March 25, 2021

Volume 90 • Issue 19

FSUgatepost.com

March 25, 2022

Celebrating 90 years of serving Framingham State

90 YEARS

AND COUNTING

(Top) May Hall in the 1930s. The Gatepost was founded in 1932.

(Bottom) May Hall on March 6, 2022.

Courtesy of the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

INSIDE: SPORTS 10 • OP/ED 14 • ARTS & FEATURES 20

NEWS

2 | MARCH 25, 2022

Gatepost Interview

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Leighah Beausoleil

Kevin Foley

Associate Editors Donald Halsing Kathleen Moore

Chair of the Board of Trustees

By Kathleen Moore Associate Editor

News Editors Steven Bonini Haley Hadge Ashlyn Kelly

What is your educational and professional background?

Well, I am a proud alumni of Framingham State University for undergraduate - many years ago - but I am an alum and I have been in the finance and accounting field for corporations for a good number of years at this point in time as well.

Asst. News Editor Sophia Harris Opinions Editor McKenzie Ward Sports Editors Danielle Achin Tyler Wahl Arts & Features Editors Caroline Gordon Emily Rosenberg Asst. Arts & Features Editor Ryan O’Connell Design Editors Maddison Behringer Emma Lyons Copy Editor Patrick Brady Staff Writers James Barraford Jackson Clyde Dan Fuentes Dallas Gagnon Mark Haskell Stefano Hernandez Branden LaCroix Abby Petrucci Lydia Staber

Does your professional work aid with your role on the Board?

So, currently, right now, I have a lot of experience for corporate accounting areas. And so, certainly, accounting being the basis for a lot of what we do in the financial world - I’m certainly very savvy. But again, I’ve developed a lot of experience over the years from other work that I’ve done outside of my employer, and have been able to help as far as Framingham State, especially in the trustees, with governance, in leadership, as well as the financial aspects of being part of the Board of Trustees.

Multimedia Critics Sean Cabot Jack McLaughlin Ryan Schreiber Advisor Desmond McCarthy

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Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks

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Do you have any favorite memories from your time as a student at FSU? I had a wonderful experience as far as that. I had some really dedicated professors and I was really pleased with the quality of the education I received from Framingham State. And as a result, when I was able to actually have some time to give back I have actually gotten more involved with campus starting in about 2004 I joined the Framingham State University Foundation board and became more involved with that. Besides my professional career, I’ve also had a lot of different experiences in the last 25 years in either management or leadership positions with many nonprofit or non-governmental organi ations. I’ve been able to, especially with investments, and endowments, that I’ve been able to actually blend some of that some of that experience, first to Framingham State’s foundation, and then when I joined the trustees board, I have been able to bring that acumen to the benefit of the niversity.

How did you get involved as a member of the Board of Trustees?

I was@involved through the foundaT THthe foundation tion. I had EGATEPOS board, where I had oined and I had become the treasurer of the organi ation. And then I was the president for a number of years of the foundation board. And so through my work there and efforts and part of that leadership, I was asked to oin the

T TH EGATEPOS

100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST trustees to help them as far as with some of their sub ect matter expertise around the financial aspect. I’ve been on the Board of Trustees now for about sevenand-a-half years.

What do you enjoy most about serving on the Board?

I think being able to contribute my time, my energy, as far as to a worthy organi ation that I have find affinity for - I think that’s certainly a great motivating factor. I also like to say that the trustees are very active and interested and engaged board, and we want to make sure that the University - Framingham State and the students, primarily - benefit from their experience. So from an oversight and a governance, we want to make sure that we are taking a great fiduciary responsibility to be able to steward the organi ation - the niversity - from that oversight level, for the benefit of the students for now and in the future.

What goals do you have for the remainder of your tenure on the Board?

So I think that right now in the interim, we’re going to have a change in the President, as you know, and so we’ve certainly been able to lead that effort in the last 10 months. So we do have a great candidate that will be oining us on July 1, Dr. Niemi, and so we want to make sure that she’s successful, she onboards, that’s going to be more on my near term - make sure she is successful, and she’s getting all of her exposure and that overall support that we can get from the Board of Trustees - that’s going

Police Logs Monday, March 21 13:00 Disturbance McCarthy Center Report Taken

Wednesday, March 23 10:32 Medical Foster Hall Transported to Hospital

to be the initial. The other aspect is, I think that we’re - the trustees - are very interested as far as making sure that the niversity overcomes its short-term challenges as far as with the declining enrollment that we’re seeing because of the population drop of traditional college-age bound students. And so we want to make sure we navigate this timeframe where there’s going to be the pool that’s going to be declining and being able to make sure that we are adapting to that but also taking the lead in the future. So we want to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can to mitigate those drop off, to look at different, non-traditional candidates into the pool for the University, and so that’s what we’re going to be very mindful of.

What advice do you have for FSU students?

Enjoy your time - relish the experience that you’re having on campus.

Framingham is certainly one of the great unsung types of higher education institutions that we have in the Greater Boston area. And that’s one thing that we’ve been able to keep the trustees of being very mindful of, that we don’t get enough credit as far as framing today.

So I would say to the students: enjoy your time, and you’re going to have a great opportunity here to learn a lot of great values and underpinnings that can hopefully help you in your future endeavors.

CONNECT WITH KATHLEEN MOORE kmoore8@student.framingham.edu

Wednesday, March 23 12:32 Stolen Property Larned Hall Report Taken

Thursday, March 24 09:11 Found Property FSU Police Department Report Taken

NEWS

MARCH 25, 2022 | 3

Cevallos to serve as a president-in-residence at Harvard Graduate School of Education

By Haley Hadge News Editor

University President F. Javier Cevallos accepted a position in the President-in-Residence Program at the arvard Graduate School of ducation for Academic ear 2022-23.

Cevallos received a call from the program’s director and said he “thought it was an interesting opportunity.”

According to the arvard Graduate School of ducation website, the program was launched in 2001 by Professor udith Block McLaughlin.

The goal of the program is “to anchor academic discussions in higher education with real-world experience,” according to the site.

Cevallos said this position will give him a chance “to think, to reflect, and ust to see what the last 20 years have meant in terms of my professional career.”

He added he will be able to share his expertise with students who want to be higher education administra-

tors.

In this part-time position, Cevallos will be participating in classes, having office hours with students, and sharing his experiences with them.

Cevallos said he has been in other mentor programs throughout his career and will be able to bring his experience to the Presidents-in-Residence Program. e said he has participated in the Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) over the past 18 years of his career.

According to the MLI website, it provides “individuals traditionally underrepresented in the highest ranks of higher education the opportunity to develop skills, gain a philosophical overview and build the network needed to advance to the presidency.”

Cevallos said he has also been involved with the American Council on ducation Fellows Program (AC ).

Recently, he has mentored AC education fellows and has written

Weather

about his experience in the program. “ elping people think about higher education and their career path is something that I am really interested in and involved with,” he said.

Cevallos added although he is adept in the role of mentorship, this will place his mentorship in a new “context” - “a class at a higher educational school.”

He will be joined by Amherst College President Carolyn “Biddy” Martin. He said they have not yet had a chance to work together, but “this is going to be a fascinating opportunity for me to get to know her and to learn from her as well.”

Cevallos added they are scheduled to meet in April “to chat, to plan, and anticipate” the fall semester. e said when he began his career as a professor of Latin American studies, his fieldwork was very literature-heavy.

Because of this, he said he “never thought” his career would lead to the path of becoming an administrator.

“I had tenure, I was promoted to

full professor, and all of a sudden, I thought, Let me try something different,’” he said.

Cevallos said he has had many mentors throughout his career. hen he made his career shift from faculty to administration, he said he had to “work in different ways” and he is “grateful” to the mentors who helped him navigate that transition.

Having witnessed many sides of education, he said, “I’m really honored to have been asked to do this.”

Following his President-in-Residence position, he said he plans to consult on a part-time basis and wants to help institutions in any way he can.

In preparation for his position in the fall, he said he will “rest, get ready, and just see what happens in the future.” e added this will be a “really nice way to close my career.”

CONNECT WITH HALEY HADGE hhadge@student.framingham.edu

Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov

Sunday night March 27 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Wind around 10 mph.

Monday night March 28 Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. Wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday night March 29 Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday night March 30 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday March 28 Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Wind around 15 mph.

Tuesday March 29 Sunny, with a high near 40. Wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday March 30 Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday March 31 Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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

4 | MARCH 25, 2022

NEWS

Need for communication addressed at Administrators’ Forum

By Leighah Beausoleil Editor-in-Chief

The lack of communication between students and administrators and concerns regarding staffing were discussed during SGA’s Administrators’ Forum March 8 via oom.

SGA President McKen ie ard said students are concerned with the assumption that they “understand every working aspect of higher education.”

Ward said students wish administrators, faculty, and staff could “reexamine” how issues and changes of higher education are discussed because it tends to be jargon heavy.

She added students spoke to her regarding the lack of communication and how they were “frustrated” when the new president was chosen, explaining an email was never sent to students.

Rather, they found out through the niversity’s Instagram.

Ward said students should be able to feel heard on campus because “the main point of a university is the students.”

Ann Mc onald, chief of staff and general counsel, said typically, when an email is meant to be sent out to the campus community, she will send it out to the faculty and staff and copy Lorretta olloway, vice president of Enrollment and Student Development, because she does not have the ability to send out communications to students herself. Holloway will then send the email to students.

Mc onald added she believed an email was sent out about the president shortly after ec. 15 when the decision was made, and said students may have missed it because they were leaving campus for winter break.

Ward said she and other students did not have an email in their Outlooks sent on behalf of Kevin Foley, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Mc onald responded, “If it was a miss, it was an error on our part, but it certainly wasn’t intentional because we certainly tried to follow that system.” olloway said the difficulty in situations such as the presidential search is that some people find out about the decision beforehand because of the open forums and meetings.

She added, “If people find out from a news source before they’re finding out from the niversity, we recogni e that

it’s fairly problematic because then it looks like the niversity isn’t doing its ob when we’re sort of following the rules that other entities don’t have to be held accountable to.”

Holloway agreed a lot of higher education topics are discussed using terminology students, and even other administrators, may not be familiar with and that it is something her office is taking into consideration.

[Editor’s Note: Due to the webinar format of the meeting, students were able to submit questions anonymously.]

Multiple students shared concerns during the meeting pertaining to issues with I access, course registration, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Largely, the response from administrators was to make sure students are communicating those concerns through the related channels in order to ensure the necessary departments are aware of them.

One attendee said, “A student I know was unable to eat for three days because their I was not working and every time they went to the office to get it fixed, they told them that the problem was not on their end’ and to talk to the dining hall, but ining Services continued to send them back to the I Office.”

They added problems with I acces have occurred in locations such as the residence halls and the Game Room.

Chief of niversity Police ohn Santoro and Patricia hitney, assistant vice president of Facilities and Capital Planning, said they have not heard about ID issues from students.

Santoro said many of the problems with I access were addressed when the system was upgraded last year, adding when students do run into problems, they can email the I Office, niversity Police epartment, or Facilities.

Aretha Phillips, director of ining Services, said as long as a student has a meal plan, they should always have the ability to enter the Dining Commons for a meal regardless of I access issues. She added if a similar situation arises, the student ust has to ask to speak with a supervisor or manager.

One attendee said, “Students were required to sign a contract in order to sign up for classes. e were not given any guidance on what it was and still have not received any information on it. Could you explain what it was and why it was necessary?”

ale amel, executive vice president, said the contract is ust a new feature aimed at reminding students that when they register for classes, they have an “obligation” to pay for them.

He said students had the opportunity to read the contract when they signed it.

An attendee asked, “ hy do some students have to pay for classes before registering for classes?

I had a couple friends who were told in order to register for this semester, they had to pay their bill first. This forced them to register late and have to catch up. Is this because of the new contract?”

Hamel said this is not related to the contract and that, most likely, the student had an outstanding balance or was on academic probation, which placed a hold on their account.

He added if students run into trouble registering, they should contact Student Accounts. mily Rosenberg, SGA outreach and events coordinator, said, “It was announced in a recent email from r.

Holloway that there would be a new parking enforcement officer hired by campus police soon. Given the amount of complaints students have about parking, why do you think giving students more tickets will ease their frustration with the parking situation on campus when there, rather, needs to be a solution that will make parking more easily accessible?” olloway responded that filling this new position is not to ease frustrations, but to ensure everyone is parked in their assigned spots. The additional position will reduce the amount of time niversity Police officers regulate parking because it is not a “good use” of resources given that the department is already understaffed.

Santoro said those who have parking concerns can attend the Parking Open Forum held March 25 from noon to 1 p.m. that is open to all community members. ara Barros, SGA diversity and inclusion officer, asked for an update on the niversity Police epartment’s policy review, specifically in regard to anti-racism.

Santoro said the department is working to release a document soon detailing the five topics they plan to address. olloway said the topics include plans for improving the perception of

police, building trust university-wide, getting to know officers outside of calls, hosting more listening sessions between the department and community members, and increasing the transparency of how they operate.

She added the department would like to have liaisons for the different affinity groups, but that is made difficult due to understaffing. Currently, Santoro is the liaison for Pride Alliance and is working to become one for Black Student Union.

Holloway said the department is working to hire a new deputy chief of police, and “a lot of the assessment of anti-racism work as well as the racially ust policing work has been designated in the ob description.”

Santoro said the department has been making progress on “hiring officers to better represent the niversity’s population. But in all the police fields - not ust in our department, not only in the City of Framingham it has been very difficult to hire police officers in general at this time, but we’re doing our best to do that.” mma Sullivan, SGA vice president, asked for an update on the investigation into the white supremacy-related decals found on campus last semester.

Santoro said he could not say much on the topic as it is an ongoing investigation, but “our detective has been doing a great job ... and has turned over a lot of things. e’s working with an inter- urisdictional working group made of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.”

He said FSU was not the only location targeted last year, adding, “24 communities and or colleges and universities in Massachusetts alone” have experienced this.

“We have some really, really great leads,” Santoro said. “I’d love to be able to tell you all about it, but we can’t at this time. “ ay to day, there’s so much that’s going on with data mining, analysis, intelligence sharing, and identification,” he added. The detective is “really committed and spending most of his time on this investigation.”

[Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is Opinions Editor for The Gatepost. Emily Rosenberg is an Arts and Features Editor for The Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu

SGA discusses Monday demonstration with Chief Santoro, takes part in “ranking exercise” for FSU renovation projects

By Brendan LaCroix Staff Writer

niversity Chief of Police ohn Santoro discussed the recent demonstration sparked by an individual who came to campus March 21 to speak in opposition of LGBT + rights.

Santoro discussed the incident at an SGA meeting March 22. ale amel, executive vice president, also discussed with members which renovation pro ects priorities for students.

President McKen ie ard asked if there were any updates on the incident, to which Santoro said there have not been many. He explained the person is “well known around the coun-

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try,” and travels to public universities to have demonstrations.

“They’re very well educated, very well trained, very knowledgeable at what they talk about, and they have a lot of support by various law firms and groups around the country,” he added.

Santoro said the person uploads his interactions on campuses to ouTube and said he edits the videos in a way to “make the people that are talking against him look bad and to build his cause and his support for when people donate to his cause,” adding the person’s intention is to “aggravate” and “get people worked up.”

He said although the person left “of his own free will,” he is unsure if the

event will “prompt him to come back.” ard asked if there is a “limitation” on the person’s freedom of speech if what they said is considered “hate speech.”

Santoro said inquiries into the difference between freedom of speech and hate speech should be directed toward Ann Mc onald, chief of staff and general counsel.

“That’s a higher authority of big legal decisions,” he said. “She’s an expert on that and I’ll let her speak on that instead of me.”

Santoro announced the Parking Committee will be holding an open forum on March 25 from noon to 2 p.m. in the McCarthy Center Forum.

e said they are looking for three commuter students and three resident students to represent the student body and ask questions or make suggestions to the committee. amel presented a “ranking exercise” to SGA to set the priority of 27 potential renewal and renovation projects at the niversity.

The rankings were on a scale of “1” to “27,” with “1” being the highest priority. “ e use those scores then to essentially create a little graphic that shows how the different groups rank pro ects,” amel said. e added the current amount of

See SGA page 5

NEWS

MARCH 25, 2022 | 5

Students share concerns about campus accessibility

By Sophia Harris Asst. News Editor

Lorretta olloway, vice president of Enrollment and Student Development, asked if a sign to alert drivers to slow down near the crosswalks would help with speeding and caution pedestrians of oncoming traffic. hitney responded, “ hy don’t we just note this as an area where you think we need some mitigation with the pedestrian vehicular interface, and then we’ll look at the options that are out there.”

menway Labs. hitney said after speaking with Corey obbs, manager of networking and telecom, they have decided to remove the old Code Blue Station behind Dwight and provide a new one in front of emenway Labs.

Senator Raffi lkhoury added the advantage of having a Code Blue Station in front of emenway Labs is the position of the light would have “multiple viewpoints and could be seen from the

phone. ara Barros, iversity and Inclusion Officer, raised a concern about a dark spot on campus between the Sam the Ram statue and the front of the McCarthy Center. She said the lights boarding the dark spot on campus make it appear even darker because of the contrast of the lights.

Santoro said his department was going to “take a look after dark to get a better idea, logistically, where it the dark spot is.”

Barros brought attention to the position of the lights on the front of the library, “It gets completely dark between Larned” and Normal ill “once you are out of the path of light the library lights pro ect,” she said. hitney said, “This is an area we have worked very hard on a couple of years ago, and sometimes, L lights can get a little dimmer when they get old.”

She said she would appreciate it if when students notice the lights are dim, they would put a work order in to Facilities “so we can put newer bulbs in.” hitney said, “ ou can either send an email to Facilities, or 24 hours a day, if you go on the my.framingham site.

Anybody can use that as long as you have an official email and you can log on. Just give us a report any time of day and night. ou’ll get a response when it’s fixed.”

SGA. Filmmaker Audrey Kali will be discussing her film “Farm and Red Moon,” a behind-the-scenes documentary about the farm and meat industries, along with nglish Professor Rachel Trousdale, who will discuss her new book “ umor, mpathy, and Community in Twentieth-Century American Poetry.” The event is March 29 at eineman cumenical Center at 4 30 p.m.

Sy Stokes, postdoctoral fellow for the National Center for Institutional iversity at niversity of Michigan, will be speaking at the event, “Freedom of Speech and the Politics of Morality Campus Racial Climate in the Modern ra,” which will be held in the McCarthy Center Forum and over oom March 30 at 4 30 p.m. untington also announced a banner-making discussion and workshop led by Aram Han Sifuentes on April 5 at 4 30 p.m. over oom. untington said the workshop is about using art to combat bigotry, and the banners made at the event will be hung around campus.

On April 11 at 7 p.m., Arts Ideas will be screening the 2017 animated film, “The Breadwinner,” in the McCarthy Center Forum. uring open forum, Outreach and Events Coordinator Emily Rosenberg said she has concerns about the changes to class registration for the Fall 2022 Semester.

She said registration occurring at an earlier time is problematic for com-

muter students since there could be a conflict with their classes.

She added she is “frustrated” that honors students won’t be able to register early, meaning classes they need could be filled before they are able to register. “Being able to have our classes in the timeline that we need them and being threatened by not having the classes that we need is very frustrating.”

Ward said she agreed with Rosenberg, and said, “ onors classes fill up cra y fast.

“I get it, it’s one day and one day may seem like nothing, but students are already not sleeping enough with the amount of work we have,” she said.

“And now having to get up even earlier for some students who work really late at night is just not fair.”

Senator mma Laurie said multiple students have visited the SGA Office asking if there were face masks available.

Laurie said, “Maybe because we’re starting to lift the mask mandate, they’re not supplying masks anymore,” and added masks should be available to immunocompromised individuals.

Vice President mma Sullivan said one of the problems is people taking entire boxes of masks left throughout campus and suggested leaving boxes in classrooms, which “might deter people because they’ll have an entire group of people watching them.”

She also suggested having “advertisements” so students can know where to find face masks on campus.

uring Officer Reports, ard announced the “Art with Impact” event on April 12 at 5 p.m. in the Alumni Room. The event’s theme will be on sexual violence.

Ward said the FSU Health Center will be holding a suicide prevention event titled, “The Fresh Check ay,” April 15 from noon to 1 30 p.m. and are looking for members of SGA to host a booth.

Sullivan reminded the members nominations for SGA are “going live” March 30 and will end April 14. She said anyone who wants to remain on SGA must reapply for their positions.

She added Candidates Night will be April 21 on oom, and election day is April 28 with voting times from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rosenberg announced a community gardening event which will take place April 1 at 1 30 p.m. behind the O’Connor Lot. She added she will be hosting a “sustainability and kindness event” April 12 from 12 30 p.m. to 2 30 p.m.

