YOU SPEAK WE LISTEN
CABRINI UNIVERSITY
PACEMAKER WINNER
VOL. LX, ISSUE 13
THELOQUITUR.COM
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Anna Russo: Overcoming adversity and becoming Cabrini’s 2019 valedictorian
JAH-MARLEY FITZGERALD / LIFESTYLES EDITOR
BY AMY KODRICH Writing Managing Editor
Overcoming struggles Looking back on the past four years Anna Russo, sociology and criminology major and leadership studies minor, has done it all. Russo is a part of six honor societies, an honors student as well as being very active on campus. Russo is the president of campus activities and programming board (CAP board), was a student fellow of the IMPACT leadership LLC, peer tutor, student ambassador, orientation leader and even had the opportunity to be an orientation coordinator. The list goes on and on. It wasn’t always this way for Russo. In high school, Russo suffered from drug and alcohol addiction. She wasn’t always in the best place during that time and didn’t excel in school. She didn’t even know if she was going to go to college. Now Russo celebrates six years of sobriety as of March and has the honor of being valedictorian for the class of 2019 at Cabrini University. “One of my proudest accomplishments is I’m in personal long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction,” Russo said. “I didn’t think I could go to college sober, it just seemed totally out of reach, so the fact that not only was I able to successfully complete college without being able to drink or use, I was able to thrive while being here.”
JAH-MARLEY FITZGERALD / LIFESTYLES EDITOR
Anna Russo posing for her senior portraits
Russo shares her story of addiction to inspire others. She wants to stand as a role model for any kid that is struggling thinking that they won’t make it. She hopes her story and accomplishments will inspire others that everyone will overcome their struggles and excel. “I hope that any kid in high school that is struggling like what I went through hears this as inspiration to never give up, that everything will work out,” Russo said.
Class of 2019 valedictorian Russo is very excited about being given this honor. She has worked hard all four years and has accumulated a GPA of 3.98. Russo has made a name for herself on campus by being very active on campus and taking leadership in a lot of activities. The process of being picked for valedictorian is more than just looking at a student’s overall GPA. One has to provide an essay, a list of accomplishments and give a speech to the Academic Advisory Committee. “I’m very excited about it but also I think I’m still in shock. As soon as I gave my speech to the committee, I felt on cloud nine, because I felt like no matter what happened I killed it,” Russo said. “I gave it my best and I just felt really good about how I did and so once I found out I was just on cloud nine, like kept the windows down in my car, jammed out to my favorite songs and I was like, wow, life is good.” Russo says the excitement has simmered down but whenever someone brings it up she is reminded of her accomplishments and is overjoyed. “Whenever someone brings it up I’m like, whoa, this is crazy. There were so many candidates it’s so crazy amazing that it just blows my mind that out of those people, I was selected,” Russo said. The Cabrini community has helped shape Russo into who she is today. She was surrounded around people that motivated her to do good and helped her throughout her years here. “When I came into Cabrini I was not necessarily prepared to succeed in college...I didn’t know if I was even
going to stay,” Russo said. “It was really the people that stuck out to me. So like the staff or the faculty in my learning community and the staff and the seal office and all the people that are bound to interact with me throughout my leadership roles, they shown that they care about me.”
Future after Cabrini After Cabrini, Russo is attending Ohio State University pursuing a masters in higher education and student affairs. Russo also is given the opportunity to work as a graduate assistant too. “It’s a two-year program and when I went out and interviewed, I interviewed for a graduate assistantship too,” Russo said. “I’ll be working with their honors and scholars program. The awesome thing about that is that I’ll work 20 hours a week, they pay my tuition and fees and they give me an additional 17 grand a year. So all I’m paying for is my apartment and I’m getting a master’s degree and two years of experience.” Russo isn’t sure what area of student affairs she would like to go into. She does know that she wants to work at a college or university. Russo wants to interact and help students and support them with whatever they are going through, whether it be academics or student activities. Russo has gone through some struggles in life but she knew that the only way to get help was to ask. All the help and mentorship she has had in the past six years has encouraged her to be an advocate and has a drive to help others. “I think oftentimes we think we need to have it all figured out ourselves and that it’s weak if we asked for help or like say that we don’t know something or something like that. Ask for help if you need it,” Russo said. “Seek out people that you respect and admire and ask for their opinion. Ask for their advice. There’s been a lot of people that have kind of served in a mentorship role for me and I made it a point to reach out to them, see how they got to where they are today and putting in work to follow in their footsteps.”
AMYKODRICH@GMAIL.COM
EDITORIAL
2 | THELOQUITUR.COM
WE ARE THE
LOQUITUR 2019-2020 Editorial Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AISLINN WALSH WRITING MANAGING EDITOR
AMY KODRICH VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR HAYLEY THOMPSON NEWS EDITORS GREY STEPHENS SIERRA DOTSON SPORTS EDITOR TROI PATRICK LIFESTYLES EDITOR JAH-MARLEY FITZGERALD PERSPECTIVES EDITOR ALEXANDRA MONTEIRO MEDIA MANAGERS KATHRYN TAYLOR MELISSA MENKENG ADVISER JEROME ZUREK
MISSION The Loquitur student newspaper and website are integral parts of the educational mission of the Cabrini communication department, namely, to educate students to take their places in the public media. Loquitur Media provides a forum of free expression. All members of the university community may submit work to the editors for possible inclusion. Publication is based on the editorial decision of the student editors.
