The Hofstra
HEMPSTEAD, NY Volume 84 Issue 16
Chronicle
Tuesday
April 2, 2019
Keeping the Hofstra community informed since 1935 News
Hofstra sued over racial discrimination allegations against Public Safety Authorized campus resident cites false imprisonment, seeks $800,000 in damages
By Sarah Emily Baum SPEC IA L TO T H E C H R O NI CL E
A Hispanic man has filed a lawsuit against Hofstra in the Nassau County Supreme Court citing racially-motivated false imprisonment, infliction of emotional distress and discrimination in violation of the New York State Human Rights Law. David O’Neill, 32, of Suffolk County, filed the civil suit on February 12, 2018, seeking $100,000 for each of the three counts, plus $500,000 in punitive damages and attorneys’ fees, totaling $800,000. Court documents uncovered by The Chronicle earlier this month reveal allegations that Public Safety officers discriminated against and wrongfully detained O’Neill, who had been living on campus during the summer of 2017. As of publication, the lawsuit is still active. The plaintiff’s lawyer, G. Oliver Koppell, a former New York
State attorney general, told The Chronicle via a phone interview that his client’s experience was due to racial profiling. “[My client] has a Hispanic background, and we believe that was one of the causes of the improper treatment he received,” Koppell said.
Square with his girlfriend, Brittany Coffer, during the summer of 2017. O’Neill and Coffer were residents authorized both by the University and by Cultural Care Au Pair, a childcare training service. Coffer was assistant director of operations
to the press at this time. Coffer could not be reached for comment. According to the complaint, O’Neill was leaving Newport house when he was stopped by a Public Safety officer, who asked him how he had entered the
“[My client] has a Hispanic background, and we believe that was one of the causes of the improper treatment he received ... He was improperly treated ... wrongfully imprisoned and held against his will”
“He was improperly treated, ... wrongfully imprisoned and held against his will.” According to court documents, O’Neill was living in Newport house in Colonial
at Cultural Care, according to her LinkedIn. The company had rented the space for summer programming. Koppell spoke on behalf of O’Neill, who declined to speak
building. O’Neill told the officer he had entered with his keycard, adding that he was a resident with Cultural Care through Conference Services and had been there
for two months. O’Neill then showed the officer his keycard. The complaint alleges that the officer “continued to harass and question” O’Neill and asked for additional identification. O’Neill returned to his residence hall and the officer followed him to his room. Upon arriving at the room, the officer questioned Coffer regarding O’Neill’s residence. Coffer said they lived together and were both authorized residents. The officer continued to question the couple and called for backup. O’Neill attempted to leave the building a second time but was stopped by “five to seven additional Hofstra Public Safety officers,” according to the complaint. This included the night manager, who supervises nighttime Public Safety shifts. Public Safety nor Koppell would disclose any names of ofContinued ON A2
Sports Arts & Entertainment
Billie Eilish’s debut album takes listeners inside her subconscious By Erin Hickey C OPY C H I E F
Following the success of her EP “Don’t Smile at Me,” Billie Eilish released her debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” on Friday, March 29. Eilish gained popularity after releasing her single “Ocean Eyes” on SoundCloud at the young age of 14. Now 17, she has gained extreme popularity through being the antithesis of a pop star. Her melodies are
haunting; her lyrics are full of angst; and her music videos feature spiders, bloody noses and black tears. The album opens with an introduction that perfectly displays Eilish’s personality as she takes out her retainer in an ASMR-like moment and states, “I have taken out my Invisalign and this is the album.” This sets the tone for the rest of the album, which moves from the upbeat confidence of “bad guy” to the melancholy whispers of
“goodbye” to create a listening experience just as unpredictable as Eilish herself. “bad guy” opens the album with a driving bassline followed by Eilish stating she’s “that bad type / Make your mama sad type / Make your girlfriend mad type / Might seduce your dad type.” The highlight of this song is when the beat stops and there’s silence for a moment before Eilish says, “Duh.” Continued ON B2
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Justin Wright-Foreman, an NBA hopeful, reminisces on his Hofstra career and record-breaking season.
ON A18
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203 Student Center hofstrachronicle@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief Joe Fay Managing Editor Katie Krahulik Business Manager Alexus Rogers News Editors Taylor Clarke Jill Leavey Assistant News Editor Melanie Haid A&E Editors Samantha Storms A&E Assistant Editors Victoria Bell Eleni Kothesakis Sports Editors Christopher Detwiler Felipe Fontes Alexandra Licata Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Roberts Features Editors Rachel Bowman Drashti Mehta Op-Ed Editors James Factora Daniel Nguyen Assistant Op-Ed Editor Jordan Hopkins Amanda Romeo Copy Chief Erin Hickey Assistant Copy Chiefs Mia Thompson Gabby Varano Multimedia Editors Robert Kinnaird Peter Soucy Social Media Manager Brian Sommer Social Media Assistant Eddie Fitz
University denies claims of raciallymotivated conduct on part of Public Safety Continued FROM A1 ficers or faculty involved in the incidents. O’Neill told the night manager he believed the reasons he was stopped and questioned were “racially motivated.” The night manager replied by threatening to call the police and then directed the Public Safety officers to escort O’Neill back to the residence hall a second time. At the dorm, Coffer reaffirmed O’Neill was an authorized resident. Public Safety then escorted O’Neill to his car and requested his state-issued identification, which he provided. The complaint detailed that despite “nonthreatening behavior and full cooperation,” O’Neill was “surrounded” by security personnel and “prevented from leaving the premises.” The officers transported O’Neill by patrol car to the Department of Public Safety Office “against his will,” the complaint alleges. The officers confined him to a room where they continued to question O’Neill upward of two hours. During this time, the day manager called the night manager to confirm that O’Neill was an authorized resident at Hofstra. The officers escorted O’Neill back to Newport house via patrol car and then followed him back to his dorm room. O’Neill,
the academic year by the students of Hofstra Student Center, 200 Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. 11549. Advertising and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (516) 463-6921. The Chronicle reserves the right to reject any submission, in accordance with our written policies. All advertising which may be considered fraudulent, misleading, libelous or offensive to the University community, The Chronicle or its advertisers may be refused. The products and opinions expressed within advertisement are not endorsed by The Chronicle or its staff.
until he had exited the campus, according to the complaint. The complaint further alleges that O’Neill’s detainment was “without reason or basis, and [was] done with a conscious disregard for [the] plaintiff’s civil rights.” The following day, two sepa-
Assistant Vice President of University Relations Karla Schuster declined to answer specific questions about pending litigation. She only offered a general denial of the claims levied against the school. “Hofstra University followed campus safety protocols with
on his own volition, packed his belongings and went to his car, still followed by Public Safety. Before he left, the night manager demanded he leave his state-issued identification at the resident safety representative (RSR) booth in Colonial Square. O’Neill complied and then drove away. Public Safety officers continued to follow his car
the residential side of campus, which is only open to Hofstra residents and authorized guests. “If [someone who is stopped and questioned] presents identification and we can verify that person belongs there, then of course they’re going to be allowed,” O’Callaghan said. “In most cases, when we stop and question someone, it is often because we received a call that they have seen somebody suspicious on campus, in the library or one of the buildings.” Officers do not carry weapons and they do not have arresting powers. Their abilities “are similar to those of a civilian,” O’Callaghan said. However, if someone seems suspicious, O’Callaghan said, “then we will escort them to [the DPSO] and notify police to respond to assist in identifying the person who might be trespassing on Hofstra property,” she said. “In limited cases, we may restrain someone who is posing a physical threat to others or themselves.” O’Callaghan told The Chronicle that Public Safety is a private security force hired by Hofstra. According to Hofstra’s 2018 Public Safety Report, all officers are licensed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and must complete at least 24 hours of private security training in addition to annual in-service training. These sessions cover issues such as sex crimes, fire prevention, community relations and diversity. Amanda Del Gaudio, from Hofstra’s Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion Center, confirmed that she hosted Public Safety officers for about two hours of training this past January. The training, called Help Us Help You Help Them, addressed a broad spectrum of topics pertaining to diversity, such as gender and racial identity. As for the lawsuit, depositions began Thursday, March 7, 2019. Discovery will continue in the coming weeks.
“The complaint detailed that despite ‘non-threatening behavior and full cooperation,’ O’Neill was ‘surrounded’ by security personnel and ‘prevented from leaving the premises.’” rate Hofstra officials reached out to O’Neill to apologize, the complaint says. “It was an extremely upsetting experience for him,” Koppell said. “There was no reason for them to restrain him.” Hofstra’s legal response to the lawsuit corroborates some of what the complaint asserts. It acknowledges that O’Neill was exiting Newport house and that he was stopped and subsequently questioned. It also confirms that officers made a copy of O’Neill’s state-issued
regard to this matter and denies all allegations of discriminatory conduct,” Schuster said. “The University is vigorously defending the lawsuit in the court system.” Director of Public Safety Karen O’Callaghan declined to comment on the case, also citing University policy not to comment on pending litigation. She also declined requests to put The Chronicle in contact with the night manager, day manager or other officers involved. However, O’Callaghan did
“Public Safety’s duty is to keep the campus community safe, protect them and offer assistance when needed”
The Chronicle is published every Tuesday during University. The Chronicle is located in Room 203
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identification, escorted him to and from Newport house in a patrol car, spoke to Coffer while O’Neill packed his belongings and continued to follow O’Neill until he left campus. However, the University disputes other details of O’Neill’s account and denies that the officers acted wrongfully or were motivated by racism.
speak to The Chronicle about the protocols and trainings provided to officers. “Public Safety’s duty is to keep the campus community safe, protect them and offer assistance when needed,” she said. According to O’Callaghan, officers are supposed to investigate if they have reason to believe someone is trespassing on
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April 2, 2019 A3
Hofstra appoints first chief diversity and inclusion officer
Joe Fay / The Hofstra Chronicle Cornell L. Craig, who previously served as assistant dean for diversity and inclusion at Pace University, was appointed Hofstra’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer (CDIO) in March.
By Joe Fay EDITOR - I N - C H I E F
Cornell Craig, Hofstra’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer (CDIO), began work in his new position on Monday, April 1.
