April 15, 2016 by The Gatepost

THE GATEPOST volume

84 • number 22

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Eleven percent turnout for SGA Spring Election By Julia Sarcinelli News Editor FSU students selected the members of the SGA eBoard, senators, class officers and recipients of the Faculty, Staff and Administrator of the Year awards on Wednesday, April 13. Four hundred and thirty-two votes were cast in this year’s SGA election, according to current SGA President Dan Costello in an email. He added, “While this may seem like a small number, it was an increase of 61 voters from the last spring election despite fewer contested races that typically drive voter turnout. Also, the American Student Government Association puts the national average of SGA Elections nationwide at 4 percent. Overall, it was an impressive turnout, and I was excited to see more students active and engaged in our election process compared to the past few years.” The following students were elected to the SGA eBoard for the 2016-17 academic year: • President Ezequiel De Leon, a junior • Vice President Patrick O’Connor, a sophomore • Secretary Dayna Marchant, a sophomore • Student Activities Treasurer Sarah Horwitz, a sophomore • Class and Club Treasurer Maddie Alper, a junior • Social Events Coordinator JT Manozzi, a junior The Student Trustee is sophomore Karl Bryan. This position is no longer considered a part of the SGA eBoard, but will still report to the senate and eBoard weekly, according to SGA’s Constitution. The ballot for eBoard positions was uncontested, except for the position of student activities treasurer, won - See SGA ELECTION RESULTS page 5

Allie Gath/The Gatepost

Junior Kaylee Brazell hangs out in a hammock on the lawn in front of Horace Mann Hall.

Thirty-five gender-inclusive bathrooms implemented on campus By Jessica Duff Assistant News Editor The FSU administration and the SGA Gender-Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee have fulfilled the committee’s goal of creating gender-inclusive restrooms on campus after two years of work. The committee formed in the spring of 2014 with graduating senior Christopher Hajeck as its chair, but began pushing for gender-inclusive housing and restrooms the following fall. Calvin Ridley, senior and chair of the committee since fall of 2014, said, “The

goal was to get more gender inclusive, but also just to make campus safer for a lot of people. “For instance, a student who is female-to-male transgender was being placed on a female floor. It was uncomfortable for them, also uncomfortable for everyone else - even if they were aware of the situation and respectful of it. … There were some situations where people were unsafe. Where roommates were not OK with it.” Now, students can opt into genderinclusive housing. Many of the gender-inclusive resi-

Class of 2016 honored at Senior Investiture By Bailey Morrison Assistant News Editor FSU kicked off the countdown tograduation with the Senior Investiture ceremony held on April 11 in DPAC. Faculty, staff, parents and invited guests were present at the event. According to Melinda Stoops, dean of students, Senior Investiture is a ceremony to acknowledge the academic achievements of the graduating seniors as well as joining “all of us as a larger community of scholars.” The investiture address was given by FSU alumnus, athletic director and FSU

football coach, Thomas Kelley. He said, “When you’re Irish, there are three things you know for certain - you enjoy a good lager, there’s probably a fireman or policeman in your family and there’s no such thing as a short speech.” He explained to seniors there are three groups of graduates - the successful “you’re going to know where you’re going” group, the middle group that will bounce around trying to figure out “what you want to be when you grow up” and those who will settle. His speech emphasized the importance of striking out “on your own” and - See SENIOR INVESTITURE page 6

dence hall rooms are located near the new gender-inclusive restrooms, according to Ridley. “We kind of had to do them both at the same time,” added Ridley. “It would have been pointless to just do genderinclusive housing and not address the bathroom issue.” FSU administrators began working to establish the gender-inclusive restrooms and created five unisex bathrooms in campus public buildings in January 2015. Room 214A in the McCarthy Center, 214 in Dwight, C-114 in - See RESTROOMS page 3

Inside “Humans of Framingham State” 9

Farewell Kobe Bryant 16

Cass Doherty/The Gatepost

FSU President F. Javier Cevallos spoke to the Class of 2016 during Senior Investiture.

Baseball sweeps MCLA 17

NEWS

APRIL 15, 2016

Editorial Board 2015-2016 Editor-in-Chief Michael B. Murphy

Associate Editors

Gatepost Interview Rachel Keir

Melina Bourdeau Brittany Cormier

Development officer for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Alexandra Gomes

News Editors Jennifer Johnson Julia Sarcinelli Mark Wadland

Asst. News Editor

By Kayllan Olicio Staff Writer

Jessica Duff Bailey Morrison

Arts & Features Editors Scott Calzolaio Cesareo Contreras Kristen Pinto

Asst. Arts & Features Editor Cass Doherty

Sports Editor Mike Ferris

Asst. Sports Editors Jose Carrasquillo Matt Ferris Amelia Foley

Opinions Editor Phil McMullin

Photos Editors Allie Card Allie Gath Brad Leuchte Darian O’Donnell

Asst. Photos Editors Erin Fitzmaurice Amanda Martin

Design Editor Shayna Yacyshyn

Copy Editor Bobby Murphy

Staff Writers Kyle Holmberg Maria Hornbaker Nick Murphy Kayllan Olicio Emily Robinson Marissa Rousseau Kate Shane Anthony Sheehan Andrew Willoughby Shelby Wood

Staff Photographer Kayla Hopkins

Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy

Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks

Administrative Assistant

What is your resume and background? I graduated from FSU in 2011. I was pretty involved in my experience here. … I did SGA for three years, SUAB for four years and I did some leadership roles when I was in SUAB. I was president for a couple of years. In SGA, I did some senator positions, and then I ended up my senior year as class and club treasurer. … I took a position in New York City. … The school was for all girls below the poverty line. It was grades five through eight, and all of them were in really poor schooling situations. I worked for them in their fundraising department. We did all the fundraising and development work for the school. It cost about $20,000 a year to send a student through the school system. I was on that team and we fundraised around $1.4 million per year. … I wanted to come back to the Boston area, so I took a position at YWCA Boston. … They’re celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. I was in a fundraising role there as well. I started as a funds development associate and then for the past two years, I was a special events manager. We fundraised about $1.4 million. … And then I saw this position open up here. June will be five years since I graduated from FSU, so I’m really excited to be back. It’s been great so far. I started in February. Why did you attend FSU as an undergrad? I feel that everyone kind of has a funny story with Framingham. … Everyone that I knew was applying to all these fancy private schools, and so was I. I remember getting all of my acceptances and rejections. ... I got the financial aid package with it and almost every single school was asking for $35,000 a year. … So my mom brought up the idea of applying to a couple of state schools. … But I only applied to one. … I picked Framingham super last minute and I really was unsure. But I knew that I was getting a lot for my dollar. … And here I am. It was one of the best decisions I ever made, which is funny because I made it when I was 18.

What was your favorite undergrad experience? I might be in the midst of nostalgia because it’s Marathon Monday on Monday. That was one of my favorite days. … I’m actually running the marathon this year. I’m really excited to run through mile six and seven, and see all the FSU students. … I loved Sandbox at the end of the year. And obviously, Commencement

some peer mentoring. I was involved with athletics. And I did Admissions my senior year, so it was really the beginning and it spiraled out of there. I think that’s what really set me up. I had such a great experience in involvement. Working with the students, teachers, faculty and staff on campus created that community for me that I knew I could depend on and rely on and seek for mentorship. … I think my community here set me up for success, and I’m really grateful for that. What is it like to be able to connect and re-engage with fellow alumni? When I saw this position open up, it was something I really wanted to get into. I felt that it defined a role I would want to be in. … And I feel if I can translate my energy and passion for this school to others and encourage them and empower them to donate. That is one of the best things that I could feel. It’s been really great and I’ve been able to connect with people I haven’t heard from. … I met this woman the other day. She was from the Class of 1949 and she grew up in my town and her granddaughter is a friend of mine, which I didn’t know until I met her. She is part of four generations that went to Framingham, which was really cool.

Erin Fitzmaurice/The Gatepost

was my favorite because I was able to walk across that stage and get my diploma. But I think Marathon Monday was one of my favorites. … It’s really empowering. I remember getting up early and seeing all of the runners go through. … I remember thinking, “Those people are crazy - that’ll never be me,” and here I am running 26 miles on Monday. How do you think FSU prepared you for your career? For me, it was a bit of a rocky start, and I think that’s something that is pretty normal for a lot of students here. You really have to take the initiative and find your fit and niche here. … I started with SUAB, and then it just spiraled into everything under the sun. … I was involved with Black and Gold Beginnings. I was a team leader for the Wet Feet Retreat. I did

What advice would you give to FSU students? There’s a whole world of opportunities for FSU students because we are 20 minutes outside of Boston. MetroWest is booming with opportunity as far as internships and jobs. And right here on campus, we have a great network of clubs and associations. Beyond that, the people here are really great. So if you have an opportunity to connect with a professor or staff member and create a mentoring connection, I would definitely take that on. … The thing that’s really unique about most FSU students is that not everything is handed to them. I think a lot of our students work really hard to be in school and stay in school. Not a lot of them have this backbone of $50,000 behind them. They’re working a second job. They’re trying to stay above water financially. Then they’re also trying to excel in their studies. So what’s great about that is that I think they’re willing to take on opportunities.

Debra Fowler Clare

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

@TheGatepost

Saturday April 9 10:04 - Normal hill parking lot - Suspicious motor vehicle - Checks OK Sunday April 10 12:32 - North Hall - Attempt to serve (warrant) 1 male in custody 13:00 - North Hall - Arrest - Male in custody for arrest warrant

Tuesday April 12 9:08 - Facilities department - Alarm (burglar/building) - Checks OK 22:02 - FSU Police Department - Larceny Report taken Thursday April 14 8:36 - McCarthy Center - Panic alarm Accidental/false alarm

NEWS

APRIL 15, 2016

Gender-inclusive restrooms - Continued from page 1 the library, 206 in Foster Hall and 112 in Crocker Hall were the original five. There are now 35 gender-inclusive restrooms throughout 15 different buildings on campus. Rylan O’Day, president of Pride Alliance, said, “When the first batch came out last year - the first five - my boyfriend and I went around and found most of them. … The biggest problem we faced was that a lot of them were locked or in a room that was locked.” Maureen Fowler, environmental health and safety coordinator, said meetings were held among multiple departments to address the issue of gender-inclusive restrooms. “In my opinion, Kim Dexter was a driving force in this matter.” Dexter, director of equal opportunity, title IX and ADA compliance, is also an advisor to Pride Alliance, FSU’s LGBTQ+ club. Ridley said, “Kim Dexter had put forth proposals for gender-inclusive housing years ago, but they just hadn’t been taken to. The point of the committee was to get student backing behind it.” Fowler said, “We talked more about it because there was a subcommittee of the students who got together and asked for assistance.” Ridley explained, “The administration was really good about it, but the laws of the plumbing code are so strict it was hard to negotiate stuff.” Sean Huddleston, chief officer of diversity, inclusion and community engagement, said in an email, “Because the Commonwealth of Massachusetts owns buildings on our campus (such as the Residence Halls), we made the proposal to them and strongly advocated for approval.” According to Fowler, a state variance from the Massachusetts State College

