April 2018 Roar

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Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

News

Campus searches for options for rundown amphitheater SAVANA C. GRIGGS Senior Staff Writer

scg5198@psu.edu

The J.P. Giusti Amphitheater was once a packed open-air auditorium that entertained Beaver County residents with guests such as The Clarks, the Povertyneck Hillbillies, and even Bill Cosby back in the late 1970s.

After more than 40 years, the facility has dwindled to nothing but an empty shell of crumpling concrete and rotting wood, tinted with caution tape.

The amphitheater, as well as the rest of the park-like complex commonly called the Brodhead Cultural Center, could be in for a change.

The campus has secured funding to conduct a feasibility study of the cultural center, said Adam Rathbun, director of finance and business.

The goal of the study is to identify what the space could be used for.

Rathbun said he envisions enhancing its park-like setting.

The amphitheater, first imagined by the Beaver County Commissioners, opened in 1975.

It was designed as a community and campus partnership that would be like a fine arts complex, said Director of Public Relations April Johnston-Smith. “[The amphitheater] evolved over the years. When it was first built, there was a show every week during the summer, and there was a real diversity of offerings, and the audience skewed much younger.

It was a lot of families,” said Johnston-Smith. You might have a stage show, and then you have some musicians, and then there was also an art show, so there were just a lot of different things going on.

The amphitheater itself was named after the campus’ founding director. “[J.P. Giusti] was the first director of the Beaver campus, and he did a lot for this campus. Most of the buildings that are here were built on

The Roar/Savana C. Griggs

Above: The J.P. Giusti Amphitheater is showing more than 40 years of wear and tear from the outdoor elements.

Below: The Clarks perform for hundreds of fans in 2009.

his watch. So, he was a really important part of the campus. It makes sense that his name remains somewhere here,” Johnston-Smith said.

Nowadays, things are a little different for the amphitheater. Students rarely seem to ever be seen at the amphitheater.

Sophomore Jacob Goodlin said that he has never used it, and that he has never walked over to the amphitheater. Goodlin says that it would be interesting to see it being used.

“It would be interesting to see live music, and it would be cool to see short plays over there,” said Goodlin.

Decades ago, the amphitheater was used by students.

Amy Gartley, interim director of

student affairs, remembers reporting to the amphitheater for part of her New Student Orientation when she was an incoming freshman at Beaver.

“I remember that being our meeting place for the day. I also remember it being August and it being very, very hot. But, even as a student I don’t remember being down there much,” said Gartley.

When Gartely came back to the Beaver campus as a student affairs professional, she would occasionally use the amphitheater for some student programs.

“I distinctly remember having my own musical events there. We would try to show movies down there, and I would still hold orientation down there,” said Gartley.

The challenge to using the facility in August was the lingering summer heat, and having to deal with the duck and geese poop, which was a real pain.

Then in 1994, Gartley said, the Student Union Building was expanded to include a large theatre that seats more than 300 people.

It also included air conditioning.

So, then we just slowly moved orientation inside, said Gartley.

Rathbun said that he believes there are two reasons why the amphitheater is no longer being used by students: its location and its current state of repair.

“Its location on campus is not really central to the campus,” Rathbun said. “I have had students say they would use it, but it’s kind of in a bad state. It’s kind of falling apart.”

Rathbun said repairing and maintaining the facility is a costly and time-consuming undertaking.

“We don’t have the resources to up-keep it as well as we’d like to,” he said.

“It’s fallen into a state of disrepair, and because of the lack of attendance at shows, it doesn’t really support itself when you do have shows there.

April 2018

News

Penn State Beaver Roar

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Kitchen planned for Harmony Hall TIARRA GORDON Staff Writer

tag5361@psu.edu

Plans are in motion to build a kitchen for student use in the lobby of Harmony Hall for the fall semester.

According to Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services, nothing is finalized, but serious discussions are underway. Staff have even distributed a flyer announcing the plans to students.

Lindner said the kitchen would create a more home-like living environment for students, particularly for international students.

Lindner said he’s had this idea for four or five years now and is excited that it is finally coming to life. A kitchen in Harmony Hall could be more attractive to prospective students and encourage more students to live in the hall.

Initial plans call for a stove, a refrigerator, microwave and a sink for the students to use. A mock-up

Submitted Illustration

This rendering shows how the kitchen in the Harmony Hall lobby may look. It could be built by fall semester.

of what the kitchen might look like includes all stainless-steel appliances and a large communal counter that could be used for both preparation and dining.

International student Boyan

Zhang, a freshman, said she loves the idea of having a kitchen in Harmony Hall.

Zhang, originally from China, said she would use the kitchen almost every day if she could to make meals

that she typically eats at home.

The kitchen will be placed in the lobby where the vending machines are now located. Lindner said he is hoping for the project to begin this summer; if not this summer, then

it won’t happen until the following summer.

The cost of the kitchen has not yet been determined.

Safety features with the appliances are a must, Lindner said. The stove will have a sensor that will allow it to automatically turn off if left on too long.

Resident Assistant Taylor Myers said she would use the kitchen.

“I would use it for various meals along with meal prepping while at night using it for baking purposes. A kitchen would make Harmony Hall feel like residence life,” said Myers.

Senior Roxy Kie, who’s been living in Harmony Hall since her freshman year, said she’s a little jealous.

“I wish there was a kitchen available during the time I was here living on campus,” Kie said. “I think it’s a great idea!”

Kie said that being able to make your own food occasionally in the dorms would be a great benefit to Harmony Hall residents.

Office moves will improve student services Admissions and Student Aid joining Advising, Registration and Finance offices TY COLE

Senior Staff Writer wtc5037@psu.edu

When students return to campus next fall, they might have to think twice before rushing to the student aid office. It won’t be where they might think.

Starting this summer, four departments will be moving to different locations across campus.

Admissions, student aid, student affairs and continuing education will be switching offices to provide better services to students to get the help that they need.

Admissions and student aid is being relocated to 102 Ross Administration Building, the suite where advising

and registration are located.

Those offices, along with the adjacent finance office, will create an enrollment services office that should make it easier on students, said Daniel Pinchot, director of enrollment.

“Students will get a genuine one stop shop for enrollment services,” Pinchot said.

Pinchot, along with others, said he is excited for the move because it will make things easier not only for the staff, but also the students.

“For the first time, we won’t be bouncing students back and forth between buildings. Students will be able to get their problems attended to in a much timelier fashion,” Pinchot said.

Adam Rathbun, director of

finance and business, agreed.

“I think it sets up admissions a lot better from the recruiting stand point. There’s more space over here with the lobby and it aligns them with the Registrar,” Rathbun said.

“There will be better communication between departments with holding meetings and providing the resources students need.”

With admissions and student aid vacating their existing suite in 113 Student Union Building, student affairs will relocate its residence life and student activities offices there.

“It will be extremely efficient and because of that efficiency we will be more effective for students,” said Interim Director of Student Affairs Amy Gartley

Along with current staff, a new regional staff member being hired will also be located in 113 SUB. “Joining us in the suite will be the new Regional International Student Adviser in Global Programs Coordinator. They will serve Penn State Beaver, Fayette, New Kensington and Greater Allegheny International students,” she said.

The soon-to-be-vacated Student Development Center in 101 SUB will become the new home for Continuing Education, which is moving out of the RAB to make room for admissions and student aid.

Freshman Josh Hetzer, a student worker for admissions, said he thinks it will be better for everyone involved.

“Everyone working together and being in one office makes a lot more sense. Especially for Jill Bender (Administrative Support Assistant) who is currently in the back of our office. Her being with Student Affairs will help everyone out,” Hetzer said.

The moves will begin after spring graduation and will be completed by mid-June.

Pinchot said it might be a little tough on returning students in the fall, but they will adjust.

“It’s the little things,” Pinchot said.

“Being able to collaborate between enrollment, financial aid and the finance office on how students can move forward is a wonderful opportunity.”

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Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

News

Don’t judge a swastika by its cover

Kumar makes a documentary about the original Hindu origins of the swastika

ALEXIS TENY Staff Writer

ajt41@psu.edu

After decades of being perceived as a symbol for Nazi Germany during World War II, Information Sciences and Technology Instructor Ashu Kumar offers another meaning to the swastika from the Hindu perspective in his upcoming documentary, A Sign Under Siege.

The idea came to Kumar when brainstorming for his Documentary Production class at Pittsburgh Filmmakers where he is learning to become a filmmaker.

The objective of the project is to educate viewers on the swastika’s origin and the religious importance for Hindus, along with the associated sensitivities of Hindu immigrants based around the symbol in the United States.

According to Kumar’s Pre-Production Packet, the film is centralized around how all religions have their

The Roar/Karl Truskowski

The New Hope Community Church in Ambridge was featured in the documentary, “Sign Under Siege.”

own divine symbols. For example, Christianity is symbolized by a Cross while Islam is symbolized through a crescent moon. However, Hinduism

was first represented by both a swastika and an ohm.

Kumar explains that the Hindu people typically used the swastika

as a symbol of good luck and happy beginnings. It stands as a holy symbol in India as opposed to the image that Adolph Hitler perverted back in

World War II. “When a Hindu person buys a house, they place a swastika there. If they buy a new car, they place a swastika,” said Kumar.

Filming has already begun, and Kumar has called upon Penn State Beaver sophomore Karl Truskowski to take part in the filming process.

“As of right now, plans are to continue shooting from now until the end of summer. I will be editing over break and he wants to have it done at the end of summer,” said Truskowski.

Kumar plans to keep the shooting local and has begun to interview people of both Hindu and non-Hindu backgrounds along with experts who will weigh in on the sensitive points discussed in the documentary.

Kumar hopes that the documentary will help spread awareness about the original meaning of the swastika and that the viewers will learn about the religious importance the symbol.

