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Thursday, February 9, 2017 | Vol. XCI, Issue 8 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com
Gov. Cuomo promotes free SUNY tuition plan In visit to BU, governor discusses 2017 State of the State and executive budget proposal for NY Pelle Waldron Assistant News Editor
Raquel Panitz/Staff Photographer More than a hundred people crowded the Binghamton City Hall to voice their opinions in response to the recently proposed Welcoming Cities Resolution.Councilman Conrad Taylor, a junior majoring in political science.
Students, faculty show support for Welcome Cities Resolution Roosevelt Institute hosts 'Take Action' meeting City Council fails to vote on Taylor's proposed bill Binghamton City Council meeting, which is designed as a symbolic gesture to show refugees and immigrants in the Roughly 30 students gathered in the Binghamton area that they are welcome Fine Arts Building on Tuesday night for and an important part of the community. an “Emergency Take Action” meeting to Brianna Cea, president of the Roosevelt discuss local politics. Institute and a sophomore double-majoring The event was hosted by the Roosevelt in political science and philosophy, politics Institute at Binghamton University, a and law, said that the event was designed to branch of a national policy think-tank that encourage students to get further involved aims to empower students by teaching them in local politics. about public policy and how to advocate for Students attending the event discussed change in the local community. their course of action for the council At the Take Action event, students were meeting and made signs in support of the preparing to support the Welcoming Cities Resolution that was debated at Wednesday’s SEE ACTION PAGE 2 Alexandra Hupka
Jillian Forstadt
News Intern
Contributing Writer
More than a hundred people crowded Wednesday night’s Binghamton City Council meeting to voice their opinions in response to a recently proposed “Welcoming Cities Resolution.” The resolution was introduced by City Councilman Conrad Taylor, a junior majoring in political science. According to him, the resolution is an effort to ensure his constituents from other countries feel safe living in Broome County. The resolution came about after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an
executive order banning immigrants and refugees from seven countries from entering the country for 120 days. “There are folks from these organizations and in our community who feel really disheartened by what they’re seeing,” Taylor said. “It is my job as their elected official to introduce a resolution to make the very important critical statement that Binghamton is a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees.” The meeting was held in Binghamton City Hall and was attended by BU students,
SEE COUNCIL PAGE 2
Anonymous donor gives $300K for advanced studies Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention will conduct research in the field Hannah Walter Contributing Writer
In December 2016, an anonymous donor gave a $300,000 gift to help fund the launch of the Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention (I-GMAP) at Binghamton University. The institute will develop a certified minor and graduate certificate for BU students, as well as facilitate research in the field. It will be the ninth institute for advanced studies hosted at the University, among the Center for Israel Studies and the Evolutionary Institute. The donor has also pledged undisclosed additional funding over the next four years. Owen Pell, ‘80, a partner at White & Case LLP in New York City and litigator for cases concerning human rights and reparations, will facilitate the program. Pell is also the chairman of the Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, a national organization that trains government officials on genocide and
mass atrocity avoidance. Pell originally introduced the idea for the I-GMAP to Provost Donald Nieman because he believed that further investigation into this subject was not only a great educational opportunity but also imperative in averting disasters. After hearing the idea, Nieman compiled a comprehensive proposal to give to potential donors that explained in detail his vision for the program. “We see the need for research and new ideas in how to understand the causes and ways to prevent genocide and mass atrocity crimes,” Pell wrote in an email. “Finding a major research university that was willing to make the commitment not only to teach about this subject in an organized and coordinated way, but to invest resources in having faculty and graduate students work on developing new courses and curricula in this field was crucial.” Associate professor of public administration Nadia Rubaii and professor of philosophy Max Pensky will
co-direct the I-GMAP. “The overarching goal of the I-GMAP is to elevate the quality, visibility and use of scholarship in the prevention of genocides and other mass atrocities, and to ensure that Binghamton University students and graduates are aware of historical and current examples, understand the multitude of factors which predict these events and have the personal resolve, knowledge and skills to do their part in preventing or stopping future incidents,” Rubaii wrote in an email. The University has recently begun looking for space to house the I-GMAP, and research proposals for the program can now be submitted by faculty and doctoral students. Starting next year, undergraduate students can declare a genocide and mass atrocity prevention minor and learn about the topic in a newly formed class, Fundamentals of Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, taught by Pensky. The minor will also require
