Broadside April 30, 2012 Issue by Student Media George Mason University

Mason Runs on Coke A look at the contract that makes Coke the official beverage provider at Mason. NEWS• Page 2

Battle of Bands Winner Shines

Basketball Welcomes New Player

Broadside gets the scoop on student band that played Mason Day. STYLE • Page 6

Washington Post’s All-Met Player of the Year Patrick Holloway to play for Mason. SPORTS • Page 11

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper www.broadsideonline.com

April 30, 2012

Volume 88 Issue 23

Hot Chelle Rae Plays Mason Day Over 2,500 Attend Annual Event

Plan Developed in Conjunction With Dept. of Corrections

Krista Germanis Broadside Correspondent

Michael Lagana

The 47th annual Mason Day was a success despite the chilly weather and the threat of rain. The games, rides, entertainment and music were enjoyed by all. Another big draw for students was free food available at carts set up by various restaurants and other organizations on the crowded grounds. The oﬀerings included ice cream, funnel cakes, popcorn, snow cones, pizza, cotton candy and many other types of junk food college students love. “I really liked the cheeseburgers, popcorn and funnel cake,” said senior integrative studies major Michelle Pineiro. “The fried doughnuts were good. I liked that they were warm!” “I got a burger, a snow cone, a bag of chips and some cake,” said junior communication major Willie Southard.

See MASON DAY Page 6

Staff Writer

Photo by: Stephen Kline

Hot Chelle Rae played Mason Day Friday. The band, known for its single “Tonight, Tonight,” played to a crowd after hours of fun and games. Over 2,500 people attended Mason Day this year.

Stearns to Remain Provost for 2013-14 Decision Made in Part to Ease Presidential Transition Justin Lalputan News Editor Provost Peter Stearns announced on Wednesday that he will stay on for an additional year as provost of George Mason University. Originally, Stearns was supposed to step down in 2013, a year after the departure of President Alan Merten, who will oﬃcially end his tenure as president this June. “Until fairly recently, I assumed that I would retire as provost in June 2013. At one point, I was going to [step down] this June. At one point, President Merten was going to leave in 2013,” Stearns said. “In which case, I would have left this year because I think having the president and provost leave in the same year is needlessly complicated.” The plan now is for Stearns to step down as provost in June 2014. According to Stearns, there are two main reasons for the change in plan. “I like the job, and there are still things that I want to personally accomplish,” Stearns said. One of the things that Stearns wants to accomplish is the Songdo expansion, which is slated to begin in fall 2015.

The second reasons concerns President-elect Ángel Cabrera. “President-elect Cabrera’s transition will be complicated. I think he will be a splendid president, and I enjoy working with him,” Stearns said. “But there’s a lot about the place he doesn’t know, as he acknowledges, and having a little more continuity, I hope, will be helpful for him and provide some transitional stability for Mason, as well.” Stearns said that in a year, it will be easier for Mason to deal with him stepping down as provost. According to Stearns, if he followed through with the original plan to step down in June 2013, the search for a new provost would have to begin as soon as Cabrera enters oﬃce. Conducting such a search might have proved challenging for a new president. However, once Cabrera has been president for a year, the search process will not be as diﬃcult. According to Stearns, most people took his announcement that he intends to step down in 2013 as a reasonable personal decision, but some said it would have been nice for him to stay on a little longer. Stearns said, however, that he has already accomplished many important things in

his time at Mason. “Propelling Mason into a much wider range and visibility in the area of global activities [is one of my great accomplishments],” Stearns said. “But I think it’s at least as important that we’ve made the transition to become a major research and doctoral institution.” Since he announced his decision to stay on for an additional year, the reaction has been mostly positive for Stearns. “A number of people have contacted me in very flattering ways,” Stearns said. “But who’s going to contact me and say, ‘My God, this is awful’? But the reaction so far has been very fulfilling.” Stearns said that the most pressing challenge for him and other administrators in his two remaining years at Mason will be to put Mason on a different financial footing. “I won’t be able to do that,” Stearns said. “There’s no way that job is going to be finished in two years, but I think we can make some inroads on some more innovative budget thinking — that’s my real hope. Most other things are going along pretty well, and I hope that we can continue to push them in the right direction.”

Photo Courtesy of: Erin Cantwell

Provost Peter Stearns has announced he will remain as provost through spring 2014. He has been at Mason since 2000. After his tenure as provost he will return to the history faculty.

Center for the Arts Unveils 2012-13 Schedule Features Over 50 National, International Artists Heather Blevins C2M Copy Editor The Mason Center for the Arts unveiled its 2012-13 season of performances last week at a press conference attended by faculty and supporters of performing arts at Mason. The 2012-13 Great Performances at Mason season will feature over 50 performances by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists from across the globe. “I’m thrilled to reveal a fantastic season of performances with a range of extraordinarily diverse oﬀerings from The Acad-

Mason Students, Profs Address Problems in Va. Correctional System

emy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble to The Blind Boys of Alabama. From the Russian National Ballet Theatre to Savion Glover to Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and everything in between,” said Tom Reynolds, Center for the Arts director of artistic programming, marketing and audience services. The Great Performances at Mason season comprises nine performing arts series, beginning in September 2012 and continuing through May 2013. The April 12 press conference and luncheon took place in the lobby of the Center for the Arts building on Mason’s Fairfax cam-

pus. The event began with an introduction from William Reeder, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, who acknowledged the collective eﬀorts of the Center for the Arts staﬀ and sponsors before welcoming George Mason University President Alan Merten to say a few words about the facility. “It takes a village,” Reeder said. “None of this would be possible without the excellent underwriting that we receive from our sponsors, who recognize the value that the arts have in the lives of their customers and employees.” Merten thanked patrons in

attendance and praised the Center for the Arts for inviting the Fairfax County community to be a part of Mason’s commitment to education and the arts for more than 20 years. “One of its greatest gifts is its ability to accommodate events as diverse as high school and college graduations, military bands, student performances and speeches by the president of the United States,” Merten said. “The highlight of each year is the diverse group of outstanding artists that visit the center as part of the Great Performances at Mason series.” Reeder said the range of pro-

gramming oﬀered in the new season should entice a broad audience. “This season encompasses such a wide array of performances that I think we can truly claim to oﬀer something for everyone,” Reeder said. “From the classical to the contemporary and spanning all kinds of performance styles.”

Story taken from Connect2Mason

Professors and graduate students in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society are working with the Virginia Department of Corrections to develop a Probation and Parole Action Plan to help address problems in the Virginia correctional system. Professor Faye Taxman and Associate Professor Danielle Rudes are conducting research with graduate students for the PPAP, developed through the Mason Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence, a research center in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society that focuses on researching correctional programs and devising solutions to address correctional needs. ACE’s latest project, the Probation and Parole Action Plan, is being developed in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Corrections, which is seeking to change some of the commonwealth's correctional trends. “We were approached by the Virginia Department of Corrections, whom Faye [Taxman] has had a relationship with for a long time,” Rudes said. “They approached us to help them work on a strategic plan for their organization, specifically on the community supervision side to help them come up with some key goals for the organization and a plan that would help them accomplish those goals. [It] would merge what they know as practitioners in the field and what we know as scientists about what works in corrections.” According to Taxman, who is one of the lead faculty researchers on the project, the PPAP is designed to move Virginia’s model of corrections from one that reacts to crime to one that becomes a force to prevent crime and support inmate re-entry into society. Many of the new crime prevention goals at the center of the PPAP emphasize paroles, probations and transitions, which will seek to reduce recidivism, the recommission of crimes by previously convicted felons, and also reduce the costs incurred to the state government by reducing the number of prisoners in Virginia’s prisons. Graduate students in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society are also participating in the development of the plan with Taxman and Rudes and will continue to research the techniques and strategies outlined in the plan. “We actually got to work with Dr. Taxman and other probation chiefs on developing one portion of the plan and getting to work with them on that, which was a really great experience,” said graduate student researcher Jill Viglione. Following the completion of research and data gathering, Taxman and Rudes will present their findings to various groups that have a stake in the future of Virginia’s correctional system, such as the Department of Corrections, legislators and the governor’s office. Taxman and Rudes hope that the PPAP will not only enhance the role of community supervision in Virginia’s corrections, but also reduce crime and improve circumstances for many convicted felons.

Broadside

News

News The number of years Alan Merten has served as president of George Mason University

Monday, April 30, 2012

Event Calendar Monday, April 30 Vision Series: Mark Rozell Center for the Arts, Concert Hall 7 p.m. Film Screening: Miss Representation Johnson Center, Cinema 7:30 - 10 p.m. We the People National Competition - Awards Ceremony Center for the Arts, Concert Hall 9 p.m.

Tuesday, May 1

Lab Ensembles Concert de Laski Performing Arts Building, Room 3001 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 2 GradFest 2012: Happy Hour at The Mason Inn The Mason Inn Conference Center & Hotel, The Well 4 - 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 3 Concert: Lupe Fiasco Patriot Center 8 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 NCC Study Break The Hub, Corner Pocket 8 – 10 p.m.

Friday, May 4

APA Heritage Month: PSA Annual Spring Formal Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall 7:30 -11 p.m. Mason Dance Company: May Concert Harris Theatre 8 p.m., May 4 & 5

For more events and activities, check out: today.gmu.edu

Grand Larceny. Southside Jose Castillo, 20 (GMU) of Manassas Park was arrested for the above offense and transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.(51/Huete)

April 21

Driving Under the Influence. Ox Road / Braddock Road Jesse Villagran III (Non-GMU) 24, of Woodbridge, VA was arrested and taken to the Fairfax County ADC where he was held. (56/Lighthiser)))

April 22

Trespassing. Performs Arts Building Miguel Garcia Settles (Non- GMU) 41, of Springfield, VA was arrested for the above offense and transported to the Fairfax County ADC where he was held on a $1000.00 secured bond. (49/Broughton)

April 23

Vandalism. Enterprise Hall Person(s) unknown used a chemical to spell out the word “Rez” in the grass. (29/Capizzi) Traffic Accident. Lot I Driver of vehicle #1 was attempting to park and lost control of vehicle and struck vehicle #2 (parked) a curb, and a tree. Driver was charged with fail to pay full time and attention. Damage estimated at $4,800. (40/Ross)

April 24

Vandalism/Destruction of Property. Southside Unknown person(s) paint balled exterior windows of Skyline Fitness. (51/Huete))

Medical Assist. RAC Victim suffered a head injury after colliding with a teammate during a sporting event. EMS evaluated and victim refused medical transport. (40/Ross)

April 25

April 20

POLICE FILES

Medical Assist. RAC Field Patient was transported to Fair Oaks Hospital after being struck in the head with a soccer ball. (31/Stampfel)

Police Files are taken verbatim from www.gmu.edu/police. Broadside does not make any changes to public records.

