October 2018 Roar by Penn State Beaver

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

News

New things cooking in Harmony Hall Kitchen renovation gives students a taste of home GABBY FIFFICK Staff Writer

gef5101@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver residents can now be greeted at the door by the smells of home cooked food and the sound of talking and laughter after the addition of a kitchen to Harmony Hall lobby. The bright colors of the kitchen offer a welcoming yet homey atmosphere. The kitchen includes a fourburner glass-top stove, a state-ofthe-art hood system, a French door refrigerator and handicapped-accessible microwave. The island in the center welcomes conversation among friends while they enjoy a late-night meal. The construction of the kitchen began in late June and finished on Aug. 17, just days before students arrived. With the new addition, students are now able to cook a taste of home. “It started as a piece of a bigger plan, including an additional space to the front of Harmony Hall with the kitchen and a fireplace. That was back in 2014,” said Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services. Although giving college students access to a brand new kitchen isn’t common, the new one in Harmony Hall is equipped with state-of-the art safety features. “You have to put a password in to activate the kitchen to use the equipment. The stove won’t turn on without the vent being on. The oven automatically shuts off after two hours, and the oven has a very similar hood system to a professional kitchen. It will release Ansul, which will extinguish any fire,” said Lindner. The kitchen cost $100,000, and students believe that it is worth it.

“It was made for cooking, but it’s also good to hang out and as a study spot, especially when you need to find a quiet spot and get away from everyone,” said freshman Michelle Cisco. Freshmen may not know what life would be like in the hall without a kitchen, however upperclassmen are happy to have an option other than fast food after they get done with a night class. “From my freshman year until now, I think the updates are amazing, from the sports court to the kitchen,” said senior resident assistant Taylor Myers. “I only see it getting better.” Myers said she has put the kitchen to good use. “I have used the kitchen for brownies and ramen. It’s great for making a late-night dinner.” Harmony Hall also saw other updates this summer. A new color

scheme can now be seen on the walls in the residence hall, along with new carpeting in the hallways and the lobby. The updates in Harmony Hall have been received well by students. However, students can expect it to keep improving. “I just turned in our 10-year plan including air conditioning and another addition, which would include a sitting and studying area with a fireplace,” Lindner said. “I’ve included air conditioning (in our plans) since I’ve started working here in 2004. It would be a pretty severe renovation. All the existing heating systems would need to be ripped out, and the electrical would need to be redone.” So far, the university’s office of Housing and Food Services hasn’t approved any of the new projects Lindner has submitted.

The Roar/Gabby Fiffick

Students Siu-Len Navarro, left, Savana Griggs, Hunter Spisak, and Zelma Daye, right, enjoy a home-cooked meal in the new Harmony Hall kitchen. The space cost about $100,000 and includes many high-tech features.

October 2018

News

Penn State Beaver Roar

Biggest class of student athletes joins campus ALEXEY STERN

Senior Staff Writer

ams8317@psu.edu

Deontae Golden has traveled from Columbus, Georgia to attend the Penn State Beaver campus this fall and play as a member of the men’s soccer team. Golden plans on earning a degree in mechanical engineering. As the first person of his family to go to college, Golden said he initially felt anxious about the transition. That all changed when he was welcomed by his soccer coach, Jim VanKirk, and by his fellow team members. A month has passed since then and he now feels at home on the campus. Golden said he feels that he has been exposed to a whole new world and is optimistic about the future. Golden is only one example of the 75 new student-athletes, many from out of state, who joined the campus this fall. Over the past couple of years, the campus has recruited roughly 40 to 50 student athletes every year, but this year’s number skyrocketed to 75, according to Penn State Beaver’s Admission Office. Fifty are from outof-state. According to Associate Director of Enrollment Justin Vorbach, this rising trend will probably continue into the future. “We have a great process in place and we are really starting to gain traction,” Vorbach said. “Unfortunately, our recruitment numbers do have a limit, but we are hopeful for similar results at least for the next year.” “We have always had a strong athletic program on campus and I think this year it has grown to the next level,” Vorbach added. “Our athletes bring a unique energy and pride to our campus.” Out-of-state students make up the majority of the freshmen group, Vorbach said. “They offer different perspectives and approaches to their sports. They exhibit an enhanced sense of pride and drive because this experience is

The Roar/Tiarra Gordon

Freshman Jeremiah Miller laughs while playing a game of recreational basketball in the campus gym. Miller, of Clinton, Maryland, is a member of the biggest class of student athletes the campus has recruited.

special to them,” he said. “We have a ton of out-of-state talent and I’m excited to have them on our teams.” Vorbach said he believes that the key to success was working so closely with the athletics department and pooling resources. “Brian Bibey and I developed a system to better recruit, track and monitor students which expanded our reach, efficiency and effectiveness,” Vorbach said. “Our success with athletic recruitment can be traced directly back to the hard work and effort of our athletic recruiter and our coaches.” Bibey, the athletic recruiter and men’s basketball coach, agreed that out-of-state students are good for the campus as well. “Out-of-state students add to the campus because these are people coming from across the country and they have a different perspective

on things,” Bibey said. “When we recruit student-athletes, we stress the fact that they are students first and that they need to be impactful outside of the gym and not just on the field,” Bibey said. Bibey said he focuses on helping recruits find their fit. “It’s all about finding that fit – that’s the cornerstone to my recruiting philosophy.” “They really are just like any other group of students,” Bibey said. “If anything, the biggest challenge the campus faces from this group is the same challenges with freshmen in general…they don’t know their way around and are still getting used to college life.” John Kazmierczyk, a junior who plays for the soccer team, said he feels the same way about this sudden increase of student athletes. “I absolutely think that having more athletes is a positive thing for

the campus because it is incorporating a lot more diversity, especially with the out-of-state,” said Kazmierczyk. “I think it is a crazy, unreal thing – in a good way of course – and as long as they are happy to be here, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.” Kazmierczyk argued that there are more long-term benefits that most people may not consider. “First of all, I think they will bring a lot of money to the campus if I’m going to be honest with you, because there will be more people participating in more fundraising events,” Kazmierczyk said. “Secondly, they will bring the overall grade-point average up for the campus because even though grades and sports are two different things, one can help with the other because they are both purpose driven.” Golden, the soccer player from