students to take already existing classes from various disciplines. In the spring of 2018, the University plans to host an annual conference that will be open to students and researchers. “The conference will bring together scholars from Binghamton and other universities, as well as practitioners who work with governments and non-governmental organizations in preventing mass atrocities,” Nieman wrote in an email. “The purpose is to share cutting edge research and promote interchange between scholars and practitioners who can use this knowledge to better understand the conditions that give rise to mass violence and use it to prevent mass atrocities.” Rubaii and Pensky are currently in the process of developing one of the country’s first genocide prevention master’s programs. As of now, only George Mason University’s genocide prevention program in the School for
Governor Andrew Cuomo paid a visit to Binghamton University on Tuesday, unveiling his 2017 executive budget proposal and announcing a plan to make SUNY schools’ tuition free for middleclass families. Over 100 BU students, faculty and local community members attended the talk, given in the rotunda at the Innovative Technologies Complex. Cuomo stressed the need for local governments, specifically in places like Broome County, to work together to better the lives of their constituents. “Government nowadays is a place of action,” Cuomo said. “We have little problems, we have big problems, we have complicated problems. There are no simple solutions, and now is not the time for the timid to be in executive positions.” Since 2011, $25 billion has been invested in upstate New York and $3.69 billion has been invested in the Southern Tier, creating 6,000 new jobs. Despite this, property taxes are still high; Wayne County boasts the highest property taxes in the country according to Cuomo. A solution to the problem, he said, is to find ways for local governments to work together. Broome County is home to 196 local governments, and instead of serving as autonomous authorities, collaborating under the direction of the county executive and looking at ways to save money can bring high taxes rates down. “Find ways to share services, so you reduce the costs,” Cuomo said. “Find efficiencies, maybe you can co-locate, not everyone has to have their own building. Maybe you can share some of this expensive equipment. Find ways to save money, and the county executive will be the leader of that effort.” Initiatives like this would then pave the way for programs to help advance the middle class, according to Cuomo. The free tuition plan, titled the Excelsior Scholarship program, would give free tuition at SUNY schools to students coming from a family making less than $125,000 per year. “What we did 50 years ago is say high school should be free,” Cuomo said. “It’s in our collective interest that everyone has a high school education. Today it is in our collective interest that everyone
SEE CUOMO PAGE 2
SEE $300K PAGE 2
Deputy chief of police gives self-defense tips to faculty, staff Madeline Bay teaches interactive session on defending against, preventing attacks Amy Donovan Pipe Dream News
Madeline Bay, the deputy chief of police at the Binghamton University Police Department, gave safety tips to faculty and staff on Monday about how to react in lifethreatening situations, as well as how to use different self-defense tactics to prevent assaults. The class was sponsored by the University Center for Training and Development, which exists to provide support and training for faculty and staff. It was open to anyone and is part of a
series of events sponsored by different departments and offices on campus throughout the school year, such as the Residential Life Office. Bay began the session by preaching basic safety tactics, such as locking your car as soon as you get inside your vehicle. She also said it’s important to let people know where you are just in case something happens to you. She went on to discuss various selfdefense tactics and stated that there are three weapons anyone can use at any time: your brain, voice and body. It’s important to rely on your brain, according to Bay,
ARTS & CULTURE
because you have to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. “When it comes to self-defense, 90 percent of it is brain work,” Bay said. “Your brain is going to be your No. 1 weapon.” She said that using your voice, by shouting “no” or “help,” is also important when dealing with an attacker because it alerts people nearby. In terms of using your body, Bay demonstrated how to correctly punch an attacker, how to properly kick one in the groin and how to get out of a chokehold. Participants were able to practice with Bay and each other to master the different maneuvers.
When using self-defense, Bay said it is important to maintain eye contact with your attacker. “Once you look away from the bad guy you give him the power, so you want to keep that confidence, even if on the inside you’re screaming, ‘Oh my god,’” Bay said. “If you keep that eye contact it shows confidence.” She also said that if you are ever in a position where you have to use selfdefense, it is important to not feel bad about injuring your attacker.