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

O’Connor Hall is one of 15 buildings on campus that now include gender-inclusive restrooms. Building Authority was necessary to convert men and women’s restrooms to single-user, gender-inclusive restrooms. Fowler said, “It would be much more difficult to make a multiple-user restroom be gender neutral because you need to have so many men’s rooms and women’s rooms because of the state plumbing law.” The original five were handicapped accessible restrooms and were deemed unisex because “they already kind of were,” according to Fowler. “There had been an initiative started from another state school. They got a variance, then my director, the director of facilities, Warren Fairbanks, applied

Building:

Room Numbers:

McCarthy Center

214A

Hemenway Hall

208A, 208B

Dwight Hall

214

Whittemore Library

C-114

Athletic Facility

203, 204, G8, G9

Foster Hall

206, 305, 314

Crocker Hall

112A

Peirce Annex/CASA

180A

Peirce Hall

122

Horace Mann Hall

137, 144

Larned Hall

109, 110, 114, 115

North Hall

324, 326, 419, 519, 619, 719

Linsley Hall

116, 21C, 34C

Corinne Hall Towers

310, 309

O’Connor Hall

119, 118, G13

for us to get a variance with the plumbing board for student-use, single-occupant restrooms,” she added. “It was kind of easy for us because other schools had already started the initiative.” The bathrooms had to be studentuse, and have single appliances only - a single toilet, sink and a shower if necessary. Faculty-only restrooms could not be converted, although staff are able to use the same gender-inclusive restrooms as students. Fowler said, “We toured every building to make sure we weren’t missing any. … There was very rigid criteria to remove the gender designation.” All of the restrooms that met the requirements have been converted, according to Fowler. Huddleston said in an email, “Final approval was received in February. Signs then had to be ordered and were recently installed.” The project to create new restroom signs was given to SUNSHINEsign, a company that worked on similar projects at other schools, and cost $2,615.55. O’Day said, “I’m personally really excited about it. As a trans student on campus, they are bathrooms that I would personally use. That we have multiple bathrooms, one in every single building, gives me the opportunity to go to the bathroom in peace and quiet and not have to be anxious about running into anybody else.” Elayna Smolowitz, a sophomore, said, “I think that there’s more negative fuss about them than necessary. Almost everyone has used a unisex bathroom and many students are treating it like a big inconvenience, but it’s very important to trans and non-binary students.”

NOTE: All bathrooms are handicapped accessible except for the following: Foster Hall: 305, 314 Peirce Annex/CASA: 112A Horace Mann: 144

Hunter Tetreault, a sophomore, said, “It’s one of those things I think needs more attention than just throwing it out there. This is a very safe campus, but just to make sure no one has any nefarious intentions when they go in there.” Hannah Lavin, a junior, said, “I think it’s a great step to make people feel welcome everywhere, and for them to not have to pause and think, ‘If I go in here, am I going to get screamed at? Am I going to get hit?’ That has happened - I don’t know if it’s happened on this campus, but I know it has happened other places. The fear that people are going to abuse the system - that is mostly fear of the unknown. I don’t mean that in an offensive way toward people who are nervous about it, but there is very little actual evidence of people doing that.” According to Ridley, the Gender-Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee has requested any future construction or major renovations include gender-inclusive restrooms. Huddleston said in an email, “As new buildings are constructed, gender-neutral restrooms will be included whenever possible.” Ridley, who is a senior, added, “Next year, whoever they appoint will make up new goals. They’ll have another agenda. … The Gender-Inclusion Committee could go past LGBT stuff and get into women’s rights - anything related to gender.” Jace Williams, a sophomore, said, “There’s at least one in every building now, which is really important. It kind of stinks that there can’t be one on every floor, but it’s hard to build new bathrooms. … So I understand and I’m taking what I can get.” Williams added, “I think a lot of what they need to work on is being worked on. Sean Huddleston told me that they got something to make ID changes to be preferred name on the front and then legal name on the back so you don’t have to out yourself just getting into your dorm room, giving it to the SDA. I think that’s great and I am anxiously waiting for it to be implemented. ... I’m really glad that I’m at this school, at this time, to help work on these things.”

NEWS

APRIL 15, 2016

The Gatepost takes home regional awards By Melina Bourdeau Associate Editor The Gatepost received four awards from the Society of Professional Journalists on April 9. Editors Michael B. Murphy, Brad Leuchte, Darian O’Donnell and Alexandra Gomes were present at the SPJ awards ceremony at the University of Southern Connecticut, as well as former Associate Editor Sara Silvestro and former Editor-in-Chief and FSU alumna Kaila Braley. FSU is within Region 1 in the small school division, and competed against colleges and universities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Gatepost editorial staff won a finalist award for three Gatepost editorials: “Massachusetts sunshine laws more dismal than the weather,” from March 27, 2015, “What’s in a name?” from Oct. 2, 2015 and “Overcoming trauma through compassion,” from Nov. 20, 2015. Braley recalled her positive experiences at The Gatepost and said she is “very glad to be able to look back on it and be recognized for the hard work that the group put into it because it was very much a group effort - especially the editorials.” Silvestro won a finalist award for in-depth reporting for her article, “Towers Hall Council President resigns after controversial posts,” from

Desmond McCarthy

Left to right: Editors Brad Leuchte, Darian O’Donnell, Alexandra Gomes, Michael B. Murphy and former Associate Editor Sara Silvestro and former Editor-in-Chief Kaila Braley accepted awards for feature photography, editorial writing and in-depth news reporting from the Society of Professional Journalism. Nov. 13, 2015. Leuchte won in the category of feature photography for his photo, “A student meets a new feathered friend,” from the April 27, 2015 issue, and O’Donnell was a finalist for her photo, “Welcome new students,” from the Sept. 11, 2015 issue. Leuchte’s photograph is now entered into a national Mark of Excellence award contest along with winners from the 12 SPJ regions across the country. The winner of that contest will be announced in May.

Leuchte said, “It’s one thing to have your photos published - it’s an honor getting published every week. When you’re recognized at that kind of level, you feel like you’re doing something right.” O’Donnell said, “Our region is competitive and I, honestly, never imagined that my work would be honored a year ago, when I joined the Gatepost. I’m so proud of what we accomplish every week as a publication, and this event was reinforcement that what we do is important to more than just at

FSU.” The Gatepost advisor Desmond McCarthy said, “You’re in the company of students from Ivy League schools and from programs with large graduate schools in journalism or mass communication in the New England and mid-Atlantic states. Your work is being judged as exceptional by professionals in the field, which is a testament to your professionalism, talent, hard work and diligence. It’s an honor to advise such an extraordinary group of people.”

Get more than a tan this summer Undergraduate or Graduate – Online or On Campus Maymester: May 23 –June 10 Session 1: June 14 –July 13 Session 2: June 20 –August 8 Session 3: July 19 –August 17

umassd.edu/summer

For course listings and registration

For more information— 508.999.9202 extension@umassd.edu

NEWS

APRIL 15, 2016

5 Senator-at-Large

SGA ELECTION RESULTS Dayna Marchant

Melina Bourdeau/THe Gatepost

Ezequiel De Leon

SGA eBoard for 2016-17 Academic Year

Katrina Ferguson Sarah Horwitz Cassandra Tedeschi Adam Scanlon Molly Fennessey Kyle Rosa Allison Carroll Bridget Green Jack Capello Brian Leonard Karl Bryan Mikayla Quinlan JT Manozzi Write-ins: Kirsten Hoey Logan Hennessey Mary Keiley Jacob Nowlan Class of 2017 Senators Molly Silva Class of 2018 Senators

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

Melina Bourdeau/THe Gatepost

Dayna Marchant

Seth Signa, write-in Marquis Sims, write-in Class of 2019 Senators Beck Govoni Hailey Small Kevin Pena

Maddie Alper

Patrick O’Connor

JT Manozzi

Ezequiel De Leon

SECRETARY

Class of 2017 President Kaylee Brazell, incumbent Vice President Maddie Alper Secretary Molly Silva Treasurer Allison Carroll, incumbent Class of 2018

STUDENT ACTIVITIES TREASURER Sarah Horwitz

- Continued from page 1 by Horwitz over sophomore Bridget Green by nine votes. Secretary for the Class of 2018 was won by Dayna Marchant, who also won the position of SGA secretary, over incumbent Alexandra Brower by 41 votes. Jennifer Noel won the position of vice president for the Class of 2019 as a write-in candidate. De Leon said in an email he is “honored that the Framingham State community has trusted me with this amazing opportunity” of being SGA president. He added, “When I got the call informing me that I had been elected, I truly felt what being SGA president means. It’s a feeling for which words can do no justice. I look forward to representing and advocating for the entire FSU community in this coming year alongside an incredible eBoard and senate. Greater access and opportunity is my mission, and I hope to make you all proud.” De Leon also encouraged students to email SGA at sga@framingham. edu with any ideas about how SGA can better serve the FSU community. Marchant, the incumbent secretary, said in an email she is “excited to have been re-elected as SGA secretary for the 2016-17 academic year.” Her goal is to involve students in SGA by advertising the SGA open forum more. Horwitz, who was previously the SGA parliamentarian, said in an email she is “more than ecstatic to have been elected,” and she thanks everyone who voted for her. “I look forward

SOCIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR JT Manozzi

to working with the clubs and organizations of FSU, and I look forward to a great year!” Next year’s vice president, Patrick O’Connor, said in a Facebook post he is “very excited to learn and grow in this new and challenging position. Being a member of this organization has been one of the best experiences of my life and I feel beyond honored to be able to represent such an incredible student body. I look forward to working with a new executive board and the great things we will accomplish next year!” Referendum Questions There were three questions on the SGA election ballot. Question 1 asked whether students should have the right to vote on University governance committees. It passed 397 to 11 votes. Costello said the committees that next year’s president, Ezequiel De Leon, will appoint students to are the All University Committee, Academic Policies Committee, University Curriculum Committee and Student Affairs Committee. Question 2 asked whether students would want Greek Life to come to FSU. According to Costello, 224 students voted yes and 190 voted no. Of the 224 students, 86 supported a potential fee increase to support Greek Life funds. Costello said in an email, “The decision on how to use this feedback will ultimately be left to the new Senate. However, based off of this non-binding question and other feedback that I

CLASS AND CLUB TREASURER Maddie Alper

have heard from students, I do not see sufficient student interest in bringing social Greek Life to FSU.” Question 3 asked how students wanted to spend surplus funds. It received 622 votes for two potential items for SGA to purchase - 273 students voted for a water bottle-filling station and 218 voted for purchasing Adirondack chairs for Larned Beach. Additionally, 69 students voted for purchasing a new digital scale for the Athletic Center, 46 voted for a new Sam the Ram costume and 16 did not support spending any surplus funds. According to Costello, SGA might not be able to purchase a water bottle-filling station because of factors such as construction projects already in place for the summer. “Even if we are unable to make this purchase, it is still valuable feedback to consider in the future. There is a strong possibility that we may be able to purchase the Adirondack chairs,” he added. Faculty, Staff and Administrator of the Year awards The Cindy Santomassimo Faculty Member and Administrator of the Year awards are given to faculty and administrators who were nominated by students, according to SGA’s bylaws. FSU President F. Javier Cevallos won the Administrator of the Year Award, and Professor Christopher Bowen of the communication arts department won the Faculty Member of the Year Award. In an email, Cevallos said, “I am

