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Volume 80 ◆ Issue 6
Th u r s d ay, M a r c h 1 2 , 2 0 1 5
Campus looks forward to working with Summers
Students’ and faculty’s reaction to the new president By Brittany Gallacher Editor-in-Chief
See page 12 for more photos! Photo by Agnella Gross/The Beacon
Julie Cimiammo as Elizabeth Corban and Marcus Neverson as Daniel Corban in last week’s premiere of “Catch Me If You Can.”
Last week, the Board of Trustees selected Dr. Greg Summers as the 12th president of MCLA, prompting a campus-wide discussion of his qualifications and what he will bring to the community as a whole. “I can see him fitting in at MCLA pretty well,” Brendan Peltier, ‘15, said in an email. He was a student representative on the search committee to hire a new college president. “As the voice for public higher education, he will be a great spokesperson.” Jahnoy Edwards, ’15, took a different approach to the final decision, stating that “normal students” may not get a chance to know the new president. “I think he will do just fine,” Edwards said, “but Mary Grant was known because she went around all the time and talked to students. Unless [Summers] presents himself to the whole campus, only the top students will know him.” Faculty Association President Sumi Colligan said in an email that, from a union perspective, she believes Summers’ position as Provost in Wisconsin will work to MCLA’s benefit.
“He has had to advocate for public higher education in a very challenging political climate,” Colligan added. “Whether Summers is a good fit for MCLA remains to be seen. Given his own academic background, I do believe he understands the value of liberal arts in a public higher education setting. I think he also appreciates the importance of shared decision making processes.” Other students asked about the new president were unsure of how to respond, given that many did not attend his question and answer session because of the snow. “I was disappointed that [Summers] won, mostly because they held the student talk during the snow day,” Natasha Antona, ’16, said. “I felt like there should have been another opportunity to see him. I went to see Paula and Jane, and I got to talk to them one on one, but I didn’t get to do that with Summers.” Despite these feelings, Antona said she would like to work with Summers on getting the Greeks united with the community, as she is the current president of Beta Lambda sorority. CAMPUS REACTIONS, continued on page 3
Summers favors MCLA’s Hardman Journalists to visit liberal arts reputation campus after spring break By Brittany Gallacher Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Greg Summers said he is looking forward to getting closely involved with the campus community, as MCLA’s smaller size gives students more opportunities. “One of the things I admire about MCLA is that the institution can provide opportunities to all students,” Summers said. “At a bigger institution, you are only able to give [these opportunities] to certain groups of students.” He went on to list the broad access of opportunities that MCLA offers, including the undergraduate research conference, service learning, internships, and being able to get to know faculty on a personal level. Summers was chosen as the 12th MCLA president last week and will be starting his presidency in July, according to Tyler Fairbank, the Board of Trustees Chair. In an interview with The Beacon yesterday afternoon, Summers said he feels honored to have been chosen as the College’s next president.
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“I certainly felt a keen sense of the responsibility that this position carries,” Summers added. “It was very clear to me when I was there how much the faculty, staff and students really love the university and how invested they were in finding the right person for the job. I have a responsibility to make sure I handle it well.” He describes MCLA as an outstanding institution that drew him in because of its strong reputation for as a liberal arts institution. “[MCLA] serves students well with the kinds of education practices that are transformational,” Summers said. However, his presidency at the College will be very different from his Provost position at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. “It’s a different role,” Summers explained. “I’m Provost here, so I have a broad set of responsibilities, but being in the presidency of an institution carries a lot more responsibility. That’s something I’m certainly looking forward to.” Summers is not only taking on a SUMMERS, continued on page 3
News Summers to assume presidency in July Page 3
By Brittany Gallacher Editor-in-Chief
John and Anastasia Stanmeyer will visit campus March 24-26 as part of the Hardman Journalistin-Residence Series. This is the first time the College has had two journalists-in-residence, according to Professor of English/ Communications, Zack Finch. “The idea of having a pair is new,” Finch said. “They are partners, a husband and wife team, and they both do rather different work… Together they seem to offer a really broad range of interests and experiences.” Finch will be escorting the Stanmeyers around campus during their visit, along with Professor of English/ Communications, Dr. Joseph Ebiware. “Ebiware and I became coHardman scholars last spring,” Finch said. “This is our third semester [organizing the event].” John Stanmeyer is a photojournalist who has worked with National Geographic over the last decade. The MCLA Web site describes him as “a humanist
Photo from the MCLA Web Site
John Stanmeyer has traveled the globe photographing for National Geographic. dedicated to social and political issues that define our times.” According to the site, John has produced over 12 stories for National Geographic, 10 of which were featured on the cover. He was also a contract photographer for Time magazine, where he worked on photographing the war in Afghanistan, the fight for independence in East Timor,
Arts & Entertainment
Sports
Allegretto seniors reminisce
Softball season starts with high hopes
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Page 9
Photo from the MCLA Web Site
Anastasia Stanmeyer, editor of Berkshire Magazine, has been a journalist for over 25 years. and the fall of Suharto in Indonesia. Finch said he is most interested in hearing about John’s project called “Out of Eden.” “They’re in the middle of year three of this project,” Finch added. “John and the writer, HARDMAN JOURNALISTS, continued on page 3
News Features Arts & Entertainment Sports Campus Comment Local Events Photo Essay
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Campus News
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Weekend Weather
Beacon.MCLA.edu
SGA budgets confirmed, only 4 cut Club members ask for economic assistance for further activties despite final budget decision
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Club budgets were approved on Monday night. Of the 36 clubs recognized by SGA, 4 budgets were decreased, 32 clubs budgets saw an increase, and two new clubs have been created since the last fiscal year and three have become inactive. Information from the 2015 and 2016 fiscal year budget presentations. With $26,000 removed from the reserve fund and $384,000 made from the Student Activity Fee at a 85 perecent collection rate, SGA worked with $410,000 as opposed to FY 15’s $121,000 allocation.
By Idalis Foster Staff Writer
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Student Government Association (SGA) held its final budget meeting on Monday where club e-boards vied for larger sums to be allotted and voiced concerns about certain allocations. E-board members from Outdoors Club expressed their disappointment in cuts for both food and trips that they say would help build membership and support the trips they’ve continued taking. “We only have two four-person tents and one two-person tent which are all broken in some way,” said Lucas Tobin, President of the Outdoors Club. “We would like to get better equipment that could actually last longer than the stuff you’d get at Walmart.” Dance Company asked SGA for $1,000 to $2,000 more to be able to provide their dancers with costumes and cover the celebrations for their 15th year as well as events they hold for members after their performances. “After our spring performance, being that it is so early this year we want to be able to have events for our dancers,” said Bryanna Bradley, treasurer of Dance Com-
pany. “We would like to be able to do the same next year as well as a bigger performance for our anniversary.” After both clubs voiced their concerns, the senate called the vote to question. Both clubs were advised to ask for supplementary budgets in the coming year if needed. The budget was passed but not without some confusion over whether abstentions counted in figuring out the majority vote. The vote was motioned to be reconsidered by multiple senate members. President Brendan Peltier threatened to veto the reconsideration of the vote if it were to be passed. Senator Colby Harvish stated he was “disheartened that [Brendan] would take such an action which would silence the voice of many of the senate members who were chosen to represent the student body.” Ultimately the reconsideration to accept the budget did not get enough votes to go into effect and the original budget remained. SGA Co-Sponsoring LAS’s All Around The World Elizabeth Diaz, treasurer of
Artists Association Name Changed Postponed The SGA looked over the constitution for Artists Association
and found multiple errors in its context. Greek Seat Representative Taylor Krowitz pointed out a list of errors in the constitution in an effort to make sure the changes were amended before the approval of the new name for the club, Crafting Club. Parliamentarian Samantha Beaton apologized to the senate as she printed out an older copy of the constitution for the club and the topic is tabled until after Spring Break. Philanthropy Season for Greek Organizations on Campus Pi Upsilon Pi is raising money for Cystic Fibrosis patients while Beta Lambda is raising money for Breast Cancer Research. Pines is looking to raise $7,000 in time for the Cystic Fibrosis 5K Run on April 11. Greek Seat Krowitz asked SGA to consider donating to their cause over break and will bring the topic back up at the next meeting. In order to donate, you can search Pi Upsilon Pi on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation site and contribute any dollar amount.