SEE DEFENSE PAGE 2
OPINIONS
Michael Contegni/Staff Photographer Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks to students, faculty and community members in the rotunda at the Innovative Technologies Complex on Tuesday.
SPORTS
Skip the florist and make your own Valentine’s Day bouquet,
The Phelps Mansion Museum opens fashion exhibition this week,
Syrian assistant professor shares her story,
Men’s lacrosse hopes to defy preseason ranking,
Q&A with MLS SuperDraft selection Robert Moewes,
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bupipedream.com | February 9, 2017
UPD deputy chief teaches faculty and staff strategies for self-defense DEFENSE FROM PAGE 1 “Never say sorry,” Bay said. “If someone hurts us and we have to hurt them back, they deserved it, so there are no apologies.” Bay added that if someone is on campus they can always utilize the University’s 24/7 Safe Ride Escort program, which will pick anyone up on campus and drop them off at any time of day. Kierstin Luschwitz, an administrative assistant for the Judaic studies department, attended the class and said that she went because she thought it would be useful for when she travels alone. She also said she thinks selfdefense is important for everyone to be proficient in, especially college students. “I think this should be mandatory for students to learn,” Luschwitz said. “I don’t think a lot of young kids see the nastiness that’s out there and it would be helpful for them to learn.” Bay said learning about selfdefense and ways to stay safe are important skills, and the University offers a class for credit called Rape Aggression Defense that teaches a more in-depth class on selfdefense. “I think it’s especially important for the college-age group that are going Downtown and using alcohol,” Bay said. “They become very vulnerable and don’t understand that they are at risk to begin with.”
Vera Wahlquist/Contributing Photographer Deputy chief of the University Police Department instructs participants on how to properly react in life-threatening situations. The event was hosted in New University Union by the University Center for Training and Development.
Students 'take action' before Binghamton City Council vote $300K gift paves way for Institute ACTION FROM PAGE 1
$300K FROM PAGE 1 Conflict Analysis and Resolution is similar. “Binghamton’s new I-GMAP will be the first of its kind at a public university within a highly reputable state system like SUNY to bring together a range of interrelated activities – academic programs, conferences, post-doctoral fellowships, practitioners-inresidence, research grants, etc. – for a comprehensive approach to examining and responding to the tragic and all too frequent incidents of genocide,” Rubaii wrote. There will be a launch celebration for the I-GMAP on April 20 in New York City. United Nations Special Rapporteur Pablo de Greiff will speak at the ceremony.
resolution. Signs bore messages such as “Binghamton stands with refugees,” “Diversity is strength” and “Our city, our friends.” Cea said that the event was personal for her, as one side of her family immigrated here from Thailand, and the other has been here since the colonial era. “As a student, I have friends who are students from other countries and I know professors who are living in Binghamton that are immigrants,” Cea said. “One of my ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence, and for me, that means that it is my duty as a citizen to stand up for those coming here in search of a better life.” The resolution was proposed by City Councilman Conrad Taylor, a junior majoring in political science. Taylor was present at the Take Action event and said that the resolution was a declaration of support to refugees. “The resolution is nonbinding and has virtually no legislative power,” Taylor said. “However, it does have significant symbolic power for our community. I’ve spent so much time at
organizations like the American Civic Association, the Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier and others, and they are all desperately looking for their local leaders to come to their defense in light of what we are seeing at the national level.” Attendees such as Renee Berkowitz, a sophomore doublemajoring in psychology and anthropology, felt that the Take Action event was a good way for students to get involved in community politics. “I know it’s very important for us as students to try and make a difference,” Berkowitz said. “We’re not here for a very long time, but it is important for us to care while we are in Binghamton.” Other attendees said they went to the Take Action event because it represented values they strongly believed in. Margaret Leisenheimer, a sophomore majoring in theatre, said that refugees coming to the United States are skilled, ready to start a new life and should be welcomed into the Binghamton community. “Welcoming refugees into our country would be a great way to help them and help ourselves,” Leisenheimer said. “I will be
Laura Schorr/Pipe Dream Photographer Brianna Cea, a sophomore double-majoring in political science and philosophy, politics and law, discusses a course of action regarding Wednesday evening’s City Council meeting to support the Welcome Cities Resolution with Councilman Conrad Taylor, a junior majoring in political science.
calling my legislators, doing a lot of research and going to as many protests as I can to stand in solidarity with refugees.”