He was hired in March after a months-long nationwide search. One of Craig’s main goals in this new position is uniting the different diversity initiatives that different departments and schools already have. “There’s a lot of good work
already going on with diversity and inclusion on campus, but there’s no overarching theme, goal [or] strategy,” he said. “My focus will be to bring together those different areas and have an overarching strategy for what we’re doing from an institutional perspective as far as diversity.” Craig came to Hofstra from Pace University, where he was involved with multicultural affairs and diversity since 2009. His new role at Hofstra will build upon his experience as he hopes to bring together students, faculty and staff to improve the University. The new CDIO wants to start a campus-wide dialogue by listening to students. This will be achieved through open forums where concerned members of the Hofstra community can openly speak. “It’s not for me to tell students what their experience is or what it should be,” Craig said. “It’s for me to hear what those experiences are, build on the
positive aspects of it and look to remedy those areas where they aren’t being served.” One of these open forums will take place on Wednesday, April 17, when the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication will hold its town hall to address concerns from the diversity and inclusion survey that was sent out earlier this semester. Craig is aware of the diversity and race discussions that have been taking place at Hofstra over the past year. In addition to forums where he can hear these students speak directly, one of his long-term goals is to create an online process that would allow students to submit comments and concerns to his office. He hopes to address diversity issues across the board in various areas. “[We want] to be more transparent as far as creating access and opportunity for student voices to be heard. I think that’s important,” he said. “I think it’s also important to look at other areas of diversity
that can really use some improvement. Looking at diversity amongst faculty ... looking at implicit bias and the role that can play.” The addition of the CDIO to the cabinet of President Stuart Rabinowitz highlights Hofstra’s continued efforts to address diversity and inclusion on campus. In 2015, the University created the Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion office, a branch of Student Affairs that oversees multicultural and LGBTQ+ clubs and programming. “Creating this leadership position is part of Hofstra’s continuing commitment to diversity and inclusion,” Rabinowitz said in a statement. “Cornell Craig has a track record of developing strategies and programs that foster a campus environment that values diversity, and an ability to collaborate across disciplines and departments that is essential for the success of this newly created role.”
Zarb panel inspires the workforce of tomorrow
By Adam Flash STAFF W R I T E R
The Frank G. Zarb School of Business hosted “Meet the C-Suite” – a panel discussion designed to prepare students for success in the job market after graduation – on Thursday, March 28, in the Monroe Lecture Center. Panelists of business professionals offered advice from their personal experiences. The panel included alumna Stella Mendes, the Senior Managing Director of FTI Consulting, and Michael Roberge, the CEO of MFS Investment Management. The discussion was moderated by Frank G. Zarb, the namesake for the school, who currently serves as a senior advisor to Promontory Financial Group and is a former chairman and CEO of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. The panel began with opening remarks by newlyappointed Zarb School Dean Janet Lenaghan and Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz, and eventually moved into
questions posed by Zarb to the panel. The initial part of the conversation focused the impact of technology on an everevolving industry. “Technology is disrupting every industry ... as a CEO, you really have to be close to that change. You have to be learning all the time what’s on the cutting-edge of technology and what it’s doing to the business. Where are the opportunities? Where are the risks? Where should we be investing?” Roberge said. The panelists then shifted the discussion to the need for cultural awareness in business. “Most businesses now are global businesses,” Mendes said. “It’s a challenge sometimes when you go work in other countries and you don’t understand the culture or how they do business. It’s really, really important now that people understand how different cultures go about doing things,” “Creating a culture in an organization where risk is really important that starts at the top and cascades down into the organization, makes you much
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra University The newly-renovated Frank G. Zarb School of Business hosted ‘Meet the C-Suite’ on Thursday, March 28, in Monroe Lecture Center to prepare students for success in the job market post-graduation.
less likely to run into problems,” Roberge added. In her parting words of advice to the audience, Mendes emphasized the importance of interpersonal and communication skills in the technological age.
Roberge spoke on the ethics and integrity of working in the private-sector, saying how “learning to do the right thing even if there’s personal cost associated with that is super, super important.” “[T]he part focusing on ethics
was very important,” said senior finance major Daniel Frankel after the panel. “People in my position, who are seniors, need to know even if it’s not going to benefit you to do the right thing. That was a big takeaway.”
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Mousseau reframes conversation on violence and sexual assault By Letisha Dass STAFF W R I T E R
Tim Mousseau, a sexual violence prevention speaker, used his passion and personal experiences as a victim to spark conversations about redefining masculinity and provoking change in society during a special lecture at Hofstra on Wednesday, March 27. “The way we talk about this topic in this country is broken,” Mousseau said. He transformed his trauma into an educational lecture for campuses and organizations. Mousseau feels that because of the broken communication that exists around these topics, it is difficult for many to talk about it. During the event, a member of Hofstra’s Student Health & Counseling Center was on standby for any students who needed to talk after the lecture. After graduating college, Mousseau was targeted through anonymous letters. He described how he was doubted by family, friends and coworkers about the event. As if “I was somehow at fault,” Mousseau said. He ex-
plained that many of his friends felt uncomfortable around him after becoming aware of his trauma. “[This event] opened my eyes to the topic that I did not know before,” said Victoria O’Dell, a sophomore video and television major. “I’ve also kept myself updated about sexual assault and how to comfort people that have been through it.” Mousseau’s discussion was sponsored by the Title IX Office for Student Issues, College Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Professional Fraternity Council, Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and Campus Recreation. “I still think that [we] could do more to make it so guys do not feel like they are always the problem,” said Matthew Barwell, a senior business management major. “While obviously statistically speaking, guys have a higher likelihood of triggering those events, there are still a lot of guys who are turned off about talking about it because they are immediately blamed.” After becoming aware of these shortcomings, there is a
Photo Courtesy of TimMousseau.com Tim Mousseau, a sexual violence prevention speaker, led a discussion on redefining masculinity and creating change in society at Hofstra on Wednesday, March 27.
way to take action. This comes first through understanding the definition of sexual violence – among other things, this includes rape, stalking and sexual assault. Sexual violence can be avoided through a complete understanding of what consent is and how bystanders can prevent it. “Sexual violence in any form is one of the most preventable
crimes in the United States,” Mousseau said. “The problem is that I did nothing until I was sexually assaulted,” Mousseau said. “Hofstra does do a really good job of putting on programs and at making resources and information more accessible, but you cannot force students to take advantage of that,” said Olivia Beaton, a senior English major.
“That is why we had the idea to break out of the typical Title IX training so that we could get something that is interesting for students and have someone tell a real story instead of a bunch of random information. We find it more impactful when there is a personal connection.”
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April 2, 2019 A5
Globalization Day addresses society-wide debate over socialism By Robert Traverso STAFF W R I T E R
Amy Baehr, professor of philosophy, and Martin Melkonian, professor of economics, aimed to dispel popular mythologies surrounding socialism and provide a clear definition of the ever-so-loaded term during a panel held at Hofstra on Tuesday, March 26, inside the Guthart Cultural Center Theater. The Center for Civic Engagement hosted the panel, which was part of the University’s Globalization Day 2019. Officially titled “The ‘S’ Word (and other ‘isms),” the main goal of the panel was to clarify both what socialism actually is and what socialism definitely is not. Baehr opened the discussion by arguing that the lack of a commonly agreed upon definition of socialism is inhibiting the debate over capitalism and socialism that is currently taking place at the national level. Because of this, “We’re not really having a conservation,” Baehr said, but rather talking past one another.
Baehr went on to flesh out what socialism is as an ideology and philosophy. “Socialism is a form of property ownership, not a form of governance,” she said. Socialism is rooted in the idea that there should be collective ownership of what Karl Marx famously deemed the “means of production,” or both the tangible and intangible elements of an economy necessary for the production of goods. Baehr also distinguished between “full socialism” and “partial socialism.” Baehr explained that under full socialism, “the people in common own all of society’s productive assets,” as well as “all of the fruits of those assets,” while under partial socialism, only “some” of both “society’s productive assets” and “the fruits of those assets” are owned by the people. Baehr said that the U.S. has a partially socialist economy by
definition, citing taxpayer funding (and ownership) of public education, roads and Medicare and Medicaid to make her case. Socialism, Baehr added, is not a “theory of distributive justice,” meaning that it does not outline which people should own what in society or how much each person should own. Instead, socialism is the idea
tion for inequality. Nonetheless, socialism has long been a “dirty” word in the U.S., largely due to its association with the Soviet Union and other formerly (or currently) communist countries. A common concern expressed by the American political right is that socialism is authoritarian in nature and can only be
“I feel like when we talk about socialism it’s seen as this far-left crazy idea when it’s really about ensuring that there’s equality for people.” that people should have equal stake in their own society. This is the difference between “left liberals,” such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and socialists, Baehr explained. Left liberals seek to reduce inequality through the welfare state while socialists push for communal ownership of the means of production as the solu-
implemented in an authoritarian manner. This, Baehr stressed, is untrue. While socialism can certainly be implemented autocratically by a one-party state (like in the Soviet Union), it can also be implemented democratically through a republic (like in the U.S.), or even through anarchism.
Rather than collective ownership of property, “The fundamental notion of socialism today [is that] wealth should be shared more equally,” Melkonian said. Many in favor of socialism today see it as a system that simply aims to foster a more equal society. “I feel like when we talk about socialism, it’s seen as this far-left crazy idea when it’s really about ensuring that there’s equality for people,” said Leah Chiappino, a freshman journalism and political science double major. “It’s not that much different than what we have now; it’s not this crazy, revolutionary idea.” Sanders, a self-proclaimed “democratic socialist,” nearly secured the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 2016 and is widely seen as a frontrunner in the 2020 race for the presidency. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York’s shocking victory – and subsequent massive popularity – is yet another sign that voters are more and more willing to back politicians that identify as “socialist.”
Public Safety Briefs Compiled by Taylor Clarke
On March 21 at 11:40 a.m., while conducting health and safety inspections in Nassau
Hall, an RD reported that a clear, glass bong was found in open view inside a resident’s
Robert Kinnaird / The Hofstra Chronicle
room. PS responded and confiscated the drug paraphernalia. The student will be issued a referral to OCS. On March 23 at 1:30 a.m., an RSR reported to PS that two individuals climbed over the Netherlands north turnstile. PS responded and located the individuals who were identified as non-students. They were taken to the Hofstra Information Center and banned from campus. A referral was issued to the resident that was being visited for a violation of the Hofstra ID policy. On March 23 at 8 p.m., while on patrol in Breukelen house, PS observed the odor of marijuana coming from a room inside the
residence hall. The PS officer knocked on the door and the resident was inside. A clear bag of marijuana was visible under the resident’s bed. The drugs were confiscated and the resident was issued a referral to OCS for drug abuse violation. On March 25 at 10 a.m., an RD reported that while conducting health and safety inspections, a glass bong with residue of marijuana was found inside a resident’s room. The items were confiscated and the student was issued a referral to OCS. On March 28 at 9 a.m., a Hofstra student reported to PS that she had parked her car at noon on Wednesday, March 27, in the Maurice A. Dean School of Law parking lot. When she returned at 10 p.m. that same day, her Louis Vuitton bag and
its contents, valued at $2,500, were removed from the vehicle. A search was conducted which proved negative. The Hempstead Police Department was notified, responded and took report for larceny.
