Issue 9 - Spring 2015

For more content, visit online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu

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

Volume 80 ◆ Issue 9

Th u r s d ay, A p r i l 9 , 2 0 1 5

MCLA will celebrate its 116th Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 16, beginning at 11 a.m., in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Derrick Z. Jackson, an awardwinning Boston Globe columnist since 1988 and a 2001 Pulitzer Prize finalist. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Journalism.

Also receiving honorary degrees this year will be Jack and Susy Wadsworth, dedicated supporters of educational and cultural activities in the Berkshires, and throughout the world. Jack Wadsworth will receive an honorary Doctor of Business and Susy Wadsworth will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service. In addition, Jani Maselli Wood ’85, assistant public defender for the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws.

In recognition of their awards, the honorary degree recipients will have books placed in MCLA’s Freel Library in their names.

Interim President Cynthia Brown said she is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of these outstanding individuals, all of whom enthusiastically look forward to being part of this year’s celebration.

“We look forward to hearing from Derrick Jackson, who has led a successful career as a syndicated columnist, awardwinning journalist and talented photographer. We are honored to have him with us, along with Jack and Susy Wadsworth, and Jani Maselli Wood,” Brown said. “The achievements and many contributions of these remarkable individuals reflect the accomplishments, creativity, and commitment to community engagement and service that are reflective of the members of the Class of 2015.”

MCLA Board of Trustees Chair Tyler Fairbank also commended those who will be honored.

“Derrick Jackson’s dedication to excellence in journalism and his distinguished community service make him a wonderful choice as this year’s keynote speaker,” Fairbank said. “As a philanthropist dedicated to the success of this region, Jack Wadsworth has worked to build up the economy of the Berkshires through multiple innovative practices as he inspires others to invest their COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER, continued on page 3

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DCAMM funds new Campus Center elevator

See more photos on page 5!

By Idalis Foster Staff Writer

Photo by Liz Quirk/The Beacon

A sixth grade student visits a science lab Tuesday as part of the Berkshire County Goes to College program.

When it comes to alerts about repairs being done on campus, most of them seem to be about the Amsler T. Campus Center elevator breaking down yet again.

But next school year, this will no longer be the case.

The Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAMM) has provided funds for the elevator to be replaced and exterior repairs to be made to the Campus Center building.

The same funds will be used for Eldridge Hall and Freel Library repairs, all taking place over this summer.

“We asked for the money to do work on the exterior of the building in areas where caulking is coming out of the sides,” said James Stakenas, vice president of Administration and Finance.

On the state of the elevator, Stakenas was very adamant about its replacement being long overdue.

“The building was built in 1921 and it is the existing car,” said Stakenas. “It receives regular

maintenance but electronics have changed to the point where it needs to be fully replaced.”

Aramark uses this elevator to transport most of their supplies, so the replacement of the elevator would improve their work process greatly. But since it is going to be a state-funded renovation, Stakenas says that it has to be done as soon as possible.

“Aramark will have to do deliveries through the Hoosac Hall side or go through the hall by the POD and the bookstore,” said Stakenas. “The summer time is less active so it is a good time to do renovations; it’ll create more work and more problems to solve but we have to do it.”

Students, like junior Morgan McCarthy, who have a disability and need the elevator to get throughout the Campus Center are happy to know that it is finally being replaced.

“A new elevator would definitely be more timely,” said McCarthy.

“Right now it just does what it wants.”

In terms of accessibility on RENOVATIONS, continued on page 3

VP candidate focuses on relationship with students Shannon Flemming reflects on her current position and promotes her active presence on campus

By Nick Swanson Senior News Editor

Vice President Candidate Dr. Shannon Flemming started working in student affairs 18-years ago and said she is honored by the positive reactions she has received.

“I am proud of being able to say I’ve been there for students and others who lost a friend or family member that needed a little help to figure out exactly where they needed to go from there,” she said.

Flemming is currently the vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Clemson University in South Carolina.

She visited MCLA for interview sessions with students and members of faculty and staff on Tuesday.

At Clemson, students would occasionally refer her to other students as a greatest calling card because she always made herself available to help students with variety of difficult issues, she said.

“My joy of being is helping

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News Commencement speakers announced Page 3

students develop and understand what they want to be.”

Flemming is originally from Easton, Mass., and still has family around that area close to Boston.

“It would be nice to move back to where I have close family and friends,” she continued. “What also interested me is being at a public liberal arts college that in the past supported a strong strategic plan.”

“How would you plan to implement yourself on campus and become part of the community?” Ashton Darrett, staff assistant of Center for Student Success and Engagement, asked her.

“I am very active on my campus (Clemson); if it’s somewhere I can bring my dog and my son I’d be there,” Flemming said.

“By putting it right in front of students there are many different ways you can tell students how to get involved,” she added.

“When I attend things like poetry slams, speak-outs by campus organizations, and other events it gives me access to all types of students,” she said.

Flemming said she has the mindset to increase study abroad and student interaction opportunities.

When students have these positive connections they evolve over time, she explained, but this should include being a part of campus life, also, and she hopes to give more faculty and staff the same opportunity.

“What strikes you most about our campus?” Professor of English/ Communications Joseph Ebiware asked her.

Flemming said from the beginning she was inspired from talking with students and other members of the search committee via Skype and hearing them speak about how they want the college to succeed and strive for success.

Arts & Entertainment

Sports

SAC offers a week of spring fun

Softball splits MASCAC opener

Page 6

Page 8

If you have some level of privilege, added to the privilege of being a writer, just continue to be self-scrutinizing.

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Globe columnist to speak at commencement

She explained when she arrived on (MCLA) campus she heard stimulating conversations between students excited for commencement and spring concerts.

Her past experiences range from managing crisis and emergency situations to giving out awards to students.

“Are students here staying the same, or are they changing?” she asked. “You can’t put students in to a subset of boxes because they are always changing.”

The campus community held a meeting yesterday after The Beacon went to press on moving forward with the presidential search.

Visit the beacon.mcla. edu for coverage of the meeting.

News Features Arts & Entertainment Sports Campus Comment Local Events Photo Essay

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Campus News

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Weekend SGA supports Alumni Association’s Weather donations for commencement cords Thursday, April 9

Possible Rain High: 52° Low: 42° Prec. Chance: 20%

Friday, April 10

Rain High: 52° Low: 36° Prec. Chance: 80%

Saturday, April 11

Possible Rain High: 40° Low: 27° Prec. Chance: 90%

Sunday, April 12

By Idalis Foster Staff Writer

The Alumni Association is taking donations from current graduating seniors for cords to wear during graduation. Student Government Association (SGA) has been at odds regarding this idea with some feeling that cords are meant to represent academic achievement as opposed to philanthropic valor.

However, after hearing that this is already being put into effect, SGA voted to support the Alumni Association in this effort. The money donated by seniors will be put into a scholarship for a prospective student under their class’ year.

“They’re going to be collecting donations every year from freshman year on to build up to the ultimate amount they will donate,” said SGA President Brendan Peltier. “I personally wouldn’t wear the cords although I will donate, but I would love to see scholarships to other students.”

Senate Chairperson Christopher Cozzaglio voiced the same concern that held Peltier back from wearing the cords at graduation.

“For me, cords represent hard work and academic achievement,” said Cozzaglio. “Yes it is giving back to the school but philanthropy should gain recognition

College Considers Open Source Texts Policy At UMass Amherst, the average student has saved $128 in the last year on books for their courses.

This is due to the Open Source textbooks initiative implemented through their library department.

In their presentation on open source textbooks and students’ opinions on the topic, Senators

Evan Pirnie, Colby Harvish, and Timothy P. Williams gave an informative account of the savings and benefits of open source texts.

These sources are free online, written by groups of authors and peer reviewed, and some already exist for entry level courses.

MASSPIRG has focused on advocating for open source texts for the past semester and Michael Basmajian, campus organizer for the MCLA MASSPIRG Chapter, gave more insight into UMass Amherst’s program.

“UMass Amherst’s program spent $40,000 for a three to four year time span since 2011 with $1,000 grants to multiple professors over the course of that time,” Basmajian said. “It wasn’t all this money up front but little bits at a time and it saved more money for students in the long run.”

MASSPIRG’s open source textbooks campaign has received 12 endorsements from faculty of a variety of departments. However, SGA President Brendan Peltier brought up concerns about a possible contract violation if an open source textbooks policy were to be adapted.

“I would just be concerned about the Folett bookstore since the college does have a contract with them,” said Peltier. “Without knowledge of that issue I would not recommend that the senate go forward with a resolution.”

SGA Executive Vice President Alexandra Kadell also voiced concerns that some of the older faculty who are still adapting to current technology including Canvas may not easily adapt open source textbooks. This discussion will continue in a future meeting as the committee which presented on the open source textbooks gathers the answers to the questions proposed by the senate.

Unitarians in Action’s Constitution Approved Unitarians in Action, a club that welcomes students of all religions and students who do not identify with a particular religion, has had their constitution approved.