Living with purpose after graduation: An open letter to the class of 2019 Dear graduating class of 2019, While graduating is an exciting time, it can be very frightening The final days of you being a senior are here and you have finally thinking of the future. This is normal. Take a step back and look at all made it through. you have accomplished. Everything may not happen all at once, but The past few years have been a challenge through staying up all in time things will fall into place. night studying for major exams, doing major course assignments The courses you have taken the past four years have made you worth half of your grade, being well-rounded and ready to involved in clubs, sports, and face challenges. having a job all on top of being a As you have doors open student. It definitely wasn’t easy, for you and opportunities but one thing you will be proud presented to you, rememof is all of the work you have ber to never be afraid to fail. done to showcase building your Thank you for being future careers. leaders on campus this year. Cabrini provided the stepYou have exemplified Cabriping stones for you to be sucni’s mission: education of cessful in whatever you dreamed the heart. Always keep that of being when you first stepped close to you and think back foot on campus. Maybe now on your time spent here. those dreams have changed. Cabrini University drives Your experience here will lead students to “live with puryou to your next stepping stones pose.” Don’t forget this in life. when you graduate. CabriCABRINI UNIVERSITY FLICKR Set your goals high. Never set- Class of 2019 class photo at move-in 2015 ni students have the power tle for less. That first job opportunity may seem perfect at first but to change the world, even if it’s through small changes you make in there is always more out there then just your first call back from an your community. Your ability to make a difference doesn’t magically employer. Don’t ever stop challenging yourself and continue to seek go away after graduation, in fact, it may even strengthen. Carry that out new opportunities to grow. passion for social justice with you for the rest of your life. So now, here you are just weeks away from graduation. The memories you have made will last a lifetime and you will always Sincerely, find yourself looking back on your college experiences. 2019-2020 Loquitur Editorial Staff
Cabrini University begins major wifi upgrade on campus BY SYDNEY LYNCH Writing Managing Editor Have you ever been disconnected from the WiFi at Cabrini University?
PIXABAY
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Loquitur accepts letters to the editors. They should be less than 500 words, usually in response to a current issue on Cabrini University’s campus or community area and are printed as space permits. Name, phone number and address should be included with submissions for verification purposes. All letters to the editors must be e-mailed to loquitur@ cabrini.edu
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
This is a daily occurrence for many students. 3.The entire upgrade for the WiFi will be complete before the Fall 20119 semester begins. Students at Cabrini University have been experiencing trouble with the WiFi on campus for the past school year. Getting disconnected makes it nearly impossible to complete assignments. Madelynn Murphy, freshman early education and special education major, has experienced this problem first hand. In an average day, Murphy will get disconnected from the WiFi at least once. “[When] I’m in my room especially, the WiFi is so spotty. It depends on the day whether it decides to work. It usually happens when I really need to get something done and then I can’t because there is no WiFi,” Murphy said. The information technology resource center has been adamant in their plan to upgrade the
WiFi system on campus. Rob Getz is the director of administrative computing at Cabrini University. He works in the ITR department and is working with a design vendor to find the optimal places on campus for access points. “We are essentially replacing all of the access points that are on campus, except for a small subset which were replaced about two years ago which are up to par to the [results] we want,” Getz said. “We worked with a design vendor to look at our buildings and design where they should be.” An access point is where the WiFi comes from so all of those go back to a central networking closet where they get WiFi from. Each one broadcast out the wireless signal for them to connect too. Cabrini University offers multiple WiFi networks to accommodate all devices of campus. Eduroam is Cabrini’s preferred wireless network, “offering the greatest bandwidth and security, fewer restrictions and the least radio interference. It is available to all students, faculty and staff with a current university user ID.” CabriniDevices is an open network that can be used to connect entertainment devices to WiFi. Entertainment devices include smart TVs, game consoles and media players. CabriniGuest is an open network for all guest, where visitors can log in using their email to gain access to the network. Murphy lives in East Resident Hall and has experienced trouble
connecting to any network available. “I primarily use Eduroam on my phone and my laptop but if that doesn’t work i’ll use CabriniDevices or CabriniGuest. I’ve found that sometimes the best way to go is creating a guest account until I can figure it out,” Murphy said. Currently, access points in forms are located in the hallways of each building. A new design for each building is currently being developed.