President Brian Leonard, incumbent Vice President Jackie Carlson, incumbent Secretary Dayna Marchant Treasurer Patrick O’Connor Class of 2019 President Matthew Pellegrino, incumbent Vice President Jennifer Noel, write-in Secretary Beck Govoni Treasurer Adam Scanlon, incumbent

deeply honored by this award, and thankful to the students who selected me. I am also very humbled by it, as I know so many administrators on campus who work so hard for our students and who deserve to be recognized for all they do.” Bowen said in an email he is “simultaneously stunned, surprised and extremely appreciative. Receiving this award from the SGA and the greater FSU student body is especially significant for me because the highlight of each day is getting to work with and among so many wonderful FSU students. This truly is an unexpected honor and I thank everyone involved.” ISO for the Security Division Carl Bergstrom won the Karen A. McCarthy Support Staff of the Year Award. According to SGA’s bylaws, this award is given “to a member of the staff who represents outstanding dedication and exceptional care in diversifying and supporting the social and academic life of the students of Framingham State University.” He said, “I’m very appreciative. I’m very happy to work with a number of students on campus and I’m glad that I’ve had an effect on people and people kind of see the work I do behind the scenes. It’s very humbling. I’m kind of surprised at the same time. … I’m very happy to see people understand that there’s a lot of work to go on and during my rounds and everything like that. So I’m very happy that happened, and very proud.”

NEWS

APRIL 15, 2016

Senior Investiture

Cass Doherty/The Gatepost

FSU alumnus, athletic director and FSU football coach Thomas Kelley told the graduating Class of 2016 to surround themselves with good people and to pursue their passions. - Continued from page 1 figuring out which group “you belong with.” Kelley said he belonged to all three groups during his life. After receiving his degree, Kelley said he returned to his hometown and settled, finding work locally that didn’t utilize the education he had paid for. He recalls hating Sunday nights because that meant he had to go to work in the morning. Kelley explained in his 37 years of working at FSU, he has never sat at home and not wanted to come to work on Monday. “It’s not work if it’s your passion,” he said. He added, “The road to success is paved with adversity - it’s paved with failure - and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. … If you’re the person who gets up and dusts themselves off and learns from your failure and your adversity, that will make you … successful. “If plan A doesn’t work, there are 25 more letters.” Kelley said there will always be people “telling you that you can’t do something. … You’re not smart enough.” He stressed the importance of proving those people wrong and “putting your foot down.” He said while the saying, “You can be anything you want to be,” isn’t necessarily true for everybody, everyone must find out “what you’re passionate about. “Life is too short to have small goals,” he said, adding, “Some of those passions won’t pay a lot of money, and some of them will. … You have to find out. “Success is not owned. It’s leased and rent is due every day,” he said. Kelley attributes his success not to himself, but the people he surrounds himself with. “Don’t hang around with the naysayers, the people who bring you

down. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen.” Stoops reminded students to enjoy the last days of college and asked them to participate in some of FSU’s traditions in the coming weeks. The traditions included eating chicken nuggets in the Dining Commons, moonlight breakfast, Bingo, sitting on the Crocker or May Hall lawns and “reading an email from me,” she said. “I want you to look ahead. You have one month left on campus. … If you haven’t experienced one of the traditions I’ve listed, try one out. You’ve got 41 days. “You will never be graduating seniors again. … You’ll never be in this place, at this time, to have these same traditions again. Don’t get so focused on your upcoming graduation that you forget to live in the moment,” she said. University President F. Javier Cevallos congratulated the Class of 2016 and said, “Today is a moment to think a little bit and reflect a little bit about everything you have accomplished. We get so caught up in our daily activities that we don’t think about what it means to accomplish something this important. “Each one of us has a different path, different life, different career. Each of you has different struggles, different opportunities, different challenges so only you know what it has taken for you to be here today,” he added. Vice President of the Class of 2016 Sarah Cowdell spoke to fellow upcoming graduates about their final moments of their senior year and her personal experiences at FSU. Cowdell, a transfer student, said, “While my path started off crooked,” she feels lucky to have spent three years as part of the FSU community. She said, “For some, the word ‘graduation’ sparks extreme happiness and

pride. For others, it elicits fear and trepidation and, for most, its provokes both feelings.” She added, “At this stage in our lives, no matter how boxed in we feel, we must remember the opportunities are endless. “Graduation is sure to be marked with celebration and joy, which it very well should be. However, oftentimes, we tend to only mark large milestones in our lives with this reception. Today, I stand here to challenge you to treat every day like a celebration,” she said. She urged seniors to celebrate and “focus on the now.” The faculty speaker for Senior Investiture was Dr. May Hara, an assistant professor for the College of Education at FSU. Hara said, “My understanding of the Senior Investiture ceremony is that it is an opportunity to celebrate your many academic achievements, to mark your transition to alumni status and to begin the countdown of 41 days to your graduation from Framingham State.” She said she understood the seniors would be getting advice from anyone “slightly older” or “slightly more experienced” about what they should do next. Hara suggested taking a year off and backpacking around Europe. She asked seniors to join her in “being fully present in this very moment in time. Rather than thinking too much about what might lie ahead, we can reflect about some of the wonderful things about graduating from college.” Hara, an anthropologist, has spent much of her life asking other people questions. To emphasize the importance of college graduation, she polled 25-30 people about their thoughts on the importance of celebrating college graduation. She polled teachers, doctors, lawyers, a carpenter, a baker and a celebrity dog walker.

She added her words are no longer just “one woman’s opinion. “The first reason that people gave for why they thought it was wonderful to celebrate graduating from college is that you now know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you are fully capable of persevering through multiple challenges to accomplish something as rigorous and demanding as a college degree.” Hara added, “Whenever you confront challenges in the future, as we all undoubtedly will, you will be stronger knowing you committed to and completed the major accomplishment of earning a college degree.” She said the second reason people valued the celebration of graduation was because this is a time to “reflect on all the experiences you’ve had. … You build lifelong friendships, engage with people from completely different backgrounds and hopefully completely different world views, and you figure out a little bit more about who you are in this world. “If you are feeling trepidation about the unknown of the future, know that the flip side of that is that the world is wide open to you,” she added. “You don’t have to pick the perfect path right now, and you can change your mind down the road,” she said. Hara added the most important thing for graduates is to work hard and bring good to others. Cowdell reminded the graduates, “Seniors, we have 41 days. Forty-one days. Forty-one days to shamelessly devour fries from The Grille. Forty-one days to actually read our daily email from Dean Stoops. Forty-one days to lay outside and bask in the sun of May Hall. Fortyone days to bleed black and gold. Make sure to make the days count.”

APRIL 15, 2016

The Gatepost Editorial

Continuing Costello’s commitment to the FSU community SGA is tasked with representing the views of the student body to faculty and administrators. The SGA president position requires someone with passion and dedication, which is why we at The Gatepost are delighted with the selection of new SGA President Ezequiel De Leon. Not only is De Leon sensitive to the issues our student body faces, but he is also dedicated to resolving them. We at The Gatepost would like to offer our advice, as well as expectations, to SGA and their new president. Above all else, putting student needs before the school’s financial priorities is a vital part of SGA’s job. It is easy for the Board of Trustees and the administration to get bogged down in the financial and public image side of governing a state university. It is up to SGA to remind the management of FSU that they are here to serve the students, first and foremost. However, it is also the duty of SGA to communicate the reasoning and logic behind the administration’s decisions to the student body. As current SGA president Dan Costello told The Gatepost, De Leon must “be able to see both sides of the issue” and keep the communication among students, staff, administrators and faculty flowing. From student fees to club funding, SGA oversees important decisions about the use of our money. While De Leon is certainly not alone in the decision-making, he serves as the public face of students and a mentor to those in the senate with voting power. Of the many issues facing FSU students, there are a couple we at The Gatepost believe SGA should address in the coming year. While a new parking lot is in the works, it is important for SGA to keep tabs on the persistent parking problem. Commuter students face a battle every morning, and are often late to class because of inadequate parking. Student space is another lingering issue at FSU. We at The Gatepost see this problem first-hand every Thursday night, as we search for empty classrooms on the fourth floor of the McCarthy Center to work in. There is a clear need for student lounges and hang out spots, as well as an increasing demand for club space. One of SGA’s primary concerns, after all, is student clubs and organizations. SGA should promote reserving more space on campus specifically for student use. With all the construction currently happening on campus creating more space, there is no better time to address this issue. If SGA continues to nurture the strong ties they have developed this year with student clubs and organizations, they should have no problem identifying the needs of our student body and meeting them. Getting to know different populations of students, from athletes and club leaders to the less involved, is essential to SGA’s decision-making. How can they represent the student body if they don’t know them? SGA’s visibility and attentiveness to students this year has not been lost on us. Dan Costello and SGA e-Board members have excelled at making SGA accessible, transparent and responsive to FSU students. We at The Gatepost hope SGA and their new president, Ezequiel De Leon, further this progress in the coming year and continue to champion the needs of students.

OP/ED Letter from the Editor-In-Chief The use of pronouns in The Gatepost Hello, my name is Michael B. Murphy and I’m the Editor-InChief of The Gatepost. My pronouns are “he/him.” Earlier this week, after a thoughtful deliberation with Gatepost Advisor Desmond McCarthy and Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks, and after having consulted my staff of stupendous editors, writers, photographers and graphic designers, I’ve implemented a policy which will require all Gatepost reporters to ask interviewees for their pronouns. Let me first explain what this policy entails and, also, contextualize it for you. Per Gatepost tradition - and journalistic requirement - our reporters, when interviewing students, faculty, staff and administrators, will ask interviewees for their full names. In the case of students, we ask for their class - freshman, sophomore, junior or senior. It is my decision, and mine alone, that all Gatepost reporters continue to ask interviewees those two questions. Additionally, they will now ask the following, and equally important, question: “Which pronouns do you use?” While I expect there to be some initial awkwardness between Gatepost reporters and some interviewees, I truly believe that within a relatively short period of time, we at The Gatepost and those on campus being interviewed will become comfortable with such a personal question. It is my hope that the diversity on this campus, which we at The

Gatepost have always championed, will be better represented by this editorial policy. Though the use of “they/them” pronouns has already been incorporated into The Gatepost writing style, this is not enough to address the issue of properly representing the members of our community. Before this policy, unless an interviewee were to tell a Gatepost reporter they used “they/them” pronouns, we would make the assumption of a person’s pronoun based on name and appearance. Many interviewees may feel too shy to divulge their pronouns with a reporter if they are not asked. It is my hope that by being asked by Gatepost reporters what their pronouns are, interviewees will feel comfortable in the act of identifying their true selves. Afterall, one of the core tenants of journalism is objectivity. It is of the upmost imporantance that The Gatepost fairly and factually represent those on campus who share with us their thoughts and opinions within the pages of this paper.