The club has already begun their philanthropic mission by having a bake sale at Sextival to raise money for donations that most would not think of to be made to shelters.

“Many homeless shelters are lacking in feminine hygiene products so we raised money to be able to buy them in bulk at BJ’s and donate them,” said Senator Tim Williams. “We were able to raise $86 for that cause.”

Williams also stressed that the club is different from Christian Fellowship as it is rooted in Protestant religions which were made out of protest of Christianity.

Boston bomber found guilty on all 30 counts The Boston Globe

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was convicted Wednesday of carrying out the April 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which devastated a festive crowd near the finish line of the world-renowned race, killing three people and wounding more than 260 others.

Tsarnaev, 21, who prosecutors said was a self-radicalized Muslim bent on striking a blow against America, now faces a second phase of his trial in which a jury will decide whether to sentence him to death. The second phase could begin early next week.

Tsarnaev and his late older brother, Tamerlan, planted two bombs at the race on the afternoon of April 15, 2013. Tsarnaev was also convicted of murdering an MIT police officer several days after the bombing and

battling police in a wild firefight in Watertown just outside of Boston several days after the bombing.

Prosecutors argued that Tsarnaev carried out the crimes in a “heinous, cruel and depraved manner” and that he deserves the death penalty. He was convicted of all 30 crimes he was charged with, including 17 that carried the possibility of a death sentence.

The jury of seven women and five men deliberated for just over 11 hours before rendering its verdict, after hearing the lawyers’ closing arguments early Monday.

Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, and federal law recommends that a jury make that decision.

Campus Police Logs The week of - 3/29 - 4/4 Sunday, March 29 ◆ Public Safety responded to a disturbing the peace call at the Flagg Townhouse Apts.

Peace was restored ◆ Public Safety responded to a medical call at Hoosac Hall.

Individual was transported to the hospital.

Monday, March 30

Partly Cloudy High: 37° Low: 24° Prec. Chance: 10%

not cords.”

Students will be able to choose whether or not to donate the amount respective to their class year of $20.15 for the class of 2015 and so on. Senator Colby Harvish offered another way of viewing the cords and what they represent for students.

“A traditional standpoint is for cords to just represent academics not volunteerism,” said Harvish.

“However, the formal learning experience is not the only part of higher education. Hard work in general is valued not just in academics.”

Senator Lauren Tomaszczuk mentioned that cords are easily attainable with any kind of flourishes available if a student wanted to order them personally, so they would not know the significance regardless.

After much discussion, SGA decided to support the MCLA Student Philanthropy program.

◆ Public Safety responded to a report of harassment at Townhouse Apts. The report was investigated. ◆ Public Safety responded to

a building check on MCLA Campus. Building was checked and secured.

to a report of harassment. A report was filed.

◆ Public Safety responded to a report of vandalism. A report was filed.

◆ Public Safety responded to a building check on MCLA Campus. Building was checked and secured.

Tuesday, March 31

Thursday, April 2

◆ Public Safety responded to a request to be escorted from Murdock Hall. Services were rendered.

◆ Public Safety responded to a medical call at Berkshire Towers. The call was investigated.

◆ Public Safety responded to a report of suspicious activity at Berkshire Towers. A report was filed

◆ Public Safety responded to a request for medical transport.

Individual was transported to the hospital.

Wednesday, April 1

Friday, April 3

◆ Public Safety responded

◆ Public Safety responded to

a building check on MCLA Campus. Building was checked and secured. ◆ Public Safety responded to a disturbing the peace call at the Hossac Hall parking lot.

A report was filed.

Saturday, April 4 ◆ Public Safety responded to a report of simple assult at Flagg Townhouse Apts. Peace was restored. ◆ Public Safety responded to a building check on MCLA Campus. Building was checked and secured.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Campus News

Lacey’s writing journey an uncertain one Respected author shares her different perspectives on life

By Harmony Birch Staff Writer

Despite now being a thriving and well respected author, she wasn’t always very sure of her writing or her voice. In Grad school she describes being intimidated by the work her classmates were doing, like repeatedly getting published in the New York Times.

“The original idea was that it be interesting to go into nonfiction because it was something that would potentially pay bills.” Lacey said.

She also didn’t feel like she could properly write fiction because she didn’t have time to research anything.

“In school it’s really hard to write.” Lacey said.

“You’re in the mode of learning a lot, of reading a lot, it’s not the best time to generate for a lot of people.”

Catherine Lacey doesn’t fit the stereotypical image of a published author who speaks at a college. She’s young and petite, with a low soft voice, a kind smile, and bright blue eyes.

“I don’t think I would have pursued writing as much if it wasn’t for my teachers in college,” she said, leaving a pause to carefully consider her statement.

Lacey turns thirty today. She came to MCLA last Thursday to talk to students and faculty and to do a reading from her novel “Nobody Is Ever Missing”.

Despite her youth it took Lacey a while to come to the conclusion that she was a writer.

Struggling with non-fiction Junior, James Forgione, was among the students who attended Lacey’s reading. He found himself surOnce Lacey had graduated Columbia she found prised not only by her youth but also by willingness herself struggling in the nonfiction world. She had to admit inexperience.

“If John Green is what you’d call a high school writ- wanted to write profiles of other writers and artists, er, she’s an undergrad version,” Forgione said. “She but had no training in journalism.

“I feel like now I can write for people talked about realizing yourself, [magazines],”Lacey said. “But it’s weird that being ok with who you are, and I had to publish a novel to be able to write moving past limitations.” nonfiction for people.” “[In college] I was an undeclared After Grad school Lacey ended up hitchmajor,” Lacey said. “Then I went hiking across New Zealand to explore food into communication because I politics. thought it would make me money “It was the first time I was not in school or something.” since forever,” Lacey said, explaining her It wasn’t until a conversation decision to go to New Zealand. “So it was with one of her Philosophy proPhoto from The New Yorker the first time I had any truly unscheduled fessors that Lacey accepted writ“Nobody Is Ever Miss- time.” ing as a career path.

Growing up in the south, Lacey ing” author Catherine New Zealand felt like a weird time capsule describes her upbringing as “very Lacey spoke at the col- to her, she described it as feeling like the seventies. religious.” Religion is a common lege last Thursday.

“Nobody really had cellphones,” Lacey theme in her short stories.

“Somebody told me how the world works from day said. “I didn’t have a phone, and no one thought it one,” Lacey said. “And then, when I got into my teen- was weird, or even inconvenient. It was kind of like, age years, I was like wait there are other religions? ok we’ll pick a time and then we’ll be there.”

The trip to New Zealand served as inspiration for There are other ways of doing things? You mean Lacey’s novel which is about a woman who leaves maybe there’s no hell? It was blowing my mind.”

Lacey credits her writing as a way of explaining to New York and her husband and ends up hitchhiking herself a transitioning and very different narrative across New Zealand.

The novel, like most of Lacey’s work is written in than the one she was given at birth.

“It’s really hard to transition out of certainty to un- the first person.

“I like thought patterns,” Lacey said. certainty,” Lacey said.

She describes writing in the first person as being Lacey continued to feel uncertain throughout her schooling. After completing her first degree, Lacey similar to acting.

“I feel like it induces empathy in the writer and the went to grad school at Cornell for nonfiction writreader,” Lacey said. ing.

3 Jackson holds numerous journalism awards Beacon.MCLA.edu

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER, continued from page 1 time and talents here. Through her work as CEO of W.L.S. Spencer Foundation, Susy Wadsworth supports education for public schools and in museums. Her work with numerous educational organizations has led many to finish high school and attend college. In addition, we are proud to call Jani Maselli Wood an alumna of the College, as she works tirelessly to ensure the rights of people within the court system.”

Jackson is a nine-time winner and 25-time finalist of awards from the National Association of Black Journalists and a twotime winner and four-time finalist for commentary awards from the National Education Writers Association. He is a 2012 commentary finalist for the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and a 2000 commentary finalist from the Scripps-Howard National Journalism Awards.

Jackson also is a photographer

whose presidential campaign images of Barack Obama were exhibited in 2010 by Boston’s Museum of African American History. His images of Obama, wildlife and landscapes were exhibited in 2013 at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. He also was a 2013 and 2012 finalist in Outdoor Photographer magazine’s The American Landscape Contest.

Prior to the Globe, Jackson won several awards at Newsday, including a share of the 1985 Columbia University Meyer Berger Award for coverage of New York City and the 1979 award for feature writing from the Professional Basketball Writers Association.

Jackson, a native of Milwaukee, Wis., is a 1976 graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. He was a Nieman Fellow in journalism at Harvard University in 1984. He holds honorary degrees from the Episcopal Divinity School and Salem State College, and was honored with Curry College’s Human Rights Award.

New fire alarms to be installed in Eldrige RENOVATIONS, continued from page 1 campus, McCarthy would like to see more done to improve the conditions for those with disabilities on campus.

“I would like to see handicapped buttons on the POD and Subway doors as well as by the bookstore,” said McCarthy.

According to Stakenas, the fire alarms in Eldridge Hall are still working properly, but could be working better which is why they are installing new ones.