“It usually happens when I really need to get something done and then I can’t because there is no WiFi”
-MADELYNN MURPHY “The first phase is to replace some of the old infrastructure that we need to get out of the way so we can put some new access points in, so those are scattered all over campus. That’s what we’ll be doing week. After that, we’ll focus building by building,” Getz said. “We’ll probably wait to do the dorm until the summer, so it’s easier for us to get in the when students aren’t living there.” West Resident Hall was the first building to be upgraded before the Spring 2019 semester began. Over the summer, the entire campus will be upgraded to a new system. This is the first major upgrade
in the last 10 to 15 years. “Part of the strategy is to increase the number of them so that as students have more devices,” Getz said. “I think it averages to most students and faculty have above five devices, that newer access points can accept more devices and navigate that traffic a little bit easier so that there is no roadblocks or slowness.” Emma Turnbach is a junior psychology major with a minor in philosophy. She lives on the third floor of East Resident Hall and gets disconnected from the WiFi at least once a day. Turbach has visited ITR multiple times to repair connection to her personal laptop. “ITR is helpful, they have helped me reset my password and connect to Eduroam,” Turnbach said. “Unfortunately, halfway through the semester my laptop disconnected from Eduroam and ever since I have had trouble signing back on. While I am grateful for the help I was provided, I wish there was a better solution for the long-term issues.” The entire upgrade for the WiFi will be complete before the Fall 20119 semester begins.“We’re excited to roll this out,” Getz said. “We had really good reception from students who live in West after they’ve had that upgrade so we would like to implicate that everywhere on campus.”
SYDNEYLYNCH929@GMAIL.COM
NEWS
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
THELOQUITUR.COM | 3
Cabrini student speaks out about the dangers and effects of sexual assault BY STEPHANIE MCCLELLAND Staff Writer Editor’s note: The names of subjects have been modified to protect their identity. On New Year’s Eve of 2017, Jessica, a junior criminal justice major at Cabrini University, was ready to bring in the new year with some of her closest friends while visiting them at their college apartment. She was partying and having a good time with her best friend, John, whom she has known since sixth grade. While at the party she recognized one of John’s friends from the few times they’ve hung out with their mutual friends. “We were drinking and having a good time and we had talked throughout the night,” Jessica said. When the party began winding down Jessica went to fall asleep on the couch and told John to sleep between her and his friend. “I didn’t know his friend that well so I wanted John to sleep in between us just for extra comfort but his friend refused to get up because he was ‘already there,’ Jessica said. “When he said that, I was like alright, fine, I kind of know him, I didn’t think anything was gonna go down, I didn’t feel unsafe.” Jessica had been sleeping for a few hours when she was awakened by the feeling of being touched. “I was asleep on the couch and was woken up by him trying to spoon me and I was like what the f-ck is going on? And then he started kissing my ear and then I was like I need to get off this couch ASAP so I tried to get him to stop by just trying to shift away and tell him I was sleeping,” Jessica said. “Then he just started licking my ear again and whispering in my ear that it was okay. It wasn’t until he whispered ‘Are you gonna let me under your skin’ then I said ‘I gotta pee’ and ran upstairs to the bathroom and eventually fell asleep on the floor.” These situations are not uncommon for college age students to go through. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, “One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. More than 90 percent of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault.” This statistic can look pretty daunting to a young woman who is about to enter college and even to the women who are already attending universities now who may fear that one day they will be the one out of five women to experience some type of sexual assault during their time at college
The National Crime Victimization Survey According to William R. Beaver, Ph.D, a sociology professor at Robert Morris University, “The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) is administered by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics and is based on a nationally representative sample. The survey dates back to 1972 and was developed in part to address the under-reporting of crime. The NCVS covers not only rape and sexual assault but also other crimes such as robbery, theft, burglary, and physical assaults and has a response rate of 74 percent.”
Why not just report it? “I felt violated and I cleaned my earrings the next morning. I was embarrassed to tell John because I knew that it was his friend and I wasn’t sure if he was gonna believe me and I didn’t want to ruin their friendship,” Jessica said. “I remember that in the morning I told my friend Hannah. I didn’t want to tell John at first because I didn’t want to speak badly of his friend. I eventually told him but I don’t think he ever said anything to his friend.” It is not uncommon for people to not report sexual assault or harassment especially on college campuses because not only is it more likely to be assaulted by someone you know and probably have to see a lot around school but a lot of the time victims blame themselves and make themselves feel guilty or like it is their fault when in reality that is just not the case. Victims of sexual assault also often feel embarrassed to tell anybody because they feel violated and vulnerable already. “Data from the NCVS reveal at least 80 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are not reported. Many suggestions have been made over the years about ways of encouraging more reporting. However, when one considers that the persons involved usually know each other and that there is embarrassment and some confusion about whether a given act constitutes an assault,” Beaver said. “I know that a lot of people don’t report sexual assault because they feel embarrassed. They see these people a lot, since it’s usually someone you know and they don’t want to be thought of as a victim or they might blame themselves and feel guilty.” said Jessica, “I had known him for a while and he had never been weird to me or made any advances toward me before that night.” Those who have been a victim of sexual assault or harassment must remember that it is not their fault and they shouldn’t feel guilty or ashamed or embarrassed about what happened. It is important to speak up and report these incidents when they happen because it can help protect others from being assaulted by the same person or in general. If you have been the victim of sexual assault or harassment it is encouraged that you reach out to these resources: Public Safety Rooyman’s Hall (610)902-8245 Counseling and Psychological Services Grace Hall Room 174 (610)902-8561 Sexual Assault Hotline Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
STEPHANIE MCCLELLAND / STAFF WRITER
What is considered “sexual assault” Sexual assault is defined as experiencing any kind of unwanted sexual contact. This could mean rape, forcing the victim to do sexual acts or unwanted touching. According to the American Association of Universities’ Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct, “Rather than the term sexual assault, the survey used the term non-consensual sexual contact, which included rape (oral, anal, vaginal, digital penetration) and non-consensual touching, kissing, grabbing, groping, and rubbing in a sexual way. The survey investigated four tactics used to accomplish sexual assault, including physical force or a threat of physical force, incapacitation, coercion (non-physical threats or promise of rewards), and absence of affirmative consent.” A lot of people, when they are being sexually assaulted, may not even realize exactly what’s happening; a lot of the time they just know that they are uncomfortable and something may seem wrong.
