aware, seek understanding and truth behind the revolution and feel oneself change in some way in the process. Only then can a person truly remain awake during a revolution. This was put in context with the idea that many people, including those of today, simply sit back and let the problems or the world roll by, passing them off as unimportant or not related to their own personal lives. Director of the Office of Diversity Diane Elliott presented third, starting her ten minutes off on a more personal note. Elliott noted how, having grown up in a period of active segregation between blacks and whites, the years of hardships were still prominent in her mind and allowed her to continue to push forward, to keep pushing for the change she still wishes to see. Elliott shared a few personal stories before sharing a quote from King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” an open letter written on April 16, 1963 that defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism, arguing that people have a moral responsibility to break unjust laws. “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. What affects one directly affects all indirectly,” quoted Elliott. Marianne Calenda, dean of students, continued the presentation with her account of an event that occurred on January 19, 1963. On that day, a bomb was set off at Birmingham Church in Birmingham, Ala., killing four black schoolgirls. The event set off a series of racial riots within the city. Calenda then explained how she had no idea this event had taken place until
many years later when she had started high school, demonstrating how her parents had confined her to a “white suburbia” in which she was isolated from the world around her and unaware of the racial divisions around her. She then quoted from the eulogy King gave for the schoolgirls killed in the bombing. Dr. Bruce Lynch, director of student wellness, presented fifth. He began his presentation with some background behind King’s sermon “Drum Major Instinct,” a sermon he had given two months before his death. The sermon consisted of King explaining that a “drum major instinct” the basic human instinct to be on top, to feel above others, to be praised, to be a leader. This instinct can be destructive however, used to push others down or use others to come out on top. Lynch explained how King wanted his followers to not disregard this instinct but use it to be a leader of love, of compassion, to be number one in
understanding, a leader of justice. The final presenter was Brianna Williams, a sophomore, who shared King’s speech “Loving Your Enemies.” The speech spoke about how others may view a person and that baseless jealousy is a part of human interaction, but it is a person’s job to overcome that jealousy, to overcome the insults and love their enemy. “When the opportunity presents itself when you can defeat your enemy, you must not do it,” Williams quoted, then explained that hate exchanged for hate does nothing but increase the evil in our world. The speech focused on how it is the system one should work to change, not the individual, and that overcoming the hate of an individual is more courageous than throwing that hate right back. A small discussion and Q-and-A session was held afterwards, allowing students and staff to interact with the presenters.
Photo: Luke Mackey
Brandon Jackson was one of six speakers at the presentation “Six Voices Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. in Sixty Minutes.” Each presenter read a quote from King and explained its social and historical context or shared a personal story.
McCorkel discusses issues of race, class, rehabilitation of female inmates through stories, personal experiences by NOEL ABASTILLAS
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n Wednesday, Jan. 21, Dr. Jill McCorkel gave a lecture titled, “From Good Girls to ‘Real’ Criminals: Dissecting the Market Logic and Racial Politics of Incarcerati” in Gibble Auditorium in the MLK Celebration Week lecture series. She is Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Villanova University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, her lecture topic was how mass incarceration has impacted women’s lives, how prison privatization has changed the political landscape and what the implications are of our current rate of incarceration. The U.S. is five percent of the population, but holds 25 percent of the world’s prisons. The U.S. has the most prisoners in the world and is incarcerating its population at the highest rate. China and Russia are ranked at a distant second and third. Our incarceration rate is 500 per 100,000 of the national population. It is a rate historically and globally unprecedented. It is which is a higher rate than during the Apartheid in South Africa and the Great Purge during Soviet Russia. Mass incarceration started with drug war of the 1980s. States were under pressure from the federal government to comply with harsher punishment for drug crimes. If they failed to comply, their federal funding would have been taken away. However, the crimes were focused on the weight of the drugs, not their involvement in the drug process. This meant that there was a broadening of those implicated in drug crimes. People who could’ve unknowingly taken the
drug money could face harsh legal proceedings. If there is a connection to the drugs or the money, the person can be punished. McCorkel told a story of a women she met when she researched women’s prisons. She gives the story of a grandmother, an active church-going woman raising her grandchildren. Her grandson was busted for selling weed, but since he lived in his grandmother’s house and paid her rent with drug money, they convicted the grandmother of drug trafficking. However, she had no idea her grandson was selling drugs. There is also a problem with the way law enforcement bolster their forces because it is predominantly in Hispanic and black impoverished neighborhoods. However, caucasians use drugs at a much higher rate in all categories of drugs, but it is not reflected in our incarceration statistics. Before mass incarceration in the mid-1980s, there were 300,000 citizens in state and federal facilities, which was considered a high population. By 2012, the statistic rose to 1.57 million. In addition to the number in federal and state prison and under parole, the number is 7 million. In the mid-1980s, there were 13,000 women in prison, and now there are 113,000. There hasn’t been a significant increase in crime, despite the higher numbers. The rate at which we incarcerate is higher, and the punishments for drug-related offenses have become harsher. The drug war tripled the amount of arrests. In addition to the higher population in prison, one of the elements of mass incarceration which is the rate at which we incarcerate, which is the highest rate in the world. During
the mid-1980s, there was one prison being built a week. It has increased despite African-American crime going down. The third element is the type of incarcerations, which have are harsher prison sentences. The fourth element is the kind of punishment within the American prison system. There has been a disappearance of rehabilitation programs and a greater use of 23 hour lockdown. This means that the incarcerated are being reintroduced to society with no rehabilitation, no education and no job training, which mostly means that they will end up back in jail. The status of women’s prison popu-
“The existence of crime makes society feel bounded together by outcasting criminals.” ~Jill McCorkel lation has been mostly stable. Women in American prisons make up five percent of the total prison population. The ideology of women’s prison was based on a different foundation. The early 1900s viewed the women only as minor criminals. They were seen as wayward, and they needed to be rehabilitated through care. However, the trend of women’s crime has changed. Punishment has gotten harsher. The most typical story of the women in jail is like the one woman McCorkel met who was in her early 20s. She had a history of
sexual abuse and domestic violence. The men in her life convinced her to prostitute herself as a source of income. She started to sell drugs to her clients so she could raise enough money to leave the sex trade. Before the mass incarceration of the 1980s, she would’ve been rehabilitated and had to do community service. McCorkel explained the works of the French sociologist, Émile Durkheim, who noticed that crime has been in all cultures and in all time periods. Crime is everywhere, so it must perform a social function, which is not to stop criminal behavior but to create social solidarity. The existence of crime makes society feel bounded together by out casting criminals. However, in a society of race and class, it gets more pernicious. In women’s prisons, instead of the rhetoric of “getting tough,” there is resistance by the facility which is devoted to rehabilitation. The government is asking the prisons to get tough and buy tasers for the guards and have razor wire fences, but the prison facility doesn’t believe that it should operate like a men’s prison. By virtue of the reaction crime gets, it gets punished. The ideal function of punishment is to stop people from participating in criminal activities, but that can’t be how it works in practice because the rate of crime continues to go up even when punishment is severe. There is, however, no relationship that shows a correlation between the rate of crime and punishment. Due to stricter sentencing laws, there is over-crowding in women’s prisons. A private prison company found a way to profit from rehabilitation. Their ideology was that the incarcer-
ated women are inherently damaged addicts whose addictions can only be managed, not cured. They are not victims of their circumstances; they are criminals that are fundamentally flawed. They must be built from the ground up and given a new identity. The private prison company repackaged rehabilitation as profitable because the prison system must manage criminals throughout their whole life. The race issue made it easier to digest the harsher punishments in women. Introducing harsher treatments that mimic the trauma they’ve suffered throughout their lives was more palatable when the influx of women prisoners were black. McCorkel gives an example of a woman who is considered the ideal inmate because she exemplified the progress of the private company’s methodology. She met up with the woman one year after her release and found life was still very difficult for her. The woman worked three jobs and had to hire a nanny to take care of her child due to her busy schedule. Despite all of her hard work, she did not make enough money to support herself. The woman recalls that when she hustled drugs, she had time for her child and could pay the bills. She thinks back to the treatment and thinks that maybe because she is fundamentally flawed. She thinks of herself as an addict despite the fact that she used to be a drug dealer, not a user. She also entertains the thought that maybe she should just give up and go back to her life in the drug hustle.