Georgia, said he is very self-motivated. “It’s a challenge adjusting to a new environment so far away from home. It’s exciting and gives me a new sense of independence and responsibility.” Golden agrees with Kazmierczyk’s point, however, feeling support from his fellow teammates. “Athletes look out for each other. We motivate each other to work harder and to study harder,” Golden said. “It helped me find my place and to fit in. It gives me a sense of community.” The consensus among the Athletics Department and Admissions is overwhelmingly positive as Andy Kirschner, the athletics director, said he believes that this shift in demographics will be beneficial to the campus as well. “Having more out-of-state students will be good for the student body. There will be more diversity, since you will have students making friends with people from around the country, and even around the world,” Kirschner said. Kirschner said he believes that the reason out-of-state students are interested in Penn State Beaver is because it has a lot to offer. “The quality of a Penn State education is the most attractive thing about out campus, that and the smaller campus size.” Kirschner said he is optimistic about the future. “We paired up with admissions more closely and it was really just a natural fit, a good marriage,” Kirschner said. “We hope to continue to fill our rosters and once they’re full, the campus could start looking into offering even more sports.” At the end of the day, Kazmierczyk thinks that what really matters is priorities. “I just hope that all of these athletes are coming in to also do well in school and not just their sport. I hope they are not coming to campus with sports being their No. 1 priority,” Kazmierczyk said. “I hope they find out what they want to do with their life, and have a sense of purpose as students.”

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

News

Uninsured students face big bill next year JESSE MARTIN Staff Writer

jrm930@psu.edu

A new health insurance requirement could cost students $2,619 a year starting next fall if they aren’t already enrolled in a health insurance plan. For students who do not provide evidence of enrollment in a health insurance plan, Penn State will automatically enroll them in a student group plan and the cost will be added to their tuition bill. Director of Student Affairs Chris Rizzo says that it will be a change for students who don’t have high quality insurance. Rizzo explained that the high cost of health care is the reason for the new policy. “A major medical event that isn’t covered by insurance could be catastrophic.” Most plans provided by U.S. employer-sponsored programs or coverage through the Health Insurance Market place will meet the requirement, according to an article in Penn State News. The Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will be offered through United Healthcare and the university will not profit from the plan. Nurse Barbara Kugel said, “It will help students in the long run of financial medical issues.” Kugel said students can come to her for help to either sign up for the insurance or file their paperwork showing they have health insurance. Student Government President Brenna Cepull says she understands why the university is requiring insur-

ance, but thinks the cost could be problematic for some students. “It should be a top concern that there is a significant amount of students that are not properly insured,” Cepull said. “I do think Penn State is acting to help better the students and provide safety, but I also see where issues can arise from this.” According to Penn State News, some regional or state plans limit where students can seek treatment, and the health services available closest to Penn State campuses are excluded. According to the Student Affairs website, requirements that a student’s health plan must meet are: Health insurance coverage is effective from August 13, 2018, to August 12, 2019. Coverage does not have any limitations, waiting periods or exclusions on pre-existing conditions. Coverage has network doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other health care providers in the student’s Penn State campus area. Coverage includes emergencies and non-emergency services such as diagnostic X-ray and lab, physical therapy, urgent care visits, ambulance services, preventative vaccine and prescription drug coverage. Coverage includes inpatient and outpatient hospitalization. Coverage includes inpatient and outpatient counseling and mental health services. Coverage includes recreational activities (excluding intercollegiate athletics). Coverage includes maternity care.

PERSON IN THE BISTRO

What do you think about Penn State’s health insurance requirement?

“Insurance should be required, but not that much of a fee.”

Madison Beck

Freshman

“I think it should already be covered in the tuition.”

Jake Chen

Freshman

“That’s a lot of money, more than my car.”

Matt Lewis Freshman

“Good grief. That sounds unreasonable. There should be things you can pick from.”

Jeremiah Miller Freshman

“The hardest part is proving my insurance is good.”

Robert Shoop Sophomore

“It could be too much for some people. Another $2,600 could limit some.”

Anna Vesho

Freshman

October 2018

News

Penn State Beaver Roar

Beaver bans smoking ALEXANDER D’ITRI Senior Staff Writer

avd5623@psu.edu

Penn State students who smoke or vape will have to change their ways in the coming years to comply with the new smoking policy. Starting this semester, the Beaver campus will begin enforcing some of its new smoking policy. This new policy bans the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and all nicotine delivery devices anywhere across all of Penn State’s campuses. In previous years, smoking was prohibited inside any building and within 30 feet of the entrance to any university owned building. University Police Sergeant Marque Wiese said that the campus police will not be taking any action to enforce the policy this academic year. The main goal for this year is to get people to stop vaping indoors, explained Student Activities and Residence Life Coordinator Sherrika Mitchell.

Sophomore Ben Chen smokes a cigarette behind Harmony Hall.

There was no policy on vaping previously, meaning it was allowed in the residence hall. Residence Life Coordinator Andy

Kiefer said that vaping indoors will be treated as a minor offense as they transition to a smoke-free environment, but it is a fire hazard and fail-

Photo by Alexander D’Itri

ure to comply could be cause for a housing review. Sophomore resident assistant Patrick Byers is a non-smoker who said

he thinks this new policy is for the best. Byers said it is a responsible move for the campus as there are so many known health risks associated with smoking. “If we move slowly to no smoking anywhere on campus, I think it will work,” said Byers. Sophomore Ben Chen smokes and lives in Harmony Hall and said he feels conflicted about the coming change. “The vaping is understandable; no one wants to have to smell other people’s vape,” Chen said. “But I don’t see what was wrong with the old policy of having to be 30 feet away from a building.” Chen said he is concerned about students who already smoke and will have a hard time quitting. Sophomore Shane Cepull doesn’t smoke and thinks it makes sense for health reasons. Cepull said this move will bring Beaver campus up-to-date with rules other colleges have had for a long time.

Penn State makes the switch to Office 365 KARL TRUSKOWSKI Senior Staff Writer

kzt5265@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver students may have noticed a significant change to one of their online platforms when they returned to campus this fall. Penn State made a universitywide change by replacing Webmail with Office 365. All email for students and some campus staff is now received online through Outlook, not Webmail. Zachary Tarasenkov and Corey Price, senior Information Sciences and Technology students, said they found the migration to Office 365 beneficial for students because of how easy it is to use. “It’s a modern system that we are

familiar with, especially incoming freshmen. They will all be familiar with the layout,” Price said. Webmail was a very outdated platform, Tarasenkov said. He said he would always find trouble in trying to keep his emails organized. Creating folders was a difficult process and locating those folders was an even more difficult process. Price said that when he logged onto Webmail as a freshman, he felt as if he went back in time. “It looked like Windows 98,” Price said. Tarasenkov agreed. It just looked bad. The Outlook app is one of the many new benefits that Penn State is offering. The whole Microsoft Office, OneDrive online storage, calendar

