Fall 16 issue 2

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Beacon@MCLA.Edu 413-662-5535 Mark Hopkins Room 111

Volume 83 ◆ Issue 2

Th u r s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 2 9 , 2 0 1 6

Inside

2

SGA pool decision final

New admission strategies produce large freshman class

By Mitchell Chapman Managing Editor

MCLA is a bit more populated than it has been in recent years, in part because of a large freshmen class of 330. According to President Birge, this is attributed to different strategies implanted within the admissions and financial aid departments.

“We changed the way that we recruited,” Birge said. “There was a redesign of events at open-houses.

Faculty members brainstormed: How can we do this better?”

According to Birge, the high population in the new freshman class is attributable to Gina Puc and Josh Mendel in admissions, under whose leadership saw that department visit 820 different high schools, community colleges and college fairs. Financial aid worked to get prospective students their aid packages as soon as possible.

However, just getting MCLA’s name out there was not enough, which is where the event redesigns came into place. According to Birge, admissions decided to branch out from the standard Q & A format between faculty, prospective students, and their parents. Prospective students were able to visit clubs and see classes in action.

“What drew me to MCLA was attending a scholarship overnight during April,” freshmen Joe Bellas said. “We did some fun ice breakers, and we broke up into small groups and we came up with fun group names based on what we all had in common in the group.

We also went to some clubs in the evening as well, like Debate club and Social Justice club. We also got to play Super Smash Bros on a Wii U. That was really fun because we got to bond with one another.”

Other students were just impressed by what the campus had to offer academically, such as class of 2020 presidential and Senate candidate Jacob Vitali.

“I heard a lot about MCLA from my mother; my cousin was a graduate in 2002 here and now

teaches in North Carolina,” Vitali said. “My mom knew of how much she liked it and knew it would have a good tuition rate because of the fact that it’s a state school. It also fit with what my schools college counselor recommended for me, a small school in a non-city setting.”

Vitali later met with Professors Anthony Daly and David Cupery, who gave him “the sense MCLA was a tight knit, very welcoming community.”

Still others chose MCLA over other schools due to a positive tour experience, such as freshman Lillian Meyer.

“I went on a tour when I was still in high school, and the second that I stepped on the campus and talked to people that attended already and worked here, it was an immediate feeling of happiness and it just felt like a home,” She described.

However, after touring, some students were still on the fence about enrolling. For freshmen Adrick Laflamme, who is also running for Class of 2020 president, what made up his mind was LEAD academy; a five day summer program for prospective students.

“I didn’t even know about MCLA until I saw it at a college fair,” Laflamme said. “And I just loved the campus when I came to orientation, but LEAD academy sealed the deal for me. I loved the people and staff members I met.”

For freshmen Meadow Voisine, her decision was a result of a good touring experience combined with what the campus has to offer.

“What I really liked the most was the numerous ways to get involved,” Voisine said. “I feel like that was definitely something the admissions staff did a really great job at doing. The tour was great, I had no doubt that my tour guides knew exactly what they were talking about. I really appreciated the bits of info that went along with every place we stopped at, it was more than just ‘this is our campus.’”

“If they see what we are doing, they will choose us,” Birge concluded, and 330 people did just that.

Freshman Population

270

330

2015-2016

2016-2017

6

Moon Hooch in North Adams

10

MCLA loses to Williams

Constitution Day

Photo by Domonique Ackley/The Beacon

Constitution Day speaker Doug Mishkin addresses the campus community.

Bioethics, the Constitution, and The Wizard of Oz

By Kelsey Kistner Staff Writer Genetic manipulation, cloning organs, and sexual sterilization are no longer science fiction, but results of scientific advancements and dedication by our world’s leading scientists throughout history.

Developments in science

have brought our society to advancements not seen by any other people before us. But, with these breakthroughs also comes major questions and controversy over what is ethical and legal in our scientific and medical advances.

To start a discussion about bioethics, the study of controversial issues concerning

scientific and medical advances, Doug Mishkin spoke with the MCLA and local community for Constitution Day. Doug is a lawyer in Venable’s Labor and Employment Group with over 30 years of experience in this profession.

CONSTITUTION Continued on Page 9

Know who you’re voting for: Meet the SGA candidates

By Mitchell Chapman Managing Editor

In the upcoming SGA elections, 13 candidates are vying for 11 seats, and The Beacon has given each an opportunity to make their case.

Every candidate was asked the same set of questions, pertaining to their leadership experience, what they want to do in office, and why students should vote for them.

Seven positions have no candidates on the ballot, but according to SGA President Tim Williams, write-in candidates can win office with a minimum of 20 votes plus however many it takes to win.

Elections will take place Oct. 4, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Class of 2017 Vice President

Bridget Forson Do you have any prior leadership experience?

I am a fine and performing arts with a concentration and music and an Arts management major, and also, I am in a leadership minor. I have been the class representative for the class of 2017 for 3 years straight I started my freshman year and I have also been the vice president of the class of 2017 for two years and this will be my third year if I am elected. I have also been on several eboards for clubs on campus like the African Student Association and Multicultural student Society. I am also the founder of ASA. What do you want to accomplish in office?

I will continue to be the voice for our class if I am elected as class vice

president.

Jessica Lovellette Do you have any prior leadership experience?

SGA parliamentarian (Current), SGA Senator (2015-2016), NSLS publicity Chair (2015-Current), Adams Youth Center volunteer (2014-2015), Treasurer for Aboard (2014-2015).

What do you want to accomplish in office?

I want to bring a new perspective to the class and new leadership. I want to hold more events to help bring the class closer. I want to help plan an astonishing senior week. I want to also recognize the outstanding work the class is accomplishing both SGA CANDIDATES Continued on Page 2

2

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Campus News

Beacon.MCLA.edu

SGA votes to replace campus center pool

By Nick Tardive Staff Writer

With little debate and little direction, SGA voted to support the administration’s plan to replace the Amsler Campus Center pool with a new fitness center in order to create student lounges on the second floor of the building.

More students than usual packed into the gallery of seats set up in Murdock 218 to participate in what SGA billed as an “open forum” discussion. Catherine Holbrook, vice president of Student Affairs, and Lawrence Behan, vice president of Administration and Finance, were also in attendance.

Holbrook and Behan gave quick recaps of everything from the MSCBA bond, the possibility of a new contact sport, and the feasibility study of the new fitness center, which would cost around $40,000 to be completed. The open forum and other SGA-sponsored discussion of the project helped justify whether or not the school should do the feasibility study.

“We obviously don’t want to spend a lot of money on that feasibility study if there’s no interest in the project,” Behan said.

There was plenty of interest in the project, however; most students in the crowd seemed to be supportSGA CANDIDATES Continued from Page 1 individually and as a group. I want to be able to help the class of 2017 leave its mark on MCLA that other classes will remember forever.

Class of 2017 Treasurer Siobhan Greene Do you have any prior leadership experience?

Yes, I am currently an SGA senator as well as the Political Science Club secretary. This is my second year as Political Science Club secretary. I was elected to SGA in the special spring elections last year.

What do you want to accomplish in office?

I want to make sure the Class of 2017 has a positive senior year. Working on class council will be a great way to make sure senior events this year are able to be planned.

Class of 2018 Treasurer Brianna O’Rourke Do you have any prior leadership experience?

I have several different leadership experiences as the current student trustee, the former SGA Treasurer, an admissions ambassador, a former peer advisor, and a current co-captain of the women’s volleyball team.

What do you want to accomplish in office?

I want to help the class of 2018 with fundraising, being a more cohesive unit and a complete class council. I hope to get more students involved in our fundraisers and to work with other classes to do fundraising!

ers of the measure, and three out of the four students who spoke in the forum were in favor of the project.

Senior Peter Chase asked about why the pool was targeted specifically, mentioning the squash courts in the Campus Center that could also be replaced for such a project.

“I would use the pool every day, but the biggest problem is the hours,” Chase said.

Bryanna Bradley, ’17, said she was in favor of the plan to replace the pool, but was worried about the possible alienation of students who do use the pool, as well as members of the community to whom the pool was also open.

At the end of the day, however, the vote seemed to have no contest. Several student representatives, such as Executive Vice President Shannon Esposito, who admitted that, despite their constituents’ initial reluctance about the administration’s plan, saw the benefit in replacing the pool with

Also on the ballot: Alex Switzer.

Class of 2018 Secretary Mackenzie Cutler Do you have any prior leadership experience?

Being a leader requires a lot of skill. I have been a leader in many ways. In one way I became a leader was when I was the captain of my lacrosse team and softball Cutler team.

What do you want to accomplish in office?

I want to make this school better and I want to have a voice for this school.

Class of 2020 Senate Representative (2 seats) Tyler Roberts Do you have any prior leadership experience?

In high school I started three clubs (psychology), (criminal justice). I also was the school’s event planner.

What do you want to accomplish in office?

