Fordham Observer — Spring 2013 — Issue #3

Observer the

MARCH 7, 2013 VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 3

www.fordhamobserver.com

Faculty Senate Looks To Unionize

By TIM GAVAN Staff Writer

On Feb. 22, the Faculty Senate for the first time voted to explore unionization, a move the Fordham administration opposes.

The vote came about as a result of what some senators say is several years of failures in regard to good faith salary and benefits bargaining between faculty and administration.

“This has been going on for a number of years now,” Andrew Clark, associate professor of modern languages and literature at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) and one of the two senators to formally make the resolution, said.

“There have been protracted salary negotiations, particularly last year, and a growing feeling among faculty of a lack of transparency and a lack of input on issues of faculty governance.”

The Faculty Senate is composed of 25 members, with senators from undergraduate colleges at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center, as well as from Fordham’s graduate, business and law schools. According to the Faculty Sen­ate’s constitution, the Senate “shall have the right and duty to advise the president and trustees of the university and to initiate recommendations in all areas of university activity.” These roles are supposed to be carried out at monthly meetings that take place during the academic year.

Leonard Nissim, an associate professor of mathematics said that the negotiations stalled when the administration refused to give the faculty the amount of money necessary for “an across the board increase [in salary] equal to the rising consumer price index (CPI) in the New York area, plus $1,200 merit pay for half of the faculty.” In order to secure an increase in salary consistent with the rise in the CPI for every faculty member, the half of the faculty requesting an increase of $1,200 in merit pay had to settle for an $800 increase instead. According to faculty arguments, the amount of money being fought over was $56,000. see FACULTY SENATE pg. 2

JENNIFER KHEDAROO /THE OBSERVER

A bench in the Ladies Pavillion in Central Park. For this photo feature, The Observer’s photographers compiled scenes of Central Park’s beautiful changing seasons, the many intriguing architectural structures and the constant stream of vistors to FCLC’s neighborhood park.

Students Critique Ram Café Changes

By GABRIELA MENDEZ-NOVOA News Editor

Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC)’s renovated Ram Café has been open since the beginning of the spring 2013 semester. Although some students are content with the recent changes, many expressed their disappointment and said they see room for further development.

District Marketing Manager of Sodexo Rebecca Moore said that the overall response to the new cafeteria from students has been positive, and that the suggestions have helped add menu items and continue to improve service.

When asked what changes have been made since the new Ram Café opened in January, Moore explained the recent restructuring of the area and the reasons behind the additional modifications. “We added stanchions to a couple of areas to help

with customer and operational flow, but there was also an increase in the frequency of customers leaving without paying for their food,” she said.

“So we added the stanchions to help direct them to the cashier stations.”

According to Aleksandra George, FCLC ’13, the area looks cleaner and more organized, but the stanchions often get in the way. “I don’t know if this has changed recently but the sugar and forks and spoons were on the outside, and having to move around the ropes is annoying. Also, the paying and coffee areas get really congested and the setup, although organized, may not be so efficient,” she said.

Regarding the food quality and taste, George suggested a greater variety in menu options and lower prices. “I like that the burgers are made on the spot. The taste is also better.

But I would definitely suggest adding some foreign food options to the

menu in order to attract people to eat in the cafeteria as opposed to grabbing something outside,” George said. According to George, it is important that a New York City college campus integrate different cultures, and adding foreign meals to the cafeteria menu is one way to do that.

Other students agreed that the Ram Café is expensive and that there should be a better meal selection.

Jodi Hines, FCLC ’15 said, “I heard they’re working on getting the nutrition facts up, so that’s good. My only problem with them is that their prices are ridiculous. I feel like I still get more food outside for a cheaper price than in the cafeteria.”

Noureen Qureshi, FCLC ’15 said she would like to see “more options in the salad and soup selections.”

Carinna Gano, FCLC ’14 also said that the menu is still too limited and expensive. “I still think that there aren’t many food choices,” Gano

said. When asked if she has any suggestions to improve the service, she suggested charging less. “It’s just too much,” she said. Regarding the aesthetical appearance, Gano said she thinks the new cafeteria looks cleaner and nicer, and that she likes the green color choice.

Jaime Rodriguez, FCLC ’14 had a similar response to the changes.

“It’s really expensive and it’s just not really healthy. The food is not that changed,” he said. “The burger is good, but the meals aren’t filling enough, and you may as well just go to Burrito Box.” When asked what he thought of the food quality, Rodriguez responded, “I know not to expect much of cafeteria food. I don’t expect Emeril in the kitchen, but it could be better.”

He added that residents have complained that their meal plan cards see CAFÉ pg. 3

Inside

FEATURES

SPORTS

ARTS & CULTURE

OPINIONS

Transfer Student Profiles

Baseball

William Wu

PlayStation 4

What is it like to change schools?

A new season begins on the road.

From Fordham to the “The Railroad.”

Is a video game worth the security risks?

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PAGE 15

PAGE 11

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THE STUDENT VOICE OF FORDHAM COLLEGE AT LINCOLN CENTER

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News

News Editor Gabriela Mendez-Novoa — gmendeznovoa@fordham.edu

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

MARIA FISCHER/THE OBSERVER

Obama’s new College Scorecard was addressed in the State of the Union speech as a tool for students to search for the best colleges to fit their financial status.

Obama Scorecard Plan Compares College Costs

By NOHA MAHMOUD Asst. News Editor

The College Scorecard, announced by President Barack Obama during his State of the Union address, allows for prospective students to search for colleges either by name or based on numerous criteria such as degree, occupation, size, awards offered, state, campus setting, region and distance education. Fordham’s entry showed that the average net cost of attending Fordham is $33,679, 77.6 percent of undergraduate students graduate within six years, 4.6 percent of loan borrowers defaulted on their loans within three years and that families typically borrow $23,000 in federal loans for tuition costs.

When comparing other universities in New York, according to the Scorecard, New York University (NYU) yields a higher average net price compared to Fordham and a higher undergraduate rate as well.

The average net price of Pace is lower than both NYU and Fordham with a lower graduation rate within six years.

For each college, there are six sections of information including the costs, graduation rate, loan default rate, median borrowing and employment. Presently, the employment section has a message that the U.S. Department of Education is working on providing employment information for each college. According to Obama, the scorecard is “where you can get the most bang for your educational

buck.”

The Scorecard only provides the average net price of the tuition which is the amount that all of the students pay after the loans and scholarships for that particular college. Christina Greer, assistant professor of political science at FCLC, said that when it comes to choosing colleges “parents and students are looking at the full price tag.”

According to Patricia Peek, director of undergraduate admissions, the net price is not usually reliable. “The federal calculation is the net price only for recipients of financial aid and ignores the price paid by those who do not receive aid. That can lead to a misunderstanding for families who think the net price is characteristic of the average net price paid by all students

at that school,” Peek said.

In a New York Times article written by Richard Perez-Pena, “Scorecard for Colleges Need More Work, Experts Say,” the Scorecard supplies information as averages or medians, which does not provide enough information for individual families and only allows for estimates. The scorecard also does not have “side-by-side comparisons.”

“Families should use the tool in conjunction with other sources of information provided by each college or university that can be more specific. The campus visit and the website remain critical to determining if an institution is a good fit for a student and his or her family,” Peek said.

“Having more data available, such as our strong graduation rate

and low loan default rate are pluses for the university,” Peek said.

Some students think that the Scorecard provides useful information for potential applicants applying to colleges. Wanda Medina, FCLC ’15 said, “It [the scorecard] might reduce the percentage of individuals who transfer as a result of financial issues,” Medina said.

Aziza Elayyan, FCLC ’15, shared a similar opinion to Medina, “The Scorecard will be useful for those who are in need of financial help. It can help them calculate the costs of how much they have to pay at the end of their studying.”

When asked whether the scorecard will be successful, Greer said, “It depends on how many students look at it and how many people have access to it.”

Faculty Senate Takes First Steps Toward Unionizing FACULTY SENATE FROM PAGE 1

“So, in and of itself, that was not pleasant,” Nissim said, “but what was even worse was that the university had an operating surplus well into the billions,” and that all of that money was “siphoned off into funds that the administration controls instead of being used in part to give the faculty a decent salary increase.”

