Feb. 8, 2017

The Student Newspaper of Saint Joseph’s University

Volume XCV | Est. 1929 | www.sjuhawknews.com

Feb. 8, 2017

The next step

Hawk Hill reflects on SJU March for All CHARLEY REKSTIS '20 Assistant News Editor About 300 students, faculty, and staff marched in response to President Trump’s executive order on immigration. The SJU March for All was in solidarity with immigrants and refugees.

Organizers encouraged those who attended to reflect on the community at Saint Joseph's University and what each person could do to support those affected by the executive order.

“I was overcome by emotions it was really nice seeing people coming out in solidarity with others," said Umeyye Isra Yazicioglu, Ph.D. associate professor for theology and religious studies. "I think that is one of the reasons why God lets these things happen because when injustice happens it’s sad but it brings out the best in people.

There was so much support and people standing up for somebody else and I think that is really profound.”

Yazicioglu is one of the faculty members that spoke at the march and said that after coming from a place where she went through even more difficult executive orders during her college years, she feels that seeing others stand up for things that may not affect them is something worth recognizing.

“I remember when I got kicked out of school because of my headscarf,” Yazicioglu said. “We didn’t have one student walking out with us. Our choice was give up the

education or come back without the scarf.

There was no sense of people walking out with you saying ‘I don’t wear it but I want to stand up for you.’ I get emotional when I see people standing up for something they don’t necessarily agree with.”

Students who attended saw the march as a good opportunity to speak out as a campus community.

“I attended the march because I feel it is our right as a campus to protest what is going on,” said Paul Ammons ’20. “It is the seed of an effort to begin more political action on campus.”

Ammons thinks student’s roles are to stay educated on what is occurring in the country and be able to see what the other side is thinking.

“Pay attention to current events that are going on,” Ammons said. “Make sure to keep an open mind to both sides not just the liberal side but to look at the arguments to why people may want this. Keep an open mind; that’ll make things better.”

Yazicioglu also thinks that staying educated and understanding other’s views is important to come together as a community to support those who need it.

“Reaching out to each other and trying to understand each other and telling somebody I am here for you,” Yazicioglu said.

“There can be a whole kind of negative en-

Students walk through the Post Learning Commons during SJU’s “March For All” (Photo by Luke Malanga, ’20).

ergy and I think people need to learn and teach because yes, some fears are irrational, but people can be convinced that they are rational. There could be more education about it and more solidarity.”

Another student who attended said she went because she couldn’t pass up on an opportunity to walk in solidarity for international students at St. Joe’s and for anyone affected in the country.

“While personally I am not affected, I just wanted to go by an empathetic standpoint and it is just something that really caught me,” Rachel Cox ’19 said.

Cox thinks the university is doing everything they should be in response to the executive order.

“They need to continue to show support for its students and show that it is their first priority,” Cox said. “I think they have done a good job so far both with the emails and with Dr. Reed showing up to the march and walk-

ing with the students. I think if they continue on that trend they will do a good job.”

The thing that stuck out to Yazicioglu the most from the march was the song “What Have We Done?” that was sung while everyone was marching from the “Synagoga and Ecclesia in Our Time” statue to the St. Ignatius statue in fornt of Merion Hall.

“That [the song] was very profound and I think that whatever happens in the world come[s] back to yourself and say ‘What have we done?’ both as the person that is doing the wrong and also someone deserving the wrong,” Yazicioglu said. “I ask myself what have we done wrong as Muslims, in the sense that, maybe we didn’t do a good job of living in the beauty of the faith in its full and letting people see it. We can start with ourselves. What did we do wrong? What have we done? That is refreshingly beautiful.”

For the city to see

T-shirt memorial sheds light on gun violence in Philadelphia MARK DE LEON ’17 News Editor Exactly 240 T-shirts, representing victims of gun violence in Philadelphia, are on display outside Overbrook Presbyterian Church on the corner of City and Lancaster Ave. Each victim’s age and date of death are inscribed on the T-shirt, one T-shirt for each victim of gun violence in 2016.

In a partnership with Heeding God’s Call, an interdenominational initiative to stop the use of illegal guns, the church established “Memorial to the Lost” for homicides in the city. Volunteers, made up of the congregation and other community members, labelled the T-shirts and set them out, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This year marks the third year that the congregation has hosted the memorial.

“Many of the folks who see the Memorial are commuting into the city for work and may only do so a few days a week,” said Jeff Bowker, who was the congregation coordinator for the project. “For them gun violence may be an abstraction. Seeing that number of shirts at that intersection makes it more real and more local.”

The memorial means a lot more to the congregation this year as they labeled a T-shirt in memory of James Walke, the son of the church’s building manager. Walke’s murder in Germantown from last February remains unsolved.

“Everybody was in shock,” Bowker said. “I don’t think anybody ever deserves to be shot.”

According to the Philadelphia Police, total violent crime, which includes rape, robbery, and assault, is also down overall;

however, homicide is the only violent crime category that has increased over last year.

“It is wonderful when faith based communities try to raise awareness,” said Maria Kefalas, Ph.D., professor of sociology. “It’s a humbling uphill battle. It always astounds me that we don’t do more and pay more attention. We’re more frightened of the Zika outbreak or Ebola or terrorism when those concerns, while real, aren’t as epidemic as gun deaths in the U.S.”

dangerous people other than domestic abusers from having access to guns.

No city, county or municipality in Pennsylvania can “in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components," according to the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act. However, Mayor Jim Kenney and the police are working on initiatives outside of legislature to reduction gun violence

A memorial to Philadelphians murdered by illegal guns (Photo by Luke Malanga, ’20)

Pennsylvania scores a “C” rating on their Gun Law State Scorecard for not enacting any significant firearms-related laws in 2016, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Currently, the state does not require background checks on private sale long gun purchases, and does not allow courts to issue protective orders to prevent

in Philadelphia.

Focused Deterrence is a violence intervention strategy that helped contribute to a dramatic decrease in shootings and homicides in South Philadelphia, after it was put into action in 2013.

Focused Deterrence uses networks in communities to identify folks that they

were worried about, that would engage in gun violence, according to Kefalas. After that, the police would have these individuals on their radar before they were under suspicion or arrested.

“The difficulty is you have to spend a lot of money to do it well, and even then it doesn’t always work,” Kefalas said. “But I hope that if the mayor brings it citywide, that they put the resources to help provide meaningful and sustained turning points for young people who are at high risk for committing violence in our city. Keep them on a better path and make that turning point last.”

The Memorial to the Lost will be on display outside Overbrook Presbyterian until Feb. 11. Then it will continue to be on display outside other churches, as part of Heeding God’s Call’s initiative to display the memorial all over the city.

“Just because the shirts are moving on doesn’t mean that we’re done with it,” Bowker said.

Kefalas believes that the next step after a symbolic memorial should be political action.

“I tell my students, ‘You have wonderful passion and wonderful energy but you need to pay attention,’” Kefalas said. “Especially in those congressional races. I think people forget or don’t realize how important that and their local races are. If you care about issues like gun violence, you need to get engaged politically in a skillful way.

[You] need to be as skilled and passionate and determined as the other side has been.”

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News

Feb. 8, 2017

Department of Public Safety reports (Jan. 27–Feb. 2)

Jan. 28

Public Safety was notified by Allied Universal regarding an alcohol confiscation from a student in the lobby of the Ashwood Apartments.

Public Safety officers responded and took custody of the alcohol. Residence Life and Community Standards were notified.

Public Safety was notified by Residence Life that while conducting room checks in the Pennbrook Apartments, a quantity of alcohol was located in a student’s room. Public Safety Officers responded and confiscated the alcohol. Community Standards was notified.

ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENTS

Jan. 29

Public Safety was notified by a St. Joe’s visitor in regards to person(s) unknown removing her purse which she had left unsecured in a room on the fifth floor of McShain Hall. The incident is under investigation.

Public Safety was notified in regards to person(s) unknown writing graffiti in a fourth floor hallway of the Villiger Hall. Residence Life and Facilities Management were notified. The incident is under investigation.

Jan. 31

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On campus

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Off campus

Public Safety was notified by CSC Security regarding a St. Joe’s student drinking a beer inside Hagan Arena during a sporting event. Public Safety officers responded and took custody of the alcohol. Community Standards was notified.

DRUG RELATED INCIDENTS

Public Safety was notified by a St. Joe’s student in regards to person(s) unknown vandalizing his personal vehicle which was parked in the Moore Hall parking lot. Philadelphia Police was notified and responded. The incident is under investigation.

On campus

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0

Off campus

Call Public Safety:

Feb. 1

Public Safety was notified of a fire alarm going off inside the Campion Student Center. Public Safety Officers responded. Preliminary investigation revealed the alarm was activated because of steam. Facilities Management was notified.

610-660-1111

Jan. 30 Public Safety was notified of a fire alarm going off inside Rashford Hall. Public Safety Officers responded. Preliminary investigation revealed the alarm was activated by a broken water valve. Facilities Management was notified.

Public Safety was notified by an Aramark employee in regards to person(s) unknown removing her black hooded sweatshirt from a closet inside Mandeville Hall. The incident is under investigation.

THE FIRST 100 DAYS RELIGION In his address at the National Prayer Breakfast in D.C., Trump declared, “I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment.” This provision to the U.S. tax code bans all tax-exempt nonprofits, like churches, houses of worship, and charities, from directly or indirectly participating in any political candidate’s campaign. As part of the tax code, it would take an act of Congress to remove it.

DIPLOMACY

The U.S. and Iran have announced sets of sanctions against each other after Iran tested its ballistic missile program. These actions resemble those that former president Obama had taken after Iran's previous ballistic missile tests. Iran insists the test didn't violate the 2015 nuclear accord it reached with the United States and five other world powers.

Economy Uber CEO Travis Kalanick quit President Trump’s 15-member economic advisory council.

The first employment report since the inauguration showed the labor market expanding, with companies adding 227,000 jobs in January.

Commenting on the growth, President Trump said, “I think it’s gonna continue big league.”

SUPREME COURT President Trump has nominated Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, a federal appeals court judge in Denver, Colo. to the Supreme Court. If confirmed, Gorsuch will take the seat that Justice Antonin Scalia’s death vacated.

IMMIGRATION

A federal judge in Seattle, Wa. temporarily halted President Trump’s immigration order preventing refugee entries for 120 days, and individuals from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the United States for 90 days. A federal appeals court in San Francisco, Calif. denied the Department of Justice’s request for an immediate reinstatement of the ban.

The Department of Homeland Security has suspended implementation of the order and the State Department has reversed cancellation of visas.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated he will express his objections to the recent executive order on immigration and offer suggestions for changes to the policy at the next economic advisory council meeting.

REGULATION

President Trump signed an executive order to review the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, the set of regulations passed in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Critics see the reforms that Dodd-Frank set as examples of government overreach.

He also issued a separate presidential memorandum to have the Labor Department review the “fiduciary rule,” which requires financial professionals to act with their clients’ interests ahead of their own. The rule was supposed to go into effect in April, but now it will be delayed 90 days.

Compiled by Mark De Leon '17.

Information from BBC World News and PBS. Graphic by Kaitlyn Patterson '20.