Innovation Hub offers new opportunities MOLLY VERONE Staff Writer

mev5149@psu.edu

Invent Penn State awarded Penn State Beaver a $50,000 grant to create an Innovation Hub. The Innovation Hub will bring many exciting things to the campus and will help to drive innovation, creativity and economic growth for the local community in Beaver County.

Penn State Beaver students will benefit from the hub because it will help tie together the campus with small businesses and organizations within the community which could lead to future jobs for them, said Chancellor Jenifer Cushman.

“Our community can see what a

ASHU KUMAR benefit it is that we have Penn State in the area,” Cushman said.

The Innovation Hub in Beaver County is expected to be up and running by 2020. The chancellor said that they are still looking for a location and space for the hub, but it

could possibly be in the Rochester Area.

Penn State Beaver has already started impacting the community through innovation by creating a Launch Box which is one of the campus’ parts of the Innovation Hub. Information Sciences and Technology Instructor Ashu Kumar is leading the Launch Box advisory group.

Kumar acts as consultants to small businesses and non-profit organizations in the local area. The advisory group helps businesses and organizations target their problems and challenges by connecting them with faculty experts and students that can help. Kumar said that the university is exposed to some of the latest tech-

nology, so it has a lot to offer small businesses and organizations who may be behind on the latest technology. The university can help bridge the digital divide.

“We can make businesses comfortable with new digital marketing devices like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn,” Kumar said.

So far, Kumar and his IST students are working with the group’s first client, Adoption Connections, a non-profit foster care agency in Beaver.

Brad Azich and Ben Detrick, two senior IST students, are leading the project as interns. Azich and Detrick are upgrading the agency’s Office 365 software and taught the employees how to operate it.

The two students performed a variety of task from converting paper files into digital files, to helping change the brightness on a computer screen. The students’ work helped Adoption Connections a lot, Detrick said, “When we left it was definitely a better place than when we started.”

The advisory group hopes that by working with local businesses and organizations, it could lead to more internships and full-time jobs opportunities for Penn State Beaver students after graduation.

The group is lining up its next client, a furniture store facing marketing problems. The Launch Box is looking for student interns for the summer. Interested students can apply at igotit@psu.edu.

April 2018

News

Penn State Beaver Roar

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Campus fundraiser App will help students connect Diana Patterson retiring in May RYAN LOCKHART Staff Writer

rnl5086@psu.edu

ERIC GALLUPE Staff Writer

egg5066@psu.edu

If you have a Penn State Beaver scholarship, odds are that you have Director of Development Diana Patterson to thank for the money.

Patterson, who’s served as Beaver’s chief fundraiser for 12 years, will be retiring in May. Patterson has been responsible for bringing a plethora of donations by alumni and friends, local corporations, organizations and foundations to the campus. The donations have sometimes led to updates and improvements of buildings on campus, but more often than not the contributions supported student scholarships.

Patterson said her job is to fund raise for the campus and all the money she collects stays here at Penn State Beaver.

A normal day for Patterson involves reaching out to alumni to meet and share their experience at the campus. She updates them on current events, tries to reengage them by inviting them to campus events, and thanks them for their donations and for attending here.

Patterson has been quite successful at her efforts. In Penn State’s last fundraising campaign, which ran from 2007 to 2014, Patterson raised more than $3 million in donations for Penn State Beaver.

Of that, 75 percent – $2.3 million – went to scholarship support.

Patterson said the timing for her retirement feels right. “I am anxious to see what god has in store for me and my future.”

With a huge smile on her face, Patterson said she feels absolutely satisfied with the job she’s done for Penn State Beaver. “Beaver has been amazing, rewarding professionally and personally. If I had

DIANA PATTERSON

known it was going to be so great, I would have applied sooner.”

Daniel Pinchot, director of enrollment and chair of the campus scholarship committee, said Patterson’s legacy will be all of the scholarships that she’s helped to endow over the years that will live on forever.

“For this academic year alone, we’ve awarded well over a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships to support our students. Diana raised all of it,” Pinchot said.

“Our students who have benefitted from these scholarships – some of whom may not have been here without the help – will never know just how important a role Diana Patterson played in their education,” Pinchot added. “Trust me, though. She was immensely important.”

Patterson said the most memorable thing about her job is the people she’s met.

“The people and the relationships I have been able to form to benefit the campus are the most memorable,” she said with a grin.

“I will miss working with the people here and plan to be on several committees after retirement.”

Information Sciences and Technology students are working to finish a new app that will make life across Penn State easier for not only students, but also faculty and staff.

After receiving the go-ahead, students in IST 440, Integration and Problem Solving, began working on developing an app. This new app, temporarily dubbed Oasis, will allow Penn State students, faculty and staff to communicate.

“It’s really a way of students connecting,” said Ted Froats, director of information technology and the course instructor.

Acting as a virtual billboard, Oasis has features in which students can post things to reach out to their fellow students. This kind of system can be used to get players or members for events, rides or activities.

“I like that it has a bulletin board-

style look,” said junior Sophia Kramer, who is also a member of the brainstorming team for the app.

In addition to the billboard feature, users of Oasis will have access to the trader feature, where you can post items to sell to others.

The app has little restriction on this, allowing users to sell anything within reason like books, movies, games or cards.

Users will be able to create an account on the app using their PSU ID to make sure that the app stays exclusive to Penn State members only. Once they make their account, they are free to use all the features in the app.

Oasis will also include a Twitter feed as a way for students to keep connected with each other when using the app.

“I think especially if you live on campus, you would use it a lot,” said Kramer.

The original idea for the app was

to assist in ordering and paying for food in the Brodhead Bistro. The idea later changed to turn the app into a way to improve transportation, but after taking a survey at Beaver, the results showed that transportation or ride sharing was one of the least cared about things.

Although it isn’t the most important, ride sharing will still be available on Oasis by posting interest in carpooling.

Two teams are currently making the app: a brainstorming team and the Integration and Problem Solving class taught by Froats.

The students received instructions for the app in January of 2018 and have been working on it since.

The app is looking for a release date sometime in the next year. Once finished, it will take some time before Oasis can go up on the App Store, says Kramer. There will still need to be legal work handled by the university.

Campus looking for IST instructor RYAN LOCKHART Staff Writer

rnl5086@psu.edu

Since fall 2017, the Information Sciences and Technology department at Penn State Beaver has had a faculty vacancy which the administration hopes to fill by the end of the current semester.

After the sudden absence of instructor Amber McConahy in the middle of the fall semester, her IST classes were picked up by either Instructor Ashu Kumar or Assistant Professor Richard Lomotey. This semester, other temporary instructors were hired to teach as well, while the hiring process is taking place.

Some of the instructors are teaching students at Beaver from other campuses using video conferencing.

“We would like to make the new hire by the end of the school year,” says Director of Academic Affairs Carey McDougall.

The interview process takes some time to complete, McDougall said, since they are advertising across the United States and internationally.

Some students are worried about their education as an IST major being interrupted by this vacancy.

“This isn’t the position I want to be in as an IST major,” said junior Zach Buerkle. “I just want to get the education I came here for. I don’t want a lack of teachers getting in the way.”

After McConahy left, classes adopted by other instructors were on a short time frame to finish before Christmas break. Most of the classes McConahy left behind were pushed to be finished quickly, with rushed instruction, Buerkle said.

Buerkle said that this semester has been much better than the last, most likely due to the fact that instructors didn’t have to pick up more classes halfway through the semester.

As of now, no candidate for the new position has been chosen, but there are many applications thus far.

“The interview process is rigorous and really competitive,” said McDougall.

McDougall explained that the campus is just looking for one hire out of all the applicants. Each baccalaureate program offered requires three full-time instructors at minimum, with Lomotey and Kumar making up the other two.

McDougall said that after narrowing down potential instructors, she likes to take the applicants out to “spend some time with them” to see what the applicant is like.

The goal of hiring a new instructor isn’t just to hire someone to teach, but someone that the students can talk and relate with, explained McDougall. The new instructor will teach 12 credits a semester and advise students.

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Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

News

The Bulletin offers academic information BRITTANY JACKSON Staff Writer

brj5080@psu.edu

Want information about Penn State majors, minors or even certificates?

A new website, www.bulletins. psu.edu, provides all the answers and more.

The Bulletin is Penn State’s official resource for academic information and requirements.

The Bulletin has been around for decades, first in hardcopy form with roughly 700 pages, then online. A new website for the Bulletin launched in March.

Gretchen Samchuck, advising program coordinator, said that new the Bulletin website can be helpful for students.

“The website can help students navigate many programs, including options within majors, minors and various certificates offered by the university. Through the filter options, it will help students discover new ways to explore academic opportunities and understand which campuses offer these opportunities,” she said.

Samchuck, who advises all of the campus’ students in the Division of Undergraduate Studies, said the Bulletin can be especially valuable for

The Bulletin has a new look and is the official source for academic information and requirements.

undecided students.

“For many undecided students, it is a great visual tool to narrow down the many majors in the university by using the interest filter on the righthand side,” she said. “Students can take this a step further by understand-

ing what majors are then available at the various PSU campuses.”

Some of the features that the website offers are Undergraduate Degrees and Requirements, Registration and Academic Records, Advising and Planning a Degree Program, Tuition

and Financial Aid Information, Admissions Information and more.

Additional information about the website that students may not know about are the old “Recommended Academic Plans” that were linked to the PSU Beaver website will now be

stored and housed under each Major in the Bulletin with the menu term “Suggested Academic Plans.”

Junior Brittany Garza said she was not familiar with the website and was not sure what it consisted of or what it was for.

Garza said students should be notified about the updated website through Webmail.

“It needs to be a requirement for students in order to get an understanding of what it is and how it can help,” Garza said.