and email teams are all available to students and soon to be available to staff and faculty. Both students agreed that compared to Webmail, Office 365 has no cons to it. Tarasenkov said he’s happy he finally has an app to download that he can pair with his iPhone and Apple Watch to make reading email more convenient. Price said he likes that if he’s using the online version of Word, he’s able to log onto any computer and continue from where he left off. “It’s going to be very simple for students to adapt to all of it,” Tarasenkov said. Amber Hopkins, Information Resources & Services Support Spe-

cialist in the Beaver library, said Office 365 makes it easier to collaborate with her co-workers. Office 365 has helped Hopkins and her team at Beaver to share their individual calendars and important documents with one another more efficiently, she said. Ted Froats, director of Information Technology, said that it took a lot of work to bring Office 365 to not only Beaver but the whole university. Froats said there were two problems holding the university’s email system down: the calendar and the costs. Froats said that Webmail is an inadequate system that doesn’t offer a calendar which needed to

be addressed. Webmail is also a home-grown Penn State system that required paying an enitre staff. Penn State was also paying for a separate calendaring system called UCS along with 35 exchange systems. In Jan. 2017, CIO Michael Kubit was hired. Kubit looked at the email system and wanted to clean it up. He wanted everyone on the same email and calendar system. Office 365 is the next step in improving the university’s online platforms. According to Froats, there will also be future upgrades. So far, the transition has been smooth and there have been a few support requests from students, he added. Staff and faculty can expect their migration to Office 365 on Nov. 12.

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

News

Jennie Ward: The time was right to retire SAVANA C. GRIGGS Senior Staff Writer

scg5198@psu.edu

After 18 years of being the administrative support assistant for Academic Advising, Jennie Ward retired on Aug. 31 by saying a quiet farewell to her coworkers and the students that she loved the most. Whenever she looks back on her time and career at Penn State Beaver, she says that it is filled with great memories and stories that she will always remember. “It was honestly just an amazing experience working at Penn State Beaver,” said Ward. “Every person that I worked with at Penn State Beaver turned into a member of my family.” Ward says that it was difficult to say goodbye to Penn State Beaver after being a part of it for nearly two

The Roar/Karl Truskowski

Jennie Ward smiles for the camera one last time before her offical retirement Aug. 31.

decades, but the timing was right when it came to retiring. Now that she has officially retired, the biggest plan on her agenda involves two tiny and sweet individuals – her grandsons, Nolan, 5, and

Tyler, 3. “I want to watch my grandsons grow up and be a part of their lives as much as I can,” said Ward. “I can’t wait to collect as many memories as I can with them.” Given that Ward has made such

close relationships with her fellow coworkers, retiring doesn’t mean that she is saying a permanent goodbye. Advising Program Coordinator Gretchen Samchuck said she has already seen her friend and former co-worker since her retirement. “I actually saw her last week,” said Samchuck. After working together for 15 years, Ward and Samchuck became more than just friends and co-workers. They became a part of each other’s lives and families. Whenever Samchuck’s two children were younger, Ward’s older daughter babysat. Many years down the road when Ward’s daughter got married, Samchuck’s now older children were a part of the wedding party. “It really all came full circle between the two of us and our chil-

dren,” said Samchuck. “She and her family have truly become a part of my own family, as well.” Ward’s position has been filled by Jen Dilts, a familiar face to students and staff. Before Dilts took her current position, she had dual roles supporting both Continuing Education and Athletics. When the new position in Academic Advising opened up, she said she was ready for a switch to just one department. “I am looking forward to being able to regularly interact with traditional students on a daily basis,” said Dilts. Given that Dilts has seen Ward in action on the job, she said she feels like she is adjusting well to her new responsibilities. “I am grasping everything rather quickly, and it is a great transition,” said Dilts. “I hope to do as good a job as Jennie.”

Campus hires new staff members, police officer promoted ALEXIS DIPONIO Staff Writer

and5522@psu.edu

Penn State Beaver recently welcomed four new full-time staff members and promoted a police officer. Brandy Davis, biology lab technician, began work in July. Davis sets up any labs for the biology faculty. She also sets chemistry labs until a new technician is hired to replace Kim Lawrence who took a similar position at Penn State Shenango. Davis has a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology. “This is such a fun, active job,” says Davis. “A job where you have to sit at a desk all day really just isn’t for me.” Johnny Marcolini, international student counselor, began work in May. Marcolini also works for three other Penn State campuses. While he gets to experience the fun parts of learning new cultures, he also has the government aspects to deal with. He works with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,

BRANDY DAVIS

JOHNNY MARCOLINI

DAVID SCHLIFER

COLLEEN SHERMAN

meaning he makes sure students are doing what they need to do in order to stay in the United States. “It’s great to be able to act as a ‘big brother’ to these students and help guide them in the right direction,” says Marcolini. He has been working this type of job since 2011 and wants to continue to help international students adapt to a new lifestyle, said Marcolini. David Schlifer, new chef at the Brodhead Bistro, started in April. Schlifer has been in the food industry since he was 15 years old,

though he took a 12-year break to begin a mobile disk-jockey/karaoke business. But he learned his heart was in the food industry. “I missed the challenge of food service and cooking, so I tossed my hat back into the culinary world in 2012 and sold off all my DJ equipment,” says Schlifer. Although Schlifer has a culinary degree, he said he believes that he picked up more from the chefs he has worked under. “I have definitely learned more and picked up at least one new thing

from the many chefs I have worked for over the years,” says Schlifer. Colleen Sherman began work as the director of campus development Aug. 13. Sherman is a Penn State alumnus and has a daughter attending Penn State. “It makes me proud to continue the Penn State tradition.” Sherman’s main job is fundraising for scholarships and various campus priorities. She meets with lots of people, such as alumni, leaders of local industry and friends of the campus, who are interested in supporting

Penn State Beaver. University Police Officer Marque Wiese was promoted to station manager at Beaver and Penn State Shenango July 1. Wiese has served as a campus officer since April 2012. Wiese began working in this field in 2001 and worked for local municipalities before coming to Penn State. He was promoted after former cheif, Anthony Budris, was promoted last year to Northwest District Comander serving Beaver, DuBois, Erie and Shenango campuses.