The “ -Rock” was awarded to Senator Mark askell by Secretary Sam oule. oule said askell “always has a positive attitude coming into student government and is always looking for ways to help out, and that’s something I always appreciate.”

[Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is Opinions Editor for The Gatepost. Emily Rosenberg is an Arts & Feature Editor for The Gatepost. Mark Haskell is a Staff Writer for The Gatepost.]

SGA held its once-a-semester Campus Safety alk March 22, in which students raised concerns about the accessibility of blue lights on campus, speeding in front of Larned all, and dark spots on campus to administrators.

Secretary Samuel oule voiced safety concerns about the visibility of pedestrians on the street in front of Larned all. e said cars often park in the fire lane and make it difficult for oncoming drivers to see pedestrians.

Chief of niversity Police ohn Santoro said students should call the FS Police epartment or send an FS tip if they see cars parked in the fire lane, adding niversity Police “have been pretty diligent about writing parking tickets.”

Houle brought attention to the poor condition of crosswalks behind Larned and asked about possibly adding a speed bump or raised crosswalks to slow drivers.

Patricia hitney, assistant vice president of Facilities and Capital Christy Howland / THE GATEPOST Planning, said it would “probably be really hard to add a raised crosswalk (Left) SGA Secretary Samuel Houle and SATF Treasurer John Finkle during the because of the turn” behind the resi- Campus Safety Walk March 22. dence hall.

She said there is “no question” about hile walking down Adams Road, Crocker Grove area.” repainting the crosswalks and she will hitney said she noticed the crosswalk oule asked if it made sense to re“definitely take care of that.” on Adams Road hori ontal to Mayard move the Code Blue Station behind Whitney said she will have to dis- Road has no curb cuts and is not wheel- Dwight. cuss with niversity Police, but could chair accessible. hitney said, “I can leave it, but I [Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is “look at potentially adding a smaller She said, “The city will have to get was told people wouldn’t use it.”

Opinions Editor for The Gatepost.] speed bump” closer to State Street at on this right away.” ard said the Code Blue Station is the bottom of Normal ill, but FaciliPresident McKen ie ard asked not accessible and “no one is going to ties would have to be mindful of plow- about moving the Code Blue Station run down a hill” if they were in trouble CONNECT WITH SOPHIA HARRIS ing and snow removal. from behind Dwight to in front of He- and needed to access the emergency sharris9@student.framingham.edu

SGA

Continued from page 4 funding for these pro ects is about $200,000.

Potential pro ects include replacing doors and floors at the oyle Center, a “facelift” for the Alumni ouse, consolidating the print services at the enry hittemore Library, and adding automatic sinks and toilets to non-residential buildings.

One of the larger pro ects listed is turning one of the restrooms in the McCarthy Center into a gender-neutral restroom. amel said the pro ect has a high cost due to the restroom requiring a complete renovation to be compliant with building codes. “It ended up being a much bigger pro ect than, Let’s switch the sign on the door,’” he said.

The Gaming Club and Comic Book Club’s request for funding a trip to PA East 2022 was approved by SGA. Comic Book Club Vice President acob Sergeant said the request for 3,080 will go toward renting a bus to take students to the event in Boston and for purchasing passes to the event.

Sergeant said for its last SGA funded trip to Rhode Island Comic Con, 35 of the 40 tickets were sold to students and he is “convinced they will sell every ticket” for this event.

The request was approved unanimously with no abstentions.

The trip will take place Sunday, April 24. umi Park untington, art history professor and chair of Arts Ideas, presented several upcoming events to

CONNECT WITH BRENDAN LACROIX blacroix@student.framingham.edu

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6 | MARCH 25, 2022

NEWS

FSU community responds to anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrator

By Leighah Beausoleil Editor-in-Chief

By Ashlyn Kelly News Editor With a bible and sign in hand, an individual wearing a body camera arrived at FS to film himself speaking against LGBT + rights for his ouTube channel March 21.

The individual was stationed on the sidewalk in front of the McCarthy Center, which is City of Framingham property.

In a March 21 community-wide email, President F. Javier Cevallos said, “It is important to recogni e that we are a public college campus, and this man does have a First Amendment right to be here. Unfortunately, while our freedom of speech is one of the most important aspects of our democracy, it comes with a burden that falls heaviest on our most marginali ed communities.”

Cevallos added, “The goal of this individual could not be more clear - he seeks to paint college communities as intolerant toward religion and the First Amendment by baiting people into aggressively confronting him over his offensive and hateful language.”

Shortly after the individual’s arrival, a crowd of students, faculty, and staff began to form.

Some community members asked questions, some offered counterarguments, while others left and came back with pride flags - some of which

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST (Left) The demonstrator and freshman Amoy Murphy engage in a discussion outside the McCarthy Center March 21. were provided by ric Nguyen, director of the Center for Inclusive xcellence.

The crowd in front of the McCarthy Center continued to grow as more community members oined to show their support for the LGBT + community.

In an effort to drown out the individual’s speech, mily Newcomb, a unior nglish ma or, connected her phone to a speaker and began to blast music by LGBT + artists.

Some students went to get their cars and honked their horns while driving down State Street.

Christie Jean, president of Pride Alliance, said she wasn’t surprised the individual came to FS because she had heard about him prior to his arrival. ean said, “I’m happy for the turnout and support from my peers showing love to outweigh the hate. However, while that is all good, I wish the same support was shown to affinity clubs, specifically Pride, because not a lot of people have been going to meetings.”

She added, “It’s ust as important to show support on a daily basis as when things like this happen. Over-

all, though, the turnout was ama ing and I’m happy we didn’t give into his hate.”

Malik Martin, president of Black Student nion and the Class of 2023, said during the demonstration, “I think it’s unfortunate that we had to come together under these circumstances, but I’m excited that everyone came out.” e added, “It’s beautiful to see FS coming together as a community and seeing people support each other. So, I’m glad that everyone is here, but I definitely think that he needs

See DEMONSTRATOR page 7

Gatepost wins two SPJ Mark of Excellence awards

By Emily Rosenberg Editorial Staff The Society of Professional ournalists announced the Region 1 winners of the annual Mark of xcellence collegiate ournalism contest on March 20, and two Gatepost staff members won awards. ditor-in-Chief Leighah Beausoleil, a junior English major with a concentration in ournalism, won first place in the “Breaking News Coverage” category for her article, “Two white supremacy-related decals found on campus.”

Multimedia Critic Sean Cabot, a senior communication, media, and performance ma or, was a finalist in the “Cultural Criticism” category for his reviews.

Both categories were for students from “small schools,” which enroll fewer than 10,000 students.

Region 1 is comprised of New ngland and the astern mid-Atlantic states and first-place winners at the regional level will move on to compete at the national level along with other regional Mark of xcellence award winners.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

The Society of Professional ournalists, founded in 1909, is the “nation’s most broad-based ournalism organi ation, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of ournalism,” according to its website. The annual Mark of xcellence awards honor the best of student journalism and are open to anyone enrolled in a U.S. or international college or university in 2021 while studying for an academic degree.

Beausoleil completed her article in under 24 hours after two white supremacy-related decals were found on campus in November. She said the process included calling a lot of people, some people even outside of the university, several times to get responses.

Through her research, she was also able to uncover important information that niversity Police did not yet know.

Beausoleil said the article was important in order to get the information about the decals, which groups were involved, and how it affected FS ’s safety out quickly.

“I think for our BIPOC students, it was especially important to know that a group or group members were

on campus and were posting things that could be traumati ing to them or could be a danger to them,” she added.

She said writing the article solidified for her what it means to be a ournalist and being a voice for the community.

“I was able to provide a service for the community and give them the information they needed in that moment,” Beausoleil said.

Beasoleil said while she was writing the article, Gatepost Advisor esmond McCarthy told her it could be an award winner, but she didn’t believe him because she believes it is difficult to win awards for news as “everyone writes news,” so she was shocked to have found out she had won the category.

Cabot said he thought it was kind of The Gatepost editorial staff to nominate his work. To further become a finalist and hear he had been highly esteemed by judges against steep competition was “overwhelming” to him. e said he’s been interested in media criticism for his whole life, and started himself in middle school. e oined The Gatepost expecting to

be a film critic only, but after talking to one of the former arts features editors, he tried his hand at comic reviews and other forms of media such as games and Manga.

“I think what I bring to the table is that I’m restless,” Cabot said, “I’m not the kind of guy who normally rewatches or replays or rereads stuff because I’m constantly trying to look at things I haven’t experienced before.” e added what makes his criticism unique is that it pertains to media that not a lot of people know about and his articles bring them to public knowledge, even if some find the content “childish” or not “worthy of consideration.

“I don’t know if the readership of our newspaper actually cares about the media I write about , and I’m leaning toward no. But that being said, if there’s even one person who would benefit from knowing about it, that makes me happy,” Cabot said.

CONNECT WITH EMILY ROSENBERG erosenberg@student.framingham.edu

Demonstrator Continued from page 6 to leave.” mma Vogler, a sophomore early education ma or, said she was “very confused” why the individual chose to come to FS .

Vogler said while she is not a member of the LGBT + community, it was important for her to show up and show her support.

Nate Rogers, a senior communication arts ma or, said, “If you can discuss politics, then go at it,” but he believed the situation was “getting a little out of hand.” mma Brosnan, a freshman nglish major, said she saw how “our community is very strong” by the response from students.

Macken ie ahl, a sophomore elementary education ma or, said she is Catholic, “but I don’t believe anything he’s saying.

“The times are changing,” she added.

Sam Stafinski, a unior nglish ma or, said, “This man knows nothing that he’s talking about. “ ou’re preaching about peace and

NEWS

erybody was safe. We made sure the protester was on city property, not the University property, and they complied.”

Santoro said during the duration of the gathering, which was approximately an hour, officers remained on the site to monitor the situation.

As of March 22, he said the niversity Police epartment were still debriefing, but he believes his officers responded “professionally.”

He said the department does not believe the individual was a part of any organi ation, adding they do know the person’s identity, but protocol is to relay that information through a public records request.

The Gatepost submitted a public records request for the incident report March 22.

Santoro said he was happy no one was “physically hurt” and that everyone complied with any requests made by officers.

Ann Mc onald, chief of staff and general counsel, said in order for police to get involved, there would have to be “something to take action

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST Junior Emily Newcomb playing music by LGBTQ+ artists on March 21. then you’re asking for smoke,” she said.

Stafinski added, “The response is absolutely fantastic,” noting, “People are so articulate.” ducation epartment Chair James Cressey said he was there to “support any students who were standing up to this.” e added the ducation epartment was “coincidentally” planning on releasing a statement “that we support LGBT + curriculum in Pre-K and elementary classrooms.”

On the department’s Instagram page, he stated, “Thank you FS community for your swift turnout in response to today’s hate speech on our campus.” e added, “The ducation epartment sends love and support to our LGBT + community members today and always.”

The social media account also included resources for teachers to “create LGBT -inclusive classrooms.”

As a gay man himself, Cressey said a “personal thank you” as well. “I felt seen today - we are here!”

Chief of niversity Police ohn Santoro said, “We made sure that ev-

against.”

She said, “Constitutionally, hate speech does not become actionable, meaning there’s nothing that the courts or the police can do, until it becomes criminal or criminal-like, meaning that it becomes a threat.

“I’m using threat in the legal term, because as I understand it, the language and the kinds of things he was saying, absolutely - I’m certain, felt threatening to our LGBT community members,” she added. “I am not questioning or challenging that whatsoever.”

Mc onald said, “So it’s not generally ust hateful speech. It’s, I’m going to do to ,’ - like a named individual or a named group of individuals.”

She said the community’s response to the individual’s protest was the “most responsible” option, adding she is a believer in fighting offensive speech with more speech. “ ou don’t necessarily try to silence that speech, remove that speech, eliminate that speech if it’s allowable under the First Amendment, but you try to provide an alternate speech that is the message that

MARCH 25, 2022 | 7

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST Stu ent in front of the McCarth Center waving a ag that sa s Peace March 21. reflects your values and the values of the community that you’re in,” McDonald added.

She said for the most part, that was the case on March 21.

Mc onald noted that a student stole the individual’s sign, which was recovered and their property will be returned.

She said Framingham State is not the only public university in Massachusetts where the individual has demonstrated. Other campuses include Salem State, Mass Boston, and orcester State.

On March 22 a community-wide email from Nguyen as well as Cara Pina and orge Gon ales, co-chairs of the Council on iversity and Inclusion, stated, “ e are proud of our community for coming together yesterday in support of the LGBT IA+ community and affirming that we will not allow hate or intolerance on our campus.”

The day following the individual’s arrival, a space was open for FS community members to come to the CI and “express their solidarity with the LGBT IA+ community,” according to the email. ncouraging community members to learn more about their “rights and the actions that they can take in the face of hate speech,” the email reminded the campus of the Olivia A.

avidson Voices of Color speaker, Sy Stokes, whose lecture, “Freedom of Speech and the Politics of Morality Campus Racial Climate in the Modern ra,” will take place March 30 at 4 30 p.m. in the McCarthy Center Forum as well as on oom.

LGBTQ+ Resources: Center for Inclusive xcellence mail irector ric Nguyen at enguyen@framingham.edu Council on iversity and Inclusion mail the chairs at C Ichairs framingham.edu Counseling Center mail at counselingcenter framingham.edu ean of Students Office mail at deanofstudents@framingham.edu Pride Alliance affinity group (students) Follow on Instagram fsu_ pridealliance LGBT + mployee Affinity Group (staff and faculty) mail Kim exter, assistant vice president of uman Resources and qual Opportunity at kdexter framingham.edu Bias ducation Response Team File a report of bias at framingham. edu CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH ASHLYN KELLY akelly8@student.framingham.edu

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST Stu ents waving ri e ags in front of the McCarth Center March 21.

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8 | MARCH 25, 2022

By Kathleen Moore Associate Editor

What does The F. Javier Cevallos, FSU President What does The Gatepost mean to you?

The Gatepost is a symbol of pride and ournalistic excellence on our campus. The hard work that goes into the paper, as well as the bonds that are formed between students during all-night sessions to meet publishing deadlines, are what the college experience is all about. The numerous awards the paper has received over the years speak to the high degree of quality and effort that goes into each issue.

What do you value most about The Gatepost?

I look forward to reading through The Gatepost every week. I value the information it provides our community and the insight it gives me into what our students are talking about and thinking about. It holds the administration accountable when necessary and helps us do our obs better. Simply put, Framingham State niversity would not be the same without it.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

Dale Hamel, Executive Vice President, Administration and Finance What does The Gatepost mean to you?

The phrase under The Gatepost masthead says it all “Framingham State’s award-winning independent newspaper since 1932.” That is it is an integral part of the niversity its quality has resulted in deserved recognition, it is independent (that is, it is a voice for the students), and it has a proud history.

What do you value most about The Gatepost?

The noted independence’ provides a voice for the student body that is unique and persuasive.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

Ann McDonald, Chief of Staff, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees

What does The Gatepost mean to you?

The Gatepost represents a student operated organi ation that is a voice for the FS student community, by the student community. In addition to featuring events and activities of interest to the campus community, The Gatepost gives student ournalists a real life opportunity to practice their craft within the niversity environment. nlike other writings, ournalism’s intent is to engage the reader in the topic and to provide perspectives on a sub ect that might inform or influence their opinion. So many people receive their “news” from social media or broadcast media - often with unchecked sources or content. Newspaper ournalism relies on an individual reporter or writer’s ability to gather all of the available sources and information, present them honestly and then summari e the content that puts it all together for the reader. I’m so glad that Framingham State niversity has preserved and continues to support The Gatepost and student ournalism and expression in general.

What do you value most about The Gatepost? hat I value most about The Gatepost is the student operation of the enterprise. The niversity experience has Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST always been intended to be about more than classroom learning. Students learn, grow and develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally through their college years and being able to try out career options or participate in a co-curricular activity ust for the sheer en oyment of it contributes to that process. The Gatepost gives student writers and photographers opportunities that may spark a flame for writing and ournalism that will last a lifetime or simply provide an outlet for a budding writer to practice their craft. ither way, this reputable student organiation gives an opportunity for students to come together and contribute to a product that reaches the whole FS community.

Eric Gustafson, Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations

What does The Gatepost mean to you?

The Gatepost is the voice of the students and provides an invaluable service to the campus community through rigorous ournalism and ensuring everyone in the community knows what is happening on campus. Independent student ournalism is one of the most important traditions in American higher education, and Framingham State is very fortunate to have had one of the best collegiate newspapers in the nation for 90 years.

What do you value most about The Gatepost? e are living in an era some have dubbed post-truth, where having true facts and an official record of news and events is more important than ever. ithin our campus community, to have a newspaper of the caliber of The Gatepost that produces consistently high-quality ournalism, is more important than ever.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

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MARCH 25, 2022 | 9

Gatepost mean to you?

Kevin Foley, Chair of the Board of Trustees What does The Gatepost mean to you?

I always read it, so I think it’s a great way to have a pulse check as far as what students are thinking. So as a trustee, I think that’s, again, the emphasis on the students and the student experience - to me. The Gatepost is a great way to get that pulse of what the students are thinking as far as on campus. So there’s great value there and it’s really great seeing as far as some of the activities that are going on, what some of the concerns are to some of the students. So to me, I think The Gatepost has been a great venue throughout its time. I remember reading it cover-to-cover when I was a student waiting between classes and I do think there’s a great value that The Gatepost does present to the greater community.

What do you value most about The Gatepost?

I think it is really the connectivity and the thoughts of campus, the students, and hearing what they’re working on. But it really is about that pulse check and full-learning campus experience.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

Lorretta Holloway, Vice President, Enrollment and

Student Development

What does The Gatepost mean to you?

It represents a long-term commitment to educating future professional ournalists and an understanding in the wider community about the importance of the tradition of a free press.

What do you value most about The Gatepost?

I value the wide variety of student experiences and concerns that get presented in the paper. I also value the reliability of The Gatepost to be at certain meetings to cover news on campus like the SGA Administrators’ Forum and the Board of Trustees meetings. It is gratifying to know that because of the presence of Gatepost reporters that what I share with the students who have time to attend a forum or with the Board of Trustees and campus community members who attend those meetings will get shared with the wider community.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

Ellen Zimmerman, Interim Provost and Vice President,

Academic Affairs

What does The Gatepost mean to you?

The Gatepost has always stood, to me, as an exemplar of FS students’ talent, insight, and integrity. The writing is excellent, the editorials thoughtful and impassioned, and the reporting unfailingly honest, balanced, and forthright.

What do you value most about The Gatepost?

The Gatepost is an important element in our sense of community at FS . Not only does it provide timely information, but also is both a forum and springboard for discussion of campus and wider world issues. The many informal surveys conducted over the years have given community members a voice on issues that otherwise might be less broadly discussed. It also provides students interested in writing and or photography a wonderful opportunity to hone their skills. The Gatepost greatly enhances the vibrancy of our community.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

Mary Liscombe, Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni President

What does The Gatepost mean to you?

The Gatepost is meaningful to me on a number of levels as an undergrad, an employee of FS , and now as an alum and president of the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni. As a commuter student, I looked forward to The Gatepost as a source of campus news and events. As director of the Christa McAuliffe Center, I always appreciated the accurate and comprehensive coverage The Gatepost editors and staff provided in covering events and interviews at the center. Past Gatepost editor Su anne Mc onald served as a flight director in the Challenger Learning Center and did an exemplary ob there. As president of IAFSA, I have been interviewed by The Gatepost and appreciated the coverage of our Independent Alumni Association immensely. It is also my honor to serve on the Board with past Gatepost editor, oyce onahue, class of ’61. Thank you, Gatepost What do you value most about The Gatepost?

Ninety years hat an ama ing accomplishment In good times and bad, we can count on The Gatepost to cover stories in a fair and equitable way while voicing ideas and concerns of the students of Framingham State. CongratThe Gatepost Archives ulations!

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

10 | MARCH 25, 2022

SPORTS

SP O RTS

Tom Kelley’s 50-year legacy

By Danielle Achin Sports Editor

By Tyler Wahl Sports Editor FSU has seen an incredible level of success in its athletic programs the past few decades.

These achievements are undoubtedly a team effort among players, coaches, and the athletic department - but nobody has played a bigger role than Athletic Director Tom Kelley.

Despite the chaos that comes with the title “Director of Athletics,” Kelley has managed to keep the program sailing smoothly for years now.

He started his time at Framingham State as a student-athlete on the football team, eventually returning a few years after graduation to help with recruiting and coaching.

“I was in the first class of males that lived on campus - Linsley Hall was brand new,” Kelley said. His college career lasted from 1972-76 and he returned just two short years later as the assistant coach for the football team.

