April 18, 2019

THE GATEPOST Framingham State’s independent student newspaper

Volume 87 • Issue 22

April 19, 2019

FSUgatepost.com

Danforth Art Museum reopens to the public following a more than $6 million renovation Museum showcases never-before-seen artwork in new location

Tessa Jillson / THE GATEPOST From left to right: Danforth Museum Executive Director Debra Petke, Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer, and FSU President F. Javier Cevallos cut the ribbon in the exhibition hall.

By Nadira Wicaksana News Editor

By Donald Halsing Asst. Photos Editor

By Thomas Maye Staff Writer The doors to the Danforth Art Museum opened once again - this time, at a new home on the Framingham Centre Common - during a ribbon cutting ceremony April 13.

The museum’s collections have not had a permanent home since September 2016, when the former museum closed due to a broken boiler, accord-

ing to a press release from Framingham State University.

The Danforth has since been acquired by Framingham State University and relocated to the nearby Jonathan Maynard building.

Debra Petke, executive director of the museum, began the ceremony by expressing gratitude for her board, curator, collections manager, and trustees for their support throughout the complicated moving process. She also extended thanks to Framingham State University for housing the collection in the Maynard building.

She said, “Thank you for taking our collection. You literally gave the Danforth Art Museum a home and a future,

so I thank you.”

According to Petke, the grand opening on Saturday, April 13 drew in 250 to 300 visitors, with a special reception for longtime members and donors. On Sunday, the community open house brought another 150 people to the museum.

Ed Adelman, executive director of the Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA), said there were many challenges in the renovation process, such as financing the project, working with changing boards of directors, and managing bureaucratic conflicts over Framingham’s

See DANFORTH page 4

From torn ACL to ace pitcher

By Liam Gambon Asst. Sports Editor March 30 was just a normal Saturday for most people.

But for Framingham State’s senior Kelsi Gunarathne, it was a day worth remembering.

The ace pitcher for the Rams’ softball team shattered the all-time strikeout record for Framingham State University on that Saturday. She walked away with back-to-back wins in which she pitched 10 innings, struck out 10 batters, gave up only three hits, and didn’t allow a run in either game.

The milestone was 360 strikeouts, and she accomplished the acheivement of 361 strikeouts even with road-

blocks along the way.

“It honestly feels unreal,” Gunarathne said. “My freshman year, I tore my ACL halfway through the season and was out of softball for the rest of the season. I never thought I would be able to beat any records with missing half of my freshman season.”

After returning from the injury, Gunarathne went on a dominant run and cemented herself as Framingham softball’s ace.

Head Coach Lawrence Miller said, “Anytime you lose a player to an injury like that - it’s tough, especially a pitcher. That was a particularly tough year for us as well.”

He added, “When she came back for her sophomore season, she was defi-

News SGA pg. 3 PROVOST CANDIDATE pg. 6

Kathleen Moore / THE GATEPOST

Opinions TAMPONS pg. 8 GATEPOST GRIEVANCES pg. 10

nitely a different pitcher.”

Before the torn ACL, Gunarathne had a 4-7 record with an ERA of 4.05.

But after her recovery, Gunarathne went 33-15 with a sub-2.00 ERA over the next two seasons.

“Tearing my ACL really did push me to work harder and overcome the injury, and I was not satisfied with my performance prior to the injury,” Gunarathne said. “I knew if I was coming back, I had to work and train harder.”

Miller said, “After tearing her ACL her freshman year, [Kelsi] rehabbed and worked hard to get back on the field, and when she did, she was fantastic. She plays the game with a lot of passion, which her teammates feed off

See GUNARATHNE page 18

Arts & Features “BOOKSMART” Q&A pg. 12 LITERARY AWARDS pg. 14

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST

Sports SOFTBALL pg. 17 WOMEN’S LACROSSE pg. 19

INSIDE: OP/ED 7 • ARTS & FEATURES 12 • SPORTS 16

NEWS

2 | APRIL 19, 2019

Editorial Board

Gatepost Interview

Editor-in-Chief Bailey Morrison

Debra Petke

Associate Editors Corey McFeeley Jillian Poland

Danforth Museum executive director

By Nadira Wicaksana News Editor

News Editor Nadira Wicaksana Arts & Features Editor Tessa Jillson

and secondly, because it’s American landscape and travel. A lot of the works in this show have never been seen before. We wanted to open with things people would never have seen before at the Danforth. There are things in here from the mid-19th century to the present, so there’s a real broad swath.

What is your educational and professional background?

My undergraduate and graduate degrees are in art history, specializing in American art. And the Danforth is a museum of American art. I’ve spent most of my career in museums as a deputy director, a chief curator, and an executive director - except for five years when I was the president of a small art college in Connecticut.

Asst. Arts & Features Editors Brennan Atkins Robert Johnson Jr. Entertainment Correspondent Noah Barnes Opinions Editor Lizzy Stocks

How did you come to Framingham State?

I came to the Danforth museum and school in 2015. And at that time, we were located in downtown Framingham. I was brought in to make a strategic plan to get the museum to a point where we could move and renovate this building, because we owned this building - the Danforth did. About a year after I got there, we were evicted from the building we were in, which we were leasing from the town, because there was a problem with the boiler. They weren’t going to fix it, so we had about four months to relocate the museum.

We had to move 3,500 objects, find a place to have art classes, store the collection, exhibitions - the whole thing.

And this building, although we owned it, was in no way ready for any of that. It was a mess - it was offices and cubicles and downed wires, largely. So, I raised money and renovated the third floor for the art school - the community art school. That was only closed for about six months. I also raised money to renovate the first floor to store the collection, because you need a space that’s clean enough and secure enough. Then, we had our offices on the second floor, which, actually, the University had been renting from us at that time. But we had no museum still, because it’s really expensive to build a museum. We had to figure out what to do. We were holding our exhibitions offsite, like in different colleges and museums like the Worcester Art Museum. And we started talking with the University about the possibility of merger. The reason for that was because when the Danforth was founded in 1975, the president of the college at the time - Justin McCarthy - was one of the founders of the museum. So, he went around in Framingham and sat with people and asked for money to start a museum because he knew it would be great for the community. He wanted it to be available for students.

Sports Editor Matt Ferris Asst. Sports Editor Liam Gambon Design Editor Cara McCarthy Asst. Design Editor Kathleen Moore Photos Editor Ashley Wall Asst. Photos Editor Donald Halsing Copy Editor Gordon Rupert Asst. Copy Editor Jared Graf Staff Writers Mikael Brown Evan Lee Tom Maye Kayla Otten Lauren Paolini Sara Senesac Carlos Silva Caeley Whalen Staff Photographers Hannah Coco Ryan Feinblatt Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Gwenyth Swain 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST There was a close relationship between us for decades, but this was a moment where it was very possible the Danforth would close, because ... it was too much to happen to any institution right away, to be able to dig yourself out of it. So, President Cevallos and Vice President Dale Hamel began talking about how this would work. We spent about a year - the Danforth and the University - having merger discussions. It turned out that we sold this building to the University and that we didn’t have to do anything to the third floor - that was already done. The University completely renovated the second floor of the museum and renovated the first floor for the University sculpture and ceramics classes.

What future plans do you have for the Danforth?

I’m just happy for the present, because we just opened. It’s been a long haul. So, we have two to three years of exhibitions already planned out.

We have one gallery that’s dedicated to the museum’s own collection - the permanent collection. And that’s going to change with the academic year, so students and faculty will know what’s going to be up full-time. It’s going to change in the summer, and there’ll be highlights from the collection. Then, we have galleries across the hallway for changing exhibitions. There’ll be three a year, and they’ll change every few months. There’s one permanent gallery called the Meta Fuller gallery. … We’ll also be having a lot of different group shows.

Do you foresee any opportunities for the FSU student body to get involved, even if they aren’t in the art department?

It’s a given that with the museum, the art and the art history programs would want to use us. But museums can be used by every discipline. Any artwork you’re looking at has something to do with math, science, geography, history, sociology. And I think it’s going to be really important to find ways to connect all the dots. So, I really want nontraditional relationships with the curriculum. I think it would be really fun to find ways to do that. One of the immediate connections we see is with the fashion program. We’re going to have a show in the fall called “Dressed,” and it’s not actual clothing, but it’s different things like sculpture - it’s a lot of different media - to express the human form and how people ornament it. It’s going to be a really unusual one, and I think it’s going to be around when they do their Trashion Show.

How does the museum plan to interact with the Framingham community?

We plan to do a lot of educational programs. It’s going to take a while to get up and running, but in the next few months, we’ll be doing artist talks and just bringing in Lois Tarlow and other contemporary artists that are showing, and trying to do some special things for the students, too. In the fall, we’ll hopefully be able to start tours. Hopefully, we’ll be able to hire students to do the tours. I’d love to have art education majors or theater majors - people who really want to learn how to talk about art and how to talk with a crowd about that sort of thing.

What is some advice you have for FSU students?

Accept adversity with grace and determination, and not only will you overcome it, you will be stronger because of it.

What works are currently on display in the permanent collection?

This first showing is called “Landed,” and that’s for two reasons: because CONNECT WITH NADIRA WICAKSANA we’ve finally landed at the University, nwicaksana@student.framingham.edu

Corrections

In the April 12 issue, we incorrectly identified Kashem Chowdhury’s position. His correct title is “University Police - ID Office Manager.”

In addition, Ashley Bendiksen’s last name was spelled incorrectly on pg. 1 of The Gatepost. We apologize for these errors.

Police Logs Tuesday, April 16 18:06 Vandalism North Hall Report Taken

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Tuesday, April 16 20:22 Fight Athletic Center GOA

Tuesday, April 16 21:43 Fight Normal Hill Parking Lot Unfounded

Wednesday, April 17 10:42 Alarm (Trouble) North Hall Referral Filled

NEWS

APRIL 19, 2019 | 3

SGA constitutes action, ratifies new legislation and bylaws

By Nadira Wicaksana News Editor SGA ratified its constitution and reviewed proposed changes to the first article of its bylaws during its weekly meeting April 16.

During Open Forum, multiple members expressed their concerns regarding technical difficulties around campus.

Class and Club Treasurer Lexi Kays said, “The Wi-Fi has been terrible these past couple of weeks. The only real good service I get is in my room.”

Student Trustee Ayanna Ferguson said she did not receive important messages in her inbox. Instead, they had been sent to her clutter and spam folders.

“I missed single room selection because of this,” she said.

Vice President Matty Bennet and President Ben Carrington echoed Ferguson’s sentiment, saying they had both been having problems with numerous spam emails and fraudulent messages appearing to have been sent by school administrators.