Jacques defends gay civil rights from timeline of history By Makayla-Courtney McGeeney Managing Editor
Partly Cloudy High: 39° Low: 27° Prec. Chance: 60%
Latin American Society (LAS), and vice president of LAS Danielle Callanan asked the senate to consider co-sponsoring the club for their All Around The World event in April. The event showcases different cultures in the Latina American community with food, performances, and educational posters. Diaz asked for $800 of the senate to cover costs including supplies for students to be able to cook and make posters for the event as well as to pay for any Aramark services needed. Senator Kelsey McGonigle proposed the amount of $500 as advised by Treasurer Nick Hernigle in order to have enough SGA budget money left for the rest of the semester to help other clubs who may need co-sponsoring for their events. Callanan and Diaz agreed that they would be happy with the $500 as it would still help. The senate approved of co-sponsoring with LAS for $500 for All Around The World.
The silver lining, progress of equality, and the influence of individuals are what political leader and LGBTQ activist Cheryl Jacques shared with the campus community last Wednesday. Examining the relevance of the phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ was an additional recurring thought for Jacques in terms of analyzing equality’s journey. Jacques expressed that the presence of a black president and her status in the political field are direct examples of growth in several areas of civil rights. “There is unexplainable, life-changing progress in the last few years,” she said. “It’s no lon-
ger the gay person over there; it’s your brother, your roommate or your coworker.” She acknowledged the strides made under the Obama administration, including 37 states legalizing gay marriage, repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” DOMA and many other executive orders. He’s also the first figure to publicly express his support for the LGBTQ community. Junior Carrisa Sacherski noted Jacques’ focus on the movement’s progress. “She had a good conversation that has a necessity to be on a spectrum from history and now into the bigger picture of it all,” Sacherski said. Things Jacques suggested the audience do to support the civil rights movement include: •Vote and make it count by being educated
on the views of the person being supported. Develop your own opinion rather than studying polls. •Have the courage to come out to announce your sexual preference. Jacques said that is the single reason why the movement has developed so much. If people remained closeted, then others wouldn’t understand or could be educated on it. •Be a straight ally who gets involved. She suggested questioning establishment’s policies to improve them and to support local LGBTQ advocate groups. The LGBTQ community is not the only discriminated group in America; Jacques listed JACQUES continued on page 4
Campus News
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Beacon.MCLA.edu
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Professor Ely Janis presents Summers to assume on representations of Ireland presidency in July Staff Writer “The Big E on a giant scale,” is how Political Science Professor Ely Janis described the 1904 World’s Fair during his presentation on March 6. World’s Fairs originated in 1851 in Great Britain with the “Crystal Palace Exhibition” and then started to be held internationally. Fourteen World’s Fairs were held in the United States from 1876 to 1916. These fairs served as an opportunity not only for different countries around the world to display their skills and innovations, but to also make a case for their place in the league-of-nations. For different countries, the World’s Fair meant different things. Certain countries were already at the top, and just wanted to show off, while others really had to prove that they deserved to be represented at the World’s Fair. “For countries like Great Britain, The United States, France and Germany, [the world’s fair] was about patting themselves on the back, and sort of reminding the world how great they were, because they were at the top of the heap,” Janis said. If a nation was not independent, different rules applied, meaning that they weren’t automatically given a place in the World’s Fair, like certain other countries. “For nations that were not independent, [like Ireland], it was an opportunity to make the case that they should have that opportunity and representation,” Janis said. In 1893, Chicago hosted “The World Columbian Exhibition,” aiming to showcase itself as a growing and dynamic city. The exhibition drew over twentyseven million visitors from across the nation and internationally. Its biggest attraction was the unveiling of the first ferris-wheel. Since the exhibition attracted a massive number of individuals from various cultures, Ireland wanted its place within the action. They wanted to be represented, and wanted to show the world their history and accomplishments. The only problem was that under the rules of the fair, only indepen-
dent nations could have their own exhibition. Since Ireland was not an independent nation, they were delegated to the “Midway”, the entertainment district of the fair. Ireland’s first exhibit included a reproduction of an Irish Village, Blartey Castle, and famous kissing stones, in an attempt to draw people in, and tie into the idea of Irish nostalgia. Ireland’s exhibit did contain a Linen display, to show an industrial aspect, but because it was placed on the Midway, it was basically just there for fun and entertainment among fair-goers. This drew in a lot of visitors, which proved to be a great first step for Ireland coming into the World’s Fair scene.
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For countries like Great Britain, The United States, France and Germany, [the World’s Fair] was about patting themselves on the back. Ely Janis
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By Gionna Nourse
In 1904, St. Louis launched their own World Fair in Forest Park, which consisted of 1,500 buildings on 1,200 acres of land. Fifty nations were represented at the fair, as well as forty-three of the forty-five states in the nation. There was great focus on industry and new-technology within the national exhibits, and the state exhibits consisted more of crafts and souvenirs. “For the nations, it was a chance to showcase their accomplishments, and acknowledge that these were the nations that should be respected internationally,” Janis said. At the time of the St. Louis World Fair, Social Darwinism and the idea of a racial hierarchy were starting to be established. “This was the idea of white Europeans at the top, and everyone else sort of below, and the Irish were somewhere in that range,”
Janis said. The World’s Fairs would sometimes have “anthropology exhibits”, or what some would call “human zoos”. Typically, people dubbed as “uncivilized” would be brought in and told to showcase their skills of shooting bows and arrows, fighting, etc. Although Ireland wasn’t considered uncivilized, they still were treated as a lower class population. As Ireland started to prove its place amongst the other nations, the country started to show potential for industrialism. Ireland was then promoted as a great investment for the American people. “This exhibit was supposed to be illustrative of Ireland’s progress,” Janis said. However, the exhibit mostly consisted of old buildings, and skills that went back for centuries. It didn’t really show signs of industrialism. It showed the rural part of Ireland, and not the urban and growing aspect they were trying to portray. Those in charge of the entertainment at the fair thought it to be a good idea to bring some entertainment back into Ireland’s exhibition, with hopes of drawing more visitors. The actors that performed were classically trained, and the plays performed were not a hit with fair-goers, to say the least. Since Ireland was a private entity, and promoted their own exhibit, they had to turn a profit, so the amount of visitors at their exhibits was vital. In a failed attempt to gain any profit whatsoever, the Ireland exhibit was officially closed after the 1904 exhibit in St. Louis was finished. Many faculty and staff members were interested in the lecture, including Librarian Linda Kaufmann. “Because of my experience at the 1964 World Fair, I have a bit of a casual interest in World Fairs, and I have read some books on the topic, which is what drew me to this lecture,” she said. I think it is a really nice opportunity for us to get together and learn about our colleague’s research,” Emily Maher, Chair of the Physics Department said.
Students and faculty give advice to Summers CAMPUS REACTION, continued from page 1
explained. “I would like to see someone who is willing to work with us.” Peltier has his own ideas for when Summers officially starts as president. “The number one priority [for Summers] should be funding for higher education in Massachusetts. The second will be student engagement and recruitment for MCLA,” Peltier said in his email. “The one piece of advice I would give is to make sure he
understands the dynamics of Massachusetts politics, and to make sure he truly embraces his time here in the Berkshires.” Colligan offered her own advice. “I think it is important [for Summers to understand] that as faculty, we will work with him,” she said. “He also needs to understand that faculty at MCLA are not afraid to speak their minds. We hope he will listen to us with an openness and honesty that will facilitate fruitful dialogue.”