Taylor said that the fight for the resolution was meaningful for all members of the Binghamton community, including students,
refugees and immigrants. The resolution was discussed on Wednesday evening, but no vote has been scheduled.
Governor Cuomo visits BU, talks Downtown bike path and free tuition plan CUOMO FROM PAGE 1 has a college education.” Cuomo also stressed the importance of advancing infrastructure in the area. Over a year ago, Binghamton Mayor Richard David proposed a plan for a 2.5-mile foot trail connecting
Binghamton University and the Downtown Binghamton area, and on Tuesday Cuomo confirmed that the project would receive $53 million in state funding. “[It will allow for] more young people going into Binghamton, more commerce, more jobs, more recreation; it’s going to be
good for the city and good for the school,” Cuomo said. “I’m very excited about it and it’s going to make the difference to grow the city and the University.” Jason Garnar, the Broome County executive and a BU alumnus, said that growth in the area has been a result of different
levels of government working together. “As a result of state and local partnerships, we are seeing unparalleled growth across the region,” Garnar said. “The governor has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the residents of the Southern Tier
and Broome County, and I know that we will keep the momentum moving forward.” Conrad Taylor, a junior majoring in political science and a Binghamton city councilman, expressed optimism about Cuomo’s plan while also stressing the importance of sticking to it.
“It was exciting to see the governor outline some great proposals that will directly benefit our community,” Taylor said. “Upstate matters. Broome County matters. I’m glad our governor agrees, but let’s make sure to hold him accountable to his promises.”
City Council meeting sees extended public comment, fails to vote on bill COUNCIL FROM PAGE 1
Raquel Panitz/Staff Photographer Junior Eamon Ross and sophomore Morgan Wood, both majoring in political science, were among students who attended the City Council meeting.
faculty and community members, including representatives from the American Civic Association and Southern Tier Family Planning. Brianna Cea, a sophomore double-majoring in political science and politics, philosophy and law, shared her experiences with international students with the council. “We have prospective students wondering if it is really worth working with the community and making lives here,” Cea said. “I encourage you to support this resolution so that when I talk to international students … I can tell them yes, not only does the community support you but so do
the elected officials.” Taylor is one of two Democrats on City Council, alongside Councilwoman Dani Cronce, who has vocally stood against Taylor’s resolution. Cronce said that she believed this one was too similar to a resolution from 2015 that did not pass, and therefore this also would not pass in the current council. “I do want a resolution, but the resolution that City Councilman Conrad Taylor handed to me is the same one that failed, and I wanted to make sure that we can work with the Republican Party to make sure that this will pass,” Cronce said. “This is a people issue that does not involve politics.” Taylor responded to the Cronce’s defense by saying that
the meaning of the resolution and concerns of the residents in attendance were more important than the egos of the member of the council. “It’s not about me, or Dani, or anything like that,” Taylor said. “It’s not a ‘go Conrad’ thing.” While the resolution is primarily symbolic, putting no action into law, it would send a statement of hope to refugees and immigrants around the world. Bridget Whearty, an associate professor of English and medieval studies at BU, said that she thinks the resolution will help immigrant students and community members who are in fear. “Now I watch my students at Binghamton University suffer
and become very frightened in the face of this statement,” Whearty said. “You have heard that what will happen tonight may not change national policy, but it will change my student’s experiences immediately. You will not only be sending an important message about basic values that Binghamton holds dear, but you will be telling … that the American dream is not dead here.” While the resolution was not voted on tonight, the City Council said it plans to make changes to it and to two other immigrationrelated resolutions at the next work session. At this time, there is no date set to vote on Taylor’s resolution, and there are no apparent plans to vote on it in the near future.