October 2018

News

Groundbreaking discovery Student finds new molecule conducting research with faculty PAUL A. HERVATINE Staff Writer

pah5384@psu.edu

Sophomore Kelan Fogarty accidentally found a previously unseen molecule while doing research this summer with Michael Hay, associate professor of chemistry. Fogarty said he and Hay made the discovery while using an inert atmosphere glove box, experimenting with metal containing Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) polymers in Hay’s Michael Baker Building lab. POSS polymers are multipurpose silicon, oxygen hybrid compounds that are the bridge between ceramic and organic substances. Hay said he has been experimenting with them in an attempt to improve the conduction of charge in lithium batteries, commonly used in cell phones. Fogarty began his work with Hay in 2017 after he rose to the top of Hay’s organic chemistry class his freshman year. In the research, Fogarty was work-

The Roar/Marlena Engen

Michael Hay and sophomore Kelan Fogarty work in Hay’s research lab.

ing to find a method to insert iron molecules to create a pure version of the already discovered Metal Containing Phenyl POSS Polymer. It was during one of his experiments that Fogarty said he observed a molecule

never before recorded. Although the polymer has been identified, research is needed to have the discovery officially recognized. They must provide proof that they discovered it as well as subjecting it

to further tests of its properties, such as magnetic susceptibility. Many of the machines needed to conduct these tests are located at the University Park campus, some of which are not currently available, which has temporarily delayed progress. Fogarty said he was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a field he’s interested in. He also said the experience has had a profound impact on him, as he may pursue a career in medical research in the future. Brenda Schultz, personal and career counselor, said any research in your field at a young age always looks good on a resume, especially when working with your professors. “It is always a beneficial process because you learn as a student but are also building your resume ... for employers,” Schultz said. After their findings are recognized, the pair will write a scientific paper on the polymer and its properties which they hope to release before the end of the fall 2018 semester.

Library, Wellness Center cut hours KEITH PAINTER Staff Writer

kfp5088@psu.edu

The Library and Wellness Center have cut their hours this semester due to low student attendance and changes in staff. For the fall semester, the Library will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and closed over the weekend. The Wellness Center will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 6 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. According to Amber Hopkins, information resources and services

support specialist, the library has changed its hours due to staffing adjustments and student attendance issues. Because of low student attendance as well as fewer staff available, both the director of Campus Libraries from University Park and Amy Deuink, head librarian at Penn State Beaver, decided to adjust the hours. Senior Casey Davis said the change in library hours did not directly affect her schedule or study routines. “The library changing its hours didn’t affect me because I’m a commuter and usually don’t study here over the weekends,” said Davis. According to Hopkins, other facilities on campus are available to stu-

dents during this time, such as the Michael Baker Building and the Student Activity Suite. For any librarybased resources, students have access to Penn State’s online library as well as Penn State’s “Ask a Librarian.” The decision for the Wellness Center hours to be changed was made by Athletic Director Andy Kirschner and Assistant Athletic Director BJ Bertges. Unlike the library, there were no issues regarding staffing this year. According to Bertges, the hours of the Wellness Center were ultimately changed due to declining morning usage and to better target the bulk of patrons. The gym tracks the number of patrons by the number of ID card

swipes, allowing Bertges to identify peak hours of gym usage on a report. The Wellness Center opens at 11 a.m. only for scheduled classes held in the facility, but remains closed to the student body until noon. “We have not received any formal complaints,” said Bertges. Senior resident assistant Taylor Myers said that she was aware of the wellness center hours being adjusted, but she was not aware of the library adjusting its hours. “The new gym hours do not affect my workout schedule because I don’t wake up early enough,” Myers said. “But I have heard a couple of students who want to workout in between their morning classes and now can’t.”

Penn State Beaver Roar

Spring semester fight results in student charged by police At the end of the spring semester on April 27, University Police were called about a fight between two students. Police charged sophomore Jackson W. Glenn of Grove City with simple assault and harassment. According to the police report, Injuries were reported but did not specify the extent of those injuries or who suffered them.

POSSIBLE OVERDOSE

A student reported Aug. 25 that another student had passed out in Harmony Hall. An ambulance was called to respond to the student, whom police would not name. According to the police report, someone told police that the student possibly overdosed on drugs, but police could not confirm that.

WALLET STOLEN

On Sept. 24, a student reported that his wallet had been stolen in Harmony Hall. A police officer started an investigation on the missing wallet, and it is still open.

HARASSEMENT IN HARMONY HALL

A student reported Sept. 25 that he received harassing phone calls while in Harmony Hall. Another Harmony Hall student reported being harassed threee days later on Sept. 28. Police did not release the names but said the two incidents were not related. Both are being investigated.

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

Viewpoints

MANAGING EDITOR Savana Griggs

scg5198@psu.edu

PHOTO EDITOR Karl Truskowski kzt5265@psu.edu

BUSINESS MANAGER Nick Pelino

nap5311@psu.edu

COPY DESK Jordan Davis jed53@psu.edu

Alexander D’Itri avd5623@psu.edu

Gabby Fiffick

gef5101@psu.edu

Tiarra Gordon

tag5361@psu.edu

Shelton Hilliard szh151@psu.edu

Brittany Jackson brj5080@psu.edu

Alexey Stern

ams8317@psu.edu

Nothing to do is nothing new Ever since the inception of Penn State Beaver, there have been students complaining about “having nothing to do.” It’s an age-old tradition on campus. Recently, international students have expressed their concern about nothing to do on campus. Everyone seems to complain, but few seem to offer any type of a solution. In fact, according to sophomore Elon Lindsay, president of the Campus Activities Team, students never suggest any ideas. “When most students are asked about what they would like to see happen, the response is ‘I don’t know,’ and that’s not the answer.”’ Lindsay is right. It’s not good enough to complain. Students need to be part of the solution, not the problem. The problem isn’t just the complaining. It gets worse. The campus has been offering more and more events over the recent years and yet students still don’t attend. And the few students who do attend?

It’s usually the same handful of people who are seen at all the events. In a time where students have more access to technology, information and transportation than ever, there seems to be no progress being made to solve this age-old conundrum. There doesn’t even seem to be any effort on behalf of these students. Just complaining. Penn State Beaver isn’t some one-off small college with no connections or resources. It is part of a 90,000 student university system with 20 undergraduate campuses, and is connected to 13 other large universities that are part of the Big 10. Little old Penn State Beaver is connected and has resources that can be utilized. The campus needs solutions – good suggestions about what to do on and around campus – not more complaining. Complaining without being constructive is child’s play and, apparently, college students are supposed to be adults. At the end of the day, it really boils down to this: provide a productive idea or shut up.

Molly Verone

mev5149@psu.edu

Matylda Zamudio mmz5236@psu.edu

ADVISERS Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu

Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu

The cost of forced university health insurance enough to make an uninsured student sick Penn State students without health insurance, beware. Your plight could cost you more than $2,600 come next fall, thanks to a new policy Penn State enacted. Clearly, health insurance is one of the most important things one can have. Penn State developing the Student Health Insurance Plan and making it available to students without insurance is not a bad idea. God forbid something were to happen to a college student without insurance; the healthcare debt alone could bankrupt someone.