News

Feb. 8, 2017

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Room for questions

Office of Inclusion and Diversity holds town hall CHARLEY REKSTIS ’20 Assistant News Editor The Office of Inclusion and Diversity held a town hall meeting on Feb. 2, where Saint Joseph’s University students asked about what the university is doing for inclusion and diversity on Hawk Hill and for the community within it.

The meeting started with prepared questions asked by students which were then answered by university President Mark C. Reed Ed.D., Jeanne F. Brady, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Cary Anderson, Ed.D., vice president for Student Life and Associate Provost, and Monica Nixon Ed.D assistant provost for inclusion and diversity.

The first question asked was for Brady and focused on how the university will better pledge itself to the international student body so they can feel safe and supported on our campus.

“I do want to say that it is most critical to maintain the privacy, dignity, and safety of our community, particularly our students, so they can pursue an education in an environment that nurtures and protects them,” Brady said. “We will have this as a simple institutional and educational mandate.”

Reed was asked about underrepresented students, financial aid, and what St. Joe’s is doing to assure that they understand “the

realities of navigating a predominantly homogeneous space.”

“In terms of our outreach to underrepresented students, it is certainly important to understand what we do in our current efforts,” Reed said. “We have, for example, a dedicated director of multicultural admission, whose sole responsibility really is to reach out to underrepresented students.”

Nixon was asked how we can connect with St. Joe’s alumni who may not understand the center for inclusion and diversity and who we can explain the importance of having a center in the community.

Nixon said that she wants the different kinds of alumni that St. Joe’s has to be involved and understand what inclusion and diversity means to St. Joe’s.

“If we are able to let them know about the good work that is happening, we will be able to bring them back in,” Nixon said.

The last question was for Anderson asking about how students who identify as women and have St. Joe’s insurance will be protected.

“I received a resolution from the Student Senate and the resolution was encouraging St. Joe’s to reassess and improve sexual and health resources on campus,” Anderson said.

“The highlights of this are to reevaluate what we do in terms of the best interest of our students, the mission and ideals of our university, and how we look at equal opportunity

Student organizers Alim Young ’19, Will Marsh ’18, Mary Brigh ’17, and Sydney Villard ’19 pose with panelists (Photo by W. Taicha Morin ’20).

and non-discrimination and mandates of the state and federal governments.”

After the general questions, attendees then broke off into groups where they could ask the panelists questions directly.

“I personally really liked it. It was really nice being able to talk to the administrators that were there in such a personal way,” Hanna Neece, ’19, said.

Neece asked Anderson what St. Joe’s was going to do about more inclusive housing spaces and how they plan on constructing buildings for that in the future.

Anderson said that it is possible to have more inclusive housing on campus, but there is not a lot of space on our campus and that this is a small community, which may make it more difficult.

“I really liked how engaged the panelists were with all the students,” Neece said. “It was really nice to see that because sometimes it seems like these people make decisions about the school that are so far out of our control ,and it was really nice to be able to sit with them and talk to them about these decisions.”

Pushing the envelope

The applicant pool for the Class of 2021 breaks new ground MEGAN KLOSS ’19 Special to The Hawk

Graphic by Kaitlyn Patterson ’20.

The regular admission application deadline for the class of 2021 at Saint Joseph’s University closed on Feb. 1. The Class of 2020 brought 8,613 applications and 8,638 applications for the class of 2021 rolled in as of Feb. 1.

The increase is not surprising, as essays, recommendation letters, and informational forms for admittance to the university class of 2021 are at higher levels at schools around the country this year—even breaking records

at numerous campuses, according to USA Today College. St. Joe’s is no exception.

“It’s an opportunity for growth because everyone comes in with very open minds, and if they don’t, then their minds are opened when they come here,” Kaitlin Neinstedt, ’17, said. “It’s a breeding pool for change.”

One of the roots for this opportunity for growth comes from the wider applicant pool St. Joe’s is recruiting from. More diverse backgrounds bring more diverse ideas and experiences. The applicants this year came from 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and 58 foreign countries, making it a more geographically diverse applicant pool than last year.

These numbers are encouraging as St. Joe’s focuses more efforts towards diversity and inclusion outreach and resources.

Of students who applied, 41 percent have visited St. Joe’s campus at least once for a tour, open house, info session, or another reason.

The St. Joe’s admission volunteers could be a

potential reason for the increase in visits.

“Having outstanding tour guides plays a major role in the work we do as an institution and office,” said Maureen Mathis, assistant provost in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. “We could have the most phenomenal presentation, but what they will tell you was how they felt when they went out on tour and whether or not they connected with their tour guide. That includes everyone who volunteers with admissions for Scholars Weekend, Walk With a Hawk, and Admitted Students Day.” Technology and social media have also played a key role in this year’s application pool.

As a tool for communication with prospective students, the office of admissions utilizes Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook.

“I think our Snapchat is really well done,” Mathis said. “I think people follow it, and prospective students expect to see it.

People know who Jimmy from Snapchat is.

Those students know who he is. That is not

to take away from all the other students and all the great work they’ve done, but there’s a certain piece in creating a personality.”

Evan Addis, ’18, concurs that the role of technology has changed and improved his interactions with incoming freshmen.

“Each age difference is so different and drastically more interested in new things and more integrated into technology,” Addis said. “And it’s really cool to see the difference in their behavior based on what they’ve been surrounded by and what technology they grew up with. I learn a lot from them.”

The class of 2021 is likely to benefit from the larger, more diverse applicant pool, thorough Office of Admissions, and passionate,current students willing to meet and get involved with incoming students.

“I hope that they come to understand the mission of SJU and the Jesuit values that comprise our education,” Neinstedt said.

“And I hope they come to understand that sooner than I did because it took me a while.”

Hawk Hill reflects for Black History Month How MLK has impacted St. Joe’s

Information courtesy of Saint Joseph’s University data (Graphic by Luke Malanga ’20).

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News

Feb. 8, 2017

Campus housing commotion

Wynnewood Hall sold to a private company SAM HENRY ’19 Managing Editor

Apartments in the former Wynnewood Hall are now accepting applications. (Photo by Luke Malanga ’20).

Wynnewood Hall, located next to Pennbrook Apartments on City Ave. and 63rd St., was an upperclassmen apartment building containing single, double, and triple apartments. The building, which Saint Joseph’s University purchased in 1982, housed about 85 students per year. The apartment

has not housed students since 2012.

In the spring of 2016, St. Joe’s sold Wynnewood Hall to DB Partners Group.

Currently, they are finishing their renovations and are looking to begin renting out the apartments.

“At the end of the academic year [in]

2012, we took it offline for renovation," said Cary Anderson, Ed.D., vice president for Student Life. "As we started to look at the possibilities for renovation and everything, it was finally determined that it made more sense just to sell the building to a private company.”

Students at St. Joe’s are required to live on campus for their first two years. After this period, students have the choice to continue to live on campus or move off campus.

“We’re in the process of developing a housing masterplan,” Anderson said. “So we just got some analysis of the upkeep that needs to happen in our current buildings and we have a mix of buildings we own and a couple we lease,[such as] Pennbrook and Lancaster Courts.”

Mike DeStefano, ’17, has lived off campus his junior and senior year.

“I was just tired of living on campus and I wanted my own living space that was more than just a bedroom and a kitchen,” DeStefano said.

DeStefano said that though he never considered to continue living on campus, he may have if there were more housing choices for upperclassmen, especially ones that were closer to the central part of campus.

Anderson also said that having housing that is as close to campus as possible is one of the university’s goals as they evaluate the campus housing options.

Juniors and seniors who choose to continue living on campus typically live in Merion Gardens or the Michael J. Morris Quad Townhouses. There are also campus houses along Lapsley Ln. that upperclassmen have

the option to live in. Many students who choose to live off campus live in the surrounding neighborhoods or in Manayunk.

Though many students move off campus for either their junior or senior year, there are still students who chose to continue living on campus.

Emma Ryan, '17 has lived on campus all four years at St. Joe's.

"I studied abroad as a junior, so finding guaranteed housing simplified my return process," Ryan said. "I decided to continue living on-campus because I have a summer job on-campus, and the 12 month lease ended up being the best option for me."

Despite the conveniences of living off campus, Ryan noted that living on campus has its benefits as well.

"I love that if something isn't working in my apartment, Public Safety will come fix it," Ryan said. "I have locked myself out of my apartment, and they were always really understanding. I feel really safe where I am. The shuttle is definitely convenient when paired with careful planning."

There is not an immediate need for additional campus housing, however students also know that there are not a lot of options, according to Anderson.

“Part of our overall analysis is continuing to get a sense of the desire of [juniors and seniors] to live on campus or not,” Anderson said. “There are always going to be students who want to live off campus, which is fine, but you want to be able to provide housing to any [juniors and seniors] who wants to, and currently we are able to do that. Trying to find that right balance.”

Challenged to do greater

An unprecedented number of Jesuit-educated graduates in Congress ROSE WELDON ’19 Lifestyle Editor A record 56 graduates of Jesuit institutes hold elected office in the incoming 125th U.S. Congress, including St. Joseph’s University alum, Rep. Frank LoBiondo (RNJ, Mays Landing). The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, reports that Georgetown University, with 28 legislators, is at the top of this list. Fordham University and Boston College are tied for second place with seven graduates each.

LoBiondo said that as a result of his education, he has always looked for solutions that will satisfy both sides of the aisle.

“Attending St. Joe’s helped teach me how to look at issues in a thoughtful and analytical way with a key focus on problem-solving,” LoBiondo said in an emailed response to questions from The Hawk.

St. Joe’s chaplain Daniel Joyce, S.J., said Catholics are heavily represented in government in general and in the Congress in particular.

“It is not so surprising that Jesuit grads are represented in significant numbers,” said Joyce.

Data from the Pew Research Center shows that about 30 percent of the U.S. Congress, about 161 members of the House and Senate, is Catholic.

There has been an increase in making religion central to one’s political campaign,

said Lisa Baglione, Ph.D., a professor in Saint Joseph’s political science department.

“In the old days, especially in national campaigns, it was hard to be a Catholic,” Baglione said. “But, you know, now religious speak and religion has become

important. I cannot give you a figure, but I see, that if you went back to both party conventions [in 2016], we see the use of religious language in an attempt to appeal on moral and religious grounds.”

Ann Marie Jursca Keffer, director of

Photo by Luke Malanga ’20.

the university’s Faith-Justice Institute, sees the prominence of Jesuit gradduates as an opportunity to promote Jesuit values and social change.

“Our alumni serving in legislature are surely living the call to be agents of change for social justice,” Keffer said. “Their role and professional dedication to civic engagement carry with it a powerful responsibility in creating a more just society.”

But, as Joyce points out, roughly a third of the 56 Jesuit graduates only attended those schools for postgraduate studies, rather than for their more formative undergraduate years.

“I would hope that the brief time that they spent at a Jesuit school offered them some real expertise which can apply directly to the issues that are most pressing in our nation today,” Joyce said.

Keffer is hopeful that the graduates will employ Jesuit values in their work.

“Fr. Peter Hans-Kolvenbach, S.J. [the former Superior General of the Jesuits] once wrote that the goal of Jesuit education is to form ‘men and women of competence, conscience, and compassionate commitment," Keffer said.

