a g u y a
THE
CCollegian The Voice of Cayuga Community College Students for more than 50 years
collegian@cayuga-cc.edu
Vol. 55 Issue 19
May 7, 2007
New SGO Installed By Mathew Kratts, Editor-in-chief
Garret Komarisky SGO President
Christa Cambs SGO Vice President
Ryan Foley Student Trustee
Julia Wilson SGO Secretary
Next year’s new Student Government Organization staff has been elected by an unanimous decision. Garret Komarisky took the Presidency position unopposed with 250 votes and Vice-Presidential winner, Christa Cambs, dominated Bryan Puertas: 163 votes to 89 votes. “She deserved it,” Current SGO Vice-President Eric Crim commented on the race. “She advertised well and she was the more qualified out of the two. Both candidates seemed optimistic but Christa took it home for the win.” Presidential winner Garret Komarisky didn’t seem too surprised about the win. “Now that the students have decided, it’s up to us. As for me, I’m just going to keep doing what I have been,” Komarisky said after seeing the election results. Both candidates were pleased about the outcome, the rest of the slate has Julia Wilson as Secretary, Merle Fenton as Treasurer, Ryan Foley as the Student Trustee and Terry Wilbur as the Fulton Liason. Out of the six positions, three ran unopposed, two had only one other candidate and the closest race was in the Fulton Liason position which included two other contenders. The most surprising detail about this
year’s election is the dramatic influence from the Fulton campus. None of the candidates advertised in Fulton so the results were up in the air. Among the most affected, Secretary Candidate Jared Pillbeam lost the election even though he had a commanding presence in Auburn. It was a “huge surprise in Fulton,” SGO members said. “It’ll be interesting to see how much Fulton will play a role in future elections.” The candidates are already looking forward to their term next semester. “I want students to give us ideas on what to do for events,” Christa Cambs said stating her main focus as Vice-President. Some of the members of SGO were disappointed with the turn out for events this semester and both candidates are planning on making a change. Cambs and Komarisky have expressed their views about adding some new touches to the role of SGO, making the basis to be a little more political. They plan to have more public speakers come in and get a larger group of students involved with Student Government. Most of the new members of SGO have either volunteered or learned about what the positions require so it’s safe to say it’ll be a smooth transition to the new student government next fall.
Campus Conducts Security Review By Jaynai Cummings, Collegian Staff Writer
Merle Fenton SGO Treasurer
Congratulations to the New Student Government! -The Collegian Staff
The recent Virginia Tech massacre has sparked an emergency review of college safety policies and procedures at Cayuga Community College. The campus recently held a public forum to discuss campus safety. The event was hosted by Joanne Lamb, CCC’s director of student development, and Bill Marvantano, CCC’s director of campus security. The forum began with a moment of silence for the 32 Virginia Tech students who lost their lives and fellow students and families who are suffering tremendously because of the tragic events. “What happened at Virginia Tech shows how vulnerable we are as an open campus,” said Marvantano. After the Virginia Tech shootings took place, the Chancellor of SUNY schools
Inside
called an emergency meeting about safety on SUNY campuses. The Auburn forum discussed some of the findings from the emergency meeting. The number one finding of the meeting was that technology is needed in all classrooms so students can have access to getting help or being made aware of an emergency on campus. Lamb says they’re considering putting in a wireless Public Address system in each classroom. The CCC officials said they will be reviewing the Emergency Response Book already in place on campus. Marvantano told the group assembled for the forum, he is putting together an ‘active shooters’ plan’ and a ‘workplace violence plan’ which he intends to present to CCC’s Board of Trustees.
Marvantano says he is also going to share with the campus’ ad-hoc committee on safety, threat assessment information he has gathered from the United States Department of Secret Service. Lamb says sometimes it’s difficult for students to share with college officials things they notice on campus because trends and different cultures prevent them from doing so. “To change that kind of culture is kind of pervasive.” Lamb is hoping the college will start dialogues with students so they feel more comfortable sharing information about what is going on around them. People who attended the forum had some suggestions, too. One person asked for the implementation of a silent alarm system. Another suggested using a colored folder system in which if there is trouble…a person would hold up this particular colored folder to alert others of danger.