“With the alarms in Eldridge you just hear a noise, [similar to]

older fire alarms,” Stakenas said.

“Newer ones have a voice that says it’s a fire alarm and strobe lights to get the attention of people with hearing issues.”

The repairs are not being made due to any issues with the system.

They are merely precautions taken for safety in case of future emergencies.

Both repairs are scheduled to occur over the summer whilst activity in these areas is low to avoid problems with access to any of the three buildings. The exterior repairs will also be made this summer to both Freel Library and the Amsler T. Campus Center.

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Campus News

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Chris and Kathi Sullivan share horrors of addiction

By Gionna Nourse Staff Writer

Taylor Lee Meyer was an outgoing, beautiful, 17-year-old, enjoying her last few months as a senior at King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, Ma. The last time her mother saw her, she was dressed in all green in celebration of spirit week at her school. Later that night, the teen chose to drink excessively with friends, tried to walk home through the woods, and was found drowned in a swamp at a nearby abandoned airport in Norfolk, Mass. three days later.

“She was a senior in high school when she died, and she would have graduated in 2009, but, because of poor choices related to alcohol, she passed away that weekend of October 18, 2008,” Kathi Sullivan said.

During an event on Thursday, April 2, at the North Adams Public Library, Sullivan shared that 22 of Taylor’s friends were at that party in the woods with her, and [because they were all under the influence of alcohol] not one of them tried to help her get home, instead “they all laughed”.

Sullivan also said it was extremely hard for her when she talked to friends of Taylor’s after her passing who claimed they didn’t want to call Sullivan that night because “they didn’t want to get in trouble”.

“I want the kids to not think of me as Tay’s mom, I want them to think of me as their mom, aunt, or as someone who truly loves them,” Sullivan said. “I swear she hand-picks people, like all of you sitting here now, we want to make a difference, [and] there is a reason for everything,” she said.

“Take good care of each other please,” she said. Sullivan stressed that young people need to take care of their friends, and look out for them, so that tragedies like Taylor’s don’t continue to happen.

Sullivan has saved countless lives since she started sharing her daughter’s story over six years

ago. She even read a few letters “right path”, and surrounded him- playing for the NFL), he said he from those who felt her talk saved self with “good people” as a young began to spiral out of control. “I their or a loved one’s life, because man throughout high school, and used to spend roughly $1,000 a they decided to either “look out during his time at Boston College. day on heroin,” he said. for a friend”, or “make a bet“Even though I was abuster decision”. ing heroin I thought ‘I “As parents, we need to alcannot be a drug addict, ways make that phone call or an alcoholic; I graduto check on our children, ated college, I got into and as friends, if we see [or grad school, I play for the hear] something wrong, we NFL, [and] NFL players need to let a parent know,” aren’t drug addicts, I had she said. that image in my head,” he “I started speaking two said “I struggled for a long months after my daughter time because I couldn’t see passed away, how I did it, I someone like me.” don’t know,” she said.

“They don’t portray the “[Taylor] was amazing, she image of people when would light up the room, they first [start using she had a very strong perdrugs] enough, [like docsonality, [and] I swear she tors, teachers, real estate comes with me everywhere agents, a young kid, etc.] time I talk,” she said “I because, for me, when I know she gave Chris to me, first picked up, I was a 295 I just know it.” pound NFL player in the Sullivan met future husbest shape of my life,” he band Chris Sullivan at the said. very first parent talk she When Sullivan came held after her daughter back to Massachusetts passed away in 2008. Alafter training for a short though Chris wasn’t a partime with the Pittsburgh ent himself, he attended Steelers, he started surthe talk because he was five rounding himself with weeks sober. The couple “the wrong crowd”. married in January 2011, “By 2005 I was that imand they have been sharage of a drug addict that I ing their stories with high had in my head,” he said Photo by Gionna Nourse/The Beacon school students and com“I had a problem, but I Kathryn and Chris Sullivan with a photo of munity members around couldn’t see it because I her daughter, Taylor Lee Meyer, who died in Massachusetts for just over surrounded myself with an alcohol related incident in 2008. six years. people who wouldn’t tell Coaches and teachers loved him, He said he had an image of a me what was wrong.” he was awarded a full scholarship drug addict in his mind, which he “[When I was in Pittsburgh], I to Boston College, graduated in couldn’t fathom ever embodying. started drinking every night to three and a half years, and became “I think it started later for me be- deal with how I felt inside, [and] I a defensive lineman for the New cause I was very structured grow- thought weak people reached out England Patriots from 1996-2002. ing up, and I was very fortunate and asked for help, I really did,” After all of his success, including a that I was into sports, but I know he said “I never knew how to deal 2001 Super Bowl win with the Pa- for a fact that if I didn’t have that with things, I never confided in triots, Chris Sullivan was on top structure in my life, I would have anyone or talked to anyone, and of the world, or so it seemed. Due veered down the wrong path in later on in life I decided to selfto a sports-related back injury, high school,” he said. medicate.” and severe anxiety, he fell into a Sullivan put a lot of emphasis on “It stripped me of absolutely evdeep depression, which led to an “the good group of people around erything I had, and I was left with addiction to pain-killers, heroin him”, or friends that continuously nothing except myself,” he said. “I and alcohol. watched out for him, and how im- never thought in a million years “No one wakes up saying ‘I want portant that is for young people. that it would tear me or my family to be a drug addict’,” he said. Sul- Once he started to surround him- apart”. livan said he had always taken the self with a different crowd, (after “I remember when we won the

Super Bowl, [the night they gave us the rings] it was 3:00 a.m., and pitch black, I was drinking and taking pills, I wasn’t enjoying it at all,” Sullivan said “Everyone thought I was living the dream, and my life was perfect, but I was sitting in my room alone, depressed.”

Within a six year period, Sullivan accrued five OUIs, totaled five cars, and lost every penny of the $6 million he earned playing for the NFL. “I gave up on life, I absolutely didn’t want to live, I used to mix everything I could and pray I wouldn’t wake up,” he said.

“When I saw [Taylor’s] funeral procession going by my apartment (she had 2,500 people attending her funeral), it was the first time in my life when no one was telling me to get clean, and I wanted to get clean for myself,” Sullivan said.

“If you aren’t doing it for yourself, you’re not going to stay clean, you will get clean for a little while, but you won’t stay clean,” he said.

Jennifer St.Germain, a member of Commit to Save a Life, Inc. said “addiction does not discriminate, I was in recovery for nine years myself, and there is so much shame attached to addiction.” The committee St. Germain works for is a Heroin Recovery Financial Assistance Program in honor of Joshua Bressette, a 25-year-old who lost his life to heroin addiction. “[The talk tonight] was amazing, and I think we need more awareness, and ways to break the stigma,” St.Germain said. “It is very therapeutic when you can relate to a star.”

“Kathi’s story is still an addiction, it’s alcohol, and there is a life there that was sacrificed,” Jeff Deeley, another member of Commit to Save a Life, Inc. said. “That’s why our slogan really means a lot to me, because too many lives are being taken due to drugs and alcohol,” he said.

Students attend North Eastern residential conference

By Kaliegh Hayes Features Writer

Every semester students from the New England and New York areas come together to build leadership skills, network with their peers and show off their school spirit.

The North East Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (NEACURH), is a conference that hosts two annual conferences, regionals in the fall semester and minis in the spring semester according to the Ithaca website.

The conference took place at Endicott College. Over 400 students attended, representing 45 schools in the New England and New York area. The event was pirate themed with a title of “Ahoy Marty! Discovering Teamwork” This year’s MCLA representatives, juniors Gabriella Prata and

Kelsey McGonigle, sophomore Rebecca Patterson and freshmen Samantha Giffen, Miesha AdamsMcLean and Jacob Boillat won second place in the banner competition.

“The banner needs to represent the school, it needs to represent the conference,” said Residential Director Griffin Labbance. “It’s a way of saying this is MCLA we’re here this is what we created.’”

Labbance attended NEACURH 14 times and found it to be a new experience every year.

“Each conference is different, it’s always at a different school, its different themed, there are different people, there are different programs,” said Labbance. “So there is no way that each conference can be the same.”

While at the conference, Labbance and Samantha Giffen ’18 presented a workshop “Don’t Let Your iPhone Sink Your Ship,”

which was about developing personal connections in the age of technology.

“Our intention was that the program was to recognize that as technology increases maybe our personal connections with people are decreasing,” said Labbance.

“So how could we put down, or look up from our smart devices and bring back a connection with our friends.”

According to Giffen, the presentation didn’t turn out as she had expected.

“But it was just another individual challenge that NEACURH prepares you to overcome so we turned it around and made the best of it,” said Giffen.

Giffen was amazed at the experience and the many new opportunities it gave her.

“I got to meet so many people and it really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It helped me

Photo from Facebook

Director Griffen Labbance, Miesha Adams-Mclean ‘18, Gabriella Prata ‘16, Rebecca Patterson ‘17, Samantha Giffen ‘18 and Jacob Bollat ‘18 attend the NEACURH conference at Endicott College. grow individually and I’m learning so much to help MCLA’s residential life,” said Giffen.