Features
January 22, 2015
page 6
Diversity film shows unity Long discusses Jackie Robinson’s of family, community in impact on Martin Luther King Jr. Gobi Desert to save a camel 1962, Robinson was inducted the needs of African-American by ASHLEY REEB by EMILY DRINKS
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n Thursday, Jan. 15, Elizabethtown College showed the documentary “The Story of the Weeping Camel,” a German film set in Mongolia. Louise Hyder-Darlington, the access services librarian, hosted the event. Hyder-Darlington was introduced to the film by a friend who worked in the Peace Corps. Hyder-Darlington said that her friend worked in the same area of Mongolia as the film took place, which is one the few areas left still maintaining its traditions and unity. She explained that the purpose of showing global films was to introduce students to the wealth and complexity of international films. She also said that she wanted students to have the chance to experience these films with other students. “Films are meant to be experienced communally,” Hyder-Darlington said, adding that students should be able to laugh about them with each other as well as discuss the films. “The Weeping Camel,” which is based on a true story, centers on a family in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. The family consists of three generations, and they rely on raising camels, sheep and goats for a living. The conflict in the story arises when the last camel gives birth to a calf that season. The calf was unusual because not only was it larger than the average calf, but it was also white. The mother rejects the calf. The family then tries to keep the calf alive by first waiting to see if the mother will eventually take to the calf, but when that does not happen, they then attempt to feed it themselves. The calf rejects the milk given to it by the nomadic family, and they are then forced to seek other methods to keep the calf alive. Next, the family tries to establish a bond between the mother and calf by having a group of lamas, the spiritual leaders of the area, perform
a dough ritual for the camel, calf and family. The ritual demonstrates Mongolian tradition in that it takes place with members of the community and a number of lamas in a sacred place. In the ritual, the lamas sound a conch shell horn followed by ringing bells. Unfortunately, the ceremony does little to reunite mother and calf. The family then realizes that a music ritual, known as a Hoos ritual, may be able to restore harmony; however, no one in their family can play the violin, which is the instrument required for the ceremony. The family must send its two youngest boys to the communal marketplace in order to locate a man who can perform the ritual. The boys travel on camelback through sandstorms and across the desert in order to reach the marketplace. Once they find a man who can perform the ceremony, they return, and the family begins the ritual. First, the family ties the calf to the ground, out of reach of the mother, and then the musician places his violin on the camel’s hump, allowing the wind to evoke a small amount of noise from the instrument. Then the man begins playing the violin, and one of the female members of the family accompanies him by singing a chant that she had sung before while putting her youngest daughter to sleep. At this point, the calf is brought over to his mother, and for the first time the mother allows him to nurse from her. The mother begins to weep, which gives the film its title. Several other global films will be shown this semester, including “Amelie” on Feb. 12, “ The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert” on Mar. 12 and “The Gods Must Be Crazy” on April 9. HyderDarlington said the focus of the films this semester are feel-good films that will cause students to consider other ways of life across the world and to leave with a feeling of satisfaction and happiness.
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any know Jackie Robinson as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Yet fewer recognize his role as one of the first civil rights activists. In 1947, the baseball hero from the Brooklyn Dodgers shattered the color barrier in the world of sports. Dr. Michael Long, associate professor of Religious Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies, is a leading scholar in the life of Jackie Robinson as a baseball player and activist. In 2013, Long published his book Beyond Home Plate: Jackie Robinson on Life After Baseball, where Long goes into detail about the role Robinson played in the Civil Rights movement. To begin Martin Luther King Jr. Week, Long spoke on the relationship between Robinson and King. Both men had a strong respect and influence on one another as they contributed to the Civil Rights movement. R o b i n s o n’s p r o f e s s i o n a l career started in 1947, his first game in the Major League, which lead to a jump-start in the Civil Rights Movement. His life in baseball had many difficulties, even his teammates objected to playing with an African-American. Despite the racial abuse throughout his career, Robinson succeeded to put aside the prejudice and prove his talent as a baseball player. With 12 home runs his first year of playing in the Major League, Rookie of the Year award, and National League’s Most Valuable Player award, Robinson created a name for himself as one of the most talented baseball players. After leading the Dodgers to the World Series, Robinson retired in 1957; causing a small tide of change in the view of African Americans. Shortly after, in
into the Hall of Fame. With his career in baseball ending, Robinson began to use the legacy he created to influence the sport of baseball and society as a whole. Segregation and discrimination were still active forces in the society, and Robinson wanted to his voice to echo the many others like him. D r. L o n g ’s i n t e r e s t i n Robinson’s life after his baseball career lead him to discover how connected Robinson was to Martin Luther King Jr. Both had a voice, a passion and a dream for equality. “They were mutual heroes to each other,” Dr. Long said in his presentation to kick off Martin Luther King Jr. Week.
“They were mutual heroes to each other.” ~ Dr. Michael Long In a message about Jackie Robinson, King is quoted saying that Robinson, “was a sit-inner before sit-ins, a freedom rider before freedom rides.” Being one of the first to confront discrimination and face it headon in an a social environment like baseball, Robinson earned the respect of many African Americans as he “inspired in a non-violent way…by turning the other cheek,” as Dr. Long said. But as Dr. Long explained Robinson was not a pacifist, he recognized the need for a push to equality in America and became an active player in disapproving prejudice outside of the baseball fields. With his well-known name and unbreakable reputation, Robinson created connections with presidents, businessmen, and other leaders to represent
culture. Robinson tried his efforts in every aspect of culture, from discussing democracy with Eisenhower and working on Nixon’s campaign, Robinson made his voice heard in the government. He also pushed for change by lobby ing p olit ici ans on civil rights issues, working as a ne wsp ap er columnist, and working for the NAACP. Robinson also tried to influence and spread positivity through the community by working for integrated schools, delivering food for the needy, and even creating an African American bank, the Freedom National Bank. Throughout this time, he teamed with Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement. Robins on was a sp eaker at some civil rights events and stood alongside of King at the Lincoln Memorial to greet the men and women at the March on Washington. Robinson looked upon King with respect saying that he, “realized that the world has always talked against great men. The best way to keep from getting talked about is to do nothing.” Jackie Robinson was a n i n f l u e n c e f o r m a ny t o continuously push for equality. From Martin Luther King Jr. to other leaders, Robinson had an important role as a civil rights activist that sometimes goes unnoticed as Dr. Long said. Robinson continued to push for change up until his death, believing that equality was an issue that would never be completely settled. With the controversial events that have happened in Ferguson, Mo. and New York City, Dr. Long ended on the note that “Jackie Robinson wanted us to believe that we still don’t have it ‘made’ either.”
CEO of NxtBook Media speaks about creativity in the workplace by NOEL ABASTILLAS
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ichael Biggerstaff, owner and CEO of NxtBook Media gave a lecture titled “Blending Creativity with your Company Culture to get Outstanding Results,” in the M&M Mars Room as a part of the Executive Lecture Series. NxtBook Media was named as one of the Ink’s 500 fastest privately held companies twice. It has been in the top three best places to work in Pennsylvania for the last six years. The mission statement is that Nxtbook Media “exists to inspire our community to realize its full creative potential. We embrace the fact that we are integral part of our community’s success and will passionately support them to that end.” The title Biggerstaff has given himself is “Chief Inspiration Officer,” though in formal terms, he’s Chief Executive Officer. The change in title is part of his company culture. His vision of the company focuses on inspire, service, collaboration, influence, integrity, creativity, excellence and passion. He allows all his employees to come up with their own titles. There are titles such as Visual Intelligence Operations, Master of Smooth Operations, Designer Extroardinaire, Pixel Pusher, Uptime Preser vationist, Designologist, Purveyor of Solutions, Sultan of Success and Head of Tales. Interesting job titles create great conversation starters when they meet new people. It adds flair to their work, the company culture and the employee identity. Biggerstaff stalwartly believes that investing in unorthodox, creative events strengthens the community of the company.
A happy employee that can express their individuality and personality at work will better the company results. For example, he decided to hang a glider in the office mezzanine as an office piece. His company has lockers because there is a running club within the company. Some people don’t have a work office; they can do their work on their laptop while relaxing on their comfortable couches. They participate in a tricycle race ever year, which they hang on a ceiling as a decorative art piece. When they removed their carpet, they decided to draw on the floor with artwork, and then laminated the floor instead of replacing the carpet as memory to the collaborative experience their company took. All of these decisions seem silly, but he believes they are all important in creating a healthy company culture. He thinks more companies should take the opportunity to inspire creativity; it builds a certain type of energy, impacts culture of the company, builds memories and will service customers better in an unquantifiable way. They have a unique sabbatical program; an employee gets a continuous two weeks sabbatical. After 5 years, an employee gets four weeks of sabbatical, and after 10 years, an employee gets 4 weeks of sabbatical and $5,000 to go on vacation. During the employee sabbatical, their co-workers will prank their office space. Sometimes they will put fake police tape around their office space and send the employee postcards of the prank to show how much they miss the employee. All of these activities are activities that can reenergize employees and cause them to enjoy their work life and laugh. It gives them the knowledge that the individuals matter
and that their coworkers miss them. Biggerstaff always puts in effort to wear mismatched socks. He wears it as a constant reminder to himself to stretch himself, to take risks and that it’s okay to feel comfortable. He thinks all of these activities will create a company that will attract talent, keep them within the company, engage people, create energy, create momentum, inspire creativity, collaboration and the feeling that work is not work. He believes that every new person they hire will impact the company culture. He believes any person can impact the company culture no matter their age or experience.