“We’ve put forth countless motions in the last two or three years that have been completely ignored by the administration,” Clark said. He also noted that “if the faculty had true managerial authority,” there would be more of a “good faith response from the administration.”

The “managerial authority” Clark spoke of is from a 1980 Supreme Court case, National Labor Relations Board v. Yeshiva University, often referenced when the faculty of a private university considers unionization.

In the Yeshiva decision, the Court held that, because the Faculty Senate at Yeshiva had “extensive control” over

academic, personnel and policy decisions, they had a managerial role and were excluded from the right to unionize under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 as a result.

Simply put, the Faculty Senate at Yeshiva had so much control over the university that for all intents and purposes, they were considered to be the university—and a body can’t collectively bargain with itself.

In an official statement provided to The Observer by John Lordan, Fordham’s senior vice president and chief financial officer, Fordham also has managerial authority on its mind.

“Fordham is committed to the model of shared governance under which the university has grown and prospered over the last 40 years. Fordham has been well-served by this model, in which faculty are partners in managing the university. Given faculty’s management role at Fordham, the administration believes it is not in the university’s best interest to support the creation of a faculty collective bargaining unit,” the statement said.

“ I think what the faculty desires is to have

more input over faculty governance, that they’re paid and given benefits that are commensurate to the work that they do...”

– ANDREW CLARK , associate professor of modern languages and literature and Faculty Senator

It is clear that both the administration and the Senate are aware of the importance of determining whether or not Fordham’s faculty has managerial authority. What is less clear is the answer to that question.

Thomas DeLuca, a professor of political science at FCLC and the senator who made the resolution with Clark, said that there are many questions that still need to be answered about this issue.

“The first is the legal interpretation of the [Yeshiva] ruling” and other important cases concerning unionization

and how these can be applied to Fordham’s situation.

In some cases, like National Labor Relations Board v. Florida Memorial College, courts have determined that other factors, such as whether the university actually listening to the Senate’s recommendations, should be used to determine whether a faculty truly has managerial authority.

“Based on the expert legal presentation we had at the last Faculty Senate meeting,” DeLuca said, “a clear majority of senators were persuaded that it was certainly possible that Fordham

professors would have a right to collective bargaining.”

For many, that right is still merely a means to an end.

“I think what the faculty desires is to have more input over faculty governance, that they’re paid and given benefits that are commensurate to the work that they do and that are in line with the past profits of the institution and that there’s just a greater sense of collective community and action among all faculty,” Clark said.

“I think that there are some people who hope perhaps that when we say we’re collective bargaining or exploring collective bargaining, somehow the administration will become more responsible and listen to us and then we can all forget about it,” Clark said.

“My sense is that this threat has been made before and that there has been response before by the administration. But I think at a certain point, you can only cry wolf so many times. It is time to act and assess whether unionization is the best option for the faculty and the institution.”

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THE OBSERVER March 7, 2013

News

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Sodexo Plans Further Cafeteria Developments CAFÉ FROM PAGE 1

have been running out of money faster this semester because of the high prices. Regarding the setup, he said, “The lines are ridiculous.”

According to Moore, there are additional changes planned for the Ram Café. “We will be adding to our present menu options, including expanding our salad toss menu, adding Limited Time Offers to Energy Kitchen and additional breakfast items. We feel it is essential to make changes and continuous enhancements to our services based on student feedback,” Moore said.

Moore added that Sodexo conducts dining surveys and gets feedback from about 500 students each semester. Sodexo receives comment cards from students and aims to implement the changes that they suggest. “Energy Kitchen opened up this semester with breakfast sandwiches, and we’re working on increasing offerings there,” she said. “We also brought back the combo meals and we’re still working with Energy Kitchen to do that too. We’re going back and forth with Energy Kitchen, finalizing decisions.”

TAVY WU/THE OBSERVER

FCLC students have complained that the Ram Café offers limited food options and charges too much.

Crime Blotter SUNDAY, FEB. 17 On Feb. 17, there was a fire in the dorms detected by a smoke detector and security responded.

MONDAY, FEB. 18

MONDAY, FEB. 25

On Feb. 18, a student’s clothes went missing from the laundry room in McMahon Hall.

The items had been misplaced and the issue was resolved.

On Feb. 25, a Fordham alumnus was reported to be violating some of the rules in the Quinn Library and security responded.

Think Summer, Think Fordham Summer Session 2013 Session I: May 28 - June 27

Session II: July 2 – August 6

• Advanced and core classes in every discipline • Air conditioned housing at Rose Hill or Lincoln Center • Special programs like the new 2-week Humanitarian Action Program and the Musical Theatre Workshop

Learn more at

fordham.edu/summer or call (888) 411-GRAD

eeo/aa

Opinions

BE READY FOR LEADERSHIP POSSIBLITIES

S

rent cardinals’ conservative leanings, they hopefully will make the right decision in electing the one who would represent the changing face of Catholicism.

A more recent change came with the death of Venezuelan President Hugo

[This] is yet another reminder for us that the people currently in power will not be there forever.

Chavez, the dominant figure in an oil-rich country for 14 years. While he was a controversial figure who was called a tyrant by many and clashed with the United States over war strategies in the War on Terror, he became notable for his initiatives to fight poverty and improve education and health care in his country.

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

Observer the

STAFF EDITORIAL

pring break is in a couple of days (or right now, depending on when you’re reading this).

There is a palpable sense around our campus that students are ready to walk out of here and board plane bound for the beaches of Mexico or Florida.

Or, for those staying in New York, to their beds for a week-long hibernation. But if we pay attention to the world around us right now, we’ll notice something interesting happening—the air of change reaching across the globe.

Most prominent among the moments of change occurring in our lives is the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Not only was the Pope’s resignation a complete surprise to many of us (who, besides those who have studied the papacy, even knew the pope could retire!?), but it also created the opportunity for the upcoming convocation of cardinals to choose the next inspirational leader for the Catholic church.

Regardless of the cur-

Monique John — Opinions Editor mnqjohn@gmail.com

Just like the election of the pope, the choice of which inf luential politician will replace Chavez could prove to be revolutionary.

Continuing the trend, the queen of the Netherlands is set to abdicate her throne in April. Her resignation is yet another reminder for us that the people currently in power will not be there forever.

These big changes, and many smaller changes occurring on local levels, are the changes that bring us, the next generation, into positions of power. But to be able to take on that authority, we need to be alert, informed and ready to act on the opportunities we are handed.

This is when our claims of being mature adults are put to the test. Some may think of college as the bridge to adulthood. But if the long, defining legacies these leaders have left behind have taught us anything, it’s that college is only the beginning.

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Editor-in-Chief Harry Huggins Managing Editor Ian McKenna News Editor Gabriela Méndez-Novoa Asst. News Editor Noha Mahmoud Opinions Editor Monique John Asst. Opinions Editors Alissa Fajek Maria Fischer Rachel Shmulevich Arts & Culture Co-Editors Katie Lockhart Clinton Holloway Asst. Arts & Culture Editors Andrew Milne Ludovica Martella Features Editor Rex Sakamoto Asst. Features Co-Editors Sherry Yuan Kimberly Galbraith Literary Co-Editors Jacqueline Battaglia Emily Tudesco Sports Editor Michael McMahon Asst. Sports Editor Jennifer Khedaroo Copy Editor Anna Luciano Layout Editor Tayler Bennett Asst. Layout Editor Nina Vorobieva

Online Round-Up AUDIO SLIDESHOW

William Wu of Signature Theater Observer staff writer Michelle Ang covers a presentation by former Fordham theater alum, William Wu, who appears in Signature Theater’s latest production, “The Dance and the Railroad.”

Layout Staff Biannca Mackill

In the article “Reporter Frank DiLella Joins FCLC Faculty,” The Observer incorrectly stated that Frank DiLella was former producer of ‘On Stage’ of NY1 News. We should have stated that Frank DiLella is current reporter/producer of ‘On Stage’ on NY1 News.

In the article, “Project Space Dedicated To Student’s Memory,” The Observer incorrectly stated that “Documentary Photography: Italy/Japan” is a summer course. We should have stated that “Documentary Photography: Japan” is a winter course, while “Documentary Photography: Italy” is a summer course.