Sophomore transfer student William Pierce also said he was not aware of the updated website and thinks it could be a great resource for students.

“The academic section is the most important part for students,” Pierce said, referring to explanations on dropping and adding classes as one example of valuable information students can use.

“Again, this is not new,” Samchuck said. “This has just had a face lift.”

She said the Bulletin has always existed, but with having it online comes the ability to update it easily.

“This means any new curriculum or program change will always be reflected in the updated Bulletin for the current year corresponding to the new incoming students,” Samchuck said.

Communications curriculum gets an update EMILY R. DIETRICH Senior Staff Writer

erd5208@psu.edu

Changes in career fields always dictate changes that occur in classrooms, which is why it is no surprise that two communications professors believe a shift in curriculum is necessary for the corporate communications option to the communications major.

The new curriculum will add courses in strategic communications reflective of today’s corporate communications practices.

The plans for a new curriculum had been on Associate Professor Juliette

Storr’s mind since she left on sabbatical for the 2012-2013 academic year.

“I did not want to throw the plans on anyone else,” Storr said.

When she returned, her Public Relations class presented to the Communications Advisory Board. One board member honed in on the importance of social media and wanted to bring it to campus.

“We need to look at what’s happening in the world, and our classes should reflect that,” Storr said.

The new Communications 428 classes will replace Communications 370 and 471, which are the Public

Relations classes. Starting next semester, the corporate communications option will transition to the Strategic Communications option. Instead of Marketing 301, students will be able to take a social media class, which will be offered next spring.

The communications major is shared with three other campuses, New Kensington, Greater Allegheny and Brandywine. The faculty from all four campuses must agree before changes such as this can be implemented, said John Chapin, professor of communications.

According to Chapin, Beaver is the campus that really pushed for a strate-

gic communications route and is the first to offer strategic communications as an option outside of University Park.

World Campus, an online Penn State campus, has been offering a strategic communications degree for the past four years.

“World Campus is nice because their changes mean that we can change our curriculum,” said Chapin.

For example, World Campus has already shifted their journalism program into Digital Journalism, a path Beaver will be adopting this coming summer.

Course changes in the communica-

tions department are being made to reflect the market and will be implemented in the fall.

One graduating student said the new option is an enhancement.

“I wish I would have been able to learn more about social media and advertising since I’m getting ready to graduate. It would’ve been a great skill to learn,” senior communications major Shaelyn Barchie said.

Barchie said she still possesses some advantages with her degree. “We are the generation of technology and I feel like I already have an advantage in that aspect,” Barchie said.

April 2018

News

Students in Harmony Hall warned about complaints of marijuana odor JARET MIELNICKI Staff Writer

jwm6348@psu.edu

A memo was sent out to Harmony Hall residents before spring break warning them about illegal marijuana use in the hall because students have been complaining about the smell this year.

The university sent out a memo on the problem after receiving numerous complaints reminding the students that marijuana is illegal and, if caught, can result in punishment such as removal from housing, suspension of a driver’s license, becoming ineligible for financial aid and even suspension or expulsion from Penn State.

University Police have received 22 complaints from students and resident assistants since the begin-

ning of the fall semester, according to the police log.

So far, no one has been criminally charged this year.

“It’s an annoyance. It’s to the point where it is affecting other people in the community,” said Residence Life Coordinator Andy Kiefer.

Kiefer said it has been a problem since September and he wouldn’t be surprised if it is in multiple rooms.

“I would reinforce this is affecting their friends and neighbors,” said Kiefer, who stated he receives complaints on the issue.

“It doesn’t bother me that people smoke,” said sophomore Brian Brocato. “It bothers me that there is a smell.”

Some students however aren’t bothered by the marijuana.

“They just need to use some air

freshener and it won’t bother me,” said sophomore Hunter Spisack.

Sophomore Kylie Arms agreed. “I mean, it’s a pretty big problem, but I don’t think it bothers people.”

A student who asked to remain anonymous admitted that students buy marijuana on campus and smoke in the dorms.

“If you blow the scent a different direction or blow through dryer sheets … I try to be respectful,” she said. The student also said it makes her academics better, giving her brain a chance to shut off.

Not only are students smoking weed, the ways of taking in the drug have become more high tech with students now using smoking pens.

Brocato said a good bit of people have begun filling vaping pens with THC, the mood altering chemical

State College police arrest Beaver student for assault State College Borough police charged Penn State Beaver sophomore Frank Kyumba, 19, of 8977 Robbins Road, Sacramento, Calif., with a felony count of aggravated indecent assault for an alleged sexual assault of a woman in February.

University Police arrested Kyumba March 14 at Penn State Beaver on a warrant for charges of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and harassment filed by the State College Police Department. University Police transported Kyumba to the Beaver County Jail, from where he was later transferred to Centre County.

Kyumba was arraigned in a Centre County district court, where bail was set at $500,000.

Kyumba did not post bail and is being held at the Centre County Jail. According to a report in the Center Daily Times, which quoted the police report, Kyumba assaulted a woman in a State College apartment after letting her in to use his cell phone to contact a friend.

The newspaper reported that Kyumba entered the bathroom the woman was, pulled her pants down and then pulled his pants down and touched her while the woman tried to push him off. Kyumba grabbed the woman’s arms and pushed her against the wall, the newspaper reported.

The Times reported that Kyumba then pushed the woman into a bedroom and removed her pants, while the woman continued to tell him to stop.

She told police he stopped after the third request, and when she thought he fell asleep, she left the apartment and went to the hospital the next morning.

Police interviewed Kyumba, who denied the assault, the paper said.

Kyumba played two years on Beaver’s basketball team. Athletic Director Andy Kirschner told the Centre Daily Times that Kyumba is no longer a member of the team, having voluntarily quit after the season ended.

in marijuana.

Officer Marque Wiese said smoking weed in the dorms has been going on for years and has actually gotten somewhat better. But, he said, it’s still a problem.

“I think the problem is serious because it affects other people,” Wiese said.

“There are people that are not down with that scene and are here to get an education and it’s taking away what they are here for.”

Kiefer said the university is trying to solve the problem.

“We are working in Residence Life to try to educate and are working with Nurse Barb Kugel on the downside of smoking weed, and working with University Police to confront students (who are) smoking weed,” Kiefer said.

Penn State Beaver Roar

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Dating violence reported in hall On Feb. 19, University Police received a report from a residence life employee about dating violence involving two students. The employee reported that the students did not want the police involved. A police officer completed a report.

Money, cards stolen in SUB building

On March 15, an employee told police that money was stolen from the Student Union Building. An employee also reported March 15 that credit cards were stolen from the SUB on Feb. 5. Police are investigating.

Cell phone stolen

On March 13, a student reported to police that his cell phone was stolen from the Brodhead Bistro. Police are investigating.

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Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

News

UNDERGRADUATE EXHIBITION

Students conduct research for expo ALEXEY STERN Staff Writer

ams8317@psu.edu

The Roar/Garrett Troy

Alumni (from left) Alexis Sheffield, Alyssa Ketterer, Allison Crouse, Nicole Long and Christina Sheleheda answer questions about life in the workforce after graduation prior to the March 28 etiquette dinner.

Alumni panel shares professional advice

“

“There was a much more intimate feel this year compared to the last etiquette

ALEXANDER D’ITRI Staff Writer

avd5623@psu.edu

A question-and-answer panel with Penn State Beaver alumni was a new feature tied to this year’s etiquette dinner March 28.

This year marks the fourth annual etiquette dinner, an event where students are invited to learn how to interact with potential employers during a professional dinner.

Participants learn the proper table manners needed in a professional setting and the polite way to communicate with other professionals in a dining atmosphere.

Prior to the dinner, more than two dozen students quizzed graduates Allison Crouse, Alyssa Ketterer, Nicole Long, Alexis Sheffield and Christina Sheleheda in Room 16 of the Student Union Building.

The panel answered questions that included interviewing advice, problems they have faced after gradua-

dinner,”

Alexis Sheffield

Penn State Beaver alumni

tion and how to conduct yourself in a professional setting. The personal advice and experiences from the panel had students eager to ask questions with little time to make it to dinner.

Following the panel, participants made their way down the hall to the Special Events Room for an interactive dining experience.

Panelists and professionals joined students at an intimate table setting as they were instructed on what utensils to use for the different parts of the meal and how to use them to interact with their food.

“There was a much more intimate feel this year compared to the last etiquette dinner,” said Sheffield, who was a senior when last year’s dinner

took place.

Personal and Career Counselor Brenda Schultz said it’s a fun way for students to learn important skills.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to develop soft skills,” Schultz said.

Schultz and Associate Professor of Communications Juliette Storr agree that soft skills are the skills employers are looking for in new hires.

Senior Jordan Davis said the experience is going to help her in an internship interview coming soon.

“I really enjoyed the dinner this year. I felt like I learned a lot and I’m looking forward to applying that to my internship interview next week.”

Storr said the etiquette dinner is run by managers from her Business Communication class, in collaboration with Schultz.

Storr said she wants to see more students take advantage of the opportunity in the future.

“It benefits students directly for their time after Penn State.”

To prepare for the upcoming Undergraduate Exhibition, 22-year-old Bryce Hodge is hanging out in his friend’s bar, Roots, in Rochester. Hodge, a senior Administration of Justice major, is using the non-traditional location to hand out surveys to patrons as part of his research on the public’s perception of law enforcement.

Hodge’s reasoning behind this unorthodox method is that he wanted to find the most authentic results possible by going to the general public rather than using the student body on campus. At the end of the semester, Hodge plans on presenting his findings at the Undergraduate Exhibition.

The exhibition will take place April 25 with presentations at 12:15 p.m. at the Student Union Building Lodge. Although it is too late to register to participate in the event, all are welcome to attend.

Working for the Beaver Police Department, Hodge aspires to become a police officer one day.

