ISSUE 9 MARCH 29
SPRING 2016
BUDGET CRISIS Photo by Ebube Ubochi The John E. Miller Office Building: the center for administration at Florida Tech.
Florida Tech experiences revenue shortfall, uncertainty
Administration has been working to keep the effects of a $7.5 million revenue shortfall from being felt on campus from last fiscal year, while also trying to predict next year’s revenue more conservatively in order to not make the same mistakes. “We made some commitments based on the revenue that was predicted based on the finance department predictions that were ill-advised; really, and truly ill-advised, because there were not funds there to cover all those things,” said
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer T. Dwayne McCay. That mistake was a simple one: the fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30, but the two main influxes of money — tuition — are in August and January. The finance department, however, must guess at how much revenue the university will make, and they don’t know if they guessed correctly until they have the data to show for it in September, according to McCay. “The finance department last year were overly
ambitious with regard to guessing or estimating the revenue. And much more so than they should have been,” McCay said. “So that caused an over-zealous hiring of faculty.” President Anthony Catanese wasn’t available for available for interview but released an emailed statement. “The budget situation for FY16 is complete, and we will end the year on 30 April 2016 on target with no deficit. This is positive for students in that we can keep the tuition increase to
a very small cost of living (HEPI) increase for FY17. Dr. McCay is finishing the FY17 Budget which he will administer,” he said. Catanese also spoke to over 100 students at the Student Leader Luncheon on March 21, held by the Student Government Association, about the issue and answered many questions raised by students. In order to take care of last year’s budget crisis, McCay and other members of administration reduced expenditures: he got rid of contingency funds and
eliminated the surplus they were anticipating. McCay also has a significant research equipment fund that has $1.5 million per year in which he had to zero out, and he also did away with a faculty equity fund. Along with zeroing these accounts out, tuition is going up 3 percent in Fall 2016 — but 2.1 percent is inflation for the cost of living increase, (the HEPI explained in Catanese’s statement). // REBEKAH DUNTZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
11th annual Relay For Life brings people together for cancer research
Cancer survivors walking with a banner. Photo by Ben Goess. Almost 100 joined together in Clemente for an annual all-nighter on March 25. All for cancer research. Relay for Life is an annual event in which
people donate money and then join together to stay awake throughout the night. The premise of the all night event, which starts at dusk and ends at dawn,
is to detail how a cancer patient goes through their experience, starting with the initial diagnosis and ending with the treatment of cancer.
The relay, and the many laps walked throughout the night, symbolizes the battle of a cancer patient. The Relay ends as the sun rises, bringing a new day for every cancer patient, survivor and caregiver. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the event was run by Florida Tech students Samantha Hodge and Ariana Tate. Along with the Relay For Life Committee, who were all dressed in red, the duo tirelessly worked to run a successful and lively event
in order to raise money for cancer research. This event, the 11th annual Relay For Life cancer research fundraising event at Florida Tech, was hosted by Colleges against Cancer. Michael Fenn, faculty adviser for Colleges against Cancer opened the event with a brief speech. Florida Tech ROTC (Panther Battalion) presented colors, and finally, admission // BENJAMIN GOESS CONTRIBUTNG WRITER
Continues Page 10
In this issue Women's History Month: Dr. Joni Oglesby SGA Election Guide GRIMSON: Happy 1st.
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ISSUE 9
MARCH 29
2
OPINIONS
CAPS PSA
Sexual Assault Awareness Week
Sexual Assault has become a topic you may be seeing more and more about, especially on a college campus. Many college campuses have taken action to ensure students are aware, knowledgeable and protected from sexual assault. Unfortunately, this is still a problem. Through the “It’s On Us” campaign, students can take a pledge to help prevent sexual assault. Below we will cover some of the tips “It’s On Us” provides to help students keep themselves aware and protected.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault and needs assistance, you can contact:
Campus Security:
Tip # 1: “Consent is voluntary and mutual, and can be withdrawn at any time:” Yes means yes and no means no. If you change your mind, your “no” is just as valid, and someone should never continue to advance or be forceful. Also, if someone says “no” to you, it’s important you stop advancing right away. Do not try to pressure them into something they do not feel comfortable doing.
Tip # 2: “Past consent does not mean current or future consent:” Just because you said “yes” the first time does not mean you will want to say “yes” in the future. Your consent only counts for that moment. It’s important to respect someone if they decide they don’t want to be intimate with you later.
Tip # 3: “There is no consent when there is force, intimidation, or coercion:” The only person in charge of your body is you. If someone is being forceful, intimidating or trying to make you do what you don’t want to do, this is not consent, it is sexual assault. If you do not want to take part, your voice counts.
Tip # 4: “One cannot always consent when under the influence of drugs or alcohol:” Drugs and alcohol can impair our abilities to be aware of our surroundings, and we may be unable to fully take care of ourselves. It is important not to make a move on someone who is under the influence, as they may not be able to fully give consent. Remember, just because someone says “yes” during an earlier time period,doesn't their “yes” when under the influence later counts. It doesn't.