Key OCS – Office of Community Standards PS – Public Safety RD – Resident Director RSR – Resident Safety Representative
features
A6 • April 2, 2019
The Chronicle
My Women’s History Month: Women empowering women
In March of Next, she played “I Am despite not registering the words 2009, we discovered Woman” for us on a CD player they were so gleefully singing. another one of her and encouraged us to sing along. When the month ended, we all unique units – Wom- When the song ended, she told us took our signs home and left the en’s History Month. to get our signs and line up at the memories and lessons of WomWe were given the door. We did as we were told and en’s History Month with them. lyrics to Helen Redfollowed her outside where she Most of us were relieved to redy’s “I Am Woman” began to play the song again and turn to a normal schedule with no and instructions led us around the school as we protesting and no other students to create our own sang along confidently. We were watching us as we paraded by protest sign. staging a protest. their classrooms. Mine was a large cardboard “A decade later, I look back on that experience fondly. I am circle glued Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons to a yardstick, proud to call myself a feminist, and I give Mrs. Reynolds then another credit for building that foundation.” Picket signs at a Women’s March held in New York City cardboard line glued farther down on to write in cursive and tested us By Alissa Anderson the yardstick to resemble on the countries and capitals of STAFF WRITER As the month went on, we A decade later, I look back the world, much to the dismay of the Venus symbol. Women’s History Month had One boy in my class had continued with this routine. Evon that experience fondly. I am many of my classmates and me. never been on my radar until I simply written “I like women” ery day we would march around proud to call myself a feminist, During recess and lunch, we was 12 years old. I’m sure it had on a piece of construction paper the school with our fearless and I give Mrs. Reynolds credit would whine to our friends in been touched upon in my eleand that did not cut it for Mrs. leader. for building that foundation. the other class about this. They mentary school years, but when Reynolds. Some of us, myself included, While I felt embarrassed at would gleefully tell us that they you’re a white child, too young She instructed him to add hated the ritual because we were the time, I now reflect on her did not have the same requireto vote or have a job with a to the statement, “They are my the only class doing it, while the and her protests every March. I ments. It didn’t take long for mother who is a lawyer, you sim- us to learn that Mrs. Reynolds equals and must be treated as other classes would watch us and sometimes consider blasting “I ply don’t think about inequality. such.” At this point, I don’t think laugh. Some students loved the Am Woman” out of my dorm taught her classes in a very My sixth grade teacher’s any of us knew what the point of break from academics and enwindow for old times’ sake. After different manner from the other name was Mrs. Reynolds. She this exercise was. joyed yelling along with Reddy, all, I still know all the words. teachers. was old-fashioned, required us
Constructing communities through Habitat for Humanity
By Emily Sauchelli SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
I know many students hope to find a niche once they enter college that is fun and that keeps them occupied despite the stress and anxiety that college can bring. For me, it was not that difficult to find a club to keep me busy. I found out about Hofstra’s Habitat for Humanity (HHH) campus chapter, established in 2013, at the club fair right before my freshman year began. I have spent four glorious years with HHH and each year has been better than the last. I joined HHH was because I wanted to learn about construction. I mean, who doesn’t want to learn how to build a house, right? In my time with HHH, I have picked up a ton of skills that will be beneficial in the future. I’ve learned how to spackle properly, how to put together a refrigerator and how to build a
front deck. My first build with HHH was in October 2015 and from then on I was hooked. I applied to be part of their Collegiate Challenge trip, in which HHH members volunteer at another affiliate in the United States during spring break. Only 12 students are picked, and originally I was not one of them. I was ecstatic when I received an email saying a spot had opened up and that it was being offered to me. That initial invitation allowed me to become one of three people and the first non-executive-board member to participate in the challenge four times. I completed the collegiate challenges in New Orleans, Louisiana; Daytona Beach, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; and, this year, Atlanta, Georgia. I don’t think I would be as concerned about the world as I am right now if I hadn’t joined HHH. HHH teaches its members
about affordable housing and the importance of working together as a team. I’ve made many friendships and bonds over the years and each and every one of us has looked out for one another no matter what. Every Collegiate Challenge trip has a “reflection session” where everyone on the trip gathers around in a circle and answers a question, given to the group by the current HHH president, that allows us to talk to each other in a deeper manner and helps us in building stronger relationships. With graduation a little over a month away, I am going to miss HHH with all my heart. The friendships I have made and the skills that I have attained are incomparable. There is nothing like being around people who have the same passions as you. I made some of my best friends through HHH. No matter where your passion lies, I suggest you surround yourself with people
Photo Courtesy of Emily Sauchelli Sauchelli sanding down the door of a house built by the members of Habitat for Humanity during spring break.
who praise your abilities and make you feel confident in your own skin. Those are the people that stick with you when times get tough. Finding friends and your passion in college can be difficult, but finding a club that is fun and makes an impact on the community is simple. I want to thank everyone who has been on
a build with me, everyone who has gone on collegiate challenge with me and especially HHH’s advisor and Hofstra’s Sustainability Officer Terry Greis – none of my memories would be complete without you along for the ride.
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The Chronicle
April 2, 2019 •A7
Humans of Hofstra By Qainat Anwar & Drashti Mehta S TA F F W R I T E R/ F E AT URE S E DI TOR
“In summer 2016, I went on a volunteer trip to India for my birthday and I
Nadine Khalaf
spent three weeks there. The first two weeks, we volunteered at children’s orphanages in New Delhi and Palanpur, which is more of the countryside; the third week was mostly sightseeing. [In New Delhi] we taught them English, we played with them and gave them the love and attention they don’t get on a daily basis because there are so many of them and it’s such a poverty-stricken area. The experience in Palanpur was similar, but we also painted them a mural. The hardest part was saying goodbye because they didn’t deserve to be in the position they were in. They can’t help their situation; people can’t really help where they’re born, but the fact that I was able to volunteer a bit of my time to make their lives better was the best gift I could’ve ever received. I actually learned from one of the staff members at the orphanage that a lot of the children end up there because the mother keeps having children, but she can’t take care of all of them because they don’t have the money to. What ends up happening, especially with the daughters, is they get married off to older men so that they can be taken care of, which is so devastating. I think that experience really changed me as a person – I gained perspective on the issue of widespread poverty ... it’s on a whole other scale around the world, especially in India. I now have a personal connection to that, so when it’s discussed in a political science course or just in a general discourse, I not only understand it on a basic level but also on a subliminal level.”
Drashti Mehta/The Hofstra Chronicle
“I grew up in Thailand. The first time I came to the U.S. was when I got here,
to Hofstra. I heard about Hofstra through email, Hofstra sent out advertising emails and I found it interesting. I applied because of the wide range of majors they had to offer and it’s in a good location, close to New York City. I got offered a few scholarships, so now I’m here [and] I’m in this honor society for accounting majors. [During] my first year, it was difficult being away from home, but after a while I met some friends. Now this feels like home, it’s much better. Compared to Thailand, the education system here is much more flexible because in Thailand, everyone has a fixed schedule. Starting from middle school, there aren’t many choices you make for yourself. There are only a few lines of studying: math, science and language. Social sciences don’t even exist. In university, you have to choose a major before you attend and you have to stick with that for the whole degree, you can’t change. If you wanted to change your major, you would have to reapply to the university. It’s much easier here, that’s one of the reasons why I chose to come here, I like the education system. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do my first year, and at Hofstra I was able to explore. There are many resources here – the career center and advising teams [are] really helpful.”
Waranya Plengpojjanart Photo Courtesy of Qainat Anwar
Joe Fay / The Hofstra Chronicle
A8 • April 2, 2019
features
M a n o n t h e U n i s pa n What are your thoughts on Mueller’s investigation ending? B y Alanna Boland S TAF F W R ITER
The Chronicle
Overheard @ Hofstra In Axinn Library: “Julia Roberts, she’s from ‘Friends,’ right?” In Suffolk Hall: “No I want to go in the summer, I can’t do Canadian snow.” In Hammer Lab:
“I’m glad the report is finished. It provides a level of transparency and accountability that I feel is necessary in a free society like ours.” – Thomas Arrow, sophomore
“My life is just me repeating myself 20 minutes ago.” In Bit & Bytes: “I feel like the vegetarian dinosaurs when I eat a salad.” In HofUSA: “The responsorial psalm in church sounded like the ‘Jurassic Park’ theme song.” “I’m an international student so I don’t follow politics much, but I think it’s a good sign that [the report] is finished ... Hopefully they can move on from it and talk about something new.” – Oumar Diallo, junior
In Vander Poel: “Maybe Italian is Mexican for Mexican.” In LHSC: “Oh, you’re a senator? I voted for you because you were pretty.” In Estabrook: “It involved a houseboat, so he was definitely divorced.” In Breslin:
“I think it should be released to the public ... [There have] been convictions on many of his top aides, so either he knew something about [their crimes] or he doesn’t know how to choose people.” – Jairo Coronado, first-year law
Alanna Boland / The Hofstra Chronicle
“Spell hippopotamus.”
“H-I-P-P-O-A-M-U-S ... I left out the ‘pot’ part out because it’s bad for you.” Robert Kinnaird / The Hofstra Chronicle
features
The Chronicle
April 2, 2019 •A9
A Hofstra first: Journey to the regional residence halls board
Photo Courtesy of Colleen Todd Colleen Todd is the first Hofstra student to be elected to the regional residence halls board.
By Alanna Boland STAFF WRITER
Since her freshman year, junior international business major and Spanish and music business double minor Colleen Todd has been a committed member of the Residence Hall Association (RHA). “I saw [RHA] at the club fair my first year at Hofstra and I’d been getting their emails all year,” Todd said. “My roommate became involved in it – I didn’t go to their meetings or anything. Then in the spring of my first year, [my roommate] said they needed a treasurer and nobody was running. I was like, ‘Oh, OK. I’m looking to get more involved ... I’ll check it out and run.’ I was elected, since no one
else was running, and I really loved it.” Todd’s success in RHA did not stop there. She ran for president her sophomore year and won – though again unopposed. “I loved my year as a treasurer so much – that’s why I wanted to become president,” Todd said. Laughing, she added, “Not all positions are unopposed, but I’ve been fortunate, I guess.” The “main focus” of RHA is to “try to make the lives of residents better and ... help the overall campus community.” To accomplish this, RHA puts on a series of programs and events throughout the year that all Hofstra students are welcome to attend. “We’ve done things like Siblings Day, which we had a couple
weeks ago, and Roll with RHA, It is one of eight regional which was our indoor roller-skat- branches of the National Associing rink,” Todd said. ation of College and University Despite the term “residence Residence Halls (NACURH). hall” in their title, most of The selection process to get the programming RHA does on NACURH’s Regional Board is geared toward the campus of Directors was “intense,” Todd community as a whole – not just said. residential students. “First I made a bid and sent “I definitely drive this ship it to one of the NEACURH more toward the campus and not emails,” Todd said. “[Then] I so much [toward] residents bewent to ... a boardroom and gave cause I think commuters are rea five-minute presentation and ... ally neglected a lot of the time,” a question and answer session. It Todd said. “I know the commuter was pretty intense. I was actually student association does a great the only coordinating officer job with that ... but we financialelected because everyone else ly have more to help them.” got denied. People get denied While sheer luck may have quite often,” Todd said. gotten Todd her positions as She explained that the reatreasurer and even“It’s really made me change my tually view – especially now, being on president of RHA, the regional board.” it is the work she has done in those positions that have made son the selection process “is so her the first Hofstra student intense is because they know elected to the North East Affilyou’re speaking for all the iate of College and University Northeast, which includes both Residence Halls (NEACURH) New England and New York.” regional board of directors. Todd is one of four coordiNEACURH is essentially an nating officers on NEACURH’s honor society for college RHAs. regional board of directors. It creates and votes on policies There are six positions in total, for all RHAs affiliated with it, the others being regional director which includes dozens throughand director of administration out the northeast. and finance.