New president to attend campus events and get to know students
SUMMERS, continued from page 1 different role at MCLA; he will also experience a change in size of institutions. In regards to communicating with students and the surrounding area, Summers just wants to get involved. “The first challenge I’ll have coming into MCLA is doing a lot of listening,” Summers added. “I want to learn as much as I can about the institution, and I want to hear from folks who have been engaged at this institution for years.” Though many students did not get to attend his Q&A session on campus last month due to the weather, Summers said he would like to bring his communication strategies from his current university to MCLA. “I hold regular office hours [at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point] and I’d like to keep that at MCLA, where people can stop by and ask questions,” Summers said. “I want to be a presence on campus, where people feel comfortable talking to me.” Summers added that he would like to be a full-fledged participant at events on campus, including
Photo from the MCLA Web site
performances, gallery openings, and athletic events. “One of the special things about a campus community is that the work of the campus doesn’t end with class not being in session. That’s something I am excited about.”
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I want to be a presence on campus, where people feel comfortable talking to me
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Janis describes the 1904 World’s Fair as “The Big E on a giant scale.”
Stanmeyers to give lectures on journalism experience HARDMAN JOURNALISTS, continued from page 1 Paul Salopek, are retracing our collective footsteps out of Africa that began 60,000 years ago on route to populating the planet.” Ebiware said he is interested in another aspect of John’s presentation: the camera. “[This event] has to do with communication, journalism and, in this case, photojournalism,” Ebiware added. “I am interested in hearing how we can use the camera to tell a story…to document history and events.” Anastasia Stanmeyer is currently the editor of Berkshire Magazine. The MCLA Web site said she has been a journalist for more than 25 years, and has led various youth and adult writing workshops in the Berkshire community. Anastasia also has travel experience after living in Hong Kong and Indonesia for 12 years, writing and editing for Time, Asiaweek, Newsweek and Stern magazines. According to the site, one of her projects included an investigation on the HIV/ AIDS epidemic that has spread throughout Asia. “MCLA students will benefit immensely from the presentations,” Ebiware said.
“The couple will cover all aspects of photojournalism and journalism [as a whole].” The Stanmeyers will visit 10 to 12 different classes while they are on campus, following an itinerary created by Finch. “[They are] mostly English/ Communications classes, but also Fine and Performing Arts and Interdisciplinary studies,” Finch said. John will answer questions and present a public lecture in room 121 of the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation at 6:30 p.m. on March 24. Anastasia will present her lecture and Q&A session on March 25 at 11:00 a.m. in room 218 of Murdock Hall. “Students will be able to get a sense for the varied pathways that people working in the creative arts, and journalism in particular, have taken in a world where these pathways are not clearly lit,” Finch said. “They are getting a liberal arts education here, but a lot of times our professional paths aren’t clearly established. We have to discover them and invent them as we go along. The Stanmeyers have done that in many ways, so students will learn from their stories and be inspired by them.”
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Thursday, March 12, 2015
Reducing climate change with clean energy By Rominda DeBarros Staff Writer Last Thursday Rob Sargent, energy program director for Environment America, spoke on the topic of “Building support for the shift to clean energy” at the Green Living Seminar. In line with the Seminar’s current theme “Issues with Climate Change,” Sargent focused on the obstacles of shifting to clean energy and also the solutions. Sargent began the talk on a positive note by saying that despite the climate changes already underway, there was still a possibility that we could avoid the worst of it. “We have a challenge that’s scientific, which is that carbon is building up in the atmosphere and we’re already are at a point where we can’t avoid the consequences of climate-altering carbon in the atmosphere,” Sargent said. “We have a reasonable chance if we all lean into it to avoid the worst consequences of it through a shift to clean energy.” In addition to the scientific challenge of carbon’s build up in the atmosphere, Sargent also highlighted the political challenge of the dominance of fossil fuel. However, throughout listing these and other challenges of shifting to clean energy Sargent remained optimistic about the carbon-solving solutions that could be carried out now. A few of the main short-term solutions Sargent spoke about were tapping into public support for the shift to clean energy, protecting the environment, and protecting public health. Sargent went on to speak about the ways in which the public could tackle the climate crisis. Saving energy, shifting to clean renewable energy, reducing our oil consumption and reducing pollution that causes global warming are all major ways for people to help. “All these things are happening in a lot of places,” Sargent said. “And they are happening with success and in ways that are giving people some confidence that solutions are at hand and that they are as feasible and desirable as they are necessary.” Sargent said that one of his jobs was to get others to recognize how feasible and desirable moving away from fossil fuels was. He also pointed out how important it was to identify why different people liked renewable energy solutions as it would also help to increase support. Concluding the talk, Sargent displayed in his presentation the many solutions to the climate crisis that were already making progress. This included the massive growth of wind-powered electricity in the U.S in the last fourteen years, the 132 million metric tons of carbon averted, the growth of solar powered energy by 140 times, and the numerous jobs produced. After the talk, Sargent opened the discussion portion where audience members inquired more about the issues in shifting to clean energy and even highlighted a few other solutions that were already happening. Amongst the audience were community members Jake Laughner and Kim Seward. “What I liked about the lecture was that it was so positive. It was giving us a way to look at the future that’s a little more hopeful than what you see in the news,” Laughner said. “I’m really glad that MCLA does this series. It’s fabulous to see younger people getting involved because that is what we need,” Seward said. The Green Living Seminars will reconvene on March 26 with a talk by Ellie Johnston titled “Act Globally, Act locally -- Addressing Climate Change at Every Level.”
Campus News
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Brunch honors prospective students By Idalis Foster
Staff Writer Last Saturday, prospective students were honored at the Annual Admissions Academic Recognition Scholarship Brunch in the Campus Center Gym. The students were welcomed by Admissions staff and current MCLA students bright and early at 9:30 a.m. with breakfast provided by Aramark. The prospective students were seated by major with other students of similar interests, both prospective and current. Students working for Admissions dispersed themselves amongst the tables, answering questions about the school and their experiences within their majors and extracurricular activities. Information sessions followed the brunch including sessions on study abroad programs, STEM Academy, the Honors program and LEAD Academy. The day ended in campus tours for the families. “About 35 families registered for the event,” said Gina Puc, Director of Admissions. “Invitations were sent to all students
who received academic scholarships.” The scholarships ranged from the Presidential Scholarship to the Ruth P. and Nicholas Boraski Scholarship. Students were presented with the award in alphabetical order, brought to them by students from Admissions. According to Joshua Mendel, Associate Director of Admissions, transfer students were also amongst the students honored, including members of Phi Theta Kappa, an academic honor society that requires a 3.0 GPA. Faculty members from many departments on campus attended the event to talk to students about their interests. Puc delivered the opening remarks, followed by a student perspective by Elizabeth Doughty, a resident advisor for the Flagg Townhouses. Doughty emphasized how opportunities here both in the summer before freshman year and during her actual school years here have made a difference in her own life. Both Puc and Mendel emphasized that the brunch is “a special way for us to honor
these students and make their families feel honored as well.” They pointed out that these awards are not just for academic achievement but for extracurricular engagement. Interim President Cynthia Brown also welcomed the students in a moving speech about how far MCLA has come in terms of ranking by large financial organizations like Kiplinger’s. Brown also mentioned the future president Greg Summers and his excitement to engage with the students both incoming and current to advance the college even further. Monica Joslin, dean of Academic Affairs, presented the awards and congratulated the students on their accomplishments. In its closing, Puc allowed time for students to speak to staff from financial aid before directing students to leaders of the information sessions. “We want students to see these people on campus and feel free to smile or say hi,” said Puc. “These are students who could be on campus next semester and we want them to feel comfortable here.”