Bennet said the messages he has been receiving have looked “super real” and many other students have been experiencing similar problems.

Carrington said he received fraudulent messages appearing to be sent by administrators, including FSU President F. Javier Cevallos and Lorretta Holloway, vice president of enrollment and student development.

“I knew Cevallos wouldn’t be sending me bills,” Carrington said.

He added, “I have been contacting IT relentlessly, but I haven’t heard back.”

Carrington said he plans to continue contacting IT for help.

Next, Bennet discussed the amendments to SGA’s constitution, as well as grammatical and spelling corrections and other changes to the organization’s bylaws.

The constitution “as seen for the second time,” Carrington said, was officially and unanimously approved.

Bennet individually introduced changes to bylaws drafted by Constitution Committee. Among these included changes to Article I, Section 1, which governs the conduct and finances of University clubs and organizations.

One change introduced was the amount of a club’s base allocation for its Class and Club account. In the past, every approved club was given $300.

According to the revised bylaws, each club will now be given a base allocation to be “determined at the prior year’s Big Budget process at the beginning of the fall semester.”

Bennet said this change was brought about due to concerns of enrollment, which impacts the amount of money in the Student Activities Trust Fund (SATF).

The SATF is a fund comprised of all undergraduate students’ yearly activity fees, making the amount of money in the fund dependent on the number of enrolled students.

“By eliminating the $300 - depending on enrollment and the amount of money we have to allocate during the year - it can be adaptable for [Finance

Courtesy of Framingham State University A mockup of the new Sam the Ram costume from the Athletics department.

Kathleen Moore / THE GATEPOST SGA President Ben Carrington explains the definition of honoraria.

Committee] during the fall the following year,” he said.

The change also requires that a progress report be completed by all club presidents and treasurers by the first Friday in December, which “shall detail how the club has spent their base allocation or how they plan to spend it.”

Should the club fail to provide a progress report, the base allocation will be reallocated to SGA’s general unallocated fund by the following spring semester.

A change to Section 3 of the article, which concerns the deactivation of an existing organization or club, states any group “believed to be inactive” will be reported to The Gatepost by the chair of Constitution Committee. Previously, the committee’s chair reported to “campus media,” which Bennet said he believed to be “very vague” wording.

Bennet also highlighted a subsection of Section 7, which governs the specifications of club funding. It states, “SGA will not fund the following with SATF money: ... Honoraria for Framingham State University faculty, staff, or administration.”

He called attention to this section because his committee defined honoraria as “thank-you gifts, such as cards and flowers,” but “didn’t want to make that assumption,” and instead, wanted to open it up to senate for debate.

However, many members did not know what the word entails.

Due to concerns regarding the correct definition of honoraria, for the purpose of its own bylaws, multiple SGA members suggested rewording the subsection.

Bennet and Senator Olivia Beverlie wrote on the board, “SGA senate reserves the right to not fund items for non-SATF-paying students if deemed inappropriate.”

Senate ultimately motioned to define honoraria as it extends to gifts and other items for those who do not pay the SATF fee, with exceptions for certain “contractual agreements.”

Bennet also expressed his gratitude to Constitution Committee members for their contribution to drafting the organization’s revised legislation.

“I just want to take a quick moment to thank everyone who sits on Con-

stitution Committee - you guys have been super helpful, and I appreciate the work each and every one of you has done,” he said.

During his President’s Report, Carrington announced Candidates’ Night, which took place April 18. He encouraged everyone at the meeting to submit nomination packets for those looking to run for eBoard positions for the 2019-2020 academic year.

“We don’t have very many yet, so we want to get those in,” he said.

During his Vice President’s Report, Bennet encouraged fellow SGA members to attend the open forums for the candidates for the position of vice president of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Secretary Allie Flood said, “It’s important for there to be student presence at these executive searches. If you can’t go, if you could encourage your friends to go, that’d be great.”

In his report, Social Events Coordinator Matt O’Sullivan announced the date for the All-University Banquet has been set for May 10, the final day of classes.

During her Student Trustee’s Report, Ferguson said the current number of enrolled freshmen for the 2019-2020 academic year is 402 students.

In her Student Activities Treasurer Report, Driana Lebron said the current amount in SGA’s unallocated fund is $6,990.78.

To mark the end of the semester, BSU requested $1,308 for a trip to Boda Borg, an escape room in Malden. The amount will go toward transportation and the ticket costs for 25 students and one chaperone.

BSU Vice President Markiyah Bullard said the trip will be open to all FSU students and hopes it will be the “perfect way to de-stress” before exam week.

SGA unanimously approved the request for the full amount.

In other news: -A new Sam the Ram costume mockup was introduced at the meeting.

-Flood gave the U-Rock Award to Bennet for his work on the SGA constitution and bylaws. “You’ve just done a lot of work this year,” she said.

CONNECT WITH NADIRA WICAKSANA nwicaksana@student.framingham.edu

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4 | APRIL 19, 2019

Danforth

NEWS

Continued from pg. 1

transition from a town to a city.

He said, “This project didn’t happen by itself. ... I think it’s overstated, perhaps, but the whole is truly greater than the sum of its individual parts.”

According to Executive Vice President Dale Hamel, the total cost of renovation of the Danforth was $6,100,827, part of the “Cultural Arts Center Project.”

According to an April 1 “management agreement” document provided by Hamel, funding sources include MSCBA “held project savings,” the Danforth Trust Fund, and FSU itself.

Of the funds, $2,287,846 came from “remnant funds held by the former Danforth Museum Inc. after receipt of funds for the purchase of the building and payoff of all liabilities,” Hamel wrote in an email. Furthermore, $200,000 came from gifts to the University.

In his speech, FSU President F. Javier Cevallos stressed the value Danforth facilities will bring to students, in addition to the Danforth’s larger commitment to making the arts accessible to the public.

He said, “Now, Framingham State students have access to a free, firstrate fine arts museum just steps away from the campus, and the opportunities for enhanced learning and collaboration are truly, truly exciting.”

Petke expressed similar sentiments. “This is not just a reopening of the Danforth Art Museum. This is a whole new stage of growth - we are a new institution now, so not just a public art museum, but we are also, happily, a university art museum. Our mission and our community have grown, and we’re very excited to see where that takes us.”

Junior Elizabeth Goodreau, an intern at the Danforth, said she was excited for further student involvement at the museum.

She said, “As an art history major and museum studies minor, Danforth is a great way for me to learn about the inner workings of an art museum and broaden my knowledge of museum studies hands on.

“As the museum continues to grow, I hope that it can provide more programming and services to art majors, because it allows for so many opportunities,” Goodreau added.

Erika Schneider, who leads the museum studies program at Framingham State, elaborated on student involvement in the museum’s collection after the talk.

The third floor of the Danforth contains classrooms for community art classes and office space.

She said students can use the facilities to practice archiving artwork and historical pieces, using databases for archival work, presenting exhibit displays, and using research to create informational panels for works on display - among other responsibilities.

Schneider said she was excited for the school to make use of the resources available at the museum, adding the Danforth’s close proximity to the University will make the museum studies program “so much easier, especially for students without cars.”

There is also a Ram Tram route that goes to the Danforth Mondays to Thursdays. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the tram runs 2:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it runs 8:30 a.m. to 7:20 p.m.

Currently, the three floors of the Maynard building each serve different purposes.

The first floor houses spaces used

by FSU woodworking, sculpting, and ceramics courses. Additionally, art professors Keri Straka and Elizabeth Krakow have offices on the floor.

The ceramics equipment was formerly housed in the basement of May Hall, which will be converted to studios for senior art majors. The pottery wheels at the Danforth are complemented by three kilns used to fire sculptures.

Junior Rose Piz, an art and elementary education major, said she appreciated the added space provided by the Danforth ceramics facilities. “For me, I think the space is better because there’s a specific room just to make glazes, and the wheels aren’t all cramped against the walls,” she said.

The third floor of the museum contains several workspaces for community art classes.

The second floor has several art galleries that display both permanent collections and rotating borrowed works.

Schneider said the museum’s 3,000-plus-piece collection, filled with “little gems,” includes important American landscape portraits, prominent American history-inspired pieces from sculptor John Roberts, and works from African American sculptor and Framingham resident Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller.

The Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller Gallery contains a large number of sculptures and carvings produced by the local artist during her lifetime.

The Fuller family donated the entire contents of her studio to the museum.

Fuller’s art explored a “diverse” range of topics, according to the Framingham Historical Society website, including portrayals of African American life along with domestic motifs. The site says she worked alongside Auguste Rodin, famous for his sculpture, “The Thinker,” and was friends with author and civil rights advocate W. E. B. Dubois, who “visited her in her Framingham home.”

The gallery includes a replica of Fuller’s attic studio based on one of two known photographs of her workspace. Museum curators said they realized they possessed almost all of the artifacts visible in the photograph, and decided to replicate the studio as part of the permanent display.

Schneider said analyzing Fuller’s replica studio could be helpful in providing inspiration for art stu-

The first floor of the Danforth houses ceramics, woodworking, and sculpture classes from FSU.

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Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST

dents, “showing the inner workings of an artist,” and displaying how Fuller interacted with her workspace.

The Corridor Gallery and Gallery 202 display more works from the museum’s permanent collection of “paintings, prints, sculpture, drawings, and photographs.”

In the North Corridor Gallery, the museum has recent acquisitions on display. Currently, the works of painter Barbara Swan, part of the Boston Expressionists movement, are housed in this part of the museum. The Danforth called her “a dominant figure in the Boston art world in the last decades of the 20th century.”

Gallery 202A is a rotating gallery that currently displays “Armchair Travel.” The gallery walls are adorned with works from three contemporary photographers - Emily Bliez, Rachel Loischild, and S. Billie Mandle.

A Danforth informational pamphlet states, “This exhibition explores taking a journey but remaining close to home. Works on view, from three contemporary photographers whose work emphasizes attention to details, asks us to narrow and focus our idea of place and the landscape.”

The Susan A. Litowitz and Weinberg Family galleries contain a rotating exhibition of outside works. The curators decided to open the museum with works by Lois Tarlow, focusing on the shift in material she used to create her pieces from the 1950s to as recently as 2017.

Petke said, “She uses a lot of different materials to express herself.

One of the things that’s surprising about this show is that it looks like it’s the work of a lot of different artists, because it looks like she’s been constantly reinventing herself - even at 90.”