It didn’t take long for Kelley to prove himself as a worthy coach and he immediately took over as head coach in ’82 at the age of 27. is first stint as head coach didn’t last long, however, as he swapped positions once again two years later.

Kelley added in 1984, the Athletic Department expanded - creating new positions. “They created an assistant athletic director’s position and I applied and fortunately got the position, but I had to give up coaching football full time because of my new duties as athletic director.”

In 1996, the Athletic Director position opened up, and Kelley was “fortunate” once again to be hired. He immediately began working on major changes to the program once fully in charge.

Kelley made it a point for club sports to receive the same level of attention as varsity sports at FSU. “We want to treat them like we treat all the other athletes. Same coaching. Same trainers. Same meal money. Same transportation,” he said.

Kelley said he always felt like more than just an Athletic Director for the students at FSU. He said he admires how appreciative the athletes are of the program and wanted to give back in any way he could.

“I go to as many games as I physically can go to. I think it’s important that the athletes appreciate me. They don’t have to thank me because I enjoy it, but they do anyway,” he added.

While Kelley improved the morale of the athletic program during his time at FSU, the results in championship wins were initially lacking.

In 2007, then FSU President Tim Flanagan expressed his concern about the football program, according to Kelley. Although Kelley was still busy with

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

the athletic director position, he was entrusted with the position of head football coach once again.

FSU football began to see unprecedented success due to Kelley’s coaching. In 2010, the Rams made their first CAC Bowl Game appearance - finishing with their best season to that point on a 9-2 record.

In 2012, Kelley then led the football team to victory as they captured the NEFC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in school history. is care for the players on and off the field led to accolades for the program.

After another 12 years as head football coach, Kelley decided to step

nation of the new head coach left the team coachless two weeks before the season started.

For the third time, Kelley would be named as FSU’s head football coach.

Despite the unexpected role switch, Kelley led the Rams to an impressive 8-3 record and secured the MASCAC title.

Starting quarterback of the 2021 football season Nicholas Goffredo praised his coach for his work. “He has won the MASCAC 10 of the past 11 years and I could definitely see why my first year playing for him. ard work is his main focus - the work we put in every day on and off the field leads to the results and success he has had over the

Gatepost Archives down from the position to focus solely on directing FSU athletics. He wanted to have a heavy focus on recruitment of student athletes, but never got the chance due to the pandemic.

Kelley said nothing made him more miserable than walking the empty halls of the Athletic Center and not hearing the chatter of students lifting in the weight room or sneakers squeaking across the gym floor.

The decisions he had to make throughout the pandemic weren’t easy, he said. However, canceling seasons and closing sections of the Athletic Center were necessary for the health of everyone on campus.

After the long stretch of walking through a vacant campus, Kelley said he was more than ready to gear back up for the 2021 athletic season.

Kelley added he was excited to show support for the football team from the sidelines, but the unexpected resig-

past decade.”

Goffredo added, “If you are struggling, he will help you and he never wants to see any of his players fail.

There are plenty of other examples. He holds a study hall for all of the freshmen players and any other players that want to go. Doing well in school and staying on track is one thing he believes in.”

“It’s a labor of love,” Kelley said.

“It’s not all lollipops and rainbows. But when it’s all said and done, if I affected one kid then I did something right.

Those kids, they’re my kids. They represent Framingham State. They represent me when they go out and play.”

Junior starting defensive back of the 2021 season Cully Curran showed admiration for Kelley’s work ethic as well adding, “No matter how long it’s been since he’s been in the program, he’s always willing to give a helping hand.”

Curran added, “The best part of

playing for Coach Kelley is the life lessons he gives everyone that plays for him. He gives tough love when kids need it the most.”

Nick Ashley is also a starting linebacker for the Rams and further commented on the effect Kelley has on the people around him.

Ashley said, “Coach Kelley is a caring guy off the field. e is someone you can go talk to about problems outside of sports. He always says he will take care of us the best he can.”

He also discussed Kelley’s philosophy, adding, “My favorite part of playing under Coach Kelley is his motto of blue collar. He was raised blue collar and expects his team to work the same way. Every day, we get our hands dirty because that’s what blue collar does.”

Kelley’s dedication to the school has continued to show over the years. With the declining student population, Kelley takes it upon himself to expand his recruiting search to other parts of the country.

He said every year has its new challenges and one of them is competing with regional schools to recruit athletes.

“We’re almost forced to go out into the country like Florida or Connecticut to find better players. But like I said, there’s always something else to do something else to conquer. That’s our business,” he said.

Referring to the program as a whole, he added, “It’s starting to come back and we’re going to get it back.”

Kelley acknowledges his retirement isn’t too far out of sight, but said he still has unfinished business with Framingham State.

He said, “My next benchmark is 70.

When I hit that age, I’ll see how I feel, but I’m not ready to let it all go yet.

“I spoke at the investiture a couple years ago and my main point was - follow your passion. I said how I can remember having jobs along the way and on Sunday, your stomach would be turning because you had to go to this job that you really didn’t love,” he added.

“I said it in front of Javier [President F. Javier Cevallos], my boss, the Board of Trustees, that I haven’t worked a day in my life in the last 30-something years. I had a lot of opportunities to go into D-1 or sales, but there was always something I needed to get done here.

There’s always unfinished business and there still is. I think that’s what keeps me passionate about this place.”

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ACHIN dachin@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH TYLER WAHL twahl1@student.framingham.edu

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MARCH 25, 2022 | 11

FSU Athletics makes an IMPACT

By Danielle Achin Sports Editor

than playing the games, and Team IMPACT sets that example.

“Collegiate athletics teaches life lessons through the medium of sports

By Tyler Wahl Sports Editor Student athletes face challenges everyday balancing their academic and athletic careers.

The Framingham State Athletic Department’s partnership with “Team IMPACT” gives student athletes a different perspective that reminds them to view those struggles as blessings.

“Team IMPACT” is a non-profit organization that allows student athletes to see beyond the glory of playing a sport, and provides children living with a chronic or life-threatening illness with a safe and supportive environment to connect with a college athletic team or local community.

For the past few years, the Framingham State football and softball teams have been part of the program and Athletic Director Tom Kelley says it shows the student-athletes how truly blessed they are.

He said they do it “because it’s the right thing to do.

“I tell the players how blessed they are with good health and being able to

ganization’s website saying, “Team IMPACT brings together two of my passion areas; improving the quality of life for children battling serious

Courtesy of bizjournals.com Seth Rosenzweig the chief executive officer of Team IMPACT.

He’s been the Northeastern regional executive director since April 2020, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their New York and New England programs. He also oversees all the research and development strategies used to expand the team’s engagement with athletic programs.

Irwin was quoted on the organization’s website saying, “I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to work for an organization like Team IMPACT to make a true difference in a child’s life through the power of team.”

He added, “The stories I hear every single day about the resilient children, their incredible families, and our student leaders are inspirational.”

Junior Cully Curran of the Rams football team was drafted to work with Johan.

Curran said his biggest takeaway from the program and drafting Johan to the team is letting him experience something he’s always wanted to be part of despite his condition that doesn’t allow him to compete in games.

Johan is in elementary school and has always been a football fan. Curran said, “I believe the perspective on football and life that he gives us play-

“Team IMPACT brings together two of my passion areas; improving the quality of life for children battling serious and chronic illness and transforming and empowering a generation of future leaders to positively change the world.”

Seth Rosenzweig, chief executive officer of Team IMPACT do things a certain way. These young men and women, they aren’t as fortunate and sometimes lose their social aspects with their friends, so we step in and become part of that. I think it’s important our athletes see the other side of the spectrum, and it’s heartwarming to watch the students open up to these little kids - it’s worth it,” he added.

Team IMPACT goes through a series of steps to find the perfect fit for each child when joining a team. These factors, including proximity to campus, physical and sensory needs, and prognosis, are considered for each child.

The child is then “drafted” onto their roster, making them an official team member.

Team IMPACT has one main goal to find a way to ensure no child is sidelined by sickness or disability.

Head Softball Coach Larry Miller “drafted’ their first player to the team in 2018 - Lindsey. He said, “It was an opportunity for our program to be able to have a positive impact on the community outside of the game and something we were excited to get involved in.”

Miller said bringing Lindsey to the team benefitted them as much as it did her. The women loved her presence she brought fun and high energy.

Miller added that softball and the program as a whole is much bigger

- giving Lindsey the opportunity to be a part of us and for us being able to be a part of her life is what it’s all about,” he said.

Team IMPACT is a country-wide organization with multiple teams.

The organization named Seth Rosenzweig as the chief executive officer of Team IMPACT in August 2016.

and chronic illness and transforming and empowering a generation of future leaders to positively change the world.”

There are also regional staff members doing work on the ground to guarantee positive experiences for these children and collegiate athletes.

Merrimack graduate Ryan Irwin is

Courtesy of Framingham State Framingham State’s Head Softball Coach Larry Miller.

Since then, he’s worked to ensure the growth of their nonprofit organi ation.

Rosenzweig was quoted on the or-

an example of a member who directly helps schools like Framingham State get involved with the program.

ers and coaches is far greater, and although he can’t participate himself, he contributes to our team in his own way. It was a blessing to have connected with him and his family.”

Framingham State’s athletes learn valuable lessons through the program they can use on and off the field for the remainder of their athletic careers and beyond.

“Team IMPACT is an amazing organization that positively impacts college programs and their matches,” Miller said. “Not every match is perfect, but we were very lucky to get matched with Lindsey and it has been an outstanding experience.”

Kelley added,“We don’t want to just focus on being a student athlete.

We want this to be a community and I think the mission is we’re teaching these guys life lessons and on the other hand, we’re doing a good thing for that young child and their family.”

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ACHIN dachin@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH TYLER WAHL twahl1@student.framingham.edu

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SPORTS

12 | MARCH 25, 2022

Rams Lacrosse beats Baseball downed by Wheaton on the road Babson College 10-1 11-10

By Tyler Wahl Sports Editor

By Danielle Achin Sports Editor

The Framingham State Women’s Lacrosse team faced off against Wheaton College in a heated 11-10 win March 23.

Before entering this matchup, the Rams sat at 2-3 in the standings. They looked to even up their record with a big win Wednesday night.

FSU struggled at the start of this game initially, as they went down 2-0 quickly in the first quarter.

The Rams defense struggled to stop shots on net, forcing junior goalie Alexis Burleigh to make 16 saves throughout the match.

Both goals from heaton were scored early into the first quarter, and the Rams were able to hold off scoring opportunities for the rest of the period.

Framingham State finally found themselves on the board with an unassisted goal from senior attacker, Tara Palermo.

Once the Rams broke the seal on the net, both teams played an incredibly offensive-centered game. The teams combined for a staggering 21 combined goals-scored once the final bu er sounded.

The Rams were able to make it closer for a short time after another goal from Palamero, but the Lyons put two more up on the board to give them a two goal advantage.

Just before halftime, however, sophomore attacker Hannah Guerin put one in the back of the net to close the lead to one.

The defensive strategies of both teams once again wavered in the second half, as both Wheaton and FSU put up an astounding number of shots.

About halfway through the third period, Guerin was able to squeeze another one by Wheaton goalkeeper Emily Oundjian, tying the game up at 4-4 a piece.

The Rams took their first lead when unior attacker Madison Skiff rifled one into the opposing net, making the score 5-4 with just under nine minutes left to play in the third.

The rest of the third period could be called the Lyons show. Wheaton put up a total of four goals in the span of seven minutes to give them a three point lead heading into the final quarter.

Framingham State displayed excellence on the offensive end in the final quarter and were able to bring the game back. The Rams scored four rapid-fire goals to even out Wheaton’s impressive third quarter.

Guerin scored another two for her team, making her the top scorer of the game with four individual goals.

The other two goals were finished off by freshman attacker Leah Green, and were unassistated once again.

Assisted by freshman attacker Hailey Baker, Green scored the game winner with ust under three minutes left on the clock. The final bu er sounded and the Rams took the win over Wheaton by a difference of one.

After the game, freshman midfielder Regan Fein spoke about their fourth-quarter comeback. She said, “I think the fourth quarter was a big tipping point for our team. We really found our rhythm and remained cool and collected.”

Composure was the biggest factor in their comeback win, according to Fein.

She added, “It was never about how aggressive or out of control the other team played. It was about how we played, and I believe our team’s ability to remain composed played a huge part in that.”

The Rams look to improve their record from .500 at home March 26 vs. Endicott.

The winning streak ended for the Framingham State baseball team after they fell to Babson College 10-1 March 23.

The game began with the Rams at bat and Babson taking the field. The Beavers immediately made three outs in a row, stopping grounders hit by Chris Lannetta and Ryan Boyle and a pop fly to the glove by Robert ohnston before Babson took the plate and scored two runs against the Rams before the second inning.

The Rams responded in the second with a line drive to right field by Lucas Basile in an attempt to get runners on base. After another line drive down the left field line by Steven Burbank, Basile was picked off at second for the out, leaving the Rams with a single runner at first.

Joey Fasolino then stepped up to the plate and cracked the ball to left center, driving Burbank home for the single run scored for the Rams before Kevin Girardin and Jacob Buontempo struck out looking. The Rams let up zero runs in the inning for the 2-1 score going into the third.

Over the next few innings, the Rams struggled to connect with the ball, unable to advance their score and would make errors that cost the team four more runs for the Beavers for the 6-1 score.

At the bottom of the sixth, Babson would go on to score four more runs and never look back.

Lapham smoked a double to the base of the wall in right field to bring home a run, followed with another double down the left field line by Kiely to drive in the final 10-1 margin.

Despite the team streak being broken, junior Matthew Shaver said losses like these are just a part of playing the sport. “ ach loss is difficult, obviously,” he said. “The score didn’t really tell how the game went, and losing to a team that went to the Regional World Series will always give you something to build off of.”

Shaver acknowledged the mistakes that were made during the game and admired his team’s fight to finish the game.

He said there is always room for improvement and he and his team will take these next few games to prepare for the upcoming MASCAC conference.

“Coach Callahan specifies practice depending on who we play,’’ he said. “ ach practice is a little different with it being customized to who we are playing next, but we’re looking forward to these last two non-conference games and then we’re playing for a championship the back half of the season.”

The Rams are back on the field Saturday, March 26 when they travel to heaton College at noon for non-conference action.

Gatepost Archives

Gatepost Archives

FRAMINGHAM STATE WHEATON COLLEGE

11 10 CONNECT WITH TYLER WAHL twahl1@student.framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

BABSON COLLEGE FRAMINGHAM STATE

10 1 CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ACHIN dachin@student.framingham.edu

SPORTS

MARCH 25, 2022 | 13

FSU women’s basketball defeats Bridgewater in MASCAC Championship Game

By Caroline Gordon Editorial Staff

The FSU women’s basketball team walked past the MASCAC 2020 Championship trophy locked in the glass case outside the court as they prepared to repeat history on a chilly February evening when they defeated Bridgewater 84-69.

After the team did not get a chance to win the 2021 MASCAC Championship Game as the pandemic stole their time on the court, the women craved the intense competition and the feeling of winning.

Walter Paschal, head women’s basketball coach, said, “We won the championship on Feb. 29, 2020, then a week later, the world shut down. It’s been a long two years getting back into the swing of things. This year was difficult because of the protocols and kids missing games due to COVID.” He added despite the challenges COVID-19 presented, it was “very satisfying getting to the end.”

Paschal noted that during his 10year career as head coach, 2020 and 2022 were the only years the FSU women’s basketball team had won the MASCAC Championship Game.

He said the team had been in contention, but with two MASCAC Championship titles, they are “over the hump,” and the players have finally been rewarded for their hard work.

According to Camille Desrochers, a captain, the team prepared for the championship game by training in the

gym, watching tapes of other successful teams, and “giving 110%” during practices.

She added the team’s “love for the sport” also helped catapult them toward winning the MASCAC Championship Game.

Paschal explained how the three captains for the 2022 season, Desrochers, Krysta Padellaro, and Rai Edwards-Thomas, led the team to victory despite missing time on the court due to the pandemic.

“The three captains we had this year were really great leaders during a difficult time. Not being on the court and seeing each other for a year was really, really hard,” he said.

Paschal added, “The captains are the glue of the team. They know the team in and out. They know their teammates on and off the court. They lead and the team follows.”

Desrcochers said going into the season, she was the only player who had played more than one season of basketball at FSU. As younger players joined this year, Desrochers said she wanted to “show them what the sport of basketball is all about.”

She explained her leadership skills allow the team to hold themselves to a high standard.

Desrochers said the team is “super close” as they eat together in the Dining Commons and spend time together during preseason workouts.

“The fact that we are so close off the court, reflects how we play on the

The FSU women’s basketball team celebrating their win Feb. 26, 2022.

court. There is no question that the chemistry we have positively affects how we play. That is something that contributed to us being successful this season,” she said.

Desrcohers said she “cares very much” for each player. She noted the reason why she returned to FSU for a fifth year was to be able to play with her teammates.

She added, “Being able to represent the University and play the sport I love with some of my best friends is one of the best feelings in the world.”

Juniors Gwen Carpenter and Flannery O’Connor also plan on attending FS for a fifth year to continue playing on the basketball team.

Desrochers said both Carpenter and O’Connor are “huge contributors to the team” as Carpenter broke the season assist record and O’Connor won MASCAC player of the year.

She added Carpenter is one of the best point guards she has ever played with and O’Connor is a “huge presence for the team.

“We knew that if we passed the ball to Flannery, she would handle the rest,” said Desrochers.

Carpenter said winning the MASCAC Championship Game was “one of the best feelings,” especially because this season, the team dealt with COVID-19 cases and injuries.

“All of the hard work that we have put in since October all came together on that one day. My teammates are my best friends. To see us succeed and win the championship we deserved was in-

describable,” she said.

Carpenter added, “It was one of the best days of my life.”

She said the team is looking forward to improving during the off season in order to three-peat next season.

O’Connor said, “Winning the MASCAC championship was so rewarding because of the hard work we put in day-in and day-out to achieve the goals we had set in the beginning of the year - to see our dream come true was incredible.”

She added the team had “a lot to prove coming off a successful regular season,” and to be able to win the MASCAC Championship with her “best friends” was special.

Desrochers said Paschal was a “huge part” of the team’s success this year.

“He and our two assistant coaches, Lauren Donahue and Emily Velozo, work so hard every day to prepare us for what they know we are capable of.

They have taught me so much about not only the game of basketball, but life in general. I am so lucky to have such great people to look up to. I really can’t wait to see what the future holds for FSU women’s basketball,” she said.

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE GORDON cgordon4@student.framingham.edu

Courtesy of Camille Desrochers

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

14 | MARCH 25, 2022

O P / ED

OP/ED

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Ninety years worth of thank yous This week, The Gatepost celebrates its 90-year anniversary.

At the height of the Great Depression, a group of civic-minded students decided Framingham State needed a permanent newspaper.

In March 1932, the first edition of The Gatepost contained articles on student events, updates on alumni, and information on faculty, as well as some “scraps of humor.”

Ninety years later, The Gatepost’s status as one of the most important, dependable, and durable institutions at Framingham State is indisputable.

Through even the darkest of times in United States history, our publication has not faltered in its commitment to serve the Framingham State community.

During the most critical moments, we have played a crucial role in establishing a sense of continuity and community at Framingham State through our consistent reporting.

When needed - we adapted.

Two decades ago on 9/11, The Gatepost staff came together to create a special edition of the paper to commemorate and honor all who had lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.

Two years ago, in March 2020, the world found itself in the midst of a global pandemic. The Gatepost continued to publish - a task some college newspapers across the country could not accomplish.

For almost a year and a half, The Gatepost relied on the resiliency of our staff and a stable internet connection in order to produce a weekly newspaper.

Amid a world of chaos, our staff still undertook the stresses of journalistic responsibilities, but with computer screens lighting dozens of little faces on Zoom, one could not miss the smiles that shone on their faces while doing it.

Our staff performed with pride and integrity while producing an award-winning newspaper - that’s been the case for the past 90 years.

But we didn’t do it alone.

Today is a day to celebrate 90 years of The Gatepost, but the true celebration is of the community that has made it possible.

Without the support of administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, we would be unable to produce a paper that is worthy of recognition by the Society of Professional Journalists - a national organization.

From day one, the Student Government Association has provided us with the funds we need to print and function.

The $21 that started us in 1932 has come a long way - thank you!

We thank all of the student-led organizations, whose shows, events, and presentations fill our arts section with rich content and colorful photos of student life.

We thank the administrators and professors who share their valuable time with us for our endless interviews.

We thank SILD for their administrative support for billing and other logistical matters, as well as the many other offices at FSU for the work they do, including Facilities, which helps us main-

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

tain our office year round.