Michael B. Murphy Editor-In-Chief

Have an opinion about something happening on campus? Send it in 500 words or less to gatepostopinions@gmail.com. Anyone can submit. We look forward to hearing from you! Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.

OP/ED

Toilet trouble It is extremely exciting that Relay for Life has finally come to Framingham State. The cancer-fighting fundraiser does a lot of good all over the world, with four million people in over 20 countries participating each year, according to its website. Bringing the organization to FSU will give a lot of people an opportunity to do good in this community and will hopefully continue in the future to, as Wednesday’s fundraiser put it, “flush away cancer.” This is why it hurts to say that said fundraiser in the Dining Commons was a major misstep. That’s not to say it didn’t raise money - in fact, I hope it did, along with the other fundraiser happening just outside the McCarthy Center. The difference is those behind the outdoor fundraiser didn’t rely on guilt and shame as their solitary strategy. Student volunteers wheeled a decorated toilet from table to table, condescendingly warning diners that it would stay there until given five dollars then abandoning it to sit there. No, not any donation or whatever one could afford to give - only five dollars was enough. The obvious objective here is to make everyone sitting with the toilet look and feel like a huge jerk, and nothing screams charity and goodwill like public shaming, right? Many students, myself included, don’t even carry cash on campus if

they know they will just be going from a meal to class and then back to their room. Often, if someone isn’t leaving campus, they don’t need money on them at all. After all, one must figure that even if one comes across something that prompts a donation without cash, it’s not like the people asking for money would make a spectacle of it. If they were inclined to get some cash, they could go to the ATM… anywhere but the Dining Commons, where leaving means that the meal is over. In this situation, deliberate use of guilt - especially a shotgun spread specifically designed to hit everyone regardless of financial situation or previous donation - seems decidedly unnecessary and mean-spirited. Even with all of this said, I get it. I really do. Motivating people to give up their money, even to a great cause like Relay for Life, is hard. It can even be frustrating. It can feel like deniers just don’t have a good reason not to donate, or even like they’re bad people. I’m sure you’re good people, fundraisers, so be better than this. Keep your tactics out of the toilet. Bobby Murphy Editorial Staff

APRIL 15, 2016

Letter to the editor First, let me state that I am not an objective observer regarding this year’s commencement speaker - I served on the Commencement Speaker Advisory Committee and I enthusiastically endorsed the selection of Chris Herren for the commencement position. Let me also state that I can appreciate the Gatepost editorial taking a stand against Herren as the speaker. However, what I am having a hard time digesting is the convoluted and illogical argument presented in the Gatepost editorial of April 8. How can the Gatepost conclude the audience will be traumatized by hearing “Herren’s horror story.” First, where is the horror story in an individual recounting how he overcame a serious addiction and then dedicated his life to helping others overcome their addiction? And are we to assume that we must shield an adult audience, as well as newly graduating students from what really goes on in the “real” world? If my memory is still functioning, in the four decades long attendance at Framingham graduating ceremonies, I can remember the eloquent and passionate addresses of former speakers on topics ranging from the devastation of the war in Vietnam, to the tragedy of 9/11 to the insanity of the war in Iraq. But if I understand The Gatepost editors,

it would have been more suitable for our speakers to avoid such “horrors” and instead indulge the audience in more “optimistic and motivational tales.” Unfortunately, Richard Simmons is already engaged! The Gatepost editors are right on one thing - this state and this nation face a “rising opiod epidemic” that threatens the very fabric of our society. What better occasion then at commencement for our graduating seniors and their families to seriously confront one of the many challenges we face as citizens of this country. Perhaps with a touch of irony, I do find Chris Herren’s story to be not only highly motivational, but also extremely voptimistic. With all do deference to the editors suggestion that we should have selected the “world-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson” as our speaker, I believe dealing with the messiness of our speck of a planet is a far more worthy introduction to post graduation life than the mysteries of the universe.

John Ambacher Professor Emeritus Department of Political Science

Thank you As you may have read in the pages of this issue, The Gatepost won four Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Awards at an award ceremony last weekend. I would like to take a quick moment and say how immensely proud I am of my staff and former co-workers, all of whom contributed to the amazing issues of The Gatepost which contained the four award winning entries at this year’s Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Awards. To put this into context, we are placed in Region 1, which is the largest, and I’d argue, most competitive region in the country. This region includes Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Penn State and many other fine universities. My staff and former colleagues are the smartest, funniest and hardest-working group of people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. They all deserve credit for the awards won, as no one person at this paper creates greatness. I’d be remiss not to thank Nikki Curly, Claire Ostrander of SILD and Dan Costello and the other members of SGA who helped fund our trip to the award ceremony. Again, much love and thanks to everyone who contributed to The Gatepost in 2015 and to those who have joined us since in 2016. As you may have read in the pages of this issue, The Gatepost won four Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Awards at an award ceremony last weekend. I would like to take a quick moment and say how immensely proud I am of my staff and former co-workers, all of whom contributed to the amazing issues

of The Gatepost which contained the four award winning entries at this year’s Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Awards. To put this into context, we are placed in Region 1, which is the largest, and I’d argue, most competitive region in the country. This region includes Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Penn State and many other fine universities. My staff and former colleagues are the smartest, funniest and hardest-working group of people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. They all deserve credit for the awards won, as no one person at this paper creates greatness. I’d be remiss not to thank Nikki Curly, Claire Ostrander of SILD and Dan Costello and the other members of SGA who helped fund our trip to the award ceremony. Again, much love and thanks to everyone who contributed to The Gatepost in 2015 and to those who have joined us since in 2016.

Michael B. Murphy Editor-In-Chief

APRIL 15, 2016

ARTS & FEATURES

How “Humans of Framingham State” went viral overnight “I am a medical technologist formerly. I worked in Puerto Rico for 40 years. I learned all the things also and now I am trying to paint a little. I like it. I learned when I was young, so now in between students I draw some things - flowers, animals, things, sometimes tennis shoes, bottles.” -Clara DeMoya Photo courtesy of Humans of Framingham State

By Scott Calozlaio Arts & Features Editor Moments after their first post hit social media, the notifications flooded the phones of the six “Humans of Framingham State” team members. “I remember messaging the group after 20 likes and saying, ‘this is going to trend up very quickly,’” said senior and team member Tyler DeMoura. “‘If we got seven likes in 30 seconds, this is going to blow up tonight.’” DeMoura’s predictions were right. Their first post, which featured the notoriously cheerful Sodexo worker, Clara, “passed over about 40,000 people’s screens - which is far more people that even go or work here combined,” said DeMoura, citing Facebook’s analytics charts. Their debut post received the most attention. The quote that the group decided to use was said after the simple question, “Where are you from?” Her response “I am a medical technologist formerly. I worked in Puerto Rico for 40 years. I learned all the things also and now I am trying to paint a little. I like it. I learned when I was young, so now in between students I draw some things - flowers, animals, things, sometimes tennis shoes, bottles.” Team member and junior, Caroline Beermann, did not expect the impact the page would have. “Our original goal was to get up to 50 likes, but now we’ve got up to 700 likes,” she said. “Humans of Framingham State” is Beermann’s brain child, and a product of much deliberation. The page arose from a Communication Arts capstone project and was inspired by

the popular “Humans of New York,” which started as a book and segued to social media. The project is to make a change on campus. The group of five seniors, DeMoura, Merissa Zaltzberg, Kayla Hopkins, Candace McOsker and Tabby Silvia, and one junior, Beermann, tossed around a few ideas, but could not fully agree on anything at first. Beermann suggested “Humans of Framingham State” as a last ditch effort. Other groups in the class are launching a campaign to get more outlets in the library, another group has ‘before I graduate’ boards and

type of project we chose,” he said. “It’s just naturally one that would garner more attention. There’s nothing wrong with everyone else’s projects, obviously, they’re all cool. It’s just that ours is the kind of thing that I think spreads more easily.” They explained how their project fit into the capstone’s criteria - making a difference on campus. “On a small campus like ours,” said DeMoura, “you see the same people and the same groups of people every day.” The team looked at several similar pages from different schools and communities in order to learn from

“We had no idea we would get this kind of response, so we had no reason to discuss keeping it going,” Beermann said. “This is just for a class, but I’d like to think it won’t just stay for a class.” The team hopes to keep the project alive into next year, despite that five of them are graduating in May. “Tyler and I have discussed maybe making it into a club to keep it student-run,” she said. “People would be more likely to open up to a student rather than a faculty member.” In addition to posting to their Facebook page every other day, they are also promoting their Instagram

Photo courtesy of Humans of Framingham State

another starting a ‘read freely’ textbook campaign where they donate their used textbooks to the library. But these other efforts have not received the attention that “Humans of Framingham State” has. DeMoura said that it’s not that the other capstone projects are not successful, but this project is designed to draw attention. “I think it’s just very much the

their failures and successes. “Personally,” said Beermann, “I think a lot of them failed because they were too based around the school.” In order to avoid this, the team dodges asking questions such as, “Why did you choose this school?” Instead, they ask questions about who the subjects are and how they came to be here.

page, and considering arranging a gallery viewing of the posts at the Red Barn in the library to reach more students. “We’re trying to create a more inclusive community on campus by going around and talking to students and staff, just to get more of an idea about who they are,” Beermann said. “And that it’s OK to go up to a person you saw in a post and say ‘Hello.’”

ARTS & FEATURES

APRIL 15, 2016

Author Susan Steinberg discusses her writing process in the Ecumenical Center By Emily Robinson Staff Writer Students and faculty gathered in the Heineman Ecumenical Center on Tuesday, April 12 to listen to Susan Steinberg read a section from her newest book, “Spectacle.” As a part of the Arts and Ideas program on campus, English professors Patricia Horvath and Samuel Witt organized Steinberg’s book talk and reading, which was given to an audience of about 40 people. Horvath introduced her longtime friend. “I would say I admire her work, but I think that is such a pale and watery word for a work that pushes and challenges and makes us reconsider notions about form,” she said. “Spectacle” is a collection of short stories, including the one she read that evening, “Cowboy,” which, despite its short length, managed to touch on several serious topics like death, addiction, maturation and loss, to name a few. The piece was read aloud in under an hour and the author reported that it took over a year to write. During the question and answer portion of the talk, Steinberg revealed that she does not follow typical writing approaches when working on a story and pays little attention to plot and character development.