Why is it Hard to Find Pepsi on Campus? Ten-Year Contract Limits Soft Drink Options at Mason Hannah Smith Asst. News Editor For Pepsi drinkers, the campus of George Mason University is a soft drink desert. Because of the contract the university has with Coca-Cola, vendors at sporting events, on-campus restaurants and even event caterers are only allowed to sell Coke products, with few exceptions. The university will receive a total of $3.95 million from the lucrative 10-year contract with CocaCola, signed one year ago, not including the vending equipment and free products the university gets for athletic games and school events. The university also receives a commission for every Coke product sold on campus, according to the contract. The only place on campus to ﬁnd Pepsi is at the General Store in the Johnson Center. Other competitive products are sold in campus convenience stores. The contract states that 80 percent of the beverages sold in refrigeration units must be Coke products. In addition, any organization that uses university funds cannot provide competitive products, like Red Bull or Pepsi, during public activities. That means even caterers who normally contract with another beverage company must serve Coca-Cola on the Mason campus, unless it is for a private event. Branded food operations, such as Starbucks, are permitted

to serve certain competitive products. “These contracts are not unusual,” said Mark Kraner, the executive director of campus retail operations at Auxiliary Enterprises, the retail business arm of the university. “Coke and Pepsi work with this kind of thing everywhere they go.” The $3.95 million in sponsorship fees over 10 years goes to Mason athletics. Additionally, Coke provides marketing, vending machines, and beverages and equipment — like water bottles and water coolers — for athletes, according to Kraner. “The proceeds [partial] from the University’s contract with Coca-Cola, allotted to Mason’s Athletic program, are deposited into the Athletic Department revenue account at the University,” said Thomas O’Connor, the vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, in an email. “The money is earmarked for Athletic Scholarships.” Coca-Cola can use the Mason logo and other university marks to market its products without paying royalties, subject to approval by the university. However, athletes are barred by the NCAA from appearing in advertisements, and their images cannot be used to market Coca-Cola products, according to Kraner. That $3.95 million does not include the commission that the university gets from selling Coke

Photo by: Stephen Kline

The 10-year contract Mason signed in 2011 limits the types of drinks that can be sold on campus. products on campus. According to the contract, 37 percent of every Coke product sold from a vending machine goes into a general scholarship fund for the university; this amounts to about 55 cents per drink. However, prices of Coca-Cola products at vending machines are not ﬁxed in the contract. Coke can approach the university annually to raise or lower them, according to the contract. “We know the prices are high, period. And when we signed this contract we were almost a dollar lower in gas [prices],” Kraner said. “They would really have to go low to get below where we price things at.” When both companies sub-

mitted Requests for Proposal to be the exclusive beverage vendor at Mason, Pepsi and Coke were unaware of the oﬀers the other had put on the table. Even after the contract was signed, Coca-Cola was protective about speciﬁc provisions in the document, although they can be made available by a Freedom of Information Act request, according to Kraner. One thing that sets this contract apart from those that Coke has with other universities is a sustainability fund. The university asked for $2,500 per year, or $25,000 over 10 years. Coca-Cola sponsors the Coca-Cola EcoGames, as well as the Coke Recycling Trailer, which is organized by Vending Services and AE Green.

SlutWalk Marches to Mason Students Protest Culture of Blaming Victims for Sexual Assault Hannah Smith Asst. News Editor Feminism has a new form of protest. Deflating the stereotype of bra-burning demonstrations, women clad in very little other than the once-immolated undergarment are taking part in what are known as SlutWalks. These marches are demonstrations against the notion that victims of sexual assault are somehow to blame for what has befallen them. The Feminist Student Organization is planning the first-ever Mason SlutWalk for Saturday. SlutWalk originated as a march in protest of a Toronto police officer who said female students “should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” In the year since he made that comment, SlutWalks have been organized in cities all over the world, from New Delhi to Washington, D.C. “The main goal is to educate people that sexual assault is not caused by an outfit,” said Emily Arnold, a junior English major and member of the FSO. “The second part is that we shouldn’t shame people for their sexuality. If somebody wants to be a so-called ‘slut,’ that’s their own business.” Victim-blaming is when people are accused of inviting a sexual assault by their choice of

clothing, their sexual history or by being incapacitated by drugs or alcohol. The march also protests slut-shaming, or making someone feel ashamed of their sexual behavior, real or rumored. It is especially important to raise awareness of victim-blaming on college campuses, Arnold said, because of binge drinking and the party atmosphere. Much of the publicity SlutWalk receives is for the shock value of its name. Use of the word “slut” and encouraging women to take back the word for themselves has met with criticism from conservatives as well as self-proclaimed feminists who find the word irredeemable. Proponents say using the word in a positive manner takes power away from people who would use it to shame women for sexual promiscuity. “Some people have trepidations about the term ‘SlutWalk,’” Arnold said. “But I think the biggest thing to take away is that you don’t have to dress a certain way to participate ... I wore sweatpants to the D.C. SlutWalk.” SlutWalk is not just for women, either. The FSO encourages male victims of sexual assault to not feel ashamed of what happened to them. The Mason SlutWalk is also attracting support from men aligned with their cause. “Walk a

Photo by: David Shankbone/Flickr

Protesters descended on New York City for SlutWalk in October 2011. Mile in Her Shoes” is taking place on the same day, featuring Mason men strapping on high heels to raise awareness of domestic violence. The two marches will be held as a joint event. “Survivors of sexual assault

aren’t some poster children,” Arnold said. “They are your wives, your sisters, your cousins, your friends, your mothers. They’re you. It’s not so removed as we would like to pretend it is.”

Faculty Senate Holds Last Meeting of Semester New Chair Elected, Contractual Portions of Handbook Outlined Justin Lalputan News Editor The Faculty Senate met Wednesday, April 25 for the ﬁnal time this semester to discuss what they will be focusing on in the coming academic year, as well as to discuss the contractual parts of the faculty handbook. Other highlights from the event were the outlining of the contractual portions of the faculty senate handbook, and that June Tangney was announced as the new chair of the Faculty Senate. The meeting opened with an announcement from Stearns. Stearns said that he had decided to stay on as provost of George Mason University for an addi-

tional year. The provost was slated to leave his position in 2013, but he has just decided to extend his stay for an additional year, keeping him as provost until 2014. Stearns also announced that the 3.8 percent increase in tuition seemed likely to be implemented, and that bonuses were presumably going to happen. Peter Pober gave his ﬁnal speech as chair of the Faculty Senate and thanked his colleagues for their help in his years of service. Pober has served as Chair of the Faculty Senate since 2009. Suzanne Scott, chair of the Academic Policies Committee, reported that the APC had discussed the idea of moving degree conference from January to De-

cember for students who graduate in the fall. The idea was introduced as a motion and then passed. Star Muir, chair of the Organization and Operations Committee, gave follow-up information on the telecasting of the Faculty Senate meetings. According to Muir, there is a good chance that room 163 in Research I will be the new location of Faculty Senate meetings in the coming semester. He also spoke about email privacy concerns and discussed the possibility of having a policy regarding laptop and cellphone use in the classroom. As of now, there is no oﬃcial policy regarding the use of these devices be-

yond what individual professors decide is appropriate for their classes. There was also discussion between University Counsel Thomas Moncure, Jr. and the Faculty Senate about the contractual parts of the Faculty Senate. Moncure stated that the Board of Visitors determines the direction of the university, and the contractual aspects of the faculty handbook are those dealing with tenure agreements and employment contracts regarding professors. At the end of the meeting, the Faculty Senate brieﬂy went into closed session, and Tangney was announced as the new chair of the Faculty Senate.

Broadside

News

Saying Goodbye

Life After Mason: Finding a Job A Q & A with Career Services

Alan Merten

Hannah Smith

The president of Mason will be stepping down in June after 16 years of service. He will take a break, then return to teaching. When Merten took over as president in 1996, the school population was roughly 24,000, as compared to over 30,000 now. Photo by: Stephen Kline

Thomas Hennessey The chief of staff will be stepping down on May 9 and will be replaced by an interim chief of staff. He was one of the first doctoral candidates of Mason’s School of Public Policy.

Photo by: Erin Cantwell

Shirley Travis The dean of the College of Health & Human Services will step down in June. She has co-authored more than 100 articles, books and book chapters on aging and long-term health care. She will be replaced by Tom Prohaska.

Photo by: Stephen Kline

Lloyd Griffiths The dean of the Volgenau School of Engineering will step down in August. Griffiths earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. He will be replaced by Kenneth Ball of Virginia Tech. Photo by: Stephen Kline

Several of Mason’s Key Players Will be Stepping Down From Their Administrative Positions Justin Lalputan News Editor This year will usher in more changes in administrative personnel than is normally the case for George Mason University. President Alan Merten will be stepping down, as will Chief of Staff Thomas Hennessey and two deans. According to Hennessey, despite the fact that Merten is leaving his position as president of Mason, he will not be gone for good. There are plans for the current president to rejoin the faculty to teach classes. Hennessey will be leaving his position on May 9, and will be replaced by an interim chief of staff, Sarah Nutter, a presidential fellow and a faculty member in the school of management, until incoming President Ángel Cabrera makes his decision regarding that position. Shirley Travis will be replaced by Tom Prohaska as dean of the College of Health & Human Services on June 30. In August, Kenneth Ball will take over as dean of the Volgenau School of Engineering when the current dean, Lloyd Griffiths, relinquishes the position.

The length of tenure for senior administrators at Mason is unusual in comparison with similar positions at other universities, Hennessey said. According to Hennessey, the average university president serves roughly eight years. Merten will be

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Ofﬁcer Maurice Scherrens has also spent a long period of time — roughly 34 years — as a Mason administrator. Hennessey said that CFOs at other universities don’t typically have tenures longer than eight years stepping down after serving for 16 years. Whereas most university provosts generally remain in their positions for ﬁve years, current Mason Provost Peter Stearns has already served in that capacity for 12 years.

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Maurice Scherrens has also spent a long period of time — roughly 34 years — as a Mason administrator. Hennessey said that CFOs at other universities don’t typically have tenures longer than eight years. Hennessey, who has been Mason’s chief of staff for 13 years, said that when he first took his job in 1999, there weren’t half a dozen chief of staffs at research universities across the country. Now, roughly half of research institutions employ a chief of staff. He said that the current turnover of deans and upper administration may seem like a big deal to Mason, but it wouldn’t be to other universities due to the shorter tenures of their administrators. “It is [a big deal] for Mason. It isn’t for other schools,” Hennessey said. ”To have presidents and provosts leave at the same time or within a year of each other is common. For the folks at Mason, it seems like a big change, but when you do that comparison with other schools and look at their histories, it’s not that big a change.”

News Briefs Organization Aims to Reduce Homelessness in Fairfax Homestretch, an organization composed of, in part, members of the George Mason University community, is offering transitional housing to homeless people in the state of Virignia. According to research done by Homestretch, Fairfax has the most homeless people of any city in Virginia, with roughly 1,549 homeless people living in the city. Of the 1,549 homeless people, 57 percent of them are in family units, 20 percent higher than the national average. The transitional housing that Homestretch offers is generally short term, with the aim to find

permanent housing for the family or individual within 24 months. In a survey done by Mason students, it was shown that programs such as ESL classes, child care and ﬁnancial counseling were some of the best services that Homestretch oﬀers. -Justin Lalputan Graduate Thesis Art Exhibit Explores Ideology, Power, Struggle “Freedom of Fear,” an art exhibit dealing with issues of “race, religion and resistance,” will open on Monday at the Art and Design building’s Fine Art Gallery. Erden Zikibay’s art deals with the “complexities and contradic-

tions surrounding ideology, power and struggle,” and turns a critical eye on American history from Harriet Tubman to Osama bin Laden. His mediums include 3D animation and motion graphics. The Kazakhstani artist has a B.A. in digital art from George Mason University and is currently based in Washington, D.C. The exhibition is Zikibay’s graduate thesis; the artist is an MFA candidate in the School of Art. A reception and artist talk is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m on Thursday in the same location. -Tyler Hallada

Don’t miss the next regular issue of Broadside, coming to a newsstand near you in August!