Tip # 5: “Talk to your friends honestly and openly about sexual assault:” If you have been a victim of sexual assault, speak out. Talk to your friends/ family and seek support from them. It is important you don’t stay silent or keep it to yourself. Also, talk to your friends about ways each of you can stay safe when going out, or hanging out at a party. Develop a group system or a code word for when someone is making you feel uncomfortable or starts to get forceful. While being a victim of sexual assault is NEVER your fault, there are things you can do to try to prevent it from happening. For more tips, information and resources, visit “itsonus.org.” And, take the pledge! // KENDRA BARTEL CAPS OUTREACH COLUMNIST DIANA DAVIS ACTIVE MINDS REPRESENTATIVE
321-674-8111
Student Counseling Center: 321-674-8050
The Student Health Center: 321-674-8078
Title IX Coordinator: 321-674-8700
Dean of Students: 321-674-8080
EVENTS: “Love Me Like You Do” on April 5 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Olin Life Sciences Building, Auditorium, room 130 Learn about safe romantic relationships and friendships, consent, and awareness and prevention of sexual assault. Active Minds “BAND Together Against Sexual Assault” event on April 7, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Panther Plaza. Write inspirational messages on bandanas that you can use to spread awareness about this important issue.
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MARCH 29
3
CAMPUS LIFE
Pi Lambda Phi smashes stereotypes, stigmas with wall
Pi Lambda Phi's philanthropy is to eliminate prejudice by breaking down stereotypes: literally smashing it to pieces come Friday. Pig, whore, terrorist, wetback... those were only a small fraction of the words displayed on a wall in front of the Student Union Building last Friday.
These woeful memories past all crumbled to rubble however, as with a defiant cry, students armed with hammers took to the wall and left it a solemn heap of
dust. “Pi Lambda Phi's National philanthropy is the Elimination of Prejudice, and we can't eliminate prejudice in society if we
don't acknowledge the prejudice that is present,” said Brian Mai, one of the organizers of “The Wall Against Prejudice” event. The event began Monday and invited students of any kind to write down past insults or verbal attacks they had suffered from others, with the wall to be destroyed by Friday. “Pi Lambda Phi believes that everyone is equal and we should not be stereotyped by race, nationality or religion,” continued Brian Mai, “Destroying the wall at the end of the week will symbolize the elimination of the prejudices that are present in our society today.” Nearly 150 people chose to write on the wall
over the week, including Dean of Students Rodney Bowers, Greek Life Advisor Cat McGuire, President Anthony Catanese and his wife, Sara. Countless more watched and read the writings of others as the week progressed. By Friday, the wall, covered in personal writings, both heart-breaking and heart-warming, was ripe for destruction. Over 100 people watched as the wall was reduced to rubble, and with the wall’s destruction it was as if the whole crowd was lifted of a heavy burden. “I was impressed by the lack of area left to write upon by the end,” concluded Brian Mai, “it shows that our efforts to eliminate prejudice were not in vain.” v
// EVAN LINDEMAN STAFF WRITER
CENTER COURT EXISTS
Students forgetting Center Court another option for food
Students who believe food choices are limited at Florida Tech may be forgetting about Center Court, located inside the Clemente Center. Open 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Center Court does not have the amount of recognition other places on campus do. Many students have never been or never heard of the place existing, and if they do, many refer to it as “the smoothie place in Clemente,” instead of its actual name. They offer a huge variety of smoothies including Caribbean Craze, Jamaican Jammer, Peach on the Beach and many more. Students also have the option to add protein or an energy shot to each smoothie for those looking to improve their athletic performance. Although the smoothies are the most popular item on their menu, few students know about the other extensive choices they offer. Along with 17 different smoothie flavors, Center Court offers different kinds
of thin-crust pizzas (including BBQ and buffalo chicken), meatball subs, muffins, and other assorted candies and snacks. Regardless of Center Court’s menu and location, many students are unaware of its existence, or hardly go. “I had a student come in the other day,” said Cheryl Harris, who has worked at Center Court for 19 years, “and he said ‘we didn’t even know you were here.’” It seems the main time that Center Court gets a good business is during games or events in the Clemente Center. “Events sometimes get busy,” said Harris, “and sometimes after classes students come in waves, but not all at once.” Students enjoy having the place on campus, but agree it is not the most popular place to be. “I’ve personally never been there,” said junior Lauren Lide, “I’ve never seen the place packed, and I don’t know if it necessar-
Center Court, Clemente. Photo by Mary Kozaitis. ily brings in a significant amount of revenue for the school, but I think it is a nice perk,” Lide said. Other students have similar opinions. “I’m not in Clemente that much,” said Melena Carter, a sophomore, “but I wouldn’t think that would be the first place that some-
one would think of eating lunch.” Although Center Court is far from the most happening place to be, the people who work there still have the faith and enthusiasm as if it was. “This is the best place on campus to be,” said staff worker Kim Steen, “We’re
like one big family here.” Next time students are looking to switch it up as far as food choices on campus, Center Court may just be the place to be. v // MARY KOZAITIS STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 9
MARCH 29
CAMPUS LIFE
Budget Crisis (Story from front page)
“The other 0.9 percent is additional funds to help do some of the things that we’re trying to accomplish here,” McCay said. Other ramifications include layoffs, which will not affect faculty that are “mission-critical,” according to McCay, which mean educating and doing research. The layoffs will affect only about 1 percent of the 1,200 or so employees at Florida Tech. For this year’s uncertainty, the school administration is doing its best to not make the same mistake twice. “It’s an interesting thing trying to do budgets for a private institution like this,” McCay said.