The deCordova Sculpture park and museum, which also displays Tarlow’s pieces, describes her work as follows: “Lois Tarlow’s paintings have an overwhelming depth that draws the viewer into scenes that simultaneously acknowledge desolation and survival. She captures both the rugged strength and the delicate homeostasis of nature’s lowland fauna.

“The artist treats her landscapes not as complex and complete systems, but as slivers framing only minute portions of the world.”

The current galleries will be changed July 2019, displaying more borrowed works and pieces from the

NEWS

APRIL 19, 2019 | 5

Danforth

Total Project Cost Uses of Funds Study Property Acquisition Direct Construction Construction Contingency (2%) Architecture & Engineering Furniture & Equipment General Development Project Contingency (0%) Total Project Budget

Budget $ 94,211 $ 2,214,203 $ 3,122,939 $ 67,400 $ 327,525 $ 51,613 $ 222,936 -0$ 6,100,827

Funds Disbursement Schedule Fund Source Amount MSCBA held project savings $ 388,840 Framingham State $ 450,122 University Proposed 2018A Bond Funds $ 2,500,000 Remnant Danforth Art Inc. $ 2,287,846 funds Donations to FSU $ 200,000 Danforth Trust Fund $ 114,577 General Purpose $ 114,557 General Reserve Interest Earnings $ 17,465 General Purpose $ 27,400 General Reserve Total Project Disbursement $ 6,100,827 to MSCBA

Date 2013 thru 2016 06/29/2017 01/30/2018 03/26/2018 06/22/2018 01/07/2019 01/07/2019 04/05/2019 04/05/2019

Graphic by Kathleen Moore permanent collection.

While the museum’s mission will expand with the University’s support, Cevallos said it was important to preserve the museum’s prolific collection, as well as the historical

facade of the Maynard building.

“We are committed to making sure the Danforth remains a cherished asset for the community at large,” he said.

He called Framingham State’s

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST Students in a sculpture class display their craft at the Danforth. acquisition of the Danforth a “winwin-win scenario, because the purchase not only strengthens the two institutions, but it also facilitates the renovations and the preservation of this building - the Jonathan Maynard building - the historical building that is an asset to Framingham.”

Cevallos said the Jonathan Maynard building was once an elementary school, and that designating the area a historical site would “solidify” the building’s architectural preservation. After the talk, he added that he thought designating the area a historical district would attract tourism to the city.

Before cutting the ribbon, Cevallos announced the front entrance to the museum will now be known as the Walsh Historical Entrance, after Rep. Chris Walsh, who represented Framingham in the Commonwealth and

passed away from cancer last year.

Cevallos said as an architect, Walsh “was passionate about historical preservation and the structural importance of this project,” and “successfully advocated for support from the State House.

“He was a great friend of the University, and a personal friend of mine,” he said.

CONNECT WITH NADIRA WICAKSANA nwicaksana@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH DONALD HALSING dhalsing@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH THOMAS MAYE tmaye1@student.framingham.edu

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NEWS

6 | APRIL 19, 2019

Provost candidate champions student success and social justice

By Bailey Morrison Editor-in-Chief Melissa Lavitt, the fourth and final candidate for provost and vice president for academic affairs, discussed the importance of a healthy relationship between students and administrators during two open forums April 10.

Lavitt received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in social work from Tulane University in Louisiana.

She is the executive director of the Center for Women’s Leadership at the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) and former Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UWT. During the faculty open forum, Lavitt discussed her career as a “champion of social justice issues” and how her experiences as a social worker motivated her to pursue a career in higher education.

She said she is interested in Framingham State as an institution that “focuses on the success of students and then factors in how the administration can support those students.”

Virginia Rutter, sociology professor and member of the Massachusetts State College Association bargaining team, asked Lavitt how she would improve the relationship between faculty and administrators after three years of contract bargaining and “bad faith.”

Lavitt said, “The morale issue I would imagine to be significant. …

The part that seems so troubling to me is the sense that you all felt powerless. That to me must be a morale buster. Your complaints were not heard - nor were they acted upon.

There appears to be little recourse in the attention to getting that.”

Lisa Eck, English professor, asked Lavitt how she would “reframe” the conversation regarding the humanities majors. “How would you promote our narrative of success in departments in the face of declining enrollment?”

Lavitt said at a liberal arts institution such as FSU, it is important to “embed the message in the early curriculum” when students first arrive at the University.

She added, “First-generation students may not have a fully formed view of how their major can connect to an actual job. That’s why I’m actually looking for a university, such as this one, with a high number of first-generation students. … College can be such a transformational experience for those students.

“Cultivating a true liberal arts education begins with having a coherent gen ed system,” she said.

During the student open forum, Lavitt discussed ways to increase student enrollment through supporting the initiatives that are thriving “during a time of decreased student enrollment.”

She added, “There is an uptick in graduate enrollment. How do we make that more accessible to students to get a sense from you all? …

Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement

Open Forums

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE FINALISTS’ OPEN FORUMS WITH

STUDENTS & CAMPUS COMMUNITY: April 22nd - 10:30 am, Alumni Room (students only) - 1:30 pm, McCarthy Forum (everyone)

April 24th - 10:30 am, Alumni Room (students only) - 1:30 pm, DPAC (everyone)

April 29th - 10:30 am, Alumni Room (students only) - 1:30 pm, McCarthy Forum (everyone)

May 1st - 10:30 am, Alumni Room (students only) - 1:30 pm, McCarthy Forum (everyone) If you have any questions or concerns, please email the search committee co-chairs Lorretta Holloway (lholloway@framingham.edu) and Mary-Ann Stadtler-Chester (mstadtlerchester@framingham.edu).

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Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST Melissa Lavitt, provost candidate, answers questions from the audience.

How would we build from that place to get you students to enroll?”

Adam Scanlon, SGA parliamentarian, asked Lavitt how she communicates with students.

Lavitt said, “I struggle with that. In this job, there is no format. … I tried to create student advisory boards as a provost.”

She said while that was “less successful” than some of her other endeavors, she tried to expand the

hours she was available to students.

She added her focus is on the “nontraditional” students who are not typically involved on campus by hosting lunches and impromptu meetings. “I am eager to find a strategy that improves communication for students.”

CONNECT WITH BAILEY MORRISON bmorrison1@student.framingham.edu

OP/ED

OP/ED FSU athletic facilities A dead weight

By Caeley Whalen Staff Writer It’s time we discuss the sadness of the weight room here at FSU. Built in 2001, the gym is really starting to show its age. Offering missing dumbbells, seemingly broken treadmills, cables that get stuck halfway through a movement, deadlifting platforms that also serve as squat racks, and pin-loaded machines, students are growing frustrated with the quality of the gym’s equipment and overall space.

According to the FSU Rams Athletic & Recreation Center’s website, the building cost $12 million when it was built 18 years ago. And while we should all be grateful to have a space to work out freely available to us, some of the outdated equipment is hampering students’ workouts.

Walk into the gym, and after you try to find a spot on the counter for your belongings, try to use the first lat-pulldown cable near the mirrors.

Is it getting stuck no matter how light your weight is? Sounds about right.

While there are two separate lat-pulldown cables available, if the second one is in use students, have to change their workout on the spot, find different equipment, and find a new space.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put my stuff down by a bench, went to get some equipment, and came back to see the bench I was about to use is being dragged over to the squat racks.

Yes, an easy solution would be to go over and ask for my bench back - or, there could be an adequate number of benches, so students don’t have to watch as someone lugs their

bench across the weight room while they’re gone.

Something as simple as finding a barbell clip to secure plates can become a scavenger hunt in the FSU weight room.

Aside from a shortage of equipment, students are also dealing with a lack of space to actually move around.

During peak hours of use, the weight room can become tricky to navigate - students moving from one space to the next mixed in with athletic team lift sessions can cause the gym to become more congested than Rt. 9 at 5 p.m.

Health and fitness are growing in popularity, and more students are realizing the benefits of exercising regularly. However, when someone new to the weight room sees a packed gym, they can get intimidated and leave.

As I said, we should all acknowledge that we’re lucky enough to have access to the weight room. But let’s compare Framingham State to Worcester State - two state schools which are relatively close to each other, similar in student population, and in the MASCAC athletic league.

Worcester State completed its $56.2 million renovation of their wellness center in 2016, which included a complete revamp of the school’s weight room and gymnasium. An athletic recruit looking at both FSU and WSU could use the quality of the weight training facilities to help them make their decision.

A major factor in all of this is the budget and while we must be practical in requesting ways to enhance the weight room at FSU, students across campus agree it is in need of some refreshing.

I’m not sure how many more times I can hear, “Do you mind if I hop in for a set?”

Have an opinion?

Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Opinions should be about 500 words.

Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you!

APRIL 19, 2019 | 7

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Don’t cross the picket line

The New England-based grocery chain Stop & Shop has gained national notoriety in the last few weeks as 31,000 employees staged a boycott in response to pay cuts and unfair labor practices.

According to NPR, the parent company is aiming to reduce pension and eliminate time-and-a-half pay opportunities for employees. It is also trying to force employees to contribute more to their insurance premiums.

Beginning in January, company and union reps unsuccessfully tried to come to an agreement over a new contract.

And on March 11, union reps voted to authorize a strike if an agreement couldn’t be reached.

And when an agreement wasn’t reached, the 31,000 employees mobilized in the largest demonstration seen in years.

But while these workers fight on the front lines for fair pay, they will go weeks - even months - without a normal paycheck.

Picketers are without pay and receive little-to-no financial compensation from their union. According to NPR, the union is unable to make up for lost wages until the strike hits two weeks and even then, full-time employees will only receive $100 per week.

The strike began April 11.

On May 1, health insurance will lapse for all union employees if a contract is not ratified. And for both Stop & Shop and the union, there appears to be no agreement in sight.

The strike is impressive based on its scale alone and its success of this strike is directly tied to how we as consumers can help the workers on the picket line.

As young adults entering the workforce, we should be doing everything we can to support the brave workers who refuse to return to their positions until a fair and balanced contract is ratified.

Many of us will go on to jobs where unions will determine the quality of our work lives - access to pensions, sick and maternity leave, and fair pay for working hours.

Unions are important to working class people in this country, whether they’re union members or not.

Unions have their root in the early days of industrialization, when workers were subjected to dangerous working conditions and long hours. We have forty-hour work weeks, timeand-a-half pay, and weekends because of unions. Our Social Security system was made possible through the support of labor unions.

The idea behind labor unions is that working people are the backbone of the economy, and they deserve a spot at the table when companies are making decisions that affect their lives.

We should be supporting the workers on strike in any way we can. The first step is refusing to cross the picket lines at any Stop & Shop or any of the other businesses owned by the conglomerate - including Hannaford, PeaPod, and Bfresh.