But, of course, we cannot forget to thank our two amazing advisors, Desmond McCarthy and Liz Banks, who have taught us everything we need to know about the ins and outs of journalism.

They have graciously volunteered their time year after year in order to support our professional endeavors.

McCarthy and Banks serve as the pillars of FSU’s phenomenal journalism program and the foundation of hundreds of students’ success.

We would also like to thank all of The Gatepost alumni, who despite moving on from their beloved college newspaper, are still always willing to help out and support current staff in any way they can. Whether it’s attending the annual Journalism Career Night, helping students network, or even popping by to offer support on a Thursday night, we know we can count on them.

However, this paper would be nothing without our staff.

They are some of the hardest-working students on campus, who dedicate countless hours to producing a newspaper and serving as a voice for the Framingham State community on a weekly basis.

On Thursday nights, Gateposters work into the early hours of Friday mornings in order to produce the quality newspaper that fills our bins across campus.

The Gatepost has served the Framingham State community with integrity and devotion for 90 years.

Without the support of our community, we would not have made it to this important milestone.

Thank you!

The unwavering support of the Framingham State community and its recognition of the vital role The Gatepost plays has been essential to our success.

In 1932, the first Editorial Board wrote, “The permanency of the Gate Post is at stake with your support, its growth demands your contributions, and its betterments rest upon your criticisms; we cannot do it all.”

This statement continues to hold true to this day.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Gatepost’s continued publication was a weekly reminder to everyone at Framingham State that they were not alone. The Gatepost provided a sense of normalcy when life seemed to be turned upside down.

But, the ability to publish was a weekly reminder to us at The Gatepost that we were not alone, either.

Even in the most isolating moments of a global pandemic, we were able to serve our community - a community whose support made that possible.

The Gatepost’s 1932 Editorial Board foresaw that.

As we celebrate this year’s anniversary, we at The Gatepost are taking this time to offer each and every one of you 90 years worth of thank yous.

The first Gatepost Editorial [Editor’s Note: This editoral was originally published in the first issue of The Gatepost, March 1932] At last it is here! A school newspaper, The Gate Post, which has for so many years been a dream of faculty, alumnae, and students alike, has finally become a reality. In publishing our first issue we are expecting your criticism, and anticipating your commendations.

Probably few students realize how much time and effort was spent by certain organizations of the school before such a possibility could be placed before the student body. Therefore, we of the staff wish to make a few acknowledgements which we feel sure will express the feelings of everyone in regard to the privilege of having this publication. First, we want to thank the committee of English teachers whose interest and enthusiasm has changed the idea of a newspaper from something vague to something tangible. With them it has been a question for some time as to whether the school could establish a newspaper and carry it on successfully.

Meanwhile the Student Government Council had been working on the same idea and soon the two committees combined to work together on the growing prospect.

We who are not members of those groups have no conception of the work done by them in furthering the interest of such a publication.

We must not forget the Hilltop News. Probably it was that organization which made us realize how much we would like a permanent newspaper.

We add that the Hilltop News staff left the sum of twenty-one dollars to the Student Government for the use of the newspaper.

The permanency of the Gate Post is at stake with your support, its growth demands your contributions, and its betterment rests upon your criticisms; we cannot do it all. Show us that you appreciate the work of the English teachers, the Student Government Council, and the staff of the Hilltop News.

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!

OP/ED

Eight decades of excellence

MARCH 25, 2022 | 15

The Gatepost: Shaping FSU since 1932

[Editor’s Note: This editoral was originally published in the 80th anniversary issue of The Gatepost, March 23, 2012.]

[Editor’s Note: This editoral was originally published in the 85th anniversary issue of The Gatepost, March 24, 2017.]

When The Gatepost was first published in 1932, its founding members had only $21 and the dream of establishing an institution committed to informing and representing students and advocating for positive change in the community. This week, we celebrate 80 years of that commitment.

The student body we serve is relatively small, but the principles by which we stand, the ideals for which we strive and the integrity with which we operate are formidable, and our convictions strong. And while the newspaper industry is in a state of transition, The Gatepost’s work as the voice of the student body will never become less relevant or less important. The history of Framingham State is rich and constantly evolving, and we are proud to be able to play a crucial role in both its development and its documentation every week.

At times, The Gatepost’s role on this campus is to keep students up to date on the issues that matter to them most with a level of detail that other major news outlets, on-campus newsletters and bulletins could never supply. At other moments, The Gatepost has fearlessly pursued the truth and said what others never would. Our desire to help both tell this school’s story and shape its history sometimes puts us at odds with administrators, faculty and staff as we advocate for students, but carrying a decades-old torch of dedication and integrity has meant getting to the truth, wherever it may be.

Gatepost editors and staff members have never been paid for the work they do, and many of us have juggled high-stress newsroom responsibilities, part-time jobs and schoolwork in our efforts to bring a top-quality publication to the stands week after week.

Yet with the odds stacked against us, we have again and again competed with the likes of some of the best-known journalism schools in the country and have garnered national recognition for our coverage and commentary. We are, and will continue to be, a force to be reckoned with, worthy of being a source of pride for everyone in the FSU community to whom this paper belongs.

Together, we have lived through highs and lows - the wars and social revolutions, the school’s tragic moments and its most celebrated achievements. Throughout this history, The Gatepost has relied on the support of the community members who answer questions, provide insight, and most of all, stand behind us.

In an impressive measure of foresight, the editors of the first-ever Gatepost proclaimed that “the permanency of the Gatepost is at stake with your support, its growth demands your contributions, and its betterment rests upon your criticisms; we cannot do it all.”

That statement rings as true now as it did then.

The paper has evolved greatly since its founding, becoming among the first student publications to develop an Internet presence in the late 1990s, formatting our stories on computers and welcoming the social media revolution of the last five years. Regularly communicating with The Gatepost and sharing opinions, ideas and criticisms has become easier than ever before, and we encourage students, faculty, staff and administrators to do so as often as possible. Many at FSU have rallied behind The Gatepost for years, or have expressed their thanks for the service we provide and belief in the work that we do, and we are eternally grateful for that.

The paper you now hold in your hands represents the tireless work of countless Gatepost staff members who believe in this publication. This paper has played an essential role at Framingham State for the last 80 years, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for the next 80 and beyond.

In the very first Gatepost Editorial, published in 1932, the founding editors questioned whether a permanent student newspaper could be established and carried out successfully at Framingham State.

They believed, as we do today, that the permanency of The Gatepost relies upon the community’s support and contributions.

But why is it so important that The Gatepost continues its legacy of excellent and accurate reporting?

Why does student journalism matter?

First, student reporters are often the only people holding administrators and the Board of Trustees responsible for their actions.

While local newspapers may cover universities when a famous speaker comes to campus or a protest erupts, they otherwise ignore the happenings and events on college campuses.

You might find similar stories in The MetroWest Daily News. However, The Gatepost offers more comprehensive coverage from the student perspective.

Second, The Gatepost serves as a voice for the thousands of students on campus - many of whom would never have the chance to express their opinions to the Board of Trustees or administrators without the paper.

Whether students submit an editorial, are featured in the paper, or interviewed by a reporter, administrators are reading their opinions and, hopefully, taking them into account.

Third, The Gatepost serves as the primary record of Framingham State’s history.

For decades, Gatepost reporters have committed themselves to telling the stories of the Framingham State community that would otherwise not be heard.

In telling the tales of FSU, The Gatepost fosters an informed and inclusive community on campus.

This is what student journalism provides college campuses, and what The Gatepost provides Framingham State University - an uncensored platform to speak out, and a hub of information for the University.

As we reflect on our 85-year history, we at The Gatepost cannot help but be impressed and inspired by the commitment and professionalism all the students who came before us displayed.

For nearly a century, students have volunteered their time and skill to inform and educate the Framingham State community with fair and accurate reporting, and their work rivals those of their professional contemporaries.

Because of these students, The Gatepost has been influencing and shaping this University since its establishment in 1932.

We depend on you to help The Gatepost continue its legacy of excellence and professionalism in order to provide this University with the most accurate news possible.

Maddison Behringer/ THE GATEPOST

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

16 | MARCH 25, 2022

OP/ED

Campus Conversations How do you think The Gatepost supports the community?

By Maddison Behringer and Emma Lyons, Editorial Staff

“I think FSU is freedom of speech at its finest. I think The Gatepost does a fabulous job asking people what their opinions are and then presenting them, publishing them without any changes or any twists to the comments.”

- Sandra Rahman, Marketing Professor

“I think it serves the community because - as a historian - 100 years from now, 200 years from now, historians, students will be able to go back and look at The Gateposts and see what was happening. How did we deal with the pandemic, or how did we react to the Biden election, or whatever else is going on? So it serves as an important and valuable historical record.”

- Jon Huibregtse, History Professor

“I appreciate the way The Gatepost is present at and reports on many events that are relevant to the FSU community.”

- Eric Nguyen, Director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence

“What I like about The Gatepost is its perspective. It tells us about students and what students are thinking and doing because being a professor and being in a classroom, there are a lot of things that I don’t know about - like events. I think it really helps faculty to understand the lives of students outside of the classroom.”

- Audrey Kali, Communications, Media and Performance Professor

“I don’t know what I would do without The Gatepost. It gives me this vivid sense of place that I can’t get just from my classroom. I have a Gatepost addiction. Every week I look at the cover photo and the headline. I flip to the back spread just to get a sense of campus life. … I go right to the Op/Ed - that’s my favorite writing in The Gatepost - just such an important voice for where we are in time. … I read it cover to cover. I think the big message is that it’s a window on the campus.

Now I know so much more about where I teach and why I love this community.”

- Lisa Eck, English Department Chair

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

“Over the years, The Gatepost has connected and supported the FSU community in numerous ways. I view the newspaper as the ‘voice’ of the community. I look forward to reading the editorials about the issues being debated on campus, the interviews with faculty members, and the coverage of exhibitions in the Mazmanian Gallery. Of course, I check out the photographs in The Gatepost each week. Over the years, I have learned to appreciate sports photography from my students who cover the FSU games. Personally, I am proud of educating and encouraging a long line of student staff writers and photographers.”

- Leslie Starobin, Studio Art Professor

OP/ED

MARCH 25, 2022 | 17

To my fourth-grade self, it’s worth it

By McKenzie Ward Opinions Editor For most FSU students, their first memory of campus is probably the tour they took during high school or Rams Rising.

For me, my first memory of FSU is from fourth grade - over 10 years ago.

I remember vividly sitting in the back of the bus with all the other fourth-graders while we made our way up Maynard Street to the Christa McAuliffe Center for our field trip to the planetarium.

After the show, we had lunch on campus, and I remember being so amazed by the college students and thinking they were so cool. I remember telling myself I couldn’t wait to be in college.

Talking to fourth-grade me, it hasn’t been as glamorous as the movies made it. Instead of going to parties every week, I’ve gotten COVID-19 tested every week.

But that’s what happens when a pandemic occurs midway through your freshman spring semester and the entire world is flipped upside down.

But despite the many ups and downs that I have experienced since September 2019 when I began freshman year, I don’t regret choosing FSU because it has shaped me into who I am today.

And while FSU may not be perfect - Lord knows it’s not - it has truly become my home over the last couple of years thanks to many individuals and

departments who have taught me a countless number of lessons so far.

For the sake of word count, I’ll just name a few.

As a member of the Student Government Association, I was reminded that student voices DO in fact matter and that we can move mountains and enact change - even if that change isn’t visible to everyone.

As a member of The Gatepost, I learned that sometimes being overly tired for your 8:30 a.m. Friday lab is so worth it for pizza, friends, and something you can hold in your hands and be proud of.

The Foundations Peer Mentor program reminded me that no matter what, you’ll always have at least one person at this University in your corner, rooting you on. Thank you, Ben Trapanick and David Baldwin. I can always count on you two when I need a boost in my confidence.

Individuals such as Sara Gallegos, Meg Nowak Borego, and Lorretta Holloway have taught me the importance of being an advocate and not to let the opinions of others deter me from success.

To my professors, especially Desmond McCarthy, Maria Bollettino, Joe Adelman, Rachel Trousdale, and Elizabeth Banks, thank you for expecting only the very best and pushing me to get there. If it wasn’t for your support

and belief in me, I would not be here today. The passion and dedication FSU professors have for their job and their students is inspiring. You change the lives of so many students and deserve more appreciation .

Most importantly, to all the amazing friends that I have met at FSU over the past three years, you all have made each day worth it.

Eighteen-year-old me could never have imagined the things that I have accomplished so far.

I bet if you had told me on the day that I put down my deposit to FSU that I would become SGA president, I would have laughed at you because in high school I wasn’t involved at all. I woke up, went to school, went to work, and did homework. It wasn’t until my senior year that I joined a club because I

realized how disconnected I was.

And while I may have overcompensated during college for my lack of involvement in high school, for the most part I don’t have regrets. I do have regrets when it is 3 a.m. and I am still doing homework, but the people on this campus make it so worthwhile.

So, for the students who aren’t involved, at least think about it. Not only does it help build your resumé, but you may find some of the most important people in your life like I did in whatever organization you join or an on-campus job you have.

To my FSU support system, I would not be completing my degrees next spring if it wasn’t for your belief in me.

And as cheesy it sounds, I love being part of the FSU fRAMily.

Gatepost Archives

Reintroducing Sam

Haley Hadge / THE GATEPOST

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

18 | MARCH 25, 2022

OP/ED

Meet The Gatepost team

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST

The Gatepost staff and advisors gather for a photo before copyediting, laying out, and publishing this issue.

Guardians of The Gatepost

Haley Hadge / THE GATEPOST

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

ARTS & FEATURES

MARCH 25, 2022 | 19

Presidents of Framingham State

Courtesy of the Henry Whittemore Library

Courtesy of the Henry Whittemore Library

Francis Bagnall, former principal and president from 1932-1935.

Courtesy of Framingham State F. Javier Cevallos, president from 2014-2022.

Courtesy of the Henry Whittemore Library

D. Justin McCarthy, president from 1961-1985.

Courtesy of the Henry Whittemore Library

Martin O’Connor, president from 1935-1961.

Raymond Kieft, president from 1996-1999.

Courtesy of Framingham State Nancy Niemi, future president of Framingham State.

Courtesy of the Henry Whittemore Library

Paul Weller, president from 1985-1996.

Courtesy of the Henry Whittemore Library

Helen Heineman, president from 1999-2006.

Gatepost Archives Timothy Flanagan, president from 2006-2013.

Spread by Maddison Behringer and Emma Lyons, Design Editors / THE GATEPOST

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

20 | MARCH 25, 2022

ARTS & FEATURES

ARTS & FEATURES

Pass through the gateway to 1932

By Leighah Beausoleil Editor-in-Chief In the October 1932 issue of The Gatepost, Maude B. Gerritson wrote a feature on life at The State Normal School a quarter of a century prior to her attendance.

Her article’s lede began with imagining the absurdity of a time when the brick gateway that sits on Normal Hill did not exist.

The gateway was erected in 1921 by the Classes of 1917, 1918, and 1919

shortages of money for tuition and board.”

According to the 1932 Freshman Handbook, room and board cost $325, which would cost approximately $6,200 today.

Even in 1932, commuter status was prominent at Framingham, with commuters making up one-third of the student population, according to the handbook.

“Dorm students were not allowed to have cars on campus,” Conway said.

“Most commuters used the train.”

Much of campus life was strictly

Courtesy of IAFSA Henry Whittemore and his wife with their grandchildren at the memorial gate in 1917. in memory of Henry Whittemore, who served as principal of Framingham Normal School from 1898 to 1917.

Nearly a century later, Framingham State University students could not imagine a time when the student-led newspaper did not exist, but at the start of 1932, that was the case.

The Gatepost newspaper published its very first issue in March 1932 - exactly 90 years prior to this article’s publication.

With a budget of $21 from the Student Government Organization, the paper was formed, naming itself a year after Whittemore’s passing in 1931 in recognition of the gateway constructed in his honor.

While Gerritson was startled by the transitions on campus from the early 1900s to 1932, even greater changes have occurred from 1932 and now.

With an enrollment of approximately 500 female students, Framingham Normal School became the State Teachers College at Framingham in 1932, naming Francis Bagnell as the first president, according to Michael Conway, ’70, who is a volunteer archivist for the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni.

Amid the Great Depression, the U.S. unemployment rate reached 24.5%, leaving 13 million Americans unemployed, according to The People History’s website.

“Jobs were scarce,” Conway said.

“Framingham was impacted by the

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

guided through the Freshman Handbook. To cope with the restrictions, the 1932 edition of The Dial, Framingham State’s former yearbook, curated a list of “song hits” and “reviews of reviews,” which were commonly used phrases, and their “artists.”

One of the rules listed in the handbook was that male escorts were required to drop students off at the doors of their residence halls - noted in The Dial as “‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ - Under Crocker’s porch light.”

Women needed written permission and approval from their parents in order to ride in the automobile of a male escort, which was only permitted on weekends. “‘We’re So Alone’ - Without weekend dates.”

There were restrictions for studying in the dorm rooms, with lights required to be off by 10 p.m. on school nights and 11 p.m. on weekends. Seniors were allotted an extra 30 minutes on school nights for studying. ach student was granted five “light cuts” in which they could study until 12 a.m. “‘Starlight” - Light cuts.”

If the women arrived at their residence halls late, they had 15 minutes to get ready for bed and shut off the lights - 30 if they were returning from a school function. “‘What Can I Say, After I’ve Said I’m Sorry” - Late arrivals on Sunday

nights.”

Academic buildings were closed to all underclassmen from 7:30 p.m. to 7 a.m., and seniors were able to stay and study until 9:30 p.m.

A written note was required to be signed for any and all instances of absence or tardiness to class and the student was to report to the Dean’s Office.

At 9 a.m. every morning, the women were required to attend chapel, and on Mondays, they had assembly at 2 p.m. “‘Hurricane Horsemen’ - The 9:02

ter two weeks, campus life consumed them and there was not enough time to keep up with the “Greenies.”

The Dial entry signs off with, “Honestly, ‘Greenies,’ wasn’t it fun, and didn’t you enjoy it? We did!”

Green berets weren’t the only fashion trends rampant among Framingham students.

Hats and dying one’s hair blonde were all the rage in 1932.

In the second publication of The Gatepost in 1932, the “Scraps of Humor” section said it all. “‘Wags’: ‘What is the greatest con-

Courtesy of the Alumni Magazine (Left) Editor-in-Chief Leighah Beausoleil and Former Arts & Features Editor Jared Graf, ’21, at the memorial get with copies of The Gatepost in Spring 2021.

Chapel arrivals.” “‘Somebody from Somewhere’ Speakers in assembly.” “‘Snuggled on Your Shoulder’ Sleeping in assembly.”

Despite the endless rules, the students were still allotted fun.

Entering a gym of crimson and blue, the students of 1932 were preparing to celebrate their annual Harvard-Yale Weekend, according to The Dial.

The student body was divided in two - each rooting for one school or the other. Both a game of basketball and hockey would take place with teams made up of select Framingham students.

That year, Harvard was victorious in basketball, while Yale won hockey.

The sports were followed by a banquet. “‘Many Happy Returns of the Day’ Harvard and Yale.”

Another tradition involved freshman initiation.

Described in The Dial as “The Greenies,” freshmen had their own set of strict rules to follow, but these came from the upperclassmen.

The rules included when they were allowed to leave the dining hall and assembly, restrictions of cosmetics and clothing, but also their name sake - the requirement to wear green berets for one semester.

However, The Dial admitted that af-

tribution chemistry has given Framingham?’

‘Condit’: ‘Blondes.’”

Another notable feature of campus life was the menace that was cockroaches.

Their presence was made known in The Dial, “‘I’ll be Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal, You’ - Cockroach” As well as the “Remember the Day in Crocker” entry, in which students reminisce about the day “When [they] learned that curry powder was used to kill cockroaches.”

In the “Class History” entry of The Dial, the writers describe their uneasiness about the changes underway in Framingham.

“On returning to Framingham, we had to look twice,” they said. “We were confronted with a great change.

The construction of the new Washington Highway gave the center a different aspect.”

In 2022, students cannot think of Framingham State without acknowledging Route 9, which serves as an integral part of the journey to many of their desired destinations.

Framingham State students cannot imagine the changes that will take place in years to come.

Whatever they are, however, The Gatepost will be here to report them.

CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL

lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

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Journalism professors by day, Gatepost advisors by night A question-and-answer session with Desmond McCarthy and Liz Banks

By Donald Halsing Associate Editor After earning his Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Brandeis University, Desmond McCarthy returned to his undergraduate alma mater as a professor of literature and journalism. McCarthy has advised The Gatepost since 1992, and was named National 4-year College Newspaper Advisor of the Year in 1997 by the College Media Association.