Culture is worth spending time on and takes time to change, but it is important to help change the culture when it needs it, because each employee perspective is valuable. Everyone plays a role, everyone is important in completing the final objective. Biggerstaff believes that, “the most difficult part is communicating sincerity as a company and getting people to understand what you’re trying to envision. CEOs should put money into their own culture. CEOs should be engaging to create a synergistic attitude. A company should give itself leeway to be creativity. When you create a fence, you kill creativity.”
Photo: Luke Mackey
Michael Biggerstaff, owner and CEO of NxtBook Media, explains how to incorporate creativity into company culture.
January 22, 2015
Campus Life
page 7
Senior recommends ways to prepare for post-graduation life, work by KAITLIN GIBBONEY
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ell, seniors, it’s our last semester together at Elizabethtown College! After this, it’s time to journey into the realm known as “The Real World.” For some of us, this may be the start of a new, exciting era. For others, it may be a terrifying leap into the unknown. Personally, I’m somewhere in between; I go from enthusiastic about my future to absolutely petrified in minutes. I like to think that most of you can relate to this, as the future isn’t set in stone. However, the future isn’t something to be completely fearful of. After college, the world is your oyster! The possibilities are endless! Use any motivational phrase you want, because you can really do anything if you put forth the effort and enthusiasm towards the things that you strive for in life. In order to prepare for “The Real World,” you’re going to need some professional experience to get you to that dream job that you’ve envisioned since you started your college career. At Etown, there are plenty of options to build that resume and catch the eye of potential employers.
“Most importantly, be confident throughout the whole process, and keep your head up.” Here are a few tips to consider to prepare yourself for a career: 1. Career Services – On campus, Career Services is an invaluable resource. From helping to build resumes to constructing cover letters to career exploration, their office is designed to help you in any way that you may need when it comes to careers. They’re open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are flexible with appointments if you ever
need a career counselor. Check out their list of upcoming events and complete list of services at www.etown.edu/offices/career/ or contact them at CAREERSERVICES@ ETOWN.EDU. 2. Your department – It’s likely that your department of study has some sort of internship program or at least professors willing to talk to you about potential careers. Don’t be afraid to check out your options! Your professors’ jobs are to help you on your way towards a career, so why not take advantage of their assistance? It’s likely they had the same worries or questions that you currently have about your field of study. Learn from their past experiences, and maybe even grab a cup of coffee together sometime. Professors can be your friends, believe it or not. 3. LinkedIn – I will admit, it’s taken me a while to get into the LinkedIn scene, but it’s a good way of connecting with people in a professional setting. It’s easy to find fellow students and professors from Etown, who are able to personally endorse you for your skills. It’s also easy to find potential internship and job openings. Heck, my roommate just found a potential internship lead on LinkedIn. It works, I swear. Even if you can’t accept any offers now, remember them for later and be sure to tuck them away somewhere for future reference. It’s never too early to plan ahead. 4. Professional networking – The connections that you make in your life can greatly impact your professional career. Faculty members, staff members, guest lecturers, friends, parents, parents of friends, co-workers, bosses, etc. Any of these people in your life may know someone in your field that you can connect with. Be sure to remember these connections when looking for a job later on. Being personable and making an impression with these people can make a difference in your professional career. 5. Get creative looking for opportunities – Get ready to put yourself out there and take some risks. Well, nothing too risky. See an ad on a flyer? Check it out, and see what it’s about! Hear
Photo: Luke Mackey
The end of college life marks an exciting yet frightening time for many. By preparing for this transition by utilizing all available resources, students can be successful and even find themselves landing their dream job.
about a job from a friend? Get their contact information! Look in the newspaper, walk downtown, look on job sites, anything that might open some doors for you. 6. Work on resume-builders – You may be first in your class, a straight-A student and perform outstandingly in all your courses, but is that the only thing on your resume? Lately, employers seem to be looking for a well-balanced resume or potential employees that have a lot of experience in a certain field. Even doing some volunteer work through a campus program such as Into the Streets can make
you look good. At Etown, we’re all about educating to serve. Show the world that you are, too. Mo s t i mp o r t a nt l y, b e c o n f i d e nt throughout the whole process and keep your head up. You may not get your dream job right away, you may have bombed an interview or you may not even know where to start. This, too, shall pass. Just remember that things tend to work out in the end if you work hard and stay positive. Hopefully, with these tips, you’re ready to take on the big scary world ahead of you. Good luck, class of 2015.
Syllabus week prompts discussion of attendance policies
Standards for class attendance are obvious but necessary, attendance is ultimately student’s responsibility by ABIGAIL PISKEL
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t’s the beginning of a new semester, and we all know what that means: getting a new class syllabus. I would think it is pretty safe to say that there is a standard routine that all professors go through when they review their syllabus. First, they probably told you about their office hours and when the best time to reach them would be. Then, as you were looking ahead to see what your workload would be for the semester, your professor was probably going over something that can either make or break your grade for that course: their attendance policy. By now, we all should have taken enough classes to know that each professor weighs attendance on different scales. Just like students have a student handbook, the professors and faculty members have a handbook as well. Dr. David Downing, Ralph W. Schlosser professor of English and English department chair, explained that the handbook says the class attendance is controlled differently by each faculty member. It is important that the professor explains their attendance policies in the beginning of each semester and includes them in the course syllabus so there is no later confusion if it comes to affect the student’s grade. “The statement leaves it up to the judgment of faculty members what their attendance policy should be,” Downing said. So no matter what happens, some sort of an attendance policy should be enforced. The faculty handbook also mentions that depending on the student, there should be an incentive for good attendance. If the student is one of an above-average stance, the professor should give that student leeway when it comes to
their attendance. However, if the student has reason to be concerned about their grades, then they should be encouraged to maintain regular attendance so that it can help improve their overall performance for that course. That being said, students’ attendance is not solely the responsibility of the professor. It is also a big obligation of the students to make sure that they fully understand and are responsible for following these attendance policies. Not only can it affect their overall grade, but by skipping class frequently, they are hurting themselves and their classmates. Now, in the case of any sort of medical conditions and family emergencies, it is also the student’s responsibility to inform their professor if they will be missing class on that given day. The faculty handbook states if the student is going to be missing an extended amount of days due to an emergency, either personal or medical, the Center for Student Success, by request of the student, will notify that student’s professors. However, for any missed classes, it is ultimately the student’s obligation to talk to the professor about any missed work. In addition, a professor or the College itself is allowed to dismiss a student from a course if they have an excessive amount of absences. According to Downing, each department has their own Standard Performance Expectations (SPEs) for the faculty members. Some departments state that the faculty member must meet the approval of the department chair before they are able to cancel a class, while other departments leave that choice up to the professor of that class. “I have taught at several colleges and, as far as I can tell, Etown faculty generally have stricter
attendance policies than most colleges and certainly stricter than most universities,” Downing said. We all know that most professors take attendance, but did you ever stop and consider why? By taking attendance, the faculty member is keeping up with the College’s Early Warning System. Whether you have received an early warning or not, this is the College’s way of letting you know that you have a low grade in that course, and the professor should inform you as to why you are receiving that low grade. Attendance can affect the early warnings,
thus professors take attendance for this reason. As students, we may not always feel that professors are being fair to us. Sometimes it may seem like they are picking on us with certain policies that they uphold, but really they are only trying to help us. If a big part of our grade is just to show up to class, then why not do it? You’re paying the money to take the course, so you might as well put that money to good use. The professors are only asking you to show up, whether you pay attention or not is your own decision, but at least give the professors the respect they deserve.
Photo: Nelli Orozco
Professors and students alike find a strong attendance record necessary to succeed in the classroom and facilitate active group discussions.