Features

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Beacon.MCLA.edu

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Ready, set, go to college: Sixth graders experience life on campus Over 100 students from Monument Valley, Sullivan, Williams, Clarksburg Elementry schools and RichmondConsolidated School visited campus on Tuesday morning

Photo by Liz Quirk/ The Beacon

One of the students who participated in “Berkshire County Goes to College” has an electrifying moment during the Physics lab.

By Brittany Gallacher Editor-In-Chief

and Juanita Doss Features Editor

Sixth grade students from around Berkshire County raced across campus to get a taste of the college experience.

Bringing elementary and middle school students to the College is part of the Berkshire Compact Program, an iniative designed for business and college leaders to get together and understand the needs in Berkshire County, according to MCLA Admissions Counselor Joshua Mendel. The goal is to help local businesses and schools grow, as well as encourage students to attend college.

“We run a third grade program, a sixth grade program and an eighth grade career fair,” Mendel added.

“These expose students to the fun, excitement and energy of [college campuses] so that it isn’t scary or intimidating for them.”

Mendel, who has been involved with Berkshire Compact for 10 years, said most of the students in these programs are first generation, meaning their parents have not gone to college.

“For a lot for them, there’s this big mystique about school, so we bring them to campus for fun and exciting things, plus educational science initiatives. It’s a huge growing piece for them,” Mendel said.

STEM Program Manager Christopher Himes has also been part of this program for four years. He said each time students come to campus, there are always familiar faces. Many of the children are involved in other science initiatives around campus.

“I think it’s a good experience for them to see what college is about,” Himes said. “It’s a good way for students to see the campus and experience what the classes are like.”

The 6th graders participated

in dorm tours, athletic training events, performance skits, and star labs while on campus Tuesday.

Five schools attended, including Monument Valley Elementary, Sullivan Elementary, Richmond Consolidated School, Williamstown Elementary, and Clarksburg Elementary.

They came together for a sit down lunch where Interim President Cindy Brown encouraged them to get excited about their futures.

“Six years may seem like a long time, but it will go by fast,” Brown told the students. “It’s never too early to talk about college. It is a ticket to a career...you will have more opportunities and experuences available to you if you go to college.”

Members of Dance Company also performed a tap piece for the students in order to showcase the clubs and activities provided at MCLA and other colleges in

Photo by Isabel McKenzie/ The Beacon

Sixth grade students from Berkshire County vistied MCLA during “Berkshire County Goes to College” event where they learned about the sciences, arts, atheltic training and campus life. the area.

“I think it’s important for children to get the college experience early on,” Dance Co. President, Colleen Regal, said. “It will motivate them to work harder in

school so they can get into college. It will raise the percentage of kids getting a higher education and show them experiences – not just academics, but also clubs and activities.”

Photo by Liz Quirk/The Beacon

During their visit to campus, sixth grade students learned some of the basics of Physics.

Internships: The gateway to success after college Deraway ‘14 started off as an intern for “Solider On” a non-profit organization, now he’s a full-time employee

Photo from MCLA Website

Craig Deraway ‘14 believes that every MCLA student should take on an internship, in order to stand out from others.

By Juanita Doss Features Editor

Freedom isn’t free. He sees it as his duty to give back to his father,

and other veterans who fought in the Vietnam War. Last semester, Craig Deraway ’14 was an intern at Solider On, a non-profit organization, and now works for them as a full-time case manager in supportive services for veteran’s family (SSVF).

“It’s an awesome feeling to be able to intern somewhere you really enjoy and be offered a fulltime job,” Deraway said. “Being hired full time internally is something special; the organization sees potential in you and they have developed a sense of trust.”

As a SSVF case manager, Deraway travels door to door around Berkshire County and Eastern New York, providing financial assistance, and referring veteran families to different services.

Deraway’s daily schedule focuses around his clients. They have a face-to-face interaction to go through documents and talk about how to fill them out prop-

erly. Once the paper work is filled out, he reviews each document and uploads them. If the veteran is in need of rental assistance, he will also submit a payment request for them.

Deraway has grown in many ways by working for Soldier On. He’s learned about the homeless community and how severe it is in the country.

“I have truly grown to admire what our agency does and I do not take a day of life for granted,” Deraway said. “There are many people who are less fortunate than I am, and I’m grateful to be able to give back to people who have fought and served for my country.”

When he applied for his internship, Deraway shared his interest with his advisor David Eve, Chairman of the Business Department.

Eve then gave him a variety of organizations to intern for. When he found an organization he was

interested in, Deraway went to career services and spoke with Manat Wooten, Assistant Director of CSSE/Career Services.

“Manat is an amazing woman, who truly cares for her students, she will help the student contact an advocate within the organization,” he said.

“

I’m greatful to be able to give back to people who fought and served for my country

”

Craig Deraway

Wooten helps students develop a resume that stands out, gives them advice as to what the organization is looking for and how your resume can aim toward that position.

Deraway says that all students at MCLA should take on an internship because it’s a great way to gain experience in the field and meet important individuals.

“Internships are so important today; our generation lives in such a competitive society where an internship will make you stick out from someone else,” he said.

As an alumnus, Deraway would like to thank all of his professors for giving him the proper tools to succeed, and Eve for taking the time to meet with him and help him move forward.

“Of course I’d like to thank Manat, who worked with me for months to develop a great resume and an awesome cover letter,” he said.

6

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Beacon.MCLA.edu

SAC offers a week of spring fun

By Mitchell Chapman A&E Writer

The Student Activities Council (SAC) is getting ready for “Spring Fling Week,” a solid week of events from April 20-26, kicked off by the Spring Concert.

The event will feature rapper and poet George Watsky, who will visit the College all the way from Los Angeles. Watsky has been featured on HBO’s “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and “Last Call with Carson Daly,” according to his website. His rap album, “Watsky” reached number seven on iTunes for hip-hop. He is known for his “fast rapping” on YouTube, which caught Ellen’s attention.

“Being the fastest rapper in the world is not something I’m interested in,” Watsky explained on the show humorously. “At a certain point you can’t understand what’s being said anymore, and I’m approaching that precipice.”

Other acts to be featured in the concert are OCD: Moosh and

Twist, a hip-hop rap duo that has amassed over 12 million views on YouTube and have reached the top five on the iTunes hip-hop charts, according to their website.

Tickets are currently on sale at $5 for students and $7 for faculty, staff, and guests. The concert will be held from 8-10 p.m. and is open to everyone 18 and older.

Volunteers are needed for setting up and taking down the show, and will get in for free as compensation for their efforts. Those interested should contact SAC Concert chair Jordan Goyette.

The event will be followed-up by a visit by comedian Taylor Tomlinson April 21, 8 p.m. at Sullivan Lounge. Tomlinson has been doing stand-up since she was 16 and has been featured on TBN and JCTV, according to her website, and will be visiting Lindenwood University, Springfield College, and Colby-Sawyer College later in the week. Contact SAC Comedy chair Kyla Graves with any questions.

April 22, SAC will sponsor a Blood Drive in collaboration with

the American Red Cross in Venable Gym from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All eligible students are encouraged to donate.

April 23, SAC will hold a table at the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) that will feature an oxygen bar and massage table from in the Achievement Lounge 4-8 p.m. The bar will include a “nose hose” from which students can experience flavored oxygen, and a certified massage therapist was hired for the event.

Contact Cat Lima with any questions.

April 25 is “Spring Fest,” an event that will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Venable Gym, and will feature a variety events including a photo booth, tye dye station, bouncy houses, and will have novelty items for students to personalize.

The last event of “Spring Fling Week” is a go-karting destinations trip to the Crossgates Mall in Albany, New York. All attending students will depart at 12 p.m., and return to school at around 4 p.m. Contact Gabbi Brown for

Photo by Jay Taco/The Beacon

The SAC Eboard (from left to right, top to bottom: Dakota Jones, Kyla Graves, Alex Lopez, Jordan Goyette, Gaby Brown, Cat Lima, Sam O’Brien, and Lindsay Maselli) have planned many events for students in the month of April. more information.

Aside from upcoming events, SAC is also in the process of selecting e-Board members for next year and are accepting nominations. Interested students are encouraged to contact the current

e-Board member of the desired position so they can shadow. Any students interested in planning events or wishing to get involved in SAC in anyway next year are encouraged to contact club President Alex Lopez.

‘Macbeth’ to be a post-apocalyptic thriller

By Matt Aceto A&E Writer

Shakespeare has never been this exciting. Viewers should look forward to stellar acting and an emotional storyline of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, an action-packed rendition of theater’s most powerful tragedy.

The play, directed by Josh Baker, will premiere tonight at 8 p.m. in the Church Street Center Social Hall. In addition, the show will also run at 8 p.m. on Friday, and twice on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

It features plenty of dramatic scenes in which swordfights break out right in front of the audience.

Seats are intentionally placed close to the stage so the audience will get a first-person sense of the action.

“We’re going for a theater-in-therealms type of feel,” Baker said.