His research will try to determine how socioeconomic status affects the perception of law enforcement.

Hodge is participating in the exhibition as a requirement of his Criminal Justice 494 Research class, led by Mari Pierce, associate professor of AOJ. One goal of Hodge’s research project is to raise awareness about police officers who work in lowerincome neighborhoods.

“I want people to understand that the police have to be more cautious about an area with a lower social-economic status,” Hodge said. “You might be a great person, but the police have to be more defensive.”

Hodge said he likes how the exhibition gives him a chance to share everything he has worked on.

“It’s all about having something that is yours, that you made yourself,” Hodge said. “I like that I get to dress up and feel like a professional; to get a chance to present my findings.”

The event happens every year to encourage students like Hodge to present their work to the campus.

Irene Wolf, senior instructor in philosophy, has coordinated the event for the past 16 years.

Wolf says the goal is to get students excited about their projects and give them a platform to share their work. “We want to show off our best and brightest,” Wolf said.

“We do this event to highlight all the work and research they have done throughout the year.”

One of the most important aspects of the exhibition highlights is the research process. To encourage students to participate and to conduct research properly, the Information Literacy Awards will be given again this year to the top presenters on behalf of the Penn State Libraries.

Librarian Amy Deiunk, a fellow committee member, says that the awards will help incentivize students to reach their full potential.

“The awards serve as a way to encourage students to work harder on their projects so that they can be top contenders for the prizes,” Deiunk said. “It is also about encouraging the ethical use of information like correctly citing sources and following the proper guidelines.”

Hodge’s advice to future participants is to take the task seriously.

“Definitely have your ducks in a row,” Hodge said. “Treat the event with respect and just find a topic you are actually interested in.”

April 2018

News

Penn State Beaver Roar

9

Puppy a student’s best friend GABBY FIFFICK Staff Writer

gef5101@psu.edu

Sophomore Nicole Smith has struggled with mental health issues throughout her college career.

After being prescribed a furry friend to help her to cope with the problems that accompany college, Smith said her future quickly became brighter.

Smith, a Harmony Hall resident, was recently granted permission to have a therapy dog with her on campus.

According to Smith, the process wasn’t easy.

“My psychologist and school had to fill out paperwork. (I was) then waiting on paperwork, and then a meeting with residence life, housing and disabilities for the rules of having a dog on campus,” said Smith.

Smith was granted permission to have the dog on campus Feb. 20..

Tucker, a four-month-old pug/lab mix now resides in Harmony Hall with his new owner and accompanies her to class.

Tucker is the first dog that Smith said she has ever owned and she is very excited for her friend and the benefits he provides to her.

Smith’s roommate, sophomore Susy Hang, loves having a fourlegged roommate and enjoys her daily 8 a.m. good morning kisses from Tucker and says having him

Nicole Smith and her emotional support dog, Tucker, go for a fun walk around campus.

around makes her smile.

Jill Tress, coordinator of the Learning Center and Disabilities Services, said an emotional support

animal can lift spirits, lessen depression, lower feelings of isolation and alienation, encourage communication, provide comfort and increase

The Roar/Garrett Troy

socialization.

In this case, Smith said having Tucker helps her to socialize and fight feelings of isolation.

As an emotional support dog, Tress said Tucker should not be confused with a service animal.

Tress said emotional support dogs require no training and only need a series of paperwork whereas service dogs are trained, sometimes from birth, to be working animals.

Although both are valid, emotional support dogs have more red tape to cut through in order to have on a college campus.

Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services, said he believe emotional support animals can be helpful in certain situations, however the campus still has to take into consideration possible damage costs and the impact it might have on the janitorial staff.

“There is a university in Arkansas that is considering an animal friendly dorm,” Lindner said, citing one extreme example. “I think the policy (Penn State) has is appropriate and we want students to have the environment they need for success.”

Lindner said that as emotional support animals become more common, policies could change. “(For) students that grow up in homes with animals and come here to a quiet, empty dorm, it can be hard,” Lindner added.

“I can see the benefits of having an open animal campus and it will be interesting to see if Penn State adopts this policy in the future.”

Students should have their FAFSA completed by April 15! https://fafsa.ed.gov

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Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

Viewpoints

MANAGING EDITOR Chris Rotondo crt5138@psu.edu

PHOTO EDITOR Adam Espinoza ate5052@psu.edu

BUSINESS MANAGER Mackenzie Heranic mmh5918@psu.edu

COPY DESK Ty Cole

wtc5037@psu.edu

Jordan Davis jed53@psu.edu

Alexa Di Pietrantonio and151@psu.edu

Alex D’itri

avd5623@psu.edu

Gabby Fiffick

gef5101@psu.edu

Tiarra Gordon

tag5361@psu.edu

Savana Griggs

scg5198@psu.edu

Jesse Martin

jrm930@psu.edu

Brittany Jackson brj5080@psu.edu

Karl Truskowski kzt5265@psu.edu

Molly Verone

mev5149@psu.edu

Matylda Zamudio mmz5236@psu.edu

ADVISERS Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu

Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu

Goodbye, tobacco Walk out of the General Classroom Building on most days, and you’re hit with a cloud of cigarette smoke.

Not for long.

Starting this fall, Penn State University will make all campuses in the Penn State system tobacco free.

During the annual spring visit to Penn State Beaver March 29, Provost Nicholas Jones told a group of more than 30 students that news of Penn State’s new tobacco policy would be announced later in April.

“We’re actually pretty excited,” said Jones during his visit to Beaver. “It was led by students and when they form an opinion, we take it very seriously.”

Penn State’s Council of Commonwealth Student Government, which represents more than 100,000 Penn State students across the state, led this initiative.

Penn State Beaver Student Government Association President Ty Cole said that this has been an ongoing discussion at meetings throughout this year.

“Every CCSG (Council of Commonwealth Student Government) I’ve been to, this has been a very important topic,” Cole said.

A Penn State Smoke Free/Tobacco Free Task Force, charged with enhancing the health of the entire Penn State community, recommended the administration make Penn State a tobacco-free university.

And it’s about time.

Just within the Big Ten, Penn State will become the 11th university to implement a tobacco-free policy on campus.

According to the American Lung Association, when Penn State goes tobacco free, it will be joining seven other tobaccofree Pennsylvania colleges and universities.

The task force recommended Penn State campuses become both smoke-free and tobacco-free, which Jones said would be part of the new policy. The policy is also expected to ban vaping as well, he said.

The task force is also recommending a ban on the advertisement, distribution and sampling of tobacco products and merchandise on campus.

Walking through clouds of smoke and inhaling secondhand smoke will be a problem of the past on Penn State campuses.

Even knowing that tobacco kills thousands of people every year, people still choose to smoke, chew and vape. This not only affects them, but also everyone around them.

Smoking alone is associated with lung, larynx, oral and esophagus cancer.

It seems only fitting that a university that has been fighting cancer for the past 45 years jumps on the bandwagon and makes the tough decision to go tobacco free.

On Beaver’s campus alone, there are a few designated spots for smoking, including the “smoker’s hut” near Harmony Hall.

When the windows are open in the residence hall and people are smoking right outside, there’s a high chance that smoke is creeping into those rooms.

Smelling cigarette smoke from your room in Harmony Hall will also hopefully be a problem of the past.

While it seems like it will benefit most, there are still some concerns regarding the new policy. Jones said the administration is aware of it.

“We want to be respectful but supportive of those who are negatively impacted,” Jones said.

Cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance found naturally in tobacco and fighting any addiction is difficult.

It’s hard to quit smoking cigarettes cold turkey, so people turn to other options such as vaping.

Some E-cigarettes and vapes still contain tobacco, so this includes a potential ban on these items as well.

Turning our campus into a tobacco-free zone will not be easy. Just ask the smokers and the vapers who are addicted.

But it’s the right move for Penn State to make to support the health and well-being of everyone on campus.

Students say good riddance to WebMail All Penn State students soon will be saying farewell to WebMail and hello to Office 365.

And it’s about time.

For the first time, Penn State faculty, staff and students will be using one email and calendaring system. Penn State is transitioning to Office 365 for collaborative, productive and security reasons.

WebMail is massively outdated and has caused problems for students. Faculty and staff stopped using WebMail routinely years ago.

People aren’t always happy with the changes Penn State makes. But since students have been suffering with WebMail for some time now, it seems like it will be a great move for Penn State.

WebMail is old and it sucks.

The change isn’t being made only for email and calendar purposes though.

Office 365 includes applications such as Word, Yammer, Excel, Stream and more, and its all included in your tuition.

It will be beneficial for everyone because it will finally be the same email service for all.

The first campuses to transition from WebMail to Office 365 were Scranton and Greater Allegheny in March.

The transition that occurred went well “and the process will be fine-tuned based on lessons learned from these campuses,” Information Technology Director Ted Froats wrote in an email to faculty and staff.

Although there is not an official transition schedule, Froats said he believes Beaver will make the change during the summer or early fall.

It can’t happen soon enough.

For those who are nervous for the transition away from WebMail or are just interested in learning more about Office 365, a training page is available to help you familiarize yourself with it.

Visit https://office365.psu.edu/training/ to learn more about training and visit http://office365.psu.edu/faq/ for frequently asked questions.

For additional information on Office 365, reasons for Penn State transitioning, training and support, visit http:// office365.psu.edu/.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: ctr5138@ psu.edu. Please include your full name, address, email address and cell phone number.

ADS FOR CLUBS Free advertising space is offered to any university-recognized organization or club to promote upcoming events. The space is limited to one eighthpage ad per club per edition. To reserve space, email The Roar business manager at: mmh5918@psu. edu

The content and opinions of this publication reside solely with the authors and not with the Pennsylvania State University or the Penn State Beaver Student Activity Fee Committee.