But forcing a health plan, at the cost of $2,619 a year, on students who already couldn’t afford insurance is unjustifiable. Think about it. If students and their families could afford insurance, wouldn’t they already have it? This policy hurts those students who are already disadvantaged, and gives them a bill that they can’t afford to pay. The sad thing is, Penn State could lose students next year because of this policy. It’s likely that current students without insurance could transfer to another college or university to avoid paying the new

insurance bill. And Penn State applicants are likely to pick a different college once they find out their already-high tuition cost will be even higher with the insurance fee. Penn State’s policy needs to be more reasonable. Find a way to make the cost significantly lower or even foot the bill, or don’t mandate it. Health insurance is very important and everyone should have it. Penn State has nothing but the best in mind for the students, but seems to have missed the mark with this solution.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: scg5198@ 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: nap5311@ 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.

October 2018

Penn State Beaver Roar

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

Features

We are ... the faces of Penn State Beaver

There are many new faces of students this semester at Penn State Beaver, most of whom gather and socialize in the Brodhead Bistro. As the fall semester begins, students learn to adjust quickly to campus life while making some new friends along the way. For returning students, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about reforming the friendships and forming new bonds. Photos by Brittany Jackson

Top: Sophomore Diamond Thomas, sophmore Armoni Hagans, and junior Elon Lindsay socialize in the Bistro. Left: Freshmen Maria Slater and Tylai Smith do homework together while eating lunch. Above, senior Brittney Zahn, right, talks with Tatyana Rodriguez and Abbie Miller in the Bistro.

October 2018

Features

Penn State Beaver Roar

Power to the produce High tunnel creates opportunities on campus JORDAN DAVIS

Senior Staff Writer jed53@psu.edu

An empty tunnel with high metal beams and plastic over it seems like something to overlook, but this plastic-wrapped high tunnel which sits behind Harmony Hall overlooking the entrance to campus represents so much more. The building of the new high tunnel was made possible by a Penn State seed grant given to Beaver, University Park and Behrend. The grant gives students a chance to learn about agriculture and food-related opportunities that are sustainable. Angela Fishman, associate teaching professor of mathematics, said the high tunnel is an excellent yearround learning opportunity. “We want to grow produce year around in order to get people more familiar with food and where your food comes from.” Fishman said she is excited “for students to get the chance to connect with their food in a way that they have never before. They will be able to eat food that was grown right here on their own campus.” The tunnel is located by the pavilion behind Harmony Hall. It represents student engagement, stewardship and community engagement, Fishman said. This high tunnel is the start of many projects to begin on campus, she added. Officials are working to use the produce that is grown from the high tunnel in the Brodhead Bistro, supporting Penn State’s overall goal of sustainably. The food grown in the high tunnel will also be included in donations to the Salvation Army of Beaver Falls

Lizzie Begley, top left, and Marissa Bufalini, help student farm coordinator Dave Slebodnik install an irrigation system in the new high tunnel. At far left, they secure the plastic covering that will keep the heat in the tunnel. At right, Bufalini prepares the ground for planting. The Roar / Sophia Kramer

and community-sponsored agriculture subscription boxes. Freshman Matt Lewis got the chance to tour the high tunnel with his Introduction to Physical Geography class. “I never knew how much on campus they are currently doing with the food from the garden and how much more they will be able to do with everything from the high tunnel,” Lewis said. “I look forward to

testing out our campus produce in the Bistro.” Students have the opportunity to learn about agriculture, sustainability and healthy food, Fishman said. The high tunnel will be open for students to get involved with growing many different vegetables all year around. Junior Marissa Bufalini is an intern working with Fishman to create this food-positive movement on campus.

“There is talk about food services buying food from the high tunnel but we are going to be gardening all year round so hopefully students will want to garden together, bring food into the dorms or to their families. This way students can form a connection through the high tunnel.” Bufalini said they also plan to have events on campus featuring the produce that is growing in the high tunnel, for example a salsa cooking class

using only produce grown from the tunnel. With all the activity surrounding the high tunnel comes an opportunity for a student-run club or organization to form. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities that come from the high tunnel and want to get involved in any of the projects that they are working on, email Bufalini at mmb6032@ psu.edu.

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

October 2018

Features

Penn State Beaver Roar

International students say there’s not enough to do on campus, around town

NATHAN SHERIFF Staff Writer

nas5857@psu.edu

With the growing influx of international students, one common complaint among them is that there’s little to do on and around Penn State Beaver. “Here, I am more of a minority. I am trying to get more involved burt there is only so much to do here on a small campus,” said Xueyang “Summer” Li, a new student from China. “I go online to PaintNite.com where there are scheduled events for painting, calligraphy, wine tastings…but there are none close by for me to attend.” Li, a sophomore transfer student, is one of 27 international students enrolled this fall, compared to 23 in fall 2017 and 14 in fall 2016. Li said she’s enjoyed all of the people she’s met. “American people have been much more outgoing since I moved here just three months ago.” During the time that she has been in America, Li has already acquired quite a few friends and has taken part in a student trip to New York City. Yet, among all this good news, there truly is not enough to keep her occupied when she is not studying for exams or taking notes in class, she says. This sense of being isolated is not being felt just by Li. Jason Chen, a freshman from China, has expressed similar concerns regarding the lack of events, especially for international students. “The dorm life is f---ing boring,” Chen said. The main concern for these students is more external than internal. They worry not so much about passing their classes as what they will do occasionally on a weeknight or weekend. Both Li and Chen are interested in attending Penn State University Park, not just for the educational

The Roar/Gabby Fiffick

Xuenyang “Summer” Li spends a lot of time in her Harmony Hall dorm room. Li and other international students complain that there’s not enough to do.

“

Here, I am more of a minority. I am trying to get more involved but there is only so much to do here on a small campus.”

Xueyang “Summer” Li International Student

benefits but also the broader range of social activities. Andy Kiefer, one of the residence life coordinators, said he is aware of the concern and he and others in

Student Affairs are addressing it. “If you don’t have a car, you’re lost,” Kiefer admitted. “The students who live on campus who do not have a car are limited to the campus grounds. Even with recent renovations (to Harmony Hall), there is only so much this campus has to offer.” Campus Nurse Barb Kugel said she’s also aware of the concern. “We want to connect (international students) to others so that they can develop a better social atmosphere,” Kugel said. “By plugging them into

some of the activities both on and off campus, they are able to enjoy new things such as sports, music and even discovering their faith.” Sophomore Elon Lindsay, president of the Campus Activities Team, said the concern about things for students to do isn’t limited to just international students. “All students, not just international, need more events on campus that have a broadened sense of variety,” Lindsay said. “The way to accomplish this is to have students actually speak up

about what they want.” Lindsay, who is originally from Jamaica, said students have a responsibility to speak up about what they want to see offered. “When most students are asked about what they would like to see happen, the response is ‘I don’t know,’ and that’s not the answer.” Kiefer said this is a challenging issue for Beaver campus. “What does not help us is we are a small campus, located in a small town, which is set, in large part, in a rural part of the state.”