As a coordinating officer, one of Todd’s main jobs is voting on the various NEACURH policies that dictate affiliated RHAs’ bylaws and the types of programs they can run. Todd also helps choose which “educational sessions” will be offered at NACURH’s twice-annual conferences – which she usually attends along with the rest of Hofstra’s RHA executive board. These educational sessions usually involve team-building exercises or discuss different types of programs RHAs can run at their schools. “I will primarily be dealing with a lot of the educational sessions – reviewing them and helping in choosing which ones will be at conference,” Todd said. “We get about 50 per conference.” Having the ability to make decisions like this has given Todd a change of heart about her future career. “It’s really made me change my view – especially now, being on the regional board,” Todd said. “I’m thinking about going into student affairs or higher education leadership. I’m interning over the summer at an international student affairs department, so I’m trying to get the best of both worlds.”
Getting Saucy: Hummus (vegan, serves 4) By Peter Soucy M U LT IMEDIA EDITOR
Ingredients: 1 can of chickpeas, drained 2 cloves of garlic, smashed 1/2 teaspoon cumin Juice of 1/4 of a lemon Salt & pepper Peter Soucy / The Hofstra Chronicle
Hummus is incredibly easy to make, yet tastes so complex. I am not a huge fan of tahini, so I left it out of this recipe. Instead, I used olive oil to make this hummus creamy. This hummus is life changing. My friend was just about to swear off hummus when I made this, and now he wants to eat it every day.
Olive oil Cayenne pepper
Instructions: 1. Put the chickpeas, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor and puree (you can also mash it by hand but it will take a long time and will not be very smooth). 2. Slowly add about 1/4 cup of olive oil while pureeing to emulsify the mixture. The mixture might get stuck to the sides at first. Just use a spatula to scrape them down. 3. When the mixture is creamy, taste it and adjust the seasoning to taste accordingly. Then smear the hummus across a plate. 4. Top it with more good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and enjoy with warm pita or vegetables.
Jefferson Has Gotta Go! Press Conference F rida y, Ma r c h 2 9 , Br e s lin H al l
Head organizer Ja’Loni Owens, a senior public policy and public service major, opened the conference with a brief history of the group and listed the demands of the Jefferson Has Gotta Go! (JGG) organizing team. These demands are that “the University establish an online system of reporting incidents of bias, discrimination and harrasment on campus,” the implementation of a “University-wide coplaint reciept program regarding reports of bias and disrimination on campus” and “the relocation of the Thomas Jefferson statue from the entrance of the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center.”
Students congregate in Breslin Hall before the beginning of the press conference. A recording of the event is available on the Jefferson Has Gotta Go! Facebook page
Shannon Prevatt, a senior global studies major, told her experience of racial discrimination, jokes about abuse and the disparaging of efforts toward increasing diversity on college campuses by a professor in the global studies department. “Both students and professors knew that he had a reputation for making innapropriate and problematic comments in general,” Prevatt said.
Iris Louis-Charles, a junior television production major, explained her experience of racism in the RTVF department. Louis Charles said that a professor in her film history class used a racial slur “several times” while explaining its historical significance.
Elliot Colloton, a freshman who has not decided his major, explained his experience with reporting a professor in the honors college after the professor “displayed with absolutely no warning graphic images of women being sexually abused to the class.” He criticized the honors college for creating an environment of “toxic silence and complacency.”
A group of Hofstra students listen to the students share their experiences in Breslin Hall. Several student clubs were in attendance to show support for the JGG team, including members of Student Advocates for Safer Sex, Democrats of Hofstra University and Hofstra’s Asian-Pacific Islander Alliance. Photos and Spread by Robert Kinnaird
Arts and Entertainment
VOL 85 ISSUE 16
A new ‘addiction’ for Billie Eilish fans B2
COVER PHOTO STUDY BREAKS MAGAZINE
A&E A new ‘addiction’ for Billie Eilish fans
B2•April 2, 2019
see me in a crown / I’m gonna Continued from A1 run this nothing town.” She also makes a reference in this song to “Ocean Eyes” with the lyrics Next up is “xanny,” a song about Eilish’s disinterest in being “Fell for these ocean eyes.” In “wish you were gay,” Eilunder the influence or around ish laments over the fact that a people who use drugs. The guy doesn’t like her and wishes entire first verse is just Eilish that instead of him saying she’s with a barely audible beat in the not his type that he could “say background. Then the bass kicks [she’s] not [his] preferred sexual in on the chorus, where Eilish orientation.” states, “I don’t need a xanny to This song features some of Eilfeel better.” ish’s more creative lyrics on the One of the first singles Eilish album, with countdowns among released off this album, “you the lyrics of each verse: “Four should see me in a crown,” days has never felt so long / If comes next. In this powerful three’s a crowd and two is us / song, Eilish shows off a confiOne slipped away.” Little details dence, with lyrics like, “I’m OK like this are what put Eilish’s / I’m not your baby” and “If you music over the top and make her think I’m pretty / You should such an incredible songwriter and musician. Fans of “The Office” will love “my strange addiction” for the fact that it samples dialogue from the episode “Threat Level MidCourtesy of Consequence of Sound Released on Friday, March 29, the debut 14-track night,” in addition to album was produced by Finneas O’Connell.
By Megan Spreen
the music from the Scarn dance in the episode. The song starts with a clip of Michael Scott as Michael Scarn saying, “No Billy, I haven’t done that dance since my wife died.” The song features the music that Scott choreographs his Scarn dance to in the episode, with Eilish’s lyrics completing the song. With lyrics like “Shoulda taken a break, not an Oxford comma,” there’s something for everyone in this song, from “The Office” fans to grammar nerds. It also doesn’t hurt that the Scarn has a catchy beat that makes you want to get up and dance. The final three songs on the album show off the more sullen, melancholy side to Eilish. Following the “ilomilo,” which discusses being worried about suicidal friends, “listen before i go” is a slower song with just the piano and Eilish’s voice, from the perspective of someone who is suicidal. Eilish sings, “Sorry can’t save me now.” Next comes “i love you,” with its acoustic guitar and hushed tones of Eilish hesitantly admit-
ting to loving someone. The album concludes with the track aptly named “goodbye,” which combines lyrics and melodies from different tracks on the album with chilling harmonies and creates a song that is pure genius and the perfect way to end the album. “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” takes the listener into the mind of Eilish – a mind that is filled with thoughts, fears and dreams that she wrote, recorded and turned into an incredible album. Billboard projections expect Eilish to debut at No. 1 and there’s no doubt that it will remain popular and that Eilish will put out more albums in upcoming years. After all, with this much talent at only 17, she’s only at the start of what is sure to be a very long career.
STAFF WRITER
The best word to describe “Us” is “spectacular.” “Us,” written and directed by Jordan Peele, is the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2017 horror debut, “Get Out.” The film doubled its projected box office opening, making $70 million domestically in its opening weekend. This made it the highest-grossing opening weekend for an original horror movie ever. “Us” centers on a family who arrives at their summer home near Santa Cruz, California for a getaway. Soon after their arrival, the mother, Adelaide, is haunted by a traumatic experience from her childhood at the Santa Cruz boardwalk, where she got lost in a hall of mirrors and came face-to-face with a reflection that ended up not being a reflection after all. It soon turns out that her unease was justified after all when her son, Jason, comes in to warn his parents that, “There’s a family in our driveway.” What follows is nearly two hours of action-packed horror
Quick Hits
Courtesy of Chicago Tribune
Charges against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett were dropped.
Courtesy of Daily Mail
The Rolling Stones have postponed their North American tour due to Mick Jagger undergoing heart surgery.
Cover: Billie Eilish
Jordan Peele scares ‘Us’ again in which Adelaide, her husband Gabe and their children, Zora and Jason, try to outwit, overpower and outrun the clones of themselves that have broken into their home. Neither the jump scares nor the blood and gore are gratuitous – they appear in places and amounts that make sense and drive the story forward. Peele’s background in comedy absolutely shines through in some of the tensest moments of the film, with the characters reacting honestly to the situations they are presented with. Part of what makes the story so nerve-wracking is how real it all manages to feel. The shining moment of the film is the final showdown between Adelaide and her doppelganger, Red. No spoilers here, but the cinematography, choreography of the fight, editing and interspersing of backstory in this scene alone would make this the best horror movie released in a very long time, regardless of the rest of the film, though the rest of the film is incredible as well. The now-infamous final twist leaves jaws on the floor, and a second
The Chronicle
viewing reveals a lot more than Some cinema buffs theorize initially meets the eye. that “Us” is a second step in Lupita Nyong’o is undoubtedly Jordan Peele’s allegorical series the heart and soul of this film, that began with “Get Out.” “Get delivering a dual performance of Out,” as many will remember, Adelaide and Red that is equal dealt with issues of slavery, parts heart-pounding and earthcultural appropriation and racism shaking. Red is spine-chillingly that are entrenched in American creepy with sharp movements; society. a scratchy, hoarse voice; and a Peele has stated that he wants wide-eyed, piercing gaze that to make more films with similar would give even the brave of themes, and some think that “Us” heart nightmares. Adelaide is a sets out to do just that, this time mother with more to her than tackling the issue of privilege. meets the eye, determined to Peele has made no comment protect her children even while in regard to these rumors yet, reliving the trauma of her childhowever, and the movie is just as hood experience. fun, scary and thought-provoking Two sides of the same coin, without it. Nyong’o plays both with such Go see “Us.” You will not utter conviction that it is difficult regret it. to see why she has not landed a role of this prominence before now. One thing is for certain – Nyong’o is due for the praise she has received for Courtesy of Rolling Stone ‘Us’ has received a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. this film.
Courtesy of Harpers Bazaar
Beyonce dedicated her GLAAD award to her uncle who died from HIV.
Courtesy of Celebrity Insider
John Ford was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for trespassing in the Jenner’s home for a second time.
Courtesy of Irish Examiner
George Clooney has called for a boycott of nine hotels for their connections with Brunei after announcing its LGBTQ+ death penalty law.
April 2, 2019•B3 A&E New biopic spills ‘The Dirt’ on Motley Crue
The Chronicle
By Erin Hickey COPY CHIEF
No band has ever quite embodied the “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll” mindset quite like Motley Crue. This attitude made their lives the perfect subjects for “The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band,” the 2001 tell-all novel penned by the four band members and others close with the band.