“The audience is emerged in the life of Macbeth. They’re kind of thrown into this atmosphere of a

post-apocalyptic world.”

The play’s post-apocalyptic theme is something Baker has been thinking about for quite some time. He wanted corruption of power, fear and ambition to act as main motifs of the show.

“I’ve been working on this proposal for about three years. There was a lot of thinking during the early stages,” he said. “Our society is really intrigued by the end of the world; there are a lot of popculture references regarding the apocalypse.”

Helping construct the rhythm of the play was senior Steven Smith.

As sound composer, Smith spent much time in MCLA’s recording studio generating effects and musical backdrops. To complement the apocalyptic theme, he aimed to create a hopeless, deteriorating type of sound.

“The music is a combination of classical and modern. There’s a lot of electronic influence and glitchy sound effects,” he said. “A lot of it’s incorporated into dialogue and

monologue, and it’s blended together as dynamically as possible.

I think it adds a lot to the aesthetic of the show.”

“

The audience is emerged in the life of Macbeth. They’re kind of thrown into this atmosphere of a postapocalyptic world.

Joshua Baker

”

Though the behind-the-scenes crew is largely to thank for the spooky atmosphere of the show, the real stars of Macbeth are the actors themselves.

Sean Mahoney has put countless hours into perfecting his role as Macbeth. He describes the role as an emotional rollercoaster, one that requires a lot of extra rehearsing. Along with practicing five days per week with Yorick, Mahoney rehearses on his

own, roughly putting in 30 hours per week of total training. This is practically a full-time job, but Mahoney is appreciative of the effort Baker has displayed as director.

“I think Josh has done a very good job. He’s worked very hard,” Mahoney said. “He’s really pushed us to be the best character we can be.”

Echoing Mahoney’s words is junior Mallory Schettine, first-time assistant director of Yorick, who had a major hand in designing costumes for the play.

“It’s been an amazing learning experience,” Schettine said. “I’ve learned so much from [Baker] it’s just been fantastic.”

During her time with Yorick, Schettine has evolved from costume designer, to actress, to assistant stage manager, to finally becoming assistant director. She appreciates the wide range of roles each crew member handles as part of the club.

“I’ve loved watching so many dif-

ferent people [take on] roles they aren’t necessarily used to doing,” Schettine said. “[I like seeing] freshmen learn from upperclassmen.”

Julie Castagna, who plays Lady Macbeth, describes her audacious role as “all bark and no bite.”

Similar to Mahoney, Castagna has had to do much rehearsing on her own terms in order to get her role down flawlessly.

“Emotion is such a huge part of this role. I’ve really needed to work on that outside of rehearsal,” she said.

After much dedication and hard work, Yorick is finally ready to take on the spotlight for their three-night showing of Macbeth.

Graduating this spring, Baker has mixed emotions about his final hurrah as director.

“I’m really blessed and lucky to have had such a talented cast and incredible production team,” he said. “It’s very bittersweet, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Non-trad student shares love of retro games

By Matt Hotaling A&E Writer

Jason Gray manipulates a handful of cables connecting his Retron 5 into a TV before blowing the dust out of his copy of “Super Mario Bros. 3”.

Gray isn’t the kind of person that comes to mind when one imagines a gamer. A 33-year-old substitute teacher, he has been playing games longer than most of MCLA’s students have been alive.

“I remember playing ‘King’s Quest’ back when floppy disks were still floppy,” he said.

“

Gray said he was inspired to pursue an education in teaching by his mother. He wants to pass on knowledge and encourage curiosity, which is why he’s acquiring his teaching license in elementary education.

As an older gamer, Gray has found that he’s had to be more selective in which games he plays simply because he doesn’t have as much time as he had when he was younger.

“As much as I like to try new things, I find my re-playing my favorites,” Gray said. “It’s like rereading an old book, I go with

what I know I’ll enjoy.”

As much as I like to try new things, I find myself re-playing my favorites.

Jason Gray

”

As much as one might expect someone like Gray to have trouble connecting with gamers younger than himself, he finds that gaming has a way of linking people across all generations. He explains that because games always have the same rules, each person will play them on an equal footing.

Gray frequently brings older games to Gaming Alliance, a student club which hosts open game nights twice a week, like his Retron 5, a third-party console built to play game cartridges from a handful of classic consoles like the NES, SNES, Genesis, and even Game Boy. Gray enjoys sharing classic games with the younger club members.

Having been an active gamer for most of his life, Gray has been a witness to the changing landscape of the gaming world.

“I’ve definitely noticed a lot more hand-holding in modern games,”

Gray said. “Back when I was younger you had to read the manual that came with your game.

It was like IKEA furniture; you couldn’t just jump in and expect everything to go smoothly.”

Gray is by no means a luddite, as he enjoys playing recent games as much as older games, with some of his more recent favorites being games like “Rayman Legends” and “Super Smash Bros.” for WiiU and 3DS. Gray leaps Mario into a pit and then hands the NES controller another club member, giving them a turn at the classic of retro gaming.

Arts & Entertainment

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Beacon.MCLA.edu

7

Dance Co. delivers a killer performance Review by Shirin Hijab A&E Editor

Dance Company should always perform in a large venue; when they perform in small ones, they are severely limited. This season’s performance displayed a versatility that needs to happen more often; although, in their defense, Dance Co. has maintained its reputation as one of the most coordinated and enjoyed performance clubs on campus.

Dance Co. has always been great at choosing good music for their dances, but this season’s song selection has to be one of the best, having a blend of poppy dance tunes with a beautiful metal song (equally interestingly choreographed) and some classical jazz thrown in. The mix was great and within each act, the music was arranged in a way that prevented the transitions from coming off as abrupt or jolting.

The costume design was probably one of the best ever seen

from Dance Co. and the stark contrast between different dances’ costume design and arrangement was remarkable. The lights at MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center emphasized and added to everything of the performance but it especially added to the costumes, making the whole performance a beautiful progression of colors.

The first act kept all the upbeat and intense songs for itself and left the second act with the slower songs. To a certain audience, this can work well, though it was something of a poor pacing decision. The songs in the second act, while slow and at times tragic, were almost all well-choreographed, and it showed how hard the choreographers and dancers worked in getting the dances to be tight, but also doing a lot of different maneuvers and using intricate technique to narrate the song.

Still, the aggressive, vengeful dance to “Ophelia’s Lament” (choreographed by Bryanna Bradley) is the greatest part of the second

Photo by Isabel McKenzie/The Beacon

Rajnikant Ishmael and Bernadette Dineen in one of the best dances of the show. Dance Co. has given an amazing performance; the show’s lighting is stellar. act, and the first act gave us Rajnikant Ishmael’s “Live, Love, Laugh,

Liberate”, perhaps one of the most interesting acts to watch and defi-

nitely very precise in all areas of the performance.

After having sex, Hugh drugs Jay to sleep and she wakes up strapped to a wheel chair. It’s here Hugh explains that something will start following her (though he thinks he’s gotten rid of it). Once the entity that follows shows up, Hugh wheels Jay out of there and they escape in his car. The entity, which can assume any form, even of someone you know, pursues slowly but persistently.

Having read up to this point, it might not seem evident how good this film is. But the film is a truly innovative one; it’s not necessarily scary in that we jump – we are able to see the entity approaching (most of the time).

This film is also one of the few in recent memory to use sound as a tool to evoke emotion so effectively. Every sound in this film is perfect, and so is the musical soundtrack (by Disasterpeace), which evokes the goth bands of the 80s. The use of color, Jay’s ever-red fingernails and the blue of the pool at the end (like in Kieslowski’s “Blue”) remind us of the precision of color in giallo films.

The way the camera moves around it are similar to the way Theo Angelopoulos will do a 360º around the scene, and the camera wanders around the best chosen places. The film is also set in Detroit, which might be why it makes me think of “The Virgin Suicides” so much.

If there were ten horror films a year at this caliber of filmmaking, I could be happy. But there aren’t.

So I’ll treasure this gem. I’m wondering if there will be a strong disgust among viewers that the entity is sexually-transmitted. Some critics have already drawn attention to the possibility of an AIDs allegory, but that seems stupid.

Horror has been known to take horrible events for source material (the Shoah in “The Unborn” or Chernobyl in “The Chernobyl Diaries”) but this seems different.

It barely focuses on the sexual aspects of the disease, except to explain its transmission.

Like with “Silent Hill,” memories develop from consensual, pleasant sexual encounters, espe-

“It Follows” is a very specific kind of horror film, with a specific mood. cially in the summertime of our best horror looks at our memory youth near a place (Detroit) that and decides to remember the is talked about as dangerous by worst, to explore it, try to resolve parents. These memories decay it, and fail at resolving it. Exceland intermingle with our traumas lent horror is not supernatural; it and then all we have for memory knows that we won’t be able to get is the trauma itself, because that’s away from those memories and so all we remember. it follows.

Memories of teenagehood are tormented and tumultuous. The

an up-and-coming poet turned hip-hop artist. Watsky is described by some as one of the smartest rappers of his generation.