STEPHANIE MCCLELLAND / STAFF WRITER
STEPHMCCLELLAND12@GMAIL.COM
4 | THELOQUITUR.COM
LIFESTYLES
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Student makes organic soap to support horse rescue organization BY KATHRYN TAYLOR & KARENA MCDANEL Media Manager & Staff Writer
When we stepped out of the car onto her property in front of her big, green roofed barn, we could hear the horses galloping, goats baahing and the chickens clucking. Brooke Fertig, sophomore communication major, enjoys making soap and has been doing so for about a year. Fertig makes soap as a hobby but donates her proceeds towards the organization, SOFE. SOFE (Sofia’s Oasis for Equines Inc.) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected horses that are also threatened with being slaughtered. Fertig has horses of her own, both of which were rescued. One of her horses was rescued after having acid splashed on it. Fertig is passionate about raising awareness of the good that rescue organizations do for animals. Her main goal is not about being the best soap maker in the soap industry but instead making sure her animals are safe and happy. Fertig’s passion about her horses came from her inspiration, Sylvia Zerbini. Fertig looks up to her because she goes against the flow of how people treat animals. Sylvia Zerbini is known for her Grande Liberte performances where she “demonstrates her amazing communication and partnering with up to 16 horses.”
“I started Unicorn Soap Company because I wanted to produce a quality, vegan, all natural product and also help animals by doing so. As long as I do that at the end of the day, I am satisfied,” Fertig said. Her soap products are vegan, organic and all natural. There are different processes by which one can make soap. Brooke makes each soap bar individually based since they are made in small batches and handmade. She creates different products using different molds and bases. The bases can take up to a couple weeks for them to be heated up in a microwave. After the bases are ready she adds in an essential oil of her choosing for a fresh scent. She then adds in her different powders for coloring. Brooke sells her soap through her website and Instagram, Unicorn Soap Co., where she has 86 followers that continues to grow. “I never would have thought that I would be making soap, creating my own company, making my own logos or making my own packaging. I just never thought this was a possibility for me,” Fertig said. Her passion for rescuing animals,
specifically horses, has grown into her wanting to open a rescue sanctuary of her own one day. “I think if you’re passionate about something, you should start it and eventually you’ll be successful.”
TAYLORRKATHRYNN@GMAIL.COM KARENAMCDANEL@GMAIL.COM
PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNICORN SOAP CO
Brooke Fertig with her two horses; Daenerys and Drogo
Cabrini seniors: the next chapter begins BY JAH-MARLEY FITZGERALD Lifestyles Editor
For most seniors at Cabrini, this will be their last semester. Imagine the amount of different thoughts and questions going through their heads like “will I go to graduate school?”, “will I go start to work?” or “what’s next?” According to McGraw-Hill Education, “only 44 percent of college seniors feel very prepared for their careers.” This is significantly low especially for the amount of money that college students pay to prepare for their career.
Here is what current seniors on campus are saying about life after graduation: “Cabrini has helped me in many ways,” senior biologypre-med major Brenda Cabrera, said. “I was provided the chance to present at national and regional conferences and conduct my own research.” Cabrera spends her free time working as a student ambassador for the admissions office as well as taking on many roles as president of science club, co-leader of PB&J night and being an active member of the honors program. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in science, Cabrera plans on attending the physician assistant program at Monmouth University in New Jersey.
“Do any and everything,” Cabrera said. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.” “I discovered Cabrini in 7th grade through a college preparatory program,” senior marketing major Danielle Perez said. “Through that program, my class and I got the opportunity to tour a few colleges to prepare ourselves for the future. Cabrini was one of the colleges I toured and the only college to keep in contact with me throughout high school.” Perez is also minoring in international business. She spends her time as vice president of student government association, vice president of internal operations for CAP Board and even venturing in new parts of the city on her free time. Perez even served as one of the orientation coordinators for summer 2018. She also plans on going straight to work after graduating from Cabrini with a Bachelor’s Degree of science in marketing. “I’m definitely dreading the last day I walk on this campus as a student but I’ve been looking forward to life after college,” Perez said. “I’ll miss walking to class, hanging out in the SEaL Office, running into my professors at The Bean, taking part in Orientation, running around campus setting up for CAP Board events and sitting in class reviewing for exams. I know I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. I’ve said it to my friends already but I don’t see this as a door closing, I see this as an additional chapter or opportunity in my book!”