“The Dirt,” Netflix’s biopic adaptation of the novel, was released on Friday, March 22. The film gives an inside look into the wild lives of Motley Crue – the “Girls, Girls, Girls” and the excess partying. Though their “Wild Side” is perhaps what they’re best known for, sometimes it feels as if this movie focuses more on the sex and drugs than the band itself. There are moments that show
Courtesy of Hollywood Reporter The film has a 95% approval rating from Google users.
the camaraderie of the four members; however, they remain overshadowed by what often comes across as forced attempts to prove that Motley Crue was one of the most rock ‘n’ roll bands of the 20th century. Some of these forced attempts come in the form of characters breaking the fourth wall. When the band’s manager Doc McGhee is introduced, Mick Mars (Iwan Rheon) looks to the camera to inform audiences that they did not meet McGhee at a wild party with David Lee Roth of Van Halen, as the movie depicts, and that this scene was completely fictionalized. Not only that, but McGhee’s partner, Doug Thaler, makes a quick appearance in the film and then fades out of the movie as Mars says, “Doug’s a good guy, and it’s kinda shitty he got cut from this movie.” Another moment in which the fourth wall is broken in an almost cringe-worthy way is when Pete Davidson, playing Tom Zutaut,
the band’s A&R representative, looks to the camera to inform audiences that the “bottom line is don’t ever leave your girlfriend alone with Motley Crue, ever.” It may have been a badass statement to have made about a band in the ‘80s, but it doesn’t quite cut it when made as an aside to a 2019 audience. The narration skips from band member to band member, and it’s not always clear who is talking. This can become confusing at times, particularly when Nikki Sixx (Douglas Booth) is talking about being the cause of his mother going to jail one minute and the next Tommy Lee (Machine Gun Kelly) is talking about being a hopeless romantic. “The Dirt” doesn’t only focus solely on Motley Crue’s partying – it does address some of the more serious moments in the band’s career. It portrays the drunk driving accident that killed a friend of the band, injured two others and landed Vince Neil (Daniel Webber) in a rehab
facility, Sixx’ heroin addiction and subsequent overdose and the death of Neil’s daughter from cancer. It’s during these moments that character development truly shines and the band’s bond as a whole is portrayed. These heartfelt moments are one of the redeeming qualities of the movie. Motley Crue can best be described by an excerpt from their own lyrics: “When we started this band / All we needed ... was a laugh / Years gone by, I’d say we’ve kicked some ass.” Kick some ass is exactly what Motley Crue did with their career, and though “The Dirt” tries its best to show the story of Motley Crue from the good to the bad – mainly the good – something falls short. Nevertheless, it does highlight the main aspects of the band’s career and, despite the fact that critics have given the film low ratings, music enthusiasts and fans of the band alike should enjoy “The Dirt.”
were exaggerations which really made watching the musical a oneof-a-kind experience. The gods were “extra” in every sense of the word. Poseidon was the ultimate surfer dude dressed in his Hawaiian shirt, and Dionysus was over-the-top grouchy and theatrical. The best adaptation of a Greek god was definitely Hades. While expected to be a grim, soulless person, Hades wore a sparkly gold jacket and walked with flair. The entrance to the Underworld took the disguise of a record shop by the name of “DOA Recording Studios,” which is home to Charon, the gatekeeper for the dead. “The Lightning Thief” perfectly transformed a typical scene into a magnificent concert with Charon being portrayed by a female. As they travel to the Underworld, Percy, Annabeth and Grover are treated to a song by Charon featuring D.J. Cerberus, which, as Percy aptly says, “slaps.” Instead of feeling like a childish approach to a normal scene, this musical number was more satirical and comedic, feeling similar to songs in the musical “The Book of Mormon.”
Rob Rokicki, the composer may have felt, seeing and hearing and lyricist, was somehow able Percy Jackson come to life was to bring this very detailed story like being reacquainted with an to life. To fit into two hours, old friend. While “The Lightning many scenes were condensed into Thief” diverged from the book in musical numbers. Listening to this some aspects, the book has finally music live felt like a rock concert. received its redemption since the While many of the lyrics pertain film adaptation flopped. to struggles that young children For two hours, fans old and new may face, like feeling that “if were able to step into their favoryou’re weird, you’re weak,” as ite book and relive their favorite sung in the song “Strong,” most memories, laugh at the comedic of the songs actually relate to real elements unique to the show and thoughts that go through the mind rock out to songs about the Greek of young adults. gods. While the tour has finished Annabeth sings about the its run in New York City, the rest struggles of being taken seriously of the tour will be continuing until as a woman in “My Grand Plan,” Sunday, July 14. Dionysus sings about hating his job in “Another Terrible Day” and the three heroes sing about strongly disliking New Jersey in “Lost!” Courtesy of Playbill As some In 2014, the show made its debut as a free, one-hour show of the by Theatreworks USA, which was then upgraded to include a older fans new score and revamped script in 2017.
Musical proves to be a godly experience for fans
By Eleni Kothesakis
ASSISTANT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
From Thursday, March 28, to Sunday, March 31, “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” tour based on the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, took the stage at the Beacon Theatre, creating an atmosphere mixed with excitement and anxiety. After arguably two of the worst film adaptations of books for both “The Lightning Thief” and “The Sea of Monsters,” the first two books of the five-part series, it is understandable that fans were anxious to see the musical adaptation. Although it doesn’t directly mimic the first book in the series, the musical holds its own. Some scenes from the book have been altered, but they are still very much in line with the vision and character portrayal developed by author Rick Riordan. Percy is played by Chris McCarrell, a 28-year-old who is somehow able to portray the attitude and mannerisms of a typical 12-year-old. One major critique made by fans was the casting of
Logan Lerman, who was then 18 years old, to play Percy in the movies. Although it is undeniably awkward watching a grown man act 12, McCarrell’s acting skills and vocals allowed him to be successful, while Lerman’s performance fell flat due to a poorly thought-out movie. As the second act began, it was clear that the musical’s creators embraced the idea of creative licensing. Major components of the first book in the “Percy Jackson” series are the many twists, turns and adventures the heroes endure on their way to the Underworld. The second act spent a short amount of time in Auntie Em’s Gnome Emporium, maybe two seconds at the Lotus Hotel and Casino and absolutely no time in Waterland to get Ares’ shield, all of which were large plot points in the young heroes’ journey west during the book. Rather than using pearls to escape the Underworld, Percy uses a shell from his father, which appeared out of nowhere. Despite the sped-up pace, which resulted in omitted and changed scenes crucial in the character development of main characters Percy, Grover and Annabeth, there
The Chronicle A&E YouTuber releases makeup brand Dragun Beauty
B4•April 2, 2019
By Casey Clark S TAFF W R I T E R
Beauty guru Nikita Dragun began her YouTube career five years ago when she uploaded her first video, “How To Get Silver Hair.” Ever since 2014, Dragun has been taking over YouTube with videos of makeup tutorials and stories of her experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Dragun posted a video three years ago called “I Am TRANSGENDER,” which received a lot of attention from the media and members of the community who commended Dragun for her courage and strength. Dragun has accumulated nearly 2 million subscribers on YouTube and over 4 million followers on Instagram. Several brands have picked up on Dragun’s success, as she is a brand representative for companies including Missguided and Bondi Sands. Dragun is known for her creative makeup tutorials and Instagram pictures highlighting her physique. This past December, Ed Razek, chief marketing officer of L Brands, Victoria’s Secret’s parent
By Audra Nemirow
company, released a statement to Vogue saying, “Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should.” Razek continued, “... the show is
a fantasy. It’s a 42-minute entertainment special.” Dragun released a video in response to these comments, showing that trans people can “sell
the fantasy,” which quickly went viral and now has over 9 million views and 600,000 likes on Twitter. On Monday, March 25, Dragun released her own makeup brand called Dragun Beauty. Dragun Beauty is the first ever makeup line to be owned by a transgender person which was designed specifically for transgender people. The brand features transgender, non-binary and gender fluid models of all shapes and sizes as a part of the campaign, making strides for not only the makeup community, but for the LGBTQ+ community as well. A few weeks before the release of the collection, Dragun tweeted, “Let’s be real ... I don’t look the same without makeup, so I wanted to create transformative products that I felt were Courtesy of Nikita Dragun missing from many Before creating her own beauty line, Nikita Dragun collaborated with Bellami Hair to people’s makeup roucreate a line of wigs.
tine. I basically made makeup for [you] to catfish everyone.” The collection consists of a color-correcting concealer and face powder which comes packaged in a dragon egg. Dragun’s Iced Out Dragunegg TRANSformation Kit, which is packaged in a dragon egg and coated with Aurora Borealis crystals, has already sold out – only three days after its release. Several YouTube makeup artists, including MannyMUA and PatrickStarrr, took time to try out the new products from Dragun Beauty and posted first impressions and reviews for their millions of subscribers. Dragun also gave up-and-coming makeup artists on social media a chance to receive the collection, creating even more diversity in the beauty community. Many fans have yet to receive their packages containing the collection, but once they do, numerous tutorials and reviews will be posted on social media and looked at by Dragun herself on Twitter under @NikitaDragun and additionally on Instagram under the handle @Nikita_Dragun.
‘Transit:’ A refugee story through time
STAFF WRITER
Do not be deceived by its title – the characters in “Transit” are hopelessly stuck. This is a film about waiting. Yet the film itself is not at all static, as it possesses a fresh fluidity that will stun the unprepared mind. What seems to be a period thriller at first glance in reality was a startling meditation on human relationships and what it means to be a refugee. “Transit,” directed by Christian Petzold, treads a tried-and-true era of history, the Nazi invasion of Europe, focusing on the panicked days of the gradual occupation of France. Georg, played by Franz Rogowski, is looking for a way out of the mess Europe is in, just like everyone else. In order to receive help leaving Europe, Georg promises to deliver some letters and visas to a writer. But Georg is too late. When he arrives at the hotel the writer is staying at, he learns that the writer has recently killed himself. As dire circumstances press him, Georg ends up assuming
the writer’s identity. Although his mission to leave the country remains, Georg becomes emotionally entangled with the writer’s wife, Marie (Paula Beer), who is desperately searching for the husband she believes to be alive. He also develops intense attachments to Driss (Lilien Batman) and Melissa (Maryam Zaree), a little boy and his deaf mother who are refugees from North Africa. The plot is rather web-like, so the bare mechanics of it are difficult to describe. But that is no matter, as the relationships between the characters are clear and powerful, and there is such love between strangers in this story. The understanding, as a voiceover acknowledges, is that all the refugees in transit have stories to tell, and one ought to listen to these stories with urgency. Their stories are meant to be told. The film started with the immersive trappings of 1940s France, the well-known
atmosphere generated by fedoras, gone, replaced by a rare, fizzy present. cigarette smoke and worried elation. A familiar story illuminates the foreheads. To root it even further The true world of “Transit” film’s true world, the world of into that world, the film’s source is not Europe of the 1940s. today. The present still reels with material is a 1944 novel by In fact, any specific foe goes the old pain of new refugees, and Anna Seghers. But as the film mostly unacknowledged. Though it is populated with the ghosts of progressed, the 21st century crept thematically dark, “Transit” is a those eternally in transit. in. sun-kissed synthesis of the painful At first it was subtle. The film past and the equally painful threw in modern details, including characters wearing graphic T-shirts, rooms furnished with digital clocks and the Papyrus font on a restaurant sign. An initial glance might suggest a lazy filmmaker unwilling or unable to commit to proper world building. But as it began to grow more noticeable, as the cars and ships and military uniforms appeared unabashedly contemporary, it becomes obvious that the presence of the 21st century was Courtesy of The New York Times entirely intentional. At The film was described by The New York Times as ‘an existential thriller about loss, that, my grimace was trauma, statelessness and historical amnesia.’