Watsky combines an excellent command of technique, entertaining performance, and quirky

off-beat lyrics.

Watsky has been performing spoken-word and slam poetry since he was in high school and has been recognized in multiple national and international youth competitions. Watsky has also been featured on HBO’s Def Po-

etry.

George Watsky catapulted himself to wide fame through viral hits on YouTube. Since the success of his video “Watsky raps fast”, where he showed off his prowess for reciting lyrics at a rapid pace, Watsky has collaborated with a

‘It Follows’: a masterful, artistic horror film Review by Shirin Hijab A&E Editor

Horror movies tend to stay with us for longer than we wish. Not like the usual emotion-provoking film where we think about it intensely and with nostalgia, wanting to see it again and remember all the feels that came with it.

Horror movies typically have a different type of feeing that manifests screams, intense heartbeat, jumping, and the general inability to sleep with the lights off because if you don’t keep your eyes at the edge of your bed, an infant demon with black eyes will show up.

“It Follows” is an entirely different horror film. These kinds of films only come around once in a while, with a three-to-five-year break in between. David Robert Mitchell creates a world that is very distinct, maybe best described as a crossover universe of “The Virgin Suicides” and “Silent Hill” (the videogames).

Like another quasi-road-movie, such as “Vagabond” (dir. Agnès Varda), “It Follows” presents the death and the ending at the beginning. So, we should have nothing to fear since we know that the main character will die in a fleshly (as opposed to infernal or spiritual) way.

We go into the film being able to feel the summer in suburbia.

There’s a sense that something sexual is going to happen, like in a lot of horror movies. But in

this one it’s different, since one of the two people having sex already knows what will happen.

Hugh Hannigan (Daniel Zovatto) and Jay Wright (Maika Monroe) have sex in a freakishly yellow car in a parking lot with an abandoned high-rise that looks like it belongs in the disgustingly insensitive “Chernobyl Diaries.”

Earlier, Hugh and Jay were playing a game of spotting people in a movie theater. Hugh pointed to a woman in a yellow dress who Jay could not see. Hugh then demanded they leave.

“

This film is also one of the few in recent memory to use sound as a tool to evoke emotion so effectively.

”

Photo from impawards.com

SAC to present WATSKY for spring concert

By Matt Hotaling A&E Writer

SAC announced that WATSKY will be the headliner for this year’s spring concert on April 20 in Venable Gym. WATSKY, or George Watsky, is

number of artists and content creators to increase his notoriety.

Watsky will perform on Monday April 20 at MCLA. For those interested in listening to his music, he has made many of his songs available online through his YouTube channel.

8

Sports

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Softball splits MASCAC opener MCLA blows out Framingham in the first game, but get shut down in second game to open MASCAC play with 1-1 record.

By Tyler Bacon Sports Writer

Photo from MCLA Athletics

Junior Rachel Quackenbush allowed 1 earned run over five innings of work in picking up the victory last Friday. Quackenbush leads MASCAC in both strikeouts and earned run average.

Lacrosse drops key MASCAC game to Framingham State

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

The lacrosse were defeated over the weekend, as they fell to conference opponent Framingham State in Framingham on Saturday, 16-4. MCLA falls to 2-4 on the season and is now 0-2 in MASCAC play in their inaugural season, while Framingham State improved to 4-2 overall and sits atop the MASCAC standings with a 2-0 record on the season.

The Rams wasted little time getting the scoring started, as senior Zoe Reilly scored off an assist from senior Nicole L’Heureux just 20 seconds into play to put Framingham up 1-0. MCLA senior Rebecca Pike would retaliate four minutes later with a goal off of a free position shot to tie the game.

Framingham would then go on an impressive 9-0 run to end the first half, giving them a commanding 10-1 lead heading into halftime. Reilly scored three times during the run, sophomore Tori Lane scored twice and sophomore Kristen Hoggins scored once and added two assists during the run.

Framingham didn’t take their foot off the gas during the second half, as they scored the first three goals of the second half. Fresh-

man Mackenzie Cutler would end the scoring drought for MCLA with 20:23, MCLA’s first goal in more than 30 minutes of gameplay. Sophomore Lindsay Nixon would record a goal for Framingham, and sophomore Jessica Graham scored twice to put Framingham up 16-2 with 12:28 left in the game. Cutler would receive an assist from sophomore Natalie Caney for her second goal of the game, and junior Kate Brown added a late goal to make the final score 16-4 in favor of Framingham.

Framingham had a large shooting advantage, as they put up 26 total shots, while MCLA was limited to 17. Junior Alysha Cericola and freshman Kelsey Morgan combined to stop 8 out 12 shots on goal for Framingham. MCLA was plagued by 15 turnovers in the first half.

Head coach Maria Bartini talked about the loss and how the team can improve as they continue conference play.

“The loss was tough because we did not play to our full potential. Every team has their good days and bad days and we’ve been working hard this week to fix some of the problems we had on Saturday,” Bartini said. “We’ve

been spending a lot of time working on our full field transition and ground balls now that we are finally able to practice outside on our turf.”

The team has been limited to indoor practices due to weather, but now that Spring has arrived, the team is looking forward to working outside.

“Our team has prepared well for the season with limited facilities, but there is only so much we can work on in the gym. Now that we are outside on our field, I expect us to make great strides in filling out all sides of our game,” Bartini said.

The team will play today against Johnson State at home at 3:30 pm, and then will continue MASCAC play on Saturday when they travel to Bridgewater State. The game today will be the first real home game for the team, as their previous “home” games have been played at Williams College and Westfield State.

“We are very excited about the prospect of finally having our first home game tomorrow,” Bartini said. “We have all been looking forward to that since the program was first promoted to varsity status and we hope to have a great crowd out there cheering us on!”

MCLA women’s softball used a ten-run first inning en route to a 13-2 win in the first game of a conference doubleheader on Friday. It was their first conference game of the season.

The Trailblazers started the scoring in the first inning with RBI bases loaded walks by Abigail Lucas and Jennifer Sicinski. They cashed in with grand slams by Rachel Quackenbush and Angelica Perfido.

With a Blazer lead of 10-0, neither team scored until the fourth inning. In the fourth inning, the Blazers added on to their comfortable lead with a RBI double from Perfido. She scored two batters later when Juliana Watson hit a single into center field to increase the lead to 12-0.

That’s all Quackenbush needed to cruise to an easy victory. However, she did give up a solo home run to Dayna Marchant and a RBI single to Megan Downing.

Quackenbush added a sacrifice fly in the top of the fifth inning to make the score 13-2. The game ended after the fifth inning because of the mercy rule.

Quackenbush earned her fourth win of the season while going all five innings and striking out four.

In the second game, runs were

Fair Territory

Coach K has done it every which way

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

With Duke claiming it’s fifth national championship under the steady of watch of Coach Mike Krzyzewski, pundits have been grumbling that he has reached the same lofty level of the legendary John Wooden in the coaching hierarchy.

Indeed, Wooden may have won 10 national championships (in only 12 years, as opposed to Krzyzewski, who has taken 25 years to win half as many) but it is widely accepted that Coach K has competed in a much more competitive era of basketball.

Recruiting is much more competitive, the NCAA Tournament features more teams, the ACC is the toughest conference in

not as easy to come by as in game one. Framingham State won the second game 4-1.

Framingham got on the board early in the bottom of the first when Kylie Boyle hit a RBI single.

Framingham State tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to extend the lead to 4-0.

The ’Blazers fought back and added a run of their own in the top of the sixth inning. Watson singled to right field and advanced to second after an error by the right fielder. Amanda Meczywor flew out to left field for the first out of the inning. Michaela DiNicola drove in the first run for the ’Blazers with a single scoring Watson.

That was all Framingham State starting pitcher, Tiffanie Marsh, gave up in seven innings for the win.

Meczywor got the start and loss for MCLA and pitched 4.1 innings while giving up five hits, four earned runs and striking out four. Quackenbush came in relief and pitched the final 1.2 innings, giving up one hit and striking out two.

After the doubleheader split, MCLA is now 4-10 overall and 1-1 in MASCAC play. The ’Blazers are back in action in a doubleheader today against Skidmore.

The game times are 3:30 and 5:30. basketball, etc.

Krzyzewski has accomplished many things over his illustrious career, the five national championships, two Olympic Gold Medals and a 2006 induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. However, perhaps his most impressice accomplishment is his adaptation of winning in different eras of the college game.

Coach K first rose to the top of the coaching mountain during the early 1990s, when he guided a golden generation of Duke talent (Christian Laettner, Grant Hill and Bobby Hurley) to two straight championships. That was during a era where seniors stuck in school for all four years, something that Krzyzewski wouldn’t be able to take advantage of in later years.

As the game shifted, Krzyzewski was on the cutting edge of strategy. He was one of the very first major college coaches to take advantage of the three point arc that is now a weapon of pretty much every successful college team. He used these methods to top more talented teams in route to a championship in 2010.

As the game twisted again, where most of the top teams relied on one-and-done freshmen, Krzyzewski won at that as well.