Campus Life
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January 22, 2015
Junior discusses differing opinions on technology’s place in classrooms, strengths of electronic, print textbooks by GWEN FRIES
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echnology is encroaching on every portion of life. One can order a pizza, pay bills and even hail a taxi on one’s smartphone. Considering educators are constantly searching for innovative ways to get their message across to their students, it only makes sense that a student should be able to complete reading assignments on-the-go as well. As with any innovation, benefits and complications abound. My first encounter with eBooks came when I was asked to read “Moll Flanders” by Daniel Defoe on a particularly hectic week. Though I owned a paper copy, I decided to splurge and buy a version for my phone. I would not have time to sit in the library, but during times when I would normally be scrolling through my Twitter feed or answering texts, I was devouring as many pages as humanly possible. I was now doing homework while walking to class, waiting in line for food and waiting for friends to get ready. Needless to say, I managed to complete the assignment in record time. Unfortunately, when I sat down to answer questions on the book, I realized that I had only been giving Moll half of my attention. The other half went to trying not to slip on ice, keeping up with the line and reading notifications which popped up on the screen. Sometimes there is no replacing the silent stillness of a library and the static nature of ink on paper. Of course, reading a novel on a smartphone is not the only means by which students complete schoolwork electronically. Many professors assign
online quizzes or post chapter modules for their students to complete on a weekly basis. Others specifically choose class materials which mix electronic and paper elements. Visiting Assistant Professor of History Dr. Maire Johns on is one of thos e professors. She chose a textbook for her Western Civilization class which is available in both paperback and eBook form. When students buy the book new, they receive an access code for an eBook and online study guide materials including MP3 chapter summaries, prac t ice quizzes, pr imar y s ources, interactive maps and historical recreation videos. “Because I do not require that my students actually use these materials, many students simply purchase a used text and save some funds. Anything that can be accessed through the electronic forum that is required for class is also provided on Blackboard for their use,” Johnson said. She explained that she has spoken with students who found the electronic suite to be helpful, but she admits that it is difficult to gauge whether or not most students utilize the resources. “I continue to use this text and its elec tronic study materials b ecaus e enough students indicate that they like the options the suite presents to make it worthwhile,” Johnson said. “I think it’s fair to say most students probably don’t take advantage of the opportunities the hybrid text affords unless they’re compelled to do so by course requirements.” Students don’t seem to be able to decide how they like to consume their coursework.
Junior Jordan Rich appreciates that online textbooks don’t take up space and are easy to take anywhere. And he is not alone. “One of the things [students] appreciated was having access to an e-text so they didn’t have to haul their books home or off on athletic or campus activities with them,” Johnson said. “I think the use of online textbooks is great. I’ve had some in the past where I was able to highlight and take notes on the page. It even read aloud, as well. Having those tools are great to help you get the most out of your reading,” sophomore Mattie Sweet said.
“Considering educators are constantly searching for innovative ways to get their message across to their students, it only makes sense that a student should be able to complete reading assignments on-thego.” Some students disagree, however. “I find it easier to carry a hard copy. To me, it’s more accessible than carrying around a laptop and worrying about battery life and other computer malfunctions,”
Junior Kaitlin McDonald said. Senior Meghan McSarik agrees. “I have a thing about holding the book. It’s different online. You can’t feel it. And I think that makes a difference in learning. Plus, you can’t take notes in the margins of the book, and if your computer dies, you’re out of luck,” McSarik said. For some students, his or her preferred medium depends on the subject matter. “I prefer to have something physical in general, but for engineering courses where the textbooks are often used for running example problems, I find digital to be very convenient and efficient,” sophomore John Hollister said. And sometimes, it all boils down to money. “There generally isn’t any resale value in [online textbooks],” Rich said. And yet, though there is a lack of resale value, McDonald has generally found her online textbooks to be cheaper than the paper versions. The conclusion seems to be that with all these factors, students must make the course materials work for them. There is no right answer or preferable solution so long as each student is honest with him or herself and knows his or her learning style. If you have a thing for screens, are constantly on the run and need to pack light, eBooks may be for you. But if you are a person who needs to know what is happening on Twitter every three seconds, is easily distracted by popup notifications and can’t say no to a conversation, carve out an hour to spend at a desk with nothing but paper and ink around you. You may only have to read Moll Flanders once.
Avoiding distractions, planning ahead helps semester run smoothly
Instead of counting down to summer, students should channel efforts into planning for the semester ahead
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by SAMANTHA KICK
t may not feel like summer is around the corner with the kind of weather we have been having lately, but spring semester is the time of year when many students begin counting down the days until they are on their way to their Cayman Island vacation, hanging out with friends from their hometown or simply cuddling up in their own bed to watch several seasons of television shows on Netflix. Sound about right? As enticing as they are, daydreams like these can be detrimental this early in the semester. Below you’ll find four important tips to help you stay in the now and focus on the work that needs to be done before it’s time to bask in the warm, summer sun. K e e p Up Wi t h A s s i g n e d Readings – This is number one on my list because we are only one week into the semester, and I am already behind on my readings. Granted, I did not have some of my books yet, and there really are not that many readings at this point in the semester, but catching up now is nowhere near as difficult to do as it will be in two or three weeks’ time. And I speak from personal experience when I say that the further behind I fall, the less likely I am to even attempt to catch up. If you find it difficult to complete your reading in one sitting, set up a reading schedule and read a bit of it each time until you have read the entire thing. Take little notes to sum up each section after you read it in order to remember what has happened when you return to read the rest. If you do fall behind, don’t just let it fall to the wayside and forget about it all together. Do everything you can to catch up. L imit Irrel e vant Interne t Activity – Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Netflix, Reddit… there are
so many corners of the Internet to cluster ourselves into when avoiding work, but homework can only be put off for so long. Try to limit the amount of time you spend using time-wasting websites when you still have work to be done. For Chrome users, there is an extension called StayFocusd which is available for free and limits the
“Simply having an idea of how much time you need will allow you to make better decisions when it comes to leaving time for your work.” amount of time you can spend on those kinds of websites. For those of you who use Mozilla Firefox, there is a similar add-on called LeechBlock. If anyone is still using Internet Explorer, Toggl.com has a free sign-up to track the time you spend on various tasks and has a $5/month fee for full features of the website. There are also a variety of productivity apps available for the same purpose. It’s not bad to spend time on the various time-wasting websites, but use your common sense about it. Schoolwork should get done first. Create A Detailed Schedule – Some people like to plan out their entire day or week down to every single detail, while others will follow wherever the wind takes them. Whichever way you are, it can be helpful to develop a schedule that you will either follow to the letter or use as a guideline of how you should
spend your time. Fill in definite times in which you have work and when classes or clubs meet, and then put in tentative times for meals, homework, studying and socializing. Simply having an idea of how much time you need will allow you to make better decisions when it comes to leaving time for your work. Make Sure To Relax – While it is important to keep up with your schoolwork and work as hard as you can, working too hard and too much can be just as bad as not working enough. It is important to minimize the stress you feel, and the way in which you do this will vary from person to person. Make time for hanging out with your friends.
If you simply have too much work to do, a change of venue may help. Go to the Blue Bean and have a study party with some friends. Do your reading in the lobby of your dorm or living area. When you are taking a break from your class work, you can watch a movie, play a game, read a book, paint your nails or whatever it is that helps you to relax and unwind for a short while. Schoolwork is important, but there is no reason to barricade yourself inside for the next four months. Everyone is different, and as such, it is impossible to give definite guidelines to follow in order to ensure a successful semester. If you thrive on last-minute work and organized chaos, it is not imperative
to suddenly become organized and begin long-term assignments months before they are due, and vice versa. If you do procrastinate, try to start the bare bones and research for the assignment ahead of time so that when you do sit down to write that 10-page paper two days before it is due, you already have all the materials you need to work with. Here’s the bottom line: You know yourself better than I do, so apply these suggestions to your own work habits, and don’t try to force yourself to do something you already know will not work for you. The rest of the semester is in nobody’s hands but your own. Don’t stress too hard, Blue Jays.
Photo: Nelli Orozco
By starting the semester with a plan, students will spend less time dreaming of summer and more time accomplishing goals.
Campus Life
January 22, 2015
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Spring semester offers many chances to Early months of attend new events, earn resume items spring semester are Students can gain new experiences at on-, off-campus events ideal for fulfilling Etown-specific New W Years resolutions by GRACE MARCHIONE
elcome back to campus, Blue Jays. With the first week of classes under your belt, I’m sure you’re all ready to take on a new semester and gear up for some fun activities and events. Yes? No? Maybe? Well, we’ll see. In any case, here is quick preview of just a handful of Spring 2015 highlights at Elizabethtown. For all you drama enthusiasts, don’t miss out on “The Importance of Being Earnest,” a comedy by Oscar Wilde which begins Feb. 12 in the Tempest Theatre. Anyone who has attended an Etown production knows that there will surely be many laughs in store. If you haven’t yet experienced the wonderful shows our theatre department puts on, now is the time to reserve your tickets and prepare for a delightful performance! If you are interested in giving back to the community, consider attending the Rural Poverty Experience and Service Trip on April 11-12. This will be an opportunity to learn about and interact with local families living in poverty and will take place at The Factory, an organization located in Paradise, Pa. This trip is sponsored by the College’s Center for Civic
and Community Engagement and costs $15. Bowers Writers House is another campus venue that you should consider visiting this spring. If you are at all interested in writing, or would just like general inspiration from talented, published figures, this is a truly incredible resource.