I am a representative of the student body. Meaning that I will only give them what they want or need. I also hope to better myself as a speaker through this position.

Jacob Vitali Do you have any prior leadership experience?

I do. I served as Class Senator for the Class of 2016 for all four years at Innovation Academy Charter School, my high school. In that roll I

a larger fitness center.

“They’re still in the early stages of planning,” Sen. Siobhan Greene said regarding the administration’s inability to answer several student questions about the logistics of their plan. “But their plan has a lot of merit. It’s going to be a positive change for campus.”

Only Sen. Shepherd-Edwards, who had spoken against the measure from day one, proved to be opposed to the administration’s plan.

Initially she seemed pleased with the administration, but was quick to retract her approval.

“If you’re going to present an idea,” Shepherd-Edwards said, “you can’t present one idea. People are going to look at that idea with bias.”

Shepherd-Edwards pointed out that she had seen several instances prior where a school that devoted money to a project such as the new fitness center and student lounges led to other programs funded by that school falling to the wayside.

“The first thing to go is the arts,” Shepherd-Edwards pointed out.

Most other student representatives seemed to disagree, with several mentioning how improved student spaces as an epicenter for non-academic activity would put MCLA more on par with other schools.

Confusion marred the motioning process when Greene motioned to

“vote yes” on accepting the administration’s plan. Parliamentarian Jessie Lovelette had to point out that such a motion is invalid, and amended it so that it was simply a vote on whether or not SGA should support the plan – not a “yes” vote on supporting the plan, which was how Greene initially phrased the motion.

Sen. Jordan Goyette brought up MCLA’s Good Samaritan Policy, which states that a student who calls police of campus safety for help in regards to alcohol poisoning or overdose cannot get in trouble for previously punishable behavior, as that student was doing the right thing in getting help. Goyette was not pleased because he had heard Dan Colonno, director of Public Safety, had not told the incoming class of 2020 about the policy.

“It’s very important to the safety and well-being of students on campus,” Goyette said.

He also said that he thinks not telling students about the policy makes them “less safe”, and that not doing so ruined the hard work of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) members who had fought so hard for MCLA’s adoption of the policy in the first place.

Esposito, who said she had sat through Colonno’s speech about on-campus policy, was almost positive that Colonno had talked about

the Good Samaritan Policy, and attributed a lack of student knowledge to those students “not paying attention.”

Sen. Kelly pointed out that he had been one such freshman who had not paid attention at such a vital time, but stressed the importance of constantly reminding students of the policy. A motion was made and passed to table the discussion until next Monday’s SGA meeting.

The Class of 2020’s Presidential Primary will be held Thursday, Sept.

29. Voting begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m., and will be held in the Campus Center marketplace.

SGA also recapped Sunday’s Leadership Summit, which had 70 attendees from 35 clubs on campus, and Coordinating Vice President Sam Giffen announced SGA’s voting on the “Club of the Month” award.

Both the Class of 2018 and 2019 have class-specific events on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Class of 2018 will meet in Sullivan Lounge, while the Class of 2019 has a Wings and Trivia event planned in Murdock 218.

Last week Shepherd-Edwards, as a member of the Cheer Squad on campus, had requested about $250 from SGA’s reserve budget for a van driver. She withdrew the request, stating that the club had received a mystery donation.

worked towards raising bullying awareness and making penalties harsher for aggressors. I worked with our GSA chapter to add gender neutral bathrooms. I also worked to make school improvements, adding vending machines and microwaves to our cafeteria. In addition, we reformed a dress code that limited student expression while keeping it appropriate.

I also worked as Student Manager for the Innovation Academy Charter School Boy’s Varsity Basketball team for two seasons and served as head coach for the 2015 Fall basketball team.

What do you want to accomplish in office?

If elected I will be a voice for all students in the Class of 2020. I will put an emphasis on making sure all students have a safe and welcoming campus.

I will be a watchdog for how the school spends your money.

I will be a listener first and speaker second, always putting the interests of others before my own.

Class of 2020 President (Primary to be held Thursday) Nia Little Do you have any prior leadership experience?

During high school, I was involved in student gov. all 4 years. I served as president for 2, VP, secretary, and treasurer.

I was also in charge of multiple community service/ fundraising groups.

What do you want to accomplish in office?

While in office, I want to make it lit for the class of 2020. Honestly, I’m focused on wanting to make this an

enjoyable 4 years that students are able to look back on with nothing but satisfaction.

Adrick Laflamme Do you have any prior leadership

position, I facilitated ideas relating to the layout, theme.

I also edited various stories, modifying and censoring when needed while staying true to the author’s vision.

What do I wish to accomplish?

Should I be voted into office, I would love to create a positive impact on the MLCA community during my time as vice president. What ever my class feels it needs, I wish to cater to those needs to the best of my ability.

Senator At Large (4 seats) Robert Gair Do you have any prior leadership experience?

I came into MCLA last year with aspirations to lead others and use all of the resources here at MCLA to make myself and everyone here have the best experience they can. I wa svery successful at that in becoming the Class of 2019 Treasurer. I still hold that spot and have been very successful with the accomplishments and fundraising the class council was able to gain. I have come into this year full speed ahead and also now am in the Center for Service as Program CoCoordinator for HALF Times.

What do you want to accomplish in office?

I have many more plans set out to increase the budget of my class and of course adress any issues any student has. I take that same attitude and positivity into becoming a senator on SGA. Whether it is just the Class of 2019 or the

Little

experience?

I attended LEAD academy, which I feel gives me an insight on how to properly lead a group of people. Also, I have been captain of multiple sports teams, presidents of clubs, as well as a student leader in groups.

What do you want to accomplish in office?

My idea of a successful class president is someone who address important issues throughout not only the class of 2020, but also the school as an entirety. The president also acts a voice for the student body as a whole, to address any ideas or solutions to problems that other students come up with.

Also on the ballot: Jacob Vitali (see separate Senate brief).

Class of 2020 Vice President Alexter Shand What are my past leadership experiences?

For over eight years, I was a Girl Scout. As such, I was an active community member in my home town. The past two summers, I was a volunteer camp counselor. I was Vice President for my high school’s GSA before I had to resign due to a scheduling conflict. In this position, I helped create, organize, and facilitate the goals of the club.

For two years, I was the chief editor for my high school’s literary arts magazine. For this

SGA CANDIDATES Continued on Page 3

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Campus News

Beacon.MCLA.edu

3

Student admitted on domestic assault and battery charges

By Nick Tardive Staff Writer

Graphic by Mitchell Chapman/The Beacon

The Class of 2020 is from all over the country, but mostly from the Northeast.

Why MCLA? Freshman class hails from all over the country

By Harmony Birch Editor-in-Chief

It’s not unusual for a division three school of less than 2,000 students to be relatively unknown. Even President James Birge anecdotally admits that few people actually know what’s going on at MCLA. That’s why the Admissions team is beaming proudly this year after recruiting an incoming class from 16 different states and the Bahamas.

MCLA is the fifth most expensive public state college according to Birge, has a 34 percent 4 year graduation rate according to US News, and a 78.8 percent retention rate according to Bernadette Alden, director of Marketing and Communications,.

Why did students travel almost 3,000 miles for MCLA? Students who had traveled across the country to come here commonly cited the small class sizes, and the student to faculty ratio.

Junior, Stacey Gonzales, knew she wanted to go to school on

the East Coast. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Gonzales thought the East Coast would be a more beneficial place to study political science.

“I heard Boston was dirty,” she said. MCLA was appealing because of its country setting, and small college charm.

Her favorite part of being at MCLA is living in Hoosac Hall.

Freshman Morrison Roblee also was drawn to the East Coast.

Though Roblee is from Minnesota, all of the colleges he applied to were in Massachusetts. The College’s small size and scenic surroundings were the most appealing to him. He feared if he stayed in Minnesota he’d ever leave.

Freshman Morgan Watson came to MCLA to play softball.

Originally from Portland, Oregon most of the college’s she was interested in were close to home, but something about MCLA’s warm community caught her eye. While Mt. Greylock is a mere hill compared to Oregon’s vast mountain ranges,

Watson found that the Berkshires reminded her of the Pacific Northwest.

Freshman Tessa Sestito, also came to MCLA primarily as an athlete. She was recruited for Volleyball by Coach Amanda Beckwith. A southern California native, Sestito was excited for the opportunity to experience a different environment and culture. The small class sizes weren’t something she could affordably find back home, and no other college had the same feeling of belonging that MCLA gave her.

“By the end of my college search, I was looking at MCLA, Penn State Abington, and Bard. Unfortunately, after two visits to each school, I didn’t click with Bard and Penn State Abington like I did with MCLA. After my overnight stay here by myself, I felt like a college student already. It was a moment of clarity, where I didn’t want to go back home to high school when mentally I was already ready for college,” Sesito said.