Asst. News Editor Christine Cruzvergara is the assistant director of career development at the University Services. She came to George Mason University last semester from Georgetown University, bringing with her a four-step plan for students to find a job after graduation. She is also working on a database of industry-specific information, which will go live on the Career Services website this fall. Tell me about your fourstep plan to finding a job. CC: [Step one: Documents] The most common documents are [your] resume, cover letter and references. It’s critical that these documents are tailored for your industry and for every individual position description you apply to. Start by creating some working documents and remember [that] you’ll revisit this step many times as you gain more insight through your research and networking. [Step two: Research] Don’t just research the company or the position. Research the industry and learn the types of positions, the titles, the organizational structure and how different units might work together. Identify target companies and keep up with industry news. Research the lingo that’s used in your industry and be able to speak about emerging trends and issues. Having this level of knowledge will be in evident in the way you talk and the depth of questions you ask and I promise you, it makes a big difference. [Step three: Network] This is the most critical step in the entire process and also the most time-consuming (and sometimes scariest). Don’t let networking intimidate you — it is not about schmoozing, collecting business cards or asking for favors. Networking is about building relationships. Engage in informational interviews to learn more and develop mean-

ingful connections. You can network with friends, family, faculty, fellow peers and professionals in associations or foundations. [Step four: Search] This will be remarkably easier once you’ve done your research and networking. Why? Because you’ll know the industry-specific sites you should be visiting and you’ll have a better sense of the recruiting timeline or process. For searching, you want to cover your bases, so utilize general databases [like] HireMason, Indeed, et cetera; industry-specific sites [and] databases; individual company websites; [and] networking. Over 70 percent of positions are never posted, so networking is critical. Is it true that most students skip steps two and three? CC: Yes, the majority of students don’t realize how important research and networking are, and they tend to skip over these steps. It’s true that these two areas are time-consuming, but they are also the most essential and rewarding. The time and effort spent understanding your industry and developing relationships will result in a more successful job search. How does the alumni association help students network? CC: We hope you’ll always consider Mason your family and the alumni association works hard to provide services and programs to engage and connect. One of the ways students can network with alumni is to join the George Mason Alumni Association group on LinkedIn. Once you’re a member, you’ll be able to engage in great discussions, see information about upcoming events, and search for alums who might be working in your industry to learn more about their career paths and experiences. Can social media be used

to our advantage? CC: Absolutely. The nature of job searching has changed drastically in the past five years, and social media is an integral part of this process. All students should develop a personal brand and make sure their online presence is consistent with that brand. LinkedIn is a great social media platform that all Mason students should be utilizing and leveraging for their searches. Students who are using Twitter to promote their professional identity and online presence can also link their tweets to show up as LinkedIn post updates as well. What can Career Services do to help the soon-to-be graduating? CC: Career Services offers a couple different types of appointments [like] walk-in appointments — walk-ins are great for resume [or] cover letter reviews or other quick questions. These are typically about 15 minutes long and are on a first-come, first-served basis. This is the fastest way to get seen. Scheduled appointments are great for exploring your career interests, developing an internship or job search strategy, interviewing practice, or discussing your offer and salary negotiation. Career Services also offers “Career Launch” — a whole day of job search prep workshops on May 24. There will be five workshops offered back-to-back, ranging from resume and coverletter writing to interview prep to salary negotiation. Do you offer resources to alumni who have come back to find a job? CC: Yes, for alums that graduated within the past six months, we continue to offer all the same services at no cost. For alums that have graduated more than six months, they will continue to have free access to all career fairs, workshops, events and our career library resources. There are a few small fees and restrictions for other services.

Broadside

News

A Look Back at the Presidency of Alan Merten Long-Time Leader Leaves Behind Fond Legacy

Graphic by: Stephen Kline

Justin Lalputan News Editor President Alan Merten will retire this year, but he leaves behind an outstanding legacy and big boots for incoming president Ángel Cabrera to ﬁll. Merten became the ﬁfth president of George Mason University in 1996 and has been an integral part of the university for 16 years. When Merten arrived in 1996, there were 24,000 total stu-

dents at the university, as compared to well over 30,000 today, split equally between undergraduates and graduates. According to University Chief of Staﬀ Tom Hennessey, Mason had many separate departments, and one of the ﬁrst things that Merten did upon his arrival was to consolidate the disparate groupings into the schools we know today. For example, there was once a School of Art and a Department of Dance. Merten pulled together

the arts and united them under one dean. Similarly, he merged two individual departments into a uniﬁed School of Management. Hennessey said he remembers that Merten recognized the importance of planning, and that he once said, “We want our successors 20 years from now to say the same thing that we say about our predecessors: ‘Wow. They had a good plan, and all we had to do was follow it.’”

In his first years at Mason, Merten made a concerted effort to search both nationally and internationally to find the best deans and administrators, Hennessey said. He then encouraged his deans to find the best faculty. One of the professors who joined Mason under Merten’s tenure later received the Nobel Prize in economics. Merten has also been recognized for his appearances at Mason basketball games, where

he regularly ﬁres the T-shirt gun. According to numerous students and faculty members, Merten was well-liked, and he will be sorely missed. Presidential fellow and incoming interim Chief of Staﬀ Sarah Nutter said that Merten made his presence felt on campus. “He made a point to be in the Johnson Center pretty often,” Nutter said. “He would wander into the Bistro where professors would gather for lunch, and he would

just grab something and say, ‘Hey, can I sit with you?’ He sat down with professors and students. He just randomly sat down with people. He had a way of reaching out to people in an informal way — not to solicit feedback, but to let you know he cared.” Merten will not be leaving the university permanently. Plans are in the works for him to teach classes a semester or so after he steps down as president.

Changing Field of Health Care Impacts Mason Programs Mason Nursing Grads Find Employment “With Relative Ease” Nathan Dorfman Staff writer Aspiring health care professionals set to enter the work force in the coming years face an uncertain future, given that health care reform and new federal legislation are likely to create significant changes affecting the entire health care field. “A lot of change is in the air,” said Robin Remsburg, director of the School of Nursing and associate dean of the College of Health and Human Services at George Mason University. Providing an example of a new system-wide trend stemming from health care reform, Remsburg said that hospitals can now be penalized if a patient is readmitted within 30 days of his or her last visit due to a related injury or infection. With this in mind, hospitals now

strive to identify care systems ensuring that discharged patients will leave the medical facility in the best possible shape. Health care reform causes the characteristics of the nursing career field to change as well. “Today, more than ever, nursing involves skill in team leadership, knowledge of patient health and an ability to work with individuals in other medical settings,” Remsburg said. Considering that the economy is slowing down, nursing students may face greater difficulty in finding a job upon graduation. “There were many positions five years ago, yet fewer positions are available now,” Remsburg said. “Students will have to look around a bit.” According to Mason Career Census Survey data, approximately 39 percent of Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates

are currently employed. However, with only half of graduating seniors completing the voluntary survey, this figure may not be a completely accurate reflection of employment trends in the health care industry. According to Remsburg, a key factor leading to the dwindling number of available health care positions is that older nurses are tending to work longer than was previously the case. Nevertheless, health care remains a growing industry and Mason nursing graduates are finding jobs with relative ease. These jobs may not always be in high-profile and fast-paced settings like the dynamic hospital rooms depicted in television shows like “ER.” Yet nursing students can pursue fulfilling careers in other settings, such as assisted living facilities, home care units

and primary care clinics. Here, students serve vital community needs. Mason nursing students have an advantage upon entering the job market. They are baccalaureate-prepared with a broad liberal arts education that makes them aware of their world and community. “Our nursing students are taught by faculty who engage in cutting-edge research and are aware of changes in the health care system,” Remsburg said. Nursing students also beneﬁt from opportunities to complete a clinical practicum in a hospital setting. “Our students train in the same hospital systems that they may eventually work with,” Remsburg said. Remsburg said that Mason has the one of largest public and community health programs statewide with a pass rate on the state licensure exam of 90 per-

cent. According to Remsburg, health care will remain a secure career field for a long time, especially with America’s aging population, which is generally in need of medical assistance. Remsburg encouraged nursing students who do not find jobs immediately after graduation to stay the course by pursuing further education, certification and training. “The sooner nursing students obtain an advanced practice degree, the better off they will be,” Remsburg said. With the U.S. Supreme Court currently considering health care legislation, college students in health-related fields must simply hold their breath and wait to see what happens. “Now is a very interesting time to focus on health care issues,” Remsburg said.

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Class of 2012 new hires

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News

Looking Back at Spring Broadside Remembers the Biggest News Stories of the Semester

Above picture by Jake McClernon, all others by Stephen Kline

Top left: Students move into the newest dorms at Mason, Whitetop and Rogers. Top right: Dr. Ángel Cabrera speaks at the press conference where he was announced as Alan Merten’s successor. Far right: Renovations start on the Commons. Bottom right: Students participate in the Million Man March as part of Black Heritage Month. Bottom left: Dr. and Mrs. Merten at their last home basketball game as the ﬁrst couple of Mason. Center: Ernst Volgenau gives his last speech to the Faculty Senate as the Rector of the Board of Visitors.

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Style

The number, in hundreds, of students that showed up to Mason Day

Monday, April 30, 2012

Mason Day 2012 — Great Success Students Packed Lot L For a Day of Food, Fun and Music

Top Left: Alan Merten enjoys some cake during his last Mason Day as president. Top Right: Students came out in droves to celebrate the end of the year with live music, carnival rides and some delicious funnel cake. Bottom: The Mason Patriot takes a break and goes for a spin on one of the many exciting rides. All Photos by: Stephen Kline

Mason Day, From Front “It was good to see a wide variety of food, and the donuts were delicious,” said junior community health major Megan Loar. “It is always good to have free food!” Student organizations also set up many different booths around the parking lot. CAFE-GMU offered barbecued hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken, while sororities and fraternities ran games to raise money for charity. The Program Board also manned stands where students could win prizes such as Tshirts, water bottles and even Lupe Fiasco tickets. “My favorite part about Mason Day was that I won Lupe Fiasco tickets,” said junior integrative studies major Molly O’Rourke. Carnival rides twirled, dipped and rocked, providing a sight for passers-by.

At one point, the Mason Patriot was even spotted spinning around on a ride. “I liked the food and the rides, for the most part,” Pineiro said. “Most of [the rides] make me feel dizzy or nauseous, so I

Carnival rides twirled, dipped and rocked, providing a sight for passers-by. At one point, the Mason Patriot was even spotted spinning around on a ride. only went on two rides for that reason. Plus, the lines were kind of long.” Mason Day was capped off with performances from SubRadio Standard, the winner of

the George Mason Battle of the Bands, pop rock band We the Kings and headliner Hot Chelle Rae. “I'm always happy to see how many students come out for Mason Day,” said senior English major Rebecca Dell. “I like that it gives the school a common event to participate in outside of basketball season. Of course, the free food is a huge draw, as well as seeing people I haven’t seen in a while. It’s a good place to catch up with friends in these last few weeks before graduation.” There was a great turnout at Mason Day. Over 2,500 students checked in throughout the day, and many community members paid to get in. “[Mason Day] changed my life,” said junior civil and infrastructure engineering major Robert Kress. “It changed the way I look at reality and it set a new standard for what an epic Friday looks like.”