Image on page 8 in issue 2 were attributed to Molly Barker. It should be attributed to Brian Bruegge.

Photo Co-Editors Sara Azoulay Ayer Chan Asst. Photo Editor Tavy Wu Online Editor Ariella Mastroianni Multimedia Producer Mike Madden Asst. Multimedia Producer Weiyu Li Business Manager Amanda Fimbers Blog Editor Nick Milanes Asst. Blog Editor Nina Guidice

VIDEO

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Quidditch Comes to Fordham

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Managing Editor Ian McKenna dodges the bludgers and seeks the snitch as he travels to Rose Hill to bring you coverage of Fordham’s first ever attempt at an official Quidditch club. Is that a broom between your legs or are you just happy to see me?

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Opinions

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With Marriage Equality, Amicus Brief is Not the Solution CHARLIE MARTIN Contributing Writer

Last time I checked, the Republican Party was not a fun place to be a queer person. As many on the right have told me (including conservative family members and friends) in addition to certain politicians like Representative Michele Bachmann and Governor Rick Perry, traditional values means heterosexual marriage only. However, now more than 130 (and counting) prominent Republicans have signed an amicus brief supporting marriage equality in the infamous Proposition 8 case.

Because of this anti-LGBTQ majority in the party, several voices on the blogosphere are heralding this new, considerably sized lot of LGBTQ supporters as “the GOP’s entry into the 21st century.” But I would argue that, for better or for worse, the GOP is already in the 21st century, despite some of the concerns and backward philosophies of the Tea Party and other conservative groups. More importantly, recent growing support for same-sex marriage from Republicans isn’t representative of the whole GOP. As positive as it is that there is more conservative support for marriage equality, marriage equality is only one part of a vast movement. It might make sense for a lot of gay couples in our country, but this does not give people who care about social justice a break from continuing to reflect and find other systemic injustices that affect the queer community.

As a queer person, I am hesitant to hang my hat on all of the tenets

ERIC PAUL ZAMORA/FRESNO BEE/MCT; OLIVIER DOULIERY/ABACA PRESS/MCT

Republicans Meg Whitman (left) and Jon Huntsman (right) are now in support of gay marriage.

of the increasingly popular “LGBT equality” platform. The gay liberation movement was at one time a radical and countercultural force that questioned everything about hegemonic society. However, now gay rights discourse has proliferated to the extent that it’s being assimilated into other structures such as marriage, legal codes and the military. With this proliferation inevitably come schisms within and without political parties, such as the one that the marriage equality debate is creating among socially libertarian and socially conservative Republicans. So while Republicans like Ken Mehlman (once the cur-

rent chairmen of the Republican National Committee) who formerly held powerful positions in the party are becoming more tolerant, it is the current party leaders like Speaker John Boehner stubbornly look the other way. LGBTQ activists are even being turned away from participating in this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference.

Consider the implications of the marriage equality movement— a relatively recent strand within the overall LGBTQ movement that specifically seeks to assign the rights and privileges of marriage to gay couples. Even more specifically, it addresses a largely middle-to-

upper class demographic. In what other way could a wealthy, white, cisgendered person be legally disadvantaged, aside from being told who they can’t marry? If folks are discriminated against, common sense (sometimes unfairly) dictates to us that there’s a problem. But other issues are easily swallowed up by the no-brainer approach to marriage equality, one that imposes an ancient, patriarchal and problematic institution onto same-sex couples.

This is not to say that I won’t be happy when same-sex marriages are recognized at the federal level.

I’m simply pointing out the ever-

increasing complexity of what we may have thought to be a simple solution. Marriage equality may have progressed to a point where it has become a common-sense, even conservative, solution to the “problem” of gay rights. We have to think harder about other issues that affect the queer community: access to health care, access to housing, working against HIV, LGBTQ homelessness and education against bullying, to name a few. We cannot ignore these other problems, for the sake of another issue that is really only one piece of a puzzle.

The libertarian argument that “the government can’t tell me who to marry” is one that was used successfully in New York and other states in passing same-sex marriage legislation. However, much of the stigma against non-heterosexual people and the horrors of gay marriage have come from the religious right contingents of the Republican Party. Let’s not forget when politically-vocal Timothy Cardinal Dolan compared marriage equality to human rights abuses in North Korea, or more generally all the times that LGBTQ people have been pathologized, demonized and marginalized.

The question now is not whether same-sex marriage should exist.

That much appears to be a nobrainer for an increasing majority of us. What we really should be asking ourselves is: how are we including LGBTQ people into heteronormative themes and institutions?

Perhaps a more compelling question would be: does including LGBTQ people into heteronormative themes and institutions actually produce desired and effective paths to equality?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I am an American Veteran, Not a Carnival Sideshow “What’s wrong with you?” Don’t just think those words to yourself.

Say them out loud. Tweet them. Share them with your friends and let the world know. Then ask each other why anybody might think it’s acceptable to ask them to a combat veteran.

Because here’s what that veteran is hearing: “we know something’s not quite right with you, that something broke you over there. Now tell us.

Give is your name, let us take a picture or at least be descriptive enough that we can imagine the details.”

I realize the writer of the six-part series on veteran students was, like many Americans, unaware that question such as “Any injuries or wounds?” can be extremely off-putting, painful even, to veterans. That’s why I sought him out to discuss his series in person, to explain that while he had noble intentions—introduce Fordham’s growing population of veterans to the rest of the student body—the question implied some newsworthy element. But as far as I can tell, there was none. What was accomplished by asking?

I spent eight years as a Marine combat correspondent, and I can promise your readers there are countless veterans among us with interesting and inspiring stories. There’s the infantryman studying to become a journalist or the intelligence analyst who could probably be a guest lecturer in his Middle Eastern studies class. Instead, we have awkward questions about injuries— a carnival sideshow approach.

Fordham has one of the deepest military connections of any American university. The patron saint of the Jesuits, St. Ignatius, began his meditations as a wounded soldier lying in bed after a cannonball struck his legs in the early 1500s. Fordham’s reserve officer training program has been training future military leaders since 1929. Among the distinguished alumni are three Medal of Honor recipients and more than a dozen general officers, including Marine Lt. Gen. John A. Toolan, Jr., who served as commander of all coalition forces in southwest Afghanistan in 2011.

There are more than 150 student veterans attending class at the Lincoln Center campus. I urge everyone to reach out and begin a conversation with one of them, and maybe do some digging on your own about the military and veterans. As I write this, there are more than 68,000 troops still deployed to our 12-year-old war in Afghanistan. We don’t need to agree on the war, politics or the decision to serve, but we should agree that deeper understanding of each other doesn’t start with, “Any injuries or wounds?”

Randy Clinton

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Opinions

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

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Americans Deserve Comprehensive Gun Control MONIQUE JOHN Opinions Editor

A bi-partisan group of Senate leaders is now devising a plan to enforce a universal background check on those purchasing guns throughout the country. Leaders hope to strike a deal within the early days of March but talks are being held up by a debate on how to record citizens’ information from the transaction after the fact and whether or not the federal government should hold a national registry for people who own guns, as it is currently illegal to do so.

It’s a small sign of hope that Senate leaders have continued the discussion on gun control since the Newtown massacre. However, the debates around creating the registry are a from distraction what really needs to be addressed: limiting the kinds of guns that will be available to ordinary American citizens. I’m uncomfortable with the idea of people (despite not having criminal records or a diagnosis of a mental illness) who may not have the rationale to responsibly operate any type of gun still having the ability to purchase and virtually use them as they see fit. But New York politicians have enacted aggressive gun control policies that I think should be used as the basis for nationwide legislation. Our state policy addresses the concerns on both sides of the debate and if allowing gun purchases for what some would call less-harmful ammunition is the only way to start limiting access to guns, I am open to compromise.

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg have made the Empire State the leading state in

RICK HARTFORD/HARTFORD COURANT/MCT

In a nation with such extreme opposing views on gun control, compromise is the first step to protecting lives.

gun control policy after having signed into law our country’s harshest crack down on unlawful gun use and possession earlier this year.