“Since the tuition is a big driver and the amount of tuition you collect, that’s a sizable fraction of the revenue,” McCay said, citing the fact that Florida Tech’s budget is $220 million. A $7.5 million shortfall is a big number, but not a large percentage. “If you don’t sit down next Fall and we counted you, then we budget revenue that doesn’t exist and it doesn’t show up,” he said. “If you come back and you bring three friends, then that’s additional revenue.” He said they’ve been conservative in their estimate and hope to be pleasantly surprised come Fall semester, but another factor in this are the economies
around the world and the unexpected pullout from international student programs: all kinds of issues coming together to form one big problem. “We had some cutbacks from Saudi Arabia and from Brazil but we weren't counting on it,” Catanese said at the student leader luncheon. According to McCay, Brazil’s Science Without Borders is being zeroed out, Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah scholars program is sending less Abdullah scholars globally, Kuwait government is sponsoring fewer students, and Aramco is sponsoring fewer students. All these programs and
sponsorships bring several students that the university isn’t counting on for next Fall semester anymore, and administration is focusing on domestic recruiting as well. While focusing on domestic recruiting, they’re also enforcing academic standards now more than ever. “Last year was the first year since I’ve been here that I made a decision that no one is going to get in at less than the minimum requirements to be a student,” McCay said. “We will never, as long as I have anything to say about it, drop in our standards in regard to admission.” It led to the smallest
4 entering class, but the best entering class, recorded in history as far back as they keep data, he said. And because they weren’t ready for it, in terms of making predictions, they weren’t “adept at enforcement of the standards.” The budgets are balanced and, according to McCay, no student fees are being touched, and no changes were made that would impact the students other than the tuition raise and a slight meal plan increase next Fall. They will present the budget for the new fiscal year on May 1 to the Board of Trustees on April 22. v // REBEKAH DUNTZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: Joni Oglesby Joni Oglesby, vice president of support services, title IX coordinator and chief diversity officer of Florida Tech, is the Crimson Woman of the Week. As Title IX Coordinator Oglesby said, “I bring awareness to issues of Title IX and diversity reminding us all to be respectful with our relationships with people of other genders or sexual orientation, making sure that we do not discriminate against anyone no matter what their preference or identification is.” She also deals with any issues of sexual harassment/assault, rape, stalking or matters related to the nature. Chief Diversity Officer is a newly created position in which Oglesby has been appointed. She described her responsibility in her position to be one that is to remind us all to be respectful and to work and play well with one another. Oglesby pointed out that both of her positions beautifully intertwine with each other in the nature of keeping the people of the FIT community safe and encouraging people to be respectful of one another. Oglesby didn’t see herself seating in the seat she suits so well today, earlier in her life. In fact, she wanted to be a comedian as a child. Oglesby said, “Rodney Dangerfield cracked me up as a child.” He would say things like, ‘I don’t get no respect…I walked up to a dog to pet it and he bit me.’ Never forgetting her childhood dream to become
a comedian, Oglesby went off to college. She would encounter a life changing experience within her first semester. Oglesby became a victim of an attempted sexual assault. The assaulter was an international student who would soon leave the school for unknown reasons. She kept the incident a secret for several years, not feeling confident to tell anyone. Oglesby explained back then, sexual assault victims were seen as people who put themselves in that position to be taken advantage of. When she was in school people would ask sexual assault victims questions like: what were you wearing, did you lead him on and how many partners did you have? Oglesby said, “It was always the victim’s fault.” When asked to take the position as the Title IX Coordinator she didn’t think she could do it, initially. But Oglesby kept silent for long enough. Eventually, she found her voice to open up about her incident while operating as an advocate against the cause of sexual mistreatment. “I decided I never wanted another person to feel what I felt,” she said. “As an African-American born in the 1950s, I have experienced a lot of prejudice and discrimination.” In contrast to the prejudice and discrimination opposition she faced, Oglesby encountered at least five people who gave her positive affirmation for life. Remembering
those positive affirmations, Oglesby learned that there were good people out there and one person’s bad decision doesn’t represent a whole race of bad people. A second obstacle Oglesby faced was at her first, higher-level administrative job. She heard an unforgettable statement that would become one of her motivations to succeed in her career. Oglesby said, “At my first administrative job, someone pulled me aside and said he knew I was just an affirmative action hire.” She was determined to prove to her colleagues, and to the individual, that she wasn’t there to fulfill an affirmative action quota and deserved to be there. Oglesby highlights Rosemary G. Layne as a woman who has influenced her career. The two have known one another for 20 years. Layne and Oglesby formerly worked together at Eastern Florida State College for a program called Leadership Enhancement Program. The program was designed to help prepare women and minorities for leadership positions in higher education. Oglesby said, “Layne mentored me and helped me grow… and then I did grow and got promoted.” Layne is currently the director of graduate programs at FIT. Olgesby also thanks the ‘real’ men in her life who have positively influenced her success. She identifies her father, husband, son, Anthony Catanese, FIT president, and Dwayne