Local Battle of the Band Winners Impress Mason Crowd Sub-Radio Standard Opened for Hot Chelle Rae, Pumping Up the Crowd for the Big Performance Krista Germanis

Broadside Correspondent Sub-Radio Standard started off as just a few friends messing around in the basement, but it quickly turned into an ambitious project pursuing a record label in order to share their music with a wider audience. The band consists of six members: lead vocalist Adam Bradley, rhythm guitarist and back-up vocalist Matthew Prodanovich, drummer and back-up vocalist Michael Pereira, bassist Mark Siford, lead guitarist and keyboardist John Fengya and guitarist Mike Chinen. Each member has a unique story about joining the band. “My dad told me to [learn to play bass],” Siford said. “He was like, ‘Every band needs a bassist’ and, lo and behold, he was right.” “Nobody, including me, knew that I could sing until sophomore year of high school,” Bradley said. “I just kind of, on a whim, decided I would play ‘Hallelujah’ [at the school talent show].” Photo by: Stephen Kline Many of the band members took guitar Front man Adam Bradley sings his way into the hearts of Mason students, classes at their school, but Matthew Progetting the crowd pumped up for the rest of the night. danovich had a different approach to learning

different instruments. “Drums actually weren’t [the first instrument I played]. I started on guitar and I was self-taught,” Prodanovich said. “I’ve never taken a lesson for instruments, so when all

There were people crowdsurﬁng, cheering the band members and throwing beach balls around in the audience.

these guys started playing guitar, I would play guitar at their houses ... My grandparents donated a piano to my house so I picked up the piano as well from playing by ear. One of my friends got a drum set, and I thought it looked like fun. So I went to his house, and I played on it. So I sort of picked up the drums that way. From there, I’ve just been expanding outward. I can play like nine instruments or something.”

@MasonBroadside

Sub-Radio Standard has gained a large fan base, which in turn gave them many opportunities to play at some of the popular venues in the D.C. area. Some of their venues they have performed at include Jammin’ Java, the 9:30 Club and the Rock and Roll Marathon. Their music has even been played on DC 101. Their Mason Day show was an overall success. The band played some of their originals as well as covers such as “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye. “It was hard choosing what songs we wanted to do for Mason Day,” Chinen said. The band decided to vote on which songs they should play at Mason Day, and by the looks of thing, the crowd was pleased. There were people crowd-surfing, cheering on the band members and throwing beach balls around in the audience. People also took pictures and videos of the show and purchased Sub-Radio Standard T-shirts and CDs. “We got kind of a résumé now, after this Mason Day show,” Prodanovich said. To learn more about the band, visit their website at subradiostandard.com.

Style

Summer Fun in Fairfax Fairfax and the Surrounding Area Has a Lot to Offer During the Summer Mariam Waqar

Broadside Correspondent It’s that time of year again, and as classes wind down and finals stack up, the promise of summer finally seems like a reality. Many of Virginia’s college students prepare to migrate home to the D.C. metro area and ready themselves for the area’s many summer attractions. After being separated for a year, old high school friends reunite. And another — perhaps more important — reunion is soon to take place. It’s the relationship that’s been torn apart by these wretched finals: the relationship that we have with sleep. After we’ve been reacquainted with a solid eight hours per night, it’s time to go about making some lasting summer memories. And that’s one of the greatest things about living in this area: There’s always something to do. Some students are packing their bags and heading abroad, but the rest of us don’t have to sulk about, envious of their adventures. Only 20 minutes away from this campus is a city filled with so much activity that it’s impossible to see all of it within a summer. Walking around campus, there’s

no way to remain oblivious to the abundance of local summer activities, what with the fliers, cards, and word-of-mouth. There’s something for everyone, from eclectic concerts for the intellectual and half-marathons for the athletes to amusement parks for the thrill-seekers, and everything in between. For many, concert-hopping is the greatest draw of the hotter months. Some people spend an entire summer chasing their favorite band around the country. However, if you live in D.C., you have the fortune of sitting at home and having those 10 or 15 favorite bands come knocking at your door. Metro-area venues are hotspots for summer tours and, over the course of the next three months, more than 300 concerts will take place in arenas like DAR Constitution Hall and the Verizon Center. This summer, D.C. residents can look forward to seeing major acts like Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Coldplay. If you’re more interested in the latest game rather than the latest album, D.C.’s favorite team, the Nationals, is up to bat once again. Friday night games make their comeback, and droves of metro

area residents line up to fill the seats. “Following the NBA and the NFL on TV is fun, but it’s nothing like watching a live game,” said senior accounting major Taimur Bajwa. “And you can do that with the MLB because Nationals tickets are so cheap.” Wisely put, as tickets start at just $10. So going to a baseball game is undeniably a great value. And, on certain Tuesdays, as announced through their Twitter account (@Nationals), there are two-dollar-Tuesdays. On these days, everything, including lemonade, hotdogs and tickets, is just $2. If you follow their Twitter through the summer, they give away tickets almost daily. So attending a game, whether you’re paying or not, amounts to an affordable and enjoyable night out. Though watching the action is fun, nothing beats actually experiencing it. As nearby amusement parks such as Kings Dominion, Six Flags and Busch Gardens open after a hiatus of five months, people rush in for all the thrills. “Basically, my entire summer is spent at Kings Dominion. When you have a season pass, you have to make the most of it.” said sopho-

more English major Karen Albright. Within 30 miles of the City of Fairfax are two amusement parks: Kings Dominion in Doswell, Va., and Six Flags in Prince George’s County, Md. With rides bearing names like Intimidator 305, Dominator, The Blast Coaster and The Joker’s Jinx, amusement parks up the ante every summer. This year, like last, one of the biggest attractions at Six Flags will be Superman, which has recently been renovated to include more loops — as if the 415-foot drop wasn’t enough. While thrill-seekers cavort among these death-defying rides, visitors with queasy stomachs can content themselves on the whirling teacups, swing carousel and Viking ship. A plethora of events awaits our arrival once we finish finals. What lies in store is a summer filled with music, laughter, fun and adventure. With so many events going on in the D.C. metro area, it’ll be a challenge for boredom to find you in between all the concerts, ball games and amusement parks.Though it’s hard to believe, we are only two weeks away from our first day of summer.

Lupe Fiasco Headlines Patriot Center Chart-Topping Artist to Perform to Almost Sold-Out Crowd Jeffrey Giorgi Style Editor

Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco will perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Patriot Center. The multi-platinum artist, known for his socially aware lyrics, will be performing songs from his album “Lasers,” as well many more. Fiasco arrived on the scene in 2006 with his debut album “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor,” which made it to No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums the same year and also peaked at No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200. The rapper has worked with a number of artists including Jay-Z, Mike Shinoda and Kanye West. His newest album,

“Lasers,” includes singles that feature artists MDMA, Skylar Grey and, on the hit track “Out of My Head,” Trey Songz. While at this time the opening act is not known, so far on the Generation Laser Tour, Lupe Fiasco has performed with Big Sean, Girl Talk and Tinie Tempha. In January, Lupe Fiasco announced via his blog, that he would be going back into the studio soon to write a follow-up to his debut album called, “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor 2.” General Admission tickets have sold out, but there are still many available for the stands, ranging in price from $46 to $56 on TicketMaster.com, and at the Patriot Center’s box office.

Button Mashing- The Walking Dead Surprise, It’s Actually Really Good Antonio Washington

Broadside Correspondent Zombie video games have achieved considerable success in the world of gaming. Gaming allows players to act out their penchant for killing zombies with the weapons of their dreams. Although these are all fantastic concepts, there needs to be a zombie game with emotion, with characters that have depth and realism. If you are looking for a zombie game that delivers an emotional experience, then you should definitely play “The Walking Dead.” “The Walking Dead” is an episodic video game based on Robert Kirkman’s “The Walking Dead” comic book series. The game was developed by Telltale Games.

“The Walking Dead” will be released on multiple platforms. If you’re a PC or Mac user, you get a five-episode season pass for $24.99. The Playstation 3 will run you $4.99 per episode, or you can buy the five-episode season pass for $19.99. If you choose to play on the Xbox 360, there is no season pass so you’ll have to pay 400 Microsoft Points per episode sometime this month. In the first episode, you take on the role of Lee Everett, a man accused of murder. Around the time Everett is being transported to the big house, the zombie apocalypse starts and, as a result of the havoc wreaked by the undead, the hapless Everett escapes incarceration. But he and Clementine, a girl whom Everett finds during his escape, will soon

realize the world they once knew has changed. The events in the game parallel the comic on which the game is based. In the game, however, you are given a completely new group of survivors. Meeting each survivor and figuring out how you are going to survive until the next day is the central element of the game. There are a lot of action sequences in “The Walking Dead,” but the majority of your time will be consumed by making decisions and living with the consequences. “The Walking Dead” raises the bar for games that allow players to control the dialogue. When someone asks you a question, you have a limited time to pick one of four responses. And you will have to live with whatever choice you make. Char-

acters in the game remember these responses, noting your language, demeanor and so on. This drastically affects future episodes, which can give players a reason to replay episodes. As soon as you’re done with your first playthrough of an episode, you can jump back into it, making different choices. For example, in the first episode of the game, you’ll have to choose one life over another. With three save slots, players are encouraged to replay the game with different takes on the story. This is an awesome concept because it guarantees you a lot of playtime with each episode and lets you make the story your own. The game also features a new, intuitive adventure scheme. Players navigate Everett with one joystick, while moving

Review — ‘The Raven’ An Original Concept, Marred By a Heaping Dose of Meh Style Editor

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” Edgar Allen Poe’s words are often seen as the precipice of the American Gothic. It’s just a shame that his movies never reach the same heights. Based on the final days of Poe’s life, “The Raven” tries to fill in the blanks of how he spent that last week, give or take a few days. When a killer starts taking Poe’s works as inspiration for a series of grisly murders, Baltimore’s finest enlist the dark wordsmith’s help to provide insight into the mind of the killer. First, John Cusack’s performance as Poe starts out great, playing the man with a somber barrier in place that keeps many people out. The problem comes in the third act when Cusack decides it would be best to ham-up the roll as much as possible. It’s unfortunate. The entire film rests on us liking this generally unlikable person, but he loses much of that pathos the more he’s running around screaming like a maniac.

The marketing for this movie is all wrong. The studio couldn’t figure out how to pitch it to an audience. First, they marketed it like “Sherlock Holmes.” There’s not enough shtick, humor or general fun for ”The Raven” to inherit

When a killer starts taking Poe’s works as inspiration for a series of grisly murders, Baltimore’s ﬁnest enlist the dark wordsmith’s help to provide insight into the mind of the killer.

that mantle. Then it was advertised as a straight horror film. While this is closer to the mark, the film still doesn’t quite belong there either. It’s more akin to David Fincher’s “Seven.” And, yes, it does pack in more gore

than you’re probably expecting to see. Director James McTeigue, best known for his screen adaptation of the amazing “V for Vendetta,” gets the tone just right. Whenever you deal with a figure from history who carries as much weight as Poe, you run the risk of crossing into biopic territory. Thankfully, he never loses control of the film and keeps it firmly where it belongs. In supporting roles, you have Luke Evans as the lead investigator, Detective Fields. He does a solid job, not allowing Cusack to detract from his screen presence. For the love interest, we have Alice Eve playing Emily Hamilton, Poe’s one true love. Eve isn’t given as much to work with as she should have been. Though a giant portion of plot revolves around her, it doesn’t fully utilize the relationship between her character and Poe, which makes the writer’s plight feel slightly hollow. While not perfect, the film is far from terrible. The problem is it seems to be content with just treading water. Opening against “Safe” and “The Five-Year Engagement,” and with “The Cabin in the Woods” debuting just a few weeks ago, Poe’s last days might not be seen by many this weekend.

