Page 2
Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2011
News
Diverse students add to campus culture Lydia Moon Staff Writer
ljm5207@psu.edu
If you have been in the Brodhead Bistro lately, freshman Verushka Soto may have served you at the Starbucks kiosk. She is hard to miss with a smile always on her face and a flower in her hair. Almost as noticeable is her Spanish accent. Soto is one of a handful of new students Penn State Beaver has recruited from either foreign countries or the island of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. Soto, who is from Moca, Puerto Rico, said she found out about Penn State at a college fair she attended back home during her senior year. When she applied, she chose the Beaver campus because of its small size. “I come from a small town so I’m pretty much used to it,” Soto said. Admissions Counselor Becky DeSalvo said she spent two weeks last August in Puerto Rico visiting 32 schools across the island. It’s possible that she was, in fact, the Penn State representative to visit Soto’s high school. In addition to Puerto Rico, DeSalvo has also visited the Caribbean nations of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to recruit for Penn State. Despite those trips, none of the four new international freshmen who enrolled at Beaver campus this fall come from the Caribbean. They hail from across the globe, and when asked why they would choose to attend a small campus like Beaver, their answers are strikingly similar. It’s the Penn State name. Freshman Mahmoud Helal, from Cairo, Egypt, said he was first attracted to Penn State because of its reputation as “one of the best.” But it was the small campus size that attracted him to Beaver. The small campus meant “less students in class and a better environment to learn in,” said Helal. Freshman Carlo Piceno of Mexico City had a similar reason for choosing Penn State. “Penn State
Courtesy of Cathy Benscoter
Verushka Soto (left) and Ileana Muhlach, both new students from Puerto Rico, enjoy the New Student Day program. is a very well recognized University in Mexico and Latin America,” said Piceno. He came to Beaver to help improve his English skills before going to University Park. Penn State’s engineering programs are what attracted freshman Kaan Doruk from Istanbul, Turkey. But Doruk said that the process for international students was difficult. “The visa and application papers were a pain in the ass.” Freshman Puran Wang from Shenzhen, China is the fourth international student to enroll at Beaver this fall. Wang, Piceno and Helal are also members of the varsity soccer team. “It is great having the guys on the team,” said Dan Grant, coach of both the men’s and women’s soccer teams. “It adds another dynamic, which is excellent.” Dan Pinchot, director of enroll-
ment, said the point to international recruiting is not to simply boost enrollment numbers, but rather, it’s to enhance the cultural diversity on campus. Sophomore Darlene Coulanges, chair of the Student Government Association’s Cultural Diversity Committee, agrees that diversity is needed. “Diversity is crucial because it allows people to have a well rounded perspective of their surroundings.” Coulanges said the Cultural Diversity Committee is working with the Bistro on a Cultural Fiesta week planned for this fall to celebrate the increase in diversity on campus. “Every day in the Bistro, we are going to have a certain type of international food representing the different types of cultures and celebrating diversity on campus,” said
Coulanges. Pinchot applauded the SGA committee for its Cultural Fiesta plans, saying that’s the point of enrolling diverse students. And while students from Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, their cultural heritage is so diverse that they add as much diversity to the campus as international students do. For one Puerto Rican student, coming to Penn State Beaver was not the beginning of her college career. Instead, junior Ileana Muhlach of Guaynabo transferred to Penn State from the University of Puerto Rico to study psychology, with the hopes of moving on to law school one day. Muhlach had always wanted to attend college in the U.S. and after a death in her family, she decided it was “time for a change.” Another Puerto Rican student,
freshman Emanuel Martinez of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico is adjusting well to living in the U.S. “I’m having so much fun,” said Martinez. Martinez chose Penn State for a well known business degree. He said the Smeal College of Business has a great reputation. Freshman Julio Pino is also originally from Puerto Rico. He then lived in the U.S. for 14 years before moving back to Puerto Rico for the past 4 years. Now that he is back in the U.S., Pino says he is “just happy to be in the U.S. again.” He chose Penn State because he was always a fan of the football team and knew he would be able to earn a degree from a well known school. Whether from a small town in Puerto Rico or the capital of Egypt, these students want a quality education with the Penn State name.
October 2011
Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 3
News Police Beat
Student charged with assault in Harmony Hall incident
Penn State Beaver Police charged sophomore Michael Mollett of Pittsburgh with indecent assault and defiant trespass Sept. 26. According police, Mollett assaulted a female student in her Harmony Hall room Sept. 19. Mollett had been a member of the men’s basketball team but is no longer listed on the roster on the athletic web site. Coach Marcess Williams was out of town and Athletic Director Andy Kirschner said he could not comment.
Student charged with possession University Police charged s o p h o mo r e M i a S m i t h w ith possession of marijuana on Sept.
19. Police found Smith by the Baker-Dungan Museum behind Harmony Hall with marijuana.
bags of weed found In a week’s time, police found two separate bags of suspected marijuana. Police found the first Sept. 3 in the Food Services Building. The second bag was discovered Sept. 8 when police found an unattended backpack in the Harmony Hall lobby. While the officer was searching the bag for information on its owner, he found the bag of suspected marijuana. Police did not name the owner of the backpack and no charges have been filed in either incident.
Dont Trash Our Future....
RECYCLE! GO GREEN!!!
News
Blue and White goes green on campus N.L. Paoletti Staff Writer
nlp5099@psu.edu
Environmentally conscience students now have greener options on campus, thanks to a new recycling contract with the Abitibi recycling company. According to Luke Taiclet, director of business and finance for the Beaver campus, the campus contracted with Abitibi to provide a paper recycling dumpster open to the public, as well as one for items such as aluminum, glass and plastic that is for campus use only. The paper recycling dumpster is located near the gym and accepts all types of paper products such as newspapers, magazines, writing paper and other similar items. Phonebooks and cardboard are not included. There is at least one recycling bin in each campus building that students, faculty and staff can use to put bottles and cans into. The contents of these bins are collected and put into the campus-only dumpster for recycling.