Speaker questioned why Black Lives Matter is being used JACQUES, continued from page 2 other identities, such as African Americans, Irish Americans, women, and Jewish Americans. “It’s been more than 60 years since the Brown v. Board of education case ended,” she said. “African American discrimination had a long journey and it is nowhere close to being completed. It’s been this long and we have to use the phrase Black Lives Matter?” She continued to reflect on the other groups, pointing out that some women now earn $.78 to the man’s dollar versus the previous $.72 demonstrating the lack of equal pay. She pointed out that in the past, Irish were discriminated against by not being allowed to apply to certain businesses and Jews were denied ability to own property because they deemed not fit or worthy. “She was awesome! I thought she connected well with the students and hit all the main points,” Junior Alexandra Kadell said. “She was very motivating.” Jacques explained that under marriage circumstances and receiving benefits, gay couples wish to have the same things that straight couples do. A few years ago, Jacques was talking to her mother about
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the security her partner won’t have if she died including social security to aid in raising their three children singly. “Never give up on educating someone because it takes time for information to digest,” she said. “Some families don’t accept their children coming out in which case you can build your blood family and a support family.” The common phrase “that’s so gay” was addressed in how people may not realize the derogatory intent when it’s said. Jacques said it has a negative connotation. “This is a campaign of education and outreach,” she said. “Gay civil rights will follow Photo from MCLA website the pattern of all civil rights. Black lives matter just shows how you have to defend the Cheryl Jacques spoke to the campus on LGBTQ rights last Wednesday. ground.”
5 An extended hand to help feed those in need Features
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Ama Bemma Adwetewa-Badu ‘15 created ‘A hand up’ to help fight hunger and homelessness in the Berkshires
Photo by Isabel McKenzie/The Beacon
Ama Bemma Adwetewa-Badu was inspired to create ‘A Hand Up’ after seeing the homeless roaming around while she was at her church picnic, she insited on feeding them.
By Kaliegh Hayes Features Writer
Senior, Ama Bemma Adwetewa-Badu is extending her hand to give food to those in need in her program “ A Hand Up” here on campus. Created last year, Adwetewa-Badu helped create A Hand Up, which is a student run community service group that focuses in on hunger and homelessness in Berkshire County. The group was originally named “A Hand Up Not a Hand Out”.
The program has three different sections: service, education, and the community meal. “All of the sections are community service programs,” Adwetewa-Badu said. “Students can sign up to get hours that way or just serve in the community. They don’t have to sign up for every event, they can do just one.” The service section is when students are sent downtown to the Berkshire Food Project, which is North Adams’ local soup kitchen, and also to the Friendship Center, which is a food pantry. The education section is to help educate the campus through various programming ideas that the volunteers come up with. The community meal section is where the students put on events for soup kitchens. “I really want the service section to expand,” Adwetewa-Badu said. “Yes we go to the Berkshire Food Project. Yes we go to the Friendship Center. But there are a ton of other places that have the same populations of people that would need help. So in the future I want the program to reach out and create relationships with different organizations.” In North Adams the Berkshire Food Project is only open Monday through Friday so this raises an issue for those in need. “People don’t stop being hungry on the weekends,” Adwetewa-Badu said. “I really want the community meal section to grow, because we only have two events this semester, but I’m hoping that we get to a point where we have meals every weekend.” Badu has been one to give back for
some time, but she remembers going to one of her churches picnics and that’s when she decided that she wanted to give to the homeless. “When we had these picnics we’d see these people who were homeless walking around,” Adwetewa-Badu said. “I told my mom that we needed to get these people something to eat! There’s an abundance of food everywhere it’s just that we need to find a way to give it to people.” Adwetewa-Badu took that inspiration and brought it to campus to create something big out of it.
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program in future years. “I’m trying to create a three to five year plan for whoever takes over this program,” said Adwetewa-Badu. “I do hope that the program will continue to grow.” She has certainly left her mark on MCLA, but after graduation, she is going to start a new chapter in her life which involves graduate school, and the hopes of becoming a poetry teacher.
A Hand Up’s Upcoming Events! Monday, March 23
There’s an abundance of food everywhere we need to find a way to give it to people
Can Drive Resident halls 12 a.m.- Sat. May 2 8 a.m.
Tuesday, March 24 Jeopardy Market Place 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
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Wednesday. March 25
Ama Bemma Adwetewa-Badu A Hand Up has a number of events for this spring, including a can drive on March 23rd, Jeopardy in the Campus Center Market place on March 24th, and a movie night March 26th, according to the Facebook page. More events are posted on A Hand Up’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AHandUpMCLA. Students are also able to sign up as volunteers on the page as well. Though she’s graduating this spring, Adwetewa-Badu has high hopes for the
Jeopardy Market Place 2-7 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 Jeopardy Market Place 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, April 19
Community Meal Church Street Social Hall 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday, May 3
Community Meal Church Street Social Hall 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Teammates take the lead off the court to assist high school seniors Men’s Basketball players Page ‘15 and Kennedy ‘18 came together to co-coordinate the E3 program
Photo by Isabel McKenzie/The Beacon
Jacob Kennedy (left) and Kraig Page (right) co-coordinate E3, which helps Dury High School seniors apply for jobs, college and become leaders in the community
By Juanita Doss Features Editor
Senior Kraig Page just couldn’t turn down another opportunity to help other students. He was an orientation leader, he’s a peer advisor, and now he continues his involvement as a co-coordinator for the E3 program. “I enjoy it a lot,” Page said. “The students have a huge impact on us. Seeing them show interest by coming back each week makes it all worth it.” Page was handed the opportunity last semester by Spen-
cer Moser, coordinator of Center for Service and Citizenship. He then decided to share the opportunity with freshmen Jacob Kennedy. “I jumped on the opportunity because many students we work with come from the same environment as me,” Page said. “If I broke free, they can do it too with guidance.” The E3 program is geared to help non-traditional Drury High School seniors apply for college, jobs, and get involved in the community, through leadership skills, lessons, and activities. E3 gave a helping hand at the Berkshire Food Project around Thanksgiving time and engaged in a lesson on breast cancer awareness back in Oct. During their breast cancer awareness event, students decorated pink ribbons in remembrance of friends and family members who lost the fight. They also made ribbons to support those who are currently fighting. Once the decorating of ribbons concluded, they were hung up in the marketplace along with a sign that read ‘E3 supports the fight against Breast Cancer’.
The high school students arrive on campus every Tuesday and meet in Sullivan lounge. The program starts off with an ice-breaker, followed by a lesson and ending with the leader of the day; which is a student who shows great effort and participation in the day’s lesson.
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The students have a huge impact on us Kraig Page
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This is Kennedy’s first time working with other students, and he sees his experience as a way to help build his character. “Even though this is my first time, I definitely enjoyed it,” Kennedy said. “It helps me with my leadership and communication skills.” Despite the responsibilities and hard work of running the program, Kennedy is thinking of coordinating E3 for the following semesters. Page and Kennedy not only act as
mentors to the students, but provide an ear to listen to any problems they may be having in both a group and individual session. Other staff members of the E3 program are Isabel McKenzie ‘17, Kircy Canela ‘18 and Miesha Adams ‘18. Both Page and Kennedy are a part of the men’s basketball team and the MASCAC all-academic team. When they’re not on the basketball court, you can catch them giving back to the community.
Photo from Facebook.com
During E3’s Breast Cancer Awareness Event, students were able to deocorate pink ribbons in remembrance of family members. They also created ribbons to support women who are still fighting.