Trustee Board approves $30 million operating budget

By Harmony Birch Editor-in-Chief

Around eleven professionals sat in large spinny chairs in Mark Hopkins on Thursday Sept. 15 and voted to allow MCLA administration access to $1 million of college reserve funds.

Sept. 15 was the first general trustee board meeting of the semester. It was Student Trustee Brianna O’Rourke’s first meeting.

The board member’s welcomed her before the head of the Fiscal Affairs committee explained the deficit in this year’s college budget. The Department of Higher Education determines budgets based off of college enrollment according to Lawrence Beehan, vice president of Finance. This year the total operating budget is about 30 million, around a 1.3 million increase from last year’s budget. This increase isn’t felt

much by the college, however.

This year the college did not receive money that covers the cost of collective bargaining, or the contracted wage increases required each year by the faculty union, American Federation of State County Municipal Employees (AFSME), and the Association of Professional Administrators (APA). The government helps fund the first year of these three year contracts. The institution is on it’s second and third years of these contracts and so isn’t receiving any state funding.

According to Beehan, collective bargaining will costs the institution around $600,000 this year.

In total according to Behan, there’s about $1.2 million that the College directly must cover that they were either receiving government help for or did not have to account for before this year.

In order to cover these costs the

College uses student fees, parking fees, some tuition money, and miscellaneous costs. In all, Beehan said the college has revenues of about $30 million but needs to account for the cost of about $31 million in operations.

“We try not to effect direct services in the classroom,” Beehan said of the budget cuts the College has made.

Facilities projects have been tightened. Facilities members will only be pursuing projects that present safety concerns.

In the past, facilities members could have provided lumber and carpentry skills to the theater department, but now are not enabled too because of the tight budget. They were also unable to assist the athletic department in moving a shed.

In IT certain initiatives to replace equipment must be extended to next year.

Joshua Richards, a student at MCLA in the Class of 2019, admitted to domestic assault and battery, and was granted a continuation without finding (CWOF) in court until Sept. 21, 2018.

The initial accusations of domestic abuse against Richards emerged on April 1, 2016 when campus police responded to a call about a fight in the Berkshire Towers. There were five witnesses present at the time, and footage of the assault was caught on camera.

It is believed that Richards was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Richards was also charged with assault and battery for causing serious bodily harm, however that charge was dropped “upon request by the commonwealth,” according to the Berkshire Eagle.

The accused was held for at least six hours at the Berkshire House of Corrections in Pittsfield before being assigned the counsel of Adams defense lawyer Mark Pasquariello and arraigned on April 4 this year.

The Beacon attempted to reach Richards’s lawyer multiple times but received no reply.

As the case was continued without a finding, Richards was put on probation until the time the trial is supposed to continue in 2018. Some of the terms regarding his probation include random alcohol screenings, refrain from

SGA CANDIDATES Continued from Page 2 attitude and positivity into becoming a senator on SGA. Whether it is just the Class of 2019 or the whole MCLA community, I am a focused leader that voices what I believe and also what is best for everyone here at MCLA. Yahya Cun Abanoz Do you have any prior leadership experience?

I have experience leading different types of English Language Learner (ELL) students that have come from many different countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, Brazil, Russia, and Poland. This has given me much experience working with people of many different cultures.

I also have leadership experience as the Captain of my schools Concert Band, where I as a teachers assistant helping out new students with there instruments, and organized the band formation with my teacher.

I want to further my passion for helping my peers that I cultivated from my experiences in band and helping the ELL class, by working closely with clubs and organizations to help get the student body more engaged in the community, community service and social

abusing the victim, and attendance of the batters program.

Pre-trial for the case began on May 18, where Richards was advised about the potential of his bail being revoked. However, Richards was not held following the pre-trial.

Inquiries were made regarding Richards’s citizenship status and the trial proceedings were stayed while Richards was granted access to an immigration consultant.

Bernadette Alden released this statement to The Beacon about whether or not the school had disciplined Richards who still currently resides on campus.

“To protect student privacy we do not comment on student conduct cases and outcomes,” she said.

The case will be brought back to court in 2018 under a Massachusetts state law regarding CWOF. According to masscriminaldefense.com, a CWOF “is an admission that ‘there are sufficient facts to find you guilty’ of the charges,” and are often part of plea agreements agreed to during pre-trial, as was the case with Richards.

Also according to masscriminaldefense.com, a CWOF is often a way to avoid the guilty charge on someone’s record, so as not to hurt their career or educational opportunities. If the defendant complies with the restrictions of their probation for the full period, the charges against the case will be dismissed.

action, so that they have the best college experience that they can People should vote for me because I have proven to be the most passionate about helping my peers, and because I want to take my love for different cultures in order to cultivate an MCLA community that is more open to all different types of people. I will to be the voice for our class 2020 and vote for me the Senator!

Class of 2018 Treasurer candidate Alexander Switzer chose not to respond to The Beacon’s inquiry.

Positions with no candidates on the ballot Class of 2017 Representative (x2) Class of 2018 Representative (x2) Class of 2019 Representative Class of 2020 Treasurer Class of 2020 Secretary To view the candidates’ full responses, visit theonlinebeacon.com. *Running for more than one position.SGA CANDIDATES Continued from Page 2

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Opinion & Editorial

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Editorial

The Beacon

Should you vote third party this election?

No Yes

America runs on a two party system.

Whether or not it should is another matter, but after Monday’s debate it’s truly too late to push Gary Johnson or Jill Stein into the White House. Neither Johnson nor Stein received 15 percent of major poll support and therefore were not allowed to participate in Monday’s debate. The last time a third party candidate won a single state was in 1968, according to the New York Times.

The last time a third party candidate won the presidency was in 1860 with Abraham Lincoln.

The system is rigged against third parties. Money, support, and media visibility is what most political scientists and third party candidates attribute as obstacles to their success.

Most supporters are aware of the uphill battle, most know that their candidate will never see a presidency —but they vote anyway because they can’t stomach to vote for the two party candidates, and because it’s an expression of their civil liberty.

Voting for a third party candidate is not dishonorable, but it does divide two party voter bases.

Perhaps the most famous instance of third party interference was during the 2000 elections, when Ralph Nader ran as a green party candidate and George Bush ultimately ended up taking the White

House. Too many Americans think the Bush presidency was an embarrassment to the nation. America fell and flopped on the global stage. It lost the respect of its peers and became hated by Middle Eastern nations.

This election Bush would be a godsend compared to the atrocity that is Republican nominee Donald Trump. Trump uses facts as his play things. He gleefully says he’ll deny Syrian children refugee, he uses national tragedies like the Orlando shootings to plug support of gun rights, and he looks forward to deporting immigrant families.

Hillary Clinton on the other hand has proposed to increase refuge for Syrians. She’s proposed techniques for better policeing and to combat stigmatized racism, and she’s pledged to go after Wall Street.

A Hillary Clinton presidency, no matter her past or your dislike of her will look like an Obama presidency backed by an even more progressive Democratic party.

If your beliefs align with a third party candidate support them from the get go, donate to their campaigns, call on their behalf, and let your legislatures know about your dissatisfaction with the two party system.

But on Nov. 8, this election cycle at least, don’t let Trump win.

The consequences are too dire.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

The system is rigged against diverse opinion and freedom of expression. Third party candidates may seem like a hopeless cause, but it will only stay that way if US citizens buy into the the two party dichotomy.

Opinions are not binary.

The first, and last, third party president to get elected was Abraham Lincoln. Third party candidates receive a less structured support system, less financial backing, and little media

attention.Of the two most popular third candidates, Dr. Jill Stein of the Green Party and Governor Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party, only one, Johnson, is on the ballot in all fifty states. Neither were allowed in the presidential debate Monday because they didn’t poll at 15 percent.

This isn’t because Americans don’t agree with the issues Johnson and Stein fight for but because few know them. Few have access to their platforms and few are unafraid to break away from the label Democrat or Republican.

Third parties are an expression of underrepresented belief and value systems and, as such, should be respected and encouraged. Regardless of what members of the Democratic or

Republican parties tell you, you are not wasting your vote by supporting your ideology. And you do not owe them any kind of support if they clash with your beliefs.

Additionally, consider the notion that there may be a fallacious quality about voting for the lesser of two evils. There are individuals who in prior electoral cycles may have voted third-party, who this time, say they cannot risk it. A potential Trump or Clinton presidency is so grave to them, they have no choice but to vote against the usurper, they say. But indeed, is it not fundamentally valid to say that THIS election is the most important time TO vote thirdparty? Those of us voting for Stein or Johnson are intrinsically aware our candidates will not win.

Third-party candidates are also polling better than any third-party candidates since 1996. Because of their separate appeals, neither is likely to spoil the opposing party, but what they will do is help continue to strengthen discourse where it is much needed. And most important of all, begin to slowly lay the pavement for the largest third-party involvement in future elections.

“How do you feel about the pool replacement?”