Following his six-year tenure as English Department Chair, McCarthy is currently the department’s graduate coordinator as well as assistant director of the Mancuso Humanities Workforce Preparation Center.

Elizabeth “Liz” Banks earned her master’s in journalism from Northeastern University. While serving in a variety of editorial roles for local newspapers, Banks taught part time at FSU, sharing her expertise as a working journalist.

She has earned numerous awards, including the Judith Vance Weld Brown Spirit of Journalism Award from the New England Newspaper Society of Newspaper Editors, given to women in journalism who “have mastered their craft.”

In 2015, she retired from being a managing editor at The MetroWest Daily News to focus exclusively on teaching and become The Gatepost’s assistant advisor.

Tell me about the history of the journalism program during your time at FSU. McCarthy: I was hired by then English department chair Helen Heineman in the fall of 1991 to resuscitate the journalism program, which was floundering. One of the reasons for that was a disconnect between the program and the student newspaper.

I made it a mission to streamline our course offerings to make the program

as practical as possible and to ensure that the skills students were learning not only made it possible for them to obtain entry-level jobs in journalism, but in related fields such as marketing, public relations, and so on. The strength of our program is its practicality - its emphasis on the basics, the timeless skills journalists need, the ability to write clearly, concisely, and well, to report accurately, to follow codes of professional ethics.

After a few years, I asked then English department chair and now Professor Emeritus Alan Feldman if we could bring in a top-level regional journalist to teach some of the courses because I believed it was very important to have a working journalist with extensive experience as my partner - and I knew exactly who I wanted that person to be. Liz and I have known each other for more than three decades. She has had an incredible career as a journalist, as an editor, as a distinguished newspaper manager in New England. I’m so grateful that she has been my professional colleague teaching our journalism courses since 1998. We joke that we’re Team Journalism, but it’s remarkable that the academic support for this successful undertaking is provided by two people. In many journalism programs, there’s a whole department, but here, it’s Liz and myself. I’m really thankful to Alan Feldman for agreeing to hire Liz on a part-time basis to teach our courses.

Banks: I started spring semester 1998 after Desmond asked me if I’d be interested in teaching Feature Writing. I believe I said, “Yes” immediately because teaching was always something I wanted to do. I interviewed with Alan [Feldman] and was hired. My memory is I had just broken my wrist, so my first day, I was trying to maneuver with a broken wrist. And since then, I’ve taught Feature Writ-

(Left) Gatepost Advisor Desmond McCarthy and Assistant Advisor Liz Banks.

ing and Intro to Journalism. I did one course a semester while I was working full time at the newspaper. In 2015, I left the newspaper and picked up more courses here, and picked up serving as assistant advisor of The Gatepost.

Do you have a shared philosophy or pedagogy about teaching journalism?

Banks: The short answer is yes.

We both believe in solid writing skills, ethical journalism - the basics - so students could really step into any job and be confident they will succeed.

What marketable skills do students obtain from journalism courses?

McCarthy: The ability to write clearly, accurately, and persuasively on deadline is never going to go out of style. It’s always going to be necessary and marketable for a whole range of jobs. To be responsible for your words and work, and to publish on deadline for an audience that includes not only the Framingham State community, but innumerable people reading The Gatepost on the web, is an invaluable experience for students as they prepare to enter the job market.

Banks: Journalists are taught to write in the inverted pyramid style - short sentences, short paragraphs.

This is an invaluable skill because it’s the style preferred for online and social media writing. Every company, nonprofit, and educational institution has an online presence, and they need ournalists to fill those roles.

Why is journalism a relevant field of study for today’s students?

McCarthy: Journalism is more important than ever in an era where we are all fighting an onslaught of “fake news,” inaccurate information, and cynicism. Journalists tell the truth, and they are some of the most civic-minded people in our society.

Banks: Thomas Jefferson said, “Were it left to me to decide whether

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST

we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” I use it in my syllabus. The press is known as the Fourth Estate, the fourth branch of government. We can’t have an effective democracy without a free press, and journalism provides citizens with truthful information needed for self government.

Why do you advise The Gatepost?

McCarthy: I have advised The Gatepost for 30 years, which is a third of its existence and half my life. I do so because The Gatepost plays a central role in fostering a sense of community at Framingham State. It’s the most durable institution at Framingham State. It not only informs and entertains the campus community every week, but it provides a sense of cohesion for the community itself.

Gatepost editors are some of our most gifted, talented, selfless, and civic-minded students, and it’s an honor to accompany them on their journeys of personal and professional self discovery as their advisor.

Banks: Skills can be taught in the classroom, but there’s no better way to learn than producing a product - to take those skills, apply them to real situations, and see the result in print.

It’s very rewarding watching students do it and do it successfully.

Is there a benefit for students who participate in their college newspapers?

McCarthy: The leadership skills students build working at this newspaper will stay with them for the rest of their lives. This is a monumental undertaking. A professional-quality newspaper must be produced 12 times a semester. It doesn’t matter who has the flu, who has a paper due the next day, or who’s had a bad week - on Thursday night, a newspaper is being laid out one way or another, and then it’s available for the perusal of the entire campus community - your parents, your friends, local state legislators. It’s very daunting. I keep in touch with all of the Gatepost alums I’ve advised for three decades. What I hear from many of them is that the stress and responsibility they experience in an entry-level job is not as challenging as what they dealt with volunteering to produce a weekly newspaper while being full-time students and often holding down part time jobs to pay for their educations.

Banks: It’s invaluable to show a future employer that a student has had writing published and to be able to show clips of the original work that has been published. Also, it demonstrates that you’re able to work in a team situation because journalism is teamwork.

CONNECT WITH DONALD HALSING

dhalsing@student.framingham.edu

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22 | MARCH 25, 2022

ARTS & FEATURES

The Gatepost legacy lives on Alumni reflect on the value of their Gatepost experiences

By Leighah Beausoleil Editor-in-Chief

By Emily Rosenberg Arts & Features Editor

By Steven Bonini Editorial Staff

By Sophia Harris Editorial Staff

By Tyler Wahl Editorial Staff

By Branden LaCroix Staff Writer

on a weekly basis.

Though LeClare said he is grateful for the skills he was able to hone on the paper, it was the team aspect of The Gatepost that he truly remembers.

“I learned there that it’s much easier to operate on a strong team with trusted people than it is to be on your own,” he said. “That was vital to me then and just as vital as to me today.

“I was working my butt off back then,” LeClare said. “I had a job. I was Editor-in-Chief. I was working on two or three stories a week and I was staying up on Thursday till three o’clock.

I wasn’t being a college kid doing it.

I was actually working. To do that and to do work that hard and not get paid for it, obviously - it really helps to be surrounded by people you like and who are talented and that you admire.”

Years later, he said he is still able to keep in touch with The Gatepost staff through Facebook.

As the principal of his own company, LeClare PR, LeClare works to help clients “drive brand awareness and leverage public relations to achieve tangible business results,” according to his LinkedIn. This includes handling media and analyst relations, social media, and content marketing.

Courtesy of Phil LeClare Phil LeClare ’94 Initially attending a larger journalism school, Phil LeClare found himself in the wrong place for his college experience.

Transferring to Framingham State, LeClare said the school was a better fit for him because he wanted a college with a “community aspect.”

LeClare joined The Gatepost with the goal of becoming a journalist. He became Sports Editor and was elected associate editor and then ultimately editor-in-chief his senior year.

LeClare highlighted the key skills his Gatepost experience taught him.

He said The Gatepost “taught me about the business of journalism, and that it wasn’t just as simple as, you know, a person writes an article, a person gets published,” he said.

“There were bigger lessons to be learned there about what the journalism industry was, what it looked like, and how it operated.”

LeClare said learning how a paper is managed and acquiring clips for his professional portfolio helped him not only to obtain a job at The Boston Herald after college, but also helped him do the job.

He said one of his roles at the Herald was to lay out a section of the paper - a skill Gatepost editors practice

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Courtesy of Suzanne McDonald Suzanne McDonald ’95 When Suzanne “Sue” McDonald came to Framingham State as a transfer student, she designed a major of her very own.

Not wanting to be an English major, McDonald opted into the Individualized Major Program, in which she could work with department chairs and chose which courses would benefit her as a ournalist.

“It was hugely helpful in my career,” she said, explaining she was able to apply the knowledge she learned to the stories she covered, which gave her an advantage over other reporters who may not have gained those same experiences in regular journalism

programs.

“I knew since the time I was 16 that I wanted to be a journalist,” McDonald said. As a high school student living in Germany, she wrote about witnessing the Berlin Wall coming down for her high school paper and won an award for her coverage.

“It just was one of those awakenings,” she said. “It really opened my eyes to what my talents are.”

Coming to FSU with a love for journalism, McDonald immediately joined The Gatepost and was elected opinions editor, and then news editor, before serving as editor-in-chief her senior year.

McDonald said one article she wrote investigated the impact of credit card solicitation in classrooms.

This article helped introduce legislation that now bans advertising of credit card applications in classrooms at public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts.

“That really stands out as how journalism should work - you’re bringing awareness,” she said.

McDonald credits The Gatepost for giving her leadership and management skills that are hard to come by as a student, adding,“The Gatepost is the gateway to what real life is - what a real career is.

“I had in my resume for a very long time that at The Gatepost, I managed a staff of 40 unpaid college students to put out a newspaper every single week - not a lot of people can say that,” she said. “And understanding what drives them and how to help them reach their goals - that is huge.”

McDonald said, “The fact that the newspaper still comes out each week, still is having an impact, and still shaping the community of Framingham State and delivering through good times and bad is pretty spectacular - such an achievement.”

McDonald said her experiences at The Gatepost led to her obtaining her dream job at The Boston Globe. Today she owns and manages her own marketing company, “Angles and Insights,” which uses extensive marketing technology and knowledge to support and promote brands.

Bret Kerr ’96 One of the fondest memories Bret Kerr has from his time at The Gatepost was when the FSU rugby team stole papers from around campus because they were upset over an article critical of them.

He said after dropping off bundles of papers at May Hall, The Gatepost staff, watching from their office window, could see members of the team taking the whole press run. “They took the bundles because they didn’t want

Courtesy of Bret Kerr people to read the story,” he said.

Kerr, an English major who graduated in 1996, now works as a video production manager for Mimecast, a cybersecurity company, for which he shoots videos featuring the company CEO and “subject-matter experts” for its social media accounts.

Before that, Kerr worked in publishing for Pearson Education in Boston for 10 years.

Kerr first oined The Gatepost when he tagged along with his roommate, Chad Parenteau, ’96, to a meeting.

He said he always had an interest in ournalism, adding, “In fifth or sixth grade, I started my own newspaper, and I would sell it for like 10 cents at my elementary school.” e remembered when the office upgraded its hardware to Macintosh LCs - a “big move,” according to Kerr - as they included Quark, an early iteration of layout software.

Before Quark, Kerr said students were formatting articles in Word to the dimensions of the paper and cutting them up to piece together on large boards brought into The Gatepost office. “It was ust a mess, like A Beautiful Mind,’ like all these scraps of paper all over the place,” he said.

Kerr became the layout editor for The Gatepost and much of what he learned from his experience, from layout design to editing and publishing, he carried into his career. “It kind of went full circle with journalism experience and design experience,” he said.

“I think it’s putting in that initial time and learning to work with each other” to produce a weekly newspaper “100 carries over into your first job,” he added. “And learning how to work with deadlines under pressure.

That was more valuable than you know, studying ‘Beowulf.’”

Kerr still keeps in touch with his fellow staff members through Facebook, including Suzanne McDonald See ALUMNI page 23

ARTS & FEATURES

MARCH 25, 2022 | 23

Alumni Continued from Page 22 and his friend Parenteau.

Kerr said, “ ou don’t always find instant success right out of college.

But, if you just keep at it, you’ll be ready for opportunities.”

experience that I had, which I carried with me and helped me maintain some friendships for years and some connections that I could still turn to for networking purposes for my career,” he said.

Murphy added, “I certainly would say The Gatepost is definitely the highlight of my time at Framingham State.”

Courtesy of Joe Murphy Joe Murphy ’96 When Joe Murphy began working at The Gatepost, the paper could only be produced in black and white.

Murphy said when the editor-in-chief was able to produce a paper with color for the first time, it “was a big deal. Seeing that first issue in color and walking up to The Gatepost office and the editor-in-chief skipping toward me with a copy of the paper screaming, ‘It’s color! It’s color!’ - that was quite a memory.”

Murphy added he was the news editor during his time at The Gatepost.

He said serving in that role gave him the “ability to lead a team and to direct the content of the paper” skills he values to this day.

Murphy said the leadership skills he developed in his role at The Gatepost prepared him for jobs post-college.

Currently a network engineer at Summit Partners, Murphy said a previous job required him to lead “a team of seven engineers across three different offices.”

Thanks to his time on The Gatepost, he was able to “stay focused, directed, and be a good example to people.”

In addition to soft skills, Murphy said The Gatepost gave him the technical skills he needed when he obtained his first ob out of college working at a publishing company called Hispanex.

The Gatepost used the layout software QuarkXPress, which was exactly what the company used for book publishing, he said.

Murphy said he was able to quickly translate what he knew about newspaper layout to book layout because of his prior experience using the software.

“At Framingham State, I think working at The Gatepost was by far - and I was involved in other groups and other extracurricular activities - but it was by far the most valuable

Courtesy of Steve Katsos Steve Katsos ’96 From long late-night copy-edit sessions to layout mishaps, and even to The Gatepost being sued, Steve Katsos, editor-in-chief for Academic Year 1995-96, remembers it all!

“I must have gone to some club thing where all the clubs are represented by the leaders and I met Marianne D’Amico, who was the editor-in-chief at the time,” said Katsos.

D’Amico told him to check out the Gatepost and Katsos took her up on the offer.

“I thought it was a lot of fun,” he said.

At the time, Katsos said he was a commuter freshman - attempting a career in “television comedy.” uring his first semester, he remembers spending more time in The Gatepost office than anywhere else, adding, “I think for me, it was the group of people there I clicked with, and we enjoyed creating something once a week and it really … was about creation and it was about working in media.”

Katsos recalls being the comedian of the group and remembers a moment when the staff was told the paper was being sued and Advisor Desmond McCarthy asked him what he thought of the matter. Katsos said he replied by quoting “Star Trek” - “Data, engage warp factor 5.

“I definitely was the guy - it’s like three in the morning - I got up on the chair and started to sing rock ‘n’ roll songs to get the group back up because they’re all falling asleep. And they loved it,” he added.

One year, Katsos said The Gatepost was reporting on the selection of a new college president and the night the paper was sent to print, the vice president informed him the person selected for the position rejected the job - giving the second-choice candidate the position.

He said in that week’s issue, the vice president was quoted as saying the original person was the top choice, and he didn’t want the new person selected to open the paper that week and see her comments.

Katsos said he got in his car, called the publisher, and drove to where the paper was being printed, asking them not to print that issue so he could change the front-page article quotes.

“The vice president at the time was very thankful that we did that,” he added.

During his last week as editor-in-chief, Katsos said The Gatepost team saved up money to finally have the paper printed in color, but because of this decision, he was only able to send five editors to that year’s conference and he decided not to attend.

“I didn’t go because we ran out of money and I’m like, ‘You know what?

I want the color paper. I don’t care.’

I got what I wanted. So, I missed the conference because of that,” he added.

Katsos has held many jobs in media, including his own local television program called “The Steve Katsos Show.” He is currently the assistant business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 1228 union.

“My latest client was CBS News, and I just did the latest State of the Union address,” he said. “So, I was in DC for a week covering that event, and I was in the room where it happened.”

I’ve had. It taught me time management, how to work on a deadline, how to handle stressful situations - all things I deal with on a daily basis professionally.”

She said though she did not stay in the ournalism field after she graduated, the experiences she gained working at The Gatepost still benefit her, such as in her position as senior project manager for the Pearson Education Higher Education Department.

“We would be up till 4 a.m. sometimes,” she said. “I mean, those were some late nights, and you know, you’re not going out partying and like everyone else on a ‘Thirsty Thursday.’

We were all working our butts off.”

Gardner said her experience at The Gatepost helped her get a job at Channel 5 when she was still in college.

She said one of her favorite memories at The Gatepost was meeting and interviewing faculty, staff, and students she would not ordinarily have had the chance to interact with otherwise.

Gardner highlighted The Gatepost’s annual trip to the College Media Association conference in New York.

“They were so incredible,” she said.

“Like getting to go to New York City is fun in itself with all your friends at the paper, but we got to learn from journalists all around the country and we would go to these seminars, and it was incredible.”

She said The Gatepost also gave her the opportunity to learn how to “handle stressful situations.”

Gardner said one memorable experience was when she co-wrote an article about the football team hazing, which led to a whole circulation of newspapers being stolen and Gardner herself getting threatened.

She said, “It was no joke - wicked scary.”

Courtesy of Lindsey Gardner Lindsey Gardner ’06 With a dream to write for Rolling Stone some day, Lindsey Gardner began her time at The Gatepost writing music reviews.

From the arts section, Gardner made her way up to an associate editor position and ultimately to editor-in-chief by her senior year.

Initially entering FSU as an undeclared student, Gardner took the Introduction to Journalism course and was encouraged by The Gatepost’s Advisor, Desmond McCarthy, to join, which eventually led her to declare a major in English with a concentration in journalism.

Gardner said The Gatepost “gave me the tools to get all the jobs that

Courtesy of Brad Pertishen Brad Petrishen ’08 Looking back at his experience at The Gatepost, Brad Petrishen, editor-in-chief for Academic Year 200708, recalled many fond memories, including making new friends, interviewing the founder of The Gatepost, and even meeting “Jackass” star JohnSee ALUMNI page 24

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Alumni Smith said she still keeps in touch with friends she made while at The Gatepost, both on a personal and prfessional level.

Continued from Page 23 ny Knoxville!

Petrishen was part of the English Club while at FSU and said a friend of his, who was both a member of the club and The Gatepost, invited him to be a staff writer.

“He was telling me, ‘You should come check out The Gatepost. It’s a lot of fun. See if you might be interested,’” said Petrishen.

Joining The Gatepost taught him the value of journalism and reporting, he said, adding it’s important to understand that the power of using one’s voice in journalism helps communicate ideas and advocate for others.

Petrishen said one of his most memorable experiences was having the opportunity to interview the founder of The Gatepost, Miriam Jagodnik Feldman, who formed the organization all the way back in 1932.

She was an “absolutely wonderful woman,” he said, adding, he, an associate editor, and Advisor Desmond McCarthy went and spoke with her at a retirement facility where she was living.

The interview was conducted for an article that was published in the Spring 2008 Semester.

Another memorable moment was when he had the opportunity to meet Johnny Knoxville, who was appearing on tour and reaching out to college newspapers for public relations.

“I remember we went to the Four Seasons in Boston where he was - myself and another editor,” he said. “I remember he was chucking Reese’s Pieces at his staff people - just being crazy. It was a good time.”

Petrishen said he and a few others got a photo with Knoxville and during the photo, the “Jackass” star pinched his nipple - a moment he’ll never forget.

The most important aspect of Petrishen’s time at the Gatepost he said, was working with advisor Desmond McCarthy, whom he called “The Godfather of The Gatepost.

“When he walks down the hall, that’s The Gatepost walking around,” he said. “Desmond is the engine of The Gatepost.”

Petrishen is currently working for the The Worcester Telegram and Gazette as an investigative journalist and he said going into his career, The Gatepost taught him how to think critically and take criticism.

“You’re basically a lifelong learner when you’re in this job,” he said.

“That’s really valuable.”

Alex Smith ’08 When Alex Smith, associate editor for Academic Year 2007-08, worked for The Gatepost, she said she learned the importance of accurate reporting, camaraderie, and managing relationships with others.

Reminiscing about her time at The Gatepost, she said it was the lengthy hours spent Thursday nights putting the paper together to be sent to press that helped her understand what it

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Courtesy of Alex Smith meant to create a high-quality product.

“Even though we were up sometimes all night preparing the paper, there was such a high level of camaraderie with people supporting one another and checking each other’s work,” she said.

Smith recalled a breaking news story she worked on with a team of students regarding a bomb threat that occurred on campus.

“The college administration and campus police had held a meeting with us around a big conference table - like a press conference,” she said.

“They recognized the importance of The Gatepost on campus to provide us with accurate information to report.”

She said with the help of campus leaders and the team’s ability to accurately investigate the situation, they were able to produce a well-reported article that went on to win a national finalist award for breaking news coverage from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Smith said she always enjoyed attending the New York City College Media Association Conference during her time at The Gatepost.