Duke rode freshman to another championship on Monday, as four Duke freshman scored all 37 second half points for the Blue Devils. In any era, Coach K has been at the top of the game.

Sports

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Beacon.MCLA.edu

9

Tennis tripped up over weekend Scores

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

The Men’s tennis team had a rough weekend, dropping backto-back conference games to bring their record to 0-4 on the season, and 0-3 in North Atlantic Conference play.

The Trailblazers had a difficult matchup on Saturday, as they hosted three-time defending conference champion Colby-Sawyer College at the Bennington Tennis Center. The Chargers were impressive, blanking the Trailblazers 9-0, as they improved their record to 6-8 on the season and 3-0 in conference play.

CSC had no trouble at the top in singles play, as their top three players had little trouble in dispatching MCLA’s top seeds. Cass McCann defeated freshman Aaron Goldsmith in the top slot, 6-3, 6-1 and Sergio Spassof defeated senior Taylor Krowitz 6-1, 6-4 in the third slot.

MCLA’s best chance at earning a point came in second singles slot, but sophomore Robert Wabshinak could not topple CSC’s Andrew Peloquin, falling 6-2, 6-4. In the final three singles spots, CSC had no trouble taking the points, as Justin Pinard, Clay Allen and Ryan Sawyer defeated Michael Rooney, Jeffery Mason and Tyler Russell, all by the score of 6-0, 6-0.

CSC was just as dominant in doubles play, as they swept all three matches to cap of the 9-0 victory. The pairing of Goldsmith and Wabshinak put up the strongest fight, but they fell to McCann

and Rico Bailey 8-2.

The Trailblazers had a little bit more success on Friday against Green Mountain College, but they came up short, falling to the Eagles 7-2.

The Trailblazers earned both of their points in singles play, as Wabshinak and senior Tyler Russell each earned a point for MCLA. Playing in the second slot, Wabshinak defeated GMC’s Nate Berner-Tobin 6-4, 6-2. Playing in the sixth slot, Russell defeated Jack Tiernan 7-5, 6-1.

Russell, a senior who is playing for the program for the first time this spring, has been a consistent player for the Trailblazers and is currently 3-3 on the season in singles and doubles play. Russell, who also was a back for the MCLA men’s soccer team, talked about his rookie season.

“Being on the tennis team for my first time as a senior is a whole different world. I am practicing with teammates who have been playing their whole life and I am here learning from them and coach every single day, trying to improve my game,” Russell said.

“When I was entering my first collegiate match, I was nervous but had the competitive mindset as I would have for my soccer matches. When the match was over and I realized I won, I was excited to get the first win under my belt, but I know we still have a long season as a team and we are working to make the playoffs this year and build the tennis program. With a great coach and teammates learning how to play,

Baseball Thursday, April 2 MCLA @ Skidmore 4-3 W-11 innings Friday, April 3 MCLA @ Framingham State 11-4 L MCLA @ Framingham State 3-2 L Softball Friday, April 3 MCLA @ Framingham State 13-2 W-5 innings MCLA @ Framingham State 4-1 L Men’s Tennis Photo from MCLA Athletics

Senior Tyler Russell follows through with his serve last Friday against Green Mountain College. tennis has been enjoyable and we Wabshinak. are ready to make a name for ourMCLA traveled to Rhode Island selves in the NAC.” College on Wednesday, and have GMC was able to assert control a big weekend coming up. On in doubles competition however, Saturday, MCLA will host Becker sweeping all three matchups, in College at 1 pm. The game will route to the 7-2 victory. They im- take place at the Berkshire West proved to a perfect 4-0 on the sea- Tennis Center in Pittsfield. son and are tied for the lead in the On Sunday, they will host conNAC with Colby-Sawyer. Wabshi- ference opponent Johnson State nak talked about the team’s disap- at 1 pm. That game will take pointing start so far and staying place at the Bennington Tennis persistent.

Center. On Monday, MCLA will “Yes it is a little frustrating, but play GMC once again, at home in that’s the game. We are more mo- North Adams at the Joseph Zativated then ever to get back out vattaro Athletic Complex, at 3:30 there and win some matches,” pm.

Baseball resumes season up north

By Jake Mendel Sports Writer

After a week where the baseball team didn’t play a single game because of field conditions, they go 1-2, which included a doubleheader against Framingham State.

The team started the week at Skidmore on Thursday, April 2.

Skidmore was able to get to Todd Hunt early in the game, scoring two runs in the first inning alone.

Hunt quickly settled down as he only allowed one hit in the next five innings while striking out six.

The game would remain a pitching duel as it was 2-0 until the eighth inning when the Blazers’ bats came alive. Singles by Rory Slattery and Nate Alibozek scored Mike Sullivan and Chase Preite to tie the game at two.

Skidmore responded in the bottom of the inning scoring one run off of Nate Alibozek, who pitched three quality innings, and eventually earned his second win of the year. Going into the top of the ninth, a fielder’s choice by Mike Sullivan scored Mike Mancivalano to tie the game at three.

Chase Preite’s single in the top of the 11th that scored Alon Willing would be the eventual game winning run, as Liam Nolan came in for the bottom of the 11th to earn his first save of the season.

The Blazers then had a dou-

ble header against Framingham State in which they were outscored 14 to six in the two games.

“We just couldn’t get anything together at the right times. We had some tough errors that set us back for the whole game,” pitcher Eamonn Andre said, who faced seven batters, striking out three in the first game.

Framingham got off to a fast start scoring five runs in the first inning, setting the tone for the entire game. The Blazers Photo from MCLA Athletics started to chip away Junior Nate Alibozek picked up the win in relief against Skidmore last Thursin the top of the sec- day. ond on a MancivaIn the second game, it was the 1-2 on the season. lano RBI double, followed by a Blazers jumping off to an early “They made some great plays two run Alon Willing single that lead. A Rory Slattery double fol- and we couldn’t bounce back made the score 5-3. lowed by a Tyler Benoit single from it. All we can do is learn In the top of the fourth, the scored Nate Gutmann and Chase from this and come back stronBlazers were able to make it a Preite to give the Blazers a quick ger in our next game,” Andre said, one run game on an Alon Willing 2-0 lead in the first inning. when talking about the second ground out that scored Nate AliThe ’Blazer bats quickly faded as game. bozek. Framingham then scored they were unable to score in the The 7-6 Blazers get their chance two runs in each of the remainremaining six innings. Framing- to bounce back at Union on the ing three innings to make the fiham cut the lead to just one in the April 8 before having double nal score 11-4 with Robert Jutras second before taking the lead for headers at Fitchburg (Saturday falling to 1-1 on the season after good in the fourth inning. Ryan the 11th) and Westfield (Tuesday giving up four earned runs in five Grande took the loss, moving to the 14th). innings pitched.

Friday, April 3 MCLA vs Green Mountain 7-2 L Saturday, April 4 MCLA vs Colby-Sawyer 9-0 L Lacrosse Saturday, April 4 MCLA @ Framingham State 16-4 L

Schedules Thursday, April 9 Lacrosse MCLA vs Johnson State 3:30 pm Softball MCLA @ Skidmore 3:30 pm MCLA @ Skidmore 5:30 pm Saturday, April 11 Lacrosse MCLA @ Bridgewater State 1 pm Men’s Tennis MCLA vs Becker 1 pm Sunday, April 12 Softball MCLA @ Fitchburg State Noon Baseball MCLA @ Fitchburg State Noon Tennis MCLA vs Johnson State 1 pm Softball MCLA @ Fitchburg State 2 pm Baseball MCLA @ Fitchburg State 2:30 pm

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Opinion

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Beacon.MCLA.edu

What do you think about Greg Summers withdrawing?

“Disappointed. I thought he was going to be a good canidate.”

-Sioban Greene, 2017

“I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”

-Sabrina Superneau-Gilman, 2018

The Beacon The Beacon is published Thursdays during the academic year and is distributed free to the College’s community. The Beacon is funded by the Student Government Association, the English/Communications department, and ad revenues. Single copies are free, additional copies may be purchased at 50 cents each.

Contact information: News desk number: 413-662-5535 Business number: 413-662-5404 Email: Beacon@mcla.edu Web site: beacon.mcla.edu Office: Mark Hopkins Hall, room 111

“I respect his decision.”

-Juan Andujar, 2015

Mission Statement The Beacon strives to provide timely and accurate news of campus and local events.

“I would drop out too if I had family issues. You have to do what needs to be done. ” -Calvin Middleton, 2018

Editorials Policy Unsigned editorials that appear on these pages reflect the views of The Beacon’s editorial board.

Signed columns and commentaries that appear on these pages reflect the views of the writers.

Letters Policy The Beacon welcomes Letters to the Editor. Deadline is noon on Mondays for that week’s newspaper.

“I feel that even though Summers turned down MCLA, he was doing it for his family which is always the right thing to do.”

-Daniel Heinen, 2018

“Family commitment is an understandable excuse.”