McCay, FIT COO. “They weren’t looking at the fact that I am an African-American or that I am a woman, they are looking at what I can do,” Oglesby said. “They said go forth, do and let us know how we can help you.” She particularly acknowledges Catanese and McCay who gave her the opportunity to become the vice president of support services. The VP for Support Services received the Joan Bixby Award in 2015. The Joan Bixby Award recognizes a Florida Tech student, staff or faculty member, male or female, who enhances the climate for women's participation and development on campus. She is also slated to lead a workshop educating women on Title IX and diversity for National Organization for Women convention this year. In her speech for receiving the Joan Bixby award she thanked the positive men and the men who weren’t so positive in her life. “To the man who told me that I didn’t need my Bachelor’s degree because he was happy with me being his secretary. Thank you. I got my degree and over time I got your job...” Oglesby has learned how to overcome the many obstacles life has thrown her way. This woman of the week is an FIT staff
member who didn’t just survive numerous personal and professional challenges, but learned how to live, thrive and smile through it all. Oglesby would like the students to know, who have been told by others they can’t succeed, ‘the best revenge is success.’ Oglesby loves to serve and her passion and commitment for service to the FIT and local community continues to guide her toward success and fulfillment. She said, I want people to people to remember good [about her]. Although I don’t plan to leave Florida Tech, I want to leave Florida Tech a better place than when I got here. v // SHANTEL HANNA STAFF WRITER
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MARCH 29
CAMPUS LIFE
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Well-known indie musician Lars Lindquist comes to the Rathskeller and the Dancers on Twitter. “We started chatting and I said, half-jokingly, ‘if you’re ever in the states I have room for you to stay.’ And then Lars asked ‘What’s the weather like in Florida right now?’ and from then on we planned for him to come down and play some gigs.” Said Torres. Then, it was just a matter of getting L ars Lindquist preparing for his performance at the Rathskeller. Bino Campanini the Vice President Photo by Nathaniel Ashton. for Alumni and the Rathskeller involved to Well-known Indie muat Florida Tech. Torres bring the idea into practice. sician Lars Lindquist made was listening to Pandora Posters and an ad on FIT an appearance at the Raths- one day, trying to escape a Forum drew in the crowd, keller, along with Florida hectic environment and the and the stage was set. LindToday writer John Torres song “Summercat” came quist played a few songs and his band, The Heming- on. including “Summercat”, “I ways. He wrote down the Miss You” and some of his John Torres played name and artist, and a few solo music. a crucial role in getting weeks later messaged and Lindquist and the HemLindquist to perform here followed Billie the Vision
ingways played at a few other venues prior to the Rathskeller. These included Main Street Pub in Downtown Melbourne, and Florida Discount Music’s Open Mike’s, a local coffee bar, lounge and music shop. “In college, out of college, in the real world, music is so personal to everyone,” said Torres “and it means different things to everyone.” Torres sees his band and its 3 hours of rehearsal every Tuesday as an escape from reality, and a chance to recharge his batteries. Lindquist has a similar opinion, “Without music, I don't think I would be around.” Said Lindquist. He has been writing his own music since he was 15 years old, and it’s become a natural activity for him. “I think it’s a kind of therapy. You get to deal with the issues you have in
a wonderful way.” In “I Miss You” Lindquist sings about losing his grandfather, dealing with this loss and rising above the sorrow. Billie the Vision and the Dancers originally started as just Lindquist in Malmö, Sweden. Then he found several members to form a full band, and in the spring of 2004 they recorded their first album. The band has kept busy in the past 12 years, acquiring and losing different members and releasing a total of 5 albums. Their latest album “The Key To My Magic World” was released in 2015, proving that Billie the Vision and the Dancers are still going strong. v
// NATHANIEL ASHTON STAFF WRITER
Students give back, at global level Florida Institute of Technology students served in the European community for Alternative Spring Break 2016. Cat McGuire, director of student activities, said “We decided to go bigger in going global this year.” The focus of ASB is to facilitate service and education immersion experiences for students to serve with and educate in diverse communities. It’s designed for students to learn about social issues and become lifelong citizens. For some of the traveling FIT students, ASB2016 has been a life changing event. FIT business major Kaity Crook said, “This civic engagement adventure has been one of the best experiences of my life… The amount of culture we experienced in 10 days was more than you could attempt to learn in a semester-long class.” The 25 students had to complete an application this year, answering two essay questions why he or he wanted to go on the trip and what he or she hoped to gain. McGuire said, Dean Rodney Bowers and Vice President Randall Alford, both of student affairs, has been super excited about the trip and extremely supportive wanting to offer the trip at a reasonable price to students. The total cost of the trip was $750, including travel and lodging. Breakfast and dinner was also inclusive to the trip. Students paid out of pocket for lunch, person-