There have even been union struggles on our own campus.

The Massachusetts State College Association, the faculty and librarian union, just spent nearly two years in contentious bargaining with state and university representatives.

The union members have now gone years without a pay raise.

Among other aims, state and university representatives wanted to increase the number of part-time faculty they’re allowed to hire. Part-time faculty members are paid less and offered fewer benefits. Hiring more would decrease the number of full-time positions universities would have to offer, meaning that - overall - employees would have poorer working conditions.

The union’s collective bargaining techniques - including protests and work-to-rule - helped stave off this change.

Stop & Shop is considering a similar practice that would lead to more part-time workers being paid at a lower rate without access to time-and-a-half pay, sick leave, and pensions.

We should not be supporting corporations that aim to dehumanize their workers.

We should not be supporting corporations that refuse to provide their workers with wages that meet the rising costs of living.

We should not be supporting corporations that threaten the security of full-time employee positions in order to hire more part-time workers and cut wage costs.

For Stop & Shop - and any conglomerate - the biggest concern is the bottom line. If the company is hurting financially, they will have to change its tactics.

Taking our business elsewhere is the least we can do. Stop & Shop employees deserve to have their voices heard.

Stand in solidarity, and don’t cross the picket line.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

8 | APRIL 19, 2019

OP/ED

Tampons should be free ... period.

So fresh, so clean

By Kay Ann Staff Writer

Let’s talk about some self-care, more specifically the care you take of your downstairs.

Vaginas are beautiful and wonderful and perfect just the way they are, but many people I’ve met don’t know how to properly care for theirs and some hygiene habits can be downright harmful to your naughty bits.

Let’s start with some basics.

The vagina is self-cleaning, yes, really. Throughout the day your vagina regularly discharges fluid to clean out debris and balance out the pH. And when I say “vagina” I mean the vaginal opening and the pathway to the cervix - the area around that opening is not called the “vagina,” it is called the labia or the vulva.

Because the vaginal canal cleans itself, you don’t have to do much to the inside of your body, but the vulva can get dirty and sweaty from daily activities. The best way to take care of this is to wash your outer vagina with water or a pH balanced soap.

DO NOT USE SHAMPOO OR BODY WASH ON YOUR GENITALIA. Most soaps are harsh and meant to get rid of oils and grime, but much of the area around your vaginal opening is considered a mucus membrane, which is just a fancy way of saying that the pores more readily absorb things.

If you’ve ever accidently touched your genitals with hot sauce on your hands then you know what I’m talking about, or maybe I’m the only one who eats Taco Bell completely naked. Putting Fire Sauce on your Crunchwrap Supreme is a dangerous game.

Your vagina is a carefully balanced ecosystem, so you have to do things to take care of it and help it maintain that balance.

If the balance of bacteria gets thrown off, you could get a yeast infection or a UTI - both of them are awful and very inconvenient. A yeast infection causes intense itching and some weird looking discharge, while a UTI causes a never-ending feeling that you are going to pee yourself.

You don’t want either of these conditions.

Let’s talk about some do’s and don’ts of vaginal caretaking.

First off, never douche. Ever. This is probably the worst thing you can do to your vagina. It throws off the pH balance of your vagina so severely that it can cause problems for months after doing it. Let your vagina handle its own internal cleaning and only clean the outside.

Again, don’t use harsh soap near the vagina. In all reality water and your hand will work the best.

I know, I know, “What if I smell?”

Spoiler alert: all vaginas have a scent because they are wet. This being said, the normal scent profile for the vagina can range from musky to sweet smelling. If your vagina starts to smell bad, like a fishy odor, then you should go see your gynecologist because it can be a symptom of a more severe problem.

And again, douching will make the odor problem worse, so don’t do it.

Another way you can keep your vagina happy is by keeping it comfortable. Many of the panties on the market are made of nylon or polyester, and though those silk panties feel nice, they aren’t the best option for your vagina. You want to wear cotton panties because they are breathable and will wick away moisture, keeping you feeling fresh.

It’s OK to wear a pair or two of the fancy silky undies on special occasions - just make sure that most days you go for cotton.

Also, after you are done working out, make sure to change out of your workout clothes. The bacteria in sweat are not something you want hanging out near your vagina for long periods of time. My personal trick is to keep a fresh pair of leggings in my gym bag along with a package of baby wipes, which are vagina safe.

So remember: Your vagina is self-cleaning. Water will clean your vulva just fine. Every vagina has an odor. Wear cotton undies. Change after working out.

A few easy steps to a healthy and happy hooha.

Lauren Paolini Staff Writer I’ll let you in on a little secret - periods suck.

There’s cramps, there’s headaches, there’s nausea, and yes, there’s blood.

If talking about all this offends you, let me offer you a tissue to wipe your tears.

It’s free in any public bathroom, unlike tampons and liners.

It has boggled my mind since puberty that in order to get a tampon/pad from a public restroom, you’re forced to cough up a quarter.

Now, I understand the argument that these products cost money. I pay too much money for them every month - I am aware of the cost. Let’s not forget that menstrual products are also taxed in most states because they are considered “luxury products.”

Let me tell you - periods are no luxury.

However, in public restrooms, we are not charged for toilet paper, soap, seat covers, or paper towels.

So I must ask, “Why the charge for a tampon or pad that isn’t even good quality?”

If your monthly friend decides to surprise you at the mall, a restaurant, or another public place, there are usually pads/tampons available in the bathroom for 25 cents. I know that is not much to charge - but that’s the point.

These products are only 25 cents each, a small price for a business to pay compared to everything else that is provided in bathrooms.

While most people who menstruate have the trusty emergency tampon waiting to be the chosen one at the bottom of our bags, there are plenty of times when we are caught off guard

by Aunt Flo. I also rarely have coins on me to feed to the patriarchal tampon/ pad machine. My quarters are reserved for laundry, and I’ve yet to see a public bathroom that takes Venmo.

I don’t watch “Game of Thrones,” but I do know what the Red Wedding is, and I’m sure we’d all rather keep that on-screen and not in our favorite pair of mom jeans.

I’m not asking for much. Based on a five-day cycle (I wish), the average person who menstruates pays $1,773.33 in tampons and $443.33 on liners in their lifetime, according to huffpost.com.

Of course, this varies from ovary to ovary, but this just gives you an idea of how expensive it is to have a uterus.

This doesn’t include the cost of new underwear, heating pads, birth control, pain relievers, and hormonal turmoil that happens every single month - if you’re lucky enough to be regular.

Now, there are many people around the world who do not have access to any menstrual products, and I am not ungrateful that I am able to buy a tampon or liner any time I need one.

To be completely honest, I think all period products should be free and accessible to anyone who needs them.

I know these cost money to manufacture, but maybe we can put the 21 cents missing from my paycheck to good use?

[Editor’s note: Due to the unfortunate stigma surrounding women discussing sex, the author of this column has requested to use the pseudonym “Kay Ann.”]

Ashley Wall / THE GATEPOST

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

OP/ED

APRIL 19, 2019 | 9

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10 | APRIL 19, 2019

OP/ED

Gatepost Grievances

Bikers, give drivers back our roads

By Ashley Wall Editorial Staff

By Donald Halsing Editorial Staff Don’t misread our message - we appreciate a lovely bike ride.

“Normal people” ride their bicycles on bike trails or along quiet side streets. But some people cycle on busy main roads.

“Sharing the road” is dangerous for cyclists and motorists.

Current Massachusetts bike laws state that bicyclists “shall be subject to the traffic laws and regulations of the commonwealth.”

However, if you were to compare a bicycle to a car in regards to their overall safety, it is clear they should not be treated equally in the eyes of the government.

Structurally, the average 3-ton car is not equal to the average 20-pound bicycle. In a car vs. bicycle crash, the bike will be flattened like a pancake.

Not only are bicycles unprotected in a collision, their operators perform daredevil maneuvers which deserve to be in the circus.

Motor vehicles are subject to strict regulations, while bicycles seem to wander like lost ants in between traffic. How is that “equal”?

Bicycles cut off motorists, especially when making left turns.

Conversely, cars cannot swerve to avoid these pesky pedaling people.

If motorists were to deviate in order to avoid a collision, then the risk of smashing into an oncoming vehicle is also generated. Common drivers do not possess the reaction time to avoid lane-cutting cyclists.

The worst impact of cyclists on the main roads is that they slow down traffic when motorists cannot pass. This creates miles of traffic jams.

“What about adding more bicycle lanes?” you might ask. There are bike lanes in lots of cities, but they are far too small to maintain safe separation on the roads.

In many cities, it is illegal to ride bicycles on the sidewalk.

However, with so few lanes made specifically for bikes, it is difficult to find real estate for cyclists.

Cycling is dangerous.

Consider this real example of what not to do if you want to live as a bicyclist: On Sunday, we were driving back to school along Rt. 135, about 12 hours before the Boston Marathon would claim that asphalt, between Framingham and Hopkinton. A considerable number of cyclists were riding along this road: at 8:30 p.m.!

First of all, the only section of that road with bicycle lanes was in Framingham. The thoroughfare between Ashland and Hopkinton was not wide enough for two lanes of road and bicycles on either side.

The road has many hills and curves, making it difficult to see cyclists and to pass them safely.

More importantly, it was nighttime. Spotting the bicycles, as a motorist, was especially challenging in the dark. Their little headlights and pulsing red tail lights did not help determine where the bikes were.

We suggest several improvements to current bicycle practices: Modify current laws in place to guarantee the safety of both cyclists and motorists. Altered laws should require generous bike lanes on every road.

If you choose to be one of the senseless night riders, be sure to wear reflective gear and lights so motorists can actually see you coming on the roads.

Ultimately, if you see oncoming bicyclists, make the bright decision to move out of their way while also being watchful of the approaching traffic beside you.

So, pedal-power enthusiasts, listen up and give drivers our roads back.

[Editor’s note: Gatepost Grievances is a bi-weekly column. The opinions of the authors do not reflect the opinions of the entire Gatepost staff.]

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

What happy fRAMily?

By Gordon Rupert Editorial Staff One of Framingham State’s biggest advertising buzzwords is the fRAMily.

The fRAMily is the idea that student connection is a foundation of the University - a commonly accepted and encouraged aspect of student life on campus.

The concept of fRAMily is plastered everywhere, from advertisements aimed at incoming students to promotional materials for new clubs and organizations.

The only problem is that, from where I’m sitting, the fRAMily just doesn’t exist.