Being a Guardsman By Mathew Kratts, Editor-in-chief Many people ask me, why did I join the Military? My usual response is college, since they pay my tuition here at CCC, as well as the fact of being a “Citizen Soldier” (as the National Guard calls them selves) meaning I can serve in the military while I’m at home or college. But my biggest reason is the experience. I love to help people in my community and I’m kind of a thrill seeker. How many friends of mine have repelled off a 60 ft. wall, driven hummers off road or used weapons like M-16’s, machine guns, 50.Calibers and grenade launchers. As far as I know, not many civilian jobs feature such things. It’s really funny how people react when they find out I’m in the National Guard. I was walking through Lattimore Hall the other day in my ACU uniform and half the guys asked me what the hell I was thinking. They were further surprised finding out I’ve been enlisted for over three years now. I explained to them that I entered into a split-op program. I left to basic training the summer between my junior and senior year of high school. Then I left to training again after I graduated from high school. It’s interesting how many new recruits have a large fear of going to Basic Training. I’ve seen young men almost wet themselves before going to the “dreaded” basic training and then come out saying they would do it all over again. I myself went to Fort Knox
Kentucky over the summer of ’04. It was an all male battalion, so it’s safe to say we had some tough days. But I had some of the funniest, adventures times in my life, excluding the 22 mile march back to base on our FTX .(field training exercise) I would never want to do that again, having webbed feet isn’t fun. Today I enjoy knowing that I’m serving my country, even though I only drill once a month and two weeks over the summer. My unit has yet to serve our community by doing any type of public service but I know our time will come. A lot of pride comes with the title, its a little hard understanding that my unit can be called up at any time and I’m sure we will get deployed overseas if the war in Iraq continues past 2008. I’m not too worried about it now because whether or not we go is inevitable. Plus I’ll be making about 60,000 a year as a specialist. Overall I like the National Guard, its good money, good benefits and I like the people I work with. All different occupations have their up sides and down sides so you’re always going to have that, no matter what field you get into. Being in the National Guard gives me a chance to do things I never thought possible and pay for a degree in any field I want to. The military is not for everyone but I’m definitely one of those people that love every aspect of it.
Dr. Phil Gover wins Mahlstedt Award.
Interim President Dr. Philip Gover was pleasantly surprised to be honored with the Richard Mahlstedt Memorial Award. This award is given annually by the students of Cayuga Community College to the staff member or employee who best exemplifies the characteristics that made Professor Mahlstedt an exceptional member of the College community, including excellence in his area of expertise, works to enhance the reputation of the College in his area and makes a significant and positive contribution to the community in which he lives. Dr. Gover certain amplifies every characteristic this award is entitled to. Everyone here at the Collegian wishes a big Congratulation to Dr. Gover on his recognition.
Mat Kratts, a proud member of the National Guard.
Gover Honored with Award On-Campus Dorms???
Editorial Board
MATHEW KRATTS, Executive Editor TIFFANY COLLINSWORTH, Assistant Editor MARY G. MERRITT, Advisor
Staff
Ben Bolding, Staff Photographer Joe Borland, Staff Writer Michelle Brooks, Staff Writer Jaynai Cummings, Staff Writer Kristi French, Staff Writer
Jessica Miles, Staff Writer Jessica Naioti, Fulton Correspondent Carl Phillips, Staff Artist Kathleen Sperduti, Staff Writer Suzie Delaney, Staff Writer
The Cayuga Collegian is published on announced publication dates during regular semesters at Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin Street, Auburn, NY 13021. Our phone number is 315-255-1743. The Cayuga Collegian is funded by CCC’s Faculty-Student Association through student activity fees. Opinions expressed in columns, news stories, features, interviews or letters to the editor are not necessarily those of the college administration, faculty, staff or students at CCC. The Cayuga Collegian is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.