Entitled the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act, the new legislation is mandated to: keep assault weapons out of the hands of felons and the mentally ill, ban certain magazines and assault weapons and require gun transfers between private parties to be vetted by qualified professionals to ensure proper background checks.

It has also upgraded the crimes of possessing guns on school grounds or illegally using guns during gang

involvement and drug dealing from a misdemeanor to a felony.

New York is a highly unique state in comparison to the others that make up our nation given our diverse ethnic makeup; the concerns expressed from our relatively high population of people of color have made heavy regulation of weapons largely accepted. Yes, the culture and ideologies that are popular in our state differ from those of other states, inevitably leading to officials handling various priorities and solutions to problems they find most pertinent to their region.

In any case, doing the most to pre-

serve human life should be a priority to officials everywhere and failure to thoroughly establish who should and shouldn’t have access to assault weapons will only exacerbate the problem, not fix it. It is a small comfort to have such legislation for New York citizens and similar initiatives sprinkled throughout other states like Maryland, Oregon and Connecticut. But I will not be satisfied until my fellow citizens (and family members) that happen to live in other states have the same protection.

The discussion of what an assault weapon actually is is a debate of its own, so much so that whether or not

someone even uses the term often indicates which side they support in the issue. Anti-gun people use it to describe semiautomatic rifles like M-16s and AR-15s with removable magazines and features found in military ammo like pistol grips, flash suppressors and collapsible or folding stocks. However, groups touting the Second Amendment say these kinds of guns are frequently used for target shooting and hunting and that the features these guns have are mainly “cosmetic.”

But as much as people want to play the blame game, the fact is that all guns are a threat to human life and need to be treated as such. These weapons were specifically designed for the battlefield and to kill mass numbers of people. They are not appropriate for citizens living ordinary lives on American soil. And as much as gun activists want to praise the rights granted with the Second Amendment, that part of the Constitution wasn’t addressing self-defense when the Constitution was written in 1787. It was addressing national defense, granting the federal government the right to arm its militiamen with weaponry the needed to win in combat.

The fact that conservatives and gun activists have held back influential legislation that could lead to more comprehensive protection for citizens against gun violence appears to me like a last ditch attempt to showboat for party image. We can’t afford to waste time stalling on deciding how to manage paperwork when we really should now be discussing the most sensible way to limit people’s access to assault weapons, weapons that pose the largest threats and are gratuitous to citizens’ everyday life.

Spies, Security, Sony and You CODY BROWN Contributing Writer

What do a Sony PlayStation, Apple MacBook Pro and the Department of Homeland Security aerial drone all have in common?

Within the last 12 months, each device and their parent organizations responsible for their creation and management have been subject to a series of debilitating hacks in a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, the trend indicates just the opposite—that cyber-attacks on corporate and government entities alike are becoming both increasingly frequent and devastating. It is now more important than ever for corporations to responsibly protect our data and be held accountable when they fail to do so.

How does this affect the general consumer or “end-user” of these products? In addition to the thousands of new viruses and exploits for Macs, PCs and mobile devices being churned out onto the Internet every day, it means our personal data is under constant attack not only by the malicious sites we work to avoid, but that the data we entrust to companies is a hotter commodity for hackers than ever before. And it’s only getting hotter.

Sony’s presentation of its next generation PlayStation 4 (PS4) console on Feb. 20 was a divisive one. Fans of the PlayStation series praised the relatively high-end technical components of the gaming rig and its shift to a more common machine architecture.

However, the most innovative aspect of the release was not inside the console, rather it was the forthcoming online integration.

Purportedly sporting an ability to feature remote play through the PS Vita, as well as “second screen”

BRIANNA GODSHALK/THE OBSERVER

Flashy features on gadgets are fun but tech companies need to prioritize data security for consumers.

gameplay through official Android and iOS apps, the company announced a “PlayStation Cloud” service, clearly looking to break ground in the online console gaming world. But critics pointed out that while the hardware is impressive now, it is not advanced enough to prevent being quickly made obsolete by PC components. Even worse, Sony’s online services don’t have the best track record.

Data from roughly 77 million

user accounts was stolen in a 2011 breach of Sony’s PlayStation Network, triggering widespread public concern about secure management of user data. The entertainment giant quickly became the laughing stock of the computer security community during the 24 days that the network was down. It also faced severe criticism for its poorly applied security practices and its failure to act on a series of known vulnerabilities. Will Gaikai, the

company through which Sony is working to provide its cloud service, take a more serious approach than its parent to protecting its consumers?

The PS4 presentation took place only three days after the now viral 74-page report by the computer security firm Mandiant on the hacking collective now known as APT1. APT1 is accountable for a series of advanced attacks, known as “advanced persistent

threats,” originating in China and responsible for compromising over 141 organizations and stealing terabytes of sensitive information.

This comes on the heels of the Feb. 1 announcement regarding a security breach at Twitter that resulted in 250,000 compromised user accounts, as well as recent public compromises of The New York Times, NBC, Facebook, Microsoft and Apple that may or may not be attributable to APT 1.

Have Sony or Gaikai made advancements in computer security that other Fortune 500 companies or government agencies have not?

While settling the multiple lawsuits and fines resulting from their 2011 breach may have encouraged a policy overhaul, it still seems unlikely that the company will be entirely secure, especially when rolling out experimental online console gaming infrastructure. The PS4 may be Sony’s next generation console, but unless they are simultaneously releasing next generation security management, load balancing and appropriate compensation to users with low bandwidth, their forward thinking approach is at severe risk of falling flat.

Thankfully, Fordham is holding its fourth Annual International Conference on Cyber Security this August that’s open to students who sign up. Cohosted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this engaging three-day conference trains young professionals on how to protect their sensitive data by using tools and special strategies to fight cyber threats. It is clear that companies need to find ways to improve data security. Finding solutions how to improve data security is ultimately in their hands.

In the meantime, we as consumers can educate ourselves on steps to keep our data safe.

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Co-Editors Clint Holloway — cholloway4@fordham.edu Katie Lockhart —klockhart@fordham.edu

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

LUDOVICA MARTELLA/THE OBSERVER

New York City offers a diverse array of museums including the Rubin Museum of Art, the Museum at FIT and the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD).

The Many “Hidden” Museums of New York City

By LUDOVICA MARTELLA Asst. Arts & Culture Co-Editor

New York is a hub of art-related activities. It is almost impossible to keep up with all of the city’s attractions—especially for museumlovers. The Observer selected three student friendly museums, from the 67 “hidden” museums of New York as alternatives to the “big name destinations.”

Museum of Arts and Design 2 Columbus Circle Price: $12 Phone: (212) 299-7777 Hours: Tue.- Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thurs. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Getting There: Take the A, C, B, D or 1 trains to Columbus Circle Starting close to the, Fordham College Lincoln Center (FCLC) campus, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) offers many opportunities to students. The museum offers exhibitions and programs

that focus on artists’ creativity, transforming materials through different processes, such as artisanal and digital. Two exhibits now showing that ref lect these purposes are “Art of Scent,” presenting the evolution of olfactory art from 1889 to 2012, and “Playing with Fire: 50 Years of Contemporary Glass,” featuring more than 100 works of glass. On Thursdays, MAD offers “Pay What You Wish Fee” from 6-9 p.m.

MAD can be considered an innovative museum for its open studios. Every day, the upper part of the museum has different artists publicly working on their projects.

Furthermore, one f loor up from the Open Studios is the museum’s restaurant, Robert, open for lunch, tea service and dinner, serving contemporary American fare with Mediterranean inf luences and views of Columbus Circle.

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology Seventh Avenue at 27 Street Price: Free Phone: (212) 217-4558

Hours: Tues. - Fri. 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Getting There: Take the 1, N, or R to the 28th Street Station.

Take the A, C, E, F, or M to the 23rd Street Station.

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is one of the few NYC museums devoted entirely to fashion. Open since 1975, the Museum at FIT has won several world awards during the years, such as the first Richard Martin Award for Excellence in the exhibition of Costume from the Costume Society of America and gained international awareness.