“It was my first experience at a professional conference, and it was great to be among other student journalists from all types of colleges and universities and be able to support one another in our challenges,” she said.

Following her time at The Gatepost, Smith said she entered the field of communications and public affairs, adding, “I currently work in education administration. I do communications strategy and marketing for an education program.

“I previously worked in higher education, including one role where I was doing public relations and was the media spokesperson,” she said.

Smith said she received her master of arts in communication management from Emerson College in 2012 and will complete a master of public administration (MPA) degree at Clark University in May 2022.

Writing for The Gatepost, she said, helped her in her career, especially by allowing her to create a valuable professional portfolio and understand the importance of communicating efficiently as well as providing accurate information when needed.

He said it is “tough to just sort of isolate one moment.” However, The Gatepost taught him “to write impactfully about the campus and to go to all different types of events and meet people and work really hard with my friends until very late at night in order to make something that we were really proud of every week.”

Buell said he will always cherish what he learned at The Gatepost.

Courtesy of Spencer Buell Spencer Buell ’09 Ten years ago, Spencer Buell, ’09, led his staff in the publication of the 80th anniversary issue of The Gatepost.

“Getting to celebrate that with everyone was a great experience,” Buell said.

Buell was an English major with a concentration in journalism and is currently a senior staff writer at Boston Magazine.

Buell said he “jumped in right away” his freshman year, joining The Gatepost in 2005.

He said he held “a number of titles,” such as arts & features editor and news editor, adding, “I was an associate editor at some point, too, and my last two years, I was editor-in-chief.”

Buell said his time on The Gatepost was “invaluable” and a “great period of [his] life.

“It gave me an opportunity to not just learn how to write, but learn how to decide what makes for a good story and how to cover all different types of events and people,” Buell said.

When Buell started looking for jobs after college, it was “a pretty seamless transition” because what he planned to do “professionally, [he] had already done as a student journalist,” he said.

He said he values the skills he developed at The Gatepost because he uses them “every single day” in his career.

During his time on The Gatepost, Buell won first place in feature writing from the Society of Professional Journalists in Region 1. Last year, he won a national magazine award for Best Online Column from the City Regional Magazine Association.

Working on The Gatepost taught him “tons” about his own limits, adding it builds confidence to overcome “what seems like an insurmountable challenge” and see it to the other side.

Buell said he enjoyed working in an environment of motivated people “who care about their work and really are willing to put in very long hours and very hard work in order to make something as close to perfect as they can get it week after week.”

Courtesy of Madison Dennis Madison Dennis ’10 Madison Dennis, ’10, was editor-in-chief of The Gatepost for Academic Year 2009-10. She now works for MAPFRE Insurance as a digital acquisition manager, where she finds different ways to “bring in new customers through digital channels.”

While taking a journalism course with Gatepost Advisor Desmond McCarthy, Dennis said she got involved with The Gatepost.

The experience Dennis gained from working at The Gatepost was invaluable to her time at FSU. “It was fun,” she said. “I got to be involved with other students and with the campus community.”

Dennis said what she learned as editor-in-chief stayed with her throughout her career, including managing staff, reviewing budgets, and preparing a product every week.

“The Gatepost gave me more of a head start for my career than probably other people I graduated with,” she said.

Her favorite memories of her time at The Gatepost were the late-night copy-editing sessions. “It was where I met a lot of my friends,” she said, “even though there were probably other things I would rather have been doing.”

Dennis advised students, “Take control of your time and get involved.

Fill your calendar, diversify your interests, learn from the people around you and build up your resumé.

“What you get out of your time at FSU, like anything else, is a result of what you put into it.”

Lindsay Chase ’11 Lindsay Chase, an associate editor See ALUMNI page 25

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MARCH 25, 2022 | 25

Alumni sticks out to me,” Campbell said.

Campbell is still good friends with previous Sports Editors Matt Cook, ’14, and Jess Thomas, ’14, and said she continuously uses her skills from The Gatepost in her everyday work life.

Continued from Page 24

Courtesy of Lindsay Chase for Academic Year 2010-11, never had the intention of joining The Gatepost because she was shy, but with a good push to join the team from Professor of English and Gatepost Advisor Desmond McCarthy, she would soon learn the value of a college newspaper.

Chase said while taking an Introduction to Journalism class with McCarthy, she would “try to blend in with the walls,” but to no avail.

“Of course, Desmond notices everybody,” she said, adding he encouraged her to be a journalist for The Gatepost.

Chase said she gave into his request to join during her junior year, and she wrote for The Gatepost as a staff writer, working her way through leadership positions from News Editor to serving as Associate Editor.

During her senior year, Chase said she discovered she really enjoyed the copy-editing process.

“I loved reading other people’s articles and grabbing my red pen and my AP Stylebook and correcting people’s work, and telling them what they did wrong,” said Chase.

Eventually, she would become known as the “AP Style Queen” around the office, a title she said she loved and wished she received a “tiara” for.

After graduating from college, copy-editing would become Chase’s niche, as her first ob would be as an editor for a company called “TechTarget.”

Chase got in touch with the company after an interview she conducted for The Gatepost with Patrick Laughran, chief information officer.

During the interview, he asked if she had a job lined up after college.

She replied she said she did not, and he asked if she would be interested in interviewing for a job at TechTarget, a company where he had connections she said she was.

Chase ended up working at the company for 10 years, first as a website editor and then as a copy editor.

Now, she’s working at a company called IANS, also as a copy editor, and she credits her Gatepost experience as her most valuable career asset.

“My entire resume was The Gatepost,” she said. “Without it, I don’t know what I would have done.”

Courtesy of Kaila Braley

Courtesy of Lauren Campbell

Kaila Braley ’15 Joining The Gatepost in 2012, Kaila Braley, ’15, gained the confidence she needed to break out of her shell.

Shy in high school, Braley said she was empowered to run for editor-in-chief her senior year of college.

“Journalism forces you to put yourself out there,” she said.

“It was one of those experiences where the fear of doing it was the exposure therapy,” she added.

During her time at FSU, Braley was an English major with a concentration in journalism and now works as a studio and gallery manager at Local Pottery Studio and Gallery. She also teaches classes at Clay Lounge in Boston.

Braley said her career has taken a “little bit of a turn,” adding after graduation, she worked at a local newspaper.

Braley worked for GateHouse Media on the South Shore for three years.

“There were parts of it that I really loved and parts of it that were just a little bit too stressful for me to do forever.”

She said she joined The Gatepost after taking classes with Gatepost Advisor Desmond McCarthy along with “some other folks who were on the newspaper.” She added she was “really interested in the culture and the atmosphere” of The Gatepost.

“One of the things I really loved about it was it gave me a way to grow as a person,” she said.

Braley learned the importance of “being aware of the way your work impacts people,” adding, The Gatepost taught her to ask the question, “Is the work I’m doing helping people or helping the world in some way?”

She said she has a lot of fond memories from her time at The Gatepost, but the trips to the New York City College Media Association were some of her favorites.

Braley said she is still in touch with McCarthy as well as a “handful” of people from The Gatepost.

She said what she learned at The Gatepost will follow her through any vocation because of how universal the skillset is. As an example, she highlighted the importance of clear communication at her current job.

Lauren Campbell ’15 Lauren Campbell, ’15, graduated

with an English major with a concentration in journalism. She is a Content Editor for NECN - one of the largest New England Sports media teams in the area.

Campbell originally joined The Gatepost after speaking with the paper’s advisor, Desmond McCarthy. She explained to him that she planned to cover Boston sports in the future, and he encouraged her to start writing that week as a staff writer in the sports section.

She said she eventually worked her way up to assistant sports editor and ultimately took over the position of sports editor after her previous Gatepost colleagues in that section graduated.

“It was a crazy, crazy time because sports were going on just about every day and it was just me as the sports editor,” she said.

Although Campbell recalled how stressful writing for the paper could be at times, she also said learning to manage the pressure was helpful when she transitioned into her career.

She added, “I think The Gatepost has really helped me. We were able to cover the sports on site and we could go right to the athletes and the coaches after the game. Getting that raw reaction from the game or that big story is something that you actually get to experience at a smaller state school.”

Campbell currently covers the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox games and frequently conducts interviews with the teams’ players and coaches.

She said, “You kind of have to go with the flow - nobody is guiding you.

That’s what I have to do on some nights. Jake Debrusk [Boston Bruins Right Wing] wouldn’t talk to us for about four months. But, I still had to find a way to make that happen. ou get that experience with Framingham State because you have to work on the fly and guide yourself. I’m forever grateful for that.”

Campbell had trouble pinning down a favorite memory from The Gatepost at first, but eventually settled on a specific long Thursday night in the office.

“Our section was laid out. We were waiting for it to get looked over. And we all ust layed on the floor. esmond walked in and jokingly offered some pillows, too. That night really

Courtesy of framinghamenglish.wordpress.com Melina Bourdeau ’16 From her experience at The Gatepost alone, Melina Bourdeau, ’16, obtained a reporting job right after college and now edits two newspapers.

Bourdeau was an English major and is the editor of the Belchertown Sentinel and the South Hadley Town Reminder.

She said she had no interest in journalism her freshman year of college, but was encouraged to join The Gatepost by Kaila Braley, ’15.

Bourdeau was hesitant about joining The Gatepost at first after hearing a “rumor on the street that once you join, you never leave,” but joined her spring semester of freshman year.

She said The Gatepost gave her a “jumping-off point” and “a little bit of an edge over some other folks,” because she had the experience and “the opportunity to dip [her] toes into every beat” while working on The Gatepost.

“Nowadays, you kind of have to be a jack of all trades in journalism,” she said.

Bourdeau said she learned what she was capable of on The Gatepost.

“Mostly that I was capable of doing journalism. I never took a formal class on journalism while I was at Framingham, and I was still able to get a job in journalism,” she said.

Bourdeau said her favorite memories from her time at The Gatepost were the “shenanigans.

“You don’t remember every single issue, but you remember walking in and finding the person who’s the associate editor sleeping under their desk at four in the morning,” she said.

Bourdeau said she values the “lifelong friendships” she made through The Gatepost.

She is still in touch with one of the photographers from the photo section, a features editor, and the associate editor from her senior year, she said.

See ALUMNI page 26

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

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ARTS & FEATURES

Alumni Bourdeau said she values the advisors of The Gatepost as well, adding, Assistant Advisor Liz Banks “is a phenomenal human being. Soak up everything you can from that woman.

She is so smart.”

New York for the College Media Association conferences, where she could “network and interact with other student journalists who had the same priorities and career goals.”

Her advice to those who are thinking of joining The Gatepost is simply, “100% join and do it.”

Courtesy of Alex Gomes

Courtesy of Cesareo Contreas

Alex Gomes ’17 hen she first came to FS , Alex Gomes intended to become a teacher. However, she said, “I took a couple of teaching classes and I figured out that that most definitely wasn’t going to happen.” It was then that she changed her concentration to journalism after remembering how much she enjoyed journalism classes during high school.

She said when she met with English Professor Desmond McCarthy, he said, “If I wanted to get involved in journalism, I was going to have to join The Gatepost.”

Gomes worked her way up through the ranks of The Gatepost, serving as a news editor, and then associate editor, before ultimately becoming editor-in-chief.

Gomes is the marketing manager for MCR Labs, a cannabis testing company in Framingham. Before that, she worked for The Sun Chronicle covering news in Foxboro.

She admitted she was intimidated when she first oined The Gatepost.

“Having your work edited by your peers in real time, face-to-face, can be intimidating at first,” she said. “It was really scary for me.”

However, she was able to overcome her anxiety, and the kindness and excitement of her fellow staff members helped her to stay.

Her experience as editor-in-chief taught her invaluable management skills, along with learning layout design, how to take photos, and become a better writer. “Becoming a multi-tool, which is what happens when you’re at The Gatepost, is super beneficial when you’re in the working world,” she said.

She said The Gatepost also helped her in her job search. “It was very clear that I had a variety of skills that they [employers] could utilize - I didn’t just know how to write.”

One of the highlights of her time at The Gatepost was the annual trips to

Cesareo Contreras ’18 When Cesareo Contreras was a junior in high school, he knew he wanted to be a writer. After getting a laptop for Christmas, he took an interest in technology blogs and news sites such as CNET and The Verge.

“I was like, ‘Wow. I really want to do this when I get older,’” he said.

When searching for colleges to attend, Contreras visited FSU and during a discussion with Gatepost Advisor Desmond McCarthy, he learned about The Gatepost. “That was really exciting to me,” he said. “I decided I wanted to go to Framingham State. I wanted to join The Gatepost.”

Contreras was editor-in-chief during his final year at FS . After graduating in 2018, he worked as a reporter for The MetroWest Daily News before moving on to his current job as an associate editor for Robotics 24/7, a technology-news website.

Contreras said his time at The Gatepost was valuable because “it really teaches the bare essentials of what journalism is,” from conducting interviews, to assembling the facts, to writing and editing the story.

He added his experience at The Gatepost brought him “out of his comfort zone,” but it was something he “appreciated,” because it helped prepare him for his career.

“Being at The Gatepost and publishing articles makes you a professional journalist,” he said.

During his time at The Gatepost, Contreras was a Mark of Excellence finalist for feature writing for the Society of Professional Journalists for an article about FSU’s Innovations Center.

During his time as editor-in-chief, The Gatepost was named the second runner-up for New England College Newspaper of the Year by the New England Society of News Editors Association in 2018. “To be recognized for those awards felt really good,” he said. “And it felt like recognition for

Continued from Page 25

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

all the hard work I did and everyone at The Gatepost does.”

Contreras said he is still in touch with the friends he made at The Gatepost, including Alex Gomes, ’17, and Bailey Morrison, ’19, who succeeded him as editor-in-chief.

For people who are on the fence about joining The Gatepost staff, Contreras said, “Just try it out” by starting small and writing a review or covering an event.

“Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to produce something amazing because it’s going to be published.

Just give it a shot.”

called writing many articles at 10 p.m. on a Thursday night because something fell through when an article didn’t work out or something needed to be added to that night’s layout.

“Those moments are really what I treasure the most,” she said.

Wharton said the experience she gained at The Gatepost taught her to appreciate accountability and punctuality.

“Some people are very surprised that those are still traits that people have,” she said. “Getting the job done, no matter what it takes” is something she learned at The Gatepost.

Courtesy of Allison Wharton

Courtesy of Bailey Morrison

Allison Wharton ’18 Allison Wharton, assistant arts & features editor for Academic Year 2017-18, is now a marketing specialist at Aspen publishing, but she attributes her experiences writing for The Gatepost for helping her develop her work ethic.

Wharton said while her life as a student was filled with essays and exams, writing for The Gatepost was something she chose to do, which forced her to take “accountability for something other than school.

“It was also just having other people rely on me to get a job done,” she said. “People relied on me to go to an event. To cover an event. To write the article - to have it done on time. It was one of the first times where that was done outside of school.”

Wharton had her reservations about joining The Gatepost initially.

Because she was an English major, Gatepost Advisor Desmond McCarthy was the head of the department and her advisor, she said.

“Every time we would meet, he would be like, ‘Come to The Gatepost.

You need to join - it’s a great opportunity. I think you would really like it.’

And I was just being stubborn,” she said. “I didn’t think that was for me.

I just didn’t think that that was the match or where I wanted to go with my career.”

During her junior year, Wharton said she finally caved and decided to join. Even though she wasn’t sure it was the right career path for her, she said it would at least be a good resume builder.

Nonetheless, she said she enjoyed her time at the newspaper and re-

Bailey Morrison ’19 Bailey Morrison, ’19, was an English major with a concentration in journalism at FSU and is currently an associate managing editor at Wiley Publishing.

Morrison said she joined The Gatepost her freshman year because she “was looking for an opportunity to hone [her] writing skills and also get more involved in the community.”

She quickly advanced from her freshman year position of assistant news editor to editor-in-chief her senior year.

Morrison said she values the “opportunity” she had “to engage with the campus community” while on The Gatepost and the “important” connections with administrators and staff she formed.

Morrison said her favorite memories were made with her two best friends, Jillian Poland, ’19, and Andrew Willoughby, who were associate editor and arts & features editor on The Gatepost.

She said, “Our friendships were really forged in the fires of The Gatepost,” adding they are still her “best friends to this day.”

Morrison said the relationships she formed at The Gatepost are really important to her, adding Advisor Desmond McCarthy and Assistant Advisor Liz Banks are even invited to her wedding next year.

“What I have now is because of the time and commitment I spent with The Gatepost and it gave me the opportunity to work with people like Desmond and Liz. See ALUMNI page 27

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MARCH 25, 2022 | 27

Alumni Continued from Page 26 “And while you can learn so much in a classroom, I feel like the stuff that I experienced and learned through The Gatepost - through interacting with everyone on the campus and learning as much as I could through that experience - is what really made college memorable to me,” she said.

Morrison said her time at The Gatepost taught her commitment and helped her get an internship and ultimately a job at Wiley, where she is currently working.

She and Morrison came out of the McCarthy Center not knowing that it had been snowing all night and when Morrison took a step out of the building, “she fell and knocked me down.

We were falling down the hill together.”

She added, “It was, at the time, the biggest riot in the world and the funniest thing.”

Poland also recalled being in The Gatepost office late on Thursday nights, “taking a break at midnight” and being “hovered around a computer” waiting for new releases of Taylor Swift’s music because “a lot of the staff were Taylor Swift fans.”

She said she had a “leg up” in her career because of the “practical experience” she gained at The Gatepost.

pening close to you, and what’s happening far from you, and then you learn so much about what’s happening inside of you, too.”

Stocks earned three Society of Professional Journalists awards - twice for her columns and once for The Gatepost Editorial. She said though she had advisors and fellow editors who cheered her on, it was “inspiring” to have her work honored by the organization.

“Sometimes as a writer you want to write but you may not know how, so it was definitely encouraging and inspiring and validating … like I really can do this and someone else thinks so and it’s not just Desmond,” she said.

Courtesy of Jillian Poland Jillian Poland ’19 Jillian Poland, ’19, who works as a program and enablement lead at Wiley Publishing, remembers her time at the Gatepost as an impactful college experience.

She was brought to The Gatepost her sophomore year by Bailey Morrison, ’19, and started as a staff writer for the news section.

By the end of her college career, she was an associate editor working with Morrison, her best friend, who was editor-and-chief.

Poland said what she values most from her Gatepost experience, other than the “social aspect,” is the “practical skills” she learned.

She said she is grateful for skills she was “able to take forward in [her] career, jobs, and internships.”

Poland also learned collaboration, effective communication, time management, and trust during her time at The Gatepost, adding working as a team taught her “group collaboration and understanding how to help people and when to leave people alone.”

Poland said she is still in touch with her team members from The Gatepost.

“I live with my old editor-in-chief, so we’re very much in touch. We also work together in the same department of a company. So we see each other a lot,” she said.

Poland said she is still in contact with Andrew Willoughby, Cesareo Contreras, ’18, and said Gatepost Advisor Desmond McCarthy checks in with Morrison and herself “about once a month.”

She said her favorite memory from her time at The Gatepost was after a long night in the office working on a double issue.

ism seminars, Johnson said the editorial staff “went to restaurants, went to new places, peeked around shops,” and “explored all over the place.”

He said the writing and research experience he learned on The Gatepost has followed him throughout his career, adding he keeps all of the skills he learned from The Gatepost in his “back pocket.”

The most important opportunity Johnson said he had while on The Gatepost was covering events at FSU and learning about “different cultures and different ways of life” - something he would not have been exposed to if it was not for The Gatepost.

He said he learned to “overcome his shyness” through interviewing, which pushed him to get out of his comfort zone. ohnson added he reflects on his time on The Gatepost nostalgically and said it was something he will “forever cherish.

“I’m just really glad The Gatepost, 90 years later, is still teaching journalists and the student body and everyone else alike. There are all these experiences that are happening in the world - some of them even closer than you think. So you might as well go out there and experience them, especially if they’re somewhere on your campus.”

Courtesy of Robert Johnson Courtesy of Lizzy Stocks Lizzy Stocks ’19 Lizzy Stocks expressed her love for writing at The Gatepost by writing columns on topics such as Taylor Swift getting political.

As an English major with a journalism concentration, Stocks wrote for every section, but truly found her voice in the Opinions section, where she was editor for two years and a staff writer her last semester.

She joined because she knew writing was her passion, but didn’t know what “avenue to take,” and having friends who were already photographers and writers for the paper inspired her to join.

Stocks has been employed for two months as an editorial coordinator at Harvard Business Publishing.

She said right now, she only edits for Harvard Business Publishing, but hopes soon she will be able to write more because those who hired her are aware she is a talented writer.