Students seem largely disconnected from one another, rarely going outside of their small friend groups or interacting with each other outside of classes or clubs.

Largely, students seem to self-isolate, going out of their way to keep from saying hello or making eye-contact with previous classmates or acquaintances.

Conversation, likewise, is kept to a minimum with anyone a student might be unfamiliar with.

The first few weeks of classes are always sullen and silent - not even small talk about the weather or the class itself goes on until everyone feels comfortable sitting in the same place.

Even then, it’s nothing more than pleasantries or a short, one-sided conversation that makes it clear talking isn’t a virtue here.

For all the claims about a strong,

interconnected community, the actual amount of interaction is minimal, and I question how much is really the fault of the administration, as they are so often the scapegoat in situations like this.

Obviously, fRAMily isn’t a term coined by the student body. Neither is the fact that nearly half of all undergraduate students are commuters who traditionally have a more difficult time being involved in campus life because events and clubs typically run late.

But it’s just not the administration’s fault when it comes down to the student body’s popular personal choice of non-interaction with peers.

Everything at the University is in its own bubble.

Each club, sport, activity, and student exists in their own isolated bubble, and they never reach out of it unless they need something.

This kind of behavior builds a culture where people are paranoid about friendly human contact, and worried that they are only being talked to because of an ulterior motive.

People shouldn’t live in a place where being friendly or polite is unacceptable.

Take the time to break the bubble, go outside your comfort zone, and start a conversation with someone you don’t know yet.

If that’s something you aren’t going to try, then say hello to someone from class. It won’t get rid of every bubble on this campus, but it can help pop one.

OP/ED

APRIL 19, 2019 | 11

Campus Conversations Do you support the Stop & Shop workers’ strike? Why or why not?

By Evan Lee and Kathleen Moore

“Oh, hell yeah! I have some friends who work there. I want their benefits to be protected. I think they have every right to be out there.”

-Abbie Mann, senior

“I feel bad for the workers, but I love Stop & Shop. I always shop there.”

-Eliza Weisse, freshman

“Yeah, I do. They’re going through a tough time without pay.”

-Kevin Durant, freshman

“Yes! I used to work for Stop & Shop.

Those are my friends out there, and they’re not getting paid.”

-Sarah Sagan, freshman

“Yes! Unions are dope.”

-Cam Raia, senior

“I agree with them. I think people should be able to live on minimum wage, and a lot of people can’t right now.”

-Sky Scott, freshman

Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.

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ARTS & FEATURES

12 | APRIL 19, 2019

ARTS & FEATURES The Couch Boys Interview

Olivia Wilde, Beanie Feldstein, and Kaitlyn Dever Director and cast of ‘Booksmart’

By Brennan Atkins Asst. Arts & Features Editor

By Noah Barnes Entertainment Correspondent [Editor’s Note: Olivia Wilde directed, “Booksmart,” featuring Beanie Feldstein as Molly, and Kaitlyn Dever as Amy. “Booksmart” is a comedy about two high school girls that always thought they were ahead of everyone else because they didn’t party and focused on studying instead. They eventually became aware of the fact that everyone else in their class is also going to equally prestigious schools. This causes them to rally up for one last night of partying. Gatepost staff members Brennan Atkins and Noah Barnes were invited to particpate in a free screening and Q&A following the film.]

Q: You mentioned you only had 26 days to shoot the film - I was wondering what the pre-production process was?

Olivia Wilde (OW): Well, you know, the most important partner for a director beyond the cast, producer, and their support system is their AD (assistant director). I had the best AD in the business. … And he acknowledged the challenge of the 26-day shoot. He asked me if I was discouraged or terrified, and I said, “Nope, I know we can do it. We are going to ask a lot of actors though, and we’re going to have to really prepare.” And he ensured that I had sufficient time with each actor to rehearse, because I knew once we got on set that we would not have the necessary time to have those conversations. So, it was about carving out time in pre-production to spend time with the cast. It was about scouting several times - I went to each location three times. I rehearsed on location with the cast when possible, which was also really, really helpful. I basically had the entire movie shot on the wall of the pre-production office. ... I think you can prepare an enormous amount and still allow surprises, allow flexibility, and that’s such an important part of the process. You really need to make the movie before you make the movie so you know it so well so you can allow things to evolve and change because then, the performers bring a completely different energy to it.

Q: Where did the inspiration come from for the film?

OW: My dream was to make something - to make a generational anthem. I was inspired by movies like “The Breakfast Club,” “Dazed and Confused,” “Clueless,” and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” so that had always been a dream for me. I was always wondering, “Where’s my ‘Breakfast Club?’” and I didn’t know how that would come into my life. I then read an original draft of the script and I thought, “Oh it’s in here. It’s inside this story. But it needs to be updated to fit this generation, to honor this generation and how evolved they are.”

Q: I think one of the funniest things in the movie is that realization that some of us have that’s like, “Are we the a**holes?” Is that something you wanted to explore in this movie?

OW: Absolutely! I think our greatest goal was to kind of question the judgment we are all guilty

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Courtesy of Noah Barnes From left to right: Katie Selberman, Olivia Wilde, Beanie Feldstein, Kaitlyn Dever, Brennan Atkins and Noah Barnes. of at that age, and it’s natural. High school is a war.

The stakes are very high and it becomes challenging not to put people in categories, because you’re doing it to feel safe. You’re doing it to understand the structure. So, when it becomes “Lord of the Flies,” and you’re trying really hard to protect yourself emotionally and to survive an intense environment, we’re all guilty of judging people. I - certainly as an adolescent - decided, well, “That person must be mean, and that person has it out for me,” just to organize society in a way that made sense, but of course, if we are categorizing others, we are doing it to ourselves. I think this is something people realize in their 30s - everyone is complicated. Everyone is dealing with pain and challenges of their own, and it’s probably not about you. ... To answer your question, yes, that idea of maybe we are constructing this paradigm ourselves and it’s not actually the people around us.

Q: Did the acting come naturally, as you’re around the age of the characters?

Beanie Feldstein: Well, Kaitlyn and I lived together when we were shooting the film, and so by the time we were shooting the film, we were just in each other’s lap, sharing food, like there was so much trust there, and so much love there that I feel like we just layered Molly and Amy on top of this foundation that we created. But as far as my character, Molly, she didn’t actually come that easily to me. I felt really intimidated by her - I think I was really curious, as I’ve always played the supporting character that makes a joke, then leaves, and they don’t continue on in the story, and so I was really intimidated to kind of be on the two-person journey where the two of us are the story, and we are taking

the story forward. Anytime I got scared, I would just look at Kaitlyn and I would feel better.

Kaitlyn Dever: It was really nice to have Beanie’s hand to hold throughout the whole process because, again, we had never led a film before, and that’s super scary. I think it’s always amazing to have that best friend to go through something scary with. You also can’t fake chemistry, I think, so it was very easy to love Beanie. I think it was about doing normal, real-life things together. ... It was all about me and Beanie, going to get breakfast together, going to get gas together, and listening to music.

Q: How did you find that chemistry?

OW: First of all, kind of amazing. I had a sense that they would have perfect chemistry, and I assured the studio that they would have perfect chemistry and that we should make these offers and do this. Kaitlyn was already on the project and it was the most exciting news to hear that Beanie would be joining in as well. The moment right before they met, I realized that they never met. I was like, “Oh my God, what if they don’t like each other?” and instead, they met and hugged for what seemed like forever and held hands throughout the rest of the day.

CONNECT WITH BRENNAN ATKINS batkins@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH NOAH BARNES nbarnes@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

APRIL 19, 2019 | 13

Kristen Bennett brings the cosmos to FSU

By Robert Johnson Jr. Asst. Arts & Features Editor Kristen Bennett, an FSU English professor, along with three members of the Hilltop Players and Mary MacDonald, a planetarium educator, gave a presentation in the FSU Planetarium, April 10.

The presentation, “‘All the World’s a Stage’: Cosmographical Contemplation in Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It,’” covered the history of censorship in the time of Shakespeare, as well as the concepts that inspired the many works he wrote in his lifetime, namely those involving the topic of space.

Bennett also discussed whether “As You Like It” is a satirical play.

“Critics are divided about whether Shakespeare writes satirically in ‘As You Like It,’” said Bennett.

Other scholars argue “this knit playfulness only lightly veiled its personal, political satire.”

“In 1590s England, words and ideas were a matter of life and death.

Shakespeare and his contemporaries demonstrated their extraordinary literary creativity, as they pushed the boundaries of what could be said in a state governed by censorship,” said Bennett.

“Any critique of Elizabeth I’s gov-

ernment, religion, or court was very often met with interrogation that, subsequently, led to torture, imprisonment, and/or grizzly execution. …

One had to be savvy about what they said and how they said it,” Bennett added.

During the presentation, members of the Hilltop Players interject-

edge concerning libels,” recited Mauriello as they read a selection from a May 11, 1593 letter to Sir R. Martin, Anthony Ashley, and Alderman Buckle.

“Cicero’s dream of Scipio in the Republic, in addition to the theory of cosmographical contemplation whereby his fellow Roman states-

“Any critique of Elizabeth I’s government, religion, or court was very often met with interrogation that, subsequently, led to torture, imprisonment, and/or grizzly execution. … One had to be savvy about what they said and how they said it,” - Kristen Bennett, FSU English Professor

ed with recited quotes from “As You Like It,” emphasizing key points in Bennett’s presentation. The members in attendance included Kit Mauriello, Kyle Hicks, and Christan Tracy.

“And after you shall have examined the persons, you shall by authority put them to torture in Bridewell, and by the extremity thereof, draw them to discover their knowl-

trust in human rewards for your exploits,” read Hicks, assuming the role of Scipio Africanus’ spirit.

Near the end of the presentation, Mauriello and Hicks recited the famous “All the world’s a stage” speech, bringing the presentation back to Shakespeare’s work.

“I’m starting to get it after listening to this presentation for the third time,” said MacDonald as she began the Planetarium’s portion of the project.

Using the Planetarium’s technology, MacDonald took the 20 people in attendance on a journey to the end of the universe, explaining the history of how the universe was documented in Shakespeare’s time, as well as the contributions that the age of exploration provided to studying space.

“This is not all it is. … I think we need to go back,” said MacDonald upon completing the tour, before the presentation went back to the starting point on Earth.

“I urge you all to think like an Elizabethan the next time you look up at the sky,” said Bennett.

men may reflect upon their places in the world, in relation to the cosmic heavens, ideally realizing the path to a moral and civic virtue …

Shakespeare’s hardly the first to deploy the Ciceroean trope for satire’s sake,” Bennett said.