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

Features

Gender pronouns now featured on name tags KATIE WORK Staff Writer

kmw6010@psu.edu

She? Ze? They? What is your preferred gender pronoun? As the gender neutrality movement continues to progress with new pronouns such as “ze”, there has been an emphasis placed on adhering to the pronoun preferences of individuals. This thought was echoed throughout the 2018 New Student Orientations that Student Activities and Residence Life Coordinator Sherrika Mitchell supervised. Mitchell brought light to each of the 11 Peer Leaders about the importance of the movement by showing a video that had several individuals explain what their preferred gender pronoun was and how it was impor-

The Roar/Emily Dietrich

Peer Leader name tags featured students’ preferred gender pronouns.

tant to them. The Peer Leaders then got to choose what pronoun would be shown on their name tags while

new incoming students got to tell their preferences to their peers. “You want to be identified as who

you are,” says Mitchell. “It’s like being called by the wrong name. You don’t want to be called by a different name. You want to be called by your name.” The idea came from Mitchell’s years of involvement in the slam poetry community. She recalled being confused when she heard poets using the pronouns “they” and “them” instead of the traditional gender binary terms of “she” and “he.” Mitchell understood that it was important to communicate this movement that was emphasized in the slam world. She brought the movement to the Penn State Beaver community in hopes to continue to prosper an allinclusive environment. “The transgender community is

marginalized in so many ways,” says junior Ashley Taylor. “If we could do something as small as calling them by their preferred pronoun, I think it is a step towards building safe places and relationships.” Not every student expressed the same necessity to place an emphasis on preferred pronouns. Junior Vinny Croce thought using the preferred pronouns didn’t matter. Croce said the issue depends on the community. “If it becomes an apparent issue, then address it,” he says. Sophomore Patrick Byers disagreed, saying the campus shouldn’t wait until it’s an issue to address it. “It is important to continue this movement,” Byers said. “It may not have come up in the community as of yet, but it is inevitable.”

October 2018

Features

Penn State Beaver Roar

Communications professor competes at chess olympics ALEXEY STERN

Senior Staff Writer ams8317@psu.edu

The Brighton Hot Shoppe is located in Beaver on Third Street (above). Their menu includes soups, shakes, chilli and cheese fries, and chilli cheese dogs (below).

Hot dogs. Get your hot dogs! LAUREN ALYSSA RICE Staff Writter

lar5769@psu.edu

Freshman Michelle Cisco, from Harford County, Maryland, had only been on campus for a few weeks before having her first Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe experience. Cisco first went to the Hot Dog Shoppe because she heard other students talking about it around campus. She says going into the restaurant was different from anything she’s seen before. The Hot Dog Shoppe to her was like a home away from home because it serves comfort food, and being from the east coast, she’s used to seeing cheese on everything. She ordered her fries with chili and cheese on them and remembers going there to hang out and spend time with a group of friends. What surprised her most about the Hot Dog Shoppe is how quickly everything ran. “I felt the employees were rather pleasant while working there and I would think something like that would be more like fast food, but it wasn’t,”she said. Now with the plastic commemorative cups they sell, she will always have a piece of the Hot Dog Shoppe.

The 12 Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe locations across Beaver County and other parts of western Pennsylvania are known as local hotspots in the community since the first one opened in 1959, and have created a food and family culture for their customers. Like most Hot Dog Shoppe stores, the location in Beaver is rather nondescript. It’s a basic, square, brick building from the outside that looks like it could be used for anything. When you go inside the set of double doors, you see counters with cash registers and pop machines in front of the kitchen where all of the food preparation is done. Walking into the dining room is a little like stepping back in time. The simple and unchanged decor of the 1970’s is part of the restaurant’s charm.

Angellina Esposito, a junior originally from Pittsburgh, says her favorite Hot Dog Shoppe memory is going out to eat as a team. It was a lot of fun because they were all together. Her go-to favorite food combination is the chili and cheese fries with a vanilla milkshake. The manager of the Beaver location, Randy Reese, a 1986 Penn State business graduate, has been with the company for 38 years. Since his start, he said he knew he wanted to be a manager because he enjoys talking to and interacting with people. He said he likes to learn the names of frequent customers to create more of a family atmosphere in the restaurant. LaVarr McBride, instructor in Administration of Justice, says the Hot Dog Shoppe is a great place for students to get a cheap meal. He goes there mainly for their breakfast and his favorite is an omelet. McBride said his favorite memory from the Hot Dog Shoppe is with his two kids when they irst moved to Beaver. “Everyone said you’ve got to try the Hot Dog Shoppe,’ so we went there and we pigged out on hot dogs and chili,” he said.

Unbeknownst to many students, there is a Penn State Beaver faculty member who is going to take on world-renowned grandmasters in the 2018 Chess Olympiad. Juliette Storr, associate professor of communications, is a member of the Bahamas women’s team and will be fighting for first place in the upcoming world-wide chess tournament. Since June, Storr has been undergoing an intense training regimen with a grandmaster who has been coaching her three to four hours every day for the event. The 43rd Chess Olympiad is the chess equivalent of the Olympic Games and will be expecting teams from 190 countries from around the world. The tournament is taking place in Batumi, the second-largest city of the country of Georgia. The event will last from Sept. 23 to Oct. 7. While Storr is away for two weeks, she will be conducting her classes online. Just like the Olympics, there will be elimination rounds leading to two countries battling for first place. The winning countries will be decided by the total amount of victories and team performance. Storr said she is excited to take part in the tournament, but originally it took some nudging from a close friend and fellow teammate to agree. “I feel honored that my country recognized me for my abilities in the sport of chess,” Storr said. “My best friend that I grew up with, another great Bahamian chess player, asked me to do it and twisted my arm.” Storr and her teammate have a

“

I feel honored that my country recognized me for my abilities in the sport of chess. My best friend that I grew up with, another great Bahamian chess player, asked me to do it and twisted my arm.”