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Letters should be kept to 500 words or less and are subject to editing for grammar and content. The Beacon will not publish anonymous or libelous letters.

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Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Harmony Birch Web Editor Managing Editor Jake Mendel Mitchell Chapman Design Editor Adam Sams A&E Editor Features Editor Jon Hoel Joseph Carew Copy Chief Buisness Lauren Levite Manager Photography Editor Reagan Smith Domonique Ackley Video Editor Dan Wohler

Staff

Staff Writers Emily Gabert Nick Tardive Kelsey Kistner Sports Writer

Brady Gerow

Photographers and Videographers Shunquell Dennis Sam Kniskern

Cartoonist

Samwise Fox

A&E Writers

“I think they should keep the pool but a bigger gym would be better.”

-Court Oleskiewicz, 2020

“I just want to swim!”

-Jacob Valenti, 2020

“No because a pool adds to the diversity of what MCLA has to offer” -Jess Emery, 2020

Ronald Leja Chris Riemer Emma Monahan

Copy Editors

Advisers

Ayrel Brosnan Nick Webb

Jenifer Augur Shawn McIntosh

Online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu

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“I didn’t even know that we had a pool, but MCLA should keep it.”

-Max Teplansky, 2018

““I think the pool is important to have because the gym classes students want to take are the ones that involve the pool.”

-Amanda Gilmore, 2020

Opinion & Editorial

Thursday, September 29 2016

xkcd - 863

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Beacon.MCLA.edu

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Columns

HATE

By Nick Tardive Staff Writer

THIS

The Smiler vs. The Beast

We are living in a fictional realm created by Warren Ellis in the year 1997.

Hillary Rodham Clinton v Donald Trump. The Smiler v the Beast. Two people so irrefutably corrupt and careerist vie for the White House in a sham of an election so bereft of intelligent discourse and responsible media coverage that all one can do is wish that the country will not have burnt to the ground by the time the next election rolls around.

We have a choice. That choice is between a candidate who is so wrapped up in their own personal image and need for glory that their hubris stinks of hubris, and another who only wishes to hold the seat of President because of the inherent fame, popularity, and above all else, power that comes with sitting in the Oval Office, hand hovering delicately above a big red button.

The Smiler and the Beast. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe how little policy is actually covered in this election (although I cannot fault Hillary Clinton entirely on such, as she has tried – but don’t take that for her relying entirely on such to defeat the viscous, slithering slimeball that is Trump either).

Just take a moment to read this passage, written by elite political columnist Spider Jerusalem in Ellis’s Transmetropolitan Issue #3, and tell me if it doesn’t nail exactly who Hillary Clinton is as a candidate and politician: “Gary Callahan [The Smiler] is a genuinely intelligent, educated man,” Jerusalem opined, “Not the wolfen street-fighting instinctual

smarts of the Beast; but a man of knowledge and long thought. He has honorable people working for him, and even the brightest veteran political fixers tell me he’s going to be President. He’s also a fake.”

And now, here is a quote directly from the mouth of the Beast that might have actually influenced the entirety of Donald Trump’s campaign: “I got something to say about the Smiler. He’s weak,” The Beast sneers to a crowd filled with white faces, including someone who looks very similar to Adolf Hitler. “He believes in weak things. Probably a pacifist. Yeah? Yeah? I knew that’d make you laugh. You know it.

You’re Americans…America is for Americans.”

Some people might be wondering why I’ve chosen to go on this long and hideous rant.

This election is not an election of fact; it’s an election of spin and rhetoric, of white nationalism and hatred and every good thing about the country being chewed up into a ball of salmonella-infused raw meat and then spat back down the throats of every voter in the country, like a momma bird to its children who are as-of-then unable to fly away, as desperately as they might want to try.

We are voting, trapped in a loselose situation that is crushing our collective wind-pipe and creating a dangerous apolitical apathy that has us spiraling, descending down a dark pit of ignorance and hatred that seemed possible only in the fictional world of a comic book just twenty years ago.

Hillary Clinton and Donald

Trump; the Smiler and the Beast.

An election marred by the lack of caring that has only been perpetuated further each cycle. An election of the gut, of the instinct and the id. An election of scandal, real and imagined. An election that leaves every single person in its path confused, afraid and invariably pissed off.

We are voting for two people who make the country sick to its stomach, drowning in the acids that are meant to break down food but instead are reaching our brain cells and catching fire the spark of burning excrement that is the mental image of this ridiculous election.

Two candidates, so enamored with themselves as candidates, both with long histories of fraud and scandal that, in any other year, would make them lose momentum so fast they’d be out of the primaries faster than Lincoln Chaffee. And they are the two people who stood up in front of America on Tuesday night and debated as if anything about this election were normal.

It’s not normal. We’re voting for comic book characters, so closely resembling caricature that when I realized what was happening, all I could do was stop and stare at my feet. We must stop the normalization of stupidity in the American election cycle.

We’re voting for the Smiler or the Beast. We’re voting for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump.

And I would not wish that upon my greatest enemies.

Harmony Birch Editor-in-Chief

Millennial es v i s s Mi I am not “pussy”

Millennial men are in favor of gender equality—right? That’s the narrative I’ve always believed, living in my cozy progressive college bubble, and studies seem to prove it. The Washington Post reports millennial men are less comfortable with masculine stereotypes. A Pew Research Center survey shows more and more millennial men are reporting that they’d enjoy taking on child-rearing responsibilities and staying home with their kids.

So why then, on the fifth day of classes when I sat outside my apartment, ungroomed and in my pajamas, was I being objectified?

I was only mildly annoyed when a male student passing my porch started to holler at me, his voice raising with each “excuse me, excuse me, excuse me!” Although I was clearly on the phone at the time, he refused to leave me alone until I acknowledged him and his comments on my appearance.

Half an hour later, I was far past annoyed and reaching disturbed when a group of boys stopped just feet away and asked “who that new pussy?”

May I make a suggestion to anyone thinking about using

the word “pussy” outside of the bedroom? Don’t. I, nor any other girl, am “pussy.”

Referring to someone as ”pussy” reduces their value as a person to a mere body part. A vacant, empty piece of anatomy that only matters because you want to fill it.

Women are people. Not a singular title, not whore, not mother, not a body part. Not an entity outside of man there to serve and stroke his ego.

We are the next generation.

The generation where women are better educated and earn more degrees, the generation where gender is no longer a binary. It behooves no one to bury their head in the sand while the rest of the world is moving past them.

Let’s get everyone on board and move forward together.

Maybe it was my fault. Maybe I was being naive—maybe living off-campus is essentially the same as holding up a sign that says “I’m consenting to your male gaze--let’s party!”

Sexism exists, even here, even in our progressive bubble.

It’s not cool, or attractive, or complimentary, or sexy. It is weird. It is gross.

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Thursday, September 29, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

Beacon.MCLA.edu

MASS MoCA hosts some heavy talent this fall

Photo by Ron Leja

This season, MoCA brings touring veterans like Dinosaur Jr. and The Magnetic Fields, alongside new bands, Big Thief and Benjamin Clementine.

By Jon Hoel A&E Editor With FreshGrass wrapping up early this month, the fall season at MASS MoCA has officially begun. This season promises to bring some stellar performances by veterans and newer acts.

The season will ramp up until full-gear, with comedy by Brooklyn comedian Tim Dillon on Oct. 1, followed two weeks later by the highly-anticipated premiere of art icon, fashion designer and performance artist Nick Cave’s new exhibit “Until” “Everyone that is working with Nick has said he is an absolute delight,” said Kiefer Gammell, MASS MoCA’s Box Office manager. “The content of what he’s doing is very important culturally with everything that’s going on right now.”

“Until,” according to MASS MoCA’s preview page will “…be used as a performance space. Conceived as a one-year concentration of community events, music, theater, and art, ‘Until’ incorporates special appearances by dancers, singer-songwriters, pop artists, poets and composers, together with panel discussions, community forums and other forms of creative public debate and engagement.” Cave’s exhibit “Until” will have its reception on Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

An early highlight of the season will be Benjamin

Clementine, a musician and poet from London, whose first studio album “At Least For Now” won the Mercury Music Prize last year. While achieving mass acclaim in England, Clementine has yet to break big in the U.S. Clementine was hand-picked by Cave to followup the reception to his opening “Until” with his performance.

“Benjamin Clementine is absolutely massive,” said Will Taylor, an MCLA sophomore and MASS MoCA intern.

“He’s about to absolutely blow-up after he leaves MoCA.” Clementine will perform on Oct. 15 in the Hunter Center at MASS MoCA. Shortly thereafter brings Brooklyn indie outfit Big Thief. Big Thief released their debut album this year, “Masterpiece on Saddle Creek”, a record label from Omaha, famous for producing Bright Eyes and the early Midwestern-Emo band Cursive.