“If you will only look on high and contemplate this eternal home and resting place, you will no longer at- CONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. tend to the gossip herd or put your rjohnson10@student.framingham.edu

FSU students show off their skills at ‘Framingham’s Got Talent’

By Thomas Maye Staff Writer The auditorium came alive at the “Framingham’s Got Talent” show in DPAC April 11.

The competition was judged by Linda Vaden-Goad, provost and vice president of academic affairs, Arielle Joy “A.J.” Brent, assistant director/orientation coordinator for new student and family programs, and Loretta Holloway, vice president for enrollment and student development.

Classmates showed off skills varying from baton twirling and board chopping, to emotional song and dance routines.

Performances kicked off with a steamy jazz dance to Christina Aguilera’s “Fall In Line” by the FSU Fusion Dance Team, filled with twirls, pirouettes, and synchronized drops.

Afterward, senior Amber Magin went on to perform a sensitive rendition of Dodie’s song, “Would you be so Kind,” strumming the ukulele alongside delicate vocals. The song captures the breathless anticipation of young love, with lyrics like, “Would you be so kind as to fall in love with me?”

Brent said, “Your performance was delightful. … I wish I had a private concert.”

Holloway said, “Thank you for filling up the stage with who you are and with your presence. It’s a gentle song, so being able to sit there and make us feel connected to you and connected to the song made it all that much better.”

Magin’s intimate song contrasted with junior Jenni Fonseca’s high-energy baton-twirling performance.

Donning a glittering black and gold outfit for FSU colors, Fonseca appeared to make batons emerge from thin air, while crowd members gasped.

Fonseca dropped her batons twice in the dizzying performance, but judge Holloway praised her for not letting it hold back her performance - “You bounced right back,” she said.

“Baton twirling is sometimes an underappreciated talent - it takes years to master what you just did this night,” Vaden-Goad said.

“I was so mesmerized by your performance and all your skills,” Brent said. “I was stunned with what you were doing with one baton, awestruck with what you did with two, and completely blown away for the third.”

Dance team members Sarah Flint, Emily LaHair, and Tess Marchioni then returned onstage for their own emotional group performance to Billie Eilish and Khalid’s “Lovely.”

Holloway complimented the performance’s emotional expressiveness.

Vaden-Goad commended the unity and cohesion of their performance, saying they “really played off each other.”

Brent said, “It just captivated my soul.”

Student Jess Zamboni’s attempt to chop a wooden board with a punch was unsuccessful - she explained she had a swollen hand from practicing the night before - but judges congratulated Zamboni’s efforts, and asked her not to further injure herself.

Sophomore Haley Chase and senior Nicole Valerio tugged on heartstrings during their graceful dance to Demi Lovato’s “Sober.”

Heads perked up as senior Stephen Donnelly delivered high notes from his theatrical singing of “Words Fail,” from the play, “Dear Evan Hansen.”

“It’s really hard to be on stage, by yourself, and be vulnerable,” VadenGoad said. “Your voice is amazing.”

Brent said, “That demonstrated the depths of your talent as a singer. … I couldn’t even sing half of a note of what you just did.”

Holloway said, “That’s a very difficult song to sing, not just emotionally, but also because it has a lot of

musical changes. You went there.

There was no hesitation. … That’s not only brave, but a skill.”

The Fusion Dance Team returned with a dance to Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way,” from the film, “A Star Is Born.”

Judges seemed to face a difficult decision - after a few minutes went by, senior Sydney Chase, host of the show, asked the crowd for knockknock jokes to fill the time.

“What did the leaf say to the wind?” an audience member called out - “Leaf me alone!”

Fonseca won first place, receiving an Amazon Fire Cube as a prize, while Donnelly got an Amazon Kindle for winning second place, and Flint, Lahair, and Marchioni received an Amazon Echo dot for third place.

The judges also announced the winners numbers of the student raffle who won two free tickets to see a performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre on tour.

Students who arrived early received free commemorative T-shirts of the talent show in FSU’s signature colors.

CONNECT WITH THOMAS MAYE tmaye1@student.framingham.edu

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14 | APRIL 19, 2019

ARTS & FEATURES

Students win big at the Literary Awards in the Ecumenical Center

By Robert Johnson Jr. Asst. Arts & Features Editor Students received recognition for their writing at the Student Creative Writing Awards, hosted by the English department April 18 in the Heineman Ecumenical Center.

Student writers competed in two categories: The Marjorie Sparrow Awards for poetry and The Howard Hirt Awards for fiction and creative nonfiction.

The writers who received awards at the ceremony were Jameson Frederick, Taylor Anderson, Cordelia Stark, Pixie Smolowitz, Damely Estrada, John Malešević, Janella Tibbets, Jesús Ruelas Garcia, and Elizabeth Paulsen.

Samuel Witt, an English professor, said, “We are so incredibly privileged to celebrate the work of our gifted students.”

The Marjorie Sparrow Awards were judged by Chen Chen, a poet known for his debut book, “When I Grow Up I Want to Be a List of Further Possibilities.” He also recently visited FSU, earlier this month, as the Miriam Levine Reader.

Witt said, “Seldom has a first book, or any book, for that matter, taken the literary world nationally, by its neck, scrubbing its neck in a good way.”

Frederick and Anderson received honorable mentions for their pieces, “Little Toy Soldier” and “The Fall of

Ebony,” respectively. Stark’s piece, “Love, Your Nomad,” took the thirdplace prize, and Smolowitz’s piece, “Cherry Pop!,” took second.

Estrada’s winning piece, “Willow Street in July,” received the firstplace prize for poetry.

“What a moving poem,” said Chen Chen in his judge’s remarks. “What clear and piercing and expansive vision this poem offers to us, with its particularities and idiosyncrasies and description. … This poem reminds us noticing can be an art.”

Estrada’s poem dealt with subjects of Hispanic culture, as well as the concept of gentrification in vulnerable neighbourhoods, and how that process eliminates cultures.

Witt said, “I think I speak for the department and the community when I say that we are so proud of all this work. I think this work illustrates the diversity in our program for student writing, and I just couldn’t be happier.”

Patricia Horvath, English professor, presented The Howard Hirt Awards for fiction and creative nonfiction awards. The section were judged by Kelly Ford, author of “Cottonmouths.” Ford was the Miriam Levine Reader in April 2018.

Malešević and Tibbets received honorable mentions for their pieces “The Deep Sleep” and “Random Inspiration.” Garcia won third place with “El immigrante” and Paulsen received second place with a Viet-

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST Damely Estrada recites her first-place poem, “Willow Street in July.” nam War-era piece, “Men on the Describing her creative process, Moon.”

Smolowitz “wanted to take a scary Smolowitz won first place with trope - someone being haunted her piece, “Helping Hand.” and put a more pleasant spin on it. I “I am struck by so many things also wanted to give a happy ending about her writing,” said Horvath. to people who so often don’t get one “To begin with, there’s her work in fiction.” ethic. She takes the revision process Smolowitz added, “The trickiest seriously.” part was keeping Sam’s gender a seIn Ford’s remarks, she described cret until the reveal, without makit as “a wonderful entry that re- ing the lack of gendered language minds me of some of the great sto- suspicious.” ries being told in the contemporary At the end of the ceremony, Witt young adult market.” promoted next week’s launch of The “Helping Hand” told the story of Onyx, also to be hosted in the EcuBee, a girl who has a crush on a per- menical Center April 25 at 6:30 p.m. son named Sam but has difficulties with conveying her feelings. A ghost eventually convinces her to undertake a Herculean task, which turned CONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. rjohnson10@student.framingham.edu out to be easier than expected.

42. Gets started on 46. Pompadours, e.g.

47. Panache 48. Most eccentric 52. Chalet style, often 54. Designer Maya 55. “Elder” Roman statesman 56. *Superfood from a hive 58. Underworld boss 59. Video chat slowness 60. “Slipstream” singer Bonnie 61. Pigtail 62. Tiny work unit 63. Samsung Galaxy downloads 64. Houston baseball pro

DOWN

ACROSS

1. “Despicable Me” girl 6.“In that case ...”

10. Pug’s foot 13. Game with a hard eight bet 14. Clean thoroughly 15. In days gone by 16. Airplane seating area 17. *Instrumental figure 19. Real hoot 20. Overhead smash lead-in 21. Made head lines?

22. “White meat tuna” 24. Imprint in glass 25. Newbie at West Point 26. Remove surgically 29. *”Why I oughta ...” Stooge 33. Chinese principle 34. Han Solo’s weapon 35. Tag for a specific purpose 39. Plugs 40. *Had vision trouble at a bar

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1. Ghana’s capital 2. “Holy” quest item 3. Bigwig 4. Grave inscriptions 5. W-2 ID 6. Cold cold one 7. Cook, as donuts 8. Evening meal 9. Not quite spherical 10. Settle up at a saloon 11. “A Death in the Family” author James 12. Triple ___ score (Scrabble space) 14. Hershey toffee treats 18. Electrical discharge shapes 20. Lerner’s partner 23. What platelets let blood do 27. Sagan of “Cosmos” 28. Cigarette drag 29. Many i-bankers’ degrees 30. Ye ___ Tavern 31. Hidden bonus 32. Cutoff temperature for morning moisture 36. Expansion 37. Five-point chess piece 38. “Kinky Boots” and “Aladdin” 41. Puffinlike babies 43. High-five, e.g.

44. Goth queen in “Titus Andronicus” 45. Single trip around a track 49. Constantly bother 50. Step in a flight

51. “The Lone Ranger” friend whose catchphrase can be heard at the starred answers’ starts 52. Willing and ___ 53. Cold sweat emotion 57. Gloss target 58. Place for a sauna

Puzzle solutions are now exclusively online.

ARTS & FEATURES

APRIL 19, 2019 | 15

‘You vs. Wild’ surprisingly tame

By Gordon Rupert Editorial Staff

Grade: B “Booksmart” is a strong first entry from Wilde.

Grade: B+ One of the funniest things I’ve seen. But it’s not supposed to be.

ADMIT ONE

[Editor’s note: Brennan Atkins and Noah Barnes were invited to take part in an early free screening of “Booksmart.”]

Olivia Wilde has been an actress in Hollywood for quite some time now, with roles ranging from shows like “House” to big budget movies such as “Tron: Legacy.”

Wilde now makes her directorial debut with the comedy flick “Booksmart,” which features Kaitlyn Dever as Amy, and Beanie Feldstein as Molly.

The movie focuses in on two academic superstars ready to graduate high school, and while their GPAs may be among the best, their social lives are less than perfect.