Stocks said her experience using Adobe Indesign, the software The Gatepost uses to create layout, was a big reason why she was hired as it was an “invaluable” part of her resumé.

She said one of the biggest things she learned from The Gatepost was to open up. It could be “painstaking” trying to grab people’s attention to talk to her and answer questions for the weekly Campus Conversations, but it taught her to open up more and talk.

“I valued my ability to grow as a writer and as a human,” she said. “I learned so much about what’s hap-

Robert Johnson ’20 For Robert “Robbie” Johnson, ’20, The Gatepost was vital in establishing friendships he cherishes to this day.

“As the months passed, and years passed, ... I began to see them all as my family - both the higher-ups and individuals who were staff writers,” he said. “They all began to take up a big place in my heart. And they still do today.”

He said he is still in touch with several people from The Gatepost, but “most importantly, Desmond and Liz,” he added.

During his time at FSU, Johnson was an English major with a concentration in journalism, and is currently a tutor at Codman Academy, a charter school.

He said what drew him to The Gatepost was “the vibe of The Gatepost and the opportunity to write on my own terms as opposed to someone else’s terms,” he said.

Johnson said he started as a staff writer his sophomore year and then advanced to assistant arts & features editor, graduating as arts & features editor with colleague Brennan Atkins, ’20.

Johnson recalled writing two columns for The Gatepost, VRam, “which focused on video games and technology,” and Robbie’s Comic Corner. e said it’s difficult to pick ust one memory from his time on The Gatepost, but his favorite was going to the New York City College Media Association conference in March 2019.

Along with attending the journal-

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Sincerely, John Maynard

Gatepost alum recalls writing a column while serving in Iraq

By John Maynard I was drawn to the military by the promise of free college with the GI Bill and really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I wasn’t politically minded and though 9/11 occurred just nine months prior to my enlistment, I was clueless that a major war was on the horizon. I was living in Washington State when the twin towers fell and it felt different for me, I imagine, than it did for those living in Boston or New York; it felt farther away.

In late 2002, the Army began offering previously unheard of 2-year enlistment opportunities that included GI Bill privileges. Normally, you’d have to serve four years to get those benefits. At 18 years old, I was unwilling to commit four years of my life to service but I was onboard with the truncated version. I thought I was getting the better end of the deal until the bombs started dropping on Bagdad in March of 2003. As an infantryman in an army that had just declared war, everything suddenly felt a lot closer to home.

After basic training I was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Benning, Georgia, but got selected for a temporary duty assignment at the Natick Soldier Systems Center which would delay my arrival to my unit. Natick liked my work and I kept getting offered extension after extension until, miraculously, my enlistment was over and I was released from active duty. While most other soldiers at the time got “stop-lossed,” meaning that because of the ongoing conflict they were denied their scheduled discharge - in many cases waiting years past their promised departure date - Natick was a non-deployable unit and therefore I was actually allowed to go home. I had successfully avoided the war, or so I thought.

I loved my time in Natick, made some great friends in the area and

decided to pursue college at nearby Framingham State College. My Army buddy and I were planning on walking on the Ram’s football team but he bailed out on me at the last minute, along with half the rent money, and I ended up sleeping in my Geo Metro in the Walmart parking lot for the first 4 weeks of Fall semester because of the unexpected lag between school enrollment and GI Bill disbursement.

I spent most of that time between the library and the gym, so at least homelessness was productive, albeit very

moa had lost a significant portion of their unit during their first deployment to Iraq and, gearing up for a second tour, needed fresh bodies to fill those gaps. I was one of those bodies. I was taking a journalism course at that time and Professor McCarthy suggested I take advantage of this experience by being an embedded war reporter for The Gatepost. In my articles, I tried to be as honest about the situation as possible and it was cathartic to reflect on that experience in real time and rewarding to see my

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST The army shirt sent by John Maynard and his platoon, which is embroidered with “The Gatepost” and their signatures, displayed in The Gatepost office. cold that October.

I was ust finishing up unior year when I got a letter from the Department of Defense ordering me to report for duty at Fort Hood, Texas, in two months. I was unaware that although I signed up for two years initially, the Army could scoop me back up anytime they wanted. Six years after I enlisted, having been a civilian for four years, the Army had caught up with me and I was headed back to the Army for a tour in Iraq. That process is part of what is called the IRR, or individual ready reserve. Lesson learned: always read the fine print.

I was called back to the Army, I learned, because the 442nd Infantry Regiment based out of American Sa-

articles shared with the college community back home. The Framingham State community was incredibly supportive of our efforts overseas, sending the 442nd regular care packages and as a token of our appreciation, we sent back one of our tactical uniform blouses complete with all the unit badges and insignia, signed by my entire platoon. All of the guys enjoyed reading the articles and it made us feel special.

My tour turned out to be an unexpectedly positive experience. The war was winding down significantly in 2008 after President Obama took office, and we didn’t experience much enemy contact. I worked hard, received a battlefield promotion to

My platoon is back now, but their being away had a strange effect on me. As soon as the initial separation began, and we said our see-you-laters, I started to feel it. I was not expecting to feel anything. The thought of how I would feel never crossed my mind, so the shock of it probably compounded the anxiety. But when I felt alone for the first time since being over here, I think I grasped how great an influence the platoon had on everything.

For seven months, the 25 of us have slept, eaten, and worked together. Being away from everyone, all at once, forced me to step back and realize just how natural their being there had become, more natural than anything else over here. They enable all of this to feel normal and bearable, and even fun at times. I did not think I would ever have wished to be back in my drafty tent, but when I woke up in the morning and not one of them

was there, I would have taken an earlier flight back if it were possible. The guys who went home said the 12 days with their families and friends flew by. My few days were dragging. The one feeling we all seemed to have in common while we were away was the desire be back here, if for no other reason than to finish and be home for good.

Qatar itself is no paradise. It took a C-17 about an hour to get into the country, and when we got there, they bunked us up on an Army base for the duration of our stay. I was put in a 10-man room with nine Navy guys, three of whom seemed considerably odd, but it probably just felt that way because they were new to me. The whole deal was a little stressful and demanding. You could only go offpost on tours, which cost $20 and had to be signed up for a day in advance.

No sandals or boots, shirts that said

Words from the War Part VI

[Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the April 10, 2009 issue of The Gatepost.]

Dear Framingham State, I recently visited the country Qatar on a four-day pass, choosing not to take mid-tour leave or R&R, and to go there for a few days instead while the rest of my platoon went back to the States, or Samoa.

The logical reason I stayed behind was to cash-in the leave when all this is over, and because it is warming up over here and the thought of ice, snow and seeing my breath again was not appealing. My family and friends would have liked to have seen me, and I them, but it felt too early to go back home. Maybe if the leave were closer to the end of the tour, I would have gone - when I would only have to come back for a month or two, and it would feel like more a vacation.

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sergeant, made some great friends and learned all about the incredibly vibrant Samoan culture to which I was immersed. We did lose two men during that deployment, which is absolutely tragic, but compared to the five years of coalition fighting prior to our deployment, we got through it apparently unscathed. ... Unfortunately, too many war injuries become apparant only after returning home and the epidemic of soldier suicide remains one of the biggest legacies of the war on terror. About 7,000 US soldiers laid down their lives for this country between Iraq and Afghanistan and so far over 30,000 took their own lives after coming home. There is something terribly wrong with those numbers. The primitive burn pits used for incinerating trash on bases have also caused an alarming number of cancers and lung issues among those of us who breathed those fumes.

Eight years after joining the Army, I found myself graduating summa cum laude with the 2010 class at Framingham State. My major was English with a concentration in writing. I received a top notch education at Framingham and had some professors who still affect my outlook on life. I took a position with the US Department of State at the Vermont Passport Agency in late 2010. Since then, I’ve bounced around a few other agencies, did some visa work at the US Embassy in Beirut and eventually made my way back to the Vermont Passport Agency as their operations officer. I went on to earn a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from Champlain College and still utilize my English degree from FSU, doing quite a bit of technical writing pertaining to the requisitions and purchasing for the agency and in my constant communications with government stakeholders, architects, space planners and construction contractors.

anything American, shorts or hats were allowed off-post. And the tour’s bus driver drove like a demon, as did the locals.

Three beers a night was the limit, I drank those, watched movies and went into the city once while I waited for the flight home. There was a twoday sand storm in Qatar and when I got back to Kuwait, I figured out there had been a big one here as well. My tent, vacant for a total of six days, looked as if it had been uninhabited for a year.

In waiting for my platoon to return, I went on missions with other platforms. It was nice to be back - I suppose it is sort of like a sled-dog who is happier when he has a job, but it wasn’t exactly the same without my own team.

Talk to you again soon, SPC Maynard April 10, 2009

ARTS & FEATURES

MARCH 25, 2022 | 29

SGA thriving despite COVID-19 challenges

By Patrick Brady Ediorial Staff It’s a Tuesday night. Students trickle in and take their seats in the Alumni Room.

They’re chatty, yet content and certainly eager to begin. Without a moment’s notice, the president calls the senate to session and all conversation abruptly dies down.

They are ready to begin.

Like many student organizations, SGA has seen a decline of members since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Nevertheless, they continue to advocate for the student body and address their concerns.

President McKenzie Ward, a junior double major in history and English, said the role of SGA president is to lead the members while also being a voice for the student body. “I am responsible for presenting the views of the Framingham State student body to the University administration,” she said.

Ward said she decided to join SGA to “uplift the student voices.

“I know that students have concerns about FSU, but I hear so many of them feeling like they have no one to speak for them and that no one will listen,” Ward said.

“As students, our voices matter because without students, universities wouldn’t exist,” she added.

The biggest challenge of her role is recruiting students to join SGA, she said.

She said students should attend different organization meetings until they find one that they’re passionate about.

“Take advantage of any opportunity you have while you are in college because while joining an organization is fun, it also looks amazing on your resumé,” Ward said. “Being a member of an organization has taught me soft skills like time management, communication skills, and conflict resolution.

“While hard skills are extremely important, employers want to know that their employees interact with others well,” she added.

Sara Gallegos, SGA advisor, said she meets with the president and treasurer regularly. Furthermore, she attends all of the meetings and helps guide students who don’t understand certain “parliamentary” procedures.

She said she also answers students’ questions about SGA’s bylaws and constitution.

Gallegos said she hopes SGA members consider themselves “advocates” for Framingham State’s student body and are able to openly voice their concerns to the administration and staff.

“They go to lots of different committee meetings where they need student representation.

“Then, they come back and

present that to the rest of SGA,” she added.

She hopes students gain different leadership skills by working with others, she said.

Gallegos said what she likes most about being an SGA advisor is seeing her students grow over time and achieve their yearly goals.

“As you go along, you take on a little bit more leadership,” she said.

Outreach and Events Coordinator Emily Rosenberg, a sophomore political science major, said she is responsible for promoting events and providing outreach to

things that aren’t necessarily fun,” she added.

She said she advises students not to become overwhelmed when joining a club. But if students are willing to put in the time and effort, it’s very rewarding.

“Don’t join too many clubs at once and don’t try and be the top e-Board member immediately,” she said. “Just have fun.”

Senator Raffi lkhoury, a sophomore biology major, said he decided to join SGA because he believed it was a good way to get involved and meet new people.

He said he wants to represent his “peers” by making “informed

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST (Left) SATF Treasurer John Finkle and Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dara Barros at a previous SGA meeting.

the community, including creating SGA flyers and social media posts.

When she ran for student council in high school, she had to give a speech to her entire class, she said. Rosenberg recalled she was “shaking” throughout the duration of her speech.

“I was so nervous that I just couldn’t speak clearly,” she said.

“And then I saw everybody else give the speech and I was like, ‘There’s absolutely no way I’m winning this election.’”

Although she lost, she said she realized student council members are more beneficial to the community than the class officers.

In her role, she said the most important events are the SGA retreat and the “All University Banquet,” which is going to be called the “Student Leadership Appreciation Thank You Banquet” this year. “We’re going to be giving out awards to student leaders … who have specifically shown something outstanding.”

Members of clubs can nominate students for the awards, she said. Also, they’re going to be giving out the Benevolence Awards, which students have to apply for.

Rosenberg said she wishes SGA was more visible on campus. “I feel like students don’t really come to us when they do have problems, and the whole point of SGA is to help student issues be solved.

“I want to plan more events that are about awareness and stepping outside of your comfort zone to do

decisions” that will benefit the student body. Moreover, he enjoys the “sense of community” and how everybody on SGA is trying to make a difference.

“I really like the ideas that we generate on SGA and a lot of the things that we talk about,” Elkhoury said. “We need more students who are interested in getting involved.

“College is what you make of it and if you want to get involved, I think that’s really good and it will serve you well,” he added. “It’s important to try new things - especially at this time in our lives as college students.”

Senator Mark Haskell, a junior international business major, said the purpose of being a senator is to represent the community and their needs, concerns, and ideas.

Haskell said he joined SGA to make a difference and make “long-lasting changes” that would benefit the Framingham State University community.

“The advice I have for students who are starting a club is to have a timeline for activities and to be able to have costs prepared,” he said. “For students joining a club, join a club that suits your interests or join a club that is completely foreign to you and have fun.”

Secretary Sam Houle, a junior history major, said he keeps track of all the meeting minutes. “If people can’t make it to the meeting, they still need to know what’s happening on campus.”

He said he also manages and tracks senators’ open office hours.

Houle said he really appreciates how much he has improved his organizational skills through his work for SGA. “We have a pretty strong connection with a lot of the administrators,” he said. “And that just makes me feel like, ‘Hey, I’m actually part of this community.’”

He said students should go out of their way to join a club and commit to it. He believes it is “ridiculously important” to be a part of the community because everyone goes home on weekends.

“Don’t be scared of the time commitment because you can always dial it back a little bit,” Houle said. “It’s a great thing to put on resumés, too.”

Vice President Emma Sullivan, a senior double major in early childhood education and psychology, said she is in charge of calling the meetings to order and facilitating the items on the agenda.

In addition, she is the chair of the Student Affairs Committee.

She said the committee works on solving problems presented during Open Forum and “passion projects” they want to see happen on campus. “My passion project was hosting Drag Bingo this semester, where we hired Mayhem Miller from RuPaul’s ‘Drag Race’ to host a bingo night.”

One project Sullivian was involved in last spring was using SGA unallocated funds to add more water bottle refill stations around campus, she said.

Unallocated funds come from the student activities fee, she said.

Sullivan said she was friends with Abigail Salvucci, ’20, a former vice president of SGA, during her freshman year, and recalled she had told her about how much of a change she was able to make around campus.

“She inspired me to run as a senator and then again to run for vice president to take over for her after she graduated,” she said. “I am so grateful for her, as I would not have this wonderful community of people without her.”

She said she hopes to make campus a more welcoming place for everyone.

“My advice for students starting or joining a club is to do it,” Sullivan said. “Stepping out of your comfort zone is always scary, but the community you build in these clubs is priceless and I wouldn’t trade my community for the world.”

[Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is Opinions Editor for The Gatepost. Emily Rosenberg is an Arts & Features Editor for The Gatepost. Mark Haskell is a Staff Writer for The Gatepost.]

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ARTS & FEATURES

Arts & Ideas connects community to careers

By Emma Lyons Editorial Staff “Arts Ideas” is hosting five events at Framingham State University for the Spring 2022 semester, and has started plans to host many more in the coming years.

Arts & Ideas originally started as the “Arts & Humanities” Series, but was rebranded as Arts & Ideas in 2013, said Lisa Eck, chair of the English Department and former Arts & Ideas director.

“The name of the series was reconceptualized as Arts & Ideas to stress the interdisciplinarity of the series.

That it is everybody’s series,” she said.

Art History Professor Yumi Park Huntington has been the director of Arts & Ideas since Academic Year 2020-21.

Park Huntington said one of the first things she did in her position was work with the committee to create the bylaws and a mission statement for the series.

“The mission of the Arts & Ideas Committee is to expand and enrich the minds of the FSU community through creative and intellectual experiences from diverse perspectives,” she said.

She joined the committee when she was initially hired at FSU in 2017, she said. She decided to join the series because of her belief in humanities as an integral part of society.

“I was able to see the Arts & Ideas provide all these amazing, amazing programs - humanity-based programs - to the FSU community,” Park Huntington said.

In her role as the director, Park Huntington helps ensure all of the events run smoothly, she said. With the pandemic, she had to learn all of the technological aspects of running a webinar for an event.

Park Huntington works alongside IT, SILD, and Campus Events, as well

brid events a lot. So [people] virtually come in from all of the places, but at the same time, FSU community members can join in forums and have a more in depth conversation,” she said.

As the events are available on Zoom, people outside of the campus community are able to join events.

“When we had an event about the Holocaust,” Park Huntington said.

“We reached out to the synagogue in Framingham and then they also shared about the event. So eventually, we had people who were joining from Israel, from Jerusalem.”

Park Huntington said one of her goals was to help make Arts & Ideas more visible to students.

“Staff and faculty know about [Arts & Ideas], but not many students - especially commuters,” she said.

Jennifer Koeller, a sophomore ceramics major, is one of the students on the Arts & Ideas Committee.

Koeller said she decided to join Arts & Ideas because of the connectivity between disciplines it provides.

“I feel like sometimes we get stuck in our majors and we don’t know what’s going on in the rest of the University,” she said. “So, it’s a good opportunity for students to have experiences outside of what their major is and to understand that they are a part of a larger collection of students.”

Koeller joined Arts & Ideas after being invited by members of the committee to join. She explained the committee began inviting students to join in order to have the perspective of different demographics of the campus community, she said.

She said she works on the museum subcommittee within Arts & Ideas.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, that subcommittee would arrange trips for FSU students to go to museums. They also work with the Mazmanian Gallery on campus.

“A lot of the students don’t know that we have free passes to the MFA

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST students’ well-being as individuals as they grow,” she said.

“There is a very large group of caring individuals on campus that do this for free, this is not a part of their pay.

They do it to bring all these people here to make experiences better for the students,” Koeller said.

Eck originally joined what is now known as Arts Ideas when she first started teaching at FSU in 2003.

“It helps us see that the things that we talked about in classes, for grades and for credit, matter to the world on their own terms,” she said.

Eck added attending the Arts & Ideas events help form the habits to pursue new ideas and perspectives.

“College is when things come to you,” she said. “All of this stimulus and ideas and influence come to you where you live and work - and that will not happen again.”

Eck said she decided to join Arts & Ideas as a way to become involved

value of Arts & Ideas goes back to my own college years,” she added. “We remember dozens of these events and they became a part of who we are as thinkers.”

Meeghan Bresnahan, a junior history major, has been on the Arts & Ideas Committee since the Fall 2020 Semester. She joined after being recommended by History Professor Maria Bollettino.

“I just really enjoy how we have events and bring so many cool people. I love the arts, obviously, so I thought that it would just be really cool because it combined my interest and also it would give me experience being on committees and talking to people,” she said.

Bresnahan works on the committee to help with attracting more students to the events and attends meetings, she said. She also votes on what events will be hosted and what the themes will be, she said.

“You need to be a great matchmaker as the chair of Arts & Ideas. If one faculty or student or staff is organizing this event, then I have to find the connection throughout the entire University.”

- Yumi Park Huntington Chair of Arts & Ideas as HR to ensure each event is conducted properly and has the accommodations needed.

“You need to be a great matchmaker as the chair of Arts & Ideas. If one faculty or student or staff is organizing this event, then I have to find the connection throughout the entire University,” she said.

Arts & Ideas recently began reaching out to groups outside of the University for events, according to Park Huntington.

“Now we are getting toward the hy-

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and the Danforth - which is a 10-minute walk from campus - and the ICA in Boston,” she said.

All members of the campus community have the opportunity to make a proposal for any event next year, Koeller said.

“If you can make a good case for it and if it fits in with our theme, then you’ll be selected and go through that vetting process,” she said.

“It is so worth going to see the events that we put on because there’s so much thought and caring about the

with campus life.

She also had a background in the arts and wanted to promote the performing arts on campus, she said.

After serving as the director of Arts & Ideas, Eck transitioned to working as a committee member. She worked on the subcommittee that works with the Council on Diversity and Inclusion to co-sponsor events, she said.

“My idea was to get the communication flowing a bit more around diversity,” she said.

“Part of my commitment to the

“[The events are] a really great way to learn from different perspectives other than your own. I think it’s cool how we are able to bring so many neat people and press presence to our campus. I hope that more people attend them,” she said.

You can follow Arts & Ideas on Instagram @artsideasfsu and view the catalog of events on the Framingham State website.

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elyons3@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

MARCH 25, 2022 | 31

FSU’s First Lady Josée Vachon From student journalist to renowned performer

By Ashlyn Kelly Editorial Staff Josée Vachon was studying to be a high school French teacher.