-Evan Patev, 2016

Photos compiled by Osakpolo Igiede Health & Fitness

Bigger than biceps

Get your best night’s sleep

By Makayla-Courtney McGeeney Managing Editor

Last week I saw that students have generated surveys for their classes for the campus to take, and one of them is a sleep study survey in which I took and it really made me evaluate my sleeping patterns.

With my Fitbit it’s easy to see each night how much I sleep and how many times I wake up and how many times I’m restless, but for people who don’t have a cool new techy band, it’s hard to realize how much sleep you’re getting.

I know that this topic amongst college students is dragged out, but because we’re nearing the end of the semester, most of you will be seeing less and less of the inside of your eyelids I’m sure.

Some tips to taking charge on getting your z’s: •Get an eye mask, especially a funny one •Black out the windows in your room •If you wake up too early and can’t get back to sleep put a pillow over your head or your whole body under the covers •Use a fan to have background noise and because some people find it better to sleep in cooler

climate •If you room with someone else, arrange the room so that there’s somewhat of a division between you two, especially if your roommate wakes up before you for class and has to get ready •Charge your phone away from your bed at night so that when your alarm goes off in the morning you have to get up to get it, and also so that you aren’t binging on social media before bed-give your brain a chance to wind down •Meditate or do yoga before bed to reach a resting heart rate and calmer state of mind •Drink sleepy time tea •Don’t stay in your room/on your bed all day if you can help it.

Your bed is made to sleep in, not to eat and work in All of these things may not pertain to you, but trying some may help if you get into a rut of bad sleep nights. Research different food and beverages because having them too close to bedtime may affect how quickly you get to sleep and how long you stay asleep. Sometimes if I have soda even three hours before sleeping, I’ll sleep a good hour but then wake up and can’t sleep and wonder why. Also, some substances cause weird dreams, so analyze that too.

We all know that a regular sleep schedule isn’t ideal, but monitoring your behaviors is important to understand why you’re dead during the day or why you can’t fall asleep easy each night.

Art & Politics

Notes on Unknown Places

Portuguese cinema confusion

By Shirin Hijab

Arts & Entertainment Editor If it had been announced a couple days earlier, say on April 1, it would’ve turned out okay, for me.

But the death of Manoel de Olveira on April 2 and no sick-minded person has said it was a prank. De Oliveira is cinema’s oldest auteur and one of its most interesting, as far as I can say from the films I’ve seen. And I was just watching one of his films either the day before or the day he died. Eerie.

De Olveira is not my favorite filmmaker by any means, but there’s something peculiar about him living so long and working up to his dying hour and about his films. But he’s not even in my top 20 favorite filmmakers. It’s not that his films are bad; they’re really great and take a lot of confusion before understanding finally dawns on the viewer.

I’ve seen five of his films, which basically disqualifies me from saying anything competent about his oeuvre. And by any logical reasoning, I shouldn’t like him from the films I’ve seen. He writes heteronormative characters and veers dangerously close to the work of João César Monteiro who, when asked if he’d seen Darek Jarman (whose film “The Last of England” starred the amazing Tilda Swinton)’s “Blue”, said he didn’t watch films by faggots. (But conversely, I want to be more open-minded and not

be like: “I don’t watch films made by members of the Patriarchy.”)

Monteiro I haven’t seen anything by but I know he has a recurring hypersexual character who’s his alter ego. But I’m still curious about Monteiro’s films; maybe it’s because he’s Portuguese and I’m just into that whole Iberian life, minus the heteronormativity and monarchy and fascism.

Maybe it’s the feeling of despair in “The Strange Case of Angelica” and “Eccentricities of a BlondeHaired Girl” that keep pulling me back, wondering for the sublime in de Oliveira’s work. Or maybe the creepy, silent gazes of characters into the camera that go unexplained, that unnerve me in a way that I’m not sure they unnerve many others. Maybe it’s the fact that a lot of younger cineastes don’t seem to care about him.

I got really upset when I read that he died; he was 106 years old. I wanted him to live longer.

If anyone should be given another 100 years, it should be filmmakers. If it weren’t for the Salazar regime, which in terms of artistic censorship might be said to have been worse than the Franco regime, de Oliveira would’ve been making films throughout the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s but during those periods he only got two features and a handful of shorts and documentaries. And if he died at a normal age?

So for me, it’s the irregularity of his career the “no films but those with ideas” kind of attitude. It’s that his imagery is religious and this is infinitely fascinating. It’s that his shots are so subtle that sometimes that subtlety dies and we’re left with confusion and maybe a chance at sublimity.

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.

Letters must be signed by the writer and include a phone number. Letters may be dropped off at the office or emailed to Beacon@mcla.edu.

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Submissions should be dropped off at the office by Monday at noon or emailed to Beacon@mcla.edu.

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Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Brittany Gallacher Sports Editor Jesse Collings

Managing Editor Makayla-Courtney

A&E Editor Shirin Hijab

McGeeney Web Editor Osakpolo Igiede

Copy Chief Caitlin O’Neill Photography Editor Agnella Gross Design Editor Meg Gugarty

Senior News Editor Nick Swanson Features Editor Juanita Doss

Staff Staff Writers

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Gionna Nourse Rominda DeBarros* Harmony Birch* Idalis Foster

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Announcements, Events, & Opinion

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Check it Out!

Upcoming events on campus

Today, April 9

MacBeth Church Street Social Hall 8 p.m.

Equal Pay Day Marketplace 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Annual Service and Volunteerism Day 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

All College Committee Meeting 3:30-5 p.m.

“How to Ace an Interview” Sullivan Lounge 4-5:30 p.m.

Editorial

Cost and value of presidential search questioned

After Greg Summers withdrew the acceptance of his position as MCLA’s 12th president, the Beacon staff began to question what the next step will be. It seems unfair for Summers to leave the College in this situation, though no one can predict when a family member’s health will decline. All conspiracies aside, family is an important aspect of life and Summers should not be blamed for his withdrawal.

Unfortunately, the College still has to determine the appropriate way to handle the open president position. After a seven month search process, it is difficult to think about starting over, and many factors come into play. With the search for a vice president still

underway, it is rational to wonder if the administration will wait until that process is completed, and if the presidential search is related to the vice president’s at all.

It is known that Jane McBride Gates had withdrawn from the race before Summers was chosen to serve at MCLA, leaving Paula Krebs as the only one remaining from the final round of applicants.

With this in mind, the Beacon feels that starting a new search might be beneficial in order to have a fair search process.

However, it is important to consider how much money the College has already spent on looking for a new president. Flying candidates to and from MCLA likely isn’t cheap, and it’s hard to

Green Living Seminar Murdock 218 4:15-7 p.m.

Cheer Club Info Session Sullivan Lounge 8-9 p.m.

Friday, April 10

Step Up for Kids Academic Quad, rain location Campus Center Gym 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Get Linked In! Tutorial w/ Diane Scott Sullivan Lounge 5-6:30 p.m.

Wild n’ Out Sullivan Lounge 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, April 11 Delta Mu Delta Induction Ceremony Sullivan Lounge 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Lambda Iota Tau Induction Ceremony Murdock 218 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sunday, April 12 Laundry Bingo Sullivan Lounge 6-8 p.m.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Join The Beacon staff for the Fall 2015 semester!

Apply in the office, Mark Hopkins 111 All positions open!

Sexy moves + serious wit.

Dance Performance

KEIGWIN + COMPANY PRESENTED WITH JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE

Saturday, April 11, 8pm | Sunday, April 12, 3pm Hunter Center / Group pricing available Sponsored in part by the Irene Hunter Fund for Dance at MASS MoCA.

Tickets: massmoca.org / 413.662.2111 x1 87 Marshall Street, North Adams, Mass.

entertain the idea of spending that much money a second time around.

One way to reduce the cost would be to hold a search within the existing pool of candidates who did not make it to the final round. Re-interviewing them and asking fresh, new questions might reveal something the search committee did not see during the first process.

This is not something that should be rushed, and many of our peers have been requesting for more student input. Holding student sessions was a great idea during the first search, but it should be publicized more to bring awareness. If MCLA believes it is important to receive the student’s

11

input, then getting the word out about student input sessions should be just as important.

As of right now, it is important for the College to create a detailed plan about how they will handle Summer’s withdrawal, finding a qualified candidate to take his place, and a more accessible student input process. This will show the structure and determination of our institution. Although this was unexpected, we have hope that everyone will be informed and updated on what the next steps will be.

There was as meeting yesterday at 3:30 p.m. to update the campus community. Check out the article online!

12

Photo Essay

Thursday, april 9, 2015

Dancers end “Love in Many Forms“ choreographed by Abigail Baker and Katherine Langlois.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Rebecca Waterhouse dances in “A Story About Revenge” choreographed by Megan Chanowitz.

DANCE COMPANY SPRING PERFORMANCE Photos by Isabel McKenzie

Dancers end “Take Me to Church,” choreographed by Colleen Regal.

Mirian Cardoso performs in a guest piece featuring the new upcoming club African Student Association.

Rachel Mills choreographed and performed a solo ballet piece to Sam Smith’s Nirvana.

Bryanna Bradley laughs with the audiance as she presents a dance.