“The paper recycling part of the program will help generate funds that will help pay for newer recycling bins for the campus,” Taiclet said, who said he hopes to get new bins into the buildings as soon as possible. Taiclet said that that the recycling program is a “use-it-or-loseit” proposition: If people don’t recycle, then the campus will lose the contract and the fund-raising opportunity that the paper dumpster provides. Matt Grunstra, assistant professor of environmental science, said that this was a big step toward sustainability, but that the next key step is making students, staff and faculty aware of the changes. Grunstra said the Green Team will be promoting these new recycling opportunities around campus through e-mail, the digital signs, stall stories and word-of-mouth. Many students are not aware of the ongoing involvement in recycling, such as the location of the paper dumpster. This is why the Green Team
committee was formed, to come up with ideas to help make the Beaver campus more environmentally friendly. One idea was to start an environmental club, the Greener Beaver club. Wendi Barnett, a sophomore and member of the Green Team, said that there seems to be no movement with a student club. “There needs to be some initiative and a big interest in starting up an environmental club,” said Barnett, who is a page designer for The Roar. Barnett said that as much as she would like to lead the club, she has too many other projects at the moment and hopes that another student comes forward and takes the lead, causing other students to show interest. Many students have said that they are aware of the recycling program and have even been encouraging other students to recycle instead of throwing bottles and cans in the trash.
.
THE ROAR / Wendi Barnett
Jacob Szemanski puts a bottle in the Bistro’s recycling bin after lunch.
Penn State Beaver welcomes new faculty and staff members Jennifer Fannin
Valley School District. Kugel said she also wants to educate students in health and believes in the quote from Mark Twain, which reads, “Health is at the heart of education.”
Staff Writer
jmf471@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver has hired two new instructors and three staff members this fall. LaVarr McBride accepted a position in the Administration of Justice program teaching at Penn State Beaver, New Kensington and Shenango. He is also the program coordinator and internship supervisor for the AOJ program. McBride came from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah where he was an assistant professor and program director of criminal justice. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Weber and a master’s degree in sociology from Utah State University. Neha Pandit is a new psychology instructor teaching courses and
LaVarr McBride
Neha Pandit
providing internship supervision. Like McBride, Pandit is also a regional instructor, working at Beaver, Greater Allegheny and New Kensington campuses. Pandit came from Georgian Court University where she was an assistant professor and counselor. She was also a course leader in psychology at London Metropolitan University. Pandit has a doctorate in counseling psychology from Temple University, a master’s
Jill Tress
degree in community counseling and a bachelor’s degree in sociology/criminal justice from George Washington University. Along with the new faculty, Jill Tress joined the campus as coordinator of the Center for Academic Achievement and disabilities contact liaison. Tress came from Carlow University where she was a learning skills and writing specialist. She worked in the Center for Academic
Barb Kugel
Parker Goolsby
Achievement at Carlow University for 12 years. “I want this place to feel homey and welcoming to students,” she said. Right next to the learning center in the Ross Administration Building is the health center where Barb Kugel is the new nurse. Kugel said she wants to work with Penn State Beaver students like she did with students from her old job as a school nurse at Seneca
Also newly hired is Parker Goolsby as a new resident coordinator in Harmony Hall. Goolsby was a resident director at George Mason University and is in his ninth year living in a residence hall. Goolsby said he enjoys working with students. “I really enjoy seeing the students succeed outside the classroom and to watch them grow.” Goolsby said he see lots of excitement and school spirit at Penn State Beaver.
October 2011
Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 5
News
Facebook group helps freshmen connect over summer Tim Hardie
Senior Staff Writer
thh112@psu.edu
The transition from a high school senior to a college freshman brings with it many uncertainties. Whether it’s what courses to take or what supplies are needed for that first day of class, the questions add up, leaving freshmen apprehensive about the whole thing. For students nervously anticipating the start of classes, not having friends on campus certainly does not help. Thankfully, this year Penn State has a way to skip much of this new student awkwardness. ”The Penn State Beaver Class of 2015” Facebook group is tearing these barriers down and building connections among students, even before classes begin. The group has been helping freshmen befriend peers in the dorms even before they moved in.
A Facebook post by freshman Rachel Hido received many responses from fellow students.
“When I got here, I already had a strong friendship with my roommate, even though we had never met,” said freshman Verushka Soto of Moca, Puerto Rico. “People just saw me and said, ‘Hey, Verushka!’” Freshman Tory Ley used the group to meet up with fellow students to see the movie, “The Kite
Runner.” “Since I commute,” she said, “it can be kind of hard to hang out on campus.” Ley added, “I’ve met a lot of people through chatting in the group who are my friends now.” “It’s a place for all the freshmen to get to know each other,” said senior Shelby Parks, one of the
peer leaders on campus. “The group gives freshmen a head start at getting to know people they have class with even before going to class,” added junior Ryan Hudacsek, another peer leader. Robin Schreck, coordinator of Residence Life, and upperclassmen peer leaders like Parks and Hudacsek monitor and help the group.
“It’s a one-stop place to ask questions,” said Schreck, noting that questions are often answered by fellow freshmen. These questions have ranged from requests for input on book ideas to directions on how to get to the YMCA from campus. “If we don’t know the answers, we direct them to people that do,” said Schreck. Students in the freshman class interested in joining the group can visit the page and request to join. Schreck or one of the other few administers will then accept the request, assuming the student is a Penn State Beaver freshman. “We want to keep it more of a ‘class of 2015’ group,” Schreck said. “Students you see talking online you later see hanging out on campus,” said Hudacsek. Thus far, the group has been a success.
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Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2011
Viewpoint LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Roar is published several times each semester. Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: roar-editor@ psu.edu by the 20th day of each month. Please include your full name, address, email address and cell phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published.