Opinions

Feb. 8, 2017

5

Valentine’s Day is... “...a time to appreciate loved ones, whether it be romantic or not. Good candy and good company is always involved.” -Ana Faguy

EDITOR IN CHIEF Ana Faguy ’19 MANAGING EDITOR Sam Henry ’19 COPY CHIEF Vivian Milan ’18 FACULTY ADVISER Shenid Bhayroo NEWS EDITOR Mark De Leon ’17 ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Charley Rekstis ’20 OPINIONS EDITOR Victoria Tralies ’18 ASSISTANT OPINIONS EDITOR Brittany Swift ’20 LIFESTYLE EDITOR Rose Weldon ’19 ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE EDITOR Franki Rudnesky ’18 SPORTS EDITOR Nick Mandarano ’18 ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Alex Hargrave ’20 ASSISTANT COPY Becky Hartman ’18 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kaitlyn Patterson ’20 PHOTO EDITOR Luke Malanga ’20 SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Kellie O’Brien ’19 ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA Madsion Auer ‘20 DIGITAL PHOTO EDITOR Joey Toczylowski ’19 BUSINESS MANAGER Alexis Hewish ’17 ADVERTISING MANAGER Michael Zito ’18 ASSISTANT BUSINESS Amy Ferrigno ’20 ASSISTANT ADVERTISING Jarrett Hurms ’18

“...cool! It should be about letting the people in your life know that you love them, whether that be by going out to dinner with your significant other or sending funny memes to your friends. Last year, my roommate and I gave everyone on our floor cards to celebrate and they loved it.” -Sam Henry “...not always about making a big deal, but spending it with people (romantic or otherwise) you care about. Last year on Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend had appendicitis and I had bronchitis, so we stayed in, but we still had a really nice time together.” -Vivian Milan ...schmaltzy and indulgent holiday that displays love’s transforming power on people and the impact of genuine intimacy and openness. I’m indifferent. - Mark De Leon “...a day where I am able to feel loved, show love, and see others who are loved as they walk around with their teddy bears and their cardboard hearts full of chocolate.” -Charley Rekstis “...the best holiday ever! I can’t wait to give my friend’s valentines, give them an extra hug, and sprinkle glitter everywhere. I’m even more excited for Galentine’s Day, as it is another excuse to shower my friends with love and promote girl power.” -Victoria Tralies “...a time to reconnect with a significant other or family. Last year, my long distance boyfriend came home for the weekend.

He made me one of those color-your-own puzzles. Even though it was about 20 pieces, I struggled to put it together! The day was a nice excuse to visit each other and exchange silly presents.” -Brittany Swift

Dear Editors, I am writing in response to an opinion by Angelo Pizza, “Manipulation of the Masses: Commander in Chief Victim of Media Attacks” published in the Feb. 1 issue of The Hawk. The writer is contributing to an on-going national conversation. I do, however, want to address numerous misconceptions and inaccuracies in the piece.

I will address a few important points that I believe are important to correct.

First, the writer identifies President Trump as being subject to “aggressive analysis and harsh scrutiny” from mainstream media sources simply because of his Republican ideals. The most fitting reason for the media’s approach toward our current president is, of course, not his party, but his seemingly endless and inappropriate actions and statements. Unlike any other president before him, President Trump has no government experience, refuses to give up his business interests, has failed to disclose his financial records, and was recorded as saying that he has committed unwanted sexual advances toward women. It can’t be denied that this track record calls for “harsh scrutiny,” regardless of President Trump’s party affiliation.

Next, the writer lauds Trump for “fighting back” against the media and celebrates

“...the day I got a lot of notifications from Package Services, because my parents, grandparents, and godmother thought enough of me to send care packages and cards. Who needs a “special someone” when there’s a whole group willing to say “I love you”?”

-Rose Weldon “...relative, depending on my age and relationship status at the time. When I was in elementary school it was a chance to get a bunch of cards, and plus I’d always get a cute little present from my parents. In college, it’s a weird holiday because relationships are rarely defined and Valentine’s Day really brings that into the spotlight. Either way I think it’s really cool that there’s a holiday in which I can celebrate my love for my family, friends, and dogs!” -Franki Rudensky “...the feast day of the patron saint of love, young people and happy marriages. It’s a day to express your love between not only romantic interests, but also your friends and family.” -Nicholas Mandarano “...a holiday that you spend with the people you love, whether that means a significant other, friends, or family. The last few years, my single friends and I have spent the night going for pizza and eating Dunkin Donuts’ Valentine’s Day donuts, so I plan to keep the tradition going. It’s not a bad holiday if you make it fun!” -Alex Hargrave “...exciting simply due to the fact that it is finally acceptable to eat an entire box of chocolates; not to mention the conversational hearts and bouquets of roses that serve to make the holiday even sweeter. Although feelings toward v-day can be quite controversial, I think everyone can agree that spreading the love is always something we can get behind.” -Becky Hartman

“...overhyped. While the idea of a day dedi-

spread the love every day?” -Luke Malanga “...free burritos. Last year, on Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend (who I was not dating at the time) asked me to go to Qdoba with him so that we could get a free burrito. When I looked up the deal online you had to kiss someone to receive the free burrito. I turned down his offer.” -Kellie O’Brien “...reminiscent of candy from my mom!

Every Valentine’s Day my mom creates a gift basket filled with sweet treats and candy for me. thanks mom!” -Madison Auer “...a day that I take as a day to appreciate the people that have come into my life and have made an impact.” -Joey Toczylowski “...an annual holiday to express and exchange love between people who are nearest and dearest to your heart. It is associated closest to romance, but can be a day to show affection to even an acquaintance.” -Alexis Hewish “...the one day where it is socially acceptable for couples to excessively force their relationships down my throat.” -Michael Zito “...a time where you get to go all out to celebrate your loved ones. You walk into the store and view everyone frantically searching for the perfect bouquet of flowers and tasty chocolate. Waking up on Valentine’s Day, I receive the same heart-shaped box of candy from my mom and flowers from my dad.”

-Amy Ferrigno “...corny and consumer like. But I do think Valentine’s Day is a good day to appreciate your friends, significant other, as well as relatives. It’s good to spend that day just saying that you appreciate their friendship or relationship and telling them that they mean a lot to them.” -Jarett Hurms

cated to love is a nice sentiment, do we really need a single day to show love? Why not

-The Hawk Staff

Letter to the Editor that he has “not hesitated to point out their flaws as journalists.” This is not because Trump is a “prideful man,” as the writer states, but instead because Trump has been consistently undermining public trust in media and journalism as the fourth estate of government, one of our country’s most cherished and sacred institutions. President Trump encourages Americans to turn away from media outlets that publish objective facts so that they will rely only on the “alternative facts” being promulgated by the White House. This extremely dangerous.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate for a moment to prefer the latter.”

Dismantling the institution of journalism, as President Trump seems to want to do, is the epitome of un-American.

President Trump attacks journalism and media organizations that he feels do not support him. But he’s also attacked an organization that generally celebrates him—the conservative Fox News—especially when he believed they were unfair to him. Trump tweeted that Fox News is “so biased it is disgusting,” and in another tweet that Fox is “a total joke.” By doing this, Trump is claiming that any media organization that challenges him is biased and untruthful. This, by exten-

sion, undermines all media organizations.

The writer of the editorial also mistakenly combines a criticism of journalism and his dissatisfaction with sketches on Saturday Night Live, a comedy satire show. The writer states that SNL has been “attacking” Trump “viciously.” Comedy, whether it’s stand-up or sketch, has always made fun of politicians, sometimes in disparaging ways.

The freedom to do so is a crucial part of our American democracy. Even if the writer’s statement that Obama was never criticized so harshly on SNL is accurate, to encourage a comedy show to go easier on our president is to ignore the fundamental freedom of expression we enjoy in the United States.

To show that all mainstream media is biased and untrustworthy, the writer cites the example of Zeke Miller, a Time Magazine reporter who falsely tweeted that the bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. was removed from the Oval Office. I would remind the writer that correcting errors in publications is what journalists are supposed to do when information is inaccurate or inadequate, and that is exactly what Miller did within minutes of sending his tweet. The 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan affirms the First Amendment by protecting journalists when they make errors and subsequently correct these mistakes.

Finally, the writer’s suggestion that

Breitbart and Right-Side Broadcasting are “gaining momentum” as suitable alternatives for sources like CNN and The New York Times is, like most stories published

by Breitbart and Right-Side, blatantly false.

Trump’s chief strategist himself, Steve Bannon, former chairman of Breitbart News, described the publication as a “platform for the alt-right” in an interview with the Investigative Fund. The entire concept of the alt-right is nothing more than a reformulated neo-nationalist movement, and this, not facts, is what Breitbart promotes.

As for Right-Side Broadcasting, Business Insider reports that this one-man operation primarily streams full-length broadcasts of Trump’s speeches with little interpretation or questioning.

As the former editor of a journalistic publication, I wanted to draw attention to these major misconceptions in the opinions piece so that more attention might be paid to the fact that President Trump is attacking the media, not the other way around.

Molly Grab, ’17 Editor Emeritus The Hawk welcomes letters to the editor (400-600 words). They can be emailed to hawk.editorial@gmail.com.

6

Opinions

Feb. 8, 2017

Just a step

The problem with the Grammys An exaggerated sense of self-importance CARTER TODD ’19 Hawk Staff Now that February is upon us, awards season is officially in full swing. On Feb. 12, the 59th annual Grammy Awards will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

This is a night for some of the biggest names in the music industry to come together and celebrate some of their favorite music from the past year.

The Grammyss offers a slew of reasons for viewers to tune in from red carpet coverage to performances, as well as the unpredictability of live television. However, these spectacles can easily distract viewers from the real reason why the Grammys exist at all— the awards.

For those who take great pride in their music selection, it is easy to get caught up in whether or not some of your favorite artists have been nominated, how many nominations they’ve received, or whether or not they win their nominated awards.

In reality, these nominations and awards hold no weight in what actually constitutes as good music.

When attempting to understand who wins these awards, it is important to know who is in charge of the voting process and exactly how it unfolds. In order to be eligible to vote, you must be a Recording Academy voting member. The Grammy website describes their voting members as “profes-

sionals with creative or technical credits on at least six commercially released tracks.”

While these people certainly have experience in the music industry, their opinion on a topic as subjective as music should not have an impact on the legacy of an artist.

Just because a certain group of people gather to vote for one artist over another doesn’t discredit or weaken any of the music created by that person.

Furthermore, winning a Grammy fails to solidify or legitimize a musician at all.

In reality, it makes almost no sense to hold an awards ceremony for art just one year or less after it has been released. Art is something meant to be experienced over a long period of time and certainly not meant to be judged after less than 12 months of existence. Thus, in order for us to truly understand the impact music makes, we must take into account how it is received by multiple generations.

However, this is not to say that there shouldn’t be any honor in winning a Grammy Award. Receiving a great deal of recognition for your work, especially art, is one of the most gratifying things that a person can experience. At the same time, handing out trophies for art sends the wrong message about the purpose of creating it in the first place. Music is an audible

Graphic by Kaitlyn Patterson ’20.

representation of the human experience, usually specific to the artist’s own experiences. Different types of music appeal to all different types of people for countless reasons which makes music taste far too subjective to hand out awards for.