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the on-screen cursor. Environments are cluttered with interaction points that Everett can choose to look at for more info, talk and so on. The visuals of “The Walking Dead” pay homage to its comic book origins; the game has a cel-shaded look with thick black lines tracing dynamic characters and objects. The jarring camera cuts can be frustrating at times, but “The Walking Dead” still runs well and can still be fully enjoyed. “The Walking Dead” brings depth and emotion into the zombie video game genre. It has a believable cast of characters, and the game looks great. Sure, the game has a few hiccups here and there, but “The Walking Dead” is a must-play for fans of the series.

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Broadside

Opinion

The number of issue of Broadside left this semester

Monday, April 30, 2012

Broadside

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper Gregory Connolly, Editor-in-Chief eic@broadsideonline.com Cody Norman, Managing Editor Jacquelyn Rioux, Copy Chief Justin Lalputan, News Editor Hannah Smith, Asst. News Editor Rebecca Norris, Opinion Editor Jeff Giorgi, Style Editor Cody Norman, Sports Editor Colleen Wilson, Asst. Sports Editor Stephen Kline, Photography Editor Krista Germanis, Asst. Style Editor

Thumbs up to rock and roll legend Hot Chelle Rae for providing an atomsphere that was tantamount to our generation’s Woodstock.

Benjamin Shaffer, Copy Editor Shannon Park, Copy Editor Michelle Buser, Designer Janelle Germanos, Staff Reporter Jacques Mouyal, Business Manager Kathryn Mangus, Faculty Adviser David Carroll, Associate Director

Thumbs up to President Alan Merten for 16 years of distinguished service. We’re gonna miss you, Alan. Thumbs up to a new brand of dining on campus—100 percent vegan delight, coming this August to Mason.

The letters, columns and views expressed on this page are solely those of the writers. They do not reﬂect the views of Broadside or its staff, unless otherwise noted. Broadside is a weekly publication printed each Monday for the George Mason University and surrounding Fairfax community. The editors at Broadside have exclusive authority over the content that is published. There are no outside parties that play a role in the newspaper’s content, and should there be a question or complaint regarding this policy, the editorin-chief should be notiﬁed at the information given above.

Thumbs down to a rotten job market that wants so few of us who are about to graduate.

Broadside is a free publication. Limit one copy per person. Each additional copy is 25 cents. Please be so kind as to bring a quarter to our office on the first floor of Sub II.

Pack Up, Zip Out

Thumbs down to Ryan Zimmerman hitting the disabled list. Keep the hot start alive, Nats!

You Can Only Count On Yourself

Thumbs down to the bitter end of the semester. It never changes.

Hala Numan

Columnist I’ve been coming here since I was a little kid — the same old trees and happy, chirpy birds — but there’s a twist. This place sits atop a mountain of memories — the pink bicycle with the white comfy seat and the frayed, girly pom-pom streamers flowing from the ends of the handles. The late night talks and early morning sneak-out picnics with my best friends. We’ve all done it. It is the same place today, except it seems as though the birds chirp with a different purpose. Perhaps they’ve grown older and wiser. I somehow missed that memo. The same thoughts evolved and hence devolved. No one knows about this “secret spot.” The leaves dance in the wind, whispering their secrets. This place was my haven. It was my area of seduction. It was my retreat of sorts. It was my backyard. Well, not necessarily. See, I live in a tall apartment building. And near our high rise was a small condominium. Their centerfold of a backyard was mine. It was far enough from home where I could be at peace but close enough for a sense of security. We all have a need for security. When I first discovered my secret spot, I was but 7 years old, fresh into second grade. I was racing furiously against my best friend with my bicycle’s pom-pom

streamers whipping in the wind. Isn’t it funny how, as adults, we’re still always racing, but now we knock over what we treasured most in our childhoods? These days, we can’t even find our keys. Anyway, we rode uphill, saw a passageway and made a sharp right. I’m glad we followed our instincts. We stopped in wonder of the trees arching high above. Breathing heavily, we plopped to the ground and made a pinky promise that we’d always be best friends as long as we met in this park. One year later, she moved and packed away our promise along with her clothes. I was left with only myself to rely on, and that’s something I struggle with to this day. I think a lot of people tend to struggle to find contentment. What I'm talking about is much deeper; it’s about knowing that everything in this world is transient, and the promises and “I love you’s” will inevitably disappear. It’s the nature of our existence. The only thing that comes close to offering constant security is the self — yourself. It’s you and your control over your actions, and so it is the control you presume to exercise over your will. Years later, I still haven’t brought anyone here. I have ignored the thought altogether. It all seemed so silly, the friendships and promises. All that remained was place — this place. Well, and myself. When my best friend moved away, I wasn’t aware of myself. Only that friendships end and promises pack up and zip out. What you need to secure yourself doesn’t fit in a suitcase. That’s something airport security doesn’t handle.

Factions Equal Folly:Election System Reform All Parties Need A Chance to Be Heard Kyle Imperatore Columnist Let me recap. Strong supporters of the GOP are stepping up to rally support for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who has been labeled as the presumed Republican Party nominee, especially now that his biggest competitor, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, has dropped out to take care of his daughter. Calls for the last two major Republican nominees, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul, to drop out of the race have run rampant in past weeks, due to the assumption that Mitt Romney will probably win. And the incumbent, President Barack Obama, looks poised to win the Democratic Party nomination, which, to many people’s surprise, does have other candidates running besides the president. Fortunately, we are not limited to these choices, although it is much harder for the less wellknown parties to get your attention. In fact, for those who truly wish for a change from run-ofthe-mill politics, the American election system can be one of the most convoluted and unyielding “democratic” processes that our

Constitution allows us to have. The American media’s recognition of third parties is practically non-existent, and to even mention a third-party presidential candidate during coverage of election events symbolizes a slow day in exciting or meaningful news. Plus, the actual differences between the two major parties are growing slimmer and slimmer. Both parties favor war, the expansion of government power and financing private enterprises as seen in the policies of the last few presidents. When delving into the policies of many “Republicrats,” it might seem that some are simply façades used to garner the vote needed to be in office for a few more years. Increasingly, American citizens are siding with neither the Democrats nor the Republicans, but declaring themselves independent of the two-party system. 2011 Gallup polls clearly show that 40 percent of Americans identify themselves as Independent, while only 31 percent see themselves as Democrat, and a mere 27 percent Republican. Indeed, when looking at the stances that the majority of Americans hold, it seems their ideals align more comfortably with the top three third parties than with the major two. The Constitution Party, the Green Party and the Libertarian Party

each should naturally ﬁnd support from a majority of American citizens. A recent Rasmussen report shows that 56 percent of Americans favor the repeal of Obama’s health care legislation, a position held by the Constitution and Libertarian parties. A 2011 Gallup poll stated that 50 percent of American citizens believe in the legalization of marijuana, a position backed by the Libertarian and Green parties. And a recent New York Times/CBS News poll shows that 69 percent of American citizens think that we should not be involved in Afghanistan, a position that each of these parties hold. But time and time again, we see otherwise. In the 2008 presidential election, the candidate to come in third place was Ralph Nader, an Independent, with only 0.56 percent of the vote. The disconnect is located within the election system itself, which favors candidates of the major two political parties because they have the most money and media attention. The individual’s platform does not matter, so those running who are not funded by the major two parties have very little chance to be heard. America needs a more representative election system. With such a system in mind, it is hard not to think of the most recent attempt at reforming elections. Americans Elect, a nonpar-

tisan, nonprofit organization established to bring voting into the 21st century, uses the Internet as a forum for the American people to enter their policy preferences, debate on who is right and get matched up with the candidate who most agrees with their beliefs. The organization aims to elect a third candidate for the national ballot, regardless of party, through a petition process, where any eligible voter may sign up and caucus for a candidate of their choice. Although it does not eliminate party labels entirely, it is, without a doubt, a step forward in our goals of making American elections more fair and representative. To participate, visit americanselect.org. A nonpartisan system is a foundational idea on which this country was built. James Madison was a strong opponent of faction fighting. George Washington himself explicitly stated in his farewell address, “The disorders and miseries which result [in relation to fighting between factions] gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.”

Profit Determines Success Some Think Post Offices, Fire Departments and Student Loans Are a Waste of Government Spending Andrew Bratcher Columnist How do you measure success? Ask a fiscal conservative like Rand Paul, and he or she will tell you that success is measured in nothing but dollars. Rand Paul expressed this sentiment last week in the Senate when he suggested that the United States Postal Service should not be bailed out with government money. “I always ask people, ‘Would you like to buy the Postal Service?’” Paul said. “If we could just sell it to somebody.” According to Paul, a public service that fails to turn a profit should be completely privatized or eliminated. Last time I checked, the purpose of a national postal system is to deliver mail, not to benefit shareholders. Paul claims to be a

strict constitutionalist, and yet he ignores the fact that the Constitution’s Postal Clause doesn’t require the USPS to be profitable. Paul acknowledged that his idea would be politically unpopular. But his suggestion that a public service as crucial as the Postal Service should be privatized betrays his elitist attitude. Paul thinks that nothing is successful unless it is profitable. To him, unprofitable government spending always equals failure. Paul’s profit-first standard is elitism of the worst kind. Privatizing or charging more for public services under the pretext of saving money is the worst thing a government can do. For example, if the Post Office were privatized, many people would stop getting mail. This is because it’s impossible to make a profit delivering mail to poor, rural areas. Costs easily ex-

ceed earnings when providing small towns or isolated farms with this service. No private company would do it unless the residents of those places paid a fee to cover the costs. Requiring the Post Office to make a profit would mean extorting some Americans or else cutting them out of the loop altogether. If you don’t think a for-profit Post Office would be so cruel to the poor, let me recount the far crueler madness that goes on near South Fulton, Tenn. In 2007, the City of South Fulton was having trouble funding its fire department. The fiscally conservative state government refused to raise taxes to help South Fulton. The city didn’t want to raise local taxes, either. Consequently, the city decided that residents of nearby rural areas would have to pay an annual fee if they wanted

Want to share your opinion? Submit your letter to the editor or artwork to: opinion@broadsideonline.com Note: Letters to the editor are welcome and are printed on the basis of space, quality and timeliness. All submissions are the property of Broadside and may be edited for brevity, clarity and grammar. Material containing libel, racial slurs, personal attacks or obscenities may be edited or rejected. The author’s name, class year (and/or title where appropriate), major and daytime phone number must be included for veriﬁcation of authenticity. The deadline for submission is Thursday by 10 p.m.