al purchases and $150 for tips for the entire trip. The students were divided into four different teams; each given an assigned task. Additionally, every student and chaperone was required to complete a daily written reflection of his or her experiences. McGuire has traveled internationally before, unlike the majority of the students who haven’t traveled outside of the United States. She reflected upon her biggest takeaway of the trip: serving and learning in Italy. McGuire said, “My daughter was born at 27 weeks and had to stay two months in Winne Palmer [hospital]. In going to Myer Brigg Pediatric facility, it was fantastic to see that is something global that doesn’t change...our love for children and for giving back [American volunteers who worked at the facility].” The adventure began its journey in Ciao Rome then made its way to Florence, Venice and Munich. The two community service opportunities took place in Rome at the soup kitchen, titled, Caritas di Roma and Myer Pediatric Hospital in Italy. FIT student Allison Depietro never owned a passport prior to her trip to Europe, foreign to traveling outside of the United States. In reflection, she hoped to experience different cultures, going beyond our borders to get a different perspective. “I have never been out of the state,”
Depietro said. “This is an opportunity to personally grow.” Depietro shared her personal struggle of anxiety and she believed the alternative spring break trip would help given the chance to travel and serve others. After her return, the FIT student is happy to say she didn’t experience any anxiety the entire trip and had a lot of fun. She attributes the group of students and staff selected to travel and her supportive, praying parents to helping her feel at peace and open to enjoying her time in her travels. A great deal of preparation, organization and coordinating went into the international civic engagement. FIT students held various fundraising events including a doughnut drive and yard sale to donate a European organization of their choice. They also created a GoFundMe link to receive donations for the cause. The civic engagement group raised $1,100. Students decided to donate $250 to the soup kitchen to help provide food the people in need in Rome and the remaining $850 to the hospital to better the lives of the severely-ill children. International FIT student Adrian Zhanda shared his reflection of his travels. “The experience was especially touching to me because there were some Africans among the refugees,” he said. “Coming from Zimbabwe, I know how difficult it is to get a
Photo courtesy of Instagram: @floridatech_osa job due to the harsh economic environment. Most people are forced to emigrate and seek work elsewhere. It was good to know that there are people in other countries who go out of their way to help.” Gian Corallo, another FIT student traveler, spoke about the different structure he observed volunteering at the soup kitchen compared to the United States. “They require the people to go to get personal assistance, like go to an Alcohol Anonymous meeting, or to do something service wise to benefit them. So they don’t just get a hand out.” Corallo remembered how he used to have to go to children’s hospital often as child for his cerebral palsy. He said, “It was really interesting to see how handled things there; the
therapy methods were completely new and different… it didn’t feel like you were in a hospital at all.” Having cerebral palsy makes Corallo’s muscle tense on the left side affecting his motor skills, but he didn’t have any struggles getting around on the trip. Depietro advice to students, faculty or staff interested in participating in next year’s ASB is to be open-minded. “If an opportunity arises to do something [while on the trip] make good decisions and be open,” Depietro said. “The memories you make with the people make a difference. Everybody was nice to be around, even though I didn’t know everyone on the trip.” v // SHANTEL HANNA STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 9
MARCH 29
SGA ELECTIONS
ELECTION GUIDE
6
Presidential Candidates
Johnny Cirillo
Junior, Pre-Medical Biology 1. Seat a student representative on all standing university committees. 2. Allocate funding to campus organizations in a transparent, standardized manner. 3. Maintain productive communication between upper-level faculty and the student body.
Afnan Islam
Junior, Aerospace Engineering My first goals as the President would be to help approach the higher authority of our college to resolve the issues we face with parking and PanthAir. One of my other goal is to improve the quality of life of the student body here at Florida Tech. As an SGA senator, I have been working to compare the prices of groceries and food on campus and get the price lower.
Warren P Pittorie
Collin C Zoll
I have two main goals for next year. The first one is to improve campus communication between student organizations, to the general student body, and to the Florida Tech faculty. My second large goal is to improve the presence of SGA here on campus. It is my opinion that SGA and CAB are currently the two most visible campus organizations. However, I feel SGA can do even more to remain in the number one spot and to have an impact on campus as an "umbrella" organization that helps coordinate and communicate with all other student organizations.