“This one you don’t want to miss,” said Jon Delsordo, the Box Officer coordinator for MoCA. Big Thief will be at MoCA’s Club B10 on Nov. 11.

Later in November, MoCA will host the world premiere of very storied jangle-pop band the Magnetic Fields, playing their eleventh studio album for the first time live at the Hunter Stage. The lead singer, Stephin Merritt, performed a solo performance at MASS MoCA the previous fall. “[Last fall when he played at MoCA] Stephin

Merritt had such a great time he wanted to come back to play here again,” said Gammell. The Beacon will have additional Magnetic Fields coverage closer to these shows, leading up to Nov. 18.

Last but definitely not least, one of the most beloved noise rock bands, Amherst’s own Dinosaur Jr., will be closing the season out with quite a bang in December.

“Dinosaur Jr. will certainly be the cherry on the sundae,” Gammell said.

The seminal noise band is a trio comprised of Lou Barlow, Murph and J. Mascis, who has had a very successful solo career in his own right. Dinosaur Jr. has often eluded commercial success but have found a cult following and critical acclaim, particularly surrounding their earlier albums like “You’re Living All Over Me” and “Bug”, and again in 2009 with their return-to-form ninth album “Farm”.

“Every album released under the Dinosaur Jr. name, no matter the lineup, has been solid,” wrote Jeremy Zerbe in his review of their 2016 album. “But there’s something special about this one.” Dinosaur Jr’s new album “Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not” is available from Jagjaguwar records. Catch them at MoCA on Dec. 10.

For more information about Dinosaur Jr. and all the other acts performing at MASS MoCA this fall, check out their website, massmoca.org. See you at the shows.

Moon Hooch return to North Adams next week

By Ron Leja A&E Writer

throughout almost combust with intensity and flare that is, simply put, music to the ears.

While many tracks are bound Moon Hooch will return to get the adrenaline pumping, othto Berkshire County for another ers like “Sunken Ship” and “Phsynight of romping percussion chotubes” are hauntingly poignant fused with experimental saxoin their execution, and almost nosphone music. talgic of the synth pop genre that The band is being presented flourished during the 80s. In its enby the Common Folk Artist Coltirety, the album generates memolective and will be performing at ries of retro arcade games, vibrant the North Adams Elks Lodge at laser shows, and Saturday morning 100 Eagle Street. cartoons.

The doors will open for 7 Moon Hooch will be accomp.m. on Oct. 5, with Moon Hooch panied by another uprising artist, kicking off at full volume at 8 p.m.

Honeycomb.

Referring to himself Tickets can currently be puras a “positivity manifester” and vochased in advance for $12, or photo by NPR The Brooklyn based trio return next month for a smash at the Elks Lodge. cal cord conductor, Honeycomb has es$15 at the door. tablished himself as one of the nation’s Based out of Brooklyn, The overarching goal of The Com- Hooch because of their style of music. best beatboxers.

He came in 13th place at New York City, Moon Hooch has gained mon Folk Collective is to inspire creativity “Their style is classical meets dance the 2015 American Beatbox Championfame over recent years through their kinet- throughout the community by support- or dubstep,” she further explained. “They ic performances and a beat that is all their ing both local and up-and-coming artists. take traditional orchestra instruments and ships. Honeycomb has performed with a own—a style of electronic house music Moon Hooch’s first performance at the Elks create a bass beat that keeps the venue pop- number of artists over the recent years, and is a rapidly rising star of the festival and DJ heavily inspired by funk and jazz.

Lodge in 2015 was well received, gaining a ping.” culture.

The trio, made up of Wenzl McGow- few new fans who left the show wanting This time around the band will be en, Mike Wilbur, and James Muschler, mix more of their peculiar, engaging sound. presenting their recently released third alCheck out a video of Moon Hooch brass horns, synthesizers, and an electronic “I was introduced to Moon Hooch... bum “Red Sky”. The first track off the alperforming songs from their entire catawind instrument set over a boisterous bass when they first played at the Elks Lodge,” bum, also titled “Red Sky”, sets the stage for logue on NPR’s TinyDesk Concert Series line to create beats that are sure to get toes senior Domonique Ackley said. “I heard what amounts to a 45 minute onslaught of on our website, theonlinebeacon.com tapping. they played with saxophones and was high- electrifying saxophone battles waged over This will be the second time the Com- ly interested.” a mixture of synthetic tones and fast paced mon Folk Artist Collective has brought Ackley was also drawn to Moon drum lines. Intricate solos performed Moon Hooch to Berkshire County.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Fall into these books

By Emma Monahan A&E Writer

It’s hard to find things to do when the weather gets chillier.

Although fall is the perfect season, in which it’s not too hot and not too cold, sometimes college students don’t want to leave our nice cozy dorm rooms. So what’s there to do? If you’ve watched every show and

movie on Netflix, caught up on homework, and have gone to events on campus to kill time, and there’s still nothing for you to do, maybe you should pick up a book…

How do you find the right book, though? There are so many amazing ones out there.

A simple way is to just walk into Barnes & Noble and browse the shelves, or go online and get

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recommendations from websites like Goodreads. Maybe you don’t have time to browse online for some autumn reads, it’s a busy semester and you need to prioritze your reading time.

No worries, we have you covered.

Check out some recommendations below.

“Where Things Come Back”

by John Corey Whaley Whaley’s debut novel takes place in small town Arkansas, where Cullen Witter is trying to figure out why his little brother, Gabriel, went missing and who took him.

Instead of his town trying to figure out what happened, they are all obsessed with a woodpecker that was known to be extinct. Two different stories are mixed within the novel, coming together in the end, and there’s a reason this story won both the Michael L. Printz and William C. Morris Awards. Whaley is able to thread in bits of humor, and the realistic fiction that he creates makes it a wonderful, quick read. You’ll be able to indulge this during the weekend.

By Simon and Schuster

“Mosquitoland”

by David Arnold Another realistic fiction novel, and Arnold’s debut, the story is about a girl named Mim, and she tells the story of how she is not okay. Her father is remarried, her mother isn’t speaking to her (which she believes her new step mother is behind the reason why), and she decides to take matters into her own hands by traveling from Ohio to Mississippi to see her mother and get answers. With every adventure story, there are obstacles along the way, which makes the novel so intriguing. Mim, despite her age and situation, is a very relatable character because of who she is as a person, because she’s actually doing something about a situation that she can’t really control.

This novel is the kind of book that leaves you thinking.

By Viking/Penquin

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”

by Jesse Andrews Although this is another book about cancer, it’s nothing like “The Fault in Our Stars”. Andrews brings humor and reality to this novel, which is about Greg, who has a friend named Earl, and befriends a girl recently diagnosed with leukemia named Rachel. Rachel decides to give up her fight, so Greg and Earl make her a film, because that’s what film enthusiast, like themselves, do.

It’s heartwarming and tear-jerking at the same time, a book that everyone will enjoy, no matter what your favorite genre is.

By Abrams Books

photo by Bill Brandt

Leithauser & Rostam Albums to hear series no. 1

By Chris Riemer A&E Writer If you’ve been sleeping on Rostam Batmanglij, now would be a good time to wake up.

Long before he semi-parted ways with Vampire Weekend earlier this year, Batmanglij was racking up production credits on songs by wildly disparate artists, from Das Racist to Carly Rae Jepsen to Frank Ocean.

You can hear his touch on the African-inspired percussion in “All Summer” by Kid Cudi, and the layers of background vocals in Charli XCX’s “Need Ur Luv.” Basically, Batmanglij is everywhere, and more people are starting to notice.

The multi-instrumentalist and producer might seem like a strange fit for someone like Hamilton Leithauser, former frontman of The Walkmen, a New York City indie rock staple in the mid-2000’s who fell apart after their 2012 album, “Heaven”.

However, on “I Had A Dream That You Were Mine”, Leithauser’s signature howl and the intense post-punk instrumentation for which The Walkmen were known are complemented by Batmanglij’s syncopated rhythms and more relaxed, loose songwriting.

Instruments like the banjo, which would rarely appear on a Vampire Weekend or Walkmen record, here mesh perfectly with Leithauser’s jangly electric guitar and Batmanglij’s strings, synths, and booming, trashcanlid drums.

The show-stealing ingredient across the album— and rightfully so—is Leithauser’s voice. He adeptly shifts between a whiskey-and-cigarettes croon to a throat-splitting and emotional yelp. The variety of his performance makes for some great moments. Among them is when he channels Dylan— perhaps with a better vocal range—on “The Bride’s Dad.” Other surprising moments on the album include:

-The fingerpicked spaghetti western ballad “In A Black Out,” which could’ve closed out an Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros record during their heyday.

-The harp and angelic vocal performance by Angel Deradoorian on closing track “1959”—which, admittedly, I might like because it reminds me of Cat Martino’s “Ave Maria” feature on Sufjan Stevens’ criminally underrated “Silver & Gold”.