April 2018

Viewpoints

Penn State Beaver Roar

11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I am writing to thank the Roar staff for the March issue. You created an incredibly intelligent and sensitive memorial to Lesli Stone, while at the same time continuing a discussion on domestic violence, a discussion that is not easy to have.

From the wonderful photo of Lesli on the front page, to the stories covering Lesli’s death and her amazingly kind and generous impact on our campus and her family and community, to the story on domestic violence in our greater community, the edition bravely models how to talk about that Dear Editor, I want to commend the Roar staff and advisors on an excellent March 2018 issue honoring Lesli Stone.

Reporting on such tragedy is difficult, even for the most seasoned reporter. The fact that Roar reporters

which continues to leave so many of us wounded and deeply shifted.

Your articles reaffirm that our best way forward is to continue to recognize that domestic violence is not something that just happens to other people, but is something that happens to those we love the most. Roar staff, you have set the bar high for campus journalism and have made our campus better doing so.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness, academic excellence, and care for Lesli and her family.

Carey McDougall Director of Academic Affairs did it with such care and eloquence — particularly when many were reeling themselves — speaks to their talent and maturity.

April Johnston Public Relations Director

The Roar/Adam Espinoza

On April 2, Penn State Beaver’s campus was covered in snow. By Tuesday, the snow had all melted.

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Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

Features

A EUROPEAN ADVENTURE

Pizza and pasta highlight Work’s tour of Italy KATIE WORK Staff Writer

kmw6010@psu.edu

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

Ciao! Almost a month ago, I stepped out of an airport into a world of warmth. The sun washed over my skin as many smiles were passed along to me from the strangers walking by. A light breeze carried the familiar, comforting smell of freshly baked pizza.

It was in this moment I thought to myself, “Ah, Rome, sweet home.

We are going to make great friends.”

This I found to be quite true. No time was wasted for me to fall in love with the city.

Vines of ancient and modern Rome intertwine to form an immense city that has quite a humbling effect.

Standing in the Colosseum and looking out to the paved roads sprinkled with vehicles only hints to my feelings of surrealism. Along every street, around every corner, in every nook and cranny, it is simple to run into ancient ruins, gardens, churches, cafes and fountains.

The food is just as wonderful as I could have hoped it would be. I have learned to say “pasta la vista” to my diet. Finish it off with a sweet treat of gelato and I find myself eating Italian favorites almost daily. No worries, I don’t forget to start mornings off with a cappuccino and cannoli to really top off the experience.

The Italian language is beautiful and was simple for me to pick up. Just months ago, I thought that speaking any of the new languages that I would experience would be quite the task. Oh, no. The real task is switching between the languages.

After six weeks of speaking a language, you feel confident. Move to a different country and that confi-

The Roar/Adam Espinoza

Customers are in and out of Crave all day for their Mexican food.

Cure your craving for Mexican food SARA RUIZ Staff Writer

smr6278@psu.edu

Katie Work enjoys the view of the Roman Colosseum.

dence is completely wrecked when you are stammering through conversations again. This time your brain thinks it is fun to pull out every language you know except for the language you are trying to speak.

Yes, that includes the Arabic that I learned three years ago.

It never fails. Each morning when I am greeted, I always start to say “bon jour,” and panic, realizing that is the wrong language, and awkwardly morph it into “buongiorno” (or, as I like to say “bongoooorno”).

Somewhat smooth, right? It definitely is until the afternoon when this morphing task does not carry over since buena sera, or good evening, sounds nothing like bon jour.

While in the evenings I return to my bed exhausted from admiring and eating and speaking, I

The Roar/Katie Work

am incredibly satisfied to have yet another city with more experiences to fill me up.

In just two short weeks, I will once again be packing my bags to do it all one more time. This time, it will be in Berlin, Germany.

To follow my adventures more closely, check my Instagram @runaway.kate Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part series. Katie Work, a Roar staff writer, has traveled to France and Italy. As this issue has gone to press, she will have arrived in Germany during her semester abroad. She has blogged from both France and Italy, and will blog her adventures from Germany. You can also follow Work on Instagram @runaway.kate

Crave Mexican Grill, a little Mexican restaurant located just 10 minutes away at 431 Third St., Beaver, is the place where one can get food such as burritos, tacos and quesadillas for reasonable pricing.

Owner and manager Jeremie Reagan took a chance and opened the business May 28.

Reagan was an engineer manager at Eaton Corp. when what he said his midlife crisis hit and decided to open his restaurant.

“In Beaver County, there’s really no Mexican place to eat,” Reagan said.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is small but comforting for a quick bite.

As you enter the restaurant, you can easily start ordering your food and watch as it is being made.

“I like to go in and get my food and have it made in front of me,” Reagan said in describing his restaurant’s counter approach. “I like to customize what I eat.”

Diego Diaz, a freshman from Puerto Rico, is a fan of Crave. “It’s the best food I have eaten since I’ve been here.”

The prices are also affordable, with

burritos, quesadillas and a three-pack of tacos all costing around $8.

“The food was great for the price,” freshman Meetkumar Patel said. “I bought a burrito that fed me and two of my friends for the price of $8!”

Many may compare Crave with the fast-casual Chipotle Mexican Grill, but freshman Corrissa Schmidt disagreed. “The meats are fresher than Chipotle’s.”

Crave offers a variety of meats like shredded beef, pork, chicken and steak with your choice of rice and beans with a variety of toppings, like pico de gallo and salsa.

“It’s nothing like my mom’s food, but I would eat here again,” said freshman Moses Fuchs of Miami, who was raised in a Hispanic household. “My favorite was the chicken.”

Reagan said he didn’t really advertise his grand opening. He knew people saw the construction happening and had faith that it would be a success.

“In the first hour, nobody came in, and all of a sudden, we had a line out the door for like two weeks straight,” stated Reagan.

Crave Mexican Grill is Reagan’s first restaurant business. All recipes are his and his daughter’s, who is a culinary arts major.

April 2018

Features

Penn State Beaver Roar

13

Campus gardening program blooms MATTHEW PALAHUNIK Staff Writer

mgp5156@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver’s green thumb is about to sprout up in time for spring with the campus’ garden program.

A group of faculty, staff and students are coming together once again to produce a garden that aims to produce food for local organizations and on campus programs.

The garden project aims to provide Penn State Beaver with a food supply, a garden club, paid employment and knowledge on how to maintain a garden in order for it to thrive.

Angela Fishman, assistant teaching professor of mathematics, is one of the main drivers behind the program.

She also teaches courses in sustainability and is a leader of the Sustainability League.

Last season, the garden grew kale, onions, butternut squash, tomatoes and more.

“They are [going to be] educational gardens and we are going to do inter-planting like the Indians did,” she said, explaining that interplanting is growing corn, beans and squash in the same field.

These gardens will help members of the community be more in tune with nature and understand how food is made, she added.

The Roar/ Garrett Troy

Penn State Beaver’s Garden Program is set to start in spring, benefiting students as well as the community.

Fishman said she wants to expand the garden from the current one plot next to the Laboratory Classroom Building today to two plots at the same location.

She also wants to add a type of greenhouse called a high tunnel behind Harmony Hall. The high tunnel will be able to grow food allyear round and can provide fresh produce throughout the year.

She also wants to plant an herb garden next to the Brodhead Bistro.

The herb garden will be named after late-Chef Lesli Stone, who was killed by her ex-husband in a murder-suicide on campus last December.

“It is a memorial to Lesli Stone and it will be all edible, from the herbs to the flowers,” said Fishman.

Fishman said she wants the garden to provide produce like lettuce to the Bistro year round, and even to sell to outside vendors if production is big enough.

Through a farm grant which is a

partnership with the Beaver, Behrend and University Park campuses, students can be hired in a part-time position from all majors to work on the gardens and earn $10 an hour, said Fishman. “We want everyone to know that this should be a part of their life.”

Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Service, said he loves the idea of a campus garden. “I think it is great.”

Lindner said the idea of using food

produced from the garden in the Bistro is great, but the timing of the harvest season for the crops does not align with the academic year.

Efforts are underway to adjust the harvest time for the crops so it coincides with the academic season, Fishman said.

Sophomore Marissa Bufalini is spearheading the garden club program on campus. Bufalini said she had a garden growing up but stopped around the age of 10.

“Being reintroduce was something that was amazing and I really have a passion for it,” she said. Gardening has amazing benefits, like psychological, and learning how to start their own garden at home can save them money.”

In addition to herbs like chives, dill, garlic, rosemary, parsley, basil, sage, thyme, cilantro and oregano, edible flowers are also planned to make the garden pretty, said Bufalini.

Sophomore Mariah Mack, a biology major, said she loves the idea for the campus to grow its own food.

“It would show students that we can grow stuff right here and give students fresh food.”

Planting flower beds would also be another great idea, Mack said. “It will be low to no maintenance and would help our declining bee population.”

Defeating hunger, one canned good at a time RJ DIGIORNO Staff Writer

rjd5490@psu.edu

The Roar/Garrett Troy

The new Food Pantry is behind the bookstore to help students.

Most students don’t have to worry where their next meal is going to come from. They head to the Brodhead Bistro, pull out their wallet or use their meal plan, and they’re ready to eat.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy for others. The new Penn State Beaver food pantry aims to remedy this issue.

“The purpose of the pantry is to provide food to students that are

food insecure,” said Angela Fishman, assistant teaching professor of mathematics. Fishman’s Sustainability 200 class is spearheading the food pantry project.

The pantry will be located on the back of the Student Union Building, behind the bookstore, and only accessible from outside.

If a student doesn’t have money to pay for a meal on campus, they are welcomed to use the food pantry, Fishman said. The goal is to keep the food pantry discrete for the sake of students.

The pantry will be open to all students on campus. It will not only benefit those that can’t afford to eat, but also athletes that arrive home late from a game after the Bistro has closed.