op-ed
A 12 • April 2, 2019
The Chronicle
America’s best shot at decency could be the mayor of South Bend
By Leah Chiappino
The 2020 race has already divided the Democratic Party. One lane panders toward the urgent need to defeat Donald Trump, even if it means moving toward a center-left platform. The other seems to be moving to the far left, subscribing to the Green New Deal, universal income and Medicare for all. Personally, I feel as though the party’s main priority is to defeat Trump. It is a matter of urgency, as I cannot fathom the possibility of the United States coming out of the plagues of Trumpism by keeping the stem of it in the Oval Office for another four years. The racism, white nationalism, xenophobia and homophobia will not simmer down if we have a president with those attributes. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) will not be solved, health care will continue to be stripped and God forbid there is another Supreme Court Justice appointed. The time to defeat Trump is now, and the party must do whatever it takes. I would love to see a world in which a woman is president. Is the country ready for it? I have my doubts. I also consider myself a relatively centrist Democrat. One could say I am far to the left on social issues,
gun control and climate change. I would never deny a woman’s right to her own body and am for equality for all no matter their gender identity, race religion or sexual orientation. I don’t think guns have any place in our streets and would support a ban on all semiautomatic weapons. Ideally, I would like to look at repealing the Second Amendment with the exception of extenuating circumstances. I believe climate change is the biggest threat to our nation and would support something like the Green New Deal, with limitations. I would also support Medicare for all, and I believe that health care is a human right. However, I can’t get behind universal basic income. Unless somebody is physically or mentally unable to work, I don’t believe that my tax dollars should pay for those who refuse to do so, and I think it is unrealistic for the Green New Deal to stop all carbon emissions. I also grew up in a highly conservative town. There, I learned that not all Republicans are bad people and that it is possible to disagree with someone without assaulting their character. Joe Biden was severely criticized a few weeks ago for calling Mike Pence a “decent guy.” Let me be clear, I don’t think Pence is a decent guy. He
is a step behind the president’s every move, a president who has little to no moral character. However, Biden quipped that the Democratic Party’s problem with him is that he “likes Republicans.” I couldn’t agree more. The problem with the left is we vilify those we disagree with and then expect to win elections. Growing up in conservative America, I understand that voters are not going to get behind universal basic income, the Green New Deal or even Medicare for all. Kirsten Gillibrand’s compassion, Cory Booker’s inspirational speeches on goodness and faith or even Bernie Sanders’ direct and quick rhetoric will not be enough to swing key voters. Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania need to belong to the Democratic Party. Biden has always been seen as a decent human being, liked by both Democrats and Republicans. He has continued to serve his country with pride after tragedy struck him, first by losing his wife, Neilia, and daughter, Naomi, in a brutal car accident, and then by losing his son, Beau, of brain cancer in 2015. This has made him highly relatable to people despite his imperfect record, especially regarding the Anita Hill hearing. He is a centrist, and has a history of bipartisanship, often
citing his deep friendship with the late Sen. John McCain. Yet, one could hardly deny that Biden’s age could be an issue, as he will be 78 on inauguration day in 2021 and 86 years old in 2028. The good news is, I think the party has the Biden that we need – without the record and the age. Pete Buttigieg is the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He’s a war veteran, often touting his military experience as a qualifying factor for his candidacy. What do swing Midwestern voters love? Patriotism. He supports Medicare for “all those who want it.” This can appeal to the progressive wing of the party, but also assure those who are skeptical of what has become such a bold gold platform it is the right way to go. His theory is to allow the public sector as a health care option while still allowing private insurance companies to flourish. He reasons that people will eventually realize the benefits of the public health sector, which will allow universal health care to be achieved as an end goal. He often speaks to the Midwestern voters and apologizes for the Democratic Party having let them down. He is an incredible voice for structural reform, often talking about our need to reform the Electoral College, expand the size of the
Collusion Course
Supreme Court by making it a 15 bench seat (five conservatives, five liberals and five voted in unanimously by the other justices). He has an ability to bring politics back to decency, pledging to write a positive campaign and avoiding personal attacks. In 2016, Barack Obama sighted him as a rising star in the Democratic Party. The first openly gay presidential candidate, he has room to make Progressive change. He cites that his generation was the one that grew up with school shootings and is the first generation on track to make less than our parents. He is a different candidate; it is not often one goes from being a mayor to the oval office. However, he is light-years behind the experience of Trump, and a different candidate could be what the party needs to appeal to voters that are tired of the same faces in Washington. With Buttigieg’s Twitter followers and press coverage growing significantly by the day, his once longshot status is improving, which may be the only sign of hindrance to Trump’s reelection.
Leah Chiappino is a political science major with a minor in journalism.
By Amanda Romeo
op-ed
The Chronicle
April 2, 2019 A 13
The The views and opinions expressed in the Editorial section are those of the authors of the articles. They are not an endorsement of the views of The Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors. The Chronicle reserves the right to not publish any piece that does not meet our editorial standards.
The London Patient: Still not a cure
By Dennis Van Dunk
Most of us have grown up in the aftermath of a plague, and many don’t even realize it. Growing up queer meant that when I heard people joke about gays getting AIDS, I thought it was an inescapable part of my experience. I had come to terms with the fact that I would get AIDS and die. But as I began to research and learn more about the disease, I learned that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is not synonymous with AIDS. After that I never stopped educating myself. HIV began silently spreading through the gay population of America in the late 1980s. We know today that HIV can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation and identity. At the time, however, the disease was known as Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID) and there-
By Sarah Emily Baum
fore was ignored by most. Many chose to turn their backs as gay men lay in hospital beds and died. Once people began to realize that HIV was not divine punishment for sodomites, researchers began working to find treatment and a cure. As of 2016, HIV has killed 675,000 Americans. A positive diagnosis felt like a death sentence for many. However, in 2007 an HIV-positive man, Timothy Brown, received a bone marrow transplant to treat his leukemia and almost died, but then went into long term remission for HIV. His bone marrow donor happened to have a genetic mutation in his white blood cells. This mutation prevented the virus from infecting the cells. Doctors were unsure what led to this and spent years trying to replicate the result. A research team followed 38 patients who
had also received bone marrow transplants hoping to see a repeat. Now, after 12 long years, it has happened again with someone identified as “the London Patient,” who was number 36 on their list. Another patient, number 19, has also been off HIV treatment for four months and is poised to join the small list of people on long-term HIV remission. While this is amazing and groundbreaking, we are still far from a cure. A bone marrow transplant is not a feasible treatment for everyone diagnosed with HIV. Therefore, while the scientists figure out how to use this information, the rest of us need to focus on prevention and awareness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released statistics showing that one in six men who have sex with men will be diagnosed
with HIV in their lifetime. Now that the conversation has been revived, it has to stay alive. America has let the HIVpositive community and the communities the disease affects quietly suffer for long enough. Everyone needs to do their part to educate themselves about the facts of this disease and how to provide support. Medicine has come a long way since the initial plague years and has allowed HIV-positive individuals to live long lives. Now we have medicines like Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a once daily pill that can reduce chance of contraction by 90%, and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can be administered to someone following a possible exposure to HIV and also greatly reduces chances of contraction. Also, HIV-positive individuals can be declared “undetectable” after
being on retroviral medication. “Undetectable equals Untransmittable” is an important concept that deserves more attention. Once an individual’s viral count is declared undetectable, they are also considered to no longer be able to transmit the disease to a sexual partner. But achieving and maintaining the undetectable status is not easy and requires strict adherence to treatment. HIV treatment, on average, costs $14,000 to $20,000 yearly. So do your part and raise awareness, uplift HIV-positive individuals and destigmatize this disease.
marginalized for being gay.” You’re right, Dr. Jonathon Haidt. You cannot imagine it, and it’s not because you are “inherently immoral.” It is because we have lived two very different experiences. You cannot imagine the endless litany of difficult situations gay students confront on a daily basis, even in an institution as seemingly queer-friendly as Hofstra. Homophobia is still very much prevalent. Just as gay students don’t shed our sexual orientation when we arrive on campus, other students don’t leave their prejudices at home on their front doorstep. We do not live in a bubble here on campus. We live in the same world where prejudice still rears its ugly head. Even at a liberal university in a blue state, queer students face bigotry and hostility for simply showing who we are. I cannot
hold my girlfriend’s hand out in public out of fear of being attacked. I face sexual harassment from boys who take it as a challenge to conquer the gay girl. I am under the constant pressure to stay in the closet. I wear makeup, I dress more effeminate and I make conscious effort to speak in a higher, softer octave. I fear the daily, open expression of my queerness will be a weakness in academic and professional settings, and so I usually hide it. I chose a potential future over living my authentic self. You argued that the left has painted privileged peoples as inherently immoral. In reality, the opposite attitude – one which perceives minorities as inherently broken, inferior or immoral – is so deeply ingrained in our country that it has seeped into its institutions and laws so that people like me could not be
married until three short years ago. To this day, I can be fired from my job, denied an education or kicked out of my home for the way I was born. Just last year, a woman on a New York City subway nearly died in a homophobic attack which shattered her spine. In 2016, several NYU students were kicked out of a gay bar during an NYU law event for shouting homophobic slurs. According to California State University, homophobic hate crimes are on the rise; New York City alone saw a 6% increase in hate crimes in the past year. But in painting straight white men and conservatives as victims, you trivialize the experiences that marginalized groups feel. If that is scary, imagine the fear my Muslim friends feel stepping out of the house in a hijab. Imagine the fear my transgender friends feel when
merely asking a professor to call them by their true name. If being ostracized for an opinion is hurtful, imagine the turmoil of being harassed simply because you exist. This is not to trivialize your experiences, only to put them in perspective. Straight white men are not oppressed on college campuses – or anywhere – on the basis of being straight white men, because privilege will never be a vessel of oppression.
Dannis Van Dunk is a second year in the PA program and the vice president of Student Advocates of Safer Sex.
An open letter to Jonathan Haidt
In your Thursday, March 28, presentation, you spoke about censorship on college campuses resulting from what you labeled as “tribalism” and “fragility.” You suggested that students are forming an identity around their minority status and victimhood, while heterosexual white men and conservative students have become the new victims on college campuses. To elaborate on this point, you displayed a chart intended to demonstrate the perceived moral crisis on college campuses where heterosexual white men are now deemed “inherently immoral,” while selfidentified student minorities are considered “inherently moral.” You then said something to the effect of, “I can’t imagine that at New York University (NYU), or Hofstra, you’re still
Sarah Emily Baum is a freshman double majoring in journalism and public policy. Find her on Twitter @SarahEmilyBaum.