They haven’t experienced parties and romantic interests, but are satisfied that they will go to Ivy League schools while the rest of the class lags behind.

Until they find out the day before graduation that everyone seems to be doing just as well as them academically, while also enjoying the party life.

This results in them feeling as if they wasted the last four years, and they make it their mission to have one night of the high school experience before they go their separate ways in college.

One of the most interesting concepts in the film is the theme itself, as it’s unique. In high school, people put others into cliques and groups and label that whole group as a certain personality. The film questions these cliques, and how more often than not, people don’t want to go out of their way to cause harm - they just want to make it through high school.

The duo, Feldstein and Dever, are quite natural, which makes sense as they became great friends in real life during shooting.

They have an almost “Superbad” vibe going on, where they are the outsiders among the crowd, but make their own fun out of situations.

They were genuinely skilled at evoking emotion from the audience, as it’s uncomfortable to see two people who never disagree, disagree. The film shows that their relationship is strong enough for the audience to care about.

Some of the other characters are well written. More often than not, Hollywood addresses having a gay character by hav-

ADMIT ONE

By Noah Barnes Entertainment Correspondant

ing their whole personality being centered around being gay, almost in a shallow fashion. In this film, it’s nothing more than it should be - just the character’s sexuality.

The way the film was shot was unique compared to other comedies, including one-shot scenes that never cut away and follow the character continuously. These are difficult to pull off, and the scenes in which they did this must’ve required a good deal of choreography, so it’s impressive, to say the least.

Its soundtrack was surprisingly exciting.

We were certainly not expecting Anderson .Paak’s “Come Down” to be in a movie like this. It’s somewhat niche, and a perfect piece to showcase the taste of the music of this generation.

The comedy itself is natural and lighthearted, and a breath of fresh air compared to most modern comedies. Many comedies shovel humor onto the audience, in an almost forceful barrage of subpar jokes, hoping one will land. This isn’t the case with this film, as most jokes landed, and it wasn’t oversaturated.

However, there are a couple of odd choices made throughout the film. There’s a point in the movie when it suddenly changed to stop motion. Perhaps the humor is in the transition itself, but for the most part, it felt out of place.

There were moments when we thought the narrative would become more chaotic, in a similar way to “Project X,” but surprisingly, it became more contained as the movie went on.

While there are some strange elements to the movie, and it’s definitely tailored toward millennials, it’s certainly an impressive directorial debut movie from Wilde, and Feldstein and Dever also show they have the potential for bigger projects.

ADMIT ONE

By Brennan Atkins Asst. Arts & Features Editor

ADMIT ONE

Olivia Wilde proves she’s more than just an actress

In “You vs. Wild,” the viewer controls the actions of Bear Grylls, combat veteran, outdoorsman, and expert survivalist, to help him survive and thrive in the harshest environments in the world.

“You vs. Wild” employs an interactive concept new to Netflix commonly known as “choose your own adventure.”

Netflix revived the concept with the show “Black Mirror,” in the episode “Bandersnatch.”

In a choose your own adventure show, at certain points in time, the viewer is prompted to make one of two decisions, resulting in two different possible clips being played. This results in the story forking off into completely different experiences based on the user’s choices.

While new to Netflix, the concept began with books, and has seen a recent resurgence in the video game community with major hits from Telltale such as “The Wolf Among Us” and “The Walking Dead.”

The episodes in “You vs. Wild” are inconsistent in length, ranging from 14 to 26 minutes, only four of which are standalone episodes.

The show has very high production quality, just as Grylls’ previous show did, with a full crew carrying video and sound equipment, all while shooting from several camera angles, through jungles, deserts, abandoned mines, and knee-deep snow in the deadly Swiss Alps.

It seems as though almost all the budget went to this quality of production, however, with poor writing when it comes to the several potentially deadly rescues Grylls performs over the eight episodes.

Further, when it comes to the decision making, the choices are often meaningless, goofy, or intended to teach a lesson that is so heavy-handed with its delivery, the viewer is compelled to choose the correct option.

My favorite choice within the series was whether Grylls would eat a mushroom he found on the ground.

“I know this isn’t a deadly mushroom, but it might make me really sick - it’s a gamble,” said Grylls. “Or I can have these [flower] buds over here, that I know are safe to eat.

You’re in charge - the choice is up to you.”

I chose the mushroom.

While the show is meant to be a serious, action-adventure series, I found Grylls’ antics unbelievably hilarious.

From performing calisthenics to warm up, to doing at least two takes where he front and backflips out of a helicopter into a lake, everything Grylls does is with pure enthusiasm, and reckless abandon for his own comfort.

The basic idea is a solid hit - reviving the massively popular show, “Man vs. Wild,” while giving it a new dynamic to separate it as its own series, and testing new concepts Netflix is interested in.

It should have been a great reboot and continuation of the original series.

It should have walked the line between real danger and fantastical adventure.

It succeeded in neither of these objectives.

But it turned out to be absurdist comedy gold, and I can’t wait for the next season.

CONNECT WITH BRENNAN ATKINS batkins@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH NOAH BARNES nbarnes@student.framingham.edu

CONNECT WITH GORDON RUPERT grupert1@student.framingham.edu

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SPORTS

16 | APRIL 19, 2019

SPORTS Baseball splits doubleheader to move into third place in the MASCAC

By Matt Ferris Sports Editor Framingham State hosted the Worcester State Lancers in a MASCAC game April 14.

The Lancers jumped out to a quick lead in the top of the first. After a oneout double, Ben Palatino delivered an RBI single to go up 1-0.

Worcester State added another run in the top of the second with a solo home run off the bat of Kenan Kolanda, making it 2-0.

The Rams answered back in the bottom of the third to cut into their deficit.

With no outs and the bases loaded, Joe Ambrosino hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Gino Desimone to score to make it 2-1.

Another sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth tied the game for the Rams.

Kyle Dembrowski supplied the RBI as Kyle Lippert crossed the plate, making it 2-2.

Framingham struck again for another run in the bottom of the sixth. After a one-out double from Bobby Higgins, Desimone ripped an RBI single to give the Rams a 3-2 lead, the eventual final score.

Kyle Hodgson picked up the win for the Rams, pitching all seven innings, surrendering two runs, and striking out 10. He is now 6-1 on the year.

Aaron Williams and Desimone led the Rams offensively in the win, as both players went 2-for-3 at the plate.

With the victory, the Rams are now 13-12 on the year and 7-4 in the MASCAC.

FRAMINGHAM STATE 3 WORCESTER STATE 2 In the second game of the doubleheader against Worcester State, both teams got off to a slow start offensively.

The Lancers struck first, but not until the top of the fourth inning. Kevin Larkin grounded into a double play, allowing a run to score.

The Rams answered right back in the next half inning to tie the game 1-1.

Andrew Curtis delivered an RBI single that allowed Ambrosino to cross the plate.

Framingham struck again in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead. Higgins blasted a two-run homer to put the Rams up 3-1.

Worcester responded in the sixth with an RBI single from Seth Leslie, making it a one-run game.

The Rams got the run right back in the next half inning as RC Goodman

Gatepost Archives This season, the Rams are batting .264 as a team with 11 home runs.

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scored on a wild pitch to make it 4-2 Framingham.

The Lancers struck for three runs in the top of the seventh, taking a 5-4 lead heading into the last half inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Rams were able to load the bases, but Curtis popped out to end the game.

Al Wallach pitched for the Rams as he picked up his first loss of the season.

He went 6.2 innings, allowing two runs and striking out three.

Cory Caraher, Dembrowski, and Curtis all went 2-for-3 in the game to lead the Rams’ offense.

With the loss, the Rams fall to 13-13 on the year and 7-5 in the conference.

WORCESTER STATE 5 FRAMINGHAM STATE 4 The Rams took on the Lesley University Lynx in a nonconference game April 16.

Framingham jumped out to a quick start in the bottom of the first, striking for three runs in the opening frame. Anthony Herman and Goodman had RBIs in the inning.

In the bottom of the second, the Rams struck for two more runs - both on wild pitches - to increase their lead to 5-0.

The Rams exploded for nine runs in the bottom of the third to go up 14-0 after just three innings. Jared Macleod, Williams, Caraher, and Higgins all had one RBI in the inning. Ambrosino also added two RBIs and Goodman had three.

Framingham added four more runs late in the game, including a solo home run from Goodman to make it 18-4, the eventual final score.

Goodman carried the Rams as he went 3-for-5 at the plate with a home run and five RBIs. With the win, the Rams are now 14-13 on the year and 7-5 in the MASCAC.

FRAMINGHAM STATE 18 LESLEY 4

CONNECT WITH MATT FERRIS mferris2@student.framingham.edu

Gatepost Archives Framingham is 7-5 in the MASCAC, good for third place in the conference.

SPORTS

Softball remains undefeated in MASCAC

APRIL 19, 2019 | 17

Ferr or Foul

The Cardinals are on the clock

By Matt Ferris Sports Editor

Carlos Silva/ THE GATEPOST The Rams’s infielders meet in the pitcher’s circle before the inning starts.

By Carlos Silva Staff Writer Framingham traveled to Mass. Maritime April 15 for a doubleheader.

Led by Kirsten Dick, the Rams were able to win both games by outscoring Mass. Maritime 26-1.

The Rams did most of their scoring, during the first inning of the first game when they drove in six runs to start off.

The RBIs came from singles by Mycala Moody, Farrah Adams, Kaylea Sherman, Lauren Salisbury, and a pair of doubles from Dick.

Mass. Maritime was not able to handle the quick FSU start and was only able to muster up two hits during the entirety of the game.

Kelsi Gunarathne finished the game with an impressive 10 strikeouts to earn the 8-0 victory.

The second game of the doublehead-

FRAMINGHAM STATE MASS. MARITIME

8 0

er featured another dominant performance by the Rams.

Dick really shined in the game, going 3-for-4 on the day, with two HRs, and three RBIs. She also led the team with 5 RBI’s in total during both games.

Dick’s home runs brought FSU to a total of nine on the season, with three coming in MASCAC play.

CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

The Rams struck again quickly in this game, going up 8-0 after just two innings.

In the first inning, Moody doubled to right to bring in Camille Desrochers.

Next, Salisbury singled to center field, allowing Moody to score.

In the second inning, Dick stepped up to the plate and homered straight to center field on the first pitch of the at bat. Salisbury then hit a pop up to center field, which was dropped, allowing Moody to score.

Dick hit a two-run home run to left field in the fourth inning to put the Rams up 12-0.

They never looked back as the offense breezed through Mass. Maritime’s pitching throughout the rest of the game.