Managing Editor Brandon Perino bjp5053@psu.edu
PHOTO EditorS Amy Green
aig5089@psu.edu
Bridget McCullough blm5274@psu.edu
Business Manager Patrick Vaughan plv5009@psu.edu
NEWS Editor Donald Ware
dww5080@psu.edu
EDITORIAL Editor Julie Leeper
jal5624@psu.edu
Copy Editor Gary Miller
gwm5061@psu.edu
Page Designers Wendi Barnett
wkb5019@psu.edu
Josie Sziminski
jks5279@psu.edu
Dan Trzcianka
dvt5050@psu.edu
Corey Wright
cjw5372@psu.edu
Advisers Terrie Baumgardner
THE ROAR ILLUSTRATION/JULIE LEEPER
There’s no excuse to not recycle Penn State Beaver has the potential to become a mean, green recycling machine—if we all pitch-in. With the recent push to become more sustainable, a revised contract with the campus’ waste removal company, Abitibi, and the addition of wastereducing innovations, such as hydration stations, we are moving our beloved Blue and White in a greener direction. This move is undoubtedly laudable and long overdue. However, the current lack of awareness is undermining the entire sustainability effort and the campus’ investment. Fortunately, the Green Team is working on promoting the use of the new
recycling receptacles and an overall understanding of the positive impact recycling can have on our campus. While the committee of faculty, staff and students may be in place to encourage a greener Penn State Beaver, active student participation in recycling and reducing the campus’ waste stream is the key to successfully initiating longterm sustainability. In other words, students need to do their part. Recycling receptacles are starting to pop up across campus next to traditional trash bins. Hydration stations have been installed in many buildings already and
more will be added within the year. Reusable plates and utensils are now in the Bistro. A vibrant green paper retriever dumpster is set up in the parking lot below the gym and bins are next to most printers in the Laboratory Classroom Building. All of these items do nothing more than take up space unless we start putting them to good use. So next time you go to toss that water bottle, fill it up at the hydration station or retire it in one of the recycling bins. Penn State Beaver has a greener future if we all do our part to waste less and recycle more.
tbm2@psu.edu
Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu
Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu
Facebook improves freshman transition
Using the Facebook group “Penn State Beaver Class of 2015,” this year’s freshman class began networking before the semester even started. Communicating via the wildly popular social networking site facilitated introductions and built a sense of community before in-person meetings were even possible. Certainly, a Facebook page can’t
replace face-to-face interactions. But there is plenty of opportunity for that during the academic year. The group’s page serves as an open forum for questions, comments or concerns. The combination of posts, polls and pictures has helped alleviate some of the dreaded “new-kid-on-the-block” anxiety most freshmen feel.
Of course, common sense should come into play. Serious or personal concerns should be directed to knowledgeable faculty or staff rather than posted for the world to see. While the class of 2015 may have started off as strangers, it has put Facebook to good use and transformed cyberspace relationships into real-world friendships.
FREE ADS FOR CLUBS Because The Roar receives funding from the Student Activity Fee, free advertising space is offered to any university-recognized organization or club to promote upcoming events. The space is limited to one advertisement, one-eighth of a page in size, per organization or club per month. To reserve space, email The Roar business manager at: roarbusiness@psu. edu by the 20th of each month.
October 2011
Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 7
Features
New under-21 nightclub hits Beaver County Monica M. Pitcher Staff Writer
mmp5317@psu.edu
THE ROAR/Wendi Barnett
Students walk past the big black block outside the Student Union Building.
Mysterious block outside SUB has new purpose Andrew DiPietrantonio Senior Staff Writer
ahd5039@psu.edu
Ever wonder what that big black block is in the middle of campus? It sits on a stand in front of the Student Union Building. The block first appeared late last semester with a question on it: “Is there a parking problem on campus?” The real question may be, who put this block up and why is it here? “I really don’t even know what that block is for,” said sophomore Zack Delturco. “And I don’t think a lot of other people do either,” Delturco added. The block has been linked to Joann Chirico, senior instructor in sociology, and her Civics and Community Engagement class. It was a service-learning project for three engineering majors, sophomores Zach Prawucki, Garret Covalt and Andrew Patterson.
The block was an honor’s option for Prawucki and a community service project for the other two. The design for this block was solely Prawucki’s, but Covalt and Patterson helped build and erect it. What is the purpose of the block? To bring awareness to a social issue. “We thought we would start with a campus issue first and then possibly move to a more global issue,” Prawucki said. The idea worked last semester. A yes-or-no question on whether students thought there was a parking problem on campus was posed near the block. Students responded by writing their answers on the block. However, since the three no longer take the class, the block hasn’t had a question in more than two months. But thanks to adult student Scott O’Hara, a senior, and WBVR, the mysterious block may have a new purpose.
O’Hara will be posting questions on the block, now renamed the Reach-Out Block, as part of his service-learning project for Introduction to Criminal Justice. The answers will be broadcast on WBVR. “(Instead of volunteering at an agency,) I thought this would be unique and challenging, especially since this is a new program,” O’Hara said. “I am looking forward to teaming up with WBVR,” he added. “It will provide another avenue for sharing information rather than just relying on the block in the court yard.” Any written responses to the question can be turned into the mini “Reach-Out Box” that is soon to be constructed outside the WBVR studio located in the lowerlevel of the Student Union Building, next to the game room. WBVR broadcasts online at www.ustream.tv/channel/wbvr-live.