Another issue is the pride and ego boost that certain artists feel along with winning a Grammy. Hip-hop artist Drake felt so entitled after winning a Grammy that he on his most recent album, “Views,” to release a song titled “Grammys.” Thankfully, not all artists take a great deal of pride in awards. Upon receiving a Grammy in 1996, Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam, made his acceptance speech short and sweet: “I don’t know what this means. I don’t think it means anything.”

The Grammy was later found in a cluttered basement while the band was recording the documentary “Pearl Jam 20.”

There are many times in life when it is necessary to declare a winner. In sports, it makes sense to reward the best team or player with a trophy, as they have proven themselves superior to every other team.

However, art does not, and should not, have a champion, only contributors. Art is not a competition.

Sanctuary Philly

Protecting undocumented immigrants ANNIE CLARK ’19 Special to the Hawk Earlier this week, Mayor Jim Kenney vowed to maintain Philadelphia’s status as a sanctuary city, despite President Trump’s executive order, signed on Jan. 25. The order called for the withholding of federal grant money from any city that has designated itself as a “sanctuary” for undocumented immigrants. If anything, the racism and xenophobia behind another one of the new president’s widely protested executive orders, which bars the entry of immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries, has proved how necessary sanctuary cities still are.

I want to establish what a sanctuary city does, and what it does not do. When a mayor or a council designates their city as a “sanctuary” for undocumented immigrants, they are merely promising not to turn those immigrants over to federal authorities in charge of deportation. Sanctuary cities are not places where undocumented immigrants are free from prosecution if they commit a crime; all a sanctuary city does in this respect is not hold such immigrants in custody if the crime they committed was non-violent in nature.

Proponents of sanctuary cities point to this practice as having led to an increase in fostering undocumented immigrants’ participation with law enforcement; if they are witness to a crime, they do not have to fear that they will be deported if they come forward and offer information. Nicole Kligerman, of the New

Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, has said that the mandatory deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit offenses is inconsistent with due process laws: “If someone commits a crime, they go to jail, they serve their time, they’re rehabilitated and should be released and not undergo this double punishment of being further deported.”

In a move both inhumane and un-American, President Trump used language so broad in crafting his executive order that he led to the detention of green card holders and refugees who had already been approved for settlement in the United States. Critics have called this executive order both immoral and unconstitutional-and it very well may be -but its ability to be passed off as law in this day and age has revealed the ugliest of American sentiment towards immigrants of certain nationalities, and why practices like sanctuary cities are necessary to protect them.

The mandatory deportation of immigrants who are found to be in this country without proper documentation is not only impractical: it is simply un-American.

Our founding promise as a country was to be a haven for those who sought to escape political persecution or pursue a better life for themselves and their families. Why not instead offer a path to citizenship for those undocumented immigrants who are already contributing to the national economy, and who are

nonviolent and productive members of American society?

It is incredibly hypocritical to have no issue benefitting from the (often severely underpaid) labor of undocumented immigrants, as many middle and upper class Americans do, and then demand that such immigrants be deported if they are discovered. Sanctuary cities protect undocumented immigrants from unfair deportation practices, and ensure that immigrants retain their chance to someday contribute to this country as citizens or permanent residents.

Recently, we seem to have forgotten the promise of providing a safe haven to international citizens-a promise that is inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty.

As our country’s first capital, Philadelphia is in a unique position to reclaim “American values” from those who carry out acts of bigotry and hatred in the name of patriotism. In this time of division and political upheaval, the last thing we should be doing is deferring to an ideologue whose policies are more in line with his own self-interests than the safety and prosperity of the country he has been elected to lead.

By focusing on what unites us, rather than divides us, and protecting those among us who are most vulnerable, we can overcome even the worst of rhetorical and ideological differences.

Needed acceptance for transgender children ROB ROY ’19 Hawk Staff

The other day, I was reminiscing with a friend about our scouting years. She was a Girl Scout during elementary school and recalled how acceptance was taught and enforced in Girl Scout community – Girl Scout troops accept transgender females and girls who are homosexual.

I got my Eagle Scout badge in 2013, a year before gay scouts were allowed into the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

I didn’t last the year.

I had entered Boy Scouts at the age of 10, having been in the Cub Scouts since I was five, and left at 16 disappointed and disgusted with the organization, mostly feeling like the years of weekly meetings were a waste. For a while, I was even hesitant to tell people I was an Eagle Scout for fear of being associated with the organization.

One of the biggest reasons for my resentful departure from scouts was the rampant sexism and homophobia I had witnessed. Once it became common knowledge that gay scouts would be allowed in, the jokes and comments were unending.

The jeers from the boys were rampant, and the leaders of my troop were no better, if not worse at times with what they said about the LGBTQ+ community. To illustrate, it became a common joke where one would say “I love you man” quickly followed by “until 2014.” But the discrimination I witnessed did not end there.

At the time, I had recently begun to date an Indian girl at school. I decided to tell my friends in scouts about her. What resulted was shock and blatant mocking that I was dating a “bindi.” Later on, at a campfire, the leaders bluntly asked me why I was dating an Indian girl. They then proceeded to make racial jokes about Indians that were about as mature as the ones from my 14-year-old friends.

Unfortunately, I am not the only one to have experienced this. In 2012, a boy named Ryan Andresen was unable to receive Eagle Scout status, which he had earned, because of his sexual orientation.

That same year, Eric Jones, a loyal Eagle Scout, was fired from his BSA camp counselor position for the same reason .

So what do I think about this change in their policy? I’m glad it happened, truly, but with the amount of time it has taken them, coupled with my own experiences, I am hesitant to really embrace this. Rules may force people to act certain ways but it won’t change their hearts. I fully expect to hear further stories about discrimination in scouting, but I will say that the new policy is a major step in the right direction.

But you can’t teach old dogs new tricks and that is truly what worries me for these kids.

Rob Roy is a two palmed Eagle Scout, a brother in the Order of the Arrow, and a National Youth LeadershipTraining Graduate.

Opinions

Feb. 8, 2017

the real truth about The war on climate change

REAL numbers

7

Don’t subtract from facts

SARAH COONEY ’17 Hawk Staff

Although this column has typically been a biweekly reminder to show more appreciation to your local mathematician, at times I have waded into unrelated waters sharing my personal and political opinions carefully masked, of course, by some witty math metaphor. However, this week there is no masking; the time for metaphor has passed. There is a war against science, and it is necessary to speak plainly.

Just as Donald Trump’s presidency was beginning, many pages began disappearing from whitehouse.gov, including information on climate change. Just days later, there was a gag order placed on both the Environmental Protection Agency and the research division of the US Department of Agriculture.

He has also ordered all studies or data from the EPA, including peer reviewed research, to be reviewed by politicians before the public has access to them.

This is not okay. The research in question is not only taxpayer funded, but has no bearing on national security and puts no lives at risk. Thus, it is the public’s right to see such studies. Unless the politicians making the reviews have doctorate degrees in the relevant subjects, I simply cannot see how their review can be of any relevance to the process.

The question then is what can we, particularly scientists, but also citizens do? Scientists, librarians, and other volunteers in our very own city, gathered at the University of Pennsylvania just days before Trump’s inauguration to compile a list of scientific data from across government webpages that was likely in danger of being removed by the incoming administration. Computer scientists then wrote scripts to scrape this data from the web and store it on private servers.

This may seem like an extreme example, but don’t worry. Even if you don’t know Java from a cup of coffee, there are still steps you can take. First of all, in the words of “Harry Potter” character Alastor Moody, “Constant Vigilance!” We must remain alert and demand the information that is being kept from us. One easy step is to write to your senators and representatives to let them know you care about these issues and insist on the public’s right to the facts (and not the alternative kind either). Another easy measure, and a way to stay informed, is to directly follow and read private scientific publications, especially peer-reviewed journals published by the professional societies from relevant fields. I also suggest following Twitter accounts such as @NotAltWorld and @RogueNASA, which according to their bios, are “resistance teams” in the name of science.

Furthermore, if the administration is to

continue these actions, then it is up to us to stand up for what we believe in, even through small everyday acts.

We can actively engage in productive change by turning off lights when we leave a room and not leaving water running while we brush our teeth. We can walk to campus instead of driving and make more of an effort to recycle. We can donate to private research efforts that rely on government grants to operate. On their own, these actions may seem insignificant, but as the Women’s March on Washington (and the sister marches all over the world) showed, there is power in numbers. If we all endeavor to do a little better for

our planet, together we could make a noticeable difference.

Right now it’s climate change, but what is next? There is no doubt in my mind that there will be additional attacks on science in the near future. In each case, we can take small steps to stay informed and stay active.

Furthermore, we need not, should not, confine ourselves to science. Now is the time to take action about any issues we care about and stand up for any rights we feel are being infringed, whether we are directly affected or not. Now is the time to stand up and stand together to show the administration that we will not become “1984.”

Photo by Luke Malanga ’20.

Call me an Uber

Why SEPTA is too unreliable for college students JULIA FOX ’20 Special to the Hawk “Get up, you’re going to miss your train!” was not the ideal start to my Saturday.

I had gone home for a night and slept through my alarm, giving me 20 minutes to get myself to the nearest train station. Despite the short notice, I successfully ended up at the Yardley, Pa. train platform awaiting my 11:05 a.m. train. At 12:05 p.m., I found myself standing in the exact same position.

The SEPTA regional rail was not working,

for supposed “signal problems” on the lines, and for maybe the hundredth time in my life, I stood cursing SEPTA for their unreliable train schedules.

In my experience, SEPTA’s trains are frequently being delayed or cancelled, often times without a reason given. If traveling outside of Philadelphia’s boundaries, many of the surrounding counties have less frequent schedules. Instead of being able to

Photo by Luke Malanga ’20.

get to a station at one’s leisure, one needs to coordinate the train times and hope that the delays will be minimal.

That Saturday morning I was upset and frustrated, wanting only to be back on campus looking at the view of Barbelin. Two men, both in their late 20s, overheard me describing the problem on the phone with my mother. One of the guys, Scott, approached and told me that he had an Uber en route to take him and the other man, Drew, to Jefferson Station. They offered me a seat in the Uber and with no other options, I accepted.

Yes, I recognize that statistically speaking, the outlook was bleak for a girl who got into a car with two strange men upon their invitation, but I took a leap of faith in humanity and accepted the offer.

After arriving in the city, I wandered through Jefferson station only to discover that the next train to Overbrook was not for another hour and a half. For the hundredth and first time in my life, I stood cursing SEPTA. At this point in the day I had still not had my coffee nor had I eaten breakfast, so an hour and a half was far too long of a wait. The price of an Uber (granted that I take Uber pool) was the equivalent of the train ticket back to Saint Joseph’s University, so I resolved to call an Uber again. Unfor-

tunately, my cell phone was dying so I ended up walking through Center City before going into the lobby of a nearby Marriott to use one of their outlets.

All in all, it took me a total of four hours to finally get back to school after leaving my home. I had never been more grateful to arrive safely back to school.

Every form of transportation has its pros and cons, but without Uber, I might not have gotten back to school on Saturday. While SEPTA is affordable and accessible, the inconveniences hamper the experience. Uber is reliable, quick, and easy. Whether I find myself in the middle of the city without any other way to get home or I simply do not want to walk to the pharmacy in the rain, Uber has been a reliable form of transportation.