Juliette Storr

Associate professor of communications

long history together in the chess world. “I’ve been playing since high school because of my best friend. Her father was the head of the Bahamas Chess Federation at the time and I decided to learn how to play and I have been playing ever since.” Storr was chosen by her native home of the Bahamas for a variety of different reasons. “I have won a number of tournaments around the world, and I was the second female to hold the Caribbean Female Chess Champion title,” Storr said. “Many people got to know us, because it is a small country and at the time it was kind of an anomaly for two young girls to be playing against older men and winning.” According to Storr, the best part about this tournament is that everyone is on the same level playing field, no matter which country they are representing. “My favorite aspect about the tournament is that the board is the greatest equalizer. Everybody is equal on that board,” Storr said. “Forget about the politics, economics and wealth. The skills you have to offer and who wins the game is all that matters.”

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

Features

Student internships don’t go as excepted MOLLY VERONE Staff Writer

mev5149@psu.edu

Senior Shelton Hilliard thought that he landed the internship of his dreams this past summer. Hilliard got an internship with the Nancy Mosser Casting Agency, one of the best casting agencies in the region. Mosser, one of Hilliard’s supervisor, worked for Fred Roger’s of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Through his college career, Hilliard thought that he wanted to be a publicist after graduation. But after working at the casting agency all summer, he changed his mind. Even though most Penn State Beaver students have amazing internships experiences, some students don’t get as lucky. Hilliard was one of those students. Hilliard got his internship because

he received daily emails from the company and saw that they were looking for interns. He sent his resume and found out three hours later he got it. “I was stoked when I first got it,” Hilliard said. But his excitement faded away. Hilliard said that the main problem at his internship was a lack of communication between the supervisors and interns. He said that his supervisor would expect them to have stuff done without explaining how to do it. Not only was the communication poor, but Hilliard was one of seven interns. He said there wasn’t enough work for all of them to do, and he also said that he felt like his boss favored some of the female interns over him and the other male intern. Even though Hilliard doesn’t see

himself becoming a publicist anymore, he said he is happy that he majored in communications because of the different fields that he can go into. Now Hilliard is looking into the human resources field. Hilliard is a reporter and photographer for The Roar. Another student that had a similar internship experience is Senior Jordan Davis. Davis interned at Big Brothers Big Sisters, a non-profit organization in New Brighton. Unlike Hilliard, working at Big Brothers Big Sisters was never Davis’s dream. Instead, she said the internship fell into her lap. Davis said she heard about it after a recent Penn State Beaver graduate did the same one and told her they were looking for another intern. She said that she felt like she had

to take it because she was afraid that she wasn’t going to find another internship. Looking back, Davis said she wishes that she would have looked harder for another internship. Some of the tasks she did at her internship were calling businesses for donations, making posters and assisting with events. Davis said she already had experience doing those tasks because of her work as the project manager in the public relations class and working for the Career Service Office on campus. Davis is also a Roar reporter. Davis said she encourages students to broaden their horizons when applying to internships, because she said she wishes that she would have. Unlike Hilliard and Davis, psychology senior Grant Fisher loved his internship and is hoping to work

there after he graduates. Fisher interned at a camp for disabled children through Western Pennsylvania Psychiatric Care. Even though he enjoyed his internship, he had trouble balancing his internship and school work. Fisher was not only working 40 to 50 hours per week, but he was also taking two summer night classes on campus. Unlike most students who complete a 1 to 3 credit internship, Fisher did a 9-credit internship which meant he had to work 1,350 hours leaving him little to no time to do anything besides work and school. Fisher said he had to do a 9-credit internship to graduate on time. Fisher said that he would not encourage students to take on such a commitment while taking classes because it was tough to balance it all.

October 2018

Sports

Penn State Beaver Roar

Lady Lions bid losing streak goodbye JESSE JAMERY Staff Writer

jjj192@psu.edu

Coming off a winless 2017 campaign, the Penn State Beaver women’s soccer team, with a 3-4 record, made certain they would not go winless again in 2018. As senior goaltender and team captain Brittany Zahn says, this is an “exciting” season. Not only is it an exciting season for the team, sitting at with a 2-2 record in the Penn State University Athletic Conference, which gives the team two more conference wins than it had all of last season. But, this season is also exciting personally for Zahn, who was named the United States College Athletics Association Division II women’s soccer goalie of the week. During her two games that week, Zahn tallied 32 saves, including a monstrous 29-save performance in the Sept. 13 road loss at West Liberty University. Zahn has also been named PSUAC goalie of the week twice already this season. “There have been a lot of positive changes from last season to this year,” Zahn says. “We brought in a good group of freshmen that are helping turn the team around. We want to build on the early success we have already had this season.” The positive changes were evident in the Lady Lions Sept. 19 2-1 victory over Penn State Mont Alto. Freshmen Marissa King and Abbie Miller both scored early goals to give Beaver a 2-0 lead. After surrendering a goal to make the score 2-1, Zahn played the hero as she saved a Mont Alto penalty kick to preserve the Beaver lead late in the game. An important piece of the puzzle for the Lady Lions this season has been Miller. Tied for the team lead in goals with two, Miller has been a big part of the super group of freshmen brought in this season. Miller said that her teammates

Katie Valiga, No. 5, head buds the soccer ball during a game against Penn State Bradywine Sept. 22. Beaver lost 6-0.

The Roar/Shelton Hilliard

Jessica Robles, No. 14, moves Beaver out of its defensive zone while Taja Finley, No. 2, trails.

have helped contribute to her early success. “Without them, I would not have been able to do what I have done.”

Similar to Miller, Zahn said this team has a special chemistry. “The team as a whole has a really good bond this year and it makes practices

and games much more fun,” Miller adds, “I love just being able to go out and play with all my friends and win games with them.” In the home opener on Sept. 15, the Lady Lions displayed their team bond with a 5-0 victory over Villa Maria College of Buffalo, N.Y. Sophomore midfielder Katie Valiga led the way with two goals. Sophomores Brianna Sanford and Anna Diallo and Miller each chipped in a goal as well. Zahn said that the team’s relationship with their coach is a big positive. “I enjoy playing for coach and he definitely knows what we need to do to be successful. But this year, things are kind of different with him. He is holding all of us on the team to a higher standard. But I like to think that is exactly what the team needed,” Zahn says.

The Roar/Shelton Hilliard

“The standard has been higher this year,” says second-year coach Chet Gapczynski. “I need to show the freshman what level they are expected to perform at each and every day.” Gapczynski said he could not have raised the bar this year without strong leadership. “Seniors like Bukuru Edisa and Brittany Zahn have done everything I asked of them this season. They are leading the younger girls by example.” The Lady Lions will continue their season on Oct. 6 at home facing conference foe Penn State Lehigh Valley. On Oct. 9, the Lady Lions face off against conference opponent Penn State Mont Alto at home for Senior Night. The Lady Lions finish up their season with two road games at Mount Aloysius in Cresson on Oct. 11 and Penn State Schuylkill on Oct. 19.