Penn State Beaver students who aren’t old enough to hit the bars now have a new local under21 entertainment option to fill their nights. Hypnotic laser shows, loud throbbing club mixes and headlining performances cloud Rochester’s very own The Blue Violet Café as it host’s Beaver County’s new under- 21 nightclub, The ReBirth. Dennis DeLauter, creator of The ReBirth, said he wanted to give young people a close-tohome, safe and fun place to go on the weekends without making the longer trip to some of the other under-age clubs in Pittsburgh. ReBirth is a about bringing local communities together, DeLauter said on his Facebook page. And that’s just what this nightclub does. “Denny is trying to help out his community and make a difference and give the young people a place to hang out and stay safe,” said John Dinsmore, equipment and security staff member for The ReBirth. The club atmosphere starts at the door where the obnoxious rhythmic beats of mixes featured in today’s clubs can be heard. Once inside, the dance floor is pitch black with nothing but smoke and mesmerizing laser beams that dance all over the room and serve as your guiding light. On the other side of the dance floor, there is a colorful café that provides food, drinks and a great supply of comfortable furniture. The club does not have a set weekly schedule yet, but another ReBirth event is said to take place
“
I enjoyed it. Good music, nice quality people and I can see the club’s popularity continue to grow among us young people.” Nathan Bergandy Freshman
closer to Halloween. Postings of the date and time for the club are featured on its Facebook page, “Beaver County’s First Under 21 Club The ReBirth.” Each night there is a headlining performance that The ReBirth hosts. Past performances include Dj Que and Dj Skyline whom have both performed in Pittsburgh clubs, rapper Young Roach, Choze, Vinnie Vocals and Swoozy, just to name a few. “I enjoyed it,” said freshman Nathan Bergandy. “Good music, nice quality people and I can see the club’s popularity continue to grow among us young people,” Bergandy said. The ReBirth is located less than three miles from Penn State Beaver on Brighton Avenue in Rochester. Despite the close proximity, freshman Mary Carew said it might be a problem for some resident students to go there. “I think we would be interested in attending the club because … it gets us off campus because there is nothing to do here on the weekends,” Carew said. “The only thing is, most of us didn’t bring our cars, Carew added. “So if transportation was provided as well, then heck yes!”
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Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2011
Features
Speaker uses South Park to teach diversity Bob Tirak Staff Writer
rpt124@psu.edu
In Matt Glowacki’s opinion, TV shows like “South Park” and “Family Guy” help teach people about diversity. Glowacki spoke to a packed noontime auditorium at Penn State Beaver Sept. 14 in an attempt to get people to think about how television shapes beliefs when it comes to diversity. Glowacki, who was born without legs, began his lecture humorously, grabbing the attention of the students by answering the question no one wants to asks. “Yes, I was born with no legs, and yes, I have a penis,” Glowacki said. In addition to being a motivational speaker and consultant, Glowacki is a business owner and athlete, having competed in the Paralympic games. And while most people may focus on his wheelchair, Glowacki said he doesn’t let that limit him. In fact, his wife even forgets that he has no legs. It’s his perspective on life that makes Glowacki uniquely qualified
Courtesy of Cathy Benscoter
Sophomore Jessica Davis talks with Matt Glowacki after his presentation in the auditorium. to talk about issues related to diversity. He showed how some edgy TV shows, ironically, can teach positive lessons about diversity.
The first clip he played came from “Family Guy,” where the main character, Peter, has become obsessed with himself and goes through dif-
ferent surgeries to become the perfect man; however, his family disliked the changes and eventually Peter was returned to his original self.
Glowacki used this episode to introduce “lookism,” the discrimination against the physical appearance of a person. As an example, he pointed out how companies create advertisements with unrealistic people – ultra skinny, muscular, beautiful, etc. – who are graphically altered to resemble the “perfect” person. Using a clip from “South Park,” Glowacki also introduced the theme of racism. It was a “South Park” clip where the character Randy is on the game show “The Wheel of Fortune.” The final category is People who Annoy You, and after the final letters are chosen, the clue is, “N_GGERS.” Randy, after hesitating, shouts out the N word instead of “naggers,” the correct answer. Throughout the lecture, Glowacki stressed the fact that racist words and physical appearances are more in our minds than in the mind of the diverse person. Glowacki encouraged students to think about what they say before they speak and to also work toward living a diverse life.
Alive! Mental Health Fair teaches suicide prevention Caitlin Soltis Staff Writer
cas6101@psu.edu
Have you ever saved a life? If you’ve ever helped a friend in crisis, you may have. Now, a new program coming to Penn State Beaver Oct. 11 will help students be better prepared to help others deal with the issues they are facing. Alive! Mental Health Fair is designed to increase awareness of teen suicide and teach people how to notice the signs of and ways to prevent it. The fair will be located in the Student Union Building lobby and auditorium from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the first year that the mental health fair is being offered on campus.
Robin Schreck, the student activities coordinator, said an event like this is a must have. “We are trying to help students out of a situation that they may feel there is no other way out. If we can do that, then we have done our job,” Schreck said. Experts at the American College Health Association say that 1,888 suicides occur at colleges every year. According to the ACHA, the suicide rate among young adults ages 15 to 24 has tripled since the 1950s. Suicide is currently the second most common cause of death among college students. Larissa Ciuca, student personal and career counselor, said that only alcohol causes more deaths among college students than suicide.
Junior Marissa Halstead says the fair is needed. “It’s a great event to have on campus because students can learn how to help prevent suicide and, in the end, that might help them to save a life,” she said. “The statistics of suicides that occur on college campuses is shocking,” said Halstead. “This fair could really help students, who either deal with mental health issues themselves or students who support a student with these issues, to be better prepared or how to cope. The fair could really help make a difference in the number of college students that commit suicide.” Schreck said it’s important to bring the Alive! Mental Health Fair to campus because of the issues students are dealing with. “We find more and more stu-
dents with mental health crises,” Schreck said. “Students have many things to deal with that they may not have obtained the correct coping skills.” Some of those issues include the stress of classes, homework and jobs, bullying, relationship issues, financial or health concerns and more, she said. “Students need to have an outlet and learn correct strategies for coping with life’s issues,” Schreck said. Cuica said the mental health fair is for all students, faculty and staff, including those who may be suffering with mental health issues as well as those who support others. The fair will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Art Therapy, a graffiti art session where you can draw or paint anything you want.
“A Reason to Live,” an insightful documentary about young adults battling suicidal tendencies and how crisis interventionists helped save them, will be shown in the auditorium directly after Art Therapy. A National Hopeline Network presentation will follow the showing of “A Reason to Live.” The presentation will focus on how the network was started by H. Reese Butler II, the founder of 1-800-SUICIDE. Q.P.R., the final session of the day, will train participants to learn the early signs of suicide and prevention. An exhibit called Post-Secret, in which participants write down secrets to be anonymously posted, will be on display throughout the day.