Uber is the future of transportation.

The convenience of an Uber is well worth the extra few dollars if one is stuck somewhere and in need of a ride. Instead of having to stand on a train platform or a bus station, your driver will pick you up right at your door.

I still take SEPTA and try to keep my complaints to a minimum, but after being introduced to Uber, the transportation experience has become much less stressful.

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Opinions

Feb. 8, 2017

America first President Trump’s temporary immigration ban ANDREW SCHALLENHAMMER ’18 Special to The Hawk Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, there has been a record of over 90 counts of plotted or successful radical Islamic terror attacks in the United States. As a result, President Trump wants to increase national security by temporarily banning travel to the U.S. for 90 days from seven countries, from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia .

To be clear, this is not a ban on Muslims. According to Pew Research, there were over 49 countries in the world classified as “Muslim-majority” in 2010. Therefore, to even say that this is a discriminatory executive order targeted at just Muslims is false.

To be exact, this temporary ban encompasses 218 million Muslims out of the 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide for only 90 days and just 12 percent of the faith is affected —not a majority in any sense.

There was much concern as to whether the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was infiltrating the refugee camps and utilizing this to their benefit to travel across the world. The reason this temporary ban is effective is that it directly halts the influx of people from entering the U.S. from specific regions. Contrary to popular belief, President Trump did not compile this list.

According to Seth Frantzman, The Jeru-

salem Post op-ed editor, the Obama administration was responsible for compiling the list of countries used in President Trump’s temporary immigration ban Back in Feb. 2016, the Department of Homeland Security made the announcement that it would continue the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Protection Act of 2015. This law specifically handpicks the seven countries that are targeted in President Trump’s executive order that are still a concern today. President Trump is not engaging in any unconstitutional activity.

According to Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act: “Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate. ” Little do many realize, there are two clauses that permit either the grant of visas or allow migrants to enter the country on a case-by-case basis. Section 3(g) in this executive order reads, “The Secretaries of State

and Homeland Security may, on a case-bycase basis, and when in the national interest, issue visas or other immigration benefits to nationals of countries for which visas and benefits are otherwise blocked .” And in Section 5(e), “The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit individuals to the United States as refugees on a case-by-case basis, in their discretion, but only so long as they determine that the admission of such individuals as refugees is in the national interest… ” To reiterate, this is not meant to discriminate against Muslims or migrants fleeing their homes for various reasons, it is meant to keep Americans safe. America first.

This is just one of the first steps in President Trump’s “Make America Safe Again” policy. The loudest voices sometimes do not represent the majority, however. More individuals support the temporary ban than oppose it.

A new Quinnipiac University poll shows that 48 percent of Americans support this temporary ban of specific immigrants as opposed to the 42 percent who disagree.

A recent Rasmussen poll showed a majority of those polled support the temporary ban – 56 percent support the halt of migrants while only 32 percent oppose it.

As a student who passionately follows politics and world news – who has been educated by the Jesuits since high school and firmly believes in the ‘magis’ – there is no doubt in my mind that these refugees and immigrants need help. To turn the other cheek would certainly be detrimental to our values as a country and as leaders of the free world. President Trump wants to protect the people in America first, which is his job as Commander in Chief. Too many people have died in the hands of Islamic terrorism to accept this major risk.

I believe that there should be safe zones established in these countries to harbor the thousands of people affected by this temporary ban. In fact, such a safe zone exists in Saudi Arabia. In 2015, the Washington Times reported: “...the country has over 100,000 empty, air-conditioned tents that could house up to 3 million refugees “. It is illogical that we should bear the burden and risk any level of national security by not taking this precaution. We should proceed with extreme vetting. I am sure that most of these people are good people, but if our government has determined these countries are likely harboring terrorists, we cannot blindly trust that all will come with good intentions.

Why Philly?

A Brazilian reflects on her college choice ORDEM

E PR OGR ESS O

RAFA DHELOMME ’20 Hawk Staff

Photo by Kaitlyn Patterson ’20.

Throughout my life, I’ve been asked this question over ten times now, and my answer remains unchanged: I have no idea. This inquiry extends beyond my imagination, and I never manage to actually answer it because I never thought about it. I never thought about what I am doing in Philadelphia, because when coming to Philadelphia, I chose it for the college, not the city.

Now, how did I end up at Ssint Joseph’s University? I remember the extensive twoyear process of applying to an international college with all the testing, writing, and interviewing. The constant pressure and expectations are everywhere, and I am pretty

sure that’s not reserved for only international students. We all went through this experience—mine just happened to include a lot more legal issues than other’s. After applying, there was visiting, and finally, choosing a college. I know St. Joe’s was a first pick for many, but not for me.

I was on the fence about the life-changing decision because wherever I chose would mean a nine-hour flight away from home and a completely independent life away from my family. I could just hope to choose the right place, because to be truthful, I was amazed by all the colleges I visited, but there was something about St. Joe’s. My

guess is that the campus looked so beautiful that I couldn’t not chose this one.

Before coming here, I learned a lot about Philly. I made sure to do some background research about the city, along with watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” One of the things I learned is that Philadelphia is a historical city. There is an incredible amount of culture and the museums provide endless entertainment for the ones that were born here in the U.S.A., and for the ones that come only for a short vacation. The music scene in this city is amazing too and there are great alternative show houses scattered around. If you look, there is always some-

thing going on in the city.

Since I have arrived, I discovered so many amazing new places and opportunities on and off campus and that kind of blows my mind.

I am one of those people easily impressed by anything new, and I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing. It makes life interesting, and I guess this is what I am doing in Philadelphia—just enjoying as much as I can and accepting any opportunity, because I didn’t move 4,029 miles away just to study.

I am here for more than that, and that’s pretty cool.

Lifestyle

Feb. 8, 2017

9

Hidden Treasures of Philadelphia A look at the history of Mother Bethel Church EMILY GRAHAM ’20 Hawk Staff Going to school in Philadelphia comes with endless opportunities to explore the city. While we all know about the major attractions, such as the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the city has so many other significant historical sites that do not receive the recognition they deserve.

One such unknown site is the Mother Bethel Church, a historic African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) Church located on Sixth Street.

Mother Bethel Church holds great significance both locally and nationally, as it is the oldest property consistently held by African Americans in the United States. Although there have been four different buildings to serve as this congregation’s church, they have all stood on that same land. The first A.M.E. Church was founded in 1791, and the current structure was originally built in 1889.

Today, the church continues to act as a place of worship for its continuously growing congregation, but it also serves as a National Historic Landmark and an important piece of African American legacy. For these reasons, the community opened a museum in the church to honor the A.M.E. tradition.

The museum tells so much about the creation of this church and its influence on the city, the country, and eventually the world.

The first stop on the tour is a stained glass window paying tribute to the founder and first A.M.E. bishop, Richard Allen. Allen was an escaped slave who used his faith to provide a strong system of support for the former

slave community. He also worked to serve the city of Philadelphia as a whole, especially during the yellow fever epidemic when he was one of the few who remained to tend to the sick. Allen’s tomb is held in the museum as a source of constant connection to the man who started this impactful religious tradition.

Next to Allen’s tomb is a mural that illustrates the timeline of the original parish, beginning with Allen and his wife, Sarah, and depicting the construction of the three previous church buildings and the present edifice. Painted across the top of the mural is the A.M.E. motto, “God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Man our Brother,” which also appears above the altar at every A.M.E. Church across the globe, as the faith has now spread to almost every continent.

The rest of the museum holds a variety of artifacts preserved over the last 200 years, including many of Allen’s possessions and pieces from the first church building. These relics include the original pews, the pulpit from which Allen preached, and Allen’s personal Bible.

The A.M.E. Church is governed by bishops, all of whom are honored in the museum’s Hall of Bishops. Of the 136 bishops since Allen, many of them have left their mark on the Church, such as Reverend Vashti McKenzie, the first of four female bishops ordained in 2000.

The tour concluded in the sanctuary of the church. It has been renovated multiple times, but the most recent improvements,

The beauty of Mother Bethel Church has lasted since the late 18th century (Photo by Emily Graham '20).

made in 1987, restored it to resemble the original sanctuary. This renovation included refurbishment of the original pews, chandelier, and windows and replication of the carpet and organ as seen in photographs of the first church. Every aspect of the design holds symbolic value and pays homage to the church as it used to be.

The community of Mother Bethel Church has worked hard to celebrate its rich history.

From the preservation of artifacts over two centuries to the recreation of the original atmosphere of the sanctuary, the church’s members feel connected to their ancestors just by stepping onto the property. History is highly

valued within the congregation, and the parishioners are constantly offering time and talent to the church. Whether through monetary donations, artwork, or manual contribution in the renovation process, every member uses what he or she has to give back to the parish.

In the midst of Black History Month, the Mother Bethel Church is a prime example of how black history is American history. African Americans have and continue to imprint on our culture and the world, and the Mother Bethel Church actively and positively promotes a rich and beautiful example of that impact.

Profiles in the Arts: Morgan Yearick Actress, singer, writer, and director on her life in the theater ROSE WELDON ’19 Lifestyle Editor

“My first show was called ‘Zombie Prom,’” Morgan Yearick, ’18, grinned as she recalled being a member of the ensemble in her freshman year of high school. For her, the aptly-named musical would be the first production of many.

Yearick, a musical theater and philosophy double major, is an actress and singer with the SJU Theater Company and a writer and director with the Followed By a Bear student theater company. However, her interest in performing began long before “Zombie Prom.”

“I’ve been acting and singing since I was really little,” Yearick said. “I would just go around the house and make up plays and songs off the top of my head and perform them for my parents. But I had been dancing on stage when I was younger, and I didn’t perform in an actual show until I was in high school.”

After continuing to act in musicals such as “Footloose” and “Cinderella,” Yearick decided to pursue her passion upon her acceptance to Saint Joseph's University, originally planning on majoring in International Relations with a minor in either theater or music. Following being cast in the ensemble of SJU Theater Company’s “Assassins” during her sophomore year, she opted to change her major. Since then, she has performed in the company’s productions of “Into the Woods” as Florinda the Evil Stepsister and “Carousel” as Carrie Pipperidge. Currently, she is in rehearsals as an ensemble member of the rock opera “The Who’s Tommy,” set to begin performances at the end of the month.

One of Yearick’s greatest strengths is her work ethic, according to Renee Dobson, associate professor of fine and performing arts who has also directed Yearick in all of her musicals at St. Joe’s.

“Morgan is very strong as an actress,”

Morgan Yearick, '18, is most recognized for her versatility and untiring work ethic (Photo by Rose Weldon '19).

Dobson said. “She creates characterization really beautifully and works incredibly hard.

She’s responsible, and brings a great intelligence to analyzing her work.”

While she is best known for her work as an actress, Yearick has also taken an interest in behind the scenes matters as the secretary of the student theater company Followed By a Bear, which she first joined during her freshman year.

“I just acted my freshman year in our one Night of Scenes,” Yearick said. “I start-

ed directing my sophomore year, because I decided to give script-writing a shot, and at that time you could direct your own script, so I did. It was called ‘Swipe Left,’ and it was about Tinder. I realized that I really enjoyed directing, and that’s what I’ve done with the club since then.”