the South Fulton Fire Department to respond in the event that their houses caught fire. Two years ago, a rural house belonging to a man who had not paid the year’s fee burned as Fulton firefighters stood by and watched. Yes, really. The firefighters only came to protect the property of neighbors who had paid the fee. Though the poor man begged, the firefighters refused to help him; if they did help, they said, other rural residents would stop paying the fee. The rural man and his family lost their house and everything they owned. Their pets — three dogs and a cat — died in the flames. Another home near South Fulton suffered a similar fate in December last year. There’s no sign South Fulton will put humanity before profit any time soon. One might wonder

Editorial Board: Gregory Connolly, Editor-in-Chief Cody Normani, Managing Editor Jacquelyn Rioux, Copy Chief Rebecca Norris, Opinion Editor

if Rand Paul ever asks people whether they’d like to buy Kentucky’s unprofitable fire departments. But let’s pretend for a moment that you don’t feel any empathy for the poor. What has profitless government spending done for you? You’re a Mason student. Did you apply for any cheap federal loans? Be careful with your answer. According to a 2008 Cornell University study, 53 percent of students given low-interest student loans from the government claimed they have never benefitted from a federal program. Unless you were born into the Paul family and have thousands of dollars for an up-front payment every semester, you probably did. Next time your friend majoring in economics complains about government spending, ask him if All unsigned staff editorials are written to represent the view of the Broadside staff, a diverse set of opinions determined by the members of the editorial board. Letters to the editor, columns, artwork and other commentaries strictly represent the opinions of the authors and do not represent the official opinion of the newspaper.

his family took out any federal loans. If he says no, ask him which iPhone app he invented to cover his $4,000 tuition. And the next time Rand Paul complains about government spending, remember that he’s really annoyed that the government seems less concerned with profits than with helping poor and middle-class people. To be fair, not all government spending is helpful. The grossly inflated defense budget is one such expense. However, most fiscal conservatives aren’t complaining about this year’s $1.4 trillion defense budget. Maybe the libertarians are complaining, but they seem to think post offices, fire departments and student loans are as wasteful as foreign wars. They measure success in dollars, so it’s probably hard for them to see the difference.

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Opinion

The Last Rant Well, here it goes. This is my last Weekly Rant, ever. Let’s first look at one of my all-time favorite rant topics, Student Government. Many may wonder why I seem to have so much animosity toward an organization, especially one that I served in for two years. It’s because SG, year after year, gets filled with a few people who ruin it for everyone else. There are plenty of good people in the organization who care about making positive changes for the students, and many of them work hard to improve student life. I take issue with the few who walk around with a sense of entitlement like they’re better than the rest and who put their own self-interested goals before representing the students, which ruins it for everyone else. Every year, someone offers up some idea to improve the organization so it can focus on doing what’s best for the students. But I don’t think any real change is going to come until the Office of Student Involvement and University Administration gives SG actual powers and responsibility. Their elections were barely competitive this year, with just 32 members of an undergraduate student body of 20,000 students running for 30 senate spots. That’s

embarrassing. Furthermore, since the move to the new space in SUB II, the student body president and vice president don’t even have their own oﬃce like they used to; now it’s a room with a few cubicles, and that is not right. How are people supposed to take them seriously? Also, many student governments at other institutions, some much smaller than Mason, actually control the allocation of student fee money. Since they are our “representatives” and student fee money is our money, it would make sense for them to have that authority instead of a couple of administrators calling the shots behind closed doors. Although, to be honest, I don’t think SG is ready for the responsibility of controlling student fee money yet, but I do have hope. Every four years, a new group of students comes through. Some of the same internal issues being discussed today were being discussed when I was a freshman. So when is change actually going to come? They have a fantastic adviser in Assistant Director of Student Involvement Melissa Masone, who works tirelessly, so I do have hope that one day SG will become a more legitimate institution without the constant internal

drama. I recently wrote about our university’s abusive drug policy, which hinders student engagement and advancement. This is still something I feel strongly about, and I hope the Board of Visitors, senior University Life administrators and others consider changing the current policy, which is totally outdated and far stricter than that of our sister institution, James Madison University, for example. If Mason wants to brand itself as a “residential” campus, then it needs to change its very conservative enforcement policies. I’m not saying they should just let people off if they get caught with marijuana; it is still an illegal drug. But to hold students to such harsh standards, like kicking them out for a semester for possessing a little pot — well, that’s ridiculous. Why not give students another chance? Fairfax County’s consequences are much less stringent. You’re most likely to get some community service after a first minor offense. It’s nothing as severe as kicking someone out of college. Why not throw them into a class like LEARN, which is already a routine punishment for those caught drinking underage?

I hope the administration considers the growing movement for reform. Something else I haven’t addressed much in the past is information technology at the university. For such an innovative school that prides itself on being at the forefront of technological advancement, our wireless infrastructure is weak. Just recently, you might have noticed MASONSECURE as an option to log in to the wireless network. It’s fantastic; you can log in once, and you’re set for good, making wireless on laptops and mobile devices easier than it has ever been. Of course, ITU didn’t communicate this to the student body. And, seriously, just now they’re figuring out how to do this? It took ITU years to make a decision and switch student accounts over from MEMO, the email system that resembled something from the late ‘90s, to today’s MasonLive. Go online and check out an ITU org chart; they’re probably the most dysfunctional, disorganized and poorly managed office on campus. If people are so dysfunctional and bad at their jobs, why not fire them? Poor management, especially poor financial management, is the problem with today’s higher edu-

cation crisis. It’s what results in skyrocketing tuition and costs, which then get passed down to the students. The steep rise in tuition at Mason can be attributed in large part to increased costs and Richmond cutting funding every single year. Where does all this money go? Mason is a young institution, which is why we have such a small endowment compared to other colleges of the same size. That certainly contributes to the tight purse. Tuition is higher than it has ever been, totaling $26,544 per year for out-of-state students and $9,066 for in-state. College is quickly becoming prohibitively expensive and that often means sentencing yourself to tens of thousands of dollars of debt. Over 50 percent of bachelor’s degreeholders under the age of 25 are unemployed or underemployed. With that in mind, the college textbook industry is practically committing extortion, which makes the cost of going to school even more of a burden. Mason is partly responsible for playing that game, requiring students to buy new, shrinkwrapped textbooks that come with a CD and a special code that you can only get if you purchase it new.

Thankfully, that practice has started to fade out in some departments, but it isn’t dead yet. It’s absurd for professors to require students to buy new textbooks when the differences between editions are superficial at best. Somewhere, someone must be getting paid off because this practice of constant of forcing “new” textbook editions with their special codes on students, who are at times unable to sell back old textbooks, seems like a big scam to me. All my ranting over the past four years aside, Mason has taught me a lot, and I’ve enjoyed my experience here. I’ve learned so much outside of the classroom that I don’t think I could have gotten anywhere else, and I’m thankful for that. Mason isn’t perfect, nor is any other school, but I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to question authority, to speak out on behalf of other students and to actually see real changes happen. It gives me hope that, to bring real change, all it takes is a little speaking up and perseverance. That it something all of us can do. Even if you haven’t agreed with me over the past few years, I appreciate you reading and tuning in. Thank you.

Rabbi Weiss: A Man With A Message

Put Down the Remote and Pick Up a Book

‘Students for Justice in Palestine’ Guest Speaker Advocates Peace

Advice From an Ex-Procrastinator

Sayed Z. Shah

Rebecca Norris

Opinion Editor Summer is just around the corner, and vacations are in sight. If it were up to us, we’d hightail it out of here at the first available opportunity to begin making memories that will soon be tagged in a “Summer 2012” album on Facebook. Sadly, we all have burdens tying us down these last few weeks of the school year — and by burdens, I mean exams. If you’re like me, then you like to get your work done ahead of time so when due dates approach you can sit back and watch an episode of “Grey’s” while all of your friends are frantically pulling all-nighters, making note cards and typing out eight-page papers. In case you didn’t catch it, the underlying problem in the scenario described above is the simple issue of procrastination. By no means am I saying that I have never procrastinated. In fact, I tend to get so much work done ahead of time that I assume I have all the time in the world to complete final assignments. Because of this assumption, I seem to lack motivation when the due dates for these mammoths come around, at least in comparison with my classmates who are juggling finals and other assignments because they have put them off from the start. So what’s this rant all about? It’s simple, really: Don’t procrastinate — at least not from the beginning.

But, Becca, it’s the end of the year. Why are you telling me this now? Again, it’s simple. I want to bestow on you what I’ve always been taught regarding academics: You need to accomplish things with a sense of purpose while you still have the energy to put forth your best effort. That way, you can process information and formulate it into a plan of your own to navigate your remaining years in college. The key to avoiding procrastination is to determine during the ﬁrst weeks of class what you hope to accomplish during a course, in particular what grade you hope to receive. It’s well known that as the semester begins its descent toward spring break, students begin to succumb to a certain amount of laziness when completing assignments, a phenomenon that potentially harms their GPAs. Therefore, if you establish early on that you want to do well in a course, then you can work ahead while you still have the patience and focus to complete assignments thoughtfully. As a result, the end of the semester will be a breeze for you. So as the year comes to a close, I encourage you all to shun temptations to procrastinate. After all, the sooner you get your work done, the sooner you can relax. Or go home. So why wait until the last minute when you could be gallivanting in the beautiful weather without a care in the world — except for maybe internships, summer jobs, college loans and who knows what else — instead of remaining hunkered down at a desk in a poorly lit dorm room, slaving over a paper that you couldn’t care less about. That’s what I thought. Now get studying so you can enjoy your summer.

Get Involved With Mason’s Undergraduate Journal! The George Mason Review—Mason’s cross-disciplinary, undergraduate journal—has a number of positions opening up next semester (fall 2012). GMR staff members work in a creative environment with other talented, driven students from across the disciplines. Staff members design their own self-motivated projects, taking ownership of the success of both individual projects and of the journal itself. This ownership allows our staff to inject personal ingenuity into the framework of the journal while still being mindful of its collaborative nature. Learn about specific positions on our website at http://gmreview.gmu.edu/involved/ or direct questions to gmreview@gmu.edu

Columnist “We were living together as Jews and Muslims in the same houses in peace and babysat each others’ children,” said Rabbi David Weiss, dressed in a long black overcoat with a top hat, glasses and the Orthodox payot, as he spoke gently to the crowd of students Wednesday at the Johnson Center Bistro Hall. Students for Justice in Palestine, invited the renowned antiZionist rabbi and Fawzi Al-Asmar, a well-known author and journalist covering issues of significance to Palestinian citizens of Israel, to reflect on the history of relations between Jews and Muslims in Palestine, and also to give their opinions on why babysitting each others’ children has inconceivably given way to the systematic killing of each other. According to Weiss, it has been a mind-boggling transformation leading to the “tremendous mistrust, hate and animosity of one of the other.” “It has never been a difference of religion to be able to live in a harmonious coexistence, to be able to live in the same courtyard, in the same house. It has never

been any problem,” he said, attempting to explain what has changed. Instead, according to the rabbi, the problems arose due to the heretical nature of the Zionist role in the creation of Israel and the subsequent oppression and expulsion of the native Palestinians. He delivered a passionate speech, which drew admiration, criticism and reservations from the participants, about future peace. Global affairs major Hatim Mohamed felt that Weiss had a meaningful message of pursuing peace, while Jeff Enos, a political science graduate student, said that the rabbi’s message was meaningless. “The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians will always continue with no chance of peace,” Enos said. I heard differing opinions and even insults, but my own take on Weiss is that he stood for peace and justice and was humble in his speech. He taught us that selfawareness and self-criticism are necessary in modern times not only for individuals but for communities. He keeps the communal flame of introspection alive by criticizing Zionist policies and actions. Risking accusations of intellectual treason, he teaches that dissension, questioning of purpose, the exposure of war crimes and challenging the beneficence of a certain cause or state is good for humanity. He reminds us that, whoever

we are, we must fight for peace and justice while criticizing ourselves, our own governments, our own cultures, our own thought processes and even sometimes our own religious views. Furthermore, it must be understood from Weiss that the conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis are not based in religion. In fact, they are not clashes between cultures or civilizations, nor are they the result of ancient, ethnic hatred. They are manmade wars and oppressions, born out of the collapse of humanity, perpetuated by fear, greed and hatred. Thus, it is vital to look at the reality of the situation by stripping away all illusions, hatreds, and animosities based on fallacies voiced by political and religious leaders. It is paramount that we understand the subject matter of world conflicts beyond the ostensible explanations given to us by the mainstream media, which are inspired by biased politics and patronage. Media and politics are powerful tools in the hands of a few, who might not necessarily have the right intention. In that regard, those who attack this SJP event and its speakers by calling them anti-Semites, lunatics or radicals are not only obstructing peaceful, mutual understanding but also denying the displaced the right to remember where they once belonged. It is foolish to engage in character assassination by labeling Weiss an anti-Semite. His message was to