October 2011
Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 9
Features
“Straw Dogs” can’t run with the big dogs Allison Reed
Straw Dogs
Roar Movie Critic
arr5308@psu.edu
Reinventing Sam Peckenpah’s 1971 classic, Director Rob Lurie’s Straw Dogs starring James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgard and James Woods hit theaters with a vengeance…and left with a broken ego. The movie strives to deliver a message that’s unfortunately drowned out by bad storytelling as cultural stereotypes abound in this tale of southern hillbillies, a drunk, the village crazy and a couple who just wanted to renovate a house. David Sumner (Marsden), an Ivy League grad-turned Hollywood screenwriter, arrives with his “trophy wife” Amy (Bosworth) in her hometown of Blackwater, Miss. They run into Amy’s ex, Charlie (Skarsgard), and then enlist him and his buddies to fix the barn roof. The Sumners encounter the town drunk, Coach (Woods), who overreacts all the time and threatens to hurt anyone who gets in his way. David quickly declares his
Internship & Networking Fair WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26
11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. STUDENT UNION BUILDING LOWER LOBBY
You need an internship. They need interns. What could be better? Meet potential employers. Find out what internships they have available. And do a little networking for the future.
Larissa Ciuca
n 1.5 out of 5 stars n Starring: James Marsden, Kate Bosworth and Alexander Skarsgard n Director: Rod Lurie n Rating: R
desire to remain uninvolved in the towns’ problems. Little do they know that those good ol’ southern boys are about to wreak havoc on him and his wife. While the chemistry between Marsden and Bosworth as a newly married couple permeates the screen with believability, overall the characters deeply lack development. Bosworth depicts Amy as a strong-minded and strong willed woman, yet when faced with unsolicited violence is left more vulnerable than ever. Charlie goes from slightly creepy and adulterous ex-boyfriend to malicious psychopath in a matter of minutes.
Considered the most important yet seemingly most undeveloped character in the entire picture, David is completely underwhelming as his valiance in the end is lost in a shaky and unconvincing performance by Marsden. Anyone who’s seen the 1971 original starring Dustin Hoffman knows that Straw Dogs is often interpreted as an uncovering of the primal monster lurking inside even the most civilized man. However, David’s actions are obviously not based on courage or the proving of his manhood as shown by Marsden’s performance; the film’s intended examination of man’s faltering to evil is not entirely or appropriately addressed. While Lurie tries to successfully reinvent the story and its setting to better associate with modern times, Straw Dogs is lost in a pile of underdeveloped and inconsistent characters, leaving the audience thinking “really?” all the way to the door.
e c n e i r e Get exp B
O J A D FIN r e e t n u Vol
Career planning for life
The Penn State Beaver Office of Career Services serves Penn State students and alumni in any stage of career development. Whether you’re exploring major and career options, preparing for
CareerServicesBeaver@psu.edu
an internship, seeking job search support services, or considering graduate school, our Career Services Office is here to assist you. We’re all about your success in college and beyond.
beaver.psu.edu/careerservices
Need help?
Do you need help with preparing for a career fair, resume reviews, or interview techniques? Please stop by the Student Development Center, SUB 101 or call 724 773 3951 to make an appointment with Larissa Ciuca, Career Counselor.
724-773-3961
Page 10
Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2011
Features
Students beware: Don’t work too much Dan Trzcianka Senior Staff Writer
dtv5050@psu.edu
An expectation of faculty members is that the average student works 15 hours a week and studies two hours for every credit. Junior Kaitlynne Anzur, however, works up to 40 hours a week and manages to study two to three hours a day. “I’ll finish class at 5 p.m. and then head to my first job until closing, which is around 10 p.m.,” Anzur said. Anzur, who is studying biology now at the University Park campus, said that it isn’t unusual for her to work until 2 in the morning due to her second job. Even if she could lighten up the workload or take off hours, Anzur said she would still feel tired and would most likely sleep. Sophomore Chelsey Leheny, a neuroscience psychology major also now at University Park, spends roughly four and a half hours a day working. “I probably spend 40 hours a week on campus, since I’m taking 19 credits this semester.” For commuting students who find themselves working, a chunk of their paycheck goes towards necessities such as food and gas. Leheny, though, is paying for something much more valuable: her education. “With the money I am making, it’s going towards half of my tuition because my parents are paying for the other,” she said. Matthew Grunstra, assistant professor of environmental science, can sympathize with the working student, but only to a degree. “There are certain things their boss might ask them to do that they can’t get out of,” Grunstra said. “But the student should consider their role as a student as a job.” While students might think their professors don’t understand the time constraints,
THE ROAR/Wendi Barnett
Mary Carew answers the phone in the Center for Academic Achievement where she works.
Grunstra said he is well aware of how precious time is. “I was a full-time engineering student with 18 credits a semester,” he said. “And on top of that, I had swim practice. That took up a majority of my time.” Every student is encouraged to have a social life, but faculty members like Abhijit Dutt advise that it doesn’t get in the way of
their studies. Dutt, instructor of Information Sciences and Technology, tells his students that their main focus should be on their studies. “I try not to give too much work,” Dutt said, “but it’s important that the student focuses on the work to provide them with a better future.” Dutt said that if students focus on their
work and not their job, they should have a better job upon graduating college. “It is important to know that student loans can be forgiven through scholarships, the Peace Corps and many other ways,” he said. With things like work, school and family duties, it is occasionally difficult to make plans to have some fun. Chris Rizzo, director of Student Affairs, said that the main focus for students should be time management, which is a different outlook on focusing on a student’s studies. “There are 168 hours in a week,” Rizzo said, “and students have to consider how they use their time.” Rizzo said that if students focus more on their work or social life, time for studying would be significantly reduced. “Management of time is the main focus. If you have a job, do extra-curricular activities, go to class and have fun, that leaves little time to study,” he said. Junior Ryan Hudacsek, an administration of justice major, said that he finds himself to be fairly organized in time management. “I always have time for work, friends and baseball,” Hudacsek said. “I mean, occasionally I get that huge pile of homework dumped on me, but it all works out.” Hudacsek only works eight hours a day, which he credits to managing his time. “If I worked more, my grades would most likely suck,” he said. “If I work more, I’ll be working late, giving me, like, two hours to study.” Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services, limits his student workers to 20 hours a week. “We’re extremely flexible for the students’ academic and work schedWorking See Page 11
October 2011
Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 11
Features
Working can affect students’ grades Continued from Page 10
THE ROAR/Wendi Barnett
Sophomore Tysheena Murray (left) and junior Sara Stillwell serve dinner in the Brodhead Bistro. Housing and Food Services employs many students to work in the Bistro, especially in the evenings and on weekends.