Most recently, Yearick was cast as Bridget O’Doyle, the grief-stricken twin sister of a dead brother, in Followed By a Bear’s first original play, “A Wake.” Colin Mallee, ’18,

the vice president of Followed By a Bear and co-head writer of “A Wake,” said that it was an easy decision to choose Yearick to lead the cast of such a landmark achievement in the club’s history, not only for her acting skills, but also for her leadership.

“I think her leadership skills have grown exponentially as a member of the executive board,” Mallee said. “She’s learned to be more confident in herself, and people have grown to trust her a lot more. She’s a valuable asset to our team.”

Yearick has also made efforts to take her love of theater outside of St. Joe’s. Last year, she founded Followed By a Bear Cub, a weekly service group that allows students interested in acting and directing to teach acting to the students at Samuel Gompers Elementary School.

“I came up with the idea at the end of my freshman year,” Yearick said. “We have the opportunity, with Gompers right there, so why not bring what we love over to the kids and share that passion with them?”

With such a visible passion for her art, it’s no wonder that Yearick is such a Renaissance woman.

“I think Morgan will be a success at whatever she does,” Dobson said, “Because of her intelligence and her work ethic, she’s willing to take chances, and I think that’s going to pay off for her.”

Yearick recognizes that her passion was the key to her success.

“The best piece of advice I’ve been given is to remember who you’re doing this for,” Yearick said. Sometimes you have tough days, but you’re doing it for the love of the craft, and you’re doing it for the people you perform with.”

10

Lifestyle

Feb. 8, 2017

Mean what you say

A newcomer explores public speaking and speech LAUREN JETT ’20 Special to the Hawk It’s a Monday night, and I find myself at the Bala Cynwyd library surrounded by a handful of people in a U-formation exchanging greetings and making small talk.

I gaze around at the diverse group of people in the room. Despite our differences, we are all here for the same reason.

At exactly 6:30 p.m. Jaqueline Culbreth makes her way to the podium at the front of the room. She makes a show of putting on a hat that she has brought with her.

“I do not like them, Sam-I-am. I do not like green eggs and ham,” she begins her speech.

And with that, the Main Line Speaks Toastmasters meeting is off to a start. The Main Line Speaks Toastmasters Club is a chapter of the Toastmasters International organization, a group with the sole purpose of helping individuals from all over the world improve their public speaking skills.

There are around 15 attendees at this meeting, and most of them are already members.

With the hat as a prop, Culbreth switches back and forth between characters, narrating the beginning of the famous Dr. Seuss story. She is one of three members giving a prepared speech at tonight’s meeting and her intro invites a collective chuckle from the group.

The meeting consists of three parts: table topics, prepared speeches, and evaluations. The structure is designed to exercise what Toastmasters believes is essential to the

improvement of public speaking: practice.

Table topics are short, one-to-two minute impromptu speeches that can be about anything and are given by a few randomly chosen members each meeting.

I heard table topics ranging from vacations to Christmas traditions, including hiding a pickle ornament in a Christmas tree. The catch is, the speakers have no time to prepare and have to speak for at least a minute on their given topic with whatever comes to their mind.

Following table topics, the prepared speeches are given. These speeches are given by the older members of the club, and they are wonderfully presented. It is clear to see that these members, with the help of Toastmasters, are well on their way to mastering the art of public speaking.

“I think Toastmasters is a wonderful example of how when you take baby steps confidence can grow,” chapter president Frank Felsburg said.

Through practice and gaining confidence, Felsburg sees members change in their communication and leadership qualities.

“This is a club where you really get out of it what you put into it,” Felsburg said.

Main Line Speaks Toastmasters Club has a very welcoming atmosphere and it is clear that every member really wants to be there. I heard one member describe it as “formal but friendly,” and that description

Speech and debate member Julian Lutz, '19 displays command of words, tone, and gesture (Photo by Rose Weldon '19).

fits the club perfectly.

“It’s a great club!” member Cheryl Hurley keeps repeating to me when she finds out I am a guest visiting for the first time.

Though I feel very welcomed by the members, I still breathe a sigh of relief when the meeting ends and I have not been called on to demonstrate the extent of my public speaking skills. Like most people in the world, public speaking isn’t my strong suit, and the thought of it definitely makes me nervous.

This is completely understandable according to Vanessa Kraus, professor of English and public speaking at Saint Joseph’s University.

She informs me that speaking is the number one fear of the human condition, topping even cancer or terrorism. She attributes this to many individuals being worried that they aren’t an expert on their topic and will be judged or called out by others.

As a professor of a public speaking class at St. Joe’s, she describes the amazing transformation she sees in students from the first week to the last week, comparing the growth that the students undergo to watching a plant grow and flower.

“The best part about public speaking is that it cross-pollinates all majors, anyone can take it,” Kraus said.

I was shocked when she told me that the three factors of influence in any given speech are words, tone, and nonverbal, with words holding seven percent of influence, tone holding 38 percent and nonverbal holding 55 percent.

This means that more of the judgement of a speech is based off of external factors such as eye contact, hand gestures, facial expressions, and appearance than on the actual words being said. Kraus also addresses these factors in her class, helping students eliminate fillers and break bad habits.

“He/she who communicates best, wins,” Kraus said.

In the world that we live in today, learning to speak effectively is essential. Any conversation we hold with someone is public speaking and serves a purpose. Kraus emphasizes the importance of public speaking by explaining how it is a powerful tool to affect change and that we have the ability to change someone’s life or world through speech.

It is clear that Kraus is very passionate about public speaking and the influence it holds in our lives. She encourages everyone to step outside their comfort zone and take the opportunity to develop public speaking skills.

“It’s a skill set that doesn’t leave. It’s forever,” she said.

Since most of the world’s population would rather have teeth pulled than stand up in front of a crowd and give a speech, I was surprised when I heard this was what Julian Lutz, ’19, does for fun.

As a member of the St. Joe’s speech and debate team, “Villiger,” Lutz spends many hours doing what numerous people worldwide would never freely do, performing speeches to be judged in competitions.

St. Joe’s has a nationally ranked debate team that participates in competitions mainly up and down the East Coast almost every

Graphic by Kaitlyn Patterson '20.

weekend. The competitions are all-day events, normally lasting from 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m.

Along with these competitions, the team, made up of seven students, practices weekly.

Even though being on the team is demanding and requires a large amount of time commitment, Lutz said that it is fun.

He said that he enjoys being on the team because it teaches him how to think clearly, express his thoughts, prepares him for job interviews, and helps him learn about himself.

“A good idea that doesn’t get shared isn’t helpful,” Lutz said. “It’s not good enough just to have a good idea. You have to have a good way to present it.”

He agrees with Kraus in that judgement from others is a major fear many face when approaching public speaking.

“I think we’re all afraid to get judged.

It’s scary to make a huge mistake and risk being laughed at,” Lutz said. “I don’t think you ever stop being nervous, but you learn to enjoy it.”

While public speaking may not be for everyone, it is important to realize that it plays a major role in our day to day lives.

There are many ways for individuals to build up confidence in their public speaking skills, be it joining a Toastmasters club, taking a public speaking class, or just throwing themselves right into it. Felsburg, Kraus, and Lutz all agree that practice is key.

While I don’t feel I’ve become a master public speaker from attending only one of Toastmasters meetings, what I have learned is sure to come in handy the next time I give a class presentation. Until then, I’ll just be happy it’s Lutz performing in the debate competitions instead of me.

Lifestyle

Feb. 8, 2017

11

Living in “La La Land” The celebrated musical offers a delightful combination of reality and romanticism EMILY GRAHAM ’20 Hawk Staff With a historic achievement of 14 Oscar nominations, “La La Land” is certainly a must-see film. This modern musical created for the big screen was released on Dec. 9, but it has not quite finished charming viewers in the theater.

“La La Land” tells the story of two people who, after multiple chance encounters, help each other reach their goals in spite of reality’s roadblocks. Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is a jazz musician with the dream of opening his own jazz club, while Mia (Emma Stone) is an aspiring, but unsuccessful actress waiting to be discovered. Gosling and Stone do not disappoint in either their talent or chemistry.

Despite being set in modern day, this movie succeeds in transporting us to a different era by creating the image of more romanticized and simpler times. Sebastian sets this tone early on by questioning what is wrong with being romantic.

Between Sebastian’s passion for reviving jazz and Mia’s lifelong love for classic mov-

ies, nostalgia plays a substantial role in the lives of both leading characters. The vibrant colors and old-fashioned style of the costumes and sets enhance the feel and appearance reminiscent of old movies.

The theatrical elements make the film truly delightful. The beautiful score, singing talents of Stone and Gosling, the juxtaposition of reality and romanticism, and choreography fit for the stage support the motif of living life in an imaginary “La La Land.”

The film masterfully portrays both everyday activities converted into dance numbers and spontaneous bursts of song and dance, my favorite of which features Gosling and Stone bantering back and forth in both lyrics and choreography over their incompatibility.

The depth of the plot comes from the conflict between the real world and their fantasies. One moment Mia and Sebastian are singing a lighthearted duet, but then reality interrupts in the form of a familiar iPhone ringtone or a smoke detector alarm. The

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling lead the cast of this Oscar-nominated musical. (Graphic by Michaul Williams ’18).

contrast between the whimsical musical sequences and the “real life” scenes emulate the characters’ desire for success and romance versus their struggle against the difficulties of reality.

Continuing this theme, Mia and Sebastian have a charming, yet realistic romance.

At first, it is refreshing to see them boosting each other up, but then they face reality when their individual goals clash. By the end, despite the rough patches, the audience is left with the message that people come into our lives and make an impression on us and our futures, no matter how long they stay.

The film simultaneously appeals to our childlike imaginations—picturing a bumperto-bumper traffic jam turning into a charmingly choreographed flash mob—and makes us question where we are going in life and what it takes to achieve our dreams. Through the two ambitious artists, the film touches on how failure, hardship, and sacrifice are natural steps to the path of success.

Overall, “La La Land” succeeds in uplifting the audience, while at the same time offering provoking ideas about life and love, If you are a fan of musicals, this one surely does not disappoint.

‘Tis the season for romance (novels)

St. Joe’s students and professors weigh in on the best fictional love stories FRANKI RUDNESKY ’18 Assistant Lifestyle Editor It’s Valentine’s Day season, which means store shelves lined with heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and Instagram feeds flooded with sappy photos of couples. But, love isn’t always as perfect as it is portrayed. Sometimes, love is difficult, dramatic, and irrational, which is why the best romance fiction is usually that which portrays love in a more realistic light.

When asked about their favorite romance

novels, several Saint Joseph’s University’s students and professors chose more true-to-life fiction than that of fantasy.

Peter Norberg, Ph. D., English department chair, is not a fan of sappy love stories.

“I like tragedies more than stories that end in ‘happily ever after,’” Norberg said.

“A lot of things immediately come to mind, but if I were to say any of these they would be more heartbreak or delusion.”

According to Norberg, the best love is that which is grounded in friendship, which

Favorite love stories cited by St. Joe’s students and staff are more realistic than sappy (Photo by Rose Weldon ’19).

is why he chose the relationship between Liesel and Max in “The Book Thief ” as one of his all-time favorite love stories.