This fashion museum features three main galleries: one is designated for student and faculty works, one for permanent exhibitions and one for special exhibitions located downstairs. The permanent exhibition section now features “Fashion and Technology,” an exhibit featuring clothing and accessories from the corsets of 18th century to what is presented

on the runways today. Important designers such as Adrian, Balenciaga, Chanel and Dior are represented.

The special topic gallery now features a must for every fashion lover: “Shoe Obsession.” Exposed under big glass cellars, under colorful lights, this gallery presents over 150 examples of the most extraordinary shoe styles ever created. All three galleries are wellcurated and arranged.

The Rubin Museum of Art 150 W. 17 St. Price: $5, free Fri. 6 - 10 p.m.

Phone: (212) 620-5000 Hours: Mon. and Thur. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Wed. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Fri. 11:00 a.m.

- 10:00 p.m., Sat. and Sun. from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Getting There: Take the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, F, M, L, N, R, Q, 4, 5 or 6 trains to 14th Street.

Not too far away from FIT museum, is another less-known museum of New York: The Rubin Museum of Art. From the outside,

this museum might seem Buddhist or religion-based, but it is not. The Rubin Museum of Art is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions. Ongoing shows include “Sacred Art & Common Ground: Making Personal Connections with Himalayan Art,” “Femininity and Form,” “Peace and Wrath: The Many Faces of Compassion” and many others.

The RMA is also known in NYC for its variety of programs, which take place at its Café Serai. Presenting an excellent Thai cuisine, the café offers artful after-work happy hour with live music and exceptional programming in the theater. From 5-7p.m. non-members can enjoy a 10 percent discount on all items on the Café Serai’s menu.

Every Friday night Café Serai becomes the K2 Lounge, offering a special Pan-Asian tapas menu along with music by DJs, thematic gallery tours and programs. The café is open to the public during museum hours and does not require a museum admission ticket.

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Arts & Culture

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Christine Jones Named as Denzel Chair

By BRIGITTE AYAZ Staff Writer

Now in its third year, the Denzel Washington Chair in Theater has named its next interdisciplinary chair as set designer Christine Jones, who won the Tony Award for “American Idiot” and designed the set for Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening.”

Jones will be teaching a course called “A Master Class in Design,” a class in which she will instruct students about set design. “She will be talking about design in broader terms too,” Matthew Maguire, Fordham theater department director, said. “Design for playwrights, design for directors, how directors and designers collaborate, how a costume designer collaborates with actors and how a set designer works with a technical director.”

In 2011, one of Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC)’s most famous alumni Denzel Washington worked with the administration in creating the Denzel Washington Chair in Theater, donating $2 million to endow it.

However, Washington’s gifts did not end there—he also agreed to add a merit scholarship of $250,000 for an undergraduate student in the theatre program at Fordham. The first scholarship recipient was announced in 2012.

This gift enables Fordham to bring in luminaries of different disciplines into the department every year. In the past two years, Tony Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad and Tony-nominated actor Joe Morton have taught and mentored students of the theater program.

Both instructed a course called “Creating a Character,” which trains the students to develop distinct charac-

terization within an advanced scene study.

“Denzel was very supportive of each of our first two selections Phylicia Rashad and Joe Morton,” Maguire said. This is the first year that the theatre department will diverge from an actor in the chair’s position.

“We continue to get a fresh perspective from professionals about our

goals of the theatre department is to bring in a slightly different profile for each of the disciplines. However, the department stresses the importance of acting credentials, namely, “for the person to have a very highprofile in film and television but who also consistently works on stage and returns to the stage,” Maguire said.

Maguire explained that the the-

“ My initial pitch was that it would be an

endowed chair in acting but Denzel said, ‘Why don’t we create an interdisciplinary chair so that it’d also be for playwrights, designers and directors?”

–

MATTHEW MAGUIRE, director of Fordham’s theater department

program,” Maguire said.

Washington discussed his ideas and plans for the chair when Dean of FCLC Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., Fordham President the Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., Vice President of Development Roger Milici and Maguire all sat down with Washington for hours at a theatre in Beverly Hills in February, 2011.

Maguire said Washington’s idea was to shift the nature of the endowed chair. “My initial pitch was that it would be an endowed chair in acting but Denzel said, ‘Why don’t we create an interdisciplinary chair so that it’d also be for playwrights, designers and directors?’,”Maguire said.

Maguire agreed with the idea.

“It’s great because collaboration is the core of our approach to making theater,” he said.

According to Maguire, one of the

atre faculty has come to a consensus that there is no application process for students who receive the scholarship, but that Washington has made a couple of requests in regard to the set up of the scholarship. “For example, he would like if we accept somebody from Mount Vernon, New York—that’s his hometown so that’s pretty special,” Maguire said jokingly.

Nevertheless, Maguire also said that Washington has left the decision of the scholarship as well as the final selection of the endowed chair entirely up to the faculty and he does not require final approval.

When working with theater professionals, Maguire said, “Be fearless and be curious. Ask every question and jump over the bar even if you don’t know what’s on the other side.”

KRISTA KENNELL/ABACA PRESS/MCT

Alumnus Denzel Washington’s donation in 2011 will allow Tony Awardwinning set director Christine Jones to teach at FCLC next year.

Think Summer, Think Fordham

Have an eye for design?

Summer Session 2013

Join our layout staff!

Session I: May 28 - June 27 Session II: July 2 – August 6

• Advanced and core classes in every discipline • Air-conditioned housing at Rose Hill or Lincoln Center • Special programs like the new 2-week Humanitarian Action Program and the Musical Theatre Workshop

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Arts & Culture

11

Q&A

William Wu: From Black Box to Broadway

By MICHELLE ANG Staff Writer

William Yuekun Wu, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’12, is a graduate of the Fordham theatre program and seasoned actor currently starring Off-Broadway in Signature Theatre’s production of David Henry Hwang’s play “The Dance and the Railroad.” The Observer sat down with Wu to discuss his past experiences at Fordham and his current experiences with Signature. “The Dance and the Railroad” runs until March 24 at the Pershing Square Signature Center at 480 W. 42nd St. The Center also features a bookstore and a café with live music. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through their website at signaturetheatre.org. .

THE OBSERVER: Tell us a little bit about your background. Where did you grow up and how did you find your way to New York City?

WILLIAM WU: I was born and

raised in Shenyang, China. It was my father’s idea to move to Flushing, Queens. I came here with my whole family when I was 21. I didn’t know the language. I didn’t know the culture.

It’s like teleporting a tiger to Africa.

The tiger doesn’t know what to do, doesn’t know how to adjust. I still wanted to be an actor, so I enrolled in the BFA program at Hofstra University for two years, but I wanted to be in New York City. So I started talking to people, getting information, that’s when I found out about the Fordham theatre program.

When I first came here, I kept two copies of my address in different pockets. I just stuck to places that I knew, my wife really helped me to learn more about the society and little by little I learned to live in it. I used to be a bartender, so just living in the language every day helped me a lot too.

It wasn’t easy. The first time I dreamed in English, I freaked out.

But I think I’ve come a long way.

OBSERVER: How did you get

involved with theatre and the performing arts?

WW: My paternal grandparents

were all Beijing Opera actors. I was sent to train for the opera when I was eight, trained at a conservatory for six years, and performed as a Beijing Opera actor for three years.

It is really tough training, but when I started working, then it was fun!

OBSERVER: During your two years

in the Fordham theatre program, what are some of the challenges that you faced as an actor, and how did you grow from those obstacles?

WW: My first year at Fordham, in

acting class, that was a real challenge. I felt like a robot actor, like I could not get it, but that is normal!

Now, I just think, save the pain, save

MICHELLE ANG/THE OBSERVER

William Yuekun Wu, FCLC ’12, and Fordham theater alum, stars in a Brodway production of “The Dance and the Railroad” until March 24.

the experience, because you will use it later. When I feel down or tired, I just think that something happened, as opposed to nothing happened.

Also, the faculty and student body at Fordham are very supportive. The faculty is very nurturing toward the students. On top of managing their own careers, running their own companies, they still find time to teach. I find that very admirable.

At Fordham, I focused entirely on school because the core is hard. But I like it because I have a genuine interest in a lot of subjects. I like the core, because a good actor needs a good education.

During my two years there, I felt like a part of something bigger, like I was needed. My teachers and experiences there make me want to help others as well. It’s like a big family.