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Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Allegretto seniors reminisce Greg Wilson and Mikaelle Olivier share what they’ve learned and their plans for the future
By Matt Aceto A&E Writer
Two seniors, two voices that ring throughout campus like the North Adams clock tower. During their four years here at MCLA, Greg Wilson and Mikaelle Olivier have helped turn the Allegrettos club into something spectacular. As co-presidents of Allegrettos, Wilson and Olivier work together to coordinate the steadily growing a capella club. They’ve noticed the club expand during their time here, both on campus and in the surrounding community. “It’s a whole new club. At the beginning, no one really knew what direction they wanted to take,” said Olivier, who joined the club when she was a freshman. “Start-
ing to compete was a big milestone. We wanted to perform in our community and not just at the school.” Like Olivier, Wilson joined Allegrettos as a freshman. He first discovered the club as a visiting student during his college search. “I saw the Allegrettos perform on Accepted Students Day,” Wilson said. “It definitely drew my attention and made me want to attend MCLA more.” Though he was interested in joining the club, Wilson initially never envisioned himself becoming its president. “I just hoped they liked me!” he laughed. Wilson and Olivier both share countless memories from their experiences with Allegrettos.
Their favorite memory, as Olivier
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It’s a whole new club. At the beginning, no one really knew what direction they wanted to take. Starting to compete was a big milestone. We wanted to perform in our community and not just at the school. Mikaelle Olivier
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described, was a trip to Boston in which they had to stay overnight in a church attic. “The only cheap housing we could find for the night was the church that we performed at, they offered us a room in the attic,” Ol-
ivier said. “We built a giant fort and had a pillow fight. We got to know each other really well.” Though they come from different states, Wilson and Olivier both share similar backgrounds in the performing arts. Wilson, a native of Millbrook, NY, started singing when he was 9. Olivier, too, has enjoyed performing since she was a child. “I’ve sang all my life,” Olivier said. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t part of a choir.” In between practice and performances for Allegrettos, Wilson and Olivier keep busy with other clubs. Wilson has been part of both Harlequin and Yorick since his freshman year, and Olivier is president of Harlequin and treasurer of the Biology club.
“I’m definitely someone who likes to be busy,” Olivier said. “You get something out of each club so it’s good being part of three.” After graduation, the two have plans for bigger endeavors. Olivier plans to move to Connecticut where she will teach biology and chemistry at Hartford public schools. Wilson is taking a year off from school to work, and is applying to graduate schools in Boston. Regardless of their future outcomes, music will always be part of their lives. “A capella groups are becoming more popular even after college, so if there’s a club that I can join in my spare time I definitely will,” Wilson said. “I don’t know what I’d do without music. Not at all.”
Women poets with contrasting visions
Hannah Fries and Diana Whitney read tonight at Gallery 51 as part of the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers By Shirin Hijab A&E Editor
Tonight at 7:00 p.m., two poets will present their work in Gallery 51. Diana Whitney and Hannah Fries put forth different visions in poetry. Whitney is more modern, while Fries tends to extend her images and keep them in the mind for slightly longer. Fries’ work focuses more on narrative and occasionally nature while Whitney has a fascination with human emotions, especially the emotions of women and how they experience the role of being
a mother. “Down on the floor, brag of bruises / blooming like plums on my neck, tender, / bad and legitimate. I wanted / to ditch it, wanted to drive alone / in the car for the first time,” Whitney writes in the title poem of her first collection “Wanting It,” “silence / such concentration, my hands tongued the wheel…. They looked at me / as if I could kill them. They wanted to kill me / back against a locker.” Whitney’s poetry is at times dismal and ironic. It is always sharp and fierce, with a feeling that the poet has understood the dangers of being a woman and decided to
Photo from drunkenboat.com
Hannah Fries, in the US tradition of poetry, is more closesly linked to Whitman, Mary Oliver, and Hilda Doolittle.
confront them, through poetry and through a continued, powerful existence. “Lovemaking among the ruins. Something on the radio.” Fries writes in her poem “Love at Formel’s Junkyard”, a mystical, nostalgic ballad. “Maybe ‘Muskrat Love.’ An air of urgency perhaps, // or the opposite. In seventh grade spin-thebottle, / we lunged at each other across the circle, smashing our tight // mouths together in a way that would make dentists cringe. Embarrassing, / that desire to grab, to take and pull back quick
enough to leave // oneself intact.” Fries, in contrast to Whit-
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Whitney’s poetry is at times dismal and ironic. It is always sharp and fierce, with a feeling that the poet has understood the dangers of being a woman and decided to confront them, through poetry and through a continued, powerful existence.
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ney, is a poet seeking the kind of fulfilling knowledge that comes from naturalism. But in her poems, there is also an unafraid feminist slant where whatever task the poet attempts or epiphany the poet has, it is to a great extent, to help the woman, the poet, on her path to fuller understanding of her art and the space she lives in. Her poetry relies more on memory and lacks the conflict and sometimes bitter tone of Whitney. The contrast at the performance will be fascinating to see live.
Photo from diana-whitney.com
Diana Whitney is closer to some of the contemporary writers like Mark Zapruder, Natasha Thretheway, but also at times comparable to Adrienne Rich in her feminst, imagistic poetry.
Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Beacon.MCLA.edu
‘Chappie’ provokes questions about AI
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The strong questions asked by the film don’t come through as a consensus states the movie is uneven Review by Mitchell Chapman A&E Writer
One of the most important functions of science fiction is to ask questions about scientific truths and possibilities, no matter how timely they may be. We’ve seen this time and time again with films such as James Cameron’s “The Terminator,” which explored the potential dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ridley Scott’s “Alien,” which provoked commentary on mankind’s exploration of the unknown. “Chappie,” however, is a different kind of flick in that it does not emphasize the dangers of this new technology. Directed by Neill Blomkamp (“Elysium”, “District 9”), “Chappie” focuses on 2016era Africa that has just employed the Scout units, autonomous robots designed to carry out police protocol, a result of Dev Patel’s (“Slumdog Millionaire”, “The Last Airbender”) Deon Wilson, who more or less serves as the main character. The real joy of the film comes from Chappie, a scout that has become self-aware as a result of Wilson’s experiments, and must cope with the world around him.
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I can name close to a dozen films in which this technology is villainized, but can think of few that explore the beauty of mankind’s creation.
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Of course the Scouts and the corporation that makes them create several problems in this society, as does Chappie himself. Had Blomkamp decided to take the subject matter more seriously, those issues could’ve been explored in full. One of the many generic criticisms of “Chappie” and largely the reason why it has a 33 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes is that on the whole, the film is uneven. Segments focusing largely on the innovation and beauty of Wilson’s creation get rudely interrupted by a heist film. Sure, one could say that action clichés were unavoidable in this kind of film—the Scouts are designed to handle situations deemed too dangerous for human cops after all—but to go so far as
to incorporate a heist orchestrated by rappers Ninja and Yolandi Visser of Die Antwood (who play themselves) brings a level of silliness that at times hurts Chappie’s message. I’m not saying that I dislike Blomkamp’s inclusion of the heist sections. In fact, by the film’s end I found myself liking both Ninja and Yolandi, but the bits in which “Chappie” is at its strongest do not include them. Let us meander back to science fiction and its profound ability to ask important questions about scientific truths. “Chappie” is a movie about introducing selfaware AI in an environment that has yet to see it. Could this be a good thing? For me, this is what makes “Chappie” profound. I can name close to a dozen films in which this technology is villainized, but can think of few that explore the beauty of mankind’s creation. Deon Wilson creates new life in the form of Chappie, and is allowed to watch it grow, learning from “all the information humans have ever had” until it eventually surpasses human intellect. It is a very humbling experience, as Chappie has questions that mirror those we have for our own “creator,” like “Why would you make me if I was only going to die?” Such questions have great relevance today, as self-aware AI is not entirely out of mankind’s reach. “Chappie” provides a refreshing stance on the debate over self-aware AI, which has largely focused on mankind’s ability to
Photo from telegraph.co.uk
‘Chappie’ has a lot of violence preventing real answers.