Email us your hot takes at huchronicle.op.ed@gmail.com
A 14 • April 2, 2019
op-ed
Pop, Rock & Public Relations
SUMMER SESSION II UNDERGRADUATE CLASS (ALSO OPEN TO GRADUATE STUDENTS) JUly 1-24 Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 5:45-8:55 p.m. 3 cREdItS REGISTER NOW: PR 113 (CRN 70176) INFO? CONTACT: Prof. Morosoff jeffrey.morosoff@hofstra.edu
what it’s about… Since the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, the off-stage images of successful pop music artists have both benefitted and suffered from the intense glare of the public spotlight. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of public relations strategy as it applies to the popular music industry. We’ll listen to music, watch videos, and study how the tools and techniques of PR have been used to enhance an artist’s public image and heighten awareness of specific causes, and how their public image can be damaged by bad behavior and poor communication.
The Chronicle
Quick Hits Rapper Nipsey Hussle was killed in a shooting outside his Los Angeles clothing store on Sunday, March 31.
The Mueller Report “found no evidence” of collusion in its investigation on Trump’s alleged connections to Russia.
In its recent update, The Associated Press in its recent updates changed its terminology for “race” to allow for broad applications and discourages use of the euphemism “racially charged.”
U.S. District Judge Malcolm Harris ruled requiring girls to wear skirts in schools as unconstitutional in response to a North Carolina charter school.
Two Parkland survivors and the father of a victim from the Sandy Hook shooting have killed themselves.
SPORTS
The Chronicle
April 2, 2019 A 15
Pride Performer of the Week: Amanda Guerra
“Amanda’s been working really hard from day one she’s been on campus as a freshman throughout fall. I think this whole team can say they’re really excited for Amanda.” Women’s lacrosse head coach Shannon Smith
Alexandra Licata / The Hofstra Chronicle
Pride offense shines in win against Columbia
By Max Sacco STAFF W R I T E R
Fina l Hofstra
13
Columbia
8
On a cool Saturday night, March 30, the Hofstra women’s lacrosse team defeated the Columbia University Lions 13-8 behind four-goal performances from Alyssa Parrella and Katie Whelan in their final nonconference matchup of the season. The opening five minutes of the game began with a bang for the Pride as Whelan and Parrella each found the net along with Alexa Mattera to jump to an early 4-0 lead over the lions. “We were winning draw controls with Darcie [Smith],” said Hofstra head coach
Shannon Smith when asked how the team got their early lead. “Offensively we were moving really well.” Columbia would find an answer though, as Lindsey Ewertsen found the back of the net off a free position shot to make the score 4-1. The Pride answered back just three minutes later when Parrella scored her own free position shot to make the score 5-1 Pride. For the next fifteen minutes the Pride and Lions each traded goals, with Parrella scoring all the goals for the Pride in that timeframe. Before the half ended, there was some controversy. A draw control between Parrella and Alyssa Adamo elicited a yellow card that was assessed on the Pride team as a whole. Columbia would tack on one final goal before the half to make it 8-5, but the Pride still
had their lead intact. At the half, the Pride was outshooting Columbia 13-11 and also beating them on draw controls by a 9-5 advantage overall. Entering the second half, Columbia forwards Rachel Graff and Alexandria Absey each scored once to cut the lead to just one for the Hofstra Pride, making the score 8-7. Just a minute later, Amanda Guerra scored her first goal of the season and also gave the Pride a 9-7 lead off a rocket of a shot from a few yards out. Columbia scored one more time to make the score 9-8, but from that point forward the Pride dominated. The Pride scored four times in three minutes to make the score 13-8 and secure their victory over Columbia. The Pride defense also helped contribute to the win. In the
final 15 minutes, goalie Jess Smith made four crucial saves to maintain the Pride lead, and the defense continuously cleared the ball out and won ground ball situations. In the end, the Pride outshot Columbia 11-9 in the second half and won 10 ground ball controls compared to the Lions’ six. “We thought our defense ...
really stepped up for us in the last 15 minutes of the game,” Shannon Smith said. The Pride end non-conference play with a record of 7-4 and begin Colonial Athletic Association play this Friday, April 5, when they face the Tribe of the College of William & Mary at 5 p.m. at James M. Shuart Stadium.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Alyssa Parrella led the Pride offense in a 13-8 win at Columbia.
A 16• April 2, 2019
The Chronicle
SPORTS
Klementowicz relishes role as Hofstra hype man
By David Lazar STAFF W R I T E R
The hype man is a unique component of a team. He’s the first one on the court after a timeout, often the last man in the gym after practice and one of the most well-liked players on the team. But there is more to Connor Klementowicz than his celebrations and handshakes. Klementowicz is the glue that holds the Hofstra men’s basketball team together. A native of Freehold, New Jersey, Klementowicz was a multi-sport athlete in high school. However, after years of surfing and playing soccer, it became clear that basketball was his true love. “A lot of parents pressure their children into focusing on one sport,” Klementowicz said. “I loved all sports. Being a multi-sport athlete [gave] me advantages over my competitors. Basketball is my favorite sport, but I did not want to limit myself.” With the help of a strong support system, Klementowicz transferred from St. Joseph’s to Gill St. Bernard’s after his sophomore year of high school. While the change was difficult, it allowed Klementowicz to grow as a player and a person. “Transferring was a huge step,” Klementowicz said. “Leaving a school where I had so much success was rough. However, it was the right move. You have to do what you have to do for your future. In the end, it helped me.” After a successful high school career as a scoring shootingguard, Klementowicz had to morph into a new role in college: a supportive teammate who stays positive no matter what. While he might not fill up the stat sheet, his personality fills up the hearts of Hofstra students and fans, all while
having that strong support system by his side. “Even though I don’t always play, my parents come to every game,” Klementowicz said. “When my parents see students positively reacting to me, it makes them so proud.”
to single-handedly take over a game will always be remembered. During the 2019 NIT Tournament, the Pride was matched up against perhaps the most talented team in the field, the North Carolina State
Tournament bid. The game did not start well, but Klementowicz knew his team would recover. “I was trying my hardest to get everyone going but nothing was working,” Klementowicz said. “Halftime changed everything. After halftime, we
“A player should know their role, accept their role and perfect their role. It makes me so happy to do what I do for them.” As soon as the whistle blows for a media timeout, Klementowicz makes his mark. Just like he would be going up for a rebound, Klementowicz jumps up off his chair, rushing to greet his teammates with open arms. His upbeat spirit has caught the eyes of fans, players and his coach, allowing him to become a fan favorite on the Hofstra campus. “I can’t get 30 points a game, but I can get everybody on the team hyped,” Klementowicz said. “If Coach yells at a player, I will be there for him. If Coach is too easy on a player, I can challenge him.” The junior’s positive, upbeat nature has evolved into an integral role on the team and has helped him form bonds with many of the players he suits up with. Senior Justin Wright-Foreman is one player Klementowicz grew close with over the past three seasons. “My first game watching Justin, he barely even played,” Klementowicz said. “To see him get better and better each year shows he deserves everything he gets. He is so clutch and so hard-working. Unbelievable.” Since then, Wright-Foreman has emerged as one of the game’s best players. His leadership, talent and ability
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University Wolfpack. That did not stop Wright-Foreman from stepping up to the plate and nearly winning the game for his team. “We were all in it to win it,” Klementowicz said. “The fact that we were about to beat an [Athletic Coast Conference] team shows how good we are. Justin led us and being a part of that was unbelievable.” A few weeks prior, WrightForeman once again pulled a rabbit from his hat, kickstarting an epic comeback that nearly secured Hofstra an NCAA
were amped and ready to win. That was right there with my favorite moments of the season. I couldn’t be [prouder] of my teammates.” Wright-Foreman, perhaps the greatest player in Pride history, will be a huge loss. But a team featuring a young, talented core can surprise people next season and potentially get some redemption after coming up just short. “I can’t wait to see Eli [Pemberton] grow and Desure [Buie] is by far the best point guard I have ever played with,”
Klementowicz said. “I am more excited for next year than I was for this year.” The future is indeed bright for the Pride. The team had its most successful regular season and will look to build off that success next year. While WrightForeman and other seniors may be leaving, Klementowicz and his teammates are ready to keep proving people wrong. No matter what people say, this team has it all: an up-andcoming star ready to take the lead, a top point guard who leads on and off the court, a mixture of veterans and youth already forming the perfect medley and finally, equally as important, a hype man that can keep his team focused through the thick and thin. When it is all said and done, Klementowicz is cementing his legacy as one of the most wellliked players in program history, just how he likes it. “A player should know their role, accept their role and perfect their role,” Klementowicz said. “It makes me so happy to do what I do for the team.”
Photo Courtesy of Cam Keough
Connor Klementowicz cheered on his teammates in a 93-87 win against William & Mary on Saturday, Feb. 9.
SPORTS
The Chronicle
April 2, 2019 A 17
Charleston routs Hofstra baseball 16-0
By Jesse Lindell STAFF W R I T E R
Fina l CofC
16
Hofstra
0
After losing Game 1 of their doubleheader, 7-4, against Charleston on Saturday, March 30 in 10 innings, the Hofstra baseball team’s second game wasn’t even close, as they had a 16-run loss and were held scoreless. With this loss, Hofstra’s record is now 3-18. Hofstra starter Jack Jett had a rough outing in his first loss of the season. He went just 2 2/3 innings giving up eight runs, all earned, on five hits, walking five and recording just one strikeout. The bullpen finished the rest of the game for Jett. They went
5 1/3 innings and combined for eight more runs on 12 hits, walking six and just recording two strikeouts. Charleston starter Josh Price went five innings, only giving up five hits and striking out three with no walks. He got the win to improve his record to 5-2. After Price left the game in the fifth inning, Charleston’s bullpen kept the shutout intact, going four innings while only giving up two hits and two walks and recording five strikeouts. Charleston’s offense had a huge day and just about everybody in the lineup got involved, recording 16 runs on 17 hits. The one player that stood out for Charleston was Bradley Dixon. He recorded four hits and five RBIs and scored two runs. Another Charleston player
who had a big day was Danny Wondrack. He had two hits, three RBIs, two walks and scored three runs. Luke Manzo and Chaz Davey also had multiple hits in the
game. Hofstra’s offense only recorded seven hits all game. They also struggled defensively, committing two errors. Up next for Hofstra is Manhattan College at home on
Tuesday, April 2, in their first matchup of the season. That game starts at 3 p.m. Hofstra will look to get into the win column and break its seven-
Check out our website: www.thehofstrachronicle.com/category/sports
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Jack Jett allowed eight runs in 2 2/3 innings in the loss against the College of Charleston Sunday afternoon.
HOFSTRA ATHLETIC CALENDAR HOME
T U E SD AY
W EDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATU R D AY
SU N D AY
AWAY
4/2
4/3
4/4
4/5
4 /6
4 /7
BASEBALL
MANHATTAN – 3 P.M.
LIU B R OOKLYN
NORTHEASTERN
NORTHEASTERN
NORTHEASTERN
– 3 P. M .
– 12 P.M.
– 1 P.M.
– 1 P. M .