When asked about the role of plot in her writings, Steinberg said, “I don’t plot. I don’t set out to create a story that’s shaped in a certain way. I can’t work that way and I just don’t want to.” As a part of her writing style, Steinberg rarely gives characters names to avoid any personal associations readers may have with a certain name, as it could influence their opinion of that character. She went on to explain, “anything that I think will slow down the reader or make them do unnecessary work, I try to get rid of.” Despite originally studying painting at Maryland Institute College of Art, Steinberg eventually discovered a passion for writing and went on to earn her master’s in English here in Massachusetts. She admitted that originally writing was “just something to do while my paintings dried” until it eventually became more than that. Steinberg now teaches English at the University of San Francisco and is a visiting professor this semester at New York University. She revealed to her audience that the creative process she experienced when painting is very similar to what she now goes through when writ-

Darian O’Donnell/The Gatepost

Susan Steinberg read from her book “Spectacle” on Tueseday, April 12. ing. When asked about this process, Steinberg answered, “I don’t outline, I don’t plot and I don’t plan. I just start writing and see what happens. And that’s exactly how I painted. There was no sketching first. I would just slap on the paint and see what would happen.” The only noticeable difference she reported was in regards to sound. When painting, Steinberg prefers a noisy studio but requires complete silence when writing. Senior Owen McSweeney attended the event as a requirement for Professor Witt’s Writing Poetry class, and found the talk fascinating.

McSweeney said of the event, “I thought she had a lot of interesting points of view on form, conflict and character development. I personally disagree with her process but I think it’s very important to understand different types of character forming and conflict development. I thought it was especially interesting how she argues against putting plot in her stories.” Sophomore Molly Conant said that although she also attended the event as a requirement for a class, she “loved the event. I already bought one of her books!”

Preview: Hilltop presents ‘Spelling Bee’

THE CAST Kyle Collins as Leaf Coneybear & Carl Dad Tyler DeMoura as Comfort Counselor Mitch Mahoney & Dan Dad Allie Card/The Gatepost

‘Spelling Bee’ will be performed April 21-23 in DPAC. By Bobby Murphy Editoral Staff The Hilltop Players will present their musical production, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” April 21-23 in DPAC. The show, directed by Hilltop Players Vice President Rachel Lyon, follows six children as they battle for regional spelling supremacy. The vocabulary-related antics are punctuated by candid, personal flashbacks from each character’s home life, some funny and some surprisingly heartfelt, all of which provide the young spellers with compelling backstories and motivations. There is no outright antagonist - most of the show’s tension comes from the high-stress environment and the conflict between the vastly different children. The characters are joined onstage by four members of the audience who are called upon to compete as well. This goes beyond simple audience participation - the volunteers are onstage for a significant amount of time, with

songs and scenes occurring between their turns. This, along with the action occasionally spilling offstage and into the aisles, makes the show incredibly immersive, turning DPAC itself into the set. Each of the show’s costumes is impressive in its simplicity and authenticity, be it the vice principal’s suit, one child’s pink overalls or another’s dangling rainbow suspenders. From the emotional “Woe Is Me” and “The I Love You Song” to the less-touching “Magic Foot” and “My Unfortunate Erection” - the latter of which speaks for itself - William Finn’s music is varied, unique, and catchy throughout, not to mention well-performed by the cast. The score is also used to great effect in repeated refrains, such as the harmonized goodbyes upon a child’s elimination or the frantically-sung two lines that prove true throughout the show - “Life is random and unfair/life is pandemonium!” Kyle Torres, a member of Hilltop’s Proposal Committee, which decides what shows are ultimately produced,

said “Spelling Bee” was chosen because “it was clear that the members of the production staff were passionate about the show and they had a very solid game plan for doing this very fun show.” Lyon proposed the show because it is “fairly simple … but it has a lot of heart. It’s deeper than just kids at a spelling bee. It’s a show anyone can relate to.” She also cited a personal love of the show and a specific appreciation for the audience participation, which makes every performance unique. The show is stage managed by Hilltop Tech Chair Elyse Corbett and Isabella Guyton, music directed by Gina Iacoviello and co-produced by Allie Card and Jesse Lawlor. Opening night is Thursday, April 21 and the show closes on Saturday, April 23. All shows are at 7 p.m. and admission is free, but donations to the Hilltop Players are accepted at the door. [Editor’s Note: Allie Card is a member of The Gatepost editorial staff.]

Joe Duda as Vice Principal Douglas Panch Emma Fitzpatrick as Olive Ostrovsky Anthony Gabrielle as William Barfeé Cindy Nelson as Rona Lisa Peretti & Olive’s Mom Lily Packer as Marcy Park Marielle Sciore as Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre Kyle Torres as Chip Tolentino & Jesus & Olive’s Dad

APRIL 15, 2016

ARTS & FEATURES

Wrestlemania 32 a major loser wwe.com

By Bobby Murphy Editorial Staff Pro wrestling fans are no strangers to deciding an event is going to be awful before it even happens. Case in point, last year’s Wrestlemania 31 - after a lackluster-to-outright-bad build and no confidence from the community, the event delivered. Not bad after the preceding Monday Night RAW ended with Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar tugging at the heavyweight belt like five-year-olds on a playground. This year, WWE stumbled into a bizarro version of last year’s success - a phenomenal build that fizzled out as if CEO Vince McMahon himself spat on the fuse just before the dynamite blew. Wrestlemania 32, for all its star power, was the sum of its parts… its nonsensical, broken parts. The opener, a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship, blew the rest of the event out of the water, mixing seven storylines together. The most compelling was the saga of fan favorite Sami Zayn’s revenge on longtime friend-turned-enemy, current IC champion Kevin Owens. The primary subplot followed Zack Ryder, a nonthreat largely in the match as a joke, setting out to prove himself. These stories intertwined in a captivating build. What made the match itself great was its clear, literary plot structure. The climax occurred in a one-onone Zayn vs. Owens slugfest, ending with Zayn driving Owens’ head into a downed ladder for a near-victory until Hollywood heel The Miz’s interference. Miz slimed his way to the top of the ladder until Ryder scrambled up and won. It was a genuine surprise to start the main show, a feel-good moment, and, most of all, it made it seem like anything could happen. In addition, the match cleverly put off the inevitable Zayn vs. Owens oneon-one match another month. By all accounts - build, match and result the IC title match stole the show for the second year in a row. The bout between jealous heel Chris Jericho and popular

newcomer AJ Styles was an impressive match with a letdown of an ending. The in-ring action told a great story of two men at the end of a match series having each other well-scouted. However, it’s a bit baffling that Jericho, in reality 46 years old with nothing more to prove, was given the win. This isn’t a case of “the bad guy won and I’m mad because he’s the bad guy.” This is a case of “the bad guy won and I’m mad because it was stupid storytelling.” What a disappointing finale to a wonderful storyline. It’s like if “The Lion King” cut to black after Scar dumped Mufasa off the cliff. Long live the king, I guess. The New Day vs. League of Nations’ non-title tag match was completely forgettable. New Day’s entrance, during which they spilled out of a giant cereal box, was impressive, but the segment was a snoozefest until 90’s legends Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley and Stone Cold Steve Austin came out for a fight. One can’t help but

see three retired men beating down a young heel stable as a continuation of the Styles vs. Jericho problem, but that was already evidently this Mania’s theme. The greatest crime of the night was the Brock Lesnar vs. Dean Ambrose Street Fight. The match’s entire build centered on Ambrose being “too crazy to kill,” and the promise of a star-making hardcore match had fans going crazy themselves with excitement. Ambrose was expected to lose, but look like a million bucks doing it. And lose he did - in 13 minutes with barely any offense. It made him look like a total geek. The best part of the match was Ambrose’s vandalized version of Lesnar’s t-shirt, and that being the highlight is exactly the problem. The match to crown the first WWE Women’s Champion - replacing the sexist butterfly-shaped “Diva’s Championship” belt - was a fantastic symbol of good things to come for WWE’s women. The triple threat told multiple stories at once retaining champion Charlotte relying on her father Ric Flair’s interference to win, plucky underdog Becky Lynch proving herself a legitimate contender, and arrogant Sasha Banks proving, in her first title match, that she is everything she says she is.

wwe.com

While Charlotte retained once again by making Lynch tap, the story and finish were well-written. Lynch was cheated again, Banks was protected in passive defeat, and Charlotte continued her heel run. Overall, another rare bright spot in the night. The much-anticipated Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shane McMahon for control of Monday Night RAW took another fantastic build and choked it into oblivion. It started with 15 minutes of boring punches and grappling, and even the action spilling to the outside of the cage wasn’t enough to save it. The finale - which saw McMahon falling 30 feet from the top of the cage and crashing through a table - was thrilling, but when Taker ultimately won, it brought us right back to the Styles vs. Jericho/League of Nations vs. New Day problem. Was a McMahon win predictable? Yes, but only as much as a Taker win was nonsensical. Great match in theory, but a mess in practice. The annual over-the-top Battle Royale was also chaotic, but to a much more satisfying end. Shaquille O’Neil came out to Kanye West’s music and biker character Baron Corbin debuted to a victory. The Rock, in his own segment, announced the record-breaking crowd attendance, and then he and John Cena beat down a young heel group. If that sounds monotonous and useless, it’s because it was. The main event for the evening, Roman Reigns vs. Triple H for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, was doomed from the start. The crowd resented Reigns getting opportunities more talented performers don’t, and so they booed. At least they did, until WWE turned the crowd’s mics off. The match was forgettable enough without being overtaken by the more compelling Crowd vs. Company narrative happening completely outside of the storyline. Blah blah, fight fight, Reigns wins. All that can be said in general is that the final shot was a microcosm of the whole show - the opposite of the people’s chosen winner celebrating, confetti raining, the crowd trying their hardest to boo poor writing and the broadcast team having none of it. The word synecdoche comes to mind, doesn’t it?

ARTS & FEATURES

APRIL 15, 2016

Transcendental Meditation: can humans levitate?

Album Review: Oranssi Pazuzu breaks the language barrier with “Värähtelijä” By Andrew Willoughby Staff Writer

wikimedia.org

mum.edu

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi popularized transcendental meditation in India in the mid 1950’s. By Phil McMullin Editorial Staff Some people want to transcend the “self” and become one with the gods. Others simply want to relax. Either way, meditation is a long-lasting tradition in many cultures. According to Psychology Today, wall art depicting meditation was found in the Indus Valley and is believed to be 5,500 to 7,000 years old. Since then, meditation has spread globally, and has diversified into numerous practices and belief systems. Despite centuries of widespread practice, meditation was not introduced into American society until the early 20th century, according to Psychology Today. Meditation in the United States increased in popularity when Maharishi Mahesh Yogi began teaching Transcendental Meditation [TM] to the Beatles in the 1960s. The wave of popularity faded in the late 1970s, when Mahesh’s organization began “promoting a more advanced form of TM” which claimed could lead to the ability to levitate, according to The New York Times. Mihir Munshi, a devotee of the Hindu Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland, Massachusetts, said the Hindu culture also believes meditation can lead to miraculous feats, such as levitation, walking on water and out-of-body experiences. Munshi attributed this to the meditator becoming a vessel for the gods, which speak through the meditator and allow their words to become reality. Sufism, which is a form of mysticism which has been practiced for centuries internationally, believes meditation is a way of clearing the veil of ego that separates the individual from the oneness of God. The Nimatullahi Order, a sect of Sufism that came to the United States from Iran in the late 1970s, advocates against any religious leader claiming miraculous powers. Despite criticism, the TM organization continues to operate through many international branches. Several celebrity figures are advocates of TM, including David Lynch, Russel Brand and Jerry Seinfeld. In a room lined with old photographs on the third floor of the Masonic Temple in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a free introductory course is offered weekly. The introduction does not include details about the TM technique, which is kept secret by the organization. Instead, the leader of the introduction discusses the organization’s claims about TM’s health benefits, which include decreased stress and increased mindfulness. At the end of the introduction, the TM instructor passes out an interview form which asks the attendees how they heard of TM, why they are interested in meditation, whether or not they have taken hallucinogens or other drugs and several other questions.