“I’m happy that I came to Cabrini,” Marc Haddad, senior biology major on the pre-dentistry track here at Cabrini, said. “Cabrini has shaped me to become a better individual by opening my perspective on life and never judging a book by its cover.” Haddad is a member of the science club, plays defensive midfield on the club lacrosse team and also shadows dentists on his free time. He plans on taking a year off and studying for the DAT exam after graduating in May with a Bachelor’s Degree in science. “To underclassmen, plan your own schedule, save everyone’s number and always be friendly to the Sodexo workers,” Haddad said. “After graduation I plan on going to graduate school to get my Master’s in applied behavioral analysis,” senior psychology major, Samantha Torres, said. “I am trying to stay in Pennsylvania to study here and get a graduate assistantship. However, if that does not work out, I plan on returning home to live with my parents. In New York I plan on working and getting my Master’s through an online program.” Torres is currently president of Psi Chi, a member of Pura Vida, member of psychology club, a classroom coach, as well as a resident assistant here at Cabrini. Torres is also minoring in Spanish and philosophy. “Cabrini has prepared me in many ways for my career,” Torres continued. “Through my classes I have learned the value of research and professionalism. In addition, Cabrini centers itself around community and service, and through that I have chosen a career where I want to help others to succeed. I have developed scholarship through presenting research and leadership skills through being an RA and Classroom Coach at Cabrini.” According to the Cabrini website, “six months after graduation, 92 percent of Cabrini University undergraduate students are employed or enrolled in full-time graduate studies.” “I think that the students who are engaged in their education are prepared for their careers after their college experiences,” Assistant registrar Anita Brusstar said. “I believe the Center for Career and Professional Develop helps provide experiences for students through Internships that could lead to real job opportunities. The CCPD also offers advice and guidance on building a resume and tips on how to write a cover letter, along with other aspects involved in a job search.”
JAHMARLEYFITZGERALD@GMAIL.COM JAH-MARLEY FITZGERALD/LIFESTYLES EDITOR
(From left to right) Brenda Cabrera-Vicens, Samantha Torres, and Marc Haddad
LIFESTYLES
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
THELOQUITUR.COM |5
24 seniors receive the Who’s Who award experience,” Spadafora said. “I will be leaving a lasting impression here.” “It feels good to know all my accomplishments at Cabrini didn’t go unnoticed,” senior business management major Matt Keelan said. “I’m glad I was able to make an impact at this school.” Keelan believes that of the three required fields of excellence he has shown his abilities as a leader most while here. He has worked in admissions, as an orientation leader and was a student fellow of the leadership LLC. “For four years I’ve studied leadership and year after year I’ve been able to put my skills to the test,” Keelan said. Nia Alavrez-Mapp, philosophy and writing double major with a minor in political science, seeks to further her
BY AISLINN WALSH & ALEX MAIORANA Editor-in-Chief & Staff Writter
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATT KEELAN
Matt Keelan
Nia Alvarez-Mapp
Cabrini’s Who’s Who award recipients
VISUAL PROVIDED BY AMY KODRICH/ WRITING MANAGING EDITOR
Just a month before graduation, 24 members of Cabrini University’s graduating Class of 2019 were bestowed the honor of the Who’s Who award. This prestigious award is given to seniors at over 1,000 colleges across the country who exemplify academic merit, leadership and service as an undergraduate. To be considered, students must have applied for the Who’s Who award and excelled in three areas: academics, leadership and service. In addition, students must receive a letter of recommendation and nomination from a faculty member. The founder of the award, Henry Pettus Randall, was unable to join honor societies while in college due to this financial status. According to the organization’s website, he created “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges” in 1934, so that students could receive recognition for their work “based on achievement rather than financial ability.” Cabrini’s Who’s Who recipients balanced work, leadership, service and athletics all while focusing on their academics. Sonia Spadafora, senior biology major with a pre-dental track, spent her time at Cabrini involved in several activities across campus. She was the president of the student government association, vice president of the Rotaract club, a member of the science club and crew team, worked as a resident assistant, peer tutor and participated in Bacteriophage research. After graduation, Spadafora aims to attend dental school and knows that she has put a positive mark on Cabrini. “The Who’s Who award was a touching sentiment to remind me that through my advocacy and efforts to improve the Cabrini
education at graduate school. Before grad school, she will be participating in two years of service. The decision to volunteer comes to no surprise to anyone that knows Alvarez-Mapp, as she is heavily involved in service and activism. Although her involvement list is too long to name, there are several activities and efforts that she’s particularly proud of. During her time at Cabrini, Alvarez-Mapp has worked to create the interfaith prayer room, PHOTO PROVIDED BY RENIN BROADNAX co-ran the drive for student voter registration and organized a Valentine’s Nia Alvarez-Mapp Day pantry drive for rape survivors. In addition, she was 2018-2019 recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship, a national award and fellowship for college students. According to the organization’s website the award, “recognizes and supports community-committed students who are change-makers and public problem-solvers.” She has also been inducted into four honor societies, Delta Alpha Phi, Sigma Tau Delta, Omicron Delta Kappa and Psi Chi. Alvarez-Mapp wishes to dedicate this award to several family members and The Wolfington Center. “I am dedicating this Who’s Who to my Grandma Aracely, Grandpa José, Aunt