“The spring semester is the perfect time to try something new. Some of us probably made New Year’s resolutions to branch out and explore what Etown has to offer, and it would be a mistake to let all the special opportunities go to waste.” The guests at Bowers always have unique insights and advice to share in an intimate, casual environment. There will be several opportunities
throughout the semester to attend one of these events, so visit the Bowers calendar online to scope out at least one that catches your interest. If you are looking to go above and beyond with your academic and creative pursuits, think about participating in this year’s Scholarship and Creative Arts Days (SCAD), which will take place April 20-22. This is an excellent resume-booster and provides plenty of networking opportunities, but it’s also a great way to set personal goals and push yourself to new horizons. The beauty of this event is that it brings together students of varied fields and disciplines and celebrates their hard work and accomplishments. Even if you don’t participate directly, you should certainly consider attending s ome of the pres entations and supporting your classmates. For more information or to submit a proposal, visit the SCAD web page. The spring semester is the perfect time to try something new. Some of us probably made New Year’s res olut ions to branch out and explore what Etown has to offer, and it would be a mistake to let all the special opportunities go to waste. Carpe Diem!
by EMILY LIDSTONE
E
lizabethtown College students excitedly return to campus with budding anticipation and expectations for the new year. At the close of another year, we look back on the untouched and unchecked resolutions list wishing we had exercised more, eaten less of our favorite, unhealthy foods or picked up a new hobby. This semester, new resolutions have been made, but some can only be achieved here at Etown. Take the road less traveled. There are hidden wonders in the Marketplace that some of us either avoid or have forgotten exist. The Mongolian Grill is one such area offered on a rotating basis offering veggies, proteins and special sauces of the day that can be mixed and customized to your liking. Trying anything new at the Marketplace could certainly qualify as a resolution and could even introduce you to something different and enjoyable. Add to your collection. Major events on campus offered to students generally supply a number of collectibles. Every event you attend invites the challenge of collecting yet another T-shirt, pair of sunglasses or water bottle, keeping your collection alive. Join the club. You may already be a part of different clubs on campus that vary in purpose and popularity, but what could it hurt to add another club to the repertoire? It could block up your schedule and take away from sleep, but your resume would be brimming with participation and activity. Appreciate the little things. Often throughout the semester we receive small slips of paper advertising events on campus, job opportunities or reminders. I’m sure I’m not the only who has been fooled by the false hope that the blue in my mailbox is a package instead of an announcement. Holding on to these little papers could prove useful later on in the semester. Attempting to complete any Etown resolutions for the new year could open doors to the possibility of meeting new people, discovering new foods or finding a new appreciation. This semester has just begun and there is plenty of time to check those unchecked boxes on your list and make your goals attainable.
FASHION COLUMN by EMILY LIDSTONE
L Photo: Nelli Orozco
Summer may seem far away, but there are plenty of events on campus to keep students occupied until the end of the semester.
The Etownian Awards 2013 Apple Awards Best Newspaper <5,000 Student Division ASPA - Most Outstanding Newspaper in the U.S. ASPA - First Place with Special Merit Finalists for the Online Pacemaker Award etownian.com featured as a national WordPress showcase SCJ Excellence in Collegiate Journalism Keystone Press Award Second Place for online content
Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief | Sarah Kennedy Managing Editor | Kaitlin Gibboney Assistant Editor | Gwen Fries News Editor | Kelly Bergh Features Editor | Emily Drinks Campus Life Editor | Emily Lidstone Sports Editor | Brian Lukacsy Copy Chief | Crystal Uminski Photography Editor | Luke Mackey Webmaster | Luke Wilson Asst. Features Editor | Noel Abastillas Asst. Campus Life Editor | Grace Marchione Asst. Sports Editor | Karley Ice Photographers | Nelli Orozco, Jacob Hopkins, Shane Bahn Copy Editors | Michaela Fetterolf, Samantha Kick, Matthew Kuraska, Brittany Pressley, Cassandra Rochelle, Emily Vasas Business Manager | Conner Land Advertising Manager | Jordan Moser Faculty Advisor | Kelly Poniatowski
Editorial Policy The Etownian is the student newspaper of Elizabethtown College. All editorial decisions are made by the student editors. With the exception of editorials, opinions presented here are those of quoted sources or signed authors, not of the Etownian or the College. For questions, comments or concerns about a particular section, please contact the section editor at [section-title]editor@ etown.edu. If you have a story idea, suggestion, or if you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please do so to editor@etown.edu.
ayers have become a prominent theme this season with the steadily-dropping temperatures and especially unpredictable weather we’re experiencing. Chunky, cable-knit sweaters and scarves, knee-high socks inside of boots, cardigans and beanies are seen all over campus. The layered look provides comfort and functionality as we quickly shift from the arctic tundra we experience walking through campus to the heat cranked on high in the classroom. Piling on additional clothing comes with a number of benefits. If you feel sick but you know missing class is not an option, it allows you to bring the comfort of your warm bed to class with you. Being bundled up inside layers of clothing and a big scarf functions as a warm escape. If you’re walking into a classroom with new, unfamiliar faces and you’re feeling shy, layers can provide a type of security blanket offering a metaphorical barrier between you and your classmates. Maybe you aren’t having the best hair day, but you know you are going to be surrounded by people all day. Throwing on a warm hat and scarf can easily distract those around you from whatever hair situation is causing you anxiety. The layering of basic, staple clothing items underneath warm sweaters and scarves is a trend that will never go out of fashion. It serves not only as a functional but a fashionable alternative to being cold and looking frumpy. It is a trend that anyone and everyone can be a part of as well as a trend that popular stores will always be supporting and promoting. Though the details and specifics of the trend, such as size of the layers, may vary, it will continue to become a prominent style each fall and winter and is certainly something to look forward to annually.
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Sports
January 22, 2015
Men’s swimming drops third meet in a row, falls to Washington (Md),131-36
in Etown athletics... With Monday afternoon’s victory over the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the men’s basketball team stretched its winning streak to four games. The Blue Jays are currently 6-3 in the Landmark Conference. After losing four of its previous five games, the women’s basketball team has won its last two contests to improve to 5-4 in the Landmark Conference. The wrestling team competed at the East/West Duals at Messiah College on Saturday, taking on Thiel College, Waynesburg University and Washington & Jefferson College. The Blue Jays dropped all three matches as their record currently stands at 3-11. The men’s and women’s swim teams traveled to Maryland to face off with Washington College on Saturday. The men dropped their third straight meet of the season, 131-36, while the women lost for the second meet in a row, 129-71. The men’s and women’s track & field teams competed at the University of Maryland in the Terrapin Inviational this past weekend. Both teams had great showings against top-level competition. The men and women will compete in the Collegeville Classic this Friday at Ursinus College.
in the NCAA... In the latest Associated Press (AP) Top-25 college basketball poll released on Monday, the Kentucky Wildcats remain the number one team in the country, just ahead of the Virginia Cavaliers. Kentucky and Virginia are the only two remaining undefeated teams in Division One. The Duke University Blue Devils uncharacteristically lost two games in a row after a 14-0 start to the season, but bounced back to defeat then sixth-ranked Louisville on the road. Legendary Duke head coach, Mike Krzyzewski is closing in on 1000 career victories as a coach, a feat no other coach has ever reached. With a win on Sunday over St. John’s University, he will reach the 1000-wins plateau.
in the pros... In historic fashion, the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks won the NFC Championship on Sunday, earning their second straight trip to the Super Bowl. The Seahawks defeated the Green Bay Packers 28-22 in overtime to clinch their ticket to the Feb. 1 game in Glendale, AZ. Seattle overcame a 16-0 halftime deficit, the largest deficit ever overcome in postseason history. In the AFC Championship game on Sunday night in Foxboro, Ma., the New England Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 to advance to the Super Bowl. The Patriots were making their fourth straight trip to the AFC Championship game, while Colts star quarterback Andrew Luck was playing in his first. Luck is now 0-4 all-time against the Patriots in his career, including the playoffs.