She never imagined she would end up working for a newspaper during her studies. She said she didn’t think it was a well-known fact about her.

While she was at the University of Maine, Vachon said she had been given some money for a work-study position that she was not quite sure how to find.

Vachon said someone suggested to her, “You’re French Canadian - why don’t you go check out the Franco-American office?”

There, she became a typesetter for Le Forum, a monthly newspaper with articles published in both French and English. According to Vachon, the newspaper served an audience of approximately 7,500 people across New England.

“It became a home away from home on campus,” Vachon said. “I just loved the atmosphere.”

As a typesetter, she was in charge of typing and printing the paper - or, as Vachon put it, “cut and paste” the newspaper together. “Things would print out and then I would - with an Exacto knife - lay out the whole newspaper over the month.”

She rose through the ranks during her time at Le Forum, moving from typesetter to student editor.

As student editor, Vachon said she was in charge of a group that wrote for the “student pages” of the paper.

“Students would come in between

An article from Le Forum

classes, and so I just kept pushing students to make sure that their articles were ready for the pages we had,” she added. “Everybody loved to hang out there.”

Finally, she moved from student editor to managing editor.

Vachon said one of her favorite memories was working in the office.

“I discovered other students around the state of Maine who were of French Canadian background,” she said. “It really became a niche for me.”

With the experience of having worked at a newspaper, Vachon acknowledged the important role that journalism plays in society.

“We need to know what’s going on,” she said. “It’s communication and it’s fact-checking today - that’s crucial, too.”

Looking back on the various campuses she and her husband, President F. Javier Cevallos, have been to, she said, “I think The Gatepost is one of the top papers that I’ve seen.”

Vachon added, “I think that the articles are well-read, well-written, well-researched.

“Things would print out and then I would - with an Exacto knife - lay out the whole newspaper over the month.”

- Josée Vachon FSU First Lady

Courtesy of Josée Vachon

Courtesy of Josée Vachon “I love reading when [The Gatepost has] a topic of the week and you get different student perspectives,” she said.

Vachon said despite not working at a newspaper after she left Le Forum, the newspaper helped kick-start her career in music.

During a holiday party at her newspaper boss’s house, a guitar was being passed around. When it came to Vachon, those around her were impressed by her skills.

She said she was “very shy,” so her boss didn’t “bother” to tell her he was submitting her name to a few French festivals in Maine.

“Suddenly, I got letters saying that I was scheduled for the noontime slot at the Lewiston, Maine festival,” she added.

Now, she travels, singing “traditional and contemporary folksongs from Québec and Acadia and … her own compositions,” according to her website. She has 12 credited solo recordings and her music has been included in Microsoft’s AutoMap Trip Planner software and La Bolduc, a documentary for Canada’s History Channel.

“They started my career,” said Vachon. “You know, if I hadn’t been at that office, maybe I would be the French teacher.”

CONNECT WITH ASHLYN KELLY

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ARTS & FEATURES

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky’s door is always open

By Steven Bonini Editorial Staff Throughout his life, Charlie Sisitsky has worked on many projects as a planning director. Now, as the new mayor, Sisitsky is working on his biggest project yet - the city of Framingham.

In a decisive victory, Sisitsky, former assistant chairman of the Framingham City Council, defeated the city of Framingham’s first mayor, Yvonne Spicer, on election day Nov. 2, 2021.

Sisitsky, 76, received 67.9% of the vote, and Spicer, 59, received 32.1%, according to The MetroWest Daily News.

A graduate of both Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and the University of Rhode Island, Sisitsky holds his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and his master’s degree in Community Planning and Area Development.

career.

Sisitsky was appointed to the Finance Committee and chaired the Finance Committee.

He was then elected to the Board of Selectmen and served as chairman.

When the town of Framingham transitioned to be a city, Sisitsky ran for the first city council and became assistant chairman of the city council.

Running for mayor was not something he said was in the cards following a two-year retirement period, but he said his phone was ringing with people “begging” him to run.

“People were very unhappy” with the Spicer administration, said Sisitsky, adding he felt he “could do a better job.”

Sisitsky said he believes the city community “has always had a very good relationship” with Framingham State University and he appreciates the University’s generosity in giving scholarships to Framingham’s local students.

Courtesy of The MetroWest Daily News He worked as the assistant planning director for the city of Medford and was eventually promoted to planning director and then to community development director - a position he held for approximately 10 years.

He then became the planning director for the town of Natick, until he said he was “begged” by the town administrator to take over the Public Works Department.

Sisitsky held the position for over 20 years, but having lived in Framingham since 1971, he said he always tried to stay involved with the city’s activities - starting by taking part in his children’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

He also ran for Town Meeting when Framingham was still a town, which is where he said he started his political

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He said he is also pleased with the results of the Danforth Art Museum merger, adding the city and the University worked closely together to find a space for the museum as well as getting people to support the merger after the museum ran into some inspection issues.

“We’re very thankful for that,” said Sisitsky.

Getting more students involved in the downtown Framingham area is something Sisitsky said he’s been trying to do since he was on the Board of Selectmen.

With a variety of restaurants to choose from, he said he’d like to find a way to get more students to visit the downtown area, which would make it “more attractive” for everyone.

Sisitsky said a project his admin-

istration is working on that would benefit the niversity student body is creating a commuter rail service connecting the campus with the train station downtown, or creating a rail trail that would run alongside the tracks.

“We’re looking at ways to either make a walking trail alongside the tracks or even provide some kind of a commuter rail type situation where the kids can jump on a train at the campus - come downtown and either go out to eat out downtown or jump on the train and go into Boston,” he said.

“We’re looking at different ways to involve the school in the daily life of the community,” he added.

Dale Hamel, executive vice president for Framingham State, said the University is “very interested in working with the new Mayor and his Administration on various initiatives.”

Hamel said he has had the opportunity of working with Sisitsky on a number of occasions, including during his time as former president of Framingham Downtown Renaissance, as well as in his capacity on the Town’s Select Board, and as a member of the Town of Framingham Capital Facilities Review Blue Ribbon Task Force.

Regarding the trails and rails proposal, Hamel said “these are concepts that have been considered previously and we hope that the new City of Framingham administration’s interest in them can move them along.”

In 2005, Hamel said the concept was heavily considered and a study was undertaken by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for a “Proposed Framingham State College Rail Station Feasibility Analysis.”

Due to a “lack of available public parking at the FSU” as well as the use of that line by CSX Transportation, and “some neighborhood opposition,” no progress was made on the proposal, said Hamel.

Approximately a decade later, Hamel said a revised proposal was brought to the table that would utilize Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), which are self-propelled trains that do not require a separate locomotive.

He said this proposal focused on providing a service from FSU to downtown Framingham.

“With the construction of the new Mass Bay Community College facility off of Union Avenue - on former FSU property - that also abuts this same rail spur, with potential for additional parking, there is an opportunity to revisit these concepts,” said Hamel.

Regarding Sisitsky’s efforts on these projects, Hamel said “Charlie gets things done and we look forward to working on issues that benefit our home community and the University.

“We are certainly open to supporting these ideas and we look forward to working with the City on potentially moving them forward,” he added.

Sisitsky said the city has always had a good relationship with Univer-

sity President F. Javier Cevallos and looks forward to “developing a good working relationship” with incoming President, Nancy Niemi.

He added the outgoing president will be greatly missed, but he said his administration “looks forward to developing a good working relationship” with Niemi.

Sisitsky said there are many tasks on his agenda for the city, with one of his top priorities being the restoration of “civility in government” - something he says has “been missing.”

A big project Sisitsky said his administration is working on is developing a new city hall and turning the existing city hall into a performing arts center.

He said he’d also like to work with the state to turn the Danforth Museum into a new courthouse.

Many ongoing restoration projects are on the newly elected mayor’s agenda, too, including the cleanup of the general chemical site in Framingham and the redevelopment of the Mary Dennison Playground.

Sisitsky said acquiring an abandoned right of way from CSX to expnd the the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is an area of focus, as well as working on the Chris Walsh Rail Trail in downtown Framingham, and cleaning up Cedar Swamp.

He said his administration is also working on the “reorganization” of the Planning and Economic Development Department and he is currently in the process of finding an “economic development planner” who will connect with local businesses and downtown merchants through the Chamber of Commerce.

His administration is also dealing with housing issues, he said, adding, “The Chamber of Commerce and other people are very concerned about the need for housing.”

One of the challenges, he said, has been providing needed housing while not overpowering the existing neighborhoods with “dense development and bringing in a lot of kids that are going to overburden the schools.”

With Framingham’s diverse population, he said it’s important to address the different needs of all his constituents.

On Saturday, March 5, Sisitsky said he attended a “very successful” breakfast at the Waves of Revival Church, which has a large Brazilian following.

He said he met with approximately 40 people, including many Brazilian pastors.

At the breakfast, he said they discussed the challenges the Brazilian community faces when they immigrate to the Framingham area.

“Let’s face it, they have language barriers that they have to overcome, in addition to other issues,” said the mayor.

Sisitsky said in his experience, See SISITSKY page 33

ARTS & FEATURES

MARCH 25, 2022 | 33

The true story of Sam the Ram Haley Hadge Editorial Staff In the middle of the Dwight Quad, the Sam the Ram statue stands tall and proud, but before Sam earned his moment in the spotlight on the field and in the pages of The Gatepost he was the brainchild of Richard Cunningham.

Richard Cunningham, ’69, led the charge to find a mascot for the niversity when he was an undergraduate student.

Cunningham was Editor-in-Chief of The Gatepost during the 1966-67 and 1967-68 academic years and a member of the niversity’s first varsity team - the basketball team.

He was part of the “second wave” of male students to be accepted at then Framingham State College, he said.

“My recollection is that there were about 1,100 women and about 39 guys. So, it was much smaller, much more intimate, I think, than it is today.” hen he first came to Framingham State, he said there were no varsity sports. “It was all intramurals.

“The men’s basketball team was the first very first varsity team. And as it turned out, I was [also] the editor of the newspaper,” said Cunningham.

Looking to create a synergy be-

tween these two teams, Cunningham, his teammate and Gatepost associate editor Larry Houser, and Sports Editor Steve Calvarese led the charge to create a University mascot.

They began with a contest to find a name for the mascot and students and faculty submitted their ideas.

Cunningham said, “We got a bunch of names.” He added, laughing, “We really didn’t think they really hit the spot too well.”

But all hope was not lost. Then Biology Professor Phil Stanton, who owned a farm in Upton saved the day.

One of the animals on Stanton’s farm was a ram.

“Larry and I approached him and asked him if he would be willing to bring the ram to the basketball games, and Phil said, ‘Yeah,’” said Cunningham.

With this generous donation, “Phil won the contest.”

The mascot’s original name was Ramsee, and “somewhere along the line, it got switched to Sam,” he said.

Cunningham added, “It was a nice thing because there was a lot of excitement on campus.”

With the addition of a varsity team and a school mascot, Cunningham noticed an increase in community involvement.

He said this enthusiasm encour-

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST aged the Men’s Athletic Association to create yellow buttons inscribed with the phrase, “Ram It.” “Everybody was buying those buttons!”

Unfortunately, this newfound school spirit could not overcome a looming logistical obstacle.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

Though Stanton donated his Ram’s time, he left the responsibility of transportation up to Cunningham and his team.

They had planned to use a cage built by the custodial staff for ram relocation.

Mike Conway, then a member of the Men’s Athletic Association, had connections with the custodial staff and coordinated ram-transport logistics.

“We ran into a problem, and the problem was the cage didn’t fit in the back of Mike’s father’s station wagon. I guess they never took measurements,” said Cunningham.

“So, the ram never showed up at any of the games,” he added.

Cunningham said Sam did eventually make it to campus, first appearing in 1972 at the College’s first football game.

With a ram’s charging speed measured at 20 mph, one can imagine Sam fitting right in on the team.

“People don’t realize what we have,” said Sisitsky. “Even relatives say, ‘I’m never going to move to Framingham. I’m going to move to Wayland or Weston or one of those places.’

“They don’t realize the municipal services that the city provides,” he said. “The value you get for your taxes in Framingham is tremendous.”

Looking back on his political career in Framingham, the mayor said he tries to be the type of leader who wants to see progress but doesn’t necessarily take credit for the achievements made.

“I don’t want to be at the front of the line - I want to be in the line

helping people and that’s the way I’ve operated ever since I’ve been in municipal government,” he said. “I like to help people.”

Sisitsky said one of the most enjoyable aspects of his job is getting to talk with people, adding, “Every time I talk to somebody, I learn something new and I think that’s so important.”

Something he said he learned from one of his bosses is, “If you’re going to bring me a problem, bring me a solution.

“I’ve taken that to heart, and that’s what I expect people that work for me to do,” he added. hile Sisitsky’s first term has only

Even though Cunningham graduated by the time Sam the Ram made it to a game, his legacy was secure.

Now more than 50 years later, Sam the Ram is immortalized with a statue on Dwight Quad.

On the Varsity Basketball team’s 50th anniversary in 2018, the team was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

They were honored for their mascot creation, and for being the founding team of varsity athletics at the University.

In 2019 the University’s English department honored Cunningham with the creation of the “Richard Cunningham riting Award” for first year students.

From 1969 to 2004 Cunningham taught at Ashland High School. In 1984 he began teaching at the University until he retired in 2018.

During this time at the University he also taught in the educational leadership masters program and the international program for teachers overseas who were seeking their master’s degree.

“I did both jobs simultaneously for 20 years so I’m not 100,” he said.

CONNECT WITH HALEY HADGE

hhadge@student.framingham.edu

Sisitsky Continued from Page 32 people who live outside the city of Framingham miss many of the amenities the city has to offer, aside from the Route 9 shopping centers “I still run into people who don’t realize the variety of housing we have in Framingham. You can go out to the northwest quadrant of Framingham, and you see these open farms and big spaces and large homes,” he said, adding the city also has a variety of retail establishments, parks, and playgrounds for people to take advantage of.

“Cushing Park is a gem,” he said.

just begun, he said he does intend to run for a second term.

“Never take that off the table,” he said. “No politician would ever tell you otherwise.”

As mayor, Sisitsky said he has tried to be fairly generous with his time giving as many people the opportunity to meet with him as possible.

“I always have an open door,” he said. “Anybody that wants to talk to me, ask me any questions, is interested in anything about the city, any programs that they’d like to pursue or develop with me - we’ll listen.”

CONNECT WITH STEVEN BONINI

sbonini@student.framingham.edu

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

34 | MARCH 25, 2022

ARTS & FEATURES

Framingham’s got talent!

By Ryan O’Connell Asst. Arts & Features Editor Framingham State University’s ance Team hosted its first student talent show in three years, “Framingham’s Got Talent,” March 10.

Ten different students competed in the event for high-value prizes. They took the stage at the Dwight Performing Arts Center, where they performed acts that ranged from original songs to electric guitar solos.

Judged by a panel of three FSU employees, the competition offered first-, second-, and third-place pri es - an iPad, a pair of Beats headphones, and an Apple Watch, respectively.

Before the talent show portion began, the Fusion Team, a segment of FSU’s Dance Team, presented a contemporary dance routine separate from the judging.

The first competitor, Troy Martinez, sang and performed an original unnamed song for the event, which he said was written “specifically for this show.”

He also accompanied himself on the piano.

The next performer, Eryn McCarter-Penney, sang “Waving Through A Window” from the musical “Dear Evan Hansen.”

In the next performance, Olivia

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Heafey also sang, strumming on her guitar as she presented “Everybody Talks,” by Neon Trees.

Next was a staging of Tim Curry’s “Sweet Transvestite,” performed by Matthew Mori, which he sang while strolling up and down the auditorium’s aisles. Mori was one of the few performers to leave the stage and interact with the audience while presenting.

Next Tyler Crowley displayed his skills on an electric drum set, mostly playing complicated and impressive-sounding rhythms. Crowley showed his talents as a drummer by playing blindfolded for a time, for both the crowd’s amusement and as a display of skill.

After a short intermission, Nate Rogers played ukulele and sang with a “twist” - he performed two songs while blindfolded and balancing on a hoverboard. Rogers sang and played along to both “Riptide” by Vance Joy and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens, without stopping - or falling down.

The next competitor, Sofia ilson, played the kazoo to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” and danced to the song, bringing energy to the stage.

Next, Philippe Raphael sang an unnamed original song he wrote two years ago and walked the stage as the

Nate Rogers performing his act, March 10. crowd started to sing along with him in the refrain.

The final competitor was Kyle Walker, who played his electric guitar and displayed his skills to the audience, shredding for over eight consecutive minutes to the beat of different instrumentals.

The top three winners were soon announced by judges after deliberating on their scores, immediately following the announcement of a few raffle winners.

The third place winner was Raphael, who won the Apple Watch for the performance of his unnamed original song.

Ryan O’Connell / THE GATEPOST Winning second place was Walker, taking home the Beats headphones after his display on the electric guitar.

Finally, the first-place winner was Rogers, who won the 2021 Generation iPad Pro for this act involving balancing, singing, and playing the ukulele while blindfolded.

The event concluded shortly after the three winners were announced, as well as the winners of the Dance Team’s fundraising raffle baskets were pulled.

CONNECT WITH RYAN O’CONNELL

roconnell1@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

MARCH 25, 2022 | 35

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ACROSS 1. Word before “easy” or “budget” 5. Test for purity 10. Greeting in Perth 14. Bit of cunning 15. Gaze 16. Irritate 17. Often-braised meat dish --> *On the ___ (fleeing) + Actor in “Big” and “Forrest Gump” 19. “The Last Dance” channel 20. Abrasive powder 21. Unsaid yet understood 22. Martial arts star in “Mulan” 25. Graveyard sight --> *Male cat + Sound quality 28. Anvil’s body part 29. ___ Vegas Raiders 31. Confident bettor’s words 32. Throngs 34. “Keep Austin ___” (Texas city’s slogan) 35. Really enjoying 36. Use a credit card 38. Washingtonto-Idaho direction 42. Tantrum thrower

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44. Olympic diver?

46. Be the go-between 48. ___ Lingus 49. Blasting letters 50. Some pickup spots --> *Mean dog + March 15, e.g.

52. Stopped sleeping 54. Usually Australian gems 4c way 55. InNotes: a fitting 57. ___ golf (putt-putt) Screen: 58. Tribute groups, or a four-part hint to the starred clues’ answers 63. “Seriously?”

64. Madison Square Garden, for one 65. Hype up 66. Group of actors 67. Like fingers after eating wings 68. City that took in a wooden horse DOWN 1. Bird that flies silently 2. Traveling through 3. Shade tree 4. *Fishing spool 5. Tennis legend Arthur 6. Begins 7. Japanese electronics giant 8. Where lions and zebras coexisted?

9. Positive response 10. “I love that suggestion!”

11. Strobe spots 12. Skiing type 13. “Fiddler on the Roof” matchmaker 18. *Four laps on a track, say 21. *Road goo 22. Luke Skywalker, e.g.

23. Merit 24. Brisk pace 26. Demeanor 27. *Chain of hills 30. Birthplace of St. Francis 33. *Singer

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34. Exchange vows 37. Responded, legally 39. ___ clef (viola music symbol) 40. Dirty dish’s destination 41. French for “head” 43. *That guy’s 45. Toothbrush brand 46. Nyong’o of “Us” Puzzle solutions are now 47. Neighbors of Pakistanis exclusively online.

48. Trembling trees 50. Ali Wong or Joan Rivers 51. Spots for icicles 53. Earp of the Old West 56. Aircraft carrier?

58. Video chat need, briefly 59. 5-Across specimen 60. Neither here ___ there 61. Twosome 62. Swine’s home

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PHOTOS

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Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST News Editor Ashlyn Kelly getting police logs for the news section, March 24.

Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST Associate Editor Donald Halsing discussing the layout, March 24.

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Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST (Left) News Editor Ashlyn Kelly, staff writer Abby Petrucci, and News Editor Steven Bonini preparing for copy editing, March 24.

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Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST (Left) Gatepost asst. advisor Elizabeth Banks and advisor Desmond McCarthy assisting on layout night March 24.

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Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST (Left) News Editor Ashlyn Kelly and Editor-in-Chief Leighah Beausoleil checking news layout March 24.

Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST Asst. Arts & Features Editor Ryan O’Connell creating layout for the Arts & Features section March 24.

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Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST Gatepost staff reading through articles in copy edit March 24.

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST (Left) Associate Editor Kathleen Moore, Design Editors Emma Lyons and Maddison Behringer writing captions for the spread March 24.

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Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST (Left) Asst. News Editor Sophia Harris and Gatepost advisor Desmond McCarthy during copy edit March 24.

Spread by Maddison Behringer and Emma Lyons, Design Editors / THE GATEPOST