Justa, Grandma Elaine, Tio Juan and those I wished who were here to see this moment,” Alvarez-Mapp said. “Also I just really want to thank the Wolfington Center for being one of my biggest supporters on this campus.” Meghan Murtha, senior math and chemistry major, was another recipient of the award with a great deal of involvement at the school. Throughout her years here Murtha has been a resident assistant, a math tutor, a classroom coach, the vice president of the math club, the coordinator for the science club, a peer tutor for science and learning community, captain of the rowing team and was a part of the Student Athletic Committee. Not only that, but Murtha is part of several honors societies: Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Beta Beta Beta, Sigma Zeta, Delta Epsilon Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa. Murtha is also part of the honors program at Cabrini University “I’m really honored to have my hard work here recognized,” Murtha said. “I’m looking forward to the induction ceremony.” Those who have received the award were invited to attend an induction ceremony on Saturday, May 18.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CABRINI UNIVERSITY
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CABRINI UNIVERSITY
Meghan Murtha
Sonia Spadafora ARTICLETWENTYTHREE@GMAIL.COM
ALEXMAIORANA98@GMAIL.COM
CABRINI UNIVERSITY/FLICKR
PERSPECTIVES
6 | THELOQUITUR.COM
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
What makes Cabrini University students special? BY ANGELINA CAPOZZI Staff Writer
It seems so simple, one word could answer the question. What makes you special? Is it your sense of humor or your athletic abilities? When proposed this question we think about ourselves and wonder what is the best thing about us. Many have trouble naming just one thing that makes them special or makes them who they are.
Hailey Like Kailey, junior political science major Hailey Betham said what makes her special is her passion for the environment. Both have a strong will to help make a change in the world.
Chris
but when someone calls you special sometimes we think of that in a negative way.
Giovanni “I am going to be a dad,” junior human resource major Giovanni Vela said. “What makes you special comes within each of us and it is up to us to decide what makes each and every one of us special.”
Lindsay After many students were given this question almost all talked about passion. Their passions were what made them who they are. The things in the world they cared most about were the things they wanted to describe themselves with. “My passion for fashion and writing,” senior writing major Lindsay Hurwitz said.
Lauren
When others were asked this same question, the responses were all over. “I sing to myself in the shower,” Chris Brady, a junior psychology and English major, said. ANGELINA CAPOZZI/ STAFF WRITER
“Life is 10 percent pf what happens to you and 90 percent of how you react to it,” sophomore Lauren Kelley said. Kelley proposed that what makes her special is how she handles life when things are thrown her way.
Tori “I am a mosaic,” Tori Kasper, junior English major, said. A mosaic is a picture or pattern arranging together with small colored pieces to create a bigger picture. Kasper describes herself as this because there are so many different special things about her.
ANGELINA CAPOZZI/ STAFF WRITER
Rose
ANGELINA CAPOZZI/ STAFF WRITER
Kailey “My passion for helping others,” Kailey Currao, a sophomore secondary education English major, said. Kailey volunteers her time helping teach children at a local school. She is humble and her passion for others shows as she speaks about her volunteer work. Currao spent time in Guatemala immersing herself in the culture and helping rebuild houses this semester. “It was the best experience and I learned so much by being there,” Currao said.
ANGELINA CAPOZZI/ STAFF WRITER
“Guitar makes me special,” Rose De La Luz, a sophomore international business major, said. Whether it’s a passion like paying an instrument or a life-changing event, these expressions are what define people.
Megan Happiness is imperative in life. “I like to make myself, and others laugh,” junior digital communication and social media major, Megan Willing said. ANGELINA CAPOZZI/ STAFF WRITER
When we think of the word special, do we think of it as a positive thing or a negative thing? When proposed the question, we think of positive things about ourselves
Olivia Similar to that, Willing’s friend, junior education major, Olivia Schiffert answered the question with “anything makes me smile.”
ANGELINA CAPOZZI/ STAFF WRITER
ANGELINAMCAPOZZI@GMAIL.COM
What I see when I’m alone during breaks BY MICHAEL GERZABEK Staff Writer
Students every spring semester have three things always on their mind, spring break, Easter break and summer. Except for me. Playing a college sport in the spring semester does not allow me to have the same breaks as a non-athlete student. As I open my door to take a step into dark hallway, I pause for a second to wait for the light to come on so I can proceed down the hall. The lights flicker on and I continue my walk down the long white wall hall. The loud banging of doors and laughter of other residents are nowhere to be heard. The residence halls can be described as a scene of a scary movie. The white walls have an extra dose of boringness to them during break. Walking down them during silent days causes them to become larger. I can hear my own breath as I walk down the steps and continue out the door to an empty parking lot. My gold Subaru that was passed down from my grandmother sits in the first parking spot in the lot but never gets touched. This year I chose to walk around campus during breaks to fully take in the beauty of our campus. The vacant campus allows for the full appreciation of the
JAH-MARLEY FITZGERALD/ LIFESTYLES EDITOR
What many students see when they’re on break alone. blooming flowers and chirping birds. I proceed my walk passed the vacant buildings that were once filled with the determined students pursuing their education. I get to the empty Dixon parking lot that is usually filled with parked cars and students driving around in circles waiting for a spot to open. The Dixon center that is typically filled with Cabrini University athletes has now turned itself into a senior citizen center.