PAGE TWO
By Christopher Peltz, Collegian Staff Writer With the spring semester coming to a close and a wave of perspective Spartans soon to converge on campus, perhaps it’s time to re-examine the perennial issue of on-campus housing at CCC. In a recent poll of Cayuga students, 62.5% of responded that they would favorably consider living in an on-campus dorm. In addition, three quarters of those polled stated they would have no problem with tuition funds being allocated to the building of a walking-distance CCC dormitory. In fact some polled assumed some sort of housing closer than Lattimore Hall was going to be part of the recent renovations CCC underwent. “I would definitely live in a walkingdistance dorm. It’s a good idea because Lattimore Hall is [exploitive deleted] across town,” remarked CCC student Eric Congdon. “It makes sense to have something closer, as of now you have to take the bus.” The commute from Lattimore, though just a few miles to downtown, is still considered inconvenient by some perspective residents. Telecommunications major Taylor Haines told The Collegian, “[On-campus dorms] would make students more involved in school activities because they don’t have to worry about catching a bus or getting down here. You’d see more students using the library or labs; it would
make CCC more of a college atmosphere.” The trend towards on-campus housing for community colleges seems to be growing; last fall neighboring Onondaga Community College unveiled it’s new three-building dormitories. Other local community colleges with campus housing include Tompkins-Cortland CC, Monroe CC, Finger Lakes CC, Herkimer County CC, Jamestown CC, Mohawk Valley CC, Sullivan County CC, Genesee CC, and North Country CC to name a few. In an interview this past January with The Citizen, CCC administrators assured the public there would be no on-campus housing anytime soon, however with stiffened competition by other two-year schools it may be beneficial to re-consider. Many students interviewed seemed to think there could even be monetary benefits in new housing. Jason Bastedo (Audio major) speculated, “I think [campus dorms] would be a great idea because if you think about it, it broadens the school’s reach—to kids out of state or those who wouldn’t consider CCC normally…if it’ll bring in more students it’ll pay for itself.” Campus housing has more utility than simply convenient location for students. For instance this summer OCC is renting out its empty dorms during its annual Jazz Fest to anyone attending the festival from out of town so that accommodations are not an issue.
The Earth is not your ashtray...
Put your butt where it belongs!
Alcohol: A Serious Risk CCC Blood Drive Breaks Record By Kristi French, Collegian Staff Writer
By Jess Miles, Collegian Staff Writer
William Marventano, Cayuga Community Colleges Director of Public Safety says that in a 2001 study, 48% of college students reported they had participated in binge drinking. This means that if you are a male who has five or more drinks in one sitting or a female who has four or more drinks in one sitting within two weeks then you are considered a binge drinker. The age group with the highest percentage of binge drinking is 18 to 25 years old. Binge drinking can be dangerous and lead to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning happens to a person when large amounts of alcohol are ingested in a short amount of time. Marventano gave examples of alcohol poisoning risks. He says that if you are male that weighs 160 pounds and consumes 11 drinks in one hour or a female that weighs 120 pounds and consume seven drinks in one hour then you would be at risk for alcohol poisoning. Some signs of alcohol poisoning are, a person does not respond to being talked to or
Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. On April 26th, The American Red Cross came to Cayuga Community College’s Auburn campus to hold a blood drive. The Student Government Organization (SGO) sponsored the event. The blood drive was held in the student lounge with pre-signupsthe previous week. The goal for the blood drive was 24 people. As of 11 in the morning on Thursday, there were already 26 people that pre-signed up and 17 people that signed up for the first hour. In order to give blood there are many things that needs to be considered. Some of the reasons a person cannot give blood are: under age 16, taking any antibiotics, diagnosed with an unknown type of cancer, leukemia or lymphoma, experiencing heart related chest pains, or had a stroke or angioplasty in the last six months. You also may not be able to give blood if in the last twelve months you have received a tattoo, ear or body piercing with a non-sterile needle, or traveled to a place with the risk of malaria. If you’re considering donating blood, there are a few things The American Red Cross would like you to know. The American Red Cross will ask you questions about your health, travel, and medicines. They will ask you questions to see if you are at risk for Hepatitis, HIV, or AIDS. They will also take your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and a small sample of blood to make sure there is no sign of anemia. Once you are cleared to donate, the procedure will begin. First, the donation site will be cleansed with an antiseptic; a new sterile disposable needle will be used to collect your blood. The donation can take up to ten
shouted at, their breathing will become very slow, and their skin may be blue or purplish. Marventano says that if this should happen to someone you know you should immediately call 911, put the person on their side, and when the EMS arrive it is important that you tell them what the person has consumed and how much. A fact that is important to remember is that it takes the body two hours to process the alcohol in one drink. Marventano says the degree of your impairment also depends on four basic factors including the amount you drink, whether you have eaten before or while drinking (food slows absorption), your body weight, and the length of time you spend drinking. A BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .08 or higher will get you a DWI, a BAC of .016 will get you a felony DWI. Marventano says don’t risk getting a DWI. He suggests appointing a designated driver or take a cab.