Photo: David Sinclair
With two meets remaining before the Landmark Conference Championships, the men’s swim team looks to finish the season strong after a 2-5 start.With the loss to Washington on Saturday, the Blue Jays have lost three in a row.
by CODY MILLER
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he men’s swim team suffered a 131-36 loss at the hands of Washington College (Md.) Saturday, Jan. 17, which puts their record at 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the Landmark Conference. Sophomore Kieran Koehler was the sole winner for the boy’s team as he captured the 100 breaststroke with 1:07.58. He had to fend off Washington’s Finny Dorsch, who came in less than a second behind him with a time of 1:08.41. Koehler narrowly missed the top three in the 50 freestyle in which he clocked in at 24.13 “My performance wasn’t the best it could have been, but it was enough to get the win for the team,” Koehler said. “I really need to work on my endurance in most races that I swim. I think that is my biggest weakness.” Koehler is hoping to break the minute mark on his breaststroke before the end of the season, which has been one of his personal goals. The Blue Jays came within a second of winning the 100 freestyle as first-year David Foery took second place with a 50.99. Washington’s Charles Logan finished in first place with a time of 50.44. Foery also came in fourth place in the 200 freestyle when he clocked in a time of 1:55.54. Elizabethtown College senior Frank Capria swam in three events: the 1650 freestyle, 500 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. Capria came in second in the 1650 freestyle with a time of 18:48.37, third in the 100 butterfly with 1:00.01 and fourth in the 500 freestyle with a 5:35.79. “The best part of the day for me was swimming the fly at 1:00.01,” Capria said. “Despite being two seconds off my best time, I was able to muscle it out coming out of the mile.” Sophomore Ethan Weber, who swam exhibition in the 50
freestyle, secured his best time of the season with a 27.58. He also placed fourth in the 100 freestyle with 1:02.80, and second in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:21.21. The Blue Jays have a relatively young team this year with only two juniors and one senior out of their 12 man roster. “Having a young team builds a solid foundation for the team to grow in years to come,” Capria said. Due to all the young members on the team, they have been able to form different relays that might be used in upcoming seasons and are given the opportunity to explore the talents of younger swimmers. The Blue Jays host McDaniel College Saturday, Jan. 24 which is their final home meet of the season. The team has one more meet against Frostburg State University before they proceed into the Landmark Conference Championships next month. In order to prepare for their upcoming meets and the championships they have been increasing their yardage at practice which they hope will help them with their speed and endurance. “The team has been working hard in the pool and we are continuing to improve our technique as we approach Landmarks,” Koehler said. “The meet next Saturday will be another day for us to practice our races and perfect our strokes.” This year the team switched from the Middle Atlantic Conference to the Landmark Conference which operates differently during championships. In the Landmark Conference, every team is eligible to go but only 18 members from each team are able to score, where as in the Middle Atlantic Conference, swimmers had to qualify individually. “We are looking forward to Landmarks so we can display all of our hard work throughout the season and I’m excited to go and see how everyone performs,” Koehler said.
Men’s basketball currently riding a four-game winning streak An undefeated week helps Blue Jays climb into sole possession of fourth place in Landmark by RYAN SANDELL
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he Elizabethtown C ollege men’s basketball team enjoyed a successful weekend going 3-0 versus Drew University, Goucher College and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The Blue Jays improved their record to 8-9, and extended their win-streak to 4 games. Last Wednesday against Drew, the Blue Jay offense came out firing, shooting a season-high 63.5% overall, 62.5% from 3-point range. Senior guard Tyler Simpkiss tied a career high of 30 points that he set last year at home against Widener University. Sophomore guard Matt Lapkowicz had a career night as well, finishing the game with 19 points. The result never seemed to be in doubt for the Blue Jays, as they never trailed the Rangers after the 18:00 mark of the first half, when Lapkowicz nailed a 3-pointer to give Etown an 8-6 lead. The Blue Jays never looked back, eventually beating Drew by 21 points in a 97-76 victory. Other key players in the game were senior forward Lee Eckert
and sophomore for ward Josh Eden, whose defensive efforts and presence on the offensive boards made it tough for the Rangers to get anything going. Eckert was a force on offense, going 6-7 shooting and dropping 12 points in 25 minutes played, tallying three assists as well. Senior guard Phil Wenger was the playmaker on offense, racking up eight assists on the night. The victory set the Jays up for greatness in their next fixture against Goucher College. The ailing 3-13 Gophers did not give Etown much trouble, as the Blue Jays cruised past Goucher to the tune of a 71-48 victory. Senior Joe Bodnar returned to the lineup after missing the previous two games, scoring eight points in the first half, and finishing the game with 10. The scoring was spread around the roster, with four players scoring in double digits, and nine players getting on the board. Sophomore forward Jake Sweger had a huge night, scoring 12 points on six attempts, and recording one steal in 20 minutes played. Also featuring prominently were Eckert and Simpkiss, each racking up 12 points as well in 24 minutes played,
with the latter recording three assists. Once again the Blue Jays gained the lead in the 15th minute on another Lapkowicz 3-pointer, and ran away with it from there, climbing to a lead as high as 30 points at the 8:43 mark. The team looked to improve their record and continue their winning streak against a tough Merchant Marine opponent that was still searching for its first Landmark Conference victor y. Monday’s game was close throughout with Etown grabbing its largest lead of the first half at 10 before the Mariners cut the deficit to seven at halftime. The Mariners cut into the Blue Jays’ lead and had the deficit at four at one point during the second half before Etown went on a 5-0 to push the lead back to nine. The Blue Jays were able to gain their largest lead of the game at 14 points late in the second half and hung on for a 73-65 victory, their fourth straight. The United States Merchant Marine Academy dropped to 3-13 overall and has yet to win a game in the Landmark Conference this season. Eckert led all Blue Jays in scoring
Photo: Athletics Department
The men’s basketball team defeated Drew University, Goucher College and the United States Merchant Marine Academy to complete an undefeated week. The Blue Jays are currently riding a 4-game winning streak.
with 12 points, while Sweger and B odnar joined him in double figures. Sweger grabbed a teamhigh six rebounds to go along with his 11 points. Ten different Blue Jays scored in the win. Etown currently sits in the fourth and final playoff spot in the Landmark Conference standings. The Blue Jays will return to action on Saturday at Thompson
Gymnasium against Susquehanna University. Saturday’s match-up against Susquehanna will be a match-up of third and fourth place teams in the Landmark Conference and have major playoff implications. Including Saturday’s game, Etown has only two home games remaining on this season’s schedule. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
Sports
January 22, 2015 LATIMORE PAGE 1
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Latimore announces retirement after 20 years as Director of Athletics On Friday, Jan. 2, Latimore announced her plans to retire in June, 20 years after becoming the first female athletic director at Elizabethtown in 1995. Prior to her start at Etown, Latimore was at Division II Clarion University in Clarion, Pa., where she spent four years as an Associate Director of Athletes for the Golden Eagles. “In the spring of 1995, I was meeting with a student in my office at Clarion University and the phone rang,” Latimore said. “It was former Etown President Gerhard Spiegler calling to ask if I would be interested in interviewing for the athletic director position at Etown. I said yes, and the rest is history.” Latimore’s career in college athletics began at Juniata College as an Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Coach of basketball, field hockey and tennis. The Huntingdon, Pa. native is a member of both the Juniata College Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Huntingdon County Sports Hall of Fame. Since joining the Blue Jays’ family in 1995, Latimore’s tenure includes reintroducing the sport of men’s track & field, and adding women’s track & field. Etown added men’s and women’s lacrosse in 2002, increasing its varsity athletic program offering to 22. Most recently, Latimore and President Carl J. Strikwerda worked together on Etown’s behalf to become the Landmark Conference’s ninth full-time member in July 2014. “Five institutions in the Landmark Conference (Drew University, Juniata College, Moravian College, University of Scranton and Susquehanna Uni-
versity) were former Middle Atlantic Conference members, so we knew them well and had great respect for their institutions and athletic programs,” Latimore said. “Rejoining those schools, along with Catholic University, Goucher College, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy, has given Elizabethtown the opportunity to compete against and affiliate with colleges that are very similar in terms of philosophy, admissions and academic standards, and resources. It is a great fit for our Blue Jay program.” Latimore oversaw a lot of improvement and construction of new facilities for its student-athletes. In 2001, the college finished building an outdoor track & field facility that has hosted multiple conference championship meets, completed ‘The Nest,’ which is home to the softball team, and installed lights at Ira R. Herr Field. The baseball team has called Kevin Scott Boyd Memorial Stadium home since 2004 when the $1.3 million project was completed. The ‘Jay Walk’, which included new office space for coaches and administrative staff, hall of fame and trophy displays and a link between Brossman Commons and Thompson Gymnasium, opened in 2009. Wolf Field, home to the field hockey and lacrosse teams, was added during Latimore’s tenure, and was upgraded to include new spectator seating in 2014. Latimore worked hard to bring national championship events to Etown’s improved facilities and succeeded in bringing the 2010 NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championships to Etown,
and will serve as host of the 2015 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships this March at the Giant Center in Hershey. Consistency has played a huge factor in the success of Etown athletics during Latimore’s tenure as Athletic Director. Seven current head coaches have held their positions for at least 10 years. Included in those seven are men’s soccer Head Coach Skip Roderick and men’s basketball Head Coach Bob Schlosser, who have been with Latimore for her entire 20-year career at Etown. Former head women’s basketball coach, Yvonne Kauffman, worked alongside Latimore for 17 years before Kauffman retired after the 20112012 season. “One reason that Blue Jay Athletics has been so successful through the years is that we haven’t had a lot of turnover in our coaching staff,” Latimore said. “We’ve had highly-successful coaches like Yonnie Kauffman, Bob Schlosser and Skip Roderick anchor the department for more than 25 years each, and we have several other outstanding coaches who have been with us for 10 or more years. Not that many athletic programs can say the same.” Through the consistency in coaching at the college, Etown has won 75 team conference championships since 1995. Of the 75, 13 of the conference championships were won by the men’s cross country program, which rattled off eight straight Middle Atlantic Conference Championships from 1999 to 2006. Women’s cross country and women’s tennis are tied for second
during that span with nine team titles each, and men’s indoor track & field has taken home seven conference championships. Competing in its first Landmark Conference Championships this past fall, the men’s and women’s cross country teams swept the titles, Etown’s first two Landmark Championships. Etown has competed well on the national level as well during Latimore’s
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 20 year tenure at Elizabethtown.”