All the local residents that are members at the Dixon gym seem to utilize the gym the most when students are not on campus and I don’t blame them. I continue my walk into the Cabrini men’s lacrosse locker room where things start to turn into a regular school day. Once inside the locker room there is no telling the difference between school being on break or in session. After practice I walk out of Dixon right
back into the deserted campus. The eerie feeling on campus is a feeling that one can only describe as creepy. As the sun starts to goes down the second half of the scary movie that started in the dorms reappears. I decided to head over to the RAC hoping it be open for the students who head home in the morning. I start my walk through the night listening to crickets shrieking and critters creeping. Dodging the jumping toads on the windy ways of Cabrini, I find myself at the gateway of Founders. I reach out and expose the first sign of an open RAC. As I walk through the chilling walls of the vacant building I can picture a cinema movie camera following behind me. The production team patiently waiting to catch my reaction of the demon lurking behind the forgotten Sodexo walls. I reach out. Closed.
MIKEGERZABEK@GMAIL.COM
SPORTS
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
THELO QUITUR.COM | 7
Student athletes and their timely commitment BY KEEGAN MCKOSKEY Sports Editor
Men’s club lacrosse outlook for the end of the regular season BY MELISSA CASEY Staff Writer
With only one game left of the regular season, Cabrini’s club men’s lacrosse team looks to finish strong to gain a spot in the National College Lacrosse League, NCLL. They had a tough schedule throughout the season but dominated against ranked opponents in the league such as number 11, Rowan University. At the moment, they are ranked 23 out of 25 teams in the Division II All Pro President’s Poll Top 25. Men’s club lacrosse team has been successful with conference games. Recently, they pulled a big win against Rider University with the score 12-4 which makes them 4-3 for their conference record. Dave Hare, midfield for Cabrini’s club men’s lacrosse team, has a positive outlook for the rest of the season. “The season is going really well, we have grown a lot as a team and the chemistry has been there,” Hare said. “We look to continue our success and secure a playoff spot in the NCLL playoffs.” They end their regular season with two conference games against Saint Joseph’s University and Drexel University. With the win over Rowan, which is the program’s first ever win against Rowan, has the team ready for the big games ahead towards the end of the regular season. “Compared to last year, the team has so much more talent and competes with better teams as well,” Dan Gee, defensive midfielder for the team, said. “We have four games left in the season and after the season ends, we are getting ready for our conference playoffs.” After conference playoffs, Cabrini’s men’s club lacrosse could possibly have the chance to travel down to Maryland for the National College Lacrosse League three day tournament hoping to win it all. “If we make it to the tournament, we plan to play our very best, give it our all and hopefully win the championship,” Edmund Whisnart, long stick midfield for the club lacrosse team, said.
CONTINUE READING ONLINE MELISSACASEY101@GMAIL.COM
“Practice usually takes up a big chunk of our time, being a college athlete and trying to keep As the loud alarm goes off on my grades up, it isn’t easy,” senior Joe Suppa’s iPhone 8 Plus, he business management major and reads the time as 5:20 a.m. on his DIII second basemen at Albright phone and it’s time to get ready University, Joe Suppa said. for a 6:00 a.m. lifting session. It is “It does get tough sometimes the start of a busy week for senior but you have your teammates business management major, there to keep you going because Joe Suppa. As Suppa attempts they are going through similar to keep his grades up, being a experiences.” student athlete has a big role in There are many different levels his time management skills as a of athletics that a high school Division III athlete. student has to choose from, given Time management skills are a they have been accepted and are key factor in any college student’s being recruited by the school. life but being a college athlete The recruiting process is a whole takes time management to a different monster of time whole other level. commitment for high school students. Let’s focus on Division I, Division II, Division III and some junior college (JUCO) athletic programs. Every division takes up a good amount of time whether you sit the bench for a JUCO athletic program or are a Division I starting shortstop. The team practices together so everyone is putting in the same time, unless you take it upon yourself to improve and practice that requires even more time. “As a Division II athlete, it can be challenging at NOAH BRISACH times but my coaches and professors really worked with Noah Brisach waits to drive the ball to me with missed classes for left field
JOE SUPPA
Joe Suppa looks to drive in the runner games and assignments,” said alumni pitcher of West Chester University Ron Bailey. Often times, athletic programs can be compared to higher level athletic programs. According to NCAA, Division I athletes spend 6 hours on academics, 5.7 hours on athletic events such as practices and games, 3.3 hours of a social life and 7 hours of sleeping. That only leaves two hours left in a single day. We did not include time for eating, employment, or extra curricular activities. As Division II athletes spend 5.7 hours on academics, 5.5 hours on athletics, 3.6 hours on a social life and 6.9 hours of sleeping. “I went the JUCO route because I wanted to focus primarily on baseball rather than academics,” said Noah Brisach
junior outfielder for Middlesex County. Division III levels give much more space as it shows 6.2 hours on academics, 4.8 hours on athletics, 3.6 hours of a social life and 7.2 hours of sleeping. Many of these hours are crucial hours that are needed for a college athlete or even for a basic college student. Eating, sleeping, extra curricular activities and academics are basic hours spent throughout a college students experience. Maybe you want to have a little social life as well. However, if you throw in an extra 5 hours of athletics, their time management skills are tested enormously. This usually starts the argument of why college athletes should be paid. It isn’t a bad thought after seeing how much time they put in. KEEGANMCKOSKEY11@GMAIL.COM
iCavsStep founder reflects and shares her vision for the team’s future BY SIERRA DOTSON News Editor
Ottira Fontaine will be graduating from Cabrini in May of 2019. She is a psychology major with a triple minor in gender and body studies, black studies and criminology. During her senior year she also won the title of Miss Cabrini during the 2018 pageant. However, her most proud achievement was the creation of iCavsStep, Cabrini’s step team.