Poetry Professor Visits By Tiffany Collinsworth, Collegian Assistant Editor Whether it was for extra credit or the love of poems, students and faculty at CCC flocked to see author, poet and Fulton Campus English teacher on his visit to CCC’s Auburn campus. Mr. Jennings is a published author and poet. He is fascinated by Siberian Huskies, in which he ended up writing a book about them. Ted Hughes and Bob Dylan are Michael’s main influence for writing; both played a great part in persuading Jennings to become a writer. As a young man, Michael was second in the nation in the game squash and he also played tennis. However, in France Mr. Jennings was in a motorcycle accident where he was stuck in a hospital for about a year. When he realized he would never be able to run again he took up writing. Teachers are always telling their students to write about what they know. Michael Jennings does just that. He writes about the travels to the Middle East, his childhood, and his wanderings. The latest book “Silky Thefts” came out last year. The poems take you through a journey of what he knows as life.
When the reading began he first informed the audience about the background of the poem. For instance, prior to performing his poem “Mary” he explained to the on lookers about how he was raised by his mother and his grandmother. As well as, how his grandmother went through a nasty divorce and was left with nothing. He went on to read “Ancient Music”, “Old Mountains”, and “Remains”. As the reading continues, there was a commanding presence it was easy to feel the emotion coming out of him. So much feeling that the woman in front was swaying and bobbing her head to the words. His poems overwhelmed with imagery and thought provoking images. The audience could see his poems had a lot of meaning. He bowed his head and closed his eyes while speaking in a soft rustic voice. Overall, his reading was a success. After he was finished with the poetry, he allowed questions from the audience which included how he started out as a writer along with the specific influences that drive his poetry to excellence.
minutes and you may feel a ‘sting’ where the needle is inserted. After giving blood, you will be given a for of post-donation instructions and a number to call if any problems occur or if you decide your blood is not safe for another person. After donating there is a chance that you may feel light-headed or experience a dizzy feeling, upset stomach, develop black or blue marks, redness, or pain where the needle was and very rarely, experience a loss of consciousness. The Assistant Editor of The Collegian, Tiffany Collinsworth, participated in the blood drive. “Okay, so I am deathly afraid of needles but every time I give blood I just feel amazing and the needle doesn’t matter anymore. After the intial prick it’s done and over just like that. Afterward, I did feel a little sick but it was because I started running like two minutes after I was finished because I was late for class. The questions were the same as always and I was shaking and quivering the whole time like always. The ‘doctors’ were really great too! They knew how nervous I was and not just my own doctor but all of them were talking to me to calm me down and helping me through it which was great. Buzz, a student from CCC was also there making me laugh so I would forget about the needle that was jabbed into my arm,” says Collinswoth. By 3:00 PM, the blood drive proved itself to be a success. With 53 donors, The American Red Cross exceeded their goal of 24. “We got 53, we made our goal. It was real good, way over our goal,” says Livia Falcicchio, blood volunteer and chairperson.
‘Forbidden’ is Fun! By Kristi French, Collegian Staff Writer New York Cities Longest running musical comedy revue “Forbidden Broadway- Special Victims Unit” came to Cayuga Community College on Thursday April 26, 2007. The Newly Renovated Irene A. Bisgrove Community Theatre was Packed Thursday Night for the show. As the lights went down the laughter began when an Older out of work Annie walked on stage. Forbidden Broadway SVU pokes fun at Broadway shows like Chicago, Les Miserable, Phantom of the Opera, Oklahoma, Cats, as well as Stars like Liza Minnelli and Barbra
Streisand. The musical review takes popular Broadway show tunes and changes the words to poke fun at over blown Broadway shows. In a comical way the revue also makes fun of Broadway actors who have large egos. Joan Graceffo an audience member said that “she enjoyed the show and thought that it was entertaining and the actors’ singing was excellent”. This Production was a treat to have come to Auburn and was made possible through contributions to the Cayuga County Community College Foundation’s Cultural Enrichment Fund.