The Sustainability 200 class will be taking on an eight-week trial with the food pantry.

They will be working with the Salvation Army as well as the Pittsburgh Food Bank to stock the pantry.

Sophomore Zach Petey, a member of the class and also an athlete, is a cofounder of the pantry.

“I don’t think it will be abused, It should be used for athletes and those that need food on campus that don’t have the money to do so” Petey said.

An honor system will be put into place if you should have to use the pantry,” Petey said. This will ensure that it always stays stocked.

Since Petey will be leaving for University Park in the fall, he said he would like to get the pantry up and running before he leaves and find someone to take his position who can “accept responsibility, be a good leader and take charge.”

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Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

Features

Where dreams come true MATYLDA ZAMUDIO Staff Writer

mmz5236@psu.edu

Disney World has grabbed the hearts of many children, including junior Nicholas Pelino, who visited the park often with his late mother, father and brother.

Pelino dreamed of turning his childhood passion into a career. Last October, his dream became a reality after receiving an internship offer to work at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

As a kid, Pelino’s parents owned a timeshare in Orlando and visiting the parks became a family tradition.

“Disney has always been a big part of my life. My mom always told me that I was going to work for Disney and here I am,” he said.

One of Pelino’s first memories of Disney was when he was three years old and his parents took him for his first visit. “I remember being at Magic Kingdom and watching the fireworks; that was my favorite,” said Pelino.

Pelino, who is a business marketing and management major, started his internship on Jan. 22 and works as a vacation planner at the Ticket and Transportation Center for Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista.

Landing his dream internship at Disney sank in for Pelino two weeks after orientation, when he and his roommates were watching the Happily Ever After fireworks show. He said that was the first time that he felt like it was actually happening.

Some of Pelino’s intern duties include offering guests more than 73 ticket options to choose from, including park hoppers and annual passes.

Pelino enjoys asking guests questions to find out their interests so he can design the perfect Disney experience for them.

“I love talking to people. Whenever I have those guest interactions, it just makes my day,” he said.

Pelino typically starts his days at 6 a.m., when he gets ready for his 8

The Roar/Daniel Pinchot

Nick Pelino poses for a picture while in uniform at the Magic Kingdom.

Submitted Photo

Nick Pelino and Alexa Di Pietrantonio pose for a picture with a Mickey and Minnie Mouse statue in a Disney Springs store.

a.m. shift at the ticketing booth until 6:30 p.m. five days a week. On certain days, he is scheduled at 1 p.m. to work Parade Audience Control during Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade, where he keeps crowds behind the designated lines during the parade.

“The No. 1 rule we have is safety,” he said.

One of the perks to his internship, Pelino added, is being able to explore the different theme parks with his roommates when he is not working.

“We are always hanging out (at the parks) and that is one of my favorite things (to do),” he said.

Admissions Counselor Debra Seidenstricker has worked with Pelino in the admission’s office and

quickly learned about his love for Disney.

“He’s probably seen every Disney movie there is several times and he vacations there every year,” she said.

Seidenstricker was also one of the first people Pelino broke the news to after getting the call from Disney.

“I pulled in the parking lot and he was out there. He came up to my window and he was shaking, and I was like ‘you just got the phone call,’” she said. “He was so happy.”

Seidenstricker said that his admissions experience in data entry, answering phones, greeting visitors and helping with planning campus events boosted his resume.

“I think that Disney would be very lucky to have a kid like that if they

offer him a job once he graduates,” she said.

Daniel Pinchot, director of enrollment , said that Pelino’s love for Disney reflected in his fashion at work. “He loves Jungle Book,” Pinchot said. “I’m reminded of that every time he wears his Jungle Book T-shirt (around campus).”

Pinchot said that Pelino has also bought Toy Story Woody shoes and sported them proudly around campus.

On a recent recruiting trip to Florida, Pinchot visited Pelino at Disney World. He said he looked right at home and had never seen him look so happy.

“Seeing him in that environment, you can tell he’s in his element,” he

said. “He gets tremendous satisfaction from his job.”

Although he is away, Pelino is still able to represent Penn State Beaver.

“His name badge says Penn State Beaver and he is proudly representing us,” Pinchot said. “What a great role model for Penn State Beaver and we are proud of him.”

Pinchot said the admission’s office will benefit from Pelino’s time with Disney because he will return rejuvenated, incredibly focused and bring that Disney magic to the office.

Through this experience, Pelino has also had many networking opportunities with his superiors, attended Disney seminars and has interacted with people throughout the company.

“I’ve learned a lot about selling strategies from my coworkers and (through) guest interactions,” Pelino said. “I’ve learned how the magic works and how to create that magic for guests.”

After finishing his degree, Pelino plans to apply for a professional internship in guest relations and hopes to receive a full-time position with the company.

While Pelino was initially set to return on May 17, Disney has offered him an extension on his internship until July 26.

April 2018

Features

Penn State Beaver Roar

15

Beaver students land prominent internships JESSE MARTIN Staff Writer

jrm930@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver students often hear they should network themselves.

Logan Ridgley does that every other day by talking to successful people who are his clients.

A senior business major, Logan Ridgley, has an internship at Future Technology Staffing as a Talent Acquisition specialist.

Ridgley is one of many students enrolled in one of Penn State Beaver’s four-year programs who must complete an internship.

He said due to their large size, many information technology companies can’t do the hiring by themselves. Instead, they use the services of Future Technology Staffing, where Ridgley and other employees check out resumes on LinkedIn. After reviewing potential candidates, he sends out about 50 emails a day. Only about 10 people have contacted him back, with two interested in a position at the company.

A Fortune 200 company, Thermo

LOGAN RIDGLEY

ADAM WOODCOCK

Fisher Scientific uses the staffing services to find people who would fit its needed positions.

Ridgley said he really enjoys the job because it allows him to talk and network with a lot of successful people.

He found this internship from a friend at Penn State Beaver who has the same internship. He said there is possibility for other business majors to intern there as well, and he hopes to work for the company after graduation. While Ridgley

GARRETT TROY

assists in hires for IT companies, Adam Woodcock will start his third IT internship this summer.

Woodcock, a senior information sciences and technology major, has already had two internships and received an internship at Accenture.

Accenture is a global management consulting and professional services firm that provides strategy, consulting, digital technology and operations services.

Woodcock said the Accenture internship is the most important to

him because it is exactly what he is looking for in a long-term career. He said he will be involved in network security to prevent malfunctions and cyber attacks. The position will have him traveling to different oil refineries to test the security inside the machines.

Woodcock’s first two internships were both at Civil and Environmental Consultants Inc., though in two different departments.

He was in the IT department for his first internship where his main duty was troubleshooting company technology and maintaining the network. His second time with the company, Woodcock said, he was placed in the engineering department to manage the database.

Woodcock looks forward to beginning his internship as senior Garrett Troy’s internship comes to a close.

Troy, a communications major, began his internship at the Mario Lemieux Foundation this semester after networking with a family friend.

Troy, who is also a Roar staffer, assisted in the planning of the 2018

Mario Lemieux Fantasy Hockey Camp in March. “My favorite part of the camp was interacting with the campers and other workers,” Troy said, adding that the work was for a good cause.

Troy gets to work with staff on new marketing projects, help build the expansion of the foundation’s social media presence, monitor the social media pages and complete other administrative duties.

Troy said it’s a fantastic opportunity and would recommend the internship to other students.

After the internship ends, he said he would like to work with another non-profit organization.

Career and Personal Counselor Brenda Schultz can help students who are looking for an internship.

Schultz said she can help update your resume – your introduction to the prospective employer – so it looks more professional.

Schultz said she sees many students each week about internships and also said that student internships are really important.

Transfer students choose Beaver for cost and convenience ANTONIA D. ROTUNA Staff Writer

adr5488@psu.edu

Despite some bumps in the road, students transfer to Penn State Beaver because of the affordable price and proximity to their homes.

Senior Kyle O’Hara said his transfer was not a breeze. O’Hara transferred in the fall from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he studied marketing. He wanted to transfer to Penn State Beaver to be close to his Beaver Falls home and to also study marketing.

The transferring process took too long, O’Hara said. “It took three months to get transferred and to also have my credits transferred as well.”

O’Hara explained that it took Penn State three months to accept

him because officials needed to view his classes and see which credits would transfer.

He said that he misses the freedom at IUP such as being able to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, but is glad to be back home and saving money. It’s less crowded at this campus, he said, and also requires less walking, which is nice in the winter when it is cold.

“It’s hard scheduling for classes,” O’Hara said. “It takes a while to get what you want due to the number of students allowed per class.”

Transfer Admission Counselor Debra Seidenstricker helps applicants with the process of transferring into Penn State Beaver. Seidenstricker admits sometimes there’s a lot of pain to endure during the process.

Seidenstricker explained why the process can take months. All of the applications go to the Undergraduate Admissions at University Park, where specialists working on transfers from all 20 campuses undergraduate campuses.

Penn State does accept many transfer credits, she said, but often needs to have course syllabi evaluated by faculty committees to determine whether credits are equivalent to Penn State courses.

For Seidenstricker, leading into the fall semester is her busiest time of year. All summer, transfers hope to be in for the fall semester.

Last fall, roughly 40 students transferred into Penn State Beaver, compared to just 20 the previous spring semester.

Community College of Beaver County is the popular college from which students want to transfer, and business, communications and psychology are the most popular majors.

Seidenstricker admitted that transferring colleges can be difficult.

“Most transfers wait until the last minute to transfer,” she added. The hardest part for transfer students is the transfer of credits and how long the process can be.

For junior Haley Coe, transferring from CCBC was pretty easy and simple. At the time she was studying business administration.

Coe wanted to pick a school that was affordable and close to home.