“Relationships and stories do similar things for people, in that they help them endure hardship by imagining an alternative future, one that’s hopefully better,” Norberg said. “They inspire us to hope to realize it.

Although the ending of ‘The Book Thief ’ is sad, Liesel and Max’s relationship mirrors what the author, [Markus] Zusak, is trying to do for his readers.”

Robert Templeton, Ph. D., professor in the education department and a former high school English teacher, chose John Fowles’ “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” as his favorite.

“It is a Victorian England story that addresses a liberated woman who meets up with the Rossetti’s, the Pre-Raphael artists and poets. It also includes a desperate search for her by a Victorian gentleman,” Templeton said. “It explores the late Victorian attitudes about women, especially as represented by Victorian nobility or gentlemen.”

As for Corinne Sinesi, ’19, a novel assigned for one of her classes, Jeffrey Eugenides’ “The Marriage Plot,” ended up becoming one of her favorites.

“I actually had to read it for class then

related to it a lot so I bought it for myself,” Sinesi said. “It’s about an English major who obsesses over a romance novel because she basically finds comfort in it. Then it backfires and her life is in shambles so she has to reinvent herself. It’s a quirky and somewhat raunchy coming of age novel.”

Alisa Verrati, ’18, also noted Eugenides’ novel as one of her favorite romance novels.

“It’s very realistic. Not everyone ends up together in the end, and why would they?” Verrati said. “They’re only just starting their lives. Also because it’s comforting to read and humorous even when everything is falling apart, which is how we should look at life.”

Along with this, Verrati noted a classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel as another one she couldn’t get enough of. “‘The Great Gatsby’ is another one of my favorites,” Verrati said. “It’s beautifully tragic and really paints a picture of heartbreak without telling there’s heartbreak.

There is so much symbolism in the life Gatsby pursues for Daisy, yet at the end of the day she’s still cold.”

So, if you’re sick of mushy love stories, especially around Valentine’s Day, try checking out one of these more realistic novels for a refreshingly thoughtful read.

Lifestyle

12

Feb. 8, 2017

Horoscopes Capricorn

Aries

(March 21 - April 19) Aries, you’re active, so when you make a plan, you follow through. But, maybe lay off the strategizing this time around. Love may be complex, but falling in love is simple. So don’t stress over romance, and let it happen naturally.

Taurus

Cancer

(June 21 - July 22) You’re the one who’s always consoling others after breakups, but don’t neglect your own feelings. Pursue that person you like, or have an honest talk with your partner.

With love in the air, the time is now.

Libra

(Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) One of your favorite pastimes is socialization, so for this holiday, focus on appreciating your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. PALentine’s Day, anyone?

Scorpio

(April 20 - May 20) Taurus, you’re as stubborn as the bull that represents you, so you’re probably wary of taking chances with your partner. So this Valentine’s Day, switch it up. Make a new tradition for a truly memorable holiday, and you’ll discover new things about yourself and your partner.

Leo

(July 23 - Aug. 22) You’re always coming up with bright ideas, so if you have a way to get that special someone to notice you, or a clue for something to do to celebrate your partner, go for it.

(Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) You’re probably feeling a lot of emotions at this time of year. Don’t be afraid to be open with someone. Confide in others and you’ll find that you’ll be thinking more clearly.

Gemini

Virgo

(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) You’re enthusiastic and raring to go,but take a step back before you do anything, and think it over thoroughly.

(May 21 - June 20) You’re usually the one giving advice to your friends about their love lives. Why not change that this year? Focus on your own relationships this time around – and think of everything you can tell your friends after.

(Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) You’re nervous about taking that next step, and it’s totally understandable. So start the year off by making an exciting, new move – you won’t regret it.

Sagittarius

(Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) You’re not about the fairy-tale romance; you are practical in what you expect, and that’s a good trait to have – just make sure your partner is on the same page. Between the two of you, set some realistic expectations for your relationship.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20 - Feb 18) Chances are that you feel a need to show your love with lots of stuff this year. After all, you have a strong connection to the material world. But for now, hold back on that. Simple gestures speak louder than anything extravagant.

Pisces

(Feb. 19 - March 20) Your sensitivity means that you’re either pining for somebody, unsure of your current relationship status, or sulking after a breakup. For this year, take some steps to feel secure in your place. Afterward, think your actions out, and then do what you feel is right.

Roses are red, don't be blue

How to make Valentine’s Day sweet even when you’re single KAITLYN PATTERSON '20 Creative Director

W

hether you’re newly single, or you’ve been riding solo for a while, being alone on the most romantic day of the year can be miserable. When you’re surrounded by pink and red hearts and unwanted PDA everywhere you turn, Valentine’s Day can serve as another reminder that you are on your own. However, instead of being bitter, realize there are things you can do to make your Valentine’s Day sweet.

First things first: being single does not mean you are alone. At Saint Joseph's University you’re surrounded not only by thousands of people your age, but by other single people who are in the same position as you. Rather than hating what some people refer to as “a pointless holiday invented by greeting card companies,” spread the love this Valentine's Day. No matter how much you dislike the holiday, people love feeling loved, so take this seemingly insignificant holiday as a chance to remind your friends and family how much you care for them. Surround yourself with people who love you. Get together with a big group of friends, dress up, and go out to a fancy restaurant as a group. It’s no fun to sulk in your room with a tub of ice cream while sobbing at “The Notebook.”

As a college student, there’s no pressure to be in a relationship at this point in your life. To those who have that special someone, congratulations. However, if that does not apply to you, remember that you have the rest of your life to fall in love and settle down, so enjoy being single while you can. Independence is an important stage of life; you must learn to love and appreciate yourself before taking on the challenge of loving another person. Plus, being single on Valentine’s Day means you don’t have to spend money on oversized stuffed animals or expensive flowers that won’t live to see the next week.

If you’re thinking to yourself, ‘I’m done waiting around. I’ve been single for __ years,’ then take this opportunity to make a move on that person you gaze at every time you have class together. Strut your independent self around campus and get your flirt on. The worst thing that can happen is you could get rejected. If that’s the case, you still have your dignity.

Valentine’s Day is an important time to remind yourself that you don’t need to be in a relationship to feel loved. You can show yourself all kinds of love; so treat yourself. Just relax, buy yourself some chocolate,

and maybe watch some Netflix. Remember that you’re beautiful and you don’t need anyone to tell you that. I know it can be disappointing to be single on Valentine’s Day, but the worst thing you can do is feel sorry

SIN PRO

&

for yourself. Try to remember that Feb. 14 is just another date on the calendar. When the sun rises the next morning on Feb. 15, your “singleness” will not seem so out of place.

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Graphics by Kaitlyn Patterson '20.

Sports

Feb. 8, 2017

13

Dramatic endings

Women’s basketball wins in two close calls in final seconds ALEX HARGRAVE ’20 Assistant Sports Editor

The Saint Joseph’s University women’s basketball team took on Duquesne University on Feb. 1 and Saint Louis University on Feb. 5. St. Joe’s came away with 2 wins for the week, improving their conference record to 8-3, and overall to 11-12.

In the Hawks’ first showdown of the week, they came from behind to beat the Duquesne Dukes 60-58 off of a jumper from senior Jaryn Garner. The Hawks led for only 39 seconds throughout the entire game at Hagan Arena, but it was enough to come away with the win.

“I’m really proud of the way the kids played today; we didn’t shoot very well today, but we showed that our defense can win games,” Head Coach Cindy Griffin said. “I think down the stretch we really pulled together.”

Junior Adashia Franklyn led the St. Joe’s effort with 23 points, while sophomore Sarah Veilleux chipped in with 14.

Duquesne took control of the game early on, taking an 11-6 lead halfway through the first quarter. St. Joe’s was off, missing 3-point attempts, playing to the end of the shot clock, and turning the ball over. The first quarter ended with the Dukes holding a comfortable lead, 18-10.

Veilleux opened the Hawks’ scoring in the second quarter with a 3-pointer in the first minute of play, followed by another 3-pointer from sophomore Alyssa Monaghan to bring the score within one basket. The Dukes were able to pull away, but junior Chelsea Woods drained a pair of free throws to bring the score to 23-20. The Hawks ended the half behind at 30-23.

A jumper by senior Amanda Fioravanti started Hawk scoring in the second half, but Duquesne led 45-36 just three minutes into the period. St. Joe’s had a good scoring run to make the score 47-41 going into the last period of play.

Veilleux changed the momentum of the game scoring a jumper followed by a 3-pointer, and Fioravanti converted an and-one to tie the game at 49-49 with six minutes left of play.

The game turned in St. Joe’s favor,

taking their first lead of the game off of a Franklyn free throw, 50-49, with five minutes remaining. The lead fluctuated for the remainder of the game until Woods made a layup with one minute remaining to tie the score again at 58-58.

Duquesne made an effort to take the lead back, but was denied when Veilleux delivered a crucial block to maintain the tie. Griffin called a timeout with 30 seconds left to play.

“We did not want to lose, we wanted to win,” Franklyn said. “Coach [Griffin] was telling us that we were 25-0 on this court against Duquesne and we all wanted to be 26. If we’re all on the same page together, we can do damage.”

From here, the Hawks remained composed, allowing Garner to make a jumper with 11 seconds left that proved to be the game winner, as the Hawks held on to a 6058 win after a great comeback.

“We just kept battling back and forth when things weren’t going our way, and I think that’s a true sign of where this team is as far as maturity,” Griffin said.

The Hawks had little time to celebrate, as they had to prepare for a big matchup with the Saint Louis Billikens who had an exceptional record of 8-2 in Atlantic 10 play.

In Saint Louis, St. Joe’s took down the Billikens 66-63, improving their A-10 standing to fourth place.

Fioravanti led the Hawks with a career-high of 21 points and Woods added 15 to get their second win of the week.

Fioravanti scored the first 4 points for St. Joe’s, but the Billikens pulled ahead, leading 14-6 with two minutes left in the first quarter. The Hawks brought the score within 1 point off of a Franklyn jumper with seconds left in the period.

St. Joe’s took a one point lead to open the second quarter with a layup from senior Mackenzie Rule. The lead changed four times throughout the rest of the second quarter, ending with the Hawks leading by one going into the second half, 28-27.

The Billikens led for the majority of the third quarter until a Garner layup put St.

Teammates surround senior Jaryn Garner following her winning shot against Duquesne (Photos by Luke Malanga ’20).

Joe’s ahead, 46-44,with under two minutes left in the period. Saint Louis was able to tie the game, but the quarter ended with the Hawks leading 48-46 from a pair of Fioravanti foul shots.

From here, the Hawks maintained the lead for the remainder of the game, but not without pressure from Saint Louis. Their largest lead was seven points after a 3-pointer from Veilleux with six minutes left.

The Billikens came close to taking the lead from St. Joe’s with one minute remaining. Monaghan had a free throw to increase the lead to 65-63 with 28 seconds remaining. Fioravanti secured the game with a foul shot with 11 seconds left on the clock.

Saint Louis nearly brought the game

into overtime with a 3-point attempt with three seconds left, but Franklyn grabbed the rebound to assure the win, with a final score of 66-63.