STONY B R OOK
JMU
JMU
– 3 P. M .
– 1 P. M .
– 1 2 P. M .
SOFTBALL
M EN ’ S LA C R O S S E
WO M EN ’ S LA C R O S S E
U M A SS – 1 . P. M .
W &M
ELON
– 5 . P. M.
– 1 P. M .
A 18• April 2, 2019
The Chronicle
SPORTS
Wright-Foreman: Benchwarmer to Hofstra legend
By Joe Fay
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Following a remarkable career that saw him go from a bench player to Hofstra’s No. 2 all-time scorer, Justin Wright-Foreman’s time with the Pride has come to an end. His athleticism and record-breaking scoring drew in fans both at Hofstra and around the country. The men’s basketball star was second in the nation in scoring this season with 27.1 points per game (PPG). He led Hofstra to a school-record 27 wins and their first outright regular season conference title since joining the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 2001. His stellar season led Wright-Foreman to be named the CAA Player of the Year for the second straight season. However, before becoming the national face of the University, he was just a freshman from Queens looking to make his mark. During Wright-Foreman’s first year in a Pride uniform, he played only 4.1 minutes per game while scoring 1.6 PPG. That season was a frustrating time for him, but also a time of great personal growth. “It really just came from within myself. I knew what type of player I was and I knew what I was capable of,” WrightForeman said. “I would preach to myself, ‘Remain optimistic, good things are going to come,’ through prayer and just sticking with it because I knew my work ethic.” He also relied on one of his coaches, Hofstra great Speedy Claxton, for support. “[He] was a major help during that process,” Wright-Foreman said. “He always wanted me to trust the process ... When things got hard, I knew I could go to him.” Looking back as a senior, Wright-Foreman has a new appreciation for his experiences during his first season. “It humbled me a lot,” he said. “If I could take it back, I probably wouldn’t because I wouldn’t be the same player ... I’m glad everything happened the way it did.” While Wright-Foreman was
a freshman guard working on his game, senior Juan’ya Green led Hofstra to the CAA Championship game and a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) performance while averaging 17.8 points and 7.1 assists per game. When Green graduated after that season, there were a lot of question marks surrounding the future of the basketball program. Who would step up to fill such a huge void in scoring and leadership? The unexpected answer turned out to be Wright-Foreman. Partway through his sophomore season, everything began to click for him. “After a couple games, I was like, ‘I’ve had enough. I cannot sit on the bench anymore.’ So it was one of two things: I [could] either transfer or stay here and do something.” Hofstra head coach Joe Mihalich recalls the exact moment that his star guard figured it all out. “The game we always talk about is the [University of] Kentucky game, where in the second half he had one of those scoring flurries,” he said. “It was a breakout 10 minutes for him. It just became a springboard to him having a lot of good games.” Since that breakout performance at the Barclays Center, Wright-Foreman has not looked back. He started 17 games during the remainder of his second year and averaged 18.1 PPG. Though the team finished with an underwhelming 15-17 record and a first-round exit from the CAA Tournament, they knew they had a star in the making. During his final two seasons, Wright-Foreman has been Mihalich’s go-to man and did not disappoint. “He went from being a freshman who had to pay his dues and couldn’t get on the floor to being the face of the program in the last two years,” Mihalich said. “He exceeded everybody’s expectations and it’s just a wonderful thing ... You combine an incredible work ethic with a passion for the game and those are [a] coach’s
dreams.” He started every game for the Pride over that span and scored in double figures in his final 88 games, the seventhlongest streak in the history of NCAA Division I basketball. That consistency allowed Hofstra to build a team that supported Wright-Foreman and complimented his game. His teammates were a vital part of making him the player he is today. “My teammates helped pick me up in a major way. There were games where I was down and then one game I didn’t score,” Wright-Foreman recalled. “Even with those tough times, I knew I could count on people like Desure [Buie] to help me ... He helped me, especially on the basketball aspect of things, to see the game a certain way and what plays I should be making.” “Eli [Pemberton] was a major help, too. He took some of the pressure off. He came in firing,” Wright-Foreman said. “[Pemberton] will forever be great just because of the type of person he is ... He came in just showing how hard he was going to work.” However, Wright-Foreman’s love for this team goes far beyond his friendships with his point guard and his partner on the offensive end. He knows that this year’s squad was a special one. “It’s just crazy to see how we all came together and our cohesiveness showed right away. In the locker room, we’re laughing and joking; off the court we’re always together,” he said. “[This group] showed me how a team should really be. This group of guys we have here – they’re not only my teammates, but they’re my actual family.” The camaraderie among this season’s team allowed them to put together one of the greatest seasons in Hofstra history. Their 16-game winning streak and record 27 wins were incredible to witness. And whether it was his game-winning heave against Northeastern University or his 42-point performance
to send Hofstra to the CAA championship game, WrightForeman was the catalyst that allowed it to happen. Despite all the media attention and praise he has received this season, he knows this is bigger than just himself. “It’s never about me and it never will be,” Wright-Foreman said. “It’s about my team. We accomplished goals that haven’t been accomplished around here in a very long time. We came up short, but at the end of the day we fought as hard as we could ... So, no regrets.” This season was a magical way to end Wright-Foreman’s storied career. It was a season the Hofstra faithful will not soon forget. Likewise, the love that the fans showed WrightForeman is something he will never forget. “The moments that happened this year are what I’ll cherish forever,” he said. “It’s kind of emotional to speak about it, but this university welcomed me with open arms. I couldn’t thank
everybody here enough for accepting me for the person that I am and believing in me the whole time.” Wright-Foreman will be remembered fondly as one of the greatest to ever wear the Hofstra uniform. For three seasons, he kept the fans on their feet as he dazzled them with bucket after bucket. Now, everyone has been waiting to hear where the Hofstra star will end up next. “[Since freshman year], I was just trying to be the best person I could be and just put myself in the position for what I could be – possibly four or five years down the line – getting to this exact moment of entering the NBA draft,” Wright-Foreman said. “I’m going to talk to my family over the weekend and I’m supposed to be assigning my agent.” If Wright-Foreman does find himself drafted by an NBA team, the Hofstra faithful will be sure to follow.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Justin Wright-Foreman celebrates a three-pointer against North Carolina State University.
SPORTS
The Chronicle
April 2, 2019 A 19
Kilburn-Steveskey announces resignation after 13 seasons By Anthony Roberts ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
For over a decade, the Hofstra women’s basketball team has been led under the direction of head coach Krista KilburnSteveskey, but now they are in search of new leadership. After 13 seasons with the Pride, Kilburn-Steveskey announced her resignation on Tuesday, March 26, after an 11-22 season including a 3-15 Colonial Athletic Conference (CAA) play record. “I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to lead the Hofstra women’s basketball program over the last 13 years,” Kilburn-Steveskey said. “I’m very proud of the accomplishments achieved and the studentathletes that have developed as athletes as well as outstanding people within the program.” Kilburn-Steveskey’s basketball career dates back to her days at North Carolina State University, where she was led by Hall of Fame coach Sandra Kay Yow. From 1986 to 1990, the Wolfpack went 83-37 including
an Atlantic Coast Conference Championship. Kilburn-Steveskey served as team captain in 1990, when the Wolfpack reached the NCAA Sweet 16 and saw an Associated Press ranking of No. 11. Kilburn-Steveskey jumped right into coaching after college, where she served as head girls’ volleyball coach, assistant girls’ varsity basketball coach and head junior varsity girls’ basketball coach at Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, from 1992 to 1996. She then accepted a head coaching position at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, from 1996-2002. At Wheeler, Kilburn-Steveskey posted a 143-38 record including the 1998 Class AAAA State Championship. She also won numerous awards as coach, including the 1998 Georgia AAAA Coach of the Year. After yet another successful season in 2002, Kilburn-Steveskey left Wheeler to accept an assistant coach position at James Madison University (JMU) and continued to serve in that role until 2006.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Kilburn-Steveskey has garnered 213 wins for the Pride.
At JMU, Kilburn-Steveskey coordinated recruiting and scheduling, as well as assisting on the court. In her final two seasons with the Dukes, they won 42 games, which was the most in back-to-back years since the 1994-95 season. On May 16, 2006, Krista Kilburn-Steveskey was announced as the 12th head coach in Hofstra women’s basketball history. Kilburn-Steveskey opened her career at Hofstra with one of the greatest seasons in program history. The Pride finished with a 26-8 mark, including wins over teams from the Big 10, Big East and Southeastern Conference (SEC). Hofstra also had two of the longest winning streaks in school history with 10, and the longest home win streak with 11. Hofstra fell in the quarterfinals of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) to Western Kentucky University. Hofstra reached the WNIT five times, including two quarterfinal appearances, under Kilburn-Steveskey. In her 13 years, she finished with an overall record of 213198 and holds the title as the winningest coach in program history. Her teams averaged 17 wins per season and she’s posted four 20-win seasons in her tenure. Throughout her time with the Pride, Kilburn-Steveskey’s teams have been no strangers to upsets, as they have defeated numerous top teams. In only her fourth game of her first season with Hofstra, the Pride upset the then-ranked No. 17 Michigan State University 57-53 for the first win against a ranked opponent in school history. “I just want to congratulate Hofstra. I thought they played an excellent basketball game,” said Michigan State head coach Joanne McCallie. “They played beautiful. The bottom line is [Hofstra was] a more cohesive unit; they were the better team.” The same season, Hofstra defeated SEC member University of South Carolina, then 64-59, in the third round of the WNIT. During the 2014-15 season, after losing the first matchup in
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Kilburn-Steveskey departs as Hofstra’s all-time winningest women’s basketball coach.
overtime, Kilburn-Steveskey’s Pride defeated then ranked No. 23 JMU on the road, 63-62, for the program’s second win over a ranked opponent. Hofstra met JMU in the CAA Championship game, but fell to the Dukes 62-56. Perhaps the greatest upset for Kilburn-Steveskey came in her final season with Hofstra – and it also marks her last win with the Pride. Coming off a record performance for the Pride the night before against No. 8 Elon University in the first round of the CAA Tournament, Hofstra was set to face No. 1 JMU in the Quarterfinals. After a slow start for the Pride, they found themselves down 26-16 to JMU at the half, only scoring eight points in each quarter. The Pride caught
fire with a 20-2 run to open the third quarter, which included 17 straight unanswered points for Hofstra. After a closely contested final quarter and clutch free-throw shooting for the Pride, Hofstra would be the first team in the 36 years of the women’s CAA Tournament to knock off the No. 1 seed in the quarterfinals. Although her final seasons with the Pride did not live up to the expectations of the program, Kilburn-Steveskey’s legacy with Hofstra will be forever remembered. As one of the greater coaching minds in Pride history, Kilburn-Steveskey teams could find ways to rally for wins – no matter the obstacles.
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Women’s lacrosse begins CAA play on Friday, April 5.
The Hofstra Chronicle
Sports
April 2, 2019
Wheels up , Whelan
Katie Whelan is taking off in her sophomore season with women’s lacrosse as the team begins conference play.
Photo Courtesy of CAA Sports