My goal is simply to continue to listen and give the students a voice to be heard. My goal is to successfully hear their wishes or concerns and act on them to the best of the Student Governments ability. The way I see it, I will have put in this position solely for the purpose of leading our student body and making sure their opinion becomes heard by the faculty. My goal is simply to serve the Florida Tech students the best that I know how, and make our school a great place for the students.
Graduate, Aviation Human Factors
Junior, Global Management and Finance
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MARCH 29
SGA ELECTIONS
ELECTION GUIDE
7
Vice Presidential Candidates
Amanda Gallo Senior, Psychology
If selected, my goals for Student Government would be to keep on top of finding out how Administration is doing when we come to them about students' issues and to continue to help the rest of SGA bring the students what they want for the campus.
Daniel Ata
Sophomore, Molecular Biology If elected, I will create an environment where SGA is approachable to the student body, and not an organization that only serves a small amount of students. Also, I will try to heighten the overall awareness of the student body about our university as it takes appropriate measures to diversify itself and step to the forefront of teaching and research in the coming century, as I focus to create more philanthropy events with SGA along with other organizations on campus to promote intercultural exchange from all around the world, which will include not only the community at FIT but also Melbourne as a whole.
Claire Lang
Junior, Business Entrepreneurship My goals would be to be fair, honest, and unbiased in all that I do. I would listen to the students and take what they have to say, be it concerns, issues or questions, seriously and act accordingly. I would work tirelessly to boost Student Government attendance and campus wide awareness of the great resource that is SGA. Furthermore, I would work to make Florida Tech the best possible experience for each and every student, faculty member and administrator.
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MARCH 29
SGA ELECTIONS
ELECTION GUIDE
8
Candidates for Treasurer
Jacqueline Suzanne Cullen
Trenton B Lizakowski
If elected treasurer, I would like to work to use the entire SAFC budget to benefit as many clubs as possible. This is because I would like to see every club learn how to correctly submit SAFC requests and to show the school that the student organizations can benefit from an even bigger budget every year. To insure that students organizations can submit funding requests correctly I will work to educate organizations on the SGA bylaws and SAFC rules. I will strive to always be available to help clubs and answer any questions they have about funding. I will be fair and organized with all funding requests and run all SAFC meetings to be efficient and productive as possible.
As an initiative put in progress this year by our current Treasurer, Jonathan Cirillo, I want to make sure that we do not leave out budget unspent. That is, I want to make sure the SAFC funds we are collecting from every student in the form of a $125 Student Services Fee each semester gets put to good use. Otherwise, we are doing the campus community a disservice in showing that we cannot handle their money appropriately.
Junior, Psychology
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
Paul Tufis
Senior, Marine Biology To have an SGA that integrates more on campus and off campus activities that the student body can participate in. To implement surveys on what students would like for student government to do and plans those ideas with the Senate. Make it where the student body gets to participate more in asking questions and making decisions during the bi-weekly general meetings.
ISSUE 9
MARCH 29
SGA ELECTIONS
ELECTION GUIDE
9
Candidates for Senators
Mario AndrĂŠs Acosta
Maria Vittoria Elena
Sree krishnan Chidambaram
Pulkit Aggarwal
Amanda Marie Gallo
Daysiry M Rodriguez
Freshman, Mechanical Engineer
Sophomore, Computer Engineering
Daniel F. Ata
Sophomore, Molecular Biology
Lindsey Barrett
Junior, Molecular Biology
Paul Julian Bersoux Sophomore, Pre-Law
Rebecca L Candelaria
Freshman, Forensic Psychology
Junior, Mechanical Engineering
Senior, Psychology
Mackenzie Houdek
Sophomore, Biomedical Engineering
Ankon Rahman
Sophomore, Aviation Management
ASHWIN S SURESH Master's in Biotechnology
Ramesh Rohan Prahalad
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
Graduate, MBA
Sophomore, Civil Engineering
Vihang Shah
Graduate, Electrical Engineering
Paulo R Silva De Faria Junior, Chemical Engineering
LAKSHMI NARASIMHON ATHINARAYANA VENKATANARASIMHAN
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
Rebecca L Candelaria
Mary V Tabeling
Francisco J Izquierdo
Drushti Rane
Akhil Talla
Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering
Graduate, Computers Engineering
Afnan Islam
Alexander M Yanes
Junior, Aerospace Engineering
Freshman, Astronomy & Astrophysics
Paul Tufis
Claire Lang
Jasmin I Pimentel
Michael F Veloz
Priyadharshan Nadunayagam
Wei Zhou
Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering
Graduate, Computer Sciences
Patrick M Wright
Bindi M Nagda
Elifsu S. Orhon
Victoria N Pavisc
Rajalakshmi Krishnamurthy Graduate, Software Engineering
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
Junior, Business Entrepreneurship
Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering
Freshman, Forensic Psychology
Junior, Biomedical Sciences
Freshman, Mechanical Engineering
Freshman, Business Administration
Senior, Marine Biology
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
Freshman, Civil Engineering
ISSUE 9
MARCH 29
NEWS
10
Relay for Life (cont. from front page) counselor Bonnie Neptune performed the National Anthem. The event was open to students, staff, faculty and community. While the attendance of the event was event was less than that of last year, the dedication was all the same, and the devoted people remained true to their commitment. “I’ve been doing relay for about 9 years,” said Ariana Tate, co-chair of Relay For Life. Tate began participating in Relay For Life during her freshman year of high school. She joined the committee during her senior year of high school and followed it with four more years during college. As the co-chair of Relay For Life here at Florida Tech, Tate oversaw the work done by the various departments and students involved on campus, while the event chair, Samantha Hodge, coordinated with the community, including the Relay for Life represen-
tative. Following the departure of the representative, with one month left to go, Tate took on the duties of the representative in order to allow the event to run as smoothly as possible. Tate, along with many of the participants at the event, has had family members pass away due to cancer. “I actually just had to put down my dog,” she said. “She had stage 4 lymphoma.” Tate is not only an advocate for cancer research of people, but for those of animals as well, and looks forward to research in cancer treatment for animals. The first lap of the Relay started at 4:34 p.m., and followed the survivors and caregivers present for the event. All of the survivors carried with them a different story, including a childhood leukemia survivor and a three-time cancer survivor.