Photo from filmpulse.net
Chappie has the ability to interact in the ways humans can but eventually will surpass humans. control the technology or rather, the implications of Chappie’s AI, portant social issues regarding a the technology’s ability to control though he does manage to cre- possibly not-so-distant future. us. It’s a shame that Blomkamp ate a very entertaining flick that did not choose to further explore loosely balances action and im-
Photo by wikipedia.org
‘Chappie’ is a film that is less philosophical than it is action-packed and made-for-entertainment.
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Thursday, March 12, 2015
Sports
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Baseball looking to bounce back after difficult 2014
Photo by Liz Quirk/The Beacon
After a season in which they went just 3-23, the baseball team is looking to get back on track in 2015 with a combination of fresh faces and returning players.
By Jake Mendel Sports Writer
The baseball team is prepared to prove people wrong in 2015. Following a 3-23 record in the 2014 season, the Blazers are ranked 8th in the MASCAC preseason poll. The team is led by Jeff Puleri, who is entering his 13th season as the team’s head coach. There are seven starters returning for the team, including two all MASCAC players, seniors Chase Preite and Rory Slattery.
Two categories the ’Blazers will need to improve on in 2015 are earned run average (ERA) and batting average. Last season the team’s ERA was 5.61, the highest in conference with Bridgewater being the next highest at 4.76. As a team, the ’Blazers hit .229 last season and they know that is something they need to work on if they plan to improve in 2015 (information from the MCLA Athletics website). “We hope to improve on our team’s batting average,” said junior Nate Gutmann. “Being able
to produce runs early in the game would be a huge improvement.” Last season the Blazers scored a total of 69 runs, but only 23 of those runs came in during the first three innings last season. If the Blazers can improve that number they will be able to set the tone and gain momentum early in games. “I have high expectations for the team because we have a good group of seniors and talented young guys,” said Mike Mancivalano, who is one of six seniors on the team. “We have the tools to
win games and if we do what we need to do each game, then we will be a good team.” The ’Blazers also have six freshmen on the team who look to make an impact even though they know that the transition from high school to college baseball isn’t always an easy one. “Coming from high school to college is a big jump in skill level but playing in the fall helped a lot, I think the key to succeeding is listening to coach and especially the senior leadership.” said freshman catcher Nick Disanti. “They
can provide insight to slow the game down and adjust to this level of play.” The season starts on Friday for the ’Blazers as they will play ten games in eight days as a part of the Russ Matt Invitational in Florida. The first home game will take place on Thursday, March 24 against Norwich. Last season the team went 1-13 in conference. The team’s first MASCAC game will be a double header at home against Salem St on Saturday, March 28.
Lacrosse looking forward to inaugural season By Jesse Collings Sports Editor With the snow finally beginning to melt away, the Women’s lacrosse team is looking forward to getting their inaugural season underway. After being founded two years ago and competing as a club team last season, lacrosse will compete in MASCAC for the very first time. Head coach Maria Bartini talked about building a program from scratch. “The challenge with starting a new program is establishing traditions and team culture, but I see that as a positive, actually,” Bartini said. “I’m enjoying the opportunity to build a new program with the values that I want to instill without having to break down old habits and traditions that may not be consistent with my values.” Despite the fact that the Trailblazers have yet to play a game, Bartini senses a great energy with the team as they head into their first season of MASCAC play. “There is a lot of positive energy and excitement at our practices. The team is really coming together as a unit and I think we will have positive nervous energy before our first game,” Bartini said. “We are all looking forward to seeing what we will do against our opponents this season.” In the MASCAC preseason poll, the Trailblazers were picked to finish seventh out of eight teams in the conference, ahead of only Massachusetts Maritime. Bridgewater State was picked to win the
conference, as they are coming off of a perfect 6-0 regular season conference record in 2014. Worcester State and Westfield State rounded out the top three. Despite the low expectations from opposing coaches, Bartini is undeterred in her beliefs in the team’s potential. “I expect us to be competitive and give 100% in every single one of our games,” Bartini said. That is what we control and that is what I want my players to focus on. If we give our best effort throughout games, play as a team and support one another, the results will come.” Indeed, Bartini believes strongly in the team, which sports a diverse culture of players with different levels of experience. “We have players who will certainly be making significant impacts on the stats sheet and will turn heads in the conference. There’s a lot of talent in our squad from players with years of experience to players who picked up a stick for the first time this year,” Bartini said. “I have high expectations for each and every player on my roster and I hope that they will strive to surprise me with even better performances from one game to the next.” The team will open their season on March 17 at Mitchell College. Their first home game will be on March 24 against Sage College, and will be played at Williams College. They are set to begin MASCAC play on March 28, when they host Massachusetts Maritime at 1 pm.
Photo from MCLA Athletics
Junior Kaitlyn Brown is just one of many players looking to make an impact in the program’s debut season.
Sports
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Beacon.MCLA.edu
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Softball heads into season with high hopes Schedules Friday, March 13 Baseball MCLA vs SUNY-IT @ Winter Haven, FL 1:30 pm MCLA vs SUNY-IT @ Winter Haven, FL 4 pm Saturday, March 14 Softball MCLA vs Smith @ Clermont, FL 9 am MCLA vs U. of New England @ Clermont, FL 11 am Sunday, March 15 Photo by Liz Quirk/The Beacon
Senior pitcher Amanda Meczywor warms up her pitching arm with junior Jennifer Sicinski.
By Tyler Bacon Sports Writer
The MCLA softball team is looking to start the Trudeau era off the right way and compete for a MASCAC championship. The Trailblazers return eight key players from last year’s team including First Team All-Conference pitcher Rachel Quackenbush. She led the conference with 196 strikeouts and ranked fourth in earned run average (ERA) with a 1.91. According to the MASCAC preseason poll, the Blazers were selected to finish second in the conference this season; only behind the Bears of Bridgewater State. Quackenbush believes that being picked second is an honor and she is ready to start the season next week. “I think that the MASCAC coaching staff voting us to take second is an honor,” Quackenbush said. “We look forward to the season starting this week. We
have worked hard for months now and are ready to prove ourselves in the conference.” Sophomore Katelyn Henault thinks that while it’s awesome to be voted so highly, they are going to come out fighting when they start their season off in Florida. “I think it’s awesome that we were voted second this season. It will definitely make for a competitive season,” Henault said. “However, we’re coming to win and we’re going to fight to do so.” The Blazers return two key pieces to the offense with Michaela DiNicola and Amanda Meczywor. DiNicola and Meczywor will look to ignite an offense that has struggled over the past two seasons. DiNicola did hit an impressive .329 last season and Meczywor reached base 38 percent of the time. Junior Abigail Lucas was a spark off the bench last season by hitting a solid .324. There have been some struggles so far this season that the Blazers have had to overcome. The
weather is always a problem early in the season and does not allow the Blazers to practice outside. Junior Sierra Bailey believes that it’s not just an MCLA struggle, but one that impacts the entire New England region. “The struggle as always is being in the gym and that goes for every team in New England basically. As everyone knows that there is 3 feet of snow on our field,” Bailey said. “We won’t see our field a lot this year and will be working inside of the gym. It becomes repetitive sometimes and is really hard to focus.” Quackenbush believes that the weather is not the only struggle the Blazers have had to overcome during this early season. “The few struggles we have had this far is that all the returners had to learn a new coaching style and so we had to develop a new relationship with this years’ coaching staff but we all gelled rather quickly,” Quackenbush said. “Also, we are just extremely
eager to get on some dirt so being stuck in the gym everyday has been a bit of struggle.” The Trailblazers will be led by new head coach, Jamie Trudeau. She replaces Mike Ameen, who coached the team for the past three seasons. According to MCLA Athletics, Trudeau was an assistant coach at Siena College in Albany, N.Y. for the past two seasons, she served primarily as the hitting and infield coach. Henault believes that adjusting to a new coach has been just fine for the team so far this season. “Everything has been great having a new coach,” Henault said. “The structure of practice has definitely changed, we have become more time efficient and fit more into each practice.” The softball team opens up their season on Saturday with a doubleheader against Smith College and University of New England in Clermont, Florida.