“Once I graduated from CCBC, all my credits transferred. It was nice not having to go through the head-

ache of my credit’s not transferring.”

Coe said she is happy with her decision and is glad to be home and still be able to work while in school.

For senior Mackenzie Heranic, transferring from CCBC was also easy. It took just one month to get a decision, and all of her credits transferred.

During her transfer search, she had three schools in mind: Slippery Rock University, Robert Morris University and Penn State Beaver. She picked Beaver because it was close enough to still live at home and commute and affordable.

Heranic will be graduating in May and said she is very happy to be getting a degree with only paying half the price instead of going to University Park.

16

Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

Features

Lights. Camera. Action!

Freshman gets his chance to be on the big screen KARL TRUSKOWSKI Staff Writer

kzt5265@psu.edu

All students have a dream or a goal that they hope to achieve one day.

For one Penn State Beaver student, that dream is starting to come true.

Dante Anzevino’s dream is to be in the movies. He is dedicating his life and career to be an actor.

Anzevino, a freshman, landed a role in the independent fantasyadventure film, “Tykarindom.” Similar to the “Harry Potter” series, the movie is about the spiritual realm of witches, wizards and the different casting of spells.

Classmates know Anzevino when they see him. He is always dressed in his nicest outfits: a sweater, or cardigan with a plain colored T-shirt underneath, clean and smooth pressed pants and dress socks and shoes to bring the outfit together. He has long, curly brown hair, a slight stubble on his face, and while shorter, he is in great physical shape.

Filming has been in production for more than a year, but Anzevino has only been involved for four months. He received his role after another actor dropped out of the project.

A typical day on set for Anzevino is busy. Arriving at 8 a.m., he is sent to makeup. Next, he has to get together with the other actors who will be participating in the scheduled scene with him. This usually takes up to about two hours before he is called for his scene. Once he arrives for his scene, another hour of preparation is needed while the cameras get set to film.

Filming one scene can take anywhere from one hour to a full day.

Most of the time, scenes usually take four hours. Depending on director Larry Johnson’s opinion, a scene

The Roar/ Nic McBride

Dante Anzevino says his acting job has taught him a lot. “I didn’t realize how long I would actually be on set, or how much work I’d actually be doing.”

may not get finished and have to be pushed off until the next day.

After the scene, Anzevino is sent to his dressing room. He gets an hour to prepare and grab something to eat.

He goes to his next scene and films for another several hours. His day can go to 11 p.m.

Production days tend to be an 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. schedule. Anzevino has been told that a normal day is usually an eight to 10-hour day. His days have never been normal. He once didn’t leave set until 2 a.m.

Anzevino said this movie is his first real acting gig, and admits he has learned a lot about what it takes to be an actor.

“I didn’t realize how long I would actually be on set, or how much work I’d actually be doing,” Anzevino said.

Anzevino said one of the challenges he faces is getting into character.

He said that actors need to bring a part of their inner-characters out of them, similar to when children create an imaginary friend.

Another big thing he said he’s learned is how to speak differently in front of a camera.

“I know it sounds weird, but not many people think about how different they talk when a camera is in front of them,” Anzevino said. “You have to know how to talk to the camera or have a conversation in front of it. I learned with much practice how to do that.”

One thing that took Anzevino by surprise was being able to have input on the script. Johnson wanted to have an actor’s perspective on what was being shot. He was able to take

the script and make changes. At first, making changes was intimidating but now he is comfortable contributing to the process.

John Chapin, professor of Communications, said he is able to relate to Anzevino’s experience in “Tykarindom.”

“I had an experience during ‘The Wonder Boys’ where we had an 11-hour day for something that ended up being only a three-minute scene,” Chapin said. Chapin was featured in the 2000 movie as an extra.

Chapin also said that Anzevino’s experience is valuable moving forward because he’s able to see how a production works and how slow it is.

Anzevino studies film and video at Beaver. Chapin said he is one of the only students on campus enrolled in that major.

Admissions Counselor Justin Vorbach said the major prepares students for what a career in film has to offer.

“Film graduates are prepared for various roles spanning from television to the big screen and everything in between,” Vorbach said.

But Anzevino doesn’t plan to head to the University Park campus to finish the degree in the College of Communications.

In the fall, Anzevino will be transferring to Point Park University. He was accepted on March 14 as one of 22 students who were admitted into Point Park’s Bachelor’s of Arts program for acting. He said 600 students auditioned.

Anzevino will continue to film for “Tykarindom” over this coming summer. The movie is slated for a Christmas-time release.

April 2018

Features

Penn State Beaver Roar

17

Sherrika dominates in slam poetry SHELTON HILLIARD Staff Writer

szh151@psu.edu

As a freshman in high school, Sherrika Mitchell wrote a poem for extra credit.

She wasn’t too sure what she was doing at the time but soon came to the realization that she had a passion for the art.

Mitchell recalled being nervous to perform her first poem. Listening in the crowd, Mitchell said she remembered when the girl before her took the stage.

That girl was Kim Scott, a mentor for Mitchell to pursue a talent she wasn’t aware she had.

Scott started her poem with the words, “Violence will end the day hip hop and country shake hands.”

This quote has always stuck with Mitchell, she said.

Mitchell now works for Penn State Beaver as a residence life and activities coordinator, but she still performs her poetry any chance she gets.

Mitchell is not your ordinary poet.

She specializes in slam poetry, a competitive style of poetry.

Judges score poets 0-10, but the

Sherrika Mitchell performs during a slam poetry competition.

judges are five random people in the audience. The judging is based on how much the judge enjoyed the poem.

“As a poet she is awesome. She

writes poems that makes stuff relate to her,” freshman Zelma Daye says.

Daye is a student that is close with Mitchell on campus and really enjoys the power Mitchell has over her audi-

Submitted photo

ence.

Mitchell has incredible command over the audience, Daye said. “She will say a poem that engages the audience and then turn her poem

into a personal one.”

Mitchell recently performed her poetry to a noon-time crowd in the Brodhead Bistro March 30.

Standing on the makeshift stage to the side, Mitchell exhibited a talent that quieted more than 50 students eating lunch.

Mitchell’s performance was fun and active. She was loud and very aware of what she was going to say.

Standing in front of a room full of people, she didn’t seem nervous and didn’t need notes.

Justin Vorbach, an admission counselor, said slam poetry is powerful. “Slam poetry is emotion, like rap.”

Vorbach said he had never seen live poetry before, until one day Mitchell surprised him and a few others with some of her poetry.

“There wasn’t much of a crowd, but everyone was paying attention to the way she moved.”

Mitchell still performs every time she has the opportunity, whether it is open mic or an actual competition.

If you would like to watch Mitchell perform, search Sherrika Mitchell on YouTube.

Learn to identify an unhealthy relationship

ANTHONY PAPPAS Staff Writer

azp5593@psu.edu

Unfortunately, there is always at least one couple on every college campus, including Penn State Beaver, which does not seem to meet the expectations of a healthy relationship.

While it’s common to bicker or fight occasionally in a relationship, if it leaves a person feeling insecure or scared, it’s likely an unhealthy relationship.

“I think it’s more common than people think,” said sophomore Torey Cassidy, a victim who has been in an abusive relationship herself. “He was just really abusive, and it made me

feel bad.”

However, Cassidy said there were no red flags in her sight until after she and her abuser ended their relationship.

She explained that victims will not get out of the relationship until they want to.

Cassidy also suggested that aggression during arguments is a huge red flag in relationships. Aggression leads to control. She said the abuser may react negatively to the victim visiting family and controls who the victim’s friends are.

“There’s not just one way for someone to become a victim in an unhealthy relationship,” said Person-

al Counselor Brenda Schultz.

Schultz explained that students can become victims physically, psychologically and sexually. A victim of any type may encounter abuse and intense pressure to resist leaving the relationship.

However, some students are afraid to speak up and ask for help. Schultz said that the fear of retaliation prevents students from coming forth about the abuse they suffer.

In this situation, the victim is being controlled, and the victim is afraid of the other person that further action will be done.

Both Schultz and Cassidy agree that the other person controls who

the victim sees. The victim may not be allowed to talk to his or her friends or family anymore.

“The other person controls who the victim has access to,” said Schultz.

Schultz said the victim’s social media may be monitored by the other person reading his or her text messages to others or the victim’s friends’ posts on social media sites such as Facebook.

The victim may be cut off from everyone except for the other person in the relationship.

Cassidy says she believes that some students choose to stay in unhealthy relationships because they still love

the person, and some students choose to leave these types of relationships because they get tired of the control.

According to the Women’s Center of Beaver County, victims are encouraged to get medical help and tell someone what happened after the violence.

Victims should contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline if they experience any abuse in a relationship.

If students become victims in unhealthy relationships in any way, they are encouraged to seek help.

Counseling is available to whomever is stuck or having difficulties in a relationship at Penn State Beaver.

18

Penn State Beaver Roar April 2018

Sports

Mother nature dampens season Softball games postponed because of weather ANTONIA ROTUNA Staff Writer

adr5488@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver’s women’s softball season has officially begun, though the weather has prevented all but a handful of recent games from being postponed.

The team started its season in Myrtle Beach over spring break with a 3-5 record.

Since spring break, the team has only been able to play two double headers – two losses to Thiel College March 17 and two wins against Kent State Tuscarawas March 18 – and has yet to play a single conference matchup due to the weather. With an overall record of 5-7, the team has been practicing and working on improvements until the weather starts cooperating.

The team has no seniors this year, so it’s up to the six juniors – Brenna Cepull, Brittany Zahn, Dina Cable, Brittany Garza, Carley Schroeder and Vanessa Jackson – to lead the team.

Penn State Athletics

Kayla Campbell hits a pitch against Hagerstown Community College March 5. The team went 3-5 over the spring break trip to Myrtle Beach.