Photo by Ben Goess This first lap was then followed by the participating students and teams, including Alpha Phi Omega, Sigma Tau Gamma, Florida Tech Society for Science Fiction and Fantasy and the Biomedical Engineering Society. The Relay included many events to fill the night, including the Mr. Relay 2016 Pageant and Alpha
Tau Omega’s TAUCuts. There was also a raffle, with prizes provided by the participating student organizations, as well as a 50/0 raffle, where 50 percent of the money from the raffle went toward the American Cancer Society. The event officially ended at 5:30 a.m. on March 26, Saturday morning — 13 hours later.
The participants donated money toward research. Alpha Phi Omega donated just north of $1,000 on the morning of the event. They designed and sold T-shirts to all of the members. In addition, they made use of social media, urging friends, family and extended family to give what they could. v // BENJAMIN GOESS CONTRIBUTNG WRITER
Artist in Residence performs in second residency concert Takahashi in Lille, and then pursued further training with Dina Grossberger at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels prior to entering the Paris Conservatory in 2010. Lestang completed her master’s degree in 2015 at the prestigious Paris Conservatory. During her Florida Tech residency, the soprano has worked to share the art form of opera with the community. Through various workshops, concerts and lectures, Lestang has sought to demonstrate that opera is not an art form reserved to a small elite. Photo by Lindsay Isaac “Once one has the ‘keys Alice Lestang, a soprano, and Romain Louveau on piano to her left. to the kingdom,’ it’s easy to Florida Tech’s 2016 was joined onstage by guest the community,” said Kevin dive in,” Lestang stated. Paris Conservatory Artist in pianist Romain Louveau, R. Burke, director of Music The artist’s residency Residence, Alice Lestang, a colleague from the Paris Programs and associate will culminate in “Bravo! took the stage to perform Conservatory. The two per- professor of music at Flori- An Evening of Opera Faworks by Hector Berlioz formed for an audience of da Tech. vorites,” a concert to take and Richard Strauss. nearly 40 faculty, students Lestang is Florida place in Gleason PerformThe performance was and community members. Tech’s third Artist in Resing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on the second of Lestang’s “Florida Tech’s Residence from Paris, followApril 19. three residency concerts, idency Program brings ing pianist Paul Anquez "Alice Lestang has held at 7 p.m. at the Gleaworld-class artists to last year and percussionist embraced the traditions son Performing Arts Center campus to enrich student Rémi Durupt in 2014. established by FIT resident on March 25. learning experiences and The artist began her musicians, such as flying The operatic soprano raise support for the arts in vocal studies with Nobuko in guest artists, providing
workshops for FIT students, recording a studio album in Melbourne, giving lectures for the community, and engaging in outreach to public schools; but she is also adding her own touch,” Burke said. Lestang is currently involved in producing her first album in collaboration with Louveau, which will feature some of the works performed by the artists present at Friday’s concert. The official release of Lestang and Louveau’s CD will be on April 19 in Gleason Auditorium following Lestang’s final residency concert. The concert will be free and open to the public. “Alice Lestang and the FIT music program will be collaborating with Eastern Florida State College to perform a series of opera scenes featuring students, faculty and our guest artist,” Burke announced. “A first for FIT and the residency program!" v // LINDSAY ISAAC STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 9
MARCH 29
NEWS
11
Apple reveals iPhone recycling robot “Liam” One of the environmental issues the electronics industry currently faces is proper acquisition and disposal of materials used in their products, many of which can pose hazards if not handled properly. Apple has demonstrated one possible solution through an automated recycling system. At Apple’s “Loop You In” event on March 21, Lisa Jackson, vice president of Apple’s Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, explained their aim to reduce environmental impact presenting their iPhone recycling robot known as
Liam. Liam is designed to tear old iPhones down to their component materials, which can then be sorted and used for other purposes. Since it’s specifically designed for iPhones, it is able to properly separate and group materials by location and type as needed, though it’s not useable for other types of electronics. Liam is able to extract a wide range of materials from an iPhone including: gold, copper, silver, platinum, aluminum, cobalt and lithium.