The women’s basketball team have won their last four games; their last loss came from first-place Dayton University in overtime on Jan. 21.

“I’m proud of all of the hard work that these ladies have been putting in every day and for focusing and paying attention to detail,” Griffin said.

St. Joe’s hopes to keep their streak alive heading into an away game against Jesuit rival Fordham University at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9.

Head Coach Cindy Griffin celebrates the Hawks’ comeback win on Feb. 1.

Senior Jaryn Garner maneuvers around Duquesne players.

Sophomore Sarah Veilleux takes a shot.

14

Sports

Feb. 8, 2017

Staying on track

Men’s and women’s track and field shines in multiple events CLAIRE POTOSKY ’20 Hawk Staff The 13th annual Giegengack University Invitational marked a winning performance from Saint Joseph’s University’s men’s and women’s track and field on Feb. 3-4. The meet was held at Yale University’s Coxe Cage in New Haven, Conn.

The men brought home four individual wins and a relay victory. The women also emerged victorious with three individual wins and one relay win as well. The men’s team had six other IC4A-qualifying events and the women’s team had four other ECAC-qualifying events.

Women’s Head Coach Melody O’Reilly was thrilled with the results from this weekend, calling it a success “across the board from the sprints right through the distances.”

The men’s 4x400 meter relay team consisted of senior Brandon Ossont, junior Kenny Evely, junior Barren McCoy, and senior captain Torey Doaty. They finished

the race with a time of 3:19.10.

When asked what the team can work on for the future of the season, men’s Coach Mike Glavin said, “I think bringing more of those who are capable to the top.”

The women’s 4x400 meter relay squad included sophomore Nathaniela Bourdeau, junior Steph Toland, freshman Tamar Bourdeau, and freshman Sophia Recchilungo, and finished in 3:55.77. Quinnipiac University finished second and LaSalle University finished third.

Additional individual wins from the men’s team included the 500 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter, and 5000 meter. Doaty won the 500 meter for the seventh time in his career with a time of 1:04.53. Evely won the 400 meter with a time of 49.54. Senior Jack Magee won the 800 meter with a time of 1:54.99, taking home his first collegiate win. Junior Anthony Morelli won the 5000 meter with a time of 15:25.72. Doaty, Evely

Senior Torey Doaty races at the Giegengack University Invitational (Photos courtesy of Tom Connelly).

and Morelli all brought home season bests for the Hawks.

The women’s team’s additional victories were in the 400 meter, the 60 meter and the 200 meter. Senior Courtney Foster won the 400 meter with a time of 56.32, accomplishing her second-fastest career time for indoor track.

Nathaniela Bourdeau certainly made her mark this weekend by finishing the 200 meter in first place with a season-best time of 25.59. She also took first in the 60 meter preliminaries at 7.84 and soon after took first place at 7.77 to earn the title for the 60 meter. With these victories and her aforementioned contribution to the women’s relay win, Bourdeau was unstoppable at this invitational.

“She [Nathaniela Bourdeau] had a stellar two days,” O’Reilly said.

Both teams set an impressive amount of personal records at this meet, including some of the younger Hawks. For the men’s team, 26 PRs were set, including freshman Justin Moscoe setting two PRs in the 200 meter (22.67) and the 400 meter (50.55).

Sophomore Tommy Higley set a PR in the 3000 meter (8:40.69).

“From a personal point of view, it was very successful,” Glavin said.

Junior Dave Garton set a PR in the mile (4:12.03) and junior Collin Crilly set a PR in the same race (4:12.40).

Speaking to the success of the two mile runners, Glavin said the benefits of their hard work has been “showing up for them in spades.”

For the women’s team, freshman Michaela Urbach set a PR in the 800 meter

Junior Nathaniela Bourdeau runs this past weekend.

(2:20.48). In the same race, senior Julia Jenkins set a PR (5:13.52) and sophomore Britton Gagliardi did as well (5:14.43).

“We want to get more people qualified for the ECAC meet before we go to A-10,” O’Reilly said. “We need to stay healthy and keep doing what we’re doing.”

Coming up for the Hawks is the Fastrack National Invitation which will be Feb. 10 at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, NY. Following that on Feb. 11 will be the Monmouth Winter Invitational at Monmouth University’s OceanFirst Bank Center.

Hawk fun fact junior Steve Thompson has recorded 5 first-place finishes for the 20162017 men’s indoor track season.

Photo by Dylan Eddinger ’19.

Sports

Feb. 8, 2017

15

Demonstrating depth

Nov. 16, 2016

Tennis picks up first win of the 2017 season NICK MANDARANO ’18 Sports Editor

The Saint Joseph’s University men’s tennis team faced off against Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) on Feb. 4. The Hawks defeated Carnegie Mellon 6-1 and earned their first victory of 2017. Senior Kyle Chalmers and sophomore Dan Tan picked up a win in the first doubles flight. In the third doubles flight, freshman Beekman Schaeffer and senior Valentijn van Erven picked up the victory to secure the doubles point for the Hawks.

“Kyle Chalmers, our number one captain, gives us 110 percent every time and his positivity is a great contributor with the leadership that he gives,” Head Coach Ian Crookendon said.

Sophomore Tim Stierle shows passion and enthusiasm on Sept. 17 (Photo by Luke Malanga ’20).

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In the singles matches, St. Joe’s won the first five of the six total flights. Sophomore Andre Fick, junior Peter Dewitt, Chalmers, and Tan each picked up wins for the Hawks in three sets. Dewitt’s win came with a supertiebreaker. Schaeffer also picked up a singles win for the Hawks in straight sets.

The match against CMU was really intended to be a warm-up for the Hawks’ match against Duquesne.

“At this stage of the season, it’s their second match of the season and we needed to get another match under our belt before we played Duquesne,” Crookendon said.

“When we arranged to play Duquesne, we were trying to find another match. Carnegie Mellon was the one that worked out.”

A day later, the team took on Duquesne University and dropped the match, 5-2. The Dukes defeated St. Joe’s in each of the doubles matches. Chalmers and Schaeffer each picked up singles wins for the Hawks, but it wasn’t enough to win the day.

“Once Duquesne got the doubles point, they had confidence going into singles play, and though the guys fought hard, we went down,” Crookenden said. “We had some strong matches from Kyle, our captain, and Beekman to get us on the board, but it was too late to stop Duquesne from clinching the win.”

The women’s tennis team struggled last weekend and lost against both opponents.

Against Carnegie Mellon, junior Maureen Devlin and sophomore Isis Gill-Reid won the second doubles flight for the Hawks, but

5

Junior Maureen Devlin returns a volley on Sept. 24 (Photo by Luke Malanga ’20).

St. Joe’s would drop the other two to give CMU the doubles point. Senior Alex Zachem and freshman Katherine Devlin each picked up a singles win in straight sets. Unfortunately for the Hawks, these would be their only points of the day resulting in a 5-2 loss. The women were unable to earn a point against Duquesne, dropping the match, 7-0.

Despite the Hawks winning just one of their combined four matches, Crookendon believes there are positives to take from the weekend.

“Against Carnegie Mellon, we were missing two starters,” he said. “We had showed that we had depth. We showed that when we’re missing a regular starter, there

are people who are capable of stepping up and proving themselves. We have the keys in place for better results.”

Crookendon likes to look at the tennis program as one whole team rather than a men’s team and a women’s team.

“We like to consider the program not necessarily as two separate sports or two separate entities,” Crookendon said. “We do a lot together. We train together, travel and play when we can. The sport’s the same. The court’s the same. Strategies are the same.”

Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams will travel to Easton, Pa. to take on Lafayette College on Feb. 11.

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16

Sports

Feb. 8, 2017

Double trouble

Men’s basketball falls to Fordham in double overtime game ALLEN SMITH ’19 Hawk Staff The Saint Joseph’s University men’s basketball team took on the Fordham University Rams at Hagan Arena on Feb. 4. The game was part of a new tournament called “Jesuit Basketball Weekend,” where 13 Jesuit basketball teams faced off against each other in a total of 10 games.

“We did not communicate well at all,” Head Coach Phil Martelli said after the game. “Communication was off.”

Both the Hawks and the Rams needed this win to stay competitive in the Atlantic 10. Both teams had a conference record of 3-6 going into the game. Fordham was also looking for their first win against the Hawks as they have not beaten the Hawks in their last three matchups.

The Hawks started off the game with the ball, but had a sloppy start. After sophomore Lamarr Kimble got the scoring started with a 2-point jumper, the Hawks danced into a rhythm and started to score more points.

The game was moving back and forth as both teams were scoring. After, freshman Charlie Brown entered the game for the Hawks, he made six 3-pointers. The Hawks started to heat up and took a 5-point lead

into halftime.

“We have to get him [Brown] to hunt a little bit more in the zone, he was kind of like moving through the zone instead of hunting for dead spots,” Martelli said, though Brown was 6-11 beyond the arc.

After halftime, the Hawks rose above their competitors with a pair of threes from junior James Demery and Brown. The Hawks built a lead by as much as 15 points about half way through the second half.

The Hawks could not keep the strong momentum going. Fordham put on a great run in the remaining minutes of the second half and took the lead with 19 seconds left in the half. Then, the Hawks designed a play and got the ball to Kimble who made a game leading three, but the defense broke down and Fordham sunk a layup to take the game to the first overtime.

The Hawks won the opening tipoff, but it was Fordham who started out on top, creating a 6-point lead.

The Hawks were able to play stronger defense and started to destroy Fordham’s lead. Kimble made both foul shots and the game was tied again, sending the teams back onto the floor for double overtime.

The Hawks won the tipoff again and got a lead of four, but they could not hold on. Fordham again got a lead, and again Kimble was on the line to tie the game.

Thankfully for the Hawks, Kimble was making his foul shots and tied the game with seven seconds left.

Fordham advanced the ball out of the press, dribbled to their side, and gave the ball to Rams player Antwonie Anderson.

Anderson took the ball, pulled up, and fired the final shot of the game.

However, in typical Philadelphia fashion, the Hawks had a crushing defeat and lose on a buzzer beater. Martelli said the last shot “was good enough to go in.”

Overall, the Hawks went 24-40 from the foul line shooting 60 percent. The Hawks missed key foul shots late in the game that allowed Fordham to get ahead.

The Hawks also went 24-63 from 2-point

range for 38.1 percent and 11-23 from beyond the arch for 47.8 percent. Martelli was not happy with the shooting during the game and said “it’s embarrassing.”

The Hawks’ MVP was Kimble with 24 points and 4 assists across his 50 minutes of playing time.

“Our physicality stopped, and that’s how they were able to get what they wanted,” Kimble said after the game.

The final score after double overtime was Fordham 86, St. Joe’s 83. This was the first double overtime game for the Hawks since a loss against St. Bonaventure University on Feb. 2, 2012.

The Hawks’ next game is Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at Dayton University followed by a game at Hagan Arena on Feb. 11 against the University of Massachusetts at 2:30 p.m.

Sophomore Lamarr Kimble brings the ball up the court.

Freshman Nick Robinson drives to the basket.

Junior James Demery pulls up for a jumpshot.

The game against Fordham on Feb. 4 was Autism Awareness day for the fans (Photos by Luke Malanga ’20).