Mariota remains top prospect for NFL By Dan Wiederer Chicago Tribune KRT Campus
At the Heisman Trophy ceremony two months ago in New York, quarterback Marcus Mariota was celebrated as college football’s best player, a driven and dynamic leader who propelled Oregon to 36 victories in 41 starts. Mariota’s college achievements now have led him to the precipice of another dream, the opportunity to take a crack at becoming an NFL franchise quarterback. That chance will arrive soon enough in a quarterback-needy city to be named. Yet now, with December’s acclaim giving way to February’s scrutiny, Mariota finds himself grinding through the exhaustive pre-draft evaluation process, aware that there are a multitude of opinions as to how much success he can have on the next level. On Thursday at the NFL scout-
ing combine, Mariota faced the media’s blitz, following in the footsteps of other recent Heisman-winning quarterbacks such as Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton and Tim Tebow. Does Mariota feel worthy of potentially being the No. 1 pick? “Any player would stand in front of you and tell you they’re confident in their abilities,” he said. “And I’m no different.” But is Mariota anxious about the criticisms swirling, the worries that his extensive film library from Oregon doesn’t prove he is adept at making the array of throws he will have to make in the NFL? On Saturday, Mariota is scheduled to run the 40-yard dash, participate in the other athletic testing and throw in front of league decision makers. And after that, inevitably, more debate will mushroom. He seems like a lock to be a top10 pick. But will he land with the
Buccaneers or Titans? The Redskins or Jets? Will he be available when the Bears pick at No. 7?
But inevitably, for a league often built around micro-analysis and paranoia, there’s also worry that Mariota’s success in Oregon’s no-huddle, spread offense is fool’s gold, that the quarterback ultimately will take too long to blossom if he ever breaks through at all. And suddenly, Griffin’s name clutters the conversation as a once promising young quarterback now headed for his fourth NFL season with the Redskins facing a mountain of questions about his ability to succeed from the pocket. That, for NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, creates the trickiest element of the Mariota evaluation _ the attempt to determine which weaknesses can be strengthened and which are permanent. Is it possible, Mayock wonders,
that Mariota will excel quickly in a pro-style offense and be able to do far more than he was asked to do at Oregon? But Mayock hesitates when analyzing Mariota’s ordinary pocket awareness, drawing on conversations he has had over the years with quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan. “How much of pocket awareness is innate and how much can be learned?” Mayock said. “And all of them said you could learn a little bit. For instance, you feel the rush, you duck your shoulder down, put both hands on the football, ball security. (There are) little things you can practice to get better in the pocket. “However, every single one of them basically said, ‘I kind of feel like I was born with it.’ “ So once again, the Mariota narrative spins in a circle.
Softball MCLA vs Southern Maine @ Winter Garden, FL 9 am MCLA vs Lesley @ Winter Garden, FL 11 am Baseball MCLA vs Lesley @ Auburndale, FL 3:30 pm MCLA vs Lesley @ Auburndale, FL 6 pm Tuesday, March 17 Softball MCLA vs Endicott @ Clermont, FL 9 am Baseball MCLA vs Bard @ Auburndale, FL 9: 15 am Softball MCLA vs Luther @ Clermont, FL 11 am Baseball MCLA vs Bard @ Auburndale, FL 11:30 am Lacrosse MCLA @ Mitchell 3:30 pm Wednesday, March 18 Baseball MCLA vs Utica @ Winter Haven, FL 9:30 am Softball MCLA vs UMass-Boston @ Clermont, FL 3 pm MCLA vs Western New England @ Clermont, FL 5 pm
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Opinion
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Beacon.MCLA.edu
What are your thoughts on the new president? “I like that he wants to surround himself with people who know what they are doing. Smart move.” -Amanda Fleming, 2015
“I was excited that the college chose a male president.” -Connor Sylvester, 2017
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
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“Summers seems to be willing to intergrate himself into the campus, which makes me feel better about him being chosen.” -Tia Polana, 2015
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’ll be good to have him aboard, he’s approachable and seems to want to make time to listen to students opinions.” -Rachel Nids, 2015
“I think it was a great choice for the college. He seems to have a plan for future students.” -Jackie Paluilis, 2015
Photos compiled byLiz Quirk Health & Fitness
Bigger than biceps
Some food guidelines
By Makayla-Courtney McGeeney Managing Editor
For my environmental class I have to read a book pertaining to the course and then present on it at the end of the semester, and my book is In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. The front cover is a head of iceberg lettuce. Even though I already knew about most of the content from the book just by educating myself on food, there are some great scientific points about nutritionism and how the American food culture began. The Western Diet is considered the American diet consisting of loads of fat and sugar and drive-thrus. Some of the advice he gives toward the end of the book read: •Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize: going back another generation is important because your own mother may be a victim of the food product industry. For example, grocery shopping in the dairy isle and seeing Go-Gurt Portable Yogurt and trying to explain what they are to your great grandmother would be difficult because it’s a processed food and its ingredients are filled with artificial colors and flavors, synthetic sweeteners, and novel fats. Think about it…blueberry flavor yogurt
in a tube… •Avoid foods with ingredients that are hard to pronounce, contain more than five in number, and include high-fructose corn syrup: the example used from this section was Sara Lee’s Soft & Smooth Whole Grain White Bread, which is a huge contradiction right in its title. The author then lists the long line of ingredients, which is a paragraph long containing high fructose corn syrup, enriched bleached flour, and mono-and diglycerides… Enough said, don’t eat it. Find bread that is made out of something like sprouted wheat and that’s it. •Avoid foods that make health claims: I’m sure, even as a college student, you can look in the cabinet and pick up five things that say you’ll lose weight, increase metabolism or decrease cholesterol. The author points out that if it has a package to begin with, then it’s more likely to be a processed food product and not a whole food. The reason for this is because health claims are used as a marketing strategy and generally need to be approved by the FDA before being sold. This also means that the company had to conduct some scientific study to prove the claim and food science isn’t dependable. Food companies want to make it so that consumers don’t have to think about eating. The more effort and planning you put into your diet, the healthier you’ll be, the more energy you’ll have, and you’ll see more results. Make these changes and take these rules to heart now because the Western diet diseases do not wait until you’re 50, and they’re looked at more commonly now than ever. BE PROACTIVE.