-Any time Batmanglij’s production reminds me of his work with Vampire Weekend, which is often: the bassline on “Sick As A Dog” bringing back memories of Contra masterpiece “Diplomat’s Son,” or the heavyhanded drums and deranged piano on “When The Truth Is…” bringing listeners back to Vampire Weekend jams like “Walcott” and “Diane Young.”

-The album’s thesis statement “A 1000 Times.” It’s the perfect track to introduce the album; Leithauser conceals his signature throaty yelp long enough that when it breaks though it serves as a revelation.

It is certainly not for everyone.

Leithauser’s voice is an acquired taste, and occasionally the Americana-tinged rock edges a little too close to Conor Oberst’s own ill-conceived attempts in the genre.

Overall, though, “I Had A Dream That You Were Mine” is a fun and rewarding album from two under-appreciated artists who are each making their names as solo acts. Check it out, it might surprise you.

Features 8 New botanist professor plants himself at MCLA Thursday, September 29, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Professor Doucette joins the College’s biology department this semester with smile

By Joseph Carew Features Editor

Born and raised in Maine, Professor Doucette looks to make MCLA, as well as Massachusetts, his family’s new home.

“I came from a little small town there, near Augusta, near the capital,” Doucette said. “Lived there my whole life, well in the state my whole life anyway, up until last month.”

This semester Doucette is teaching ecology and biodiversity to a total of 30 students. Having been raised in a small and rural town, MCLA, with around 1500 undergraduates according to collegeboard. com, fits him well.

“But I really wanted to be at a place where it was smaller so you could get to know people,” Doucette said. “So I was at UMaine for instance, I liked it there but it was so large that it was really hard to know people on anything other than a passing basis.”

He comes here with experience teaching at the University of Maine (where he earned his PhD in 2015) as well as working with outside groups. His experiences here will be dramatically different from his work with a particular other group however: Senior College.

“Students are often in their eighties and some even nineties and it’s just that people are retired and they’re interested in the topic,” Doucette said. “Sometimes it can be a new interest, which is pretty fun to teach someone who has gone their whole life and just found an interest.”

Doucette has prior experience in the field as well.

“Before I got into academia I worked as a consultant,” he said. “So doing rare species surveys mostly in New England but also in the Maritimes and sometimes

as far west as like Michigan and the coastal states.”

Doucette’s consultancy career involved travelling to certain locations and estimating the population viability of plant species. Akin to a combination of ecology and statistics, these surveys involved understanding species characteristics and the variability of the environment in order to better forecast the population health and the risk of extinction.

“And I would also do something called national community classifications,” Doucette said, leaning back in his office chair and pointing to the hill behind Berkshire Towers. “Wild habitats, natural communities are sort of classified by the dominant organisms that are there and there are many different community types within a given geographical area like, in this case, the state.”

He thoroughly enjoyed seeing a lot of the country through this work and the man from Maine seems to favor Colorado Domonique Ackley/The Beacon over all the places he has been able to see. Professor Doucette teaches biodiversity and ecology this “That’s probably my favorite so far besemester. cause it’s like you’re driving in a postcard natural history and plants since before he classes about them, hoping to share and the whole time,” he said. “The wildlife is so could walk. To ‘choose’ is to imply that spread some of his innate passion for the abundant, there’s elk in every field, mule, there ever was another option and, for courses he works with. deer and just the scenery is spectacular.”

Doucette, there were none to be found.

“So I always was interested in it and Due to his experience and familiarity “So I remember…I had a small plant the more I did it the more I enjoyed it,” with those great ranges, Doucette looks book and again it was one of those just Doucette said. “Small size, [you] get to around campus and sees tiny facsimiles, kid’s guides essentially, Plants of the know the students and they actually get to the Florida and Greylock ranges, of those Northeast or whatever, and it might have have a relationship with me as an instrucgreat mountains out west. had like 15 species in it so it was by no tor.”

“My background is in plants as you can means complete,” Doucette said. “But I reProfessor Doucette will be teaching probably guess,” Doucette said pointing to member taking that old book outside and botany and a course called Plants and a bookcase heavy with the knowledge of trying to learn all the names of things and Society in the spring of 2017 and looks plants. “But I do have some other interests then eventually as I got more and more to bring about Plant Systematics, Bryolalso in natural history.” into it, of course I moved up to higher ogy and Lichenology, and Ecology and When asked about what made him levels, and then I started bringing home Systematics of Aquatic Insects classes. For choose this as his career he was perplexed. things to my parents telling them about anyone interested in these subjects please Not due to the difficulty of the question plants and animals.” contact Professor Doucette. but because he had been interested in Now Doucette is at MCLA telling his

Cupery and Colligan lead new travel courses

By Joseph Carew Features Editor

Voyeurs to Peru and San Francisco are newest among the four options students have this academic year for Travel Courses.

These two courses take place in early March and will consist of a week or more of travel and activities coupled with meetings throughout the semester.

Professor Cupery will be guiding the Peru travel course while Professor Colligan helms the Queer San Francisco trip. These travel courses are equivalent to a three credit hour upper-level class in the hopes the student learns a significant amount about a differ-

ent culture and place.

“By becoming an expert in some reality other than their own, that can facilitate broadening our expertise to other contexts, other realities in the future,” Cupery said. “You have a point of comparison that you know really well.”

This will be Cupery and Colligan’s first time hosting these courses. Both share a desire to learn more about their respective locations.

Cupery spent three weeks in Peru travelling the routes his course will be following this March. He has also lived in neighboring country Ecuador for years at a time. Cupery ended up spend-

Courtesy of Pixabay Manchu Pichu will be among the locations visited by the travel course.

ing a semester in Mexico when he was in college as well.

“It’s fun, it’s exciting and I had such a great experience as a student doing it and I guess that’s one of the reasons I wanted to, as a professor, kind of do these kind of things,” Cuprey said. “I fell in love with the region, cultures, sights, smells, colors, people and so since then I’ve spent over three and a half years living in Latin America.”

Though that kind of impact isn’t guaranteed for each and every student, Cupery knows there will be events that stick in everyone’s memories.

“We’ll be spending a night on an island in the middle of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, 13,000 feet, and we spend a night with families, indigenous host families, living with them for a night, sharing meals sharing a cultural event, you know, in the middle of this lake and so, with luck it will be clear and the stars will just be incredible,” Cupery said.

Both professors share an interdisciplinary approach so that a student, once in San Francisco or in Cuzco for example, will be able to remember the history that shaped what is in view, be able to understand what language is being used, notice the differences

Courtesy of GPS on Flickr

Walking tours and visits to LGBT museums are among the highlights schedule. from where they came from and to experience this California city, comprehend the reasons behind her home city, as the students and, those differences. like Cupery, she too will be familThe Queer San Francisco trip iar with the places the course will looks at one of the more signifi- visit. cant locations for the queer move“And I return there routinely ment within the United States and so this seems like a really imthrough a combination of lenses. portant part, an important facet “Travel courses give students of San Francisco history and culan opportunity to acquire initially ture,” Colligan said. “It’s really ala new academic framework in lowed me to experience and learn which to think about what they’re about San Francisco in a new way going to see when they travel,” myself.”

Colligan said. “I think often when And Colligan thinks that is the people travel more generally key when it comes to taking away while it might be really interest- the most from an opportunity like ing to see new sights and so forth this one: having a professor who is there’s no lens through which just as interested as the stundents. they’re making sense of what they see.”

TRAVEL Colligan will be just as excited Continued on page 9

Campus Life

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

$65,000 Grant to MCLA

By Harmony Birch Editor-in-Chief

TRAVEL continued from page 8 “And to me that’s really an important part of things because it seems like kind of a one way street,” Colligan said. “We never know everything. How could we possibly.”

Both courses are either filled or have deadlines fast approaching so any interested students should contact the respective trip leaders as soon as possible. Trips like these do come at an extra cost to the participants typically around or above two thousand dollars.

“Even though it’s expensive, it’s worth the financial hit,” Cupery said. “You hardly ever find someone who has done one of these that regrets it.”

The other two travel courses, China Experience and Everglades and South Florida, will be in the following issue of the Beacon.

While demand for STEM grows nationally, MCLA has been working to keep up.

This August the Berkshire Stem Network, an initiative ushered by MCLA, won a hefty $65,000 grant from Massachusetts STEM Pipeline Fund.

The STEM Pipeline fund was created in 2003 to address the state’s growing STEM needs. The legislation was created to “increase the number of students who participate in programs that support careers related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” according to Section 30 of the Economic Stimulus Act. “The STEM Networks serve as an important resource for educators at all levels. It is important that we meet workforce needs as we connect educators, community agencies, businesses and industry partners,” said Monica Joslin, dean of Academic Affairs, to The Berkshire Eagle in a written statement. “Together, we provide

opportunities for students, as we prepare them for future STEM fields.