ule,” Lindner said. Students employed in the Bistro will be scheduled around their courses. “We can’t ask for the students’ grades, but if they mention that they aren’t doing well in a class, we allow them time off.” Junior Lindsay Soltis, now at University Park, said she spent 24 hours a week on campus while at Beaver, compared to Leheny or Anzur, who spent close to 40 hours “I’m here for three days,” Soltis said, “and when I’m not, I’m at one of my two jobs.” Although Soltis works about 16 hours every week, she said that time off might only improve her
grades a little bit. “I have a family life, a personal life and a bunch of other things,” Soltis said. “Less time working would give me a lot more time for projects and homework.” Sophomore Kaela Martin, however, said that if she worked fewer hours, her grades would suffer. “When I’m not working or doing chores, I’m making the time to study,” Martin said. Martin said if her hours at work were reduced, her study time would be unaffected, using that free time to relax or finish chores. Editor’s Note: This article was written during the spring 2011 semester as the final project for Communications 260W.
Page 12
Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2011
Sports
Volleyball team strong in PSUAC
“
Reina Chedid
I am very impressed with all of our players this year. We have a fine group of incoming freshman, and our returning players have all improved.”
Staff Writer
rmc5314@psu.edu
Propelled by a recent win over Penn State New Kensington, the Penn State Beaver Lady Lions volleyball team has an overall record of 6-8 and a 5-3 record in the Penn State University Athletic Conference. In the victory over New Kensington, Beaver was off to a rocky start, but picked up a close win in the first set 25-22. Beaver dominated the second set as strong play from freshman Natalie Gamble and freshman Rachel Grubbs vaulted Beaver to a 25-9 victory. The third set mirrored the first, as the teams exchanged blows at the tune of 10 ties and 10 lead changes before sophomore Amanda Palombo earned a kill to give Beaver a 21-19 lead. After a New Kensington error, sophomore Gina Richman added a kill of her own. The team won a close match 25-21. In the win, Grubbs had eight kills and 16 assists, which led the team in both categories. Palombo and freshman Jenn Fannin each had a team-high eight digs, while Ward led Beaver in blocks with two. The Lady Lions began the season with a rocky start. It wasn’t until the fifth game against LaRoche College that the team garnered a win. Two more wins followed against conference opponents Penn
Dan Smith Coach
THE ROAR/Corey Wright
Amanda Palombo (left) and Jenn Fannin show sportsmanship at the game against Penn State Greater Allegheny on September 17.
State DuBois and Greater Allegheny. For Gamble’s help in leading the Lady Lions to their first victory of the season over LaRoche, she was
wbvr Penn State Beaver’s Online Radio Station!
Club meetings every Wednesday at noon!
named Player of the Week. “It felt really good to be recognized as the player of the week. I was shocked at first, but once it sunk in, I was really happy,” Gam-
ble said. Gamble said the team’s biggest opponent in the PSUAC is Penn State Fayette. The Lady Lions recorded their first conference loss
to Fayette Sept. 22 on the road without winning a single match. The two teams will face off again in the final game of the season Oct. 15. Dan Smith is in his sixth year as head coach and all of his teams have qualified for the PSUAC Playoffs in each of his campaigns. “I am very impressed with all of our players this year. We have a fine group of incoming freshmen, and our returning players have all improved,” Smith said. Smith said he motivates his players with this motto: “Play your game, run your offense. Harder, faster, smarter, better.” “This year seems like it’s going to be very successful, because everyone is working as a team. Even if we start losing, we don’t give up, and because of that, it usually ends in our favor,” sophomore Gina Richman said. Next for the Beaver are matchups against Penn State DuBois Oct. 1, LaRoche Oct. 3 and Penn State Greater Allegheny Oct. 5.
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October 2011
Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 13
Sports
Adult student excited about wrestling Tyler Warner Staff Writer
tzw5069@psu.edu
Matt Tabit
Matt Tabit may be in good physical shape, but he’s not the typical student one would think of as a college athlete. Tabit, a senior psychology major, is 33 years old – much older than any of the other nine members of the new Penn State Beaver varsity wrestling team. Is this just Tabit’s way of trying to relive fond high school memories? Probably not, since Tabit was not a high school wrestler. In fact, his first official turn on the mat won’t occur until Penn State Beaver’s first meet on Nov. 12 at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pa. “It’s been great,” Tabit said of his experience with his teammates.
“
I wanted to make the most of my college experience and be fully dedicated and involved while reaping the benefits ... we only have a limited amount of time on Earth. Once the time expires, it’s over”
Matt Tabit Senior
“The team has been very receptive and supportive.” Tabit said he’d always thought he’d like to wrestle, so when the new wrestling team was announced, it caught his attention. Despite Tabit’s optimism, he has had to make some life changes in order to balance wrestling with school. “I am really trying to get fit and change my diet while still meeting my academic and work demands,”
Tabit said. “When you are competing with younger, more experienced guys, that becomes a challenge.” Despite the challenges that Tabit faces, he has no regrets. “I wanted to make the most of my college experience and be fully dedicated and involved while reaping the benefits,” Tabit said. “We only have a limited amount of time on earth. Once the time expires, it’s over.”