Each attendee is then pulled into a separate room for a private interview with the instructor. The TM instructor is not allowed to divulge any information about the technique until the attendee has paid $960 (or a 50-percent-off student fee.) Anyone who pays the fee must then attend an initiation ceremony followed by five instructional lessons to learn the technique. When told about the price of TM, two members of the Nimatullahi Order of Sufism broke out in laughter. The Sufis do not charge a fee for their biweekly meditation practices. After attending the lessons, participants will be given a mantra, which the TM organization claims is personalized. When asked how a mantra is chosen for each individual, a TM representative declined to answer because the process is kept secret to the pub-

The TM instructor is not allowed to divulge any information about the technique until the attendee has paid $960. lic. Munshi said TM is a Hindu practice that was given a label by Mahesh due to a lack of knowledge in the western world about the Vedic scriptures that certain forms of meditation derive from. While the representative of TM claimed that the process had no ties to Hinduism and that the Vedic scriptures were not attached to Hinduism, Munshi said the Vedic scriptures were definitely Hindu texts. Munshi also said meditation can be achieved alone and that many different forms are effective. TM is controversial and certainly has a lot of competition, but its followers are devout and it seems the organization is here to stay. As the organization’s website says, “Anyone can do it - even children with ADHD and soldiers with PTSD.”

Black metal has been going through somewhat of a renaissance in the last few years. Bands such as Deafheaven have pioneered what some people are calling “blackgaze” by combining both elements of classic black metal and shoegaze. With their fourth studio album “Värähtelijä,” Oranssi Pazuzu does the same thing to post-punk and post-rock that Deafheaven did to shoegaze and it’s absolutely incredible. Unfortunately, the album is in Finnish, so I can’t comment on this album’s lyricism, but with just a look at the cover art, it’s safe to assume that it touches on some dark themes. This is one monster of an album. The seven tracks clock in at an hour and ten minutes. It’ll definitely be an investment of your time, but it’s well worth it. Each song has its own distinct sound. The opening track, “Saturaatio,” starts out sounding quite a bit like something Godspeed You! Black Emperor would have put out in the early 2000s, especially the droning background guitars. But by the time the guttural vocals kick in, Oranssi Pazuzu lets listeners know that this sound is uniquely theirs. This song’s sound shifts around the three-minute mark, surprisingly introducing classic, Zeppelin-esque organs backed by cymbal-filled drums and a flanger-heavy guitar solo before shifting once more into a deep, metal groove. For the most part, the vocals on this record are left in the background, letting the layered and sometimes chaotic instrumentation be the driving force of the project. However, they are front and center on the second track, “Lahja.” This song takes some elements from sludge metal and slows things down quite a bit. The sluggish guitar riff repeats over and over for the track’s entire eight-minute runtime. Vocalist Jun-His’ growls echo throughout. The band’s diverse instrumentation shines here with the inclusion of a sparkling vibraphone melody. The title track, “Värähtelijä,” can easily be confused for a current-era Swans song thanks to the repetitive guitar and moaning vocals. In no way is this a bad thing. I can’t stress enough the variety found within this project. There’s something for just about any adventurous music listener here and the band definitely wears its influences on its sleeve. A highlight of this record is “Hypnotisoitu Viharukous.” It’s one of the loudest and most intense songs to be released this year. Here we have prominent tremolo guitars accompanied by an extremely energetic synthesizer. The vocal delivery three minutes into this track is by far the best on the entire record and the bassline on the bridge before the climax has been stuck in my head for days. The final three songs are some of the longest in the track list. I won’t get into too much detail on these behemoths because they need to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Once again, I am reminded of Swans’ record “The Seer,” not necessarily because of the way the band sounds, but because of the way these tracks flow - they’re long but at no point do they feel tedious or drawn-out. The one issue I have with this entire record is the ending. This entire record is incredibly brutal, but the final track just fades out. A record like this deserves to go out on a bang, not just wither into nothingness. Of course, this just may be me nitpicking. Albums like this are the reason I encourage people to get out of their musical comfort zones. The band took several sonic ideas from some truly talented groups and mashed them together with enough of their own unique additions to make something amazing. Even listeners that aren’t into black metal can find some enjoyment out of this project. For fans of groups like Swans, Deafheaven and Godspeed this record is a must listen. The album is available for download from Oranssi Pazuzu’s official bandcamp page and the iTunes store and can be streamed in full on Spotify.

ARTS & FEATURES

APRIL 15, 2016

thursday, april 21, 2016

4:30 p.m.

heineman ecumenical center

The Miriam Levine Reading

Mona Awad, Author

m i r i a m l e v i n e r e a d e r for 2 0 1 6

Get Tested!

All members of the Framingham State University community are welcome. The event is also open to the general public. Event sponsored by the Department of English.

Mona Awad received her MFA in Fiction from Brown University where she was awarded the Feldman Prize and the John Hawkes Prize for her writing. Her writing has appeared in Time Magazine, VICE, McSweeney’s, The Walrus, Joyland, Post Road, St. Petersburg Review, and elsewhere. She has also worked as a freelance journalist and a food columnist for the Montreal-based magazine Maisonneuve; her essay “The Shrinking Woman”, which appeared in that magazine, was a finalist for a National Magazine Award. Her debut novel, 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl, was published by Penguin Books.

When: Wednesday, April 20, 10:00am—3:00pm Where: FSU Health Center Who: Program RISE at JRI Health 508-935-2960

For more information, please contact Sam Witt at switt1@framingham.edu.

Fourteenth Annual NES/MAA Dinner Meeting in Memory of Kenneth J. Preskenis

will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Dr. Frank Morgan, Williams College, will give 2016 Preskenis Lecture, “The Isoperimetric Problem with Density.”

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Buffet Dinner (reservations required) Faculty/Staff Dining Room, 3rd Floor, D. Justin McCarthy Center

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

April 20 at 7:00 PM Center for Inclusive Excellence (Whittemore Library) Submit your drama addiction story to Dr. Lorretta Holloway at lholloway@framingham.edu by 5 PM on April 20 to be considered for the contest. The top five will be voted on at the fan meet. The winner will get to choose between a year membership in one of the following Dramfever, Viki, or Crunchyroll!!!!

Dr. Morgan's Presentation (everyone is welcome) Dwight Performing Arts Center, Dwight Hall

8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Reception, sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs Athletic Center Juice Bar

The cost for the dinner is $23.25 per person for faculty/staff and $10 per person for FSU students. Please visit http://www.framingham.edu/~smabrouk/preskenis/ for more information.

ARTS & FEATURES

APRIL 15, 2016

Campus Conversations If you could pitch an idea for any TV show what would it be about and what would you call it? By Cass Doherty & Amanda Martin

“Definitely one about college, because there are zero of them. I’d call it ‘Beginning of Adulthood.’” -Emily Thomas, freshman

“‘Bunkin’ with Beavers.’ I want to give them multiple objects and see what they’ll do with them.” -Kristen Farrington, freshman

“It would be about lesbians, but it would be a reality TV show. It’d follow them around and show their lesbian lives. Call it ‘The Queer Life.’” -Ross Grenier, sophomore

“It would be about a cop named Claude and he has a biological disorder where when he gets angry his hands turn into crab claws. It’ll be called ‘Crab Clause.’” -Anthony Martel, senior

“‘The Barber Shop.’ It’d be stuff that goes on in a barber shop.” -Kevin Pena, freshman

“So it would be about a banana-crocodile and his adventures around the world. I would call it ‘In a While, Bananadile.’” -Tess Jillson, freshman

Edited by Fred PiscopApril 15, 2016 HOOFING IT By Fred Piscop ACROSS 1 Plan detail, for short 5 Coffee, informally 9 Move up the ladder 14 Our genus 15 Valhalla ruler 16 Not the social type 17 Line with a Star of David logo 18 Nevada mecca 19 One treading the boards 20 Elaborate promo job 23 Post-grace exhortation 24 Covert __ (spy doings) 25 Pago Pago native 29 Young goats 31 Prefix with “glottis” 34 Take home from a shelter 35 Droning lecturer 36 Black cat, to some 37 “How many licks does it take ...” candies 40 Drops an easy one 41 College bigwig 42 Certain belly button 43 Pay a visit to 44 Jerome who composed “Show Boat”

45 Nod of the head, say 46 “Mamma __!” 47 Pub order 48 Oversized cookout fare 56 Explorer John or Sebastian 57 Bull artist 58 Commuting option 59 Sprang up 60 Prelude to a deal 61 Mah-jongg piece 62 Fuss over oneself 63 Nosebag filler 64 Behind the times DOWN 1 Place for a mower 2 Sport you can’t play left-hand ed 3 Online zine 4 Fizzy drink 5 Land bordering the Dead Sea 6 Highly skilled 7 “In __ veritas” 8 Auth. unknown 9 Manila envelope features 10 Lomond and others 11 Division word 12 Cry from a 44Down 13 “It’s cold!” 21 __foot oil Last issue’s solutions:

22 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 36 38 39 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56

Alpine tune Fills to excess Be gaga about Roger who played 007 __ out (declines) Islamic sacred text Dietary supplement Ham it up King known as “The Short” Atlas blowup Pub offering Magnum __ (great work) Model of perfection Successful dieter Litter box baby Bruce Wayne’s butler Bullwinkle, for one Banded gem Jamie of “M*A*S*H” Bassoon’s cousin Minnesota’s St. __ College Punch-in time for many Partner of sciences Press-on item Smuggler’s weight unit Bumped off Fez or kepi

APRIL15, 2016

ARTS & FEATURES

FSU looking to explore the city of romance

Photo courtesy of Janet Schwartz

Verona skyline and river Adige taken from hotel room.