Art & Politics
Notes on Unknown Places
Exile within Palestine
By Shirin Hijab
Arts & Entertainment Editor Elia Suleiman began with a very specific style in his 1996 film “Chronicle of a Disappearance,” which for western viewers would look a lot like the still frames and documentary style of Ulrich Seidl, but with the humor and deadpan of Wes Anderson. Some filmmakers have a particular take, with such originality, that it’s possible they are aliens; this is the case with Elia Suleiman. Whether or not he comes from another solar system where the thought processes and creativity exceed ours, he remains an alienated Palestinian, living in the trauma that is exile. Suleiman has only made three feature films. He takes his time, making them perfect. “Divine Intervention” is his famous. Where “Chronicle of a Disappearance” details the disappearance of the filmmaker himself and explores the land of Palestine, the occupied territory and the West Bank in general. It shows a series of vignettes which attempt to show the listlessness and torture of being occupied. A son and a father fight at times, Suleiman types up subtitles to the film on his 90s computer, a car descends down a hill to a Natcha Atlas song. In a way, “Divine Intervention” is a much more dynamic film,
going further and tackling on many more ideas. Elia Suleiman is in the film but he’s less present. The film has few spoken words. It shows the conflicts between Palestinians but also the foolishness of Israeli soldiers. One scene shows a French woman asking for directions from a police officer and he pulls out a man he has arrested and blindfolded and tells the woman three different ways to get to the Old City. The second time she asks for directions, the prisoner is gone. In Suleiman’s films, Palestinians are good at performing what looks like magic when they disappear or cause an Israeli checkpoint to collapse just because of the sheer beauty of a woman walking by. In fiction or semi-fiction, magic has been used in the past to deal with occupying powers but not in a way that Suleiman has. He’s created an unusual vision of Palestine in his films, different from any of the more realistic works of Hany Abu Assad, Annemarie Jacir, or others. In a difficult-not-to-completelylove scene, Suleiman’s lover (in the film) takes on Israeli policemen who are at a firing range. She flies, dodges bullets, and takes out all the men until only the commander is left standing and she leaves him there to contemplate his existence. It’s a daring knife in the eye of imperialism and armsbuilding, both US and Israeli (or both). Suleiman’s films are some of the closest to perfect in their innovation and their personal quality. He takes the personal quality of some of the Iranian New Wave directors to a more subversive level and brings power to Palestine cinema.
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. Contributions Policy The Beacon accepts stories, photos, and opinion pieces for publication. Submissions should be dropped off at the office by Monday at noon or emailed to Beacon@mcla.edu. Advertising Policy The Beacon reserves the right not to publish any advertisement it deems to be libelous, false. or in bad taste.
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
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Announcements, Events, & Opinion
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Deadline to register for Undergraduate Research Conference is approaching MCLA’s 13th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) will be held on campus Thursday, April 23, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The 2015 Keynote Luncheon Address Speaker will be MCLA Alumna, Alicia Girgenti, Ph.D. The annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) recognizes our students for their hard work and dedication in producing outstanding academic and creative projects. We define “research” very broadly, and the conference is open to participation from all disciplines. Any student doing independent research in the natural and social sciences or the humanities, or original creative work, is invited to participate in this event. Students will present papers in a 15-minute talk or display their work as posters and be available for discussion with members of the campus and local community. The URC program also includes special sessions centered on a specific topic or theme and performances. All of the student work presented is part of a process involving students working closely with a faculty sponsor from their area of study or artistic activity. The URC is a campus-wide event. Classes are not held during Undergraduate Research Conference day so that all students and faculty may attend and participate. The conference’s success depends upon the wide participation by student present-
ers and an audience of student peers and faculty. The full program, including the on-campus location and time for each session will be announced at a later date. Light refreshments will be served, and all presenters and faculty sponsors will be invited to attend lunch and the keynote address by MCLA alumna Dr. Alicia Girgenti, Assistant Professor of Criminology at Merrimack College. The deadline for registering to participate as a presenter for this year’s URC is MARCH 25, 2015, using the Undergraduate Research Conference website: h t t p : / / w w w. m c l a . e d u / A c a d e m ics/undergraduateresearch/ confere ncereg ist rat ion/2015-URCRegistration/2015-undergraduate-research-registration More information and guidelines for submissions are posted on the Conference website: http://www.mcla.edu/urc Student members of Undergraduate Research Advisory Board: Bentley Munsell: Biology and Psychology Deven Philbrick: English/Communications and Philosophy Elizabeth Pitroff: Biology Dr. Ann Billetz, Director of Undergraduate Research Dr. Graziana Ramsden, Associate Director of Undergraduate Research
Beacon.MCLA.edu
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RPS to host annual Little Sibs Weekend for on-campus residents
Residential Program Services (RPS) is pleased to announce that registration for the 7th annual Little Sibs Weekend has started and will run until Friday, March 13th. This weekend is a special event for on-campus residents and their siblings (ages 8 to 17). In order to register, please bring a completed Overnight Guest Pass and $10 to RPS in Townhouse #89. RPS has teamed up with Intramurals,
the Women’s Center, Student Activities Council (SAC) and the three Residence Area Advisory Boards to create a jammed packed weekend of events. Activities will include games, crafts, movies, a pool party and laser tag! For more information, please contact Devon O’Dowd, Special Projects Coordinator for RPS, at 413-662-5142 or devon.o’dowd@mcla.edu.
New food provider wanted to fit student’s needs To the Editor:
I am writing you today to express my thoughts and feelings about MCLA’s food service. The quality of the food needs to be improved. Why should students pay about $2,000 for a meal plan for food that is, in my opinion, not that good? The U.S. is full of processed foods that have short - and long - term effects on a person’s overall health. With knowing that, you can assume the food is not good for us at all. One solution can be providing good quality food, food that is made from scratch using only fresh ingredients without raising the price for students. With the change comes the problem of healthy choices. The food providers can still make all the same food for everyone, but they can reduce the salt, and other additives that might be troublesome for some students. This allows the students to have power over the choices they make when choosing to eat healthy, especially
for someone who has high blood pressure and other conditions. The food needs to be fresh and tasty; otherwise, the students will just feel like they are being underserved by the school. The key is finding a provider that meets your every need at an affordable price, and that is what you will not find here at MCLA. The food provider does not meet every student’s wants and needs. In my opinion, and many other students I have talked to, agreed that the food provider either needs to improve the quality of their food, or we look for a new food provider that is willing to provide good food without the hassle of price increases. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Portia Hood Berkshire Towers Class of 2016
“This isn’t head-in-the-clouds stuff, but it sure is dreamy.” —NPR “... the most beautiful thing I’ve heard in my life.” —The Boston Globe
Live Music
KAT EDMONSON Saturday, March 14, 8pm Club B-10 / $10 student / $16 advance / $22 day of / $26 preferred
Wild Irish for a swoon-worthy St. Patrick’s Day.
Live Music
LIAM Ó MAONLA MAONLAÍ
The MCLA Beacon Online
Tuesday, March 17, 8pm
Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook
Training Classes for March and April Now Hiring: Relay Operators No Experience Necessary - will receive 3 weeks paid training Relay text and voice telephone calls to and from individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking. Preference for excellent typing, speaking, spelling and reading skills, and High School Diploma or GED is required. Hamilton offers a competitive wage, incentives and bonuses Part time Shifts include a Weekend rotation Apply Online at www.workforhamilton.com
Club B-10 / $5 member / $8 student / $12 advance / $18 day of / $24 preferred
Tickets: massmoca.org / 413.662.2111 87 Marshall Street, North Adams, Mass.
FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENTS Interested in taking summer classes? Summer Financial Aid Applications are now available in the Financial Aid Office Stop by and see if you may have eligibility for aid! There’s still time to apply for 15-16 financial aid! Complete your FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov ****************** Scholarship opportunity: MassMutual Scholars Program www.massmutual.scholarsapply.org March 31st deadline
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Thursday, march 12, 2015
Photo Essay
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Catch Me If You Can The show took to the stage Wedesday through Saturday last week. It told the tale of Daniel Corban, his missing wife, and the steps taken to find out what really happened to her. Photos by Agnella Gross
Inspector Levine (Breana Gladu) reassures Elizabeth Corban (Julianne Cimaomo).
Daniel (Marcus Neverson) tries to excplain himself while Elizabeth and Inspectore Levine look on.
Father Kelleher (Jake Bonenfant) has a moment to himself.
Elizabeth Corban reflects on the sofa. Sidney (Brittany Nicholson) talks to a mounted deer.