For a first-year team, Tabit’s fellow teammates are a pretty diverse mix of athletes. The team roster includes three freshmen, three sophomores, a junior and two seniors. Coach Jeff Winkle said that so far he is very pleased with the turn out and commitment of the team. He said there is a lot of skill and good experience on the team and is confident that the team can be successful. The team has been practicing two or three times a week and Winkle is anxiously awaiting the first match. “The best way to get better is to spend time on the mat competing,” he said. While it is a young program, Winkle is optimistic that the team is taking positive strides in the right direction.
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Checkout our new hydration stations Fill up your water bottles at the new hydration stations in the gym, the LCB, the GCB, the library and the SUB. Get involved with the campus’ green efforts by volunteering to help monitor how many bottles we save. Contact Becky DeSalvo at rmm27@psu.edu for more information.
HELP MAKE PENN STATE BEAVER GREENER
Tony Pittavino fills a water bottle at the hydration station in Harmony Hall.
Page 14
Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2011
Sports
Coach says farewell Don Ware IV News Editor
dww5080@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver Lady Lions basketball team will be losing Coach Bert DeSalvo before the season begins. DeSalvo, who also served as Beaver’s assistant athletic director, was named the assistant women’s basketball coach at Clarion University, according to Dave Katis, Clarion athletic director. “We’re excited to have him,” Katis said. “He’s the whole package, because he has experience with not only basketball, but he was also the assistant athletic director. He can see the big picture.” DeSalvo’s last day will be on Oct. 7, according to Chris Rizzo, director of student affairs. “The short term goals are to ensure a strong transition,” Rizzo said. Athletic Director Andy Kirschner said that current Assistant Coach Tim Moore will take over as the interim head coach. DeSalvo declined to comment. DeSalvo has been head coach since he revived to the program in 2007. As a first-year coach, he led his new team to a Penn State University Athletic Conference championship and received the PSUAC coach of the year award.
THE ROAR/Cathy Benscoter
Coach Bert DeSalvo crouches in front of the bench during the USCAA championship last spring. DeSalvo took a job at Clarion University.
In the four years as coach, DeSalvo was the first PSUAC coach to win three consecutive conference championships. He has taken the team to the United States
Collegiate Athletic Association tournament all four years, having placed second in the nation last spring. DeSalvo’s overall record
throught his four years at Beaver is 96-29. “During his time at Beaver, Bert’s work ethic, vision and dedication significantly enhanced the quality and positive impact of campus intercollegiate sports as well as intramural and recreational programs,” Rizzo said in an email announcement to the campus, noting his work on the athletics web site, in sports information as well as community service. “These will certainly be lasting hallmarks of his presence that we will build upon.” There have been a lot of different emotions on the team, according to junior Brooke Mulneix. “Most of the freshman didn’t really know him as a coach so it affected them less,” Mulneix said. “I was upset about it when I first found out, but after the first few days I was over it.” “I respect his decision,” Mulneix added. “He had to do what he had to do,” Sophomore Taylor Fulton agreed. “It was a decision he had to make for him to get where he wants to be,” said Fulton. “I think of it as motivation,” said Fulton about how she felt about DeSavo’s departure. “I wish him the best.”
Lady Lions prepare for season Don Ware IV News Editor
dww5080@psu.edu
With a team stacked with guards, the Penn State Beaver Lady Lions basketball team will look and play a lot differently than the team that took the second-place trophy in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association tournament last spring. Of the 14 players listed on the 2011-12 roster, 12 are guards. There are only two true forwards on the team, according to junior Brooke Mulneix, who is the only
player listed as both a forward and a guard. “I can be a forward, but I’m not that strong,” she said. Not only is the team loaded with guards, but half of the team are freshman. “It will be eye opening to the freshman,” said outgoing Coach Bert DeSalvo, when talking about the change from high school to college basketball. Along with the roster changes and new faces, the style of play is going to be different from last season. Last season the Lady Lions
played a fast press with tempo control at mid-court, according to DeSalvo. With the loss of the upperclassmen, the team has to speed things up. “(We’re) going to be quicker and more athletic,” DeSalvo said. “(We’re) going to play in the half court quicker.” Sophomore Hali DeSarro echoed DeSalvo. “We’ll be playing a lot faster at mid-court.” “I like that we’re faster,” Mulneix added. “Speed is going to be our advantage.”
Sophomore Taylor Fulton said she believes that the team is more intense than last year. “We’re a very competitive group,” she said. “When we play pickup games, it’s much more intense than last year.” With the players being competitive, there aren’t many spots on the team that aren’t up for grabs, Fulton said. “I think everyone’s going to play,” Fulton said. “Everyone has something to add to the team and everyone has a good chance of getting a lot of minutes.”
Lady Lions work with Soles4Souls
The Penn State Beaver Lady Lions basketball team is starting a community service project by teaming up with Soles4Souls, a charity that collects shoes to give to victims of tragedies and poverty. The team’s goal is to gather 238 pairs of shoes, which represents two pairs for each athlete in the Penn State Beaver Athletic Department. Anyone can contribute by dropping off slightly worn or new shoes in one of five drop boxes on campus, set up in the gym, Student Union Building Student Activities Suite, Harmony Hall and the faculty/staff mailroom in the Ross Administration Building. The shoe drive is slated to last until Oct. 28, when the team will deliver the shoes to a location in western Ohio. Outgoing Coach Bert DeSalvo said in a campuswide email, “We wanted to do something this year to help those less fortunate. In the past, we have assisted environmental groups and women’s groups and this year we’re going to do our best to help those outside Beaver County.” Past community service projects the Lady Lions have worked on include recycling and volunteering for the Women’s Hope center. “The last three years have been great,” DeSalvo said. Junior Brooke Mulneix said the players enjoy working on the projects. “It’s a bonding experience as a team,” said junior Brooke Mulneix. “If you do something good for someone, you hope that you will get it in return.” More information on Soles4Souls can be obtained by visiting the group’s web site at www.soles4souls.org. Story contributed by News Editor Don Ware IV
October 2011
Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 15
Sports
Lions get set to defend championship Joe Omogrosso Senior Staff Writer
jno5035@psu.edu
Now entering his seventh season as head coach of the Penn State Beaver men’s basketball team with a career record of 93-78, Marcess Williams is simply the face of the team. He will also be defending a three-time Penn State University Athletic Conference championship. “He’s a tough, hard-nosed guy,” sophomore guard Quentin Burton said. “He doesn’t take defeat willingly.” “He can bring something out of a player that you didn’t know you had,” sophomore forward Chris Weathers said. “He’s hard on you; he won’t let you slack as a player or a student.” Williams says his defense is his “bread and butter.” His mindset of play on the court is similar to a football player’s mentality. “If we hold a team to zero, they can’t win.” Williams and his coaching staff will have their hands full this season as they make some adjustments to their defensive scheme.“Historically, we haven’t been a pressing team,” Williams said. Is it the size or speed that determines a team’s success? “That’s the million dollar question,” Williams said. Last year the team was larger in size, so they ran a half-court trap called “Double Fish” that “created some turnovers.” Williams said. This year, they’re smaller in size, yet more athletic in stature, Williams said. Because of their athleticism, fans might see more full-court man-to-man press, which might make games even more interesting to watch. “Guards are interchangeable this year,” Williams said. When Williams says “interchangeable,” he means that he has transposable guards that can move around relatively well and shift to
THE ROAR/Justin Vorbach
Coach Marcess Williams talks with his team in a huddle at the PSUAC tournament last spring. Beaver won the championship.