“It’s a different task for me being a captain for over two years,” said Cepull, who plays third base. “It’s rewarding and a great experience.”

Coach Andy Kirschner is happy

with how the season has turned out so far.

“We did great in Myrtle with it just being the beginning of the season,” said Kirschner, impressed

by the team’s pitching and hitting.

He said he hopes to see the team’s defense get a little better.

Kirschner said he hopes to see the bond among the team grow stronger

than it was last year.

Sophomore Jessica Hughes, a first and second baseman, was injured her freshman year, tearing her ACL and sitting out the season.

Since then, she has gone through two surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. Hughes was recently released from physical therapy and started her season in Myrtle Beach.

“Walking on the field for the first time after not playing for a year was a great feeling,” Hughes said.

Since being released, Hughes played great in Myrtle Beach, batting a .370 and getting some time on the pitcher’s mound.

Hughes said the team is small and young but is also talented and has tons of room to grow.

For freshman Natalie Larkin, the beginning of the season has been very intimidating for her.

Larkin plays first base, outfield and is also a pitcher. Having supportive teammates and coaches has made her transition to college ball much easier.

Larkin said she loves playing college softball but the competition has been different for her.

“In college softball, everyone is good,” Larkin said. She said there’s always someone out there giving her all.

The team has 14 doubleheaders to play during the month of April, including 20 conference matchups.

Fightin’ Beavs head to hockey playoffs after six wins

CHRIS ROTONDO Senior Staff Writer

ctr5138@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver Fightin’ Beavs club hockey team will face off against Robert Morris University on April 5 in the first playoff matchup for tier 2 of the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Roller Hockey League.

Beaver has won six consecutive one for Beaver, bringing its record to 6-1.

In its last four regular-season

matchups, Beaver easily defeated Clarion University 5-2 on Feb. 22, Indiana University of Pennsylvania 10-4 on March 1, LaRoche College 5-4 on March 14 and Slippery Rock University 4-3 on March 21.

Beaver was ranked No. 1 among the five teams heading into the playoffs. “We’re now 6-1 this semester, as opposed to 1-6 in the fall,” said junior captain Brendan Rossi.

“We’ve definitely come a long way.”

After the fall semester, the team

was moved to a lower tier in the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Roller Hockey League, where it’s been more competitive.

As captain, Rossi is following in the footsteps of his older brother and former captain Dom Rossi. After graduating last spring, Dom Rossi returned to the team by serving as assistant coach.

“I’ve never had anyone who is in my family coach me,” Rossi said.

“He knows what he’s talking about

and he helps to keep my head leveled when I need it.”

Once facing elimination, the team has now turned into playoff hopefuls.

“We have a good group of guys this year, so I think our chances are strong,” Welch said. “I think we’ve got a good shot at going back-toback.”

Rossi says that he tries to keep the team focused on each individual game. “I especially like helping out the rookies to get them adjust-

ed,” said Rossi. “I try to keep them focused but keep it light.”

Senior defenseman Garrett Troy looks forward to ending his senior year on a high note.

“I’m looking forward to the pace we’ve created as a whole,” said Troy.

“Still, every little mistake in playoffs is costly because it’s do or die.”

“The only thing that’s acceptable would be to win a championship,” said Rossi. “Anything less would be a failure.”

April 2018

Sports

Penn State Beaver Roar

19

Biggest opponent for baseball: weather WILLIAM DERRY Staff Writer

wfd5070@psu.edu

After returning from spring training in Myrtle Beach, the Penn State Beaver baseball team was set to open its 2018 season at home against Grove City College on March 13.

However, the weather had other plans.

Due to inclement weather from a Nor’easter, Beaver’s game against Grove City and double-headers against Chatham University on March 16 and Westminster College March 21 were all cancelled.

In addition, three games scheduled against Butler County Community College were all postponed.

The team is 1-7 overall, with its only win having come against Ancilla College of Indiana, 8-6, during spring break.

“It’s been difficult,” said Coach Jack Hilfinger. “We’ve been mostly inside since mid-October.”

Penn State Beaver Athletics

Sophomore Justyn Francona takes a swing during a spring training game against Ancilla College.

Beaver had to wait until March 17 to play its first regular season game against Geneva College in a doubleheader.

The team battled but came up short in both contests by a single run, losing 3-2 in the first match and 6-5

in the second.

Senior Daniel Vanderslice threw six innings, allowing three earned runs and recording four strikeouts.

“We played well as a team. They were two great games but unfortunately we lost,” Vanderslice said.

Although Beaver lost both contests to Geneva, Hilfinger said he still took away some positives from the games.

“There’s always improvement,” said Hilfinger. “All I can go on are those two games at Geneva we played three weeks ago, but we’re moving in

Bistro worker teaches Tai Chi class MOSES FUCHS Staff Writer

msf5360@psu.edu

Tai Chi Instructor Ida Moran stood before a handful of students and staff March 22 in the studio of the Wellness Center, right arm outstretched, demonstrating a pose to her students.

Moran, who is also a cashier in the Brodhead Bistro, offers the class as a way to introduce meditation.

“It is not only an exercise class, it’s meditation in motion using graceful and easy martial arts steps and focus movements,” Moran said.

“Sometimes it is also describe as something in slow motion,with benefits of strength and flexibility, balance, heart health, blood flow, clarity and stress relief,” she added.

A typical Tai Chi class so far has from 10 to 15 people participating,

The Roar/ Nic McBride

Instructor Ida Moran teaches the class the exercise Tai Chi ball.

including several faculty and staff.

The classes begin with a warm up to get the blood flowing and includes a session of shaking,a rep-

resentation of the shaking out the day’s stress.

Cloud Hands is an exercise where the participant makes a cloud

motion with his or her hands and its purpose is to take focus off of the day’s stresses and clear the mind.

An exercise called Cutting through the Clarity is done by moving the hands back and pushing them forward, symbolizing pushing good things from one’s past into the future.

The last exercise Moran demonstrates is called Taking the Ball and Bringing it Back. It’s done by making a ball shape in the hands and claiming control of life. Tai Chi is recommended to be a tool for stress relief.

“It was a lot different than I expected it to be, but I liked it,” said senior Alexa Di Pietrantonio Being that college is stressful, the class offers a much needed break from all of the studying and classwork.

the right direction.”

This season Beaver’s roster is the smallest it’s been since Hilfinger became the coach in 2010. With only 13 players, three of them being seniors, Beaver will have to rely on its core of veterans this season.

“I’m confident in these kids because of the core of baseball players that we have,” said Hilfinger.

The team has 16 games scheduled to play in the month of April, all but one of which is a Penn State University Athletic Conference matchup.

“I’m looking forward to winning games and going out on top with my boys,” Vanderslice said.

Despite all of the cancellations and postponements due to weather, Beaver’s goals have remained the same this year.

“I have had the same team goals since my first season in 2010.

Make the PSUAC playoffs, win the PSUAC playoffs and go to the national world series,” said Hilfinger.

Jackson wins player of the year The Penn State University Athletic Conference awarded Brittany Jackson, a senior on the women’s basketball team, the PSUAC Player of the Year.

The award is the top honor a player can receive among 13 Penn State campuses across the state. Jackson also received first-team All-American honors.

“When I found out I won player of the year, I was so happy and proud of myself. I accomplished so many goals I set out for the season,” said Jackson.

Jackson finished fifth in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association in scoring with 19.1 points per game, and third in rebounding with 11.9 rebounds per game. She’s only the 13th women’s basketball player in USCAA history to earn the honor.

— Adam Espinoza

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A Family Tradition

The story of Vesuvio’s (Monaca) cannot be told without learning the history of our family in Toronto, Canada. In 1955, Dominic Pugliese, an immigrant to the United States, learned the art of making pizzas from a generous man who owned a bakery named “Vesuvio”, in New York City. In 1957 Dominic and his brother Ettore, along with their father Rocco journeyed to Toronto, with a plan to introduce New York style pizza for the first time.

The Tradition Continues...

Due to the success of our family’s restaurant in Toronto, we gained the motivation that was needed to get things started here in Monaca, Pennsylvania. Former owner Dominic Tarzia along with current co-owner Tony Chirico opened this restaurant in 1984, serving only pizzas. From that point on the demand for the famed family recipes grew, so more traditional Italian favorites were added throughout the years. Carmella “Grandma”and Mary, the family matriarchs, worked at the restaurant daily, creating fresh traditional dishes from scratch. Mary continues to work on prep and helps Vesuvio’s thrive; she is one of the main reasons for the success of the family business.

To keep up with the success of Vesuvio’s we relocated in 2007 to 88 Wagner Road, Monaca. Along with moving locations, we welcomed in another family member to help run the business, Mark Spaziani. Years past in our new location, and Dominic decided to retire, leaving Mark’s son, Jared Spaziani to take his place running the family business.

As a family-owned business, Vesuvio’s brings you over 30 years of superb food and hospitality. Mary has taught us the importance of making our dishes from scratch and love. The food may take a little longer, but we think it is well worth the wait. Along with our homemade items, we have also added a gluten free menu, including pastas, pizzas, and hoagies. Vesuvio’s would like everyone to have an enjoyable experience when eating Vesuvio’s whether you dine in, take out, order delivery or have us cater an event!

From the owners...

We would like to thank our loyal customers who have been coming to our restaurant since the beginning and allow us to share our family with theirs. Vesuvio’s would also like to thank our long-standing employees that have become family, they are a true testament of loyalty.

Bring in this paper for $2.00 off a large pizza during the month of April 2018.

Discount not applied to alcohol. One coupon per table/party, per visit. ONE TIME USE. Coupon must be shown to waitress prior to order.

724-728-9210 88 Wagner Road, Monaca (near Target) www.vesuviositalianrestaurant.com