ﬁnd ways to end what he calls the “endless river of bloodshed of not only Palestinian people but also of Jewish people.” He is correct in his assertion that as a result of the occupation of Palestine and the oppression of the Palestinians — especially the 1.7 million besieged Gazans — reactive “factories of exacerbating anti-Semitism” have been formed around the world. The modern-day seclusion and isolation of Israel is a testament to that. It is also foolish to accuse him of forcing his viewpoints on others. Of course, we should not let one-sided rhetoric take the place of genuine research. And that is exactly what Weiss hoped for when he said that he came with a message of peace and godliness and “hopes to open a window of opportunity to study the subject and come to your own conclusion.” Study, learn all viewpoints and make your own conclusions. Overall, his peaceful presence in the midst of a politically, socially and religiously diverse crowd was an indication that peace can be achieved between Muslims and Jews, principally between Israelis and Palestinians. If these two groups of modern archrivals lived in peace for so long in the past, then it must be possible to do so today. If there is so much in common, there is no need for a bloody dispute over tiny nuances between these two groups. Babies are still being born, and there is a need for babysitting.

SG President Ally Bowers Says Farewell Ally Bowers SG President A quote by Mahatma Gandhi that I often find myself reciting is “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” This is due, in part, to my life’s aspiration to make a difference in the world, and also in part to my parents’ consistent reminders that you can spend your entire life complaining, or instead you can do something. It also a quote that reminds me of the true purpose of Student Government: to make a difference within the Mason community in order to better the Mason student experience. Being a member of Student Government for the past four years, I have seen this organization at its best and fulfilling students’ needs in exceptional ways; and I’ve also seen it at its worst. Furthermore, my time within the organization has provided me with one key insight: everything is a process. While our time at Mason is short, patience is a virtue that mustn’t be overlooked. For as

much as we seek change overnight, it’s virtually impossible (similar to your professors posting your ﬁnal grades on PatriotWeb within 24 hours of completing the examination). From an internal perspective, I have witnessed the organization progress from a peanut gallery of students representing their own cliques to an esteemed body of senators representing a diverse group of constituents. I have seen a deeper understanding from our members, who recognize that properly addressing students’ concerns shall not be done through writing a bill to allocate funds for a hole puncher for the JC third ﬂoor computer room, but by hosting events which invite students to express their concerns. This deeper understanding also explains our organization’s stronger relationships with administrators, another improvement that I have witnessed during the past four years. Over this past year alone, we have had several meetings with administrators in attendance, and have also been called to take a seat at their table to make importannt

decisions for the university. In this regard, Student Government has been able to better serve the student populace by being a direct liaison between the students and the faculty, staff and higher administration. Now that Student Government has gained momentum, it is my hope that this organization will be a part of momentous changes to our institution as we embark on another, quite new journey. With administration retiring and new administration coming in, this will be an imperative time for not only our university, but our organization as well. To properly serve the over 33,000 students we represent, it’s vital that Student Government actively continue as strong voices for the students. And looking at next year’s leadership and Senate composition, I have no hesitation in stating that this will be accomplished. Although the presidential race this year was filled with highly qualified candidates, there is no better team that I would rather hand the reigns over to than Alex

Williams and Jordan Foster. They both understand the purpose of our organization and are willing to take the time necessary to properly representing the student voice. The same holds true for the several returning members of the senate. Thus, conﬁdent in the trail that we’ve blazed, I depart from my position as student body president grateful for the past four years, but more importantly poised for our future. I’d also like to take this time to thank my Vice President, Jacky Yoo, for without her help all of this progress would have been impossible. The same holds true for our Executive Cabinet. And ﬁnally, I’d like to thank all of those who I have met, conversed with or built a relationship with during my time at Mason. It’s been a remarkable journey, and I am extremely indebted to all of you whom have made it worthwhile. Thank you for the incredible journey.

Broadside

10 |

Sports

The number of 3 point shots Mason basketball recruit Patrick Holloway made during his senior year of high school

Monday, April 30, 2012

From Rivers to Oceans

Recruiting Profile High School All-Met Player of the Year to Play Basketball for Mason

Senior Rower Beth Ellis in the Process of Enlisting in the Coast Guard to Become a Chef

Photo Courtesy of: Facebook

Colin Gibson Broadside Correspondent

Photo Courtesy of: Mason Athletics

Senior rower Beth Ellis, center, plans to join the Coast Guard after graduation and become a chef.

Colleen Wilson Sports Editor For four long years, tourism and events management major Beth Ellis has risen before the sun to train at the Occoquan Reservoir with the Mason rowing team. After graduation in May, she will still be spending plenty of time on the water but in an entirely different capacity. With a few months remaining before the end of her college career, Ellis realized that she wasn’t quite ready to take on the real world. Her original plan was to become a wedding planner with her degree in tourism and events management, but she recently approached her parents with a new idea. “I went to my parents and said I’m either joining the military or going to culinary school. They told me that they couldn’t afford culinary school, but what about going into military school and then going to culinary school on [the military’s] dime while they pay me,” Ellis said. The rigors of training and competing as a rower throughout her high school and college years have taken a toll on Ellis. “It was definitely worth going to college for it, but I’m done. I love it, but I’m tired. My body is tired,” Ellis said. “I don’t get to go out. I can’t go out and drink, can’t do anything. I can’t go home for visits whenever I want. [I] have to work around my rowing schedule. It’s taken a toll because I’m always rowing — August to May, my whole school year.” With five military branches to choose from, Ellis quickly settled on the Coast Guard as her first option. Ellis’ parents live in Elizabeth City, N.C., next to a Coast Guard base, where she has been lifeguarding during the summers for the past several years. “My family talked it over, and I decided that I wanted to be a chef in the Coast Guard,” Ellis said. “For one, you don’t get deployed. The benefits are also a lot better than in the other branches. The places you get to live are nicer, too. Kodiak, Alaska, is cold, but it’s still nice. You’re safe. You don’t have to worry about people shooting at you and trying to kill you.”

With eight years of rowing experience, Ellis should be more than comfortable spending time on a ship. Ellis took the ﬁrst step toward embarking on a Coast Guard career when she completed

“For one, you don’t get deployed. The benefits are also a lot better than in the other branches. The places you get to live are nicer too. Kodiak, Alaska is cold but it’s still nice. You’re safe. You don’t have to worry about people shooting at you and trying to kill you.” -Beth Ellis, senior on the Mason rowing team

the Military Entrance Processing Station in April. “My parents cannot wait. They told me it was the best decision I could’ve made,” Ellis said. If accepted by the Coast Guard, Ellis will spend eight weeks at boot camp in October. Boot camp stereotypes of yelling drill sergeants and grueling physical training don’t capture the intellectual challenges of Coast Guard boot camp. “The Coast Guard is more selective,” Ellis said. “The process is a lot harder than the other branches. You have to have higher test scores. They test your skills and how smart you are.” Members of the Coast Guard are held to a certain level of physical ﬁtness, for which Ellis felt over-prepared after having trained as a college athlete. “We had to run a mile and a half in under 15:28, do 15 pushups in a minute and 35 sit ups

in a minute. That was the minimum. I’m in really good shape — better than most of the girls there,” Ellis said. Once she completes boot camp, she’ll move to California for 12 weeks of culinary school. “I’ll be obligated to be a cook for the Coast Guard for a year. Then I can do whatever I want. I plan to go to officers’ school and serve the full 20 years,” Ellis said. As an officer, Ellis will be able to continue as a chef or move into other roles. She hopes to move into a managing role and become responsible for the day-to-day tasks in the Coast Guard kitchens. “The cook in the White House gets paid more than the president. He’s actually the highest paid person in the whole White House,” Ellis said. After she completes her mandatory year as a cook, Ellis is free to explore other options in the Coast Guard. She hopes to become an officer and to fly helicopters. “The thing about the Coast Guard is that you can try different things. If you didn’t like it or aren’t good enough you can go and try something else,” Ellis said. Though she loves to cook, Ellis hasn’t had much experience in the kitchen. “What I usually do is help my mom cook. I don’t really come up with my own recipes or ideas on my own,” Ellis said. “My mom tells me what she’s cooking and how I can help. At culinary school, I’ll learn how things work, how to use a knife correctly and how to work on my own.” As a military cook, Ellis will most likely spend her time cooking mass quantities for a mess hall on the ship. Though she says she isn’t ready for the real world yet, Ellis plans to use her degree when she retires from the Coast Guard in her early forties. “I wanted to be a wedding planner or a party planner, but the military sounds better,” Ellis said. “Party planners and wedding planners are always in demand. Someone will always have an event. I just don’t want to do that right now. [I’ll] get my degree [and] use it later when I need it.”