SPARTAN SPORTS
CCC Women’s Lacrosse
CCC Men’s BB Recruits Visit
The 2007 women’s lacrosse season is nine games deep into the season. With wins over nationally-recognized Erie and Mercyhurst, and losses to powerhouse Herkimer and a team from Maryland known as Catonsville, the CCC team is off to a stellar start. Their record is a solid 6-3. After starting the season sloppy with a record of 0-3, head coach Cara Slayton rallied the troops and got them on the right track. “After a 16-4 loss to Monroe, and then a six goal loss to Herkimer, we were all worried.” “We just never gave up and all just kept saying that we’d never give in,” said a player. And that they did. The team has come together and have won Sitting (left to right): Sherri Stanton, Heather 6 games in a row, and are on the right path once again. Deja vu McKay, Courtney Ross, Jill Donofrio, Bridgette or just a coincidence? This is the Cool Standing (left to right): Head Coach Cara same exact way the men’s team Slayton, Heidi McKay, Andrea Musso, Katelyn began the season. Bracht, Chelsea Nordahl, Meghan Sierzenga, “We have won six games in Kayla Vivenzio, Jade Williams, Joli McGrath, a row. We are on a roll, and are Amy English, Assistant Coach Meghan MacKay ranked second in the region. I hope we can keep it up and just keep winning,” player Heidi McKay said. The girls have only two regular season games left until Regionals start, where they hope to go deep into the playoffs and post-season.
With 2007-2008 men’s basketball season all look to be working hard and getting into approaching, head coach Clayton Pittinaro shape for the upcoming season. decided to bring in the new talent arriving “Hopefully the team can come together for next year’s team. It wason a recent Satand win more than nine games like this year. urday in the Spartan Hall gym, and there was a great turn-out. With over 30 players there, old and new, the players were able to get up and go play and see how their talent has progressed and decreased. “I can’t wait until next year. I think the team will be great, and it looks like we are going to have an interesting year next year,” said one of the returning players. “If we all work hard, together, and keep getting in the The 2006-2007 CCC Men’s Basketball Team gym, everything will fall into Standing (left to right): Head Coach Clayton Pitplace.” tinaro, Chris Martinez, Joe Borland, Jeff Newell, Larry With just over a week left in the spring 2007 semester, the Brown, Kevin Kelley, Marcus Mallett, Assistant Coach players and coaches are trying Tony Piscitelli Kneeling (left to right): Tim Jackson, to get acquainted with one an- Zach Reyer, Miguel Martinez, Kevin Nesbitt, Doug other before the season starts. Shortt, Jesse Diamond Not Pictured: Derek Watson With talented recruits coming in from all over the Finger Lakes region, With Derek and Timmy leaving, who knows what can happen”, said a CCC student and and four returning players from last year’s fan of the Spartan’s basketball program. squad, the team looks to be solid and ready The first game is slated to be in late to go. October. So, come out and support the team The off-season for these players offiand show your college spirit. cially starts in August this summer, but they
By Joe Borland, Collegian Staff Writer
The 2007 remaining schedule for the women’s lacrosse team: 2007-05-12 NJCAA Nationals at Herkimer CC A TBA 2007-05-13 NJCAA Nationals at Herkimer CC
By Joe Borland, Collegian Staff Writer
PAGE THREE
Entertainment Autumn Occasion: She’s in Every Chord By Tiffany Collinsworth, Collegian Assistant Editor Two aspiring musicians, Jeff Newell and Kevin Kelley, just recently released their first album, CCC Telcom students Jason Eldridge, Collin Wilson, Sam DeMarco and Shawn Secaur are all growing moustaches in May.