This is a people issue that does not involve politics — Dani Cronce, Binghamton City Councilwoman
PAGE III Thursday, February 9, 2017
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Pipe Line UNIVERSITY NEWS Finals week schedule now available The spring 2017 final exam schedule is now available online. The schedule can be found on BU Brain or through the main Binghamton University website. LOCAL NEWS One man wanted in connection with Chinese restaurant robbery The Binghamton Police Department is looking for a man who is wanted in connection to a robbery at a Chinese restaurant in the city, according to WBNG. Police say Brian Chase, 26, is a suspect in the Jan. 29 robbery at the Far East Chinese Restaurant on Main Street. STATE NEWS Cuomo holds rallies for his free state college tuition plan Gov. Andrew Cuomo embarked on a two-stop upstate tour Tuesday to tout his $152.3 billion budget plan, specifically focusing
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on his free state college tuition plan, according to the Times Union. Cuomo appeared at BU to outline his overall budget plan and plans to continue touring upstate colleges. Cuomo’s budget proposal this year asks for $153 million, given that the program would apply first to those from families earning $100,000 or less per year. The full cost of the program when fully phased in is projected to be $163 million.
Car gets stuck in ditch in Parking Lot ZZ North SUNDAY, Feb. 5, 7 p.m. — Officers were contacted by a 20-year-old female to assist a citizen in Parking Lot ZZ North, said Investigator Patrick Reilly of Binghamton’s New York State University Police (UPD). The female stated that she had been attempting to park her car when she slid off the pavement. She said that she had pressed on the brakes to park the vehicle in the spot, but that she was unable to stop and the front tires of the car had slid into a ditch. Officers contacted AAA to send out a tow truck to remove the vehicle from the ditch.
NATIONAL NEWS
Hit-and-run incident reported on campus MONDAY, Feb. 6, 12:10 p.m. — A 19-year-old male contacted UPD to report a hit-and-run in Parking Lot Q2, Reilly said. The male stated that he had parked his vehicle at 8:30 a.m. in the metered section of the parking lot. When he returned to his vehicle at 11:30 a.m., he observed dents and scratches around the driver’s side rear door and rear wheel. An officer responded to the parking lot to examine the damage, and determined that the paint transfer from the car that had caused the damage was white. The damage was estimated to be over $1,000. Officers researched other vehicles that parked in the lot, but did not find any suspects. The case is still under investigation.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren cut off while reading letter from MLK’s widow During Sen. Jeff Sessions’ confirmation hearing, Sen. Elizabeth Warren attempted to read a letter written by Coretta Scott King in 1986 when Sessions was being nominated to be a federal judge, according to NPR. The letter is very critical of Sessions’ record on civil rights. As she began reading the letter, she was told by Sen. Mitch McConnell that she was violating the Senate’s rules, which forbid members from imputing to a colleague “any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a Senator.”
“They can shut me up, but they can’t change the truth.”
— Sen. Elizabeth Warren, after being silenced in Congress on Tuesday.
Asst. PhotogrAPhy editor Kevin E. Paredes
Alexandra Hupka Police Correspondant
Boot placed on student car after driver accumulated over $300 in parking tickets TUESDAY, Feb. 7, 3:55 p.m. — Officers were contacted by Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) staff after a 27-year-old female began engaging in disorderly conduct, Reilly said. The female was upset because TAPS had placed a boot on her brother’s car, which she had driven to campus earlier that day. TAPS staff stated that they had placed a boot on her vehicle because she had prior parking tickets that totaled to over $300, and that she had been informed in October that if she parked on campus, a boot would be placed on her vehicle. The female stated that she had been issued those tickets while driving her own car, and thus should be able to park on campus with her brother’s car without a boot being placed on the vehicle. Officers spoke with the female and TAPS staff to put together a solution that was satisfactory to both parties. TAPS agreed to take the boot off the vehicle if the female paid for a $6 day pass. The female was advised to pay her parking tickets. Student voices complaints about reckless driving on campus Student voices complaints about reckless driving on campuswithout a boot being placed on the vehicle. Officers spoke with the female and TAPS staff to put together a solution that was satisfactory to both parties. TAPS agreed to take the boot off the vehicle if the female paid for a $6 day pass. The female was advised to pay her parking tickets.
This Day in History Feb. 9, 1964
The Beatles make their first live U.S. TV appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.””
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ARTS & CULTURE
Music department updates 'The Mikado' with modern twist Shawn Fleming/Staff Photographer Zaq Rathbone, a senior majoring in music, and Cole Tornberg, a graduate student, perform “The Mikado” in the Anderson Center’s Chamber Hall during a dress rehearsal Monday evening. The show is set to run on Friday and Sunday.
The comic opera by Gilbert & Sullivan comes to campus with help of local theatre group