Games of the Week

With the basketball season in the rearview mirror and preparations for next season taking center stage, the muchlauded skills of incoming freshman Patrick Holloway promise to keep the Patriots’ future bright. Holloway, who committed to Mason in August 2011, was recently honored by The Washington Post as All-Met Player of the Year in addition to being named to the All-Met first team, which recognizes the best players in the D.C. metropolitan area. “Being named first team All-Met really means a lot,” Holloway said. “Seeing all the players in the past years being awarded with such a high honor made me want to try to achieve the award.” Holloway, who comes from Paul VI Catholic High School, competed in the WCAC division throughout his high school career. This division is one of the most competitive in the country, featuring powerhouse schools such as Bishop O’Connell, DeMatha and Gonzaga. However, the high level of play did not stop Holloway and his teammates from finishing the season with a perfect regular season record, the WCAC League Championship, Virginia State Title and the Abe Pollin City Championship. “I think playing in the WCAC has definitely helped me to be prepared for the college level,” Holloway said. “The WCAC is known for having some of the best talent and is considered the best high school conference in the country. I think it has well prepared me for the next level.” In addition to earning multiple awards and leading his team to numerous championships, Holloway has also made headlines with a number of dramatic game-winning shots throughout the year. The future Mason guard hit not one but two buzzer-beating shots to edge out conference rival DeMatha in two dramatic upsets. “Hitting the game-winners this year was something that I was put in a position to do, and it made me feel comfortable having the ball in my hands at the end of the game,” Holloway said. “I am not sure if I play better in normal situations or under pressure, but I love playing no matter what time it is in the game.” Holloway averaged 13.2 points per game in his senior year, knocking down a total of 77 three-pointers and grabbing 66

rebounds. His steady performance throughout the year put Holloway on the map, earning him ESPN’s 21st overall ranking in the state. Holloway’s coaches are confident that his skills will easily transfer from the high school setting to the college level. “Patrick will be able to step in and score at any level of Division I right from day one,” said Paul VI Assistant Head Coach Anthony Macri. “He is a great shooter, able to shoot from a standing position and off of movement. He is also dynamic in transition and can be a guy you can go to at the three-point line consistently.” The Patriots, who lacked a three-point threat last season, will welcome Holloway’s shooting from beyond the arc with open arms. But next season’s lineup is already guard-heavy, leaving many wondering where and how Holloway will fit in to the system. “The guards are all very good at George Mason,” Holloway said. “Just like everyone else, I have the opportunity to earn playing time by working hard and giving the team everything I have to offer. My main plan is to just work on every part of the game so I can become better in all areas.” Earning playing time is a priority for any player, but adapting to a program’s particular style of play is a must in order to stay relevant in the program. Mason has implemented an upand-down style over the past few seasons, mixing in fast breaks with constant half-court pressure. It can be a challenge for players to shake their previous playing styles, but Holloway feels confident that he is ready to adapt to any style of play. “The style we had at PVI was a very high-tempo style of play,” Holloway said. “It was very fun, but I have played for different programs through the years, so I do not think it will be a problem adjusting to a different style of play.” Holloway isn’t the only one who thinks he will find his place in the Mason basketball program. “I think Patrick has adapted his game to being a secondary scorer in a way,” Macri said. “Over the past two years, he was the number one scorer and had plays run for him. This year, however, we were much more balanced, and it helped him make adjustments mentally, and it meant something for his skills, too. He has also committed to improving his defensive ability, especially on the ball.”

Support Your Favorite Mason Teams at Home

Tuesday

Friday

Saturday

Baseball vs. Richmond, 3 p.m.

Softball vs. Georgia State, 12 p.m. Baseball vs. Delaware, 3 p.m. Softball vs. Georgia State, 12 p.m. Track/Field vs. CAA outdoor championships, 9 a.m.

Softball vs. Georgia State, 12 p.m. Baseball vs. Delaware, 2 p.m.

Wednesday Baseball vs. Maryland, 3 p.m.

Sunday Baseball vs. Delaware, 1 p.m.

| 11

Sports

NBA Playoffs Turning Point

Weekly Rundown

Legacies at Stake in Crucial Postseason Games

Colleen Wilson Sports Editor Baseball In a weekend CAA series against James Madison University, the Patriots won their ﬁrst game and lost the second. On Friday, the men prevailed 3– 2 over JMU after four errors by the Dukes. Saturday’s 5–2 loss left the team 29–17 for the season. The team continues their CAA conference bid on Friday at home against Delaware.

Volleyball Men’s volleyball fell 3–1 to top seed Penn State on Saturday. The team ends their season 13–17 and will send junior outside hitter Michael Kvidahl and redshirt junior middle blocker Andrew Dentler to the All-Championship team.

Softball

Photo Courtesy of: Keith Allen/Flickr

In a doubleheader against Drexel on Saturday, the team won their ﬁrst game 5–3 and lost the second 4–3. Softball will play in the CAA conference championships May 9-11.

Golf

Despite being considered one of the best players in the NBA, Lebron James has yet to win a championship ring. If you had asked me in December what this NBA season might mean for the history of the game, I would have responded with nothing more than a chuckle and a shake of the head. The 161-day NBA Columnist lockout extended the horrible summer of sports work stoppages, which also featured a dispute between NFL players and owners, into the winter. The whole thing left me wondering why I bother with basketball in the first place. When the lockout finally ended, the season looked like it had been organized by a high school student who had forgotten to do his homework and was rushing to get it done on the bus that morning. The preseason was eliminated. The schedule was a short and dangerously cramped 66 games long. And from the beginning, it looked like the players, coaches and owners were trying to sweep this season under the rug and move on to the next year as quickly as possible. Yet, at the end of a season that seemed like people would just want to forget, a postseason has arrived that can be only one thing: unforgettable. The irony is palpable. All signs from the regular season pointed to an NBA playoff fairy tale that will impact the history of the game as much if not more than any previous in the sport. Dramatic storylines, individual prophecies and tales of conquest have this year’s NBA playoffs shaped to look like a cross between “Hoosiers,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Seabiscuit.” It’s as if a Hollywood studio has been producing the season all along, and suddenly the climax is upon us. Where to begin? Kobe Bryant The name alone is known around the world, synonymous with basketball immortality. His résumé speaks for itself: scoring titles, league MVP, two NBA Finals MVPs, and five rings. Already one of a small handful of players to rival the illustrious career of Michael Jordan, Bryant has the opportunity to do something truly unique: win a sixth championship to match Jordan’s number and legitimize his case for being hailed as the greatest player of all time. LeBron James Year in and year out, this conversation is always the same. James is by far the most gifted and talented athlete the NBA has ever seen, and quite possibly the best player in the league’s history. But year in and year out, the debate comes to a dead end with two simple words: no ring. What occurred last season when he joined two of the league’s superstars, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, in Miami and still failed to win the NBA Championship can be filed under the “Epic Failure” category in the NBA archives. In this season’s playoffs, the stage is set for probably the easiest shot the Heat will ever have at a championship. The Eastern Conference The Eastern Conference is a disaster. The reigning MVP, Derrick Rose, tore his ACL in the first game of the playoffs, hamstringing the top-seeded Chicago Bulls. Superstar center Dwight Howard of Orlando had season-ending back surgery, utterly destroying any hope the Magic had of stopping James and comColin Gibson

pany in Miami. The Western Conference Out in the West, a menagerie of basketball powerhouses such as Oklahoma City, Los Angeles (both if you ask me), San Antonio, and not to mention the reigning champion Dallas Mavericks will all stand in one another’s way of representing the West in the NBA Finals. Each series in the Western Conference is set to be nitty-gritty and physical, leaving the Heat to potentially play a team battered and broken by the time they finish the Western Conference gauntlet. As the No. 2 seed in the East again this year, if the Heat do anything less than take home championship gold, their season will be filed under the “You Cannot Be Serious” folder of NBA history. A second season-long failure for LeBron would nearly remove him from any “greatest ever” conversation and truly overshadow any championship he may win in the future. Kevin Durant Unfortunately for Durant, a LeBron James-type future looms for him as well if he doesn’t eventually win a championship. Fortunately for Durant, he is just 23 years old and is in only his fifth NBA season. In this short span, Durant has proved to be a star and launched himself into the upper echelon of NBA talent. After winning three consecutive scoring titles, Durant is currently in the 2012 MVP debate and the leader of the second-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. At this young age and with this much talent, there is no reason why Durant shouldn’t earn at least one NBA championship ring in his career. Remind you of anyone? Despite their depth and talent level over the past couple years, Durant’s Thunder have never gotten past the second round of the playoffs. Turmoil and personal issues between Durant and teammate Russell Westbrook have at times divided the team, igniting arguments and drama in the locker room. Despite the team’s youth and seemingly bright future, this season’s playoffs are as critical as anyone’s for Durant and his personal legacy. Consistent individual successes and team failures could place Durant in the same place as James and hurt his campaign for greatness. Success in the regular season followed by playoff flops often cause change in management and coaching, which could also severely damage Durant’s future. And with the looming threat of personal friction between Durant and Westbrook hampering team success, not advancing in the playoffs could be grounds to separate the two, dimming the light on Durant’s career. Yes, Durant is young. He has no need to panic about cementing his legacy just yet. But this year is the most opportune time to win a championship and to claim a seat atop the NBA. With a multitude of worthy competitors and so much at stake, it’s almost unfair that only one story will have the happy ending it deserves. But that’s the beauty of sports, and that’s the beauty of reality. Will Bryant rise above Jordan’s legacy? Will James shake his history of failure and put an end to the criticism? Will Durant begin a personal dynasty with infinite possibilities? Only time will tell how this tale ends because, unlike a Hollywood production, this script is still unwritten.

The golf team traveled to Wilmington, Del., to play in the CAA Championship conference games. Eleven schools competed in the tournament, which was played on a 54–hole course. The team ﬁnished Friday in sixth place, just one stroke behind Old Dominion University. After earning the third-best team score of 292 on Saturday, the Patriots moved up to fourth place.

Track/Field Four Mason track and ﬁeld athletes competed at the Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania on Thursday and Friday. Junior Mandissa Marshall posted a height of 4.10 m in the championship pole vault, falling short of her season high 4.30 m mark. Freshman Kelsey Reese qualiﬁed for ECAC with her 43.10 m javelin throw,

which also was shy of her season high score. Senior Lavell Handy placed eighth in the championship long jump ﬂight with a distance of 7.43 m. Dwight Webley improved his IC4A qualifying mark to 7.26 m in the college ﬂight for the long jump. The Patriots will host the CAA Track and Field Championships at George Mason Stadium on Friday and Saturday.

Lacrosse Lacrosse league head coaches voted Patriot seniors Emily Ellisen and Kiersten Jauschnegg to the All-Star CAA second team on Thursday before the CAA championships. In their last game of the season, the team lost 13–8 to Delaware, despite Ellisen’s four goals.

Men’s Tennis The men’s tennis team lost in the quarterﬁnals of the CAA to second seed George State. A committee of the league’s head coaches selected junior Jordan Dyke to play on the All-CAA third team.

Women’s Tennis Women’s tennis fell to James Madison University in the ﬁrst round of the CAA championships. The sixth seed Dukes beat the Patriots 4–0. Senior Brooke Blackwell ﬁnished her career with 66 singles victories, making her one of the most consistent players in the program’s history. The team ended their season 13–12 overall.

Rowing The Patriots hosted the CAA tournament for the third year in a row at Sandy Run Regional Park. The team placed seventh overall. The varsity 4 boat placed sixth in their ﬁrst race despite their strong start. The second varsity 8 battled Old Dominion for sixth place but were edged out, placing seventh with a time of 7:31.2. The Patriots will row again at the DadVail Regatta from May 11-12.

Now Hiring Broadside is looking to fill out its staff for next school year. Interested? Stop by the Office of Student Media on the first floor of The Hub (SUB II) for more information. Among the positions needed are editors, writers, photographers and a designer. There is no better place to get your start in the world of media and journalism than the official student newspaper of George Mason University.

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12 | Monday, April 30, 2012

Broadside

Sports

This Semester in Sports Top right: The George Mason Rugby Club prepared for the non-competitive spring season. Bottom right: Paris Bennett holds up his jersey after the Valentine’s Day game win against VCU. Sherrod Wright won the game with a 3point buzzer beater. Bottom left: Mason club ice hockey beat their biggest rival Northern Virginia Community College. The team ended their season after advancing to the Blue Ridge Hockey Conference for the ﬁrst time in years. Center left: The intramural dodgeball tournament held by Mason recreation inspired a team league that will begin in the fall. Top left: Women’s lacrosse ended their season by sending two seniors to the CAA second team. Photos by: Stephen Kline