Joslin, who also serves on the STEM advisory council said that the Berkshire STEM Network has been in operation since 2004. It provides additional funding and a

focus on stem from K- 12.

The network is made up of business and education professionals from both higher education and K -12.

Two of the big events MCLA puts on through the Berkshire STEM Network are the Science and engineering fair for high school students and a science and engineering fair for middle school students.

“It’s really rewarding for the school and students that participate,” Kate Heekin, assistant director of CSSE/Advising, said.

The network is a part of a larger initiative MCLA has made toward expanding STEM education.

One third of incoming MCLA classes are STEM majors, a large part of which is likely psychology students according to Joslin and Heekin.

The money will be used to expand computer science and engineering course offerings and to develop a STEM Early College Career Pathways program.

Police Log Monday, Sept. 19 10:33 a.m. “Court” incident at 111 Holden Street.

(Closed Case) • 11:32 a.m. Emergency Phone Elevator. Berkshire Towers Elevator broke down Monday morning. (Services Rendered) • 2:59 p.m. 911 Call.

Individual in Mark Hopkins calls 911 Monday afternoon.

(Investigated) • 3:45 p.m. Guardian: Tip – Anonymous. Public Safety received an anonymous tip via the Guardian Ap. involving the campus quad.

(Subject Warned / Advise) • Three 911 hang-up calls.

Monday evening, between 4p.m. and 7p.m. (Closed Cases) Tuesday, Sept. 20 • 12:41 a.m. Suspicious •

Taking submissions in Creative nonfiction, poetry, and short stories, art, and book and music reviews

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•

•

•

Activity. Suspicious activity investigated by campus police Tuesday morning, no information given to the public. (Informational Only) 10:31 a.m. Emergency Phone Elevator. Campus Center elevator broke down Tuesday morning.

(Informational Only) 2:28 p.m. Suspicious Activity. Campus Police investigate suspicious activity in the Campus Center Tuesday afternoon.

(Closed Case) 6:40 p.m. Juvenile Problem. Public Safety advised and handled a juvenile problem in the Taconic Lawn Tuesday evening. (Subject Warned / Advise) 8:33 p.m. Suspicious Activity. Campus Police

investigated suspicious activity Tuesday night near the Flagg Townhouses.

(Investigated) Thursday, Sept. 22 • 3:44 p.m. Rape. A reported rape incident is investigated

by Campus Police.

(Investigated) Friday, Sept. 23 • 9:35 p.m. Drug Offense.

Public Safety handled a drug offense in Hoosac Hall Friday night. (Closed Case) Saturday, Sept. 24 • 12:47 a.m. Disorderly Conduct. Campus Police investigated disorderly conduct early Saturday morning. (Investigated) • 2:03 p.m. Follow Up, Invest. Public Safety followed up on an earlier investigation Saturday afternoon on campus.

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(Report Filed) 5:08 p.m. Investigation.

An investigation took place by the Flagg Townhouses Saturday night. (Could Not Locate) Sunday, Sept. 25 • 1:37 a.m. Disturbance.

Early Sunday Morning, Public Safety investigated a disturbance in the Boardman Block.

(Investigated) • 12:19 p.m. Drug Offense.

A Report was filed on a drug offense in the Flagg Townhouses Sunday around noon-time. (Report Filed) Monday, Sept. 26 • 12:27 a.m. Medical Emergency. Campus Police responded to a possible overdose in Berkshire Towers •

Corrections

Last issue we mistakenly wrote in the article “MCLA student retention on the rise for the first time in a years” that the College’s retention rate was currently 79.4 percent. It is actually 78.8 percent.

We mistakenly wrote in the article “After Illvermorny, MCLA wants a Quidditch team” that Quidditch required 12 players when it only needs seven.

9

CONSTITUTION Continued from page 1

His lecture, titled “The Constitution, Bioethics, and the Wizard of Oz,” dove into how very differently the constitution is interpreted on bioethical cases.

“Technology has taken us to places we have never been,” Mishkin said. “The men who wrote the constitution, they didn’t even know what a telephone is, never mind issues of our time. The interpretation of this document greatly affects the outcomes of controversial, bioethical cases.”

Mishkin wanted students to understand how the constitution and bioethics relates to the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” He explained even though the book says nothing about a rainbow, when a composer read the book it conjured up the image of a rainbow. It was his interpretation of the text that created the image, so he honored and expanded his mental image by dedicating a song to it.

Mishkin reminded his audience the importance of this eventintellect alone is not sufficient on difficult bioethical cases. We must combine our intellect with our heart and strength of character.

He then proceeded to pull out his guitar and sang “If I Only Had a Brain.” Mishkin believes everything in the lecture can be summed up with this song.

Mishkin described several cases and their outcomes, along with Supreme Court judge’s views from each side of the final decision. He made it clear that he was more interested on what the decisions of the different cases tell us about the individuals and their interpretations over the final decision itself.

Amanda Gilmore, an MCLA student, found the lecture informative and worth coming to.

“I took AP Government last year and it increased my knowledge of the constitution but this really expanded my understanding of it,” she said.

“It really opened my eyes of how unfit the justice system can be.”

For example, in Michael H. v Gerald D, two men were fighting over paternal rights of a child. Michael was more likely to be her biological father due to circumstances, but Gerald was married to the mother of the child at the time of her birth. California law finds that paternity falls to the presumed father, so Gerald won the case without biological evidence.

After explaining the case, Mishkin described the different viewpoints of Justice Scalia and Justice Brennan, two Supreme Court judges of the case. Scalia agreed with the ruling while Brennan believed the decision was too rooted in tradition. He believed there is no need for that California law, which was written in a time much less advanced, when we now have innovations like blood testing.

“What is in your Constitution?

How,” Mishkin questioned, “will we deal with what the founding fathers, whose world was far more restricted, signed for us?”

10

Thursday, September 29. 2016

Sports

Soccer: 100 wins for Raber

By Brady Gerow

Volleyball: MCLA loses to Williams in three sets MCLA drops to 5-7

Sports Writer

With a big second half surge, MCLA’s Women’s Soccer head coach Deb Raber was able to secure her 100th win at MCLA with her team’s 2-0 victory over previously unbeaten SUNY Poly Wildcat team this past Wednesday night at Shewcraft Field.

Around the halfway mark, junior forward Aleah Sangiovanni fought deep into Wildcat territory to win a ball most players thought was out. Sangiovanni eventually passed the ball to freshman back Hannah Sorensen, who played a near perfect ball to freshman forward Kaylyn Holliday.

Holliday then recorded the first collegiate goal of her career.

“Aleah just fought…to get down to that ball, play it back like we talked about,” said Raber. “And then Hannah played a simple ball into Kaylyn resulting in Kaylyn’s first college goal.”

It was this sort of aggressive fight for every ball mentality that gave the Trailblazers the edge and resulted in both the team’s goals on Wildcat goalie Angela Bartlett, who went into the game with an 88 percent save rate.

“Our plan was just to maintain the grit and hard work that we’ve been doing,” said Raber, “That’s something we’ve really been priding ourselves on, is how hard we’ve been working.”

Beacon.MCLA.edu

By Brady Gerow Sports Writer

From athletics.mcla.edu

MCLA’s second and final goal was scored in the 70 minute mark off a long ball from around half field, coming from freshman back Kayla Lingel to the middle of the box. Senior forward Natalie Caney was able to redirect the ball into the back of the net, putting the Trailblazers up 2-0 to finish off all scoring.

“It’s something we talk about all the time with Kayla about, because Kayla can serve that ball very well,” stated Raber on Lingel’s long assist. “And then Natalie just having soccer sense to get in there and make it happen.”

The Trailblazer’s came out of the gate playing an aggressive game, pushing the ball at the Wildcats fast and often. They took an early shot lead that

would eventually lead to a 15-14 shot differential in favor of the Wildcats. The Wildcat’s would also finish ahead in corner kicks 4-2, but were unable to capitalize on anything offensively.

MCLA’s defensive squad played a very well balanced game, with freshman keeper Megan Richardson recording seven saves on the game and her fourth shutout of the season. Alongside her was sophomore back Sychiah Johnson, who was acting as a brick wall defensively for the Trailblazers.

MCLA, now scored 2-2-2, will look to face off against Salem State (0-7) next, in hopes for their first conference win on Saturday at Salem’s Alumni Field at 1 p.m.

The MCLA Trailblazers Volleyball team faced off against rival the Williams College Ephs on Monday in Lasell Gymnasium, where the host Ephs swept the Trailblazers 3-0 to improve at 4-4 and putting MCLA at 5-7 for the season.

Mistakes on the offensive side along with a strong defensive performance from the Ephs is what eventually led to the Trailblazers loss to the school rival.

“MCLA was doing a nice job, but they started to get a little more out of system,” states Ephs head coach Christi Kelsey. “Which gave us a lot more free ball opportunities.”

The second set of the match is where the Ephs really took control of the match. They were able to string together four consecutive points twice in that set and finished the game with a 5-0 run to end the second set 25-10.