Penn State Beaver Roar October 2018

Sports

Women get rollin’ after slow start

MATYLDA ZAMUDIO Staff Writer

mmz5236@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver women’s volleyball team faced some challenges in its first eight games but turned up the heat midway through the season. Beavers sits at a 2-4 record in the Penn State University Conference Athletic Conference (PSUAC) standings and is 11-8 overall for the regular season. Beaver went three for three in the first six games of the season, and then lost two back-to-back conference matches against Penn State DuBois on Sept. 13, followed by a tough loss against Penn State Mont Alto on Sept. 16. The 2-3 loss to Mont Alto was especially difficult for the Lady Lions, who grabbed an early 2-0 lead over the conference rival, only to be outscored 22-25 in the third set, 20-25 in the fourth and 10-15 in the fifth. “The hardest (thing) is having a two-game lead and then having to go five and lose in the fifth,” said junior Alexis Albrecht. Freshman Cheyenne Sherman said the team had the potential to win and just didn’t bring that to the court. “We fought hard the five games but just couldn’t finish it.” Freshman Emily Keener said that over-confidence played a role in the loss. “We weren’t as mentally prepared as we could have been,” Keener said. “I think finding that balance is just something we will continue to work with throughout the year.” But since the loss, the team has captured four-straight wins against Butler County Community College on Sept. 17, Carlow University on Sept. 20, Penn State Greater Allegheny on Sept. 22 and Penn State New Kensington on Sept. 23. During the winning-streak, Beaver captured its biggest victory to date with a 3-1 win against Carlow. Coach BJ Bertges said that this win is a huge accomplishment because this is the first year that the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) has spilt vol-

The Roar/Matylda Zamudio

Raymiya White, Emily Keener and Amanda Mike shake hands with players from Penn State Greater Allegheny following a 3-1 victory Sept. 22.

“

We’re a Division II team, so to steal a victory against [Carlow] was huge for us.”

BJ Bertges

Volleyball Coach

leyball into two divisions, and Carlow is a Division I team. “We’re a Division II team, so to steal a victory against them was huge for us,” Bertges said. This was also the first time Beaver ever defeated Carlow. “The best we had done was taken a set from them, but we had never actually beaten them,” Bertges said. “(With) Carlow being a member of the NCAA, it really does have a big

impact on our national ranking.” Albrecht, who is one of four veteran players on the team’s 15-player roster, said that the freshmen fully-embracing their roles on both defense and offense is a key part of the team’s recent success. “Our defense is doing what the defense needs to do to keep the ball off the floor,” Albrecht said. “Our setter is moving all over the court, getting every ball that she can, too. Our hitters are taking care of the ball. They’re putting it down, they’re putting it in smart places.” “It’s a great feeling that I can count as much on my freshmen as I can on my seniors,” Albrecht added. Keener, who was originally recruited for the women’s basketball team, joined the volleyball team this season after telling Bertges that she had

played volleyball in high school. With the team still missing someone to play the important leadership role as the team setter, Bertges gave the position to Keener, who took the challenge head-on. Bertges said that Keener has the right qualities and mindset for the position. “They need to want to excel. They need to understand the game. They need to be comfortable in a leadership role. And she’s done a really good job of embodying that.” Keener’s performances during the first three games of the team’s winning-streak landed her the USCAA Women’s Volleyball Division II Setter of the Week on Sept. 18 for backto-back weeks, where she had 80 assists, 13 digs and six services aces. With eight games left in the regular season including five conference

matchups, the women’s volleyball team is confident about finishing the season strong and tallying on more wins before the post-season. “We’ve only been taking steps forward, we haven’t had any steps back. We just continue to get better and better as it goes on,” Albrecht said. Bertges said that the new players are hungry for their chance to make a big play in the remaining games. “The beauty of sports is that anyone at any time when given an opportunity can make an impact play,” Bertges said. “I’m just anxious to see what happens when they are given those opportunities,” she added. The team will face Penn State Mont Alto at home Oct. 7, and will visit Penn State Greater Allegheny Oct. 9.

October 2018

Sports

Penn State Beaver Roar

Men’s soccer battles for playoffs MARLENA ENGEN Staff Writer

mqe5192@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver men’s soccer team has been back and forth this season with a 5-4 record, 3-1 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference. The team holds the hope that it will pull through, but it can go either way. Recently, the team traveled to conference rival Penn State Hazelton Oct. 1. Beaver started the game with a fast possession, and the first half ended with goals from freshmen Williams Cruz, Kevin Colindres and two from Danylo Yakymov. The game ended with the last goal scored by senior midfielder Shelton Hilliard. The first home game of the season was a 2-0 loss to Carlow University Sept. 8. In the beginning of the

The Roar/Matylda Zamudio

Danylo Yakymov takes on a defender against Scranton Sept. 23.

game, freshman midfielder Williams Cruz went to corner a kick, providing an intense start with Beaver’s offense.

One of the new freshmen, defenseman Danylo Yakymov, said his fellow freshmen are taking this team seriously. Yakymov scored the first

goal in the 13-0 win over Southern State Community College of Hillsboro, Ohio, Sept. 13. The away game against Mont Alto Sept. 19 was the first conference game and the team took home a 5-0 win. Junior Darrion Gilmore, defense, scored the first game’s goal with an assist from Yakymov. Beaver set the pace of the game with 13 attempted shots on goal. The game ended with an attempt from Mont Alto to take a shot on net, but was stopped by freshman goalie Jordan Herzog. Beaver lost 6-0 to Penn State Brandywine Sept. 22, but defeated Penn State Scranton 5-1 Sept. 23. Both matchups took place at Beaver. Yakymov was named Player of the Game for his two goals, one assist and nine shots in the Scranton win. Coach Jim VanKirk said his team

is young and strong. “This year we added a lot of pieces. I brought in 16 recruits this season. We are a young team,” VanKirk said. “As far as our strengths, we have key players on the field and we are pretty strong. We have a lot of leadership with the players that are older, so that helps with the younger players on mentoring them and bringing them along,” VanKirk said the players work well as a team. Cruz agrees. “Just like any family, there will be ups and downs, but we have been able to communicate with one another,” Cruz said. The team has six games, including five conference matchups, before the season ends. Next up is Penn State Lehigh Valley at home Oct. 6, followed by an away matchup against Regent University in Virginia Oct. 7.

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