I learned so much, and gained a lot both academically and culturally. I gained a lot of confidence. It’s important, how you carry yourself! I was kind of shy at first, but through Fordham I got to be more comfortable with who I am here, in my skin.

I stand up straight. I speak with my full voice.

OBSERVER: Past casting controver-

sies, such as “The Nightingale” at La Jolla Playhouse, and “The Orphan of Zhao” at The Royal Shakespeare Company, all feature caucasian actors in Asian roles. What are your thoughts on these issues?

WW: I think there is no reason you

shouldn’t use Asian actors if there are Asian characters. Asian-American actors need to be together and back each other up.

I think it is incredibly important for minority artists to create their own work as well. For example, where would Asian American actors be today without David Henry Hwang?

But of course, there should not be a battle between people of different cultures or ethnicities. We need to work together to create change.

When I first came here, I didn’t see myself as “in the minority.” Because I was never the minority in China!

But it’s hard! Here, a lot of people are in the minority. Your face doesn’t look familiar. People have a certain idea in their mind when they see your face.

But I feel like a full American, and I feel good about myself. I feel no less than anyone walking down the street in America. Besides, you are not native either. You were born here maybe, but that doesn’t mean you are more American than me, right? How do you count that? I’m pretty American, and I’m Chinese too…so I’m cooler than you! I’m a good driver, I’m bad at math, and I’m breaking all the stereotypes!

OBSERVER: What was the casting

and rehearsal process like for “The Dance and the Railroad?”

WW: Our director, May Adrales,

was a guest director at American Repertory Theater (ART). I saw her and thought it was really cool to see an Asian female director, and so I went up and talked to her. The audition for the show just came up in conversation with May. When I got it, I went and talked to my teachers, and they were very generous. They told me I could either go back this year or next year, because they know how important this is for me. Rehearsal was very physical and tiring, but I am happy with the result.

OBSERVER: In “The Dance and the

Railroad,” your character, Lone, asks Ma, a younger railroad worker, “Yes, but are you willing to sweat after you’ve finished sweating?” Were there any instances, at auditions or in the classroom, where you felt that you lost the strength to sweat?

WW: For me, it was one or two years

after my biggest failure in China. I was so close to something so great and I didn’t get it. But I think you just need to remember it’s not a big deal. It’s not the end of the world, even though it might feel like that at the moment. The world is going to keep going, so you should too.

Keep being humble. Be open, listen and look.

OBSERVER: What is your ultimate goal in terms of working in the theatre, film and television industries?

WW: Sometime later, I want to

create work as well. I want to be someone who connects China and America more. I think that’s good work in these worlds.

OBSERVER: What’s next for you?

What are your plans for the future?

WW: I just want to keep working.

Realistically, I have a family, so I need to keep working to support my family. I just want to keep working and learning.

The show will travel to China this summer, for the Wu Zhen Theatre Festival. Wu Zhen is a water city next to Shanghai. And then I will go back to ART at Harvard. I like the program and I really like my classes there. I feel so lucky. I can’t believe how lucky I am! I think I’m the luckiest person I know.

OBSERVER: Any words of advice

for our seniors preparing to graduate this fall, and for the rest of the student population here at Fordham?

WW: In life, I am still learning,

but here is what I learned so far: don’t rush anything. Give things some time and space. If you desire something, you will get it. Also, feel comfortable with who you are. Help others, because then you will have done something good. And if you fail at something, keep trying. You must never give up.

Want to write for Arts & Culture?

Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact us at: fordhamobserver@gmail.com

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Arts & Culture

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

PHOTO FEATURE

BRIAN BRUEGGE/THE OBSERVER

Central Park’s Sheep Meadow with fresh snowfall.

TAVY WU /THE OBSERVER

A girl and a bird on the Central Park bench.

TAVY WU/THE OBSERVER

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park in March.

SARA AZOULAY/THE OBSERVER

Tourists at the Belvedere Castle in Central Park.

TAVY WU/THE OBSERVER

Sheep Meadow is turning green for spring.

LUDOVICA MARTELLA /THE OBSERVER

Conservatory Graden in Central Park- East 103rd Street and Fifth Avenue.

MARIA FISCHER/THE OBSERVER

Thanks to this gate decorated with horses, tourists know that the carrousel in Central Park is closed.

LUDOVICA MARTELLA/THE OBSERVER

Conservatory Garden in Central Park- East 103rd Street and Fifth Avenue in the fall.

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THE OBSERVER March 7, 2013

Arts & Culture

9

PHOTO FEATURE

HANNAH O’DONNELLTHE OBSERVER

SARA AZOULAY/THE OBSERVER

Three young boys play on boulders in Central Park.

View from top of the Belvedere Castle.

TAVY WU/THE OBSERVER

Sheep Meadow after the Nemo storm this winter.

IAN MCKENNA/THE OBSERVER

An artist sits by The Pond in Central Park, painting the scene.

HANNAH O’DONNELL/THE OBSERVER

Boys line up before a game of baseball in Central Park.

IAN MCKENNA/THE OBSERVER

BRIAN BRUEGGE/THE OBSERVER

Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace with fresh snowfall.

MEG O’HARA/THE OBSERVER

Waterfalls in the Central Park’s North Wood.

A grove in Central Park.

BRIANNA GODSHALK/THE OBSERVER

A bare Sheep Meadow, with no snow or people.

MOLLY BARKER/THE OBSERVER

Central Park is a great place to walk a dog.

Features

Features Editor Rex Sakamoto —r.sakamoto@comcast.net

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

Transferring Schools: A Different Take on the Meaning of “First Choice”

By SHERRY YUAN Asst. Features Co-Editor

Can you imagine starting college all over again? Whether it stemmed from watching too many movies, or from people constantly reinforcing the idea that “college is the best time of your life,” we all had certain expectations of what college would be like. Yet, as is often the case, our imagined scenarios didn’t (and still don’t) quite align with the reality of the situation.

At some point during our four years in college, we might question, “Well, what if I didn’t choose the right school?”

Is transferring too desperate of a measure? Or do we really feel so obligated to our first choices that we view the idea of changing them as a reflection of weakness?

To better answer that question, I spoke with two of new transfer students here at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC). Meet Alexandra Vittorini, FCLC ’15, and Kathleen Hayes, FCLC ’16.

Both women transferred from other New York colleges. Vittorini went to Marist College for one year before going to Duchess Community College last semester, and Hayes attended Hofstra University in Long Island for a semester before transferring to Fordham.

As for expectations, “[Marist] wasn’t what I expected; I was expecting it to be better. [But] everything here is what I wanted my college experience to be like,” Vittorini said.

Hayes, on the contrary, wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. “I’m from San Francisco, and I knew nothing about [Hofstra]. They gave me a lot of money, and [it was] close to New York City, so my parents were like, ‘go!’ I’d never even been to New York City,” Hayes said.

Moving away from home is the biggest source of stress for many.

However, it can also become one of the major perks of college.

“It’s different living on campus [now] because I commuted to my other schools. And I live on a farm in Hopewell Junction so this is the first time I’ve ever lived in an urban area. There’s actually a community here. I love the independence of it; being completely responsible makes you realize why your mom told you to do the dishes—because someone has to,” Vittorini said.

“Even though there’s no campus [at FCLC] there’s still a home

SHERRY YUAN/THE OBSERVER

Left, Alexandra Vittorini, FCLC ’15, smiles in her newly decorated dorm room. Right, Kathleen Hayes, FCLC ’16, checks out the art gallery at her new school.

base. I love the fact that it was 19 degrees last week and I didn’t go outside for four days,” Hayes said.

Being able to forgo a jacket in the dead of winter? Definitely one of the perks of living on-campus.

A worry that many of us had going into college was the “roommate from hell” situation. “That was my biggest fear, that [my roommates] would all be horrible.

I was so scared. But after meeting them, that’s not it at all; everyone I live with is so nice to me,” Vittorini said. Her suitemate, AJ Quiray, FCLC ’15, interjected, “Did you expect us all to be this crazy?”

“My roommates are great, [but] it’s hard meeting freshman [because] I live on an upper classmen floor. I wish they had some program where I’m invited to the freshman events in the dorms,” Hayes said.