By Anthony Sheehan Staff Writer Romanticized ancient ruins lead to bustling cafés and quaint restaurants. A charming skyline of red-tiled rooftops and 12th century architecture will trick the brain into believing Montagues and Capulets still roam the sidewalks. Italy’s fourth most visited city, Verona, will be home to Framingham State University’s May 2017 slow food tour. Originally scheduled for the summer of 2016, the trip was postponed to allow more students the opportunity to sign up. Professor Janet Schwartz will lead the trip through the Shakespearean streets of Verona with the goal of helping students understand how food is processed and consumed in Italian culture. So, what exactly is slow food? Slow food is the opposite of fast food, such as McDonalds, Burger King and other well-known restaurants. Instead of questionable, frozen foods filled with GMO’s and preservatives that Americans have become accustomed to, Italian food is chock-full of fresh ingredients, which then are hand crafted to perfection. Rather than rushing through their meals, students learn how to slow down and appreciate meals prepared similarly to the way they were in the middle ages. Schwartz, a professor of food science and the faculty member leading the tour, said, “Italy began the movement [slow food] because the traditional ways of getting food and preparing food were getting away from them. “It is something they [Italians] wanted to hold onto,” she said. “The Italians love their food!” A typical day would start with a continental breakfast at the hotel. Next, the group is led by program director Antonia Bampas to a local restaurant or factory where students are able to

witness the handmade manufacturing of different pastas and meats. After watching these artists prepare their meal, students get to relax, eat and admire the hard work and quality of the food that has been prepared. “The students are amazed when you take them out to lunch. One student came up to me and said, ‘Profes-

you declare that this type is the best thing you have ever eaten.” To end the meal, “When you are sated and think you can’t eat another morsel, lovely Italian pastries are brought in with espresso. Heaven,” said Schwartz. However, there is more to the city of romance than food. Students ex-

Photo courtesy of Janet Schwartz

Program director Antonia Bampas lectures students about the processing of Italian food. sor, I think we just ate for two hours.’ “Yes, exactly, it is slow food,” said Schwartz. Although the wait is long, it is well worth it. “We are offered three types of ‘hour-old’ tortellini which resemble soft pillows pinched together at the corners. The pasta includes squid ink, spinach and white varieties. The pasta is light and literally melts in your mouth,” said Schwartz. “The fillings include pumpkin, spinach, cheese and meat. When you take a bite into your first pasta pillow,

perience other adventures, such as historical sites, museums and hiking trips. Schwartz recalled a rafting trip that she and her students took. “In the middle ages and before, towns were built on the bend of the river for transportation. So our guide took us on a rafting trip, which gave us this historic view of Verona,” she said. “When you see the town from the water rather than from above…students just love it,” said Schwartz. Once the students touch ground back in Verona, they have the option

to rest, shop, go to the café or spend their leisure time doing anything they please. Ending the typical day in Verona, students get dinner. Professor Schwartz highly recommends pizza from L’Arena Pizza. At one time, L’Arena was an entertainment spot used by Italians to put on acts much like Rome’s famous coliseum. It now produces some of the best pizza Verona has to offer. Located almost three hours from Verona is Florence, Italy. FSU students are familiar with Florence because of a number of students study at the Lorenzo D’ Medici school located there. Nicole Buccheri, a junior at FSU, enjoyed her time studying in Florence, especially her leisure time where she could go out and experience the famous food. “The food was fresh, no preservatives, no genetically modified organisms, you could eat as much as you want and never get sick,” said Buccheri. However, Buccheri found only one negative about the food in Italy- the spice! “Italians don’t really use spices, and not nearly enough garlic as Americans do. I was disappointed in the lack of spices and garlic and flavor, but I still miss it.” This once in a lifetime opportunity to get behind the scene of Verona, Italy will take place in May 2017. The overall price of the trip is roughly $4,200 and includes airfare, most meals, travel and hotel accommodations. Schwartz said that between 12 and 15 students are expected to travel. “We allow students to access places they would not access if they were just a tourist.” For further questions or inquiries, contact Professor Schwartz at jschwartz@framingham.edu or visit her office at Hemenway Hall 215.

SPORTS

Ferr or Foul?

Mamba out By Mike Ferris Sports Editor Whether or not you like basketball, as a sports fan, Wednesday was one of the most exciting and exhilarating nights we will see in a very long time. For east coast fans, it was a bit of a late night as both Kobe Bryant and the Golden State Warriors didn’t take center stage until 10:30 p.m., but for those who stayed up, it was well worth it. To start, Kobe and his Lakers tipped off against the Utah Jazz in both teams’ season finale. Any other year this game would’ve been one that didn’t really grab the eye of anyone, as the Jazz don’t draw much attention in any given year and the storied Lakers were an abysmal 16-65 entering the game. But it was the last game of Kobe’s career and the NBA great drew quite the fanfare. In fact, at one point yesterday, the cheapest seat for the Lakers’ game was selling for upwards of $800 on Stubhub and courtside seats were selling at somewhere around $16,000. The night that began somewhat sluggish for Bryant picked up considerably as the pressure built. He started off slow, but as the game went to halftime, the Lakers star had tallied more than 20 points. Then the Lakers looked like themselves in the second half. The Jazz began to extend their lead and Kobe became noticeably frustrated. At one point after a made Utah basket, he slammed the ball into the floor out of displeasure. It really showed what Kobe has been all about his entire career - winning. His team was losing in a night that was celebrating him and the outcome was irrelevant, but he didn’t care, he wanted to win. After making the lead 11, color commentator Hubert Davis stated on the broadcast that the Lakers needed a score and within seconds of that statement, Bryant fired up a 3-pointer and buried it, firing himself up and electrifying the Staples Center. He proceeded to bring the Lakers back, essentially on his own, and with under a minute to play, sank two free throws to give him 60 points on the night. Just like that, the Lakers had won his final game and Kobe did only as Kobe could do and finished his career on a legendary note. In one that will be remembered forever, Kobe historically scored the most points ever in a players’ last career game. In his post-game address of the crowd, whom he thanked and praised, followed by his post-game interview with ESPN, a humbled Kobe looked somewhat relieved that it was all over. With that, the final chapter of one of the greatest to ever play in the NBA was over. Admittedly, it was sad to watch someone that so many children looked up to walk off the floor for a final time. This all seemed to steal the spotlight, and another historic moment took a backseat. At the same time as the Lakers’ game, the Warriors played the Memphis Grizzlies on their quest to 73 wins. They entered the night 72-9 and needed a win in their season-finale to eclipse the best record in NBA history, 72-10, set by Michael Jordan’s Bulls. The game was never really that close or that exciting as the Warriors somewhat ran away with the game, winning by 21. In the game that set history, Steph Curry did too. He made his 400th 3-point field goal of the season, and became the first player in NBA history to do that. In fact, Curry broke the record for 3-pointers in a season by more than 150. The win made the Warriors the first team to conclude a season with single-digit losses. I couldn’t help but continue to switch back-andforth between games, but I must admit towards the end, I forgot to flip back to the Warriors’ game because I became mesmerized with Kobe’s performance like I had as a little kid. Wednesday was historic, special and as a sports fan, I wish there were more nights like that, but something tells me it’ll be a long time before we see another one that great.

APRIL 15, 2016

Rams take two of three By Jose Carrasquillo Asst. Sports Editor On Thursday April 7, the Rams took on Wheelock College and continued its winning streak with an 8-3 win. Framingham scored early and often against Wheelock with a goal two minutes in from Lindsay Nixon. From there it was all Rams, after scoring five goals before the first half ended. Kimberly Foley scored three times within four minutes to stretch the Rams lead to 4-0. With goals from Claryssa Cunniff and Nixon before the half ended the Rams stretched their lead to

6-0 at halftime. The Rams had even offensive output with goals coming from four different players. Framingham played a strong game in every stage. The Rams cleared 15-17 attempts that greatly hurt Wheelock’s scoring opportunities. Framingham also won the battle in saves and groundballs. In the second half the Rams continued their domination by scoring two more goals before the game ended. The Rams were led by Foley and Nixon with three goals each.

Wheelock

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framingham state

Allie Gath/ The Gatepost

Framingham’s Kimmy Foley controls the ball in a game against UMass. By Jose Carrasquillo Asst. Sports Editor

By Jose Carrasquillo Asst. Sports Editor

On Saturday April 9, Framingham won a shootout against MCLA 15-8 to stretch its current win streak to four. Framingham couldn’t be stopped offensively in the first half, with six different Rams scoring. Nixon scored twice within the first four minutes of the game to set Framingham up with an early 2-0 lead that would only grow. MCLA responded with a goal of its own from Natalie Caney to cut the lead to 2-1 with 21 minutes remaining. After that early goal from Caney, Framingham rolled off seven unanswered, with goals from Kristen Hoggins, Erin Lally, Jessica Graham, Nixon and Lauren Adams. The scoring output from Framingham led to a 9-2 lead at the half. In the second half the offensive display the Rams showed in the first half continued. The Rams scored six more times, with goals from Graham, Foley, Lally and Kristen Keenan. MCLA put up a fight, scoring six goals in the second half, but it would prove to be too little, too late. Framingham was led by Foley with four goals and three goals from Graham and Lally, respectively.

After winning four straight the Rams streak ended with a 17-3 loss against Eastern Connecticut State on April 12. The Rams had a difficult time with ECSU from the very beginning, allowing four unanswered goals in the first six minutes of the game. Paige Schneider scored two of the goals, while Maggie Bodington and Katie Burke each scored as well. Framingham eventually responded with a goal from Foley with 20 minutes remaining in the first half. The goal couldn’t get anything started offensively for the Rams. However, Eastern Connecticut continued scoring with three more goals of its own, before Framingham scored again, stretching the lead to 7-1 at that point. Framingham’s second goal on the day was scored by Graham. The second half was more of the same for the Rams as the Warriors went on to score seven more goals before another Framingham goal, bringing the lead to 15-2. Shae Riley scored the final game for Framingham with 10 minutes remaining in the second half. Framingham’s loss can be attributed to the 26 turnovers and only 11 shots for the entire game

framingham state

mcla

eastern connecticut

SPORTS

APRIL 15, 2016

Baseball earns two conference wins By Kyle Holmberg Staff Writer

By Kyle Holmberg Staff Writer

Framingham State defeated MCLA in both games of a doubleheader for its first two conference wins. The games were played the evening of Friday, April 8 at the New England baseball complex in Northborough, Massachusetts. In game one, the Rams jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on an RBI fielder’s choice by second baseman RJ Gray, which scored catcher Jon Chapman. FSU would never trail in this game, plating another run in the fifth inning on a double by senior outfielder Jake Wardwell. Freshman outfielder RC Goodman scored on the double. MCLA rallied to tie the game 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning by stringing together two singles and a double. The tie wouldn’t stand long as FSU would go on to score five runs in the top of the seventh inning, making the score 7-2, where it would remain. The Rams’ rally was sparked by back-to-back homeruns by Chapman and first baseman Ryan Wardwell. Left fielder Kyle Pileski would also join the power display, blasting a three-run homerun. Senior pitcher Zack Kirby earned a strong win on a night where he would pitch a complete game, allowing only two runs, while striking out twelve.