~ Nancy Latimore
tenure. Over the 20 year period, the Blue Jays have made 54 team appearances in the NCAA championships, with the men’s basketball team reaching the national championship game in the 2001-2002 season, and the women’s soccer team advancing to, and hosting, the 1997 NCAA Division III Final Four. Along with the numerous team successes, Etown has also seen many individuals compete on the national level. Most recently, Blue Jays alumni, Kevin Clark, took home the NCAA Division III Indoor Championship in the pole vault in 2007, becoming the first individual national champion at the school since women’s tennis star
Beckie Donecker won in 1982. The athletic department that Latimore has helped to build over the last 20 years has earned 13 top-100 finishes in the Learfield Sports Directors Cup standings, with the institution finishing a program-best 66th in 2012-2013. The Cup is made up of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today to recognize the nation’s top well-rounded athletic departments. Latimore has represented the school and the conferences on numerous occasions, including representing the Middle Atlantic Conference athletic directors on the conference’s strategic planning, hall of fame, gender equity and numerous ad hoc committees over her tenure. Latimore is known for attending numerous games with her husband, Bill, during each season in support of her student-athletes. The family bleeds Blue Jay pride, as Latimore’s daughter, Sarah, graduated from Etown in 2011, and son, David, is currently a senior member of the men’s lacrosse team at Etown. After nearly four decades in intercollegiate athletics, Latimore summed up her time at Etown. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 20-year tenure at Elizabethtown. It is a special campus with many special people. It has been an honor leading Blue Jay Athletics, and I am very thankful that I have had the opportunity to work with so many extraordinary student-athletes and coaches.”
Track & Field thrives in season opener Women’s swim falls for Terrapin Invitational provides strong test for Blue Jays
second meet in a row
O
Photo: Wyatt Eaton
The men’s and women’s track and field teams competed at the Terrapin Invitational at the University of Maryland this past weekend. The teams faced high-level competition that included several Division I opponents.
T
by KARLEY ICE
he Elizabethtown College men’s and women’s track team traveled to the University of Maryland for the Terrapin Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 17 to start off 2015. Both teams had members finish on the top 10 list including first-years Mitch Schlegel and Kelsey Bentz and sophomore Kelsey Detweiler. Competition was at a high-level for the Blue Jays as they faced multiple Division I opponents, but this fact did not change Etown’s ability to reach victories. Upperclassmen and underclassmen alike earned recognition in several events throughout the day. For the men, Schlegel performed a tenth of a second faster than his best time in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.45, compared to running a 7.55 at the Bow Tie Classic, the first meet of the season that occurred on Dec. 6. This improvement in time earned Schlegel sixth place on the all-time list for the program. In addition to competing in the 60-meter race, Schlegel placed first in his section of the 200-meter with a time of 23.91 and participated in one of Etown’s teams in the 4x400-meter relay. After recovering from an injury that occurred at the end of the Etown cross country season, junior Zach Trama was key to Etown’s success. He was the top finisher for Etown. In the 3,000-meter run, Trama ran an 8:45.55 to claim second place. This time earned Trama the fifth-fastest time in the men’s track and field program’s history. He trailed American University’s Tom Woermer who finished in 8:42.42. Trama also ran in a group for Etown in the 4x400-meter relay. “Individually, I was pleased with my race,” Trama said. “Usu-
ally, the first race of the season is a bit of a shock to the body, but I think I was able to perform well regardless.” Senior Dan Gresh finished fourth in the 5,000-meter run at 15:38.85. Sophomore Max Mahan also earned a fourth place finish after jumping a 1.88m in the high jump. The only thrower to compete for the Blue Jays at the Invitational was senior Andrew Khela. He reached the finals of the weight throw with a distance of 12.65m and finished sixth. The women’s team also represented Etown well in the Prince George Sports & Learning Complex. Detweiler and Bentz both ran in the 300-meter dash, finishing second and third, respectively. Detweiler completed in a time of 46.06 and Bentz finished in 50.84. Senior Amelia Tearnan competed in the mile with a time of 5:24.95 to clinch fourth place. Graduate student Eileen Cody followed right behind in fifth at 5:25.06. Tearnan finished 12th overall and Cody was 13th. Many runners found success within their heats of certain events. Sophomore Alexis Groce was victorious in her heat of the 800-meter run with a time of 2:36.34. In the next heat of the same event, senior Ashley Underkofler crossed the finish line in third place at 2:35.92. Sophomore Amy Gessler was the first to finish in her heat of the 3,000-meter run at 11:23.71. “As a team, we had some very promising performances, especially from our underclassmen,” Trama said. “Everybody knows that there is still plenty of work to do, but we’re one step closer towards earning our first triple crown in the Landmark Conference.” The Blue Jays look ahead to Friday, Feb. 23 for the Collegeville Classic, to be held at Ursinus College at 3 p.m.
by MONICA VENTURELLA
n Saturday Jan. 17th, the Elizabethtown College Blue Jays women’s swim team traveled to Chestertown, Md. to compete against Washington College. The Blue Jays fell to the Shorewomen in a 129-71 defeat. Despite the loss, the Blue Jays pulled through with many personal records. Graduate student, Kimberly Cosgrove won the 1000-yard freestyle with a season-best of 11:26.24. Cosgrove led the 1000-yard freestyle to out-swim Washington’s Mackenzie Gaze by more than eight seconds. This season-best is exactly four seconds faster than her previous best of 11:30.24. Cosgrove was also third in the 200 free with a time of 2:09.13. As a captain, Cosgrove inspires her teammates to work hard and never give up. Senior Hunter Smith swam the 200 I.M. and the 100-yard butterfly. These events are back-to-back so Smith looks towards Cosgrove for inspiration. Cosgrove recites a phrase before every meet, “If you have a lane, you have a chance.” This quote inspires and encourages Smith and her teammates. “When going up against talented teams, such as Washington,” Smith said. “It is important to remember that each time you get in the pool you have an opportunity to make yourself better.” Smith is “very excited” to end her career as an Etown swimmer with “such a talented group of ladies.” She is hopeful to see her teammates swim personal bests and earn top 16 swims at Landmark Championships. Ending her collegiate swimming career with personal records and top times would be a highlight to her career. The Etown women swept the 100-yard breaststroke led by junior Amanda Long with a time of 1:12.25. Long was closely followed by teammates first-year Dru Schneider and sophomore Mariselle Parisi swimming 1:15.56 and 1:18.98, respectively. Like Cosgrove, Long swam a season-best time in her win. Long outswam five opponents to claim her victory by 2.2 seconds. Long also showed her speed in the 50 free, earning second with a time of 27.26 to Washington’s Alicia Howard. Coming to the end of the season, Long will be spending her time focusing on working hard and being ready for Landmark Championships. Sophomore Sarah Alps swam the 100-yard backstroke and one leg in the 200-yard freestyle relay as well as the 1000-yard freestyle. Mainly focusing on sprint events, swimming the 1000-yard freestyle was very different for Alps. Alps swam a time of 13:17.79. Alps believes she performed very well, especially for her first time swimming a longer distance event. She wants to work on building her endurance over time to begin swimming longer events. Working on her endurance will also help her performances in the sprinting events. Looking into the future, Alps is excited for the Landmark Conference meet in February and to see her teammates drop time and improve. Sophomore Katie Derreth is also excited to see her teammates perform well at the Landmark Conference Championships. Though, on Saturday she did not achieve any personal records in her events, she will use this meet to learn and improve. She believes that everyone tried their hardest and did their best on the team’s first meet back since winter break. She will be working on her stroke and breathing to continue to improve her speed which will help her break her personal records. She has high hopes for her teammates and herself at the Landmark Conference meet in February. The women’s record to date is 3-4. Etown hosts McDaniel College in their final home meet of the season Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The team has two more meets before Landmark Conference Championships starting on Friday, Feb. 13th and ending on Sunday, Feb. 15th.