Mass. Maritime scored one run in the bottom of the fifth inning, taking the goose egg off the scoreboard and making the game 18-1.

With these wins, the Rams improved to 11-0 in the MASCAC and 17-11 in the season overall.

FRAMINGHAM STATE MASS. MARITIME

18 1

With just under a week until the 2019 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals still have no idea whom they will select with the first overall pick.

During an April 16 press conference, the team’s General Manager Steve Keim came out and said the team has yet to decide whom they will be drafting. They still have some evaluating to do before the draft.

Based on rumors that have been swirling around all offseason, it is reasonable to assume the Cardinals are between two players to pick first - Nick Bosa and Kyler Murray.

Bosa, who is rated as the best player in the draft by many experts, is a defensive end out of Ohio State.

He makes a lot of sense to go first for many reasons.

First, he is a defensive end and that is one position that the Cardinals need to upgrade from last season.

Last season, Arizona was the worst team in the NFL against the run - something that Bosa specializes in.

His biggest knock by scouts is his pass-rush ability.

However, the Cardinals were a top-10 team in sacks last season, so Bosa could learn from elite pass rushers on the Cardinals roster, including Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs.

Bosa’s family history will also bode well for him. His older brother Joey plays for the Los Angeles Chargers and is one of the best defensive players in the NFL. If he is just half of what his older brother is, he will have a good NFL career.

But what about Murray?

The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner had one of the best seasons in recent memory last year at Oklahoma.

However, quarterback isn’t really a team need for the Cardinals as they just drafted Josh Rosen in the first round last year.

But Rosen was less than impressive last season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns and winning just three games.

On top of that, the Cardinals just hired Kliff Kingsbury as their new head coach this offseason, and Murray fits his offensive scheme perfectly.

Murray not only has one of the biggest arms in the draft, but also one of the most accurate, too - not to mention, he is a freak athlete and was selected in the first round of the MLB Draft by the Oakland A’s.

The biggest problem with Murray is his size. He is significantly undersized as a quarterback, standing at five feet, 10 inches.

This is a whopping three inches shorter than 2018’s first overall pick, Baker Mayfield, who also was considered undersized.

Like Bosa, Murray also has a very high ceiling for potential, but his chance of being a bust is much higher.

So what should the Cardinals do?

Throw a hail mary.

Sure, Murray is a much riskier pick, but you don’t come across talent like his every day.

If Murray pans out, he could be one of the best players in the NFL with his dual-threat ability.

But if Bosa pans out, odds are he won’t be one of the best players in the NFL, but he will be a solid pro.

Bosa is the safer choice, but the reward is much lower.

The Cardinals, who were the worst team in football last season, don’t have time to be making the safe pick. They need to get risky and select their quarterback for the foreseeable future.

It will be very interesting to see what route the Cardinals take with the first pick.

One thing is for sure - whatever direction they decide to go, they can’t go wrong between Bosa and Murray.

CONNECT WITH MATT FERRIS mferris2@student.framingham.edu

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18 | APRIL 19, 2019

SPORTS

Gunarathne Continued from page 1 An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) - one of the major ligaments in the knee.

The recovery period for an ACL tear can span from two to six months. But it can take a full nine months before an athlete can return to their pre-ACL tear form.

Even after recovery, an athlete may never be the same. On the other hand, an athlete could also perform better than they did before the injury.

With the unstoppable run Gunarathne went on after her injury, it is safe to say she fell into the latter category.

Three years after the ACL tear, Gunarathne broke the all-time strikeout record and didn’t waste any time shattering another record, as she became the all-time wins leader in FSU softball history April 11.

Kelsi Gunarathne, the all-time wins and strikeouts leader at FSU, winds up to make a pitch.

She pitched a complete-game in the first half of a doubleheader against ERA, Gunarathne has made the most keep high grades to continue to play of her time off the diamond as well. softball, as well as set a good examSimmons to secure the record.

“My teammates have become such ple of what a student-athlete should “I had no idea I broke the record. close friends of mine.

Playing softdo,” Gunarathne said. “[It] also kept After both games were over, my coaches announced it to the team,” ball has given me the chance to make me from missing much class time, beGunarathne said. “I was very excited, lifelong friends and learn how to be a cause I knew I had to stay on top of but also knew that there was still a leader, along with multitasking and schoolwork when I did have to miss large portion of the season left to stay prioritizing my life,” Gunarathne said. class for games.”

“The best part about playing for the Working hard both on the field and focused on.”

Rams is that we have such great chemin the classroom is the epitome of beThe record had been held since the istry and really push each other to be ing a student-athlete. mid-90s before Gunarathne broke it.

“Student-athlete is the term and With two records in her back pock- better on the field and in the books.”

Oftentimes, a student-athlete is that’s what they are,” Miller said. et, Gunarathne has accomplished viewed solely an athlete. But the stu- “Student first, athlete second - and what very few college athletes have. dent part is just as - if not more - im- Kelsi is a great model of both.”

“Growing up, my family was very portant than the athlete part.

Now in her senior year as an ecointo softball, which is how I became College athletes sometimes run nomics major, Gunarathne is wrappassionate for it. I’d say they were all into problems when it comes to bal- ping up both her academic and athletvery excited and happy for me,” Guancing athletics and academics, but ic careers. narathne said. “They knew how hard some find a way to blend the two.

With the goal of becoming the FSU I worked after my ACL tear and saw “Having softball has really helped all-time strikeout and wins leader off the ups and downs I had throughout me keep track of my schoolwork. It the board, her final goal is obvious. college.” helped me maintain grades because “My goal, going forward, is to win Throughout her accomplished I knew I had a specific time frame one last MASCAC [title] with the softball career that has included two MASCAC titles and a career sub- 3.00 to do work. It also motivated me to amazing players on this team for my

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Carlos Silva/ THE GATEPOST

senior year,” Gunarathne said. “It’s been a journey that I definitely want to finish with a bang, and I couldn’t do it without the amazing support and chemistry I have from my team and coaching staff.”

As the season slowly winds down, Framingham is shooting to compete for a third-straight MASCAC title in a division they dominate.

At this point in the season, the Rams are 11-0 in the MASCAC. Gunarathne is a key reason they are successful in the conference as she holds a 7-0 record with a 0.18 ERA against conference teams.

With Gunarathne on the mound, the Rams have reason to believe they will secure a third-straight MASCAC title.

CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu

SPORTS

APRIL 19, 2019 | 19

Players of the week

Women’s Lacrosse survives overtime thriller against Westfield State

fsurams.com

Carlos Silva/ THE GATEPOST Hanna McMahon (15) maneuvers around a Westfield State defender.

By Liam Gambon Asst. Sports Editor Riding a four-game winning streak, the Rams traveled to Fitchburg to face off against their conference rivals April 13.

The Falcons struck first, but Framingham responded with six straight goals from five different players. Two of the goals came from Nicole Pacheco, both assisted by Shae Riley.

Fitchburg scored once more before the Rams put up two goals to close out the first half, taking an 8-2 lead.

Framingham stretched their lead to 11-2 in the first 11 minutes of the second half, with goals from Grace Gamache, Tara Palermo, and Alissa Marino.

Fitchburg struck next before each team traded off goals for the rest of the game, leading to a 15-5 victory for Framingham.

Palermo and Pacheco led the way for the Rams with three goals each. Indigo Fox Tree-McGrath picked up her 10th win on the season.

FRAMINGHAM STATE FITCHBURG STATE

15 5

The Rams’ next matchup came on the following Tuesday against Westfield State.

Framingham saw production across the board, but was led by Gamache, who came away with three goals and two assists.

Gamache controlled the outcome of the game from start to finish. She scored the opening goal and assisted on a Hanna McMahon one-timer goal, sending the game to overtime in the final two minutes of play.

With Westfield leading 9-8 and little time remaining, Gamache stood on the side of the Owls’ net and waited for an opportunity. She found McMahon in front of the goal, and she handled the rest.

“It was the best feeling in the world,” Gamache said.

“I was waiting for the right moment. [Coach] said be patient - get the right shot off. I saw the open cutter and fed it to her.”

In the final seconds of regulation, the Framingham defense held their own, keeping Westfield from scoring the go-ahead goal.

Once overtime came, the Rams dominated, controlling the ball up and down the field.

“We’ve never been in an overtime game. It was nerve-wracking,” Gamache said. “But we were definitely prepared for it.”

After starting the game off with a goal and assisting on the goal to send the game into overtime, Gamache fed the ball to Palermo, who dumped it into the back of the net to seal the 10-9 win for the Rams.

The Rams handled the biggest moments of the game with solid teamwork, resulting in success.

Head Coach James Rippey said, “Certainly in these close games, you don’t win without team effort, without believing in each other and fighting for each other.”

He added, “This is not a one-person show - you don’t win these games without everyone working together and coming together.”

Gamache said, “We’ve really come together as a team. We feed off each other’s energy and work really well together.”

She added, “If you look at all of our stats, most of our goals are off assists, which shows how much of a team we are and how much we play together.”

Gamache was the clear MVP of a game that was full of solid work from the Rams’ whole team.

Rippey said, “There’s a lot of things she does offensively that helps us. It’s been great to have her with us, to continue to build our team and build our offense through her.”

In addition to Gamache, multiple Rams filled the stat sheet.

Palermo, Hanna McMahon, and Jenna McMahon all had two goals in the game. Marino also had a goal of her own.

The Framingham defense was crucial to the victory as they shut down Westfield in the final eight minutes of play and all through overtime.

Rippey said, “You gotta give credit to the defense and our subs coming off the bench, playing big minutes, and keeping us fresh.”

With the win, Framingham has now redeemed itself for last season’s MASCAC Championship loss to Westfield.

Gamache said, “We’ve never beaten Westfield, so it’s a really good feeling. We lost to them in the championship last year, so it’s the best feeling.”

The Rams have now won six straight games and are sitting at the top of the MASCAC. Rippey said, “This is a special team win.”

FRAMINGHAM STATE WESTFIELD STATE CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu

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Kirsten Dick went 3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs in Softball’s 18-1 victory over Mass.

Maritime.

fsurams.com

RC Goodman went 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs in Baseball’s 18-4 win over Lesley.

fsurams.com

Tara Palermo scored two goals, including the game winner in overtime for Women’s Lacrosse against Westfield St.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

PHOTOS

Legally Blonde The Musical

Photographs by Ashley Wall/THE GATEPOST

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April 18-20, FSU Hilltop Players presented their production of “legally Blonde The Musical”

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20 | APRIL 19, 2019

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM