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Penn State Beaver Roar
March 2013
News
Tuition rates surprise many B.Keeler
2012-2013 annual tuition rates
Senior Staff Writer bak5266@psu.edu
For some, tuition is a source of anxiety – especially when you get an e-mail from the bursar around midterms saying that your tuition is bill not paid in full. There is a reason: If you are an upperclassman receiving such an e-mail, it could be because of tiered tuition. Few students realize that once they accumulate 60 or more credits, their tuition charges go up. The reason, according to Penn State’s Bursar website, is upperdivision classes are smaller and require more specialized faculty. For Pennsylvania students in most majors, the difference between lower-division and upperdivision tuition amounts to $514 a semester. For students in business, science, engineering and Information Sciences and Technology, the different is even greater at $961 a semester. For out-of-state students, the differences are $559 and $1,062 a semester, respectively. Chancellor Gary Keefer said the tiered tuition reflects the higher cost of teaching upper-division classes. The increase helps to cover additional expenses these classes incur, such as software or labs. He added that certain programs’ faculty salaries are higher.
Lower Division Beaver UP
In state
Out Of State
12,474 19,030 15,562 27,864
Upper Division (most majors) Beaver 13,502 20,148 16,826 29,282 UP Upper Division (business, science, engineering, IST) 14,396 21,154 Beaver 17,824 30,414 UP
Diane Hunt of the finance and business services office had to look for a while before she was able to find anything on the Penn State web site about tiered tuition. “I’m surprised it isn’t posted anywhere and that they do not notify students prior,” Hunt said. Hunt added that for most students, tiered tuition comes as a shock, especially since many assume their bill is already paid. So why do some students get the mid-semester bill, especially when they know they’ve already paid their semester tuition? The reason is that final grades are posted in January, but tuition bills are generated in December. At the point when the bills are generated, the student has tech-
nically not yet accumulated the 60 or more credits to warrant the increase in tuition. This mid-semester bill is typically only an issue during the spring semester, and only for third-year students who had not yet earned 60 credits by their fifth semester. The extended time between the spring and fall semesters typically allows the university to get those bills right. Sophomore Emily Young said she sees the tiered tuition as something the university tries to hide. To offset the cost, she is planning on getting a job next semester. “I may have to help pay because my mother pays for my tuition,” Young said. Alexander Angleton, a junior,
said he did not know about tiered tuition until last semester. He did notice his tuition creeping up, but he attributed it to external factors, not to a planned increase. Like Young, Angleton’s mother pays for his tuition and said that they just decided to bite the bullet and pay up. Angleton said he would suggest bringing back the first-year seminar classes where students can learn about tiered tuition and plan for it. He also said the class should go over the flat tuition rate after 12 credits; as with the tiered tuition, he said he did not know about that policy until last semester. The flat tuition rate Angleton referred to is the cost of enrolling full time. Full-time tuition is based on the cost of 12 credits, and while most full-time students schedule 15 to 18 credits, they’re only being billed for 12 credits. Sophomore Joshua Nussbaum said he does not see the point of tiered tuition. He does not like the idea that he has to pay for supposedly specialized professors when the same professors also teach general education courses. Nussbaum says he thinks it would make more sense to increase tuition in general. “The increase for business is (about) $1,000 per semester for the
last four semesters. Why don’t they just increase tuition by $500 for all eight?” Nussbaum said. Despite the increase in costs, there is a little help available for offsetting some of the expense. Stafford student loans increase as you move through school, said Student Aid Coordinator Gail Gray. The loans go up by $1,000 a year between the freshman and sophomore year, and another $1,000 a year between the sophomore and junior year. If you are one of the many students planning to finish your degree at University Park, beware. You will receive a double increase: Not only will tuition increase as you move to the upper division, but tuition at University Park is greater than at the campuses. For in-state upper-division students, the differential is about $1,700 a semester. For out-of-state students, that difference is a whopping $4,600 a semester. Gray said that although your costs rise, it doesn’t mean you can get more financial aid. You can cover the difference with private or Parent PLUS loans, Gray said, but that might not be the best approach because it will increase the amount of debt you have to pay after graduation. Saving the needed money in advance is the best option, she said.
Tuition increase expected to be minimal B.Keeler
Senior Staff Writer bak5266@psu.edu
A promise by Harrisburg to keep state funding even should result in another low tuition increase for Penn State students. At the beginning of February, Gov. Tom Corbett announced that funding for state and state-related universities would remain the same for the 2013-14 academic year. “For the second consecutive year, we propose level funding as
part of our commitment to higher education. In return, the leaders of these universities have promised to work to keep tuition increases as low as possible for students,’’ Corbett said in a press release. According to Penn State Beaver Chancellor Gary Keefer, students should expect a small tuition increase as a result. “Last year’s tuition increase was low, but expect a modest tuition increase,” he said. Penn State University Park only saw a 2.4 percent increase, which
was the lowest increase in more than 10 years. The increase at commonwealth campuses was even lower at 1.6 percent. Although funding remains unchanged, the state contribution represents about 11.5 percent of the university’s overall budget, and it all goes to the operating budget for undergraduate education, said Keefer. As a Commonwealth Campus, the bulk of Penn State Beaver’s budget comes from student tuition,
Keefer said. Only about 2 percent of the budget comes from the state. Keefer said state funding is used to offset in-state student tuition costs. Alexander Angleton, a junior, said that although the budgetary cuts do not directly affect him, he realizes money is tight. He also said he feels it is not the government’s responsibility to pay for his or any student’s education. “Education is important, but I can’t throw my hand out and
expect there to be money,” Angleton said. Keefer said the campus administration had been preparing for a funding loss by cutting $250,000 of operating costs that will not harm students. He added that because of an increased enrollment from 2002 to 2010 the campus has a cushion to work with. Keefer said that although enrollment is down, it has not dipped to the point where positions need to be cut or left unfilled.
March 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 3
News
Student’s video sparks new life in cold case Taylor Braxton Staff Writer tmb5242@psu.edu
The ROAR/Paul Toma
New Brodhead Bistro chef Carl Malobabich brings 15 years of experience with him to the job. He said he is glad to be back in the town where he grew up.
Bistro hires new chef Lindsay Bangor Staff Writer lmb5793@psu.edu
The Brodhead Bistro is welcoming a new member to its team. Carl Malobabich, who was born and raised in Monaca, is bringing more than 15 years of experience to Penn State Beaver’s kitchen. He is filling the vacancy in the Bistro staff due to the passing of Chef Dawn Steele last semester. Malobabich worked for the Nittany Lion Inn at University
Park for two years. He is a graduate of the International Culinary Academy of Pittsburgh. He said he has always had a passion for cooking. “When I was 18, I ventured out on my own,” said Malobabich. “I always knew I wanted to be a chef.” Director of Housing and Food Services Jeremy Lindner is excited to have Malobabich as a part of the Bistro team. “It is great when someone has the amount of experience he has,” Lindner said. “I
truly believe he is going to bring a lot to our campus.” Malobabich is happy to be back in his hometown. “To me, it’s so cool that I live only two houses down from the house I grew up in,” he said. “I am definitely happy to be back in the neighborhood where I grew up.” As for the Bistro menu, Malobabich plans to maintain what is already being offered. “I just want to settle in and make sure the quality of food coming out is the best it can be.”
Anna Rocnick was sleeping in her Harmony Township home more than seven years ago on Christmas Eve when she awoke to a man beating her over the head and then running out of the house. Rocnick called 911 and the operator stayed on the phone with her until the police arrived. When the ambulance got there, Rocnick was standing holding onto her walker because she didn’t want to get blood on her couch. As she was being transported to the hospital, the 94-year-old woman died. Though all leads on this case have gone cold, there is still hope in solving Rocnick’s murder, and authorities have turned to a Penn State Beaver student to help them. The Beaver County District Attorney’s Office and Detectives Bureau contacted John Chapin, professor of communications, in hopes of finding a way to put a face and a feel to the black and white facts. Senior Nancy Paoletti was given the task of recording the recollections of detectives, officers and first responders, as well as collecting all the evidence from the 911 call and the pictures taken at the scene, to create a video that can be used as a way for new officers on the case to have a feel for what happened. Normally these service-learning assignments are group projects, but this one came to an individual by accident. Chapin didn’t want to give it to someone he didn’t know, so he chose Paoletti, who is also his research assistant. Chapin selected Paoletti, an
adult learner, because he needed a person with a good work ethic and one he knew would follow through. When Paoletti first found out she would be doing this project, she was very excited. “It fulfilled my dreams,” said Paoletti. “I’ve always been interested in mysteries and police.” Paoletti said she enjoyed this assignment. The only thing she didn’t like was dealing with Macintosh computers for editing. District Attorney Anthony J. Berosh said the Rocnick case was chosen because some of the officers who had been working the case from the beginning are in their 70’s and retiring in June. “We want to memorialize the recollections,” said Berosh. Assistant Chief Detective Andrew Gull was interested in the work Chapin’s T.V. and Film Class had previously done with the Beaver County SWAT team on the training scenario for a hostage situation. Gull and Berosh spoke to Chapin about recording information from the cold case murder of Rocnick that occurred Dec. 24, 2005 and creating a video. Though the video is not admissible in court, it can still be used as an investigative tool. “There’s always something lost in the writing – not so much factual but their opinion, which cannot be put on the paper work,” said Berosh. This is the first time a video has been created for a cold case murder but it will not be the last. Paoletti will continue her work with the Beaver Falls Police Department and the county Detectives Bureau for her internship.
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Penn State Beaver Roar
March 2013
News
Marcellus shale offers promising jobs
Little-known rock holds billions of dollars worth of potential for Penn State Beaver students Alisha Hilfinger Staff Writer amh471@psu.edu
For those uncertain students approaching graduation, and those under-classmen still undecided, bend your ears this way to consider a career in an energy renaissance that is making its way over sleepy Beaver County. There are 18 natural gas wells that have already been constructed in Beaver County. Few students are aware of this, or that western Pennsylvania has a rich source of energy within its crust over which big corporations are salivating. Like many others, freshman Cody Zanaglio worries about landing a job after graduation. “In this economy, you might not be able to get a job even after earning a college degree,” says Zanaglio. Though these fears are both common and valid, a sedimentary rock nestled a few thousand feet below you, known as Marcellus shale, offers promising news for students. What makes this unseen deposit important? Well, Marcellus shale contains large untapped natural gas reserves, making it a valuable energy source. Though overwhelmingly bland and unimpressive to look at, this humble little rock holds billions of dollars-worth of potential for the eager students of Penn State Beaver. Chancellor Gary Keefer is optimistic about what this means for students. He says the movement will offer jobs in degrees that are already offered at Penn State Beaver, including Information Sciences and Technology, business and corporate communications. Despite the publicity the industry has received and the opportunities it presents for careers, many students remain unaware of its existence.
Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research
Extending through much of the Appalachian Basin, Marcellus shale could produce enough natural gas to power all of the United States for two years by itself — a value estimated at $1 trillion.
“I’ve never even heard of it,” said senior Korey Freyermuth. This is not at all an uncommon reaction, says Geoscience Professor Matthew Grunstra. When he asked the students in his new classes who had heard of it, only about half a dozen students out of 40 raised their hands. Students should, however, be aware of the big changes and opportunities that are being presented to them. If not, the chance of a good
career can pass under their noses unnoticed. “Any of the students in fields of engineering will be well sought after,” said Grunstra. In fact, Grunstra says that several of his students are enrolled in petroleum and energy engineering programs simply because of the publicity Marcellus shale is generating. One does not have to narrow one’s sights solely on engineering, however.
There will also be plenty of opportunities in the earth and mineral sciences and in the business fields, said Grunstra. Rajen Mookerjee, professor of economics, also sees strong promise for students, especially in the downstream industries Marcellus will attract, such as trucking, pipefitting, carpentry and clean-water services. These ancillary businesses will need people from IST, marketing and sales, and communications,
Mookerjee said. “All of those people will be in demand, because if you really are a growing company, you need people in communications,” he said. Penn State Beaver is even in the process of adjusting its academic programs so it may be a more attractive place for Marcellus shale businesses and for potential students who want to take advantage of the growing industry. “We are looking to introduce courses so that students in energy engineering could complete the first three years of their degree here,” Keefer says. If the change is approved, the new courses will not be offered until at least fall 2014. One of the biggest and most promising possibilities for Beaver County is the cracking plant that may be built along the river. This facility would be responsible for refining natural gas and producing the end products such as propane and ethanol. According to Grunstra, Mookerjee and Keefer, this would make a significant positive economic impact on this area. Keefer says the plans to build this plant have a rough total of $4 billion, which means a lot of work for many different people in many different fields. Mookerjee says it’s good news for students. “I suspect that if it’s a company coming from around the area, who would they rather hire? Somebody from Penn State University or Slippery Rock? Penn State!” And although there is reason to be optimistic and hopeful, Mookerjee also offered this warning. “Be optimistic, but be guarded.” Grunstra is in agreement. He says although there are large numbers that are thrown around, big corporations tend to like to paint a “best-case-scenario” image to consumers.
March 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 5
News
Smokers disregard rules L.E. Reese Staff Writer ler5210@psu.edu
Smokers and non-smokers alike may have noticed that students are not following the smoking policy on campus. “Since the ashtrays were moved farther away, I see a lot more cigarette butts around the doors or in the grass now,” said sophomore Tory Ley. “I personally don’t smoke, but I see people standing around by the doors a lot, especially when it’s raining or bitter cold out, and I can’t blame them. I wouldn’t want to stand out in the cold either,” Ley said.
The ban prohibits smoking within 30 feet of the building and the ashtrays were moved in accordance, but the clusters of cigarette butts near the entryways seem to show the ineffectiveness the policy provides. Police Chief Anthony Budris said the signs on the doors went up last summer, though the policy itself had already been in effect. Budris also said there technically aren’t any official repercussions for violations because it’s just a campus courtesy policy; the only consequence a violator would be subjected to would be a Student Affairs referral. “I have seen more people stand-
ing closer to where the ashtrays are now,” Budris said. But there’s obviously still an issue. “Ain’t nobody got time for that!” said freshman Jess Hallquist, sarcastically referring to the ashtrays’ new locations. “It just makes people throw their cigarettes everywhere when they’re done now. I toss my cigarette wherever I’m standing because the ashtrays are too far,” she said. “I’m not lazy. I’m just not walking away from the building to throw my butts out when I’m walking right back in the same building.” Both sides noted that since the
ashtrays have been moved, more cigarette butts line the grounds on campus. “I don’t think it’s as effective as they thought it would be,” said freshman Brittany Bates. “If there’s no consequence, why would people change?” Sophomore Erin Burnsworth said she feels the ban is a joke. “I smoke where everyone else smokes, which is not 30 feet from the building.” Burnsworth said she has seen faculty address people smoking right outside the doors, but it’s few and far between. “People aren’t going to change their habits,” said Burnsworth.
“They’re going to smoke where they used to smoke, with or without a place to put it out.” Social smoker Pete Zdranik, a sophomore, said he feels the same way. “Since the ashtrays have been moved, people still smoke in the same place: under the overhangs or right up by the buildings,” he said. “The only difference is now there isn’t an ashtray right there, and people just toss their butts wherever.” Zdranik, who occasionally bums a smoke on campus, said he hasn’t noticed much consideration for the restrictions, nor does he expect to see it happen anytime soon.
Female students report being harrassed on campus In separate incidents, two female students recently told police they’ve been getting harassed by men. A Harmony Hall resident reported to police Feb. 26 that she was being harassed by a former male student. A female commuter student reported on March 1 that she was being harassed by a current male student. Both female students told police that they just wanted the reported young men to leave them alone. Police contacted both of the men who agreed to not contact the women who made the complaints. No charges were filed, and
police did not release any names.
Students charged with theft
Campus police filed charges of theft and criminal conspiracy against Shane Karenbauer of Butler and Zachary Markovitch of Monaca on March 1 in connection with materials that went missing from parking lot C in November. A maintenance worker reported to police Nov. 16 that a storm grate and a manhole cover were missing. The next day when a police officer returned to check the lot, he noticed guard rail pieces were missing from the previous day.
Fight in the Wellness Center
A campus employee contacted police March 15 after a male resident and a female commuter got into a fight at the Wellness Center. The female student pushed the male student who then threw a drink on the female student. The female student’s brother, who is not a Penn State Beaver student, also got involved in the incident and damaged a door when asked to leave. Police responded and are still investigating the incident. Police would not release names because charges have not yet been filed.
Shoes and hubcaps stolen
A commuter student reported to police on Feb. 23 that his tennis shoes were missing from the Wellness Center. Then, a resident student also contacted police on March 17 about two hubcaps that were missing from his grandmother’s vehicle in parking lot A. Police are still investigating both incidents.
Student threatened on Facebook
A male student reported to police March 11 that he was threatened on Facebook by someone
who is not a student of Penn State Beaver. The student said that he only wanted the threatening person to not contact him anymore. Police spoke with the individual who threatened the student. They are still investigating the incident.
Marijuana smelled in parking lot
A police officer detected an odor of marijuana in parking lot G on March 15 at noon during a routine patrol. The officer was unable to determine the origin of the odor, so no charges have been filed.
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Penn State Beaver Roar
Viewpoint
March 2013
Smokers’ butts litter campus Managing Editor Dan Trzcianka
dvt5050@psu.edu
Editor emeritus Brandon Perino bjp5053@psu.edu
Copy Editors Caitlin Vodenichar cav5119@psu.edu
Amanda Palombo amp5831@psu.edu
Photo editor Corey Wright
cjw5372@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver has a policy that prohibits smoking within 30 feet of all buildings. This includes the classroom buildings, the residence hall and the Brodhead Bistro. Signs posted on entryway doors and the placement of ashtrays 30 feet from entrances reflect this smoking policy. Unfortunately, many smokers have decided to ignore these policies and continue to smoke near the entranceways of the classroom buildings. Smokers on campus should feel grateful that this campus – and Penn State as a whole – isn’t completely smoke-free. According to the Americans for Nonsmokers Rights, more than 1,100 universities and colleges in
the United States have gone completely smoke-free. If students who smoke continue to ignore the policies, the campus should enforce those policies and quit ignoring the problem. In fact, all faculty, staff and students need to speak up when they see people smoking too close to campus buildings. Peer pressure can have a big impact. According to the Center for Disease Control, smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of disease, disability and death. Is it really a surprise that these policies are being put into place to help people stay healthy? Students who smoke also need to consider what they are doing to the environment when they
toss their cigarette butts on the ground. It makes the campus look ugly and uncared for. While those who smoke are huddled in the doorways smoking because of the cold, wind, rain and snow, they subject non-smokers to inhaling harmful secondhand smoke as they try to enter. Many who go to college are working toward an education that will help them land the job in the career of their choice. Smoking policies that restrict or prohibit the use of tobacco products on college campuses actually prepare students for employment opportunities after graduating because some companies across the U.S. have policies that prohibit them from hiring smokers.
Business Manager Steven Dusicsko sjd5181@psu.edu
EDITORIAL Editor Nancy Paoletti
nlp5099@psu.edu
Page Designers Jennifer Durbin jad500@psu.edu
Dante Massey
dwm5299@psu.edu
Paul Toma
pat5133@psu.edu
senior staff writers Ben Keeler
bak5266@psu.edu
Monica Pitcher
mmp5317@psu.edu
Advisers Terrie Baumgardner tbm2@psu.edu
Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu
Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu
Conquer stress with sleep, food and friends
Only a few weeks left of the semester and it is getting down to crunch time: time to finish up final projects, time for those last few extra-credit projects, time to study for finals and time to stress about what you are going to do. College students can and do stress over a plethora of items. Graduating students may be stressing over little details they may have forgotten or worrying that a grade will just fall short. They also may be stressing about finding a job and being able to pay on their college loans. Sophomores transferring to University Park may be stressing about bigger classes on a bigger campus. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, today’s generation of college students have the most day-to-day stress to deal with – especially when it comes to worrying about finding a job. According to the American Heart Association website, there
are ways of dealing with the stress almost all college students have to deal with. First is to keep a positive attitude and talk yourself up. Instead of phrases such as, “I can’t do this,” instead say, “I’ll do the best I can.” The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHANCHA) found that 47.7 percent of college students don’t get enough sleep. It’s best to get eight hours a night because a rested mind can think and focus better. If eight hours isn’t possible, then consider taking a short nap in the afternoon. Often, college students don’t eat what is good for them. According to everydayhealth.com, it’s important to make sure that a balanced diet is in the picture by eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Better to stay away from those fun-to-eat
but not-so-healthy snack foods. ACHA-NCHA also found that college students don’t get enough cardio-vascular exercise. The association suggests taking a brisk walk or a jog to work off the stress; or if the weather isn’t ideal for going out, turn on the radio and dance it up. Too much time with the books can be a strain on anyone. Everydayhealth.com suggests students should remember what they enjoy and break free and get together with friends for an hour or two. Get some distance away from studying by playing video or board games, relax and socialize with friends, watch TV or read a book for pleasure. Just make sure to return to studying after a short while and not spend all night playing Xbox online. Almost every college student, from freshman to senior, can feel overwhelmed and stressed. Never feel alone. Ask for help if you need it.
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.
FREE ADS FOR CLUBS Because The Roar receives funding from the Student Activity Fee, free advertising space is offered to any universityrecognized 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: roar-business@ psu.edu by the 20th of each month.
March 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 7
Features
Dinello to retire after 26 years at Beaver Lindsay Bangor
Kurtyka named assisant director
Staff Writer
lmb5793@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver is saying goodbye to a gracious, kind-hearted mentor. Carleen Dinello, assistant director of academic affairs and senior instructor in English, is retiring from her position at the end of June. “Teaching and helping students is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” said Dinello. “I can remember being in school, and the teacher would leave the room and put me in charge. I knew from then on, teaching was my passion.” Dinello, who got her bachelor’s degree in English and social studies from Geneva College and her master’s in education from Slippery Rock University, started out wanting to be a science teacher. Graduating with 51 credits in English alone, more than anyone from Geneva at that point, she knew English was her passion. “I can remember a professor named Dr. Drew who came from England to teach,” said Dinello. “I will always remember his fireside chats where he would read Dickens to our class and the characters would just jump off of the page. That truly solidified my passion for English.”
Penn State Beaver photo
Carleen Dinello is retiring at the end of the semester from her position as assistant director of academic affairs.
Not only is Dinello a gifted English teacher who deeply cares for her students, but she also has a real passion for academic advising. She has found that to be her niche throughout the years. Dinello, who won the campus Outstanding Academic Advisor award two years in a row, has a deep connection with students that is rare to find.
“She helps students make decisions and truly knows how to guide students in the correct direction,” said Donna Kuga, director of academic affairs. “She is patient, diligent and is a great listener.” Freshman education major Tyler Tracy agrees. “She really helped me in mapping out my career path. I want to be a math teacher, and she gave me a lot of great advice.”
Director of Academic Affairs Donna Kuga recently announced that Michelle Kurtyka, a lecturer in kinesiology, will replace Carleen Dinello as assistant director of academic affairs.
Kurtyka, who has taught kinesiology for the past seven years, will be taking on the responsibility while continuing to teach kinesiology courses.
There is no denying that Dinello has a special bond with her students. “I just want my students to know I am there for them,” said Dinello. “I want them to know that my office is always open, and that there is someone here that cares for them.” That is what makes Dinello so special, and it is not hard to see that she truly loves her job. “Carleen Dinello is professional and helpful,” said Kuga. “Not only is she a great mentor to students, but she is a wonderful colleague.” After 26 years of service, Dinello will be spending some retirement time at her cottage in Pymatuning, a serene place where she likes to sit by the lake and read. She is also an avid quilter. She plans to finish some projects that have been left undone, while continuing to garden and even volun-
teering for a local food bank organization. Possibly one of the most important things Dinello will be doing is spending time with her two young granddaughters. “They have always been a big part of my life, and I will continue to spend time with them as they grow and add to the memories that I have embedded in my mind forever.” Dinello said she would still love to help students in the future and has had a wonderful experience at Penn State Beaver throughout the years. “Small schools can give you memories and experiences that you will never forget,” said Dinello. “Penn State has given me that.” “Mrs. Dinello has been such a pleasure to work with and a help throughout the years,” said Kuga. “She will be hard to replace.”
Highest-demand jobs are top Penn State programs Mary Carew Staff Writer mmc5325@psu.edu
There’s good news for Penn State students hoping to find a job after graduation. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the most in-demand career fields are well represented by Penn State majors. NACE’s Job Outlook 2013 not only predicts that hiring will be up 13 percent, but shows that every one of the top 10 in-demand
careers falls under one of three Penn State colleges – Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences and Technology. “Penn State is No.2 in finance, so I am going to be guaranteed a job,” freshman Youssef Helal said. Finance tops the list, followed by computer and informational science, accounting, business administration/management, and mechanical engineering. Sophomore James Randolph, like most college students, was unsure about what career path to
take in life. “I don’t have many interests, but I’m good at math and science,” Randolph said. “When I came to college, I just thought of the hardest thing I could possibly take.” Randolph ultimately decided upon mechanical engineering, which made NACE’s top five indemand career list. Larissa Ciuca, student personal and career counselor, says she speaks with 15 to 20 students a week concerning career choice. “It depends on where the indi-
vidual is in their own self-awareness and development,” Ciuca said. Many of the students Ciuca counsels have aptitude and skills that are sometimes not aligned with the requirements needed for the major of their interest. Ciuca said she has also experienced the same problems that most college students are dealing with in picking a satisfactory major. “I started out in the pharmacy department. A week in, I went into the liberal arts department and switched my major.”
Ciuca did what she thought was best for her, and it paid off. She now has a job that she loves. Many students can have careers that top the NACE list, but the world is ever changing, and it’s not going to wait for them to catch up. “Do what makes you happy. Don’t waste your time doing something that your heart is not into,” said freshman Amanda Donatelli. “No matter how many times you have to change your major, just do it. It gives you experience and [you will] feel self-fulfilled.”
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Penn State Beaver Roar
March 2013
Features
Spring break in Turkey is all business
Photos by Michelle Beckman
Above, students walk through a park in the Asian side of Istanbul along the Sea of Marmara. Right, Jake Szemanski looks around the shops in the Spice Market of Istanbul.
Photo by Michelle Beckman
Talha Harcar leads his students through the streets of Istanbul explaining the sights along the way.
Brandon Perino Editor Emeritus bjp5053@psu.edu
Negotiating for the best deal is a skill any business major needs. Students in Marketing 445, Global Marketing, got firsthand experience with negotiation during their trip to Istanbul March 3 to 10. “Everything is negotiable there, especially at restaurants,” said senior Steve Dusicsko. Talha Harcar, associate professor of business administration, led the class on the trip. He is originally from Turkey, so he had experience negotiating with other people in
Istanbul. “It was fun to watch Harcar negotiating,” said Dusicsko. “He was amazing at the amount of stuff he could pack into one day.” The students got to see many of the sights of Istanbul, including the Basilica Cistern, Hagea Sophia, Grand Bazaar and a number of museums and universities. At the museums, the students themselves became attractions. “The Turkish children were so impressed to see Americans,” said senior Michelle Beckman. “They were pulling out their cameras and cellphones and taking pictures.”
March 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 9
Features
Transfer students find home at Beaver
Caitlyn Arroyo-Myers Staff Writer
cra5137@psu.edu
Freshman Christian Kyle spent his first semester of college at Geneva College in Beaver Falls and realized very quickly that he didn’t like that atmosphere. The reason he went there in the first place was an opportunity to play basketball and a little scholarship money, to boot. But when he got there, he didn’t like the basketball team or his teammates, and wasn’t too fond of the rest of the college as well. So Kyle did what a small number of students do each semester: he transferred to Penn State Beaver. Kyle is one of about 50 or more students each year who transfer into Beaver campus, said Director of Enrollment Daniel Pinchot. Kyle said he is much happier at
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“It was a lot easier than I thought it would be, and I transferred mid basketball season.”
Christian Kyle Freshman
Beaver, and is even playing basketball for Penn State Beaver. “I only had a semester before coming so there wasn’t a whole lot to transfer,” said Kyle. “It was a lot easier than I thought it would be, and I transferred mid basketball season.” Kyle said he had no trouble with the transfer process. He spoke with Admissions Counselor Marcess Williams, who handles transfer students and also happens to be the men’s basketball coach. Kyle says Williams was the main reason he transferred to Beaver. He
wanted to play basketball for him. While Kyle was a senior in high school he had talked to Williams about playing for Beaver but chose Geneva. Once he realized he needed to leave Geneva, he decided to see if Williams was still interested in having him play. Pinchot said some students transfer from one college to another because they’re not happy with where they first attended. Other times it’s because of a particular major or career goal. And sometimes, life just happens, and students have to be closer to home. Like Kyle, freshman David Warren also came to Beaver this semester because he decided Indiana University of Pennsylvania wasn’t right for him and he needed a change. Warren said the students and the staff, especially Williams, made it
easy to make the switch and made him feel welcome. He said he also didn’t have any trouble with credits and doesn’t feel like he missed out on anything. Not all stude`ts come from different universities. Brittany Clemente transferred from Penn State Schuylkill so she could be closer to her home in Ohio. “This campus is so much nicer and a lot cleaner,” says Clemente. “I really like it.” At Schuylkill, she said, they don’t have typical dorms but rather on-campus apartments with kitchens and living rooms. That is the only thing she really misses, other than the friends she left behind. “We had a kitchen unit and we cooked our own food.” Clemente said she gave up $4,000 in scholarship money that wouldn’t transfer from Schuylkill.
But transferring mid-year, she also lost a lot of opportunities she could have had if she had been here all year long, such as joining the THON committee and trying out to be a THON dancer. Kyle said he doesn’t feel like he’s missed opportunities at Beaver. “I feel like I was missing out when I was at Geneva,” he said. “I would have been farther ahead in basketball if I had been here.” Even though transferring can be a hard process for some students, Williams said he is always there to lend a helping hand and do the best he can for students. He said that students of all ages – transitional and adult – transfer midyear. Williams said that sometimes transfer students can have problems with credits depending on what major they are in, but he works with them to find the best solution.
Page 10 Penn State Beaver Roar
March 2013
Features
Why you stressing out, bro? Beaver fits mold of recent survey Dante Massey Staff Writer dwm5299@psu.edu
As finals week approaches, many students are likely reaching higherthan-usual stress levels. A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that the millennial generation, which is the generation the majority of college students belong to, has the most stress factors to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Students don’t expect the amount of stress that comes with maturity and going to college. The survey says 39 percent of people ages 18 to 33 reported an increase in stress over the last year. The reasons vary from person to person, but the top five are consistent in those at the college level. Most factors are related to worries of what’s next after college, from work to relationships. “I stress a lot about my GPA because I need to maintain it to get into graduate school,” sophomore Chelsea Benson said. Students are in college to earn a degree and to prepare for a future career, but the unemployment rate continues to rise. Students are told when they get a degree that there is a career out there for them, but it has become harder for recent college grads to find jobs in this tough economy. The top stressor, which 76 percent agreed upon, is work. “I’m not stressed about finding a job. I’m stressed more about moving to find a good one,” said Jimmy Bing, a freshman civil engineering major. Several stress factors, such as grades or friendships, can be relieved or reduced. “When I’m stressed, I focus on my future goals and correct issues I’m having with study habits or time management,” Benson said. The key is to get your stress under control before it becomes a
ROAR Photo Illustration/Dante Massey
Freshman Jimmy Bing, above, pulls his hair in Harmony Hall lobby to illustrate how many students feel frustrated as finals near. On the cover, freshman Jeremy Smith buries his head in a stack of books.
bigger risk factor. The survey found that 19 percent of the millennial generation has been clinically diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety disorders. Penn State Beaver has a few people whose jobs are to help students who feel like they are becoming too
stressed out. The first resource students should consult is Larissa Cuica, the personal and career counselor. She is there for the students when they need assistance with all personal problems. If students have trouble with classes, they can go to the Center
for Academic Achievement. “When classes have given me trouble, I went straight to the center to find a tutor,” said Bing. Stress may be a huge problem with this age group, but there are positive ways to handle it, and most students agree that just relaxing and taking a breather is best.
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“I stress a lot about my GPA because I need to maintain it to get into graduate school.”
Chelsea Benson Sophomore
Page 12 Penn State Beaver Roar
March 2013
Sports
Fightin’ Beavs strapping up for playoffs Kane Suehr Staff Writer kms5977@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver Fightin’ Beavs hockey team is in the thick of things with a 7-5 record, a middle seed in the playoffs and two winnable games ahead of them. Led by captain Jake Szemanski, a senior, and leading scorer Brady Sipe, a sophomore, the team is hopeful to repeat last season with a deep run into the playoffs. Competing against schools with student populations that nearly double Penn State Beaver’s, the young Fightin’ Beavs embody the Cinderella story. Since its overtime win against Clarion University Feb. 6, the team has won its last three games. The Fightin’ Beavs pulled off a 4-3 win against No. 2-ranked Slippery Rock University White Feb. 20, followed by a 5-2 victory over Community College of Allegheny County South Feb. 27 and a 5-4 win over Grove City College March 13. The team is now ranked No. 4 in the conference. Penn State Beaver has three of the top 10 scores in the league with Szemanski at No. 4, followed by Sipe at No. 7 and Matt Haig at No. 9. Next up for the team is a matchup at 11:30 p.m. March 27 against Slippery Rock Green, followed by the final regular-season game at 8:30 p.m. March 28, a makeup game against No. 3-ranked Duquesne University which was postponed in January. Unfortunately, at season’s end the team will be losing Szemanski to graduation and Sipe as he transfers to University Park. This leaves the team with only one of three returning captains and only six returning starters. The minimum roster requirement is nine; however, the team usually carries more players. The team will be looking for new talent to add to its roster, and to increase the roster to about 15 players to account for substitutions and player schedule conflicts.
The ROAR/Paul Toma
Mike Harrington makes a backward pass to fellow Fightin’ Beavs Jake Szemanski while on the offensive attack in their 5-4 victory last week.
Because a majority of students do not complete the full four years on Beaver’s campus, maintaining leadership proves to be difficult. “New leadership would greatly benefit from having a motivated underclassman that is here the full four years and is passionate about hockey,” Sipe said. The upcoming renovations to Penn State Beaver’s campus could mean big news for the team. “I am hopeful for the future of our team with the upcoming practice rink construction. This will enable us to practice further and attract future players,” said Szemanski. The practice rink Szemanski is referring to is a planned multipurpose sport court that the campus hopes to construct near Harmony Hall. Luke Taiclet, director of finance and business, said that the planned
sport court’s main purpose was to “expand general recreation opportunities for students on campus.” However, the role that the sports court could play for the team is unclear. Although the planning for the sport court is in its infancy, Taiclet said the campus is looking at a sport court at Penn State Hazleton for basic ideas. With a price tag of $305,000, Hazelton’s court allows roller hockey to be played but lacks the dasher boards that are necessary for gameplay. Taiclet said he does not yet know if the planned court at Beaver will have dasher boards or the correct dimensions to allow roller hockey games to be played. However, he said planning for the sport court has been delayed, due to campus storm water issues that must be addressed before construction can move forward.
The ROAR/Paul Toma
Jimmy Bing warms up before the game against Grove City College.
March 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 13
Sports
Baseball team charges into new season JeQa Powe Staff Writer
jdp990@psu.edu
With a 3-7 early-season record, the Penn State Beaver baseball team is working hard to overcome last year’s Penn State University Athletic Conference championship loss. Last season, the team placed first in conference play but lost to Penn State Mont Alto in the championship. During the team’s spring trip this year, the Lions finished out the week with 3 wins and 5 losses. “It’s going to be another tough year in conference, but everyone on the team expects to finish around the top,” said sophomore Stephen Galmarini. Galmarini says that the team is a very close-knit family as everyone holds each other accountable on and off the field. This will be important as there are 12 freshmen on the team this year as well as nine seniors. “I like the group of young guys we have this year,” Coach Jack Hilfinger said. “There’s a lot of talent. Anyone can start any game, so it keeps things competitive for the team to keep improving.” Hilfinger is entering his fourth year as head coach of the baseball team with a 43-16-1 in-conference record and a 59-50-1 overall record. The team has become an annual contender, winning the PSUAC championship in Hilfinger’s first
Courteousy of Cory Wagner
Senior Tom Lewis gets the out at second base and turns toward first in hopes of a double-play during the team’s spring training game in Florida.
year and playing in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament two out of the last three years. Hilfinger said he believes the team this year can go far if they work hard at it. “The leadership we have on our team is tremendous,” Hilfinger said. “If you combine that with the
talent that our young guys have, we can go very far this year.” One of those leaders is senior Alex Filippi. Filippi is going into his fourth year on the team and one of the few guys to see Beaver win the PSUAC championship. “We have vets in every position” Filippi says. “We have a lot of returners, which gives us that same
potential we had last year as the No. 1 seed, plus a lot of role players, which gives us more options at every position, especially pitcher.” Filippi says the team’s offense – which scored 18 points this season against Geneva College – and defense – which had a shutout this season – are there, but they need to click at the same time.
“We have practically the same team,” says Filippi. “If we get back to the championship, we’ll close it out with experience. The team will kick off PSUAC conference play with a doubleheader against Penn State Brandywine March 24. The team’s first home game will be 3 p.m. March 29 against Bethany College.
Page 14 Penn State Beaver Roar
March 2013
Sports
Lady Lions fall in USCAA semifinal Brandon Perino Editor Emeritus bjp5053@psu.edu
After an exciting Penn State University Athletic Conference tournament championship, the Penn State Beaver Lady Lions basketball team got knocked out of the national tournament March 1. in the semifinals of the United State Collegiate Athletic Association tournament on March 1. The Lady Lions lost to the Albany College of Pharmacy 58-48 in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association held at Penn State Fayette. The Lady Lions led the entire game up until the four-minute mark of the second half when Albany College finally took the lead for good. Beaver led 30-26 at halftime and led by as many as 8 in the second half, but Albany was able to come back and hold off Beaver for the victory. Freshman Morgan Kurtz finished with a team-high 11 points and led Beaver in scoring. Senior Brittany Tomaselli scored nine points while adding eight rebounds and four assists. Sophomore Hayden Kimbrough added seven points and eight rebounds while freshman Cassandra Flowers collected 10 rebounds. “In the final moments of that national game, it was very emotional for all of us,” said Tomaselli. Coach Tim Moore said it was a tough end to a great season. “I thought we had a very successful season,” said Coach Tim Moore. “We were very young. We had few seniors, but a lot of the freshmen stepped up for us.” Flowers agreed. “We faced a lot of adversity but we always came together.” That coming together through adversity showed in the USCAA opening round game on Feb. 28. Beaver trailed by four at the half against University of Maine at Machias but used an impressive second-half performance to get the 66-52 win. Beaver’s Kurtz finished with
19 points leading Beaver offensively while adding six rebounds. Kimbrough scored 14 points and had six rebounds while Tomaselli scored 11 points and had five rebounds giving Beaver three double-figure point scorers. Sophomore Amanda Temple and freshman Khalia Adams both finished with 8 points and Temple also 5 rebounds. The Lady Lions finished the season with a 21-8 record overall and a 14-3 conference record as well as a PSUAC tournament championship. “I like how we look (for) next year,” said Flowers. “If we can stay focused off the court and take care of business, we are going to be good again next year, especially with that big-game experience under our belt.” Staff Writer JeQa Powe contributed to this report.
Courteousy of BJ Bertges
Above, Brittany Tomaselli looks towards the basket as she dribbles around an Albany College defender in the USCAA semifinal game. Left, Amanda Temple backs down a University of Maine at Machias defender in the Lady Lions opening round USCAA tournament game.
March 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Page 15
Sports
Lions USCAA tourney journey ends JeQa Powe Staff Writer jdp990@psu.edu
Despite entering the United States Collegiate Athletic Association tournament ranked No. 2 in the nation, the Penn State Beaver men’s basketball team fell in the semi-final round, missing out once again on the national title. The first game in the national tournament held at Penn State Fayette came Feb. 28 against Central Penn College, a team Beaver had a one-point loss to the previous year. The game ended with a buzzer-beating three-pointer made by Sophomore Patrick Horton, allowing Beaver to win 92-89 in overtime. “My teammates got me a good look in rhythm and I knew it was going in when it left my hands,” said Horton. “It felt good being stampeded by teammates because it was a game we all fought for.” Junior Nick Miller scored a game-high 25 points, with nine rebounds and four assists. Junior Chris Weathers added 23 points and 6 rebounds while freshman Rob Agurs had 21 points and 7 rebounds. Horton scored 11, while senior Julian Taylor grabbed 11 rebounds. Horton and the rest of the team felt good about the win. Horton said he believes they did a great job of preparing for the game and playing in sync from reading the scouting report while still focusing on their second round game vs. Warren Wilson. Unfortunately for Beaver in the second round March 1 game, the team came out shooting poorly and lost to the eventual champions, Warren Wilson. “We got outplayed,” Horton said. “They were more physical, and they wanted it more than we did.” Coach Marcess Williams agreed. “We came out shooting poorly and they played some physical defense,” Williams said. “Never take it for granted, playing in these big games every year.”
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With almost everyone coming back next year, we just have to stay focused.”
Marcess Williams
Men’s Basketball Coach
Beaver struggled most of the game, trailing 32-20 at the half. Miller scored 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Agurs earned 10 points while Weathers finished with 8. Penn State Beaver finished this past season 21-8, earning 20 or more wins for the seventh consecutive season. The team had the best record in the Penn State University Athletic Conference regular season, but was beat in the PSUAC championship by Penn State York in a nail-biting 80-79 loss. Williams is in his eighth year as head coach. The team is only losing one player for next year, and Williams said he believes the team will
have more consistency from playing together over the years. “Those type of big games are great, especially for some of our younger guys,” said Williams. “With almost everyone coming back next year, we just have to stay focused.” Miller, an All-American award winner, is one of five seniors who will be returning next year. Miller said he believes the team will have to play more unified next season if it wants to finally get through that barrier and win the championship. “Compared to my freshman year, we didn’t have a lot of leadership,” said Miller. “Billy [Stoughten] and [David] McGarry were good leaders and everyone knew what was expected. They set the tone.” “Individual awards are nice, but I feel like if I didn’t get it again, I was messing up,” Miller said. “I would be happy with zero points as long as the team is winning, rather than me putting up 30 in a loss.”
Courteousy of BJ Bertges
At top, Nick Miller crosses over while driving the lane against Central Penn at USCAA tournament. Above, Chris Weathers drives looking to make a play in their loss in the semi-final game against Warren Wilson.
Sports
Lady Lions view season optimistically Cameron Boggs Staff Writer
cgb5148@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver softball team is off to an early season 2-6 start following the team’s spring trip, but the real start doesn’t have its players and coaches too concerned. The Lady Lions traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C., over spring break to get ready for a tough season. While enjoying the mild weather, the team played several tough teams, winning only two of the eight games. This is actually better than last year’s spring training, in which they only won one out of the eight preseason games. Despite the tough start, last year’s team had the best conference record, at 17-1, in the Penn State University Athletic Conference at
Courteousy of BJ Bertges
Rachel Borrell and Nicole Bowersox make a play in an attempt to record an out during spring training.
the end of the season. Coach Andy Kirshner said the team did pretty well considering that the players are still learning about the dynamics of the team. “This is a good chance to learn
and improve both our strengths and weaknesses,” Kirschner said. He also explained that the players need to become more consistent on offense and defense. Last year’s performance may be a
tough act to follow, but this year’s team hopes for a repeat of the season or even better. Junior Nicole Bowersox said she believes this team has what it takes to compete. “We’re a lot more
versatile in the lineup and on the field.” Senior Korey Freyermuth agreed. “We have so much talent on this team.” Both players enjoyed the time away, even though they still have a lot of work to do to reach their goals. Freshman Rachael Charlier not only has a goal for herself, but a mission to complete. “I expect this team to be in the top five and to be good. My goal is to do good so I can get Player of the Week.” Kirshner also has a goal. “My goal is to follow up as PSUAC champions.” PSUAC conference play begins on the road April 6 at Penn State New Kensington, followed by a doubleheader at home April 7 against Penn College.