Apple’s Liam tearing down an iPhone
According to Mashable, Liam Jackson explained examples of looks more like a large assembly how recycled iPhone materials line than a robot and has a total of could be reused. Tungsten from the 29 robotic arms which are encased phone’s vibrator could be used in behind glass. While it’s been over cutting tools, silver could be used 3 years in the making it was known in solar panels, and dangerous only to a handful chemicals like cobalt of Apple staff and lithium could be prior to its public Liam is able to separated and disposed reveal. extract a wide of properly. Many of the Apple’s recent push phones obtained for recycling comes after range of are those traded previous complaints over materials from its potentially illegal in at Apple retail stores which typi- an iPhone includ- acquisition of materials. cally have suffered According to Ening: gold, copper, gadget, Apple has faced from water damage. that tin used silver, platinum, complaints Liam has a vain its products may have riety of automated aluminum, cobalt been illegally mined tools including from mines in Bangaka and lithium. drills, screwIsland, Indonesia. drivers, suction These mines often cups, and grips. provide unsafe working It is provided iPhones through a conditions, utilize child labor, and conveyor belt which can fit about cause nearby environmental dam40 at a time. age. Screws are taken out, and then After facing pressure from the sucked up by tubes, while SIM environmental ground Friends of cards are dropped into a bucket. Earth, Apple began looking into the Some of the arms work in pairs so issue and funded a study to better that if one takes longer than usual understand the situation. v to remove a piece, the others can still continue. Apple says Liam has a 97 percent success rate of remov- // CHRISTOPHER PANGALOS ing components. STAFF WRITER According to Apple Insider,
McCay outlines upcoming plans for growth as University President Big changes are coming to Florida Tech starting this fall, University Vice President T. Dwayne McCay said at a press conference Thursday. “Like President Cantonese before me, I am focused on making the most of my time as the leader of Florida Tech,” he said. McCay said he thinks Cantonese set a good example for how a university president ought to conduct himself. “Everyone knew the story of his red convertible, and I plan on driving Florida Tech’s legacy into the future even faster.” Among other things, McCay
spoke at length about the power of university image. “It’s important that we have the latest and greatest at Florida Tech.” McCay will assume office August 32, 2016, and he assured the media that his plans to make Florida Tech great again include strengthening engineering departments as well as his fleet of cars. “With me behind the wheel, there’s no knowing how far things will go,” he said. McCay was later seen at local Audi and Lamborghini dealerships. v
Buzz Aldrin Gets His Ass To Mars Buzz Aldrin, famous as the man who punched Bart Sibrel, stayed true to the slogan of his Mars exploration campaign, “Get your ass to Mars,” during his landing on the red planet earlier this week. “Neil may have been the first man to set foot on the moon, but I’m here today to mark another first for mankind,” Aldrin declared as he exited his landing craft. After descending the multi-billion-dollar craft’s ladder toward the Martian surface, the 86-year old astronaut gently
News in Brief
New Melbourne housing project in reponse to empty dorms on campus
New Iphone SE perfect for Donald Trump Apple’s latest gadget, released this week, marks a return to the days of phones with smaller screens. With it’s four-inch display, it has been described as “an iphone 6s in the body
“We are truly excited about this endeavor with Northrup,” said President Antony Cantonese. “It will be like the real ones in the movies. May the force be with us all.”
Construction on the Melbourne Commons, new off-campus student housing, is underway in the tract across Babcock from main campus. The complex of apartments is being built, officials say, in response to the many empty on-campus dorms. v
of an iphone 5,” perfect for people with smaller hands. Experts note that the reduced size will not inhibit users from tweeting.
Northrop Grumman donates $5 million to Florida Tech to invent lightsaber At press time, University Officials had received communications from military personnel interested in using the weapon.
Student running late, stops for coffee
“I’m gonna be late anyway,” she said, “what’s five more minutes?”
sat down on the dusty landscape, leaving behind the shape of his butt. Aldrin next fumbled with a pocket on his suit, pulled out a cell phone, and took what he later explained was “One small snap for a man, one great selfie for all mankind.” Photos of both the butt-print and Aldrin’s selfie will soon be available on t-shirts for sale on his website. (Aldrin is also the second man to have walked on the moon.) v
Classifieds
Student needs graduation tickets For sell: Dinning room table
Bike for sail: slightly rusted from exposure to ocean air, Posted by Aaron DeTires Litter of kittens looking for good home: cardboard box included Moving: selling all my dirty dishes, microwave, toaster, house, etc.