The Ephs were led offensively

by Ally Ostrow who was able to rack up ten kills in only 16 attacks. Ostrow was also able to add ten digs for the Ephs defensively. This was followed

up by a team high of 31 assists from Alex Newton.

“We have a small group right now, and we are looking for everyone to step up,” said Kelsey.

The Trailblazer’s attack was led by Maggie Allen and Sam Anderson who each finished with five kills in the match.

This was followed up by Allison Clark who was able to add four kills, along with eight digs on the defensive side of the ball.

MCLA’s Beatrice Lechler was also able to add 14 assists to the Trailblazers offensive unit.

MCLA struggled to get anything else going beyond that finishing with 14 attack errors along with a low .114 hitting percentage for the match.

After a commanding win in the second set of the match of the set Williams had no trouble putting the game away, defeating MCLA 25-14 in the third and final set to send the Trailblazers home winless.

MCLA, now 5-7, will next look to take a win against Southern Vermont College on Friday, Sept. 23, in the Amsler Campus Center Gym at 7 p.m.

Daily Fantasy: Is it worth playing anyone on Thursday night?

By Jake Mendel Web Editor

One of the worst kept secrets in the NFL is that teams that have to play on the road on Thursday night usually come out flat. In general, people like to stay away from these games because anything can happen coming off a short week. With only three days to prep for a game means a team has to cut their game-planning in half.

So far, we have had three Thursday night games, but one of them does not count.

Since opening night was on a Thursday, the Broncos and Panthers had plenty of time to prep, so we aren’t going to look at that game.

That leaves us with a small sample size of only two games to try and find some trends. In the two games, we have one road winner, and one home winner.

The home teams have outscored opponents 58-31. Three of the four teams have scored at least 27 points, with the Houston

Texans (road team) being shut out in New England. With that being said, there is only one team that wins in New England, and that is the Patriots.

This week, the Dolphins travel to Cincinnati to play the Bengals on Thursday night.

There is no better feeling than having a quick lead in Fantasy or Daily Fantasy heading into the weekend.

Between the two games, there have been 10 touchdowns with seven of them coming on the ground. Looking at the Bengals, who are going against the Dolphins, Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard are must plays.

Not only are they both dynamic backs, it has clearly been easier to get the running game going on a short week.

When we look at the Dolphins, most of the touchdowns they have allowed have been on the ground. While their pass defense isn’t great either, Byron Maxwell is the type of receiver to give up 99 yards but not a touchdown. When we look at A.J. Green, it is important to think about volume. He may not score a touchdown, but has a high chance of gaining yards in chunks which could help your team. Just don’t be surprised if he is held out of the end zone, especially when following this

season’s trends.

When we look at the Dolphins, there are maybe one or two players worth playing on Thursday night. There is a difference between being a good quarterback and being a good fantasy quarterback. Ryan Tannehill is a good fantasy quarterback. Not only is he leading his team in rushing yards, he even has a rushing touchdown. Tannehill will get his points even though it does look extremely ugly at times.

In a short week, going against what we have seen so far, Jarvis Landry should be a must start.

Not only does he lead the league in receptions, he has twice as many as anyone else on the team. The Dolphins are going to need to set up the running game with their passing game, which screams a bunch of short outs and passes behind the line of scrimmage to Landry. The volume will be there, that alone is enough of a reason to play him this week.

While it is often preached that it is impossible to project Thursday night games, don’t play players just to play them.

With that being said, it is important to take advantage of the trends we have seen so far in Thursday night games.

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Sports

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

11

A tribute to New Academic Success and Diversity Coordinator Arnold Palmer

By Emily Gabert

Staff/Features Writer Blazing a trail to success and inclusion is the goal of Erica Li, the new coordinator of Academic Success and Diversity.

Li’s position is funded by the NCAA Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship grant MCLA applied for and received.

The goal of the subsidy and the position is to build a more supportive environment, while also recruiting more diversity into the college. Twenty different grants are given out to schools and positions vary depending on what each institution needs.

So far, Li has created a program title The Trailblazer Success Program to help athletes succeed. The program is a study hall for athletes who got below a 3.0 GPA the previous semester, or if they entered MCLA with a lower GPA. The study hall gives students a chance to complete their homework assignments, while also learning different time management tricks that helped Li as an undergraduate.

“They meet with me, we talk about their classes,” Li explained. “They get a weekly schedule that they fill out and there is a study hall with me.

The first week was a little hectic because I underestimated how many people there are, but now I think it’s really turning into a more productive space.”

The program was created to envision a plan created by Director of Athletics Laura Mooney called the 321 Plan. It hopes to have all athletes attain a 3.0 GPA, have all athletic

From athletics.mcla.edu

teams compete for the chapter two spots in their conference, and have the students and faculty members of the athletics department work together.

“I was just a student athlete literally a handful of months ago. I was just in their shoes and I would like to think that I can still relate, more so than other people...” Li said. “I’m definitely hoping to be this mentor, so that people can come to me outside of this [program].”

When dealing with time management, Li wants to expose students to multiple tricks that may impact them, no matter how small. She believes that figuring out something as simple as guiding students to do their assigned reading at a time that works best for them can help them in the long run.

Especially if they’re a night or morning person. On each students’ schedules, students are also encouraged to record their practice times, so that they can understand and see how much time one practice can take out of their day.

Implementing the diversity

aspect of project is something that Li hopes to work on in the upcoming weeks. She was asked to create the academic focused program first. Li is still brainstorming ideas, but she believes she’ll be traveling with admissions to various schools and events to help recruit diverse students into the College. She’s first trying to ease herself into MCLA’s environment.

“I’m just trying to wrap up this first month before I really start delving into [diversity].

I’m hoping I can travel some with admissions and really get MCLA out there as a place for students to come and play...” Li explained. “It’s really diversity, in all ways that you can interpret diversity – location or ethnicity, sexual orientation – any of them. I haven’t thought of it all too much yet, but it’s definitely on my plate for the next month.

Before stepping onto the College’s campus, Li was a softball player at William’s College, where she also studied art history. Li originally hails from Utah; she expresses a love for watching different kinds of sports.

“I was thrilled once I moved up here [to the third floor of the campus center] because every door I knock on up here is going to have some great insight into what is needed on this campus,” Li said.impressionable youth, Dustin, please stop leaving a juicy trail on the golf course.

If that’s too much to ask, please, please never spit into a cup for 18 holes and gulp it all down in a victory toast.

Arnold Palmer died Sunday afternoon of complications from heart problems. He was 87. He had 92 professional golf victories and 7 major championships. Here are some of highlights of his life and career.

• 1929: Arnold Palmer is born on Sept. 10 in Latrobe, Pa. • 1946: At 17, Palmer wins the first of his five West Penn Amateur Championships.

• 1954: Palmer, 24, wins the National Amateur golf championship in Detroit.

He also marries Winifred (Winnie) Walzer shortly after he turns professional in the fall.

Pinehurst, N.C., April 20, 1953, while on leave from his yeoman duties in the 9th District Auxiliary office.

• 1955: Palmer wins the Canadian Open for his first professional victory.

• 1958: Palmer wins his first Masters championship at Augusta National Golf Club.

• 1959: Palmer wins the Thunderbird Invitational with a career-best 62.

• 1960: At age 30 Palmer wins his second Masters championship and the U.S. Open championship at Cherry Hills Country Club.

• 1961: Palmer wins his first British Open championship at Royal Birkdale.

A Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to Palmer in 2012

• 1962: Palmer wins his third Masters championship.

• 1964: Palmer wins his fourth and final Masters championship.

• 1969: Palmer is named the Associated Press Athlete of the Decade for the 1960s.

• 1973: Palmer wins the Bob Hope Desert Classic for the last of his 62 career PGA Tour victories.

• 1976: Palmer makes aviation history when he flies around the world in a Lear 36, setting a world record for that class of plane.

• 1989: The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women opens in Orlando, Fla. • 1999: Winnie Palmer, Arnold’s wife of 45 years, dies of cancer on Nov. 20.

• 2005: Palmer marries Kathleen Gawthrop in a private ceremony in Hawaii.

The Arnold Palmer.

According to Palmer the secret to a perfect Arnold Palmer: go heavy on the iced tea with just a splash of lemonade.

Source: AP, pga.com, wikicommons Graphic: Staff, Tribune News Service

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12

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Photo Essay

Beacon.MCLA.edu

The campus community comes together to enjoy Latin music and diverse foods.

Latin American Society Welcome Fest

A group of students joined Williamstown dancers to perform a Latin American dance for onlookers.

Students sat patiently, as they waited for their henna tattoos to be completed.

A student patiently waits for a creative flower henna tattoo.

Josh Richards (sophomore) sits as Stephen Pruzinsky (senior) draws a picture of him.

Photos By Emily Gabert & Domonique Ackley