Sports
page 12
January 22, 2015
Women’s basketball back on winning track after two road wins Blue Jays Landmark record climbs back over .500, 2nd place Susquehanna awaits by BRIAN LUKACSY
T
he Elizabethtown College women’s basketball team entered the new year as owners of an undefeated record through their first nine games. The 2014 portion of the season included a championship title at the Terry Greene Memorial Tournament and two victories down in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since the start of 2015, the Blue Jays have run into a tough stretch of their Landmark Conference schedule, facing the top two teams in the league in their first two games. The Blue Jays entered last Wednesday night’s contest at Drew University as losers of three of their last four games. The game at Drew was also the first of three straight road conference games for Etown. Etown went into the game holding
sole possession of fifth place in the Landmark Conference, one game ahead of the Rangers. Drew came out shooting the ball well at home, knocking down three of their first five shots to take a 7-2 advantage over the Blue Jays just three minutes into the game. Junior guard Rachel Forjan scored Etown’s first points of the game, however the Blue Jays went scoreless for three minutes of action after her basket. After back-to-back layups by sophomore forward Emily Martin brought Etown within two, Drew stretched the lead to five on a three-pointer. After the game was tied multiple times throughout the first half, the Rangers went on an 11-4 run to end the half and hold a 28-21 lead over the Blue Jays. Senior forward Taylor Alwine kept Etown in the game late,
Wrestling team tackles East/West Duals at Messiah
Photo: David Sinclair
First-year Chris Kummerer earned two wins at the East/West Duals, while teammates Chad Lammer and Luke Fernandez both went unbeaten.
by BRIAN LUKACSY
T
he Elizabethtown College wrestling team came into Saturday’s East/West Duals at Messiah College with three wins on the season. The Blue Jays fought hard enough to earn a victory at the Duals, but they faced stiff competition in all three matches. In the team’s first match of the day, they faced 27th ranked Thiel College out of Greenville, Pa. First-year Chris Kummerer gave the Blue Jays an early one-point lead at 7-6 after his 12-3 major decision at 149 pounds. Junior Chad Lammer put Etown in position to take the lead after his 7-3 decision at 141 pounds. Senior Zeke Zimmer earned his 20th victory of the season with a 10-8 decision, and sophomore Luke Fernandez’s 5-2 win at 184 pounds tied the match at 13 with two matches to go. Thiel wrapped up the win, 2313, with a major decision at 197 and the only pin of the match at 285. Et ow n f a c e d nu m b e r 2 3 Waynesburg Univesity in their second match of the day. The Yellow Jackets began the match with backto-back pins and held a 12-0 lead before Lammer earned his second win of the day with a 9-4 decision at 141 pounds. Waynesburg won the next three decisions and took a commanding 25-3 lead into the 174 pound bout. Zimmer won his match at 174 pounds, 10-1 to cut the deficit to
18. For the second match in a row, Fernandez followed Zimmer’s victory with a victory of his own at 184 pounds. Fernandez’s 17-3 major decision was the last win for the Blue Jays against Waynesburg. The Yellow Jackets defeated Etown 35-11. In the Blue Jays’ final match of the day, they faced off against Washington & Jefferson College. Etown jumped out in front with a major decision at 125 pounds from first-year Philip Torresani. Washington & Jefferson used a pin to take a 6-4 advantage after the second match. Lammer completed his undefeated afternoon with his third victory at 141 pounds. Kummerer earned his second victory of the day via forfeit, as the Blue Jays took a 13-6 lead over the Presidents. Washington & Lee earned three straight victories at 157, 165 and 174 pounds to take an 18-13 lead over the Blue Jays with three matches left. Fernandez won his match at 184 pounds via forfeit to help Etown regain the lead at 19-18, however, the Presidents would take the last two matches and win the match 25-19. The Blue Jays finished the day with three losses, but Lammer and Fernandez both went unbeaten in their respective weight classes. Zimmer and Kummerer both finished the day with two wins each. Etown will take off this weekend and return to action Friday, Jan. 30 in Wheaton, Ill. at the Pete WillsonWheaton Invitational.
Jan. 22
Jan. 23 Collegeville Classic
scoring 12 of her team-high 16 points in the second half. The Rangers had too much offensive firepower and held on for a 65-51 victory over the Blue Jays. Junior forward Alyssa Aichele played all 40 minutes and scored seven points, grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and dished out a teamhigh five assists. Martin finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Forjan chipped in with 10 points. The Blue Jays shot just 33 percent from the field and only connected on three of their 18 three-pointers. Drew’s nine three-pointers and 10 to four advantage at the free throw line proved to be the big differences in the contest. “After our loss at Drew we all got together and talked. We knew that we needed to change a few things because we just weren’t clicking in practices or games,” Alwine said. “After one or two losses it was like we became unsure of ourselves as a team and since talking about it, we’ve made adjustments at practices and I think that translated over into our game on Saturday.” In the Blue Jays’ next game, they traveled to Goucher College with hopes of snapping a two-game losing streak and earn their 10th win of the season. Goucher entered Saturday’s contest still searching for their first win in the Landmark Conference. Both teams traded baskets early in the game, exchanging the lead on almost every possession. The Blue Jays began to pull away late in the first half, extending its lead to doubledigits at halftime behind Forjan’s 15 point first-half performance. Etown’s starters accounted for 29 of the team’s 35 first half points, as the Blue Jays held a 35-24 lead at intermission. The second half proved to be a different story early on with the
“I think coming out with a win will really help us get back on track and help everyone get back their confidence.” ~ Taylor Alwine
Landmark victory of the season. “Even when it got close at the beginning of the second half, we didn’t get flustered or panic; we just kept encouraging each other, picked up our intensity and focused on playing smart basketball,” Alwine said. “I think coming out with a win will really help us get back on track and help everyone get back their confidence.” Pennell finished the game with six points and six assists, while Aichele recorded seven points and six rebounds. Pennell and Martin combined to shoot eight of 12 from the free throw line on the afternoon. The Blue Jays finished a stretch of three games in six days when they traveled to the United States
Merchant Marine Academy on Monday afternoon. Etown defeated the Mariners 65-39 at home back in December. Etown jumped all over the Mariners early and often. Ten different Blue Jays scored in a first-half that saw Etown shoot over 50 percent from the field. Forjan, senior forward Erika Ferro and first-year Emma Hoesman led the Jays with six points each in the first half, giving Etown a 40-13 lead at halftime. The second half proved to be much like the first with the Blue Jays outhustling, outrebounding and, most importantly, outscoring the Mariners. The Jays’ bench outscored U.S. Merchant Marine’s bench 46-11 en route to a 77-36 victory. Etown is now 5-4 in the Landmark Conference and 11-4 overall. The team sits in fifth place overall in a very competitive Landmark Conference that takes the top four teams at season’s end for the playoffs. “I would say that the competition is very much similar to our competition in past seasons. Although I do feel like the teams in the Landmark play more of a game based on just pure heart and hustle, or playing a ‘blue collar’ style of basketball than the competition we played against in the MAC,” Alwine said. “That has made the season very interesting for us and I think because of the somewhat equal playing field, it is difficult to predict where everyone will end up once the regular season ends. However, if we can continue to work for each other and keep up our intensity and focus, then I believe we can easily claim a spot in the playoffs.” The Blue Jays will return to action on Saturday when they host Susquehanna University in their first home game since Jan. 10.
Athlete of the Week Tyler simpkiss by BRIAN LUKACSY Senior Tyler Simpkiss recently earned Athlete of the Week honors for the Landmark Conference, an honor he was also awarded last year in the Middle Atlantic Conference. Simpkiss is currently the Blue Jays leading scorer at 12.6 points per game. In a recent two-game stretch against Landmark Conference opponents Moravian College and Drew University, Simpkiss scored 27 and 30 points. The 30 point night tied his career-high for points scored in a game that he set last season at home against Widener University. Simpkiss has helped lead the Blue Jays to a 6-3 Landmark Conference record.
Jan. 24 M Bball vs. Susquehanna
Swimming vs. McDaniel
Jan. 25
Photo: David Sinclair
Favorite musician/band: Eminem Favorite place to visit: My bed In 10 years, I want to be...
Major: Mathematics Hometown: Dover, Del. Favorite athlete/sports team: Miami Dolphins Hardly anyone knows that... I was born in Florida. Favorite Jay’s Nest item: Crispy chicken quesadilla Favorite movie: The Dark Knight
W Bball vs. Susquehanna
TM
Gophers starting the half on a 15-6 run to cut the Blue Jays lead to just two points with 11:18 remaining in the game. The Gophers hung around for a while, keeping the game within five points for most of the second half before Etown began to pull away once again. Behind a game-high 17 points from Forjan and 11 points from Alwine, the Blue Jays went on to defeat Goucher 62-49, earning their fourth
Teaching and coaching
Favorite Etown Memory: Crew Greatest Etown accomplishment: Passing Theory of Probability Greatest basketball accomplishment: Being named Athlete of the Week in the MAC and Landmark Conference. I started playing basketball at age... 10
Jan. 26
Jan. 27 W Bball @ Dickinson
Jan. 28