Transferring isn’t an easy process. There are applications and forms to be filled out and once accepted, you have to go through

the adjustment process of college all over again—it might be stressful, but who said it couldn’t be fun as well?

Vittorini is still in the process of learning where things are. She said, “I didn’t know where the laundry was until today. I took laundry home the first time I had to, and I still can’t remember where my classes are.” Granted, finding the laundry room is a bit easier than finding good friends, but New York City isn’t the shabbiest place to do some figuring out.

“I’ve realized that I had to go to Long Island to fall in love with New York City,” Hayes said. “And I think it worked out right. Whenever I feel bummed out or lonely, I look at all that I have, and [realize] it’s so much better than where I was at. The people I’ve been meeting here are seriously passionate and driven to change what’s going on.”

Alex

Fun Facts

Major: Communication and media studies

Favorite class: Philosophy Job: Worked for New York State Senator Greg Ball “Hi, this is Alex from Senator Ball’s Office.”

Pets: 11 goats, four sheep, two sheepdogs, three cats

Fun Facts Kathleen Major: Psychology Favorite class: Theology Clubs: Rainbow Alliance Job: Sitter service Vacation spot: Ireland Spring break plans: New Orleans

Skills: Birthing a goat, putting on a full theater production

Celebrity sighting: Aaron Carter

Looking for housing in NYC? Check out the Features section online at fordhamobserver.com

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THE OBSERVER March 7, 2013

Features

13

KIMBERLY GALBRAITH/THE OBSERVER

Liliya Avshalumova, FCLC ’15, shows us what is insider her Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag.

What’s in Your Bag? A Peek Inside a Fordham Student’s Purse

By KIMBERLY GALBRAITH Asst. Features Co-Editor

Avshalumova showed us what we can find inside her bag.

Being college students, our backpacks and handbags are always full of items we need for school. My handbag is my life and has everything I need in it—iPhone, wallet, keys and Fordham ID. For others, they’re used to store essentials as well. Liliya Avshalumova, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’15, describes her black Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag as spacious and great for commuting. Her handbag even comes with a strap to make it cross body, making it the perfect chic city bag. It is able to fit all of her necessities, including her binder for classes.

1. iPhone Avshalumova has her iPhone with her at all times. “It’s definitely the most important item [in my bag],” she said. “I have a side pocket where I keep it so I know where it is.

If it’s not there then I start to freak out. Its has my life in it.”

2. Tory Burch Wallet This shiny Tory Burch wallet has everything Avshalumova needs, such as her Fordham ID card, drivers license and cash. Not only is it great to keep her cards and money organized, but it is also convenient

for Avshalumova to find in her handbag. “You can’t miss this since it’s bright pink,” she said. “It was a gift for my birthday from my friend and it’s very convenient.”

3. Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer Being a commuter who rides the subway, the sweet pea-scented hand sanitizer from Bath & Body Works is a must for Avshalumova. “I always carry it around with me,” she said.

“When I take the subway, it is very dirty so it’s good to have this to clean my hands, especially before I eat anything.”

4. Binder Since the handbag is very spacious, she is actually able to fit her binder in her handbag. “The binder is where I keep all my notes, papers, and everything for my classes,” Avshalumova said. Having her binder fit in her purse makes it much easier on Ashalumova for commuting since she doesn’t need a backpack.

5. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Since it’s winter, Fresh Sugar lip balm is a necessity for Avshalumova.

“I always keep around chap stick,” she said. “It’s great for chapped lips, especially in the winter time. It gives me a lot more moisture.”

Want some health tips?

Check out the Features section’s weekly health columns online at

fordhamobserver.com

6. Mentos Avshalumova always is sure to have a pack of Mentos in the bottom on her handbag. She loves Mentos more than other mints because “They’re so minty and there are so many different flavors,” she said.

Her favorite choice of Mentos? “Pure fresh.”

7. Headphones Since Avshalumova is a commuter, having headphones is a must.

“I always have headphones with me,” she said. “I have a very, very long commute from Staten Island so they’re great for that.” Avshalumova uses her headphones to listen to music and kill time on the subway.

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Features

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

WORD OF MOUTH

REX SAKAMOTO/THE OBSERVER

Left, hot dogs at Gray’s Papaya. Middle, dumplings and wonton soup at Prosperity Dumping. Right, pizza and a can of Coca-Cola at 2 Bros. Pizza.

Ridiculously Cheap College Eats: $5 or Less REX SAKAMOTO Features Editor

For many college students, managing money is a problem. New York is filled with so many things to do, most of which end up quickly emptying our wallets. We are constantly presented with choices.

Do I want to go to a concert or do I want to be able to eat? Well now you don’t have to choose. Here are three restaurants where you can fill up on a decent meal for less than $5.

Now just take that in for a

second; a whole meal for $5 or less.

Now while these aren’t Michelin star restaurants, the food will fill you up until you can see your idol in concert. Some people are content when they find a meal for $10, but these places will allow you to stretch $10 for two, three, maybe even four meals. Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on how much you eat.

Gray’s Papaya 2090 Broadway Located on Broadway between 72nd and 73rd Streets, this food counter is pumping out deals practically made for college students. The

recession special comes with two hot dogs and a 14 oz. drink of your choice (pina colada or papaya) all for $4.45. I can definitely vouch for the papaya juice. The smooth sweet flavor of the fruit was extraordinarily refreshing. While the hot dogs were not as mind-blowing as the juice, they weren’t bad. Expect two average hot dogs in cheap buns— but as long as you add ketchup and mustard, you’ll be good to go. If this place is still too expensive for your taste, continue reading.

Prosperity Dumpling 46 Eldridge St.

While this place is farther, located in Chinatown, you could still pay for your subway fare (one way only) and still have enough to pay for a filling meal. At this dive you can get five chive and pork dumplings for only $1. That is only 20 cents each. If you’re not feeling dumplings you can also try their hot and sour soup or pork wonton soup for only $1. This place is also a great place to go with a group of friends because you can get 100 dumplings for only $15. Now are the dumplings the best in the whole world? No. But are they the cheapest in Manhattan?

Most definitely! But if you still feel

like you’re going to have to drop too much dough to eat here, then I’ve got you covered.

2 Bros. Pizza 542 9th Ave. Take a brisk walk down Columbus Avenue and you’ll be able to find an uber cheap meal at 2 Bros.

Pizza. Here, a slice of pizza costs $1 for cheese and $2 if you want a fancy topping like pepperoni. The pizza is greasy, filling and good. They also have a special where you can get 2 slices of pizza and a can of soda for $2.75. Still hungry? Go ahead, get a third slice for a total bill of $3.75.

Sports

Sports Editor Mike McMahon —mmcmahon27@fordham.edu

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

Fordham Baseball Opens to 5-3 Start JENNIFER KHEDAROO Asst. Sports Editor

Fordham’s five-game winning streak came to an end on March 3 when the team was shut out by Lehigh University. The game wrapped up the Rams’ opening week of their 2013 season, which was a week of ups and downs ending with an overall record of 5-3.

The Rams were scoreless for the first time this season as Lehigh University’s Mountain Hawks won 6-0.

Fordham’s starting pitcher Chris Pike, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’14, gave up five runs on eight hits, four walks and six strikeouts in four innings. Brett Kennedy, FCRH ’16, came in from the bullpen to relieve Pike after four innings. He pitched four more with one unearned run allowed and had five strikeouts. Meanwhile, Fordham’s offense was brought to an absolute halt. The Rams were held to just five hits and no one had a multiple-hit game. For Sam Careccia, FCRH ’14, it was his first career hit since joining the Rams as a freshman.

Before the start of the season, Fordham was picked to place ninth of 15 in the Atlantic 10 conference by a poll of the league coaches. Head Coach Kevin Leighton did not agree with the prediction for his team. “I don’t like it. It gives us a starting point and something to shoot for as far as we don’t want to be in that position.

Ninth place is not where we expect to be or where we want to be at the end of the year. We use it more as a motivator, but in no way do I think that’s an indicator of our team or any other team because a lot changes year to year,” Leighton said.