Game two featured more early scoring from the Rams, as they were able to score five runs in the top of the second inning. The rally was started on a walk by second baseman RJ Gray and an RBI single by first baseman Manny Powers, which scored Gray. A series of walks and hit batters scored Pow-

mcla framingham state

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mcla

By Kyle Holmberg Staff Writer FSU dropped a close one 3-2 to Tufts University on Sunday, April 10 at Huskins Field in Medford, Massachusetts. Framingham grabbed an early lead in the top of the first on a two-run homerun by designated hitter Ryan Wardwell, which scored Chapman. However, these were the only two runs FSU could muster, and would prove too few to top Tufts. Tufts answered FSU with a single run of its own on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the second. The score remained 2-1 Framingham until the bottom of the seventh, when Tufts tied the game 2-2 on an RBI double.

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ers and left fielder Pileski and left the bases loaded for catcher Chapman. Chapman continued to deliver, hitting a two-RBI single to left. Jake Wardwell would score Anthony Venuti on an RBI single in the sixth inning to give Framingham its sixth run of the game. Starting pitcher Dillon Corliss earned a win in a solid outing, as he pitched six innings and allowed just three runs on five hits. Blake Waters got the save in one inning of work.

framingham state

At that point, Framingham starting pitcher Al Wallach was relieved of his duties in a no-decision effort after 6 2/3 innings pitched, allowing just two runs on five hits. The game would be in the hands of FSU’s bullpen, as it shut down Tufts over the next two innings. The game would be decided in the home half of the ninth inning, where the Rams faced a basesloaded jam with one out. What looked to be a potential inning-ending double play would end up as a walk-off fielder’s choice for Tufts, as the runner was called safe at first, while the runner scored from third base. Tufts starting pitcher, Andrew David, held the Rams in check through eight innings. He allowed just two runs on two hits, while striking out 13.

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National Player of the Week Kobe Bryant Kobe scored 60 points in his final career game on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz. The 18-time all-star ends his career averaging 25.0 PPG

Gatepost Player of the Week Kimmy Foley Foley scored eight goals in three games last week for Framingham State, helping the Rams to a 2-1 record during that span.

Make your summer count.

Register now for 2016 summer classes. • 5-week, 8-week & 12-week sessions • Morning, afternoon, evening, hybrid and online courses • Over 100 courses offered entirely online

Learn more at www.Framingham.edu/summer or call the Continuing Education Office at 508-626-4603

Affordable, convenient, and focused on you.

SPORTS

APRIL 15, 2016

Softball earns second MASCAC win By Jen Fortin Staff Writer Framingham State lost both games against UMass Boston on Friday. Game one was low scoring for the Rams, as it ended at 4-1 with UMass Boston securing 10 hits and FSU obtaining six. Tiffanie Marsh totaled two hits and one run while Megan Downing had one hit with one RBI. Rachel Desrochers, Kylie Boyle and Lauren Salisbury had one hit in the game. Kelsi Gunarathne pitched 2 2/3 innings allowing four hits, two runs, one walk and one strikeout. Natasha Arseneau was put in for the remainder of the game, pitching 4 1/3 innings and allowed six hits, two runs and one walk. umass boston

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By Jen Fortin Staff Writer The second game against UMass Boston was another loss for the Rams, by a score of 7-2. Third baseman Marsh had two hits, one run and one RBI, while fellow infielder Downing had one hit with one RBI. Leadoff hitter Dayna Marchant totaled two hits in the game. Jessica Pietersen moved to 1-7 on the season, facing 37 batters in her seven innings of work. She allowed 11 hits, seven runs and five walks. She also had two strikeouts. The first inning remained scoreless for both teams. In the top of the second, two walks turned double steal left the Rams having to defend against players on second and third with one out. Despite securing another out, Taylor Pawlina singled bringing in both umass boston

FSU split a pair against Mount Ida on Wednesday afternoon. Outfielder Marchant shined with two hits, one run, one walk and three RBIs, while Dziok had two hits, one run and two RBIs. Marsh and Desrochers each went two-for-four, scoring two runs and one RBI each. Left fielder Kayla Belair went threefor-three with two runs. Arseneau pitched five innings, allowing five hits and three runs. She also struck out two. Amanda Troiano pitched the remaining two innings, allowing no hits or runs, with one walk and two strikeouts. FSU beat Mount Ida with 16 hits while the Mustangs only had five. The Rams scored two in the bottom of the first starting with a single from Marsh who scored on a double by Downing. Dziok scored another run when she

framingham state

base runners and putting UMB on top, 2-0. In the next inning, Marsh tripled to center field on two outs. She then scored on Downing’s single, as the Rams trailed 2-1. The Beacons answered in the fourth with Alexa St. Angelo’s single, who then scored from third base on a sac fly from fellow teammate Pawlina. UMass racked up another run in the sixth and three more in the seventh from a single and then double with the bases loaded. The Rams entered the bottom of the seventh inning trailing by six runs. It began with a single from Boyle. Desrochers moved Boyle to second with a walk. Marissa Flynn then hit a single, moving both players and loading the bases. Boyle scored on a hit by Marsh and the inning ended soon after, with the Rams scoring only one run.

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By Jen Fortin Staff Writer

mount ida

The Beacons scored early in the first with a double from Lauren Mitsiaris, which brought in one run. Again in the third inning, Kaitlyn Morse hit a single and stole second on the next play. She then advanced to third on another Beacons’ hit and then scored on a double by cleanup hitter Roxanne Vento. UMass scored another run in the top of the fourth with another double to center field. The Rams got on the board with a double from Marsh, who then scored on a Downing single to right field. UMass scored one more in the sixth inning with two outs thanks to a single to center field, bringing in Alyssa Tulley from second base.

framingham state

reached on a fielding error and then was hit in by Flynn’s single. The Rams got another run in the next inning when a series of hits loaded the bases and Desrochers scored off of Marsh’s single to left field. The bottom of the fourth began with a single from Belair who reached second on a defensive error. Belair scored on a single from Marchant who then advanced to second base on a single by Marsh. The next player grounded out, allowing both players to advance to second and third. Dziok’s single to right field brought in both Marchant and Marsh. The Mustangs quickly gathered three in the top of the fifth with Jenni Jackson’s two RBI single to left center. Hayley Microulis then doubled bringing in one more. Desrochers and Belair occupied second and third during Marchant’s double and both players scored. The Rams gathered one more run in the sixth inning with a groundout, sending Flynn home from third base.

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framingham state

Allie Gath/ The Gatepost

By Jen Fortin Staff Writer FSU won the first game against MCLA on its home field on Saturday. Right fielder Marchant went fourfor-four scoring one run. Fellow outfielder Salisbury had one hit with two RBIs and scored one run as well. Marsh and Flynn each had one hit with one run. Salisbury, Flynn and Marchant hit triples in the third, fourth and seventh innings, respectively. Arseneau pitched a successful seven innings, allowing only three hits, two runs and three walks, while striking out two. MCLA scored two in the bottom of the first when a single turned fielding

framingham state

5-3

By Jen Fortin Staff Writer The Rams lost the second game 6-2. Marchant and Marsh each had one hit and one RBI. Second baseman Desrochers went two-for-three. Boyle and Flynn had one hit and each scored a run for FSU. The Rams had no strikeouts and Anna Dziok and Flynn each hit a double, while Marchant hit a triple. Pietersen pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, six runs and one walk. Arseneau pitched the remaining 2 2/3 innings, allowing two hits, no runs and no walks. framingham state

mcla

The Rams exceeded MCLA in hits, tallying eight, while the Trailblazers had only six, but FSU could not capitalize in the run category. Framingham State hit the board first in the top of the third. With players on second and third, Marchant’s groundout scored Boyle. MCLA got six runs in the fourth inning, on a combination of hits and FSU errors. Framingham State scored on more run in the fifth inning, with a Flynn double and then advancement to third on a groundout. Marsh hit a sacrifice fly to center field, enabling Flynn to score.

2-6

By Jen Fortin Staff Writer The second game against Mount Ida ended in a one run loss for the Rams. Third baseman Marsh had one hit, two runs, one RBI and walked once. Dziok went three-for-four with one run and two RBIs. Flynn had one hit with two RBIs. Pietersen pitched the first two innings, allowing six hits, six runs, two walks and struck out three. Troiano pitched the next two innings, allowing three hits, one run and two walks. Arseneau was put in the remaining three innings allowing a meager one hit, no runs and only one walk with two strikeouts.

mount ida

error scored the player on second and then a sac fly scored another run. Framingham scored all five of their runs in the fifth inning, beginning with a walk from Flynn. Marchant then singled, moving Flynn to second base. Following this, Marsh singled, moving both players and loading the bases. Downing reached on a fielding error, bringing in Flynn. All base runners advanced on a wild pitch, enabling Marchant to score, tying the game. Salisbury cleared the bases with a triple to right field, bringing in two. She then scored on a wild pitch, becoming the fifth run of the inning. MCLA scored another run in the bottom of the fourth, but could not overcome Framingham’s two-run lead.

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Mount Ida quickly capitalized in the first inning, gaining a three-run lead. The Rams answered in the bottom of the inning with doubles from Dziok and Flynn, scoring three runs combined. The bottom of the second boosted FSU up one from another pair of doubles by Pietersen and Marsh. The Mustangs got another three in the next inning, two off of sac flies. They scored again on a bases loaded walk, leading 7-4 at that point. Framingham got one run each in the fifth and sixth innings from a Dziok single and Belair’s bold steal home, but the Rams could not surpass the Mustangs.

7-6

framingham state

SPORTS

APRIL 15, 2016

Mike Ferris

Matt Ferris

Agree to Disagree

YES

Kobe is the greatest Laker ever...

YES

Do you question the Rams’ trade to acquire No. 1 pick in the NFL draft...

The 73-9 Warriors are better than the 72-10 Bulls...

The first two NFL draft picks will be quarterbacks...

YES

Do you respect the Kings’ firing of George Karl...

YES Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Tweet of the Week Equestrian Club presents….

Trivia Last Week’s Answer: Giancarlo Stanton

This Week: Who caught Peyton Manning’s recordbreaking 509th career touchdown pass?

Trail Ride at Bobby’s Ranch Saturday, April 30th from 10am-2pm Tickets On Sale Tuesday, April 19th in the Game Room: Only $10!

A. Demaryius Thomas B. Julius Thomas C. Emmanuel Sanders D. Vernon Davis

NO experience necessary- beginners welcome! Questions? Equestrian@framingham.edu

April 15, 2016

this week in photos SGA and SEALS sponsored a self care fair in the McCarthy Forum. Highlights of this event were coloring, henna tattoos, massages and informational tables. Allie Gath /The Gatepost

The Center for Inclusive Excellence held a cosplay event. Students came dressed in various costumes, ranging from anime characters to famous movie characters. Music, snacks, and a â&#x20AC;&#x153;selfie stationâ&#x20AC;? were featured. Cass Doherty /The Gatepost

Anime Club and Craft Club held a joint event where students created cute plushies. Hot glue guns, sewing materials and felt were used to create cats and different anime characters, such as Totoro. Allie Card /The Gatepost