Inspiration for iCavsStep Starting off with a team of only five girls, Fontaine had a vision to start a club that embodied Cabrini’s diversity initiatives. “While Cabrini is a diverse campus, there were not a lot of diverse activities so my main goal was to do something that could be enjoyed by people of all different cultures,” Fontaine said. “Stepping is of African descent and I wanted to educate people on that and push that message. It originally started during slavery. Slaves were not allowed to talk or they would get beaten so step came into play as a means of communication.” The name iCavsStep originally began as “iStep” but “Cavs” was later added to make the name not only more synonymous with the university but also the values that come with being a Cavalier.
Impacts of the step team When asked to summarize the mission of the step team, Fontaine described that the team was “open for all.” She hopes that students can utilize the team as a safe space for no matter their ethnicity, gender identity or background. The step team also has a “no experience required” policy and welcomes steppers of any skill level. Despite only being the team’s second year in operation, iCavsStep was recognized by Cabrini two years in a row, winning organization of the year in both 2018 and 2019. Fontaine OTTIRA FONTAINE iCavsStep at Stomp of The Year in 2018 is incredibly proud of how well-received the team has been among students and hopes to leave her dorm room more to push people to come out just continue growing it’s popularity. and has allowed her to build to step but to also do things like While the presence of the strong relationships with girls community service.” step team has had an impact from all races, age groups and As the team continues to on the student body, it has also backgrounds. grow, Fontaine warns future impacted Fontaine personally as steppers to be conscious of how The future of the team well. they handle time management. “It was an eye-opener to Following graduation, Ottira One of her biggest challenges go from dealing with no one will be returning to assist with when starting up the team to working with a lot of girls,” coaching. She hopes that a year was getting members to Fontaine said. “We now have from now, the team will be stay committed. While she about 30 girls on the team. I made competing on a national level encourages students to always amazing relationships. I’ve been and putting Cabrini’s name on put their education first, she also a mentor to them and they’ve the map. believes that with hard work it is really touched my heart. They’ve “10 years from now I can see always possible to find balance. helped me learn how to better the team being an elite squad,” help them.” Fontaine said. “I honestly hope Fontaine recalls being the team continues pushing for incredibly introverted as a more diversity as well. I want freshman, describing herself all races to feel comfortable CONTINUE READING ONLINE as “not very involved.” Starting with [step] and be educated the step team forced her to on what it is. My vision is not SIERRADOTSON820@GMAIL.COM
SPORTS
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
THELO QUITUR.COM | 8
THANK YOU, SENIORS! Rita Alcaraz Nicholas Alizzi Victoria Anderson Vince Biche Ryan Brong Timmy Brooks Teddy Burton Kelly Bush Darian Caputo Cassius Christie Betsy Czarkowski Kevin Delaney Mike Doyle David Gall Payton Greene Caitlyn Hill Jordan Horsley James Humes Jared Irwin Gaby Jones Tori Kasper MaryKate Keenan Jordan Krug Katie Kucia Anthony Linder-Creo Marissa Loro Brittany McCullough Theresa Mignogna Bill Morgan Devahnte Mosley Avery Murphy Meg Murtha Tyler Norris Matt Ochman Kassie Ockford Michael Patton Sam Penecale Melanie Reeves Ivan Robinson Nick Tilly Emma Rodner-Tims Tyler Ronayne Alsmith Saintilus Devon Scharf Andrew Sennett Ashley Shannon Emily Shannon Angelie Traviza-Traverzo Nick Vass Sean Wagner Nicholas Waligurski Nomi Washington Riley White Anthony Wright-Downing Sal Zampirri Jr TYLER O’CONNOR AND CABRINI ATHLETICS