The Rams opened their season on Feb. 22 against the University of Michigan Wolverines at the New York Mets Spring Training Complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The Rams lost to the Wolverines 9-1, with pitcher Joseph Charest, FCRH ’13, getting the loss. In 5.1 innings, Charest allowed five runs on four hits, as well as two walks and four strikeouts.

Jimmy Murphy, FCRH ’13, then came in for relief and gave up four runs in 2.2 innings. Fordham’s only run of the game came in the fourth inning when Ryan Phelan, FCRH ’14, scored off a double by Ian Edmiston, FCRH ’16. The Rams left a total of 13 men on base with many missed opportunities in the loss.

On Feb. 23, Fordham played a double header against Michigan, and

COURTESY OF FORDHAM SPORTS

Infielder Mike Mauri, FCRH ’13, looks to follow up his junior campaign, during which he hit .325 for the Rams.

won one of the two games. Game one saw Fordham lose big once again to Michigan by a score of 10-2. The only offense for the Rams came in the sixth inning. Tim Swatek, FCRH ’14, was hit by a pitch and then scored on an

RBI-double by Ryan Lee, FCRH ’13.

Michigan’s pitcher, Evan Hill, balked and advanced Lee to third. Lee scored when Mike Mauri, FCRH ’13, had a sacrifice fly to right. Fordham’s starting pitcher Rich Anastasi, FCRH ’13,

gave up four runs in 3.2 innings, and his reliever, Brett Kennedy, FCRH ’16, gave up another five runs in 2.1 innings.

Game two of the doubleheader was not much better for the Rams’

pitching, but their offense certainly improved. The Rams scored four runs in the first inning and five runs in the second. The team tacked on more runs and eventually beat the Wolverines 14-11. Pike earned the win, striking out seven batters in five innings and allowing four runs. But the biggest star of the game was Matthew Cianci, FCRH ’15, who had his first career four-hit game. Cianci went 4-for-5 and scored two runs for the Rams.

Edmiston also had a good game, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a double.

Fordham played yet another double header on Feb. 26, this time at home against Saint Peter’s College.

Cody Johnson, FCRH ’16, threw a complete game with just two hits allowed for game one of the double header. Fordham won 1-0 when Swatek hit a triple and was eventually singled home by Joseph Runco, FCRH ’16, in the second inning. In game two, the Rams held onto a 4-2 win over the Peacocks. Cianci had another great game, going 2-for-4, and Edmiston and Charles Galiano, FCRH ’16, got an RBI in the fifth and sixth inning.

Brett Kennedy came in to relieve John Porter, FCRH ’14, who gave up two runs. Pitching three innings in relief, Kennedy earned his first career win by striking out eight of the 10 batters he faced.

Charest rebounded from his opening day loss by leading the Rams to a 4-3 victory against Iona College on March 1 in the Bronx. He allowed three runs, seven hits and seven strikeouts in his fifth complete game win of his career. Mauri and Edmiston both had a pair of hits and Runco knocked in two RBI. On March 2, the Rams continued their winning streak with an 8-4 victory over Lehigh University. Although Fordham’s starter, Anastasi, got a no-decision after four innings, reliever Joseph Serrapica, FCRH ’16, earned his first career win.

Serrapica allowed one run over four innings and struck out three. Jonathan Reich, FCRH ’14, struck out two and closed the game for Fordham.

Lee, Galiano, Edmiston, and Swatek all had a multiple-hit games.

Leighton is hopeful that the Rams will find their way to success this season, but he recognizes the challenge ahead of his team. “You’ve got to play the games and see what happens. The [Atlantic 10 Conference] is very difficult. There are no cupcakes in our league as far as easy wins. Every game in the conference is a challenge.”

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Sports

March 7, 2013 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Women’s Basketball Finishes Incredible Season MIKE MCMAHON Sports Editor

The women’s basketball team secured their best record since the 1978-1979 season, going 12-2 in the Atlantic 10 (A10) Conference, by beating the Temple University Owls and securing their 22nd win this season. The team hasn’t lost since Feb. 10, winning six straight games to end the year. Their 22 wins are good for third place in the conference and a firstround bye in the A10 Championship.

Fordham’s most recent victory came by a score of 58-44. It was the fifth time this season that they held a conference opponent under 45 points as their stifling defense has become the team’s greatest strength. The win was a team effort, as four Rams managed double-digit points, led by guard Erin Rooney, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’14, who tallied 15 points. In addition to pacing the team’s offense, Rooney managed to break 1,000 points in her collegiate career with the win, bringing her total to 1,004.

For Coach Stephanie Gaitley, the team’s remarkable performance this season has clear root causes. “I just think that, for us, we had to really develop our chemistry,” Gaitley said.

“We were 7-5 at one point this season, matching where we were at the same point last year, and we couldn’t quite understand why. The two most important things this year have been our leadership and our chemistry. I think between our junior and senior class, some of the transfers, and bringing in new talent, we felt that it could be something special, and it really has been.”

Though no one player makes a team, the Rams have had some clearly phenomenal performances come from their youngest playmaker. Forward Samantha Clark, FCRH ’16, has been named the A10 Rookie of the Week a school-record five times and her coach’s praise reflected that.

“I think Sam’s contributions have been instrumental,” Gaitley said.

“For one, we’ve had so many injuries.

We’ve had three forwards out almost a majority of the season, so Sam played a lot of minutes. I think most freshmen have a rollercoaster kind of

year, but I think Sam’s had a Rookie of the Year-type year.”

With the outstanding regular season in the books, the team’s focus now turns to the looming A10 Championships and their prize of a first-round bye. When asked about the importance of that particular advantage, Gaitley praised her team’s focus.

“When the bye became a realistic option, we fixed our eye on the prize. It became tangible for us once we beat St. Joe’s. At that point, the difference between us and the bye was a win over Temple, which we went out and got.”

The top-three finish greatly exceeded expectations for a team that fellow coaches predicted would end up eleventh in the A10. As good as the team’s season has been, there remains some stiff competition in the conference. A10-rival Dayton managed the top spot in the regular season, finishing undefeated and ranked #18 nationally. There’s also Duquesne, a team that beat the Rams earlier this year by a margin of 18 points. But neither opponent, no matter how formidable, has Fordham’s coach too worried.

“I really think it’s a pretty wideopen race,” Gaitley said. “I think we’re one of the teams that can win it all. I was certainly upset when we were picked to finish eleventh, you know, I thought the lowest we would be was sixth. I guess a lot of people didn’t understand the ability of the people we had coming in. I think it’s really anybody’s championship. Dayton is a good team, but they are young and I think they are vulnerable.”

The looming presence of a nationally ranked team might seem daunting to a hopeful Fordham fan, but the team is taking things one game at a time, no matter the opponent. “Either way, we’re excited about the matchup,” Gaitley said. “We’ll be playing the winner of the Butler/St. Louis game [in the first round]. Butler is a team we haven’t faced, which would be interesting because we haven’t faced them, but St. Louis is a team we beat there without our leading scorer.

You have to beat a lot of good teams to get to the championship anyway, so it’s just really on us to be playing the best basketball possible.”

COURTESY OF FORDHAM SPORTS

Forward Samantha Clark, FCRH ’16, stepped up in a big way, helping the team to a 22-win season.

Sports Round-Up Softball Fordham #5 Texas

9 7

After suffering through a five-game losing streak by way of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Leadoff Classic, the Rams turned things around in a big way by upsetting #5 Texas in the Citrus Classic this past Sunday. The team beat the heavily-favored Longhorns by a score of 9-7 on the strength of two home runs from Gabby Lutely, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’14. The team’s most recent

Baseball

and most spectacular win comes just in time to snap another losing skid and elevate them to a record of 6-9, an early hole to be sure, but not an insurmountable obstacle. As long as the team can muster up some offense and avoid more losses like the 5-inning shutouts they suffered earlier in the Citrus Classic, they have a chance at repeating last season’s success and winning a favorable playoff seed.

Women’s Basketball

Fordham Lehigh

0 6

Fordham Temple

58 44

Fordham Lehigh

8 4

Fordham 62 St. Bonaventure 50

Men’s Basketball Fordham St. Joseph’s

56 82

Fordham Richmond

55 72