Grow Moustache in May By Kathleen Sperduti, Collegian Staff Writer May isn’t just for mothers and Cinco de Mayo; May is also for moustaches! Moustache May is an annual event celebrated nation wide. It is also an excuse to give into your lazy side and not to shave for a month. According to the holiday’s official website, the facial hair extravaganza began 3 years ago. The rules of participating in the event are simple: grow a moustache and keep it for a month no matter what. According to the website, the festivities are not just limited to guys! As long as you can grow out a moustache, whether you are man or woman, you can join in the fun. You can also share your facial hair glory with the rest of the participants of the affair by posting your picture on the official website (www.moustachemay.com). This national phenomenon has very much arrived here at CCC. For example, some of the boys of the telecommunications department have begun their month long stint of not shaving. Shaun Secaur,
Colin Wilson and Andy Miller are 3 examples of students who have dedicated themselves to the holiday. Shaun Secaur admits that he’s tried to grow out a moustache before, but 2007 is his first successful year of actually having one. Apparently, growing a moustache wasn’t enough for Colin last year, because he grew out a beard. This year, he’s got a more subtle moustache. Both the students claim that they take part in this because it’s fun, but Colin adds the fun comes from “looking ugly.” Andy is no stranger to Moustache May; he’s been doing it for 3 years now. Miller says he never actually kept his facial hair for the whole month, but this year, he plans on going the whole month with it. The best part of Moustache May has to be the all the different types of moustaches, there isn’t just one type of moustache. So throw out your razors and shaving cream and let the moustache celebration begin!
“She’s In Every Chord”. The
CD includes songs titled Kaleidoscope, Rain Away My Pain, and All For You as well as their latest hit, She said. The alternative/emo sounds are mixed with the acoustic stylings of Kevin’s guitar with lyrics and lead vocals from Jeff, making an impressive combination. It is a
breath of fresh air to hear the self-produced album, instead of listening to music that flows with the grain of society. Autumn Occasion has taken a chance to create a unique sound of their own that is truly enjoyable. Using the world as inspiration, the music on the tracks arouses your ears and produces an entertaining and pleasurable experience. In each track there’s some individual sound that makes the song stand out. For example, in Rain Away My Pain the sound of a thunderstorm is running through the background polished off with the storm ending and birds singing. The lyrics alone are powerful. Each lyric jumped out and had endless meaning
to it.
“Where am I? Have I lost my eyes? I’m missing the beauty of this morning’s sunrise. Where have I been? I’m finding myself again. It’s time I should say this, But where do I begin?”
Overall, the CD has been a success with local listeners. Lattimore Hall was lucky enough to experience Autumn Occasion live the night the cd was released, which was a great way for Auburn fans to anticipate what is to come on the cd. Some were even given autographed copies. Look out for this new band; their musical career is definitely going to take off, The CD Autumn Occasion She’s in Every Chord is without a doubt a stellar release.
MySpace.com Grows in Popularity
By Kathleen Sperduti, Collegian Staff Writer Today’s youth and young adult society is solely based on current trends; who’s wearing what, who’s listening to who and probably the most popular internet trend: MySpace. The MySpace trend began in the summer of 2003 when college graduates Tom Anderson and Chris Dewolfe and a small group of programmers formed the website. After being bought by Rupert Murdoch for a cool $500 million from its parent company of Intermix in 2005, the site has blown up with popularity. The goal of the website is to allow users to personalize their own webpage with their interests, photos, choice of music and they can even use HTML code to enhance the page into a multimedia page. The page has also been the center of controversy due to the wide age group of
users on the site. Even though the sites minimum age requirement is 14, users can register with a false birth date. The users that are 14 and 15 with profiles are automatically switched to private profiles. After that, users have the option to have private profiles. This privacy setting is in effect to ward off any internet predators on the site. Privacy settings have been taken very seriously after the site was held responsible for multiple sexual assaults by parents of the victims. Despite all the bad press, according to Alexa internet, MySpace is currently the sixth most popular English-language website and the third most popular in the United States and still growing. Why is this site so popular? Most CCC students will tell you they have their pages to cure boredom in their free time, network and
keep in touch with friends that they don’t get to talk to or see very often. Other students may tell you that they use their MySpace page to promote their music if they are in a band. Steve Gage, who performs and writes his own music in his band October Nites, is a perfect example of using MySpace for self promotion,” MySpace is amazing! “Gage says, “Cut through all the junk adds and comments and you have the opportunity to reach millions upon millions of people. It also hosts the music for free for the artists, so people can stream it to check it out.” Love or hate Myspace, this seems to be a trend that just keeps gaining momentum, and if it keeps gaining more users (current number is roughly at 21 million users all over the world) this is a trend that will not die out anytime soon.