various positions. Williams’ uncertainty is realistic, yet troubling. With two players towering 6 feet 8 inches and the rest between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 4 inches, it sounds like he’s been doing a sufficient job recruiting his army, especially for a small campus like Beaver. “If they arrive in shape, we can take care of everything else,” Williams said. Another challenge the team will face is sanctions that resulted from a brawl at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association tour-
nament last spring at Penn State Fayette. Playing for third place in the national conference, a scuffle developed late in the game between Beaver and its opponent, New Hampshire Technical Institute. Eveyone on Beaver’s bench was involved, as well as all but one of New Hampshire’s players. Sanctions include a two-game suspension for junior forward Julian Taylor and a one-game suspension each for the remaining players from that team, with the exception of senior guard Tyler Care and sophomore forward Chris
Weathers who will not be suspended. Freshmen players will not be affected. Williams doesn’t want to talk about the past. It’s a new season and there are plenty more things to talk about, he said. Their competition inside their PSUAC will come from Penn State DuBois, Wilkes-Barre and Greater Allegheny campuses, as well as Penn College, he said. The team is also looking forward to non-conference battles against cross-town rival Geneva College, La Roche College and Fairmont State University.
The team will begin play 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 at Penn Highlands Community College in Somerset. “We were so balanced last year,” Williams said. “Four guys averaged double-figures.” Williams says it’s hard to say who his standout players will be this season. Two of those four guys are returning starters: sophomore guard Nick Miller and senior guard Tony Houghton. The team also has three returning letter winners, Care, Taylor and Weathers.
Page 16
Penn State Beaver Roar
October 2011
Sports
Men down; playoffs still possible Coach: ‘They’re taking a difficult road, but they’re not out of it’ Brandon Perino Managing Editor
bjp5053@psu.edu
With only two wins under its belt, the Penn State Beaver men’s soccer team has clearly had a rocky season. But the team hasn’t lost its playoff hopes yet. “It was a disappointing season so far,” Coach Dan Grant said. The team’s most recent game Sept. 28 against crosstown rivals Penn State New Kensington ended in another loss. The lead shifted throughout this hard-fought battle. Despite two Beaver goals, New Kensington won 3-2. On Sept. 25, the team pulled a come-from-behind victory over Penn State Schuylkill. After being behind 1-0 at the half, Beaver took control of the game, despite heavy rains, and tied the game when sophomore Mike Biskup sent a through ball to freshman forward Mahmoud Helal who
Freshman Mahmoud Helal steals the ball during the Sept. 28 game against Penn State New Kensington. Beaver lost 3-2.
beat the Schuylkill keeper on the short-side. Biskup was on the receiving end for Beaver’s second goal as he capitalized on a freshman DJ Kemerer pass to give Beaver the lead. Beaver’s last tally came on a sophomore Jason Schachter rebound to make the final 3-1. The win ended a six-game losing streak including conference losses to Penn State Brandywine and York. The other conference win came against Penn State Mont Alto, 3-1, Sept. 10. “They’re taking a difficult road, but they’re not out of it,” Grant said referring to a big conference matchup Oct. 1 at Penn College. Grant attributes the team’s struggles to problems off the field. “It’s a problem with team dynamics and not lack of player skill,” Grant said. Grant said he knows his team has the talent to win and believes that his players have addressed the issues that were costing them wins.
Courtesy of Penn State New Kensington
Women work to finish season
Lady Lions soccer team without a win in two years Brandon Perino Managing Editor
bjp5053@psu.edu
For the Penn State Beaver Lady Lions soccer team, the 2011 season is shaping up to look just like the 2010 season. Considering the team didn’t win a game last year and has been dominated in every game this year, it’s proving to be yet another disappointing year. “It’s only the team’s second year and it takes awhile to build a program,” Coach Dan Grant said. Grant said recruiting players has proven to be difficult. Nobody
“
They love the game. They always play hard. They’re willing to learn.” Dan Grant Coach
looks at Penn State Beaver and says they want to go there to play soccer, he said. Despite the many losses, his players remain optimistic. “They love the game. They always play hard. They’re willing to
learn,” Grant said, noting that the players continue to bounce back after each loss. The team’s most recent loss came Sept. 26 against Malone University during a severe rainfall with highwinds. The Lady Lions lost 18-0. Malone set a school record, attempting 72 shots in the match, as they scored a whopping 12 goals in the first half. They added another six in the second half. Beaver’s Kristen Sutton, a sophomore, had a career-high 31 saves.
THE ROAR/Josie Sziminski
Kristen Sutton, sophomore, protects the ball from the goal during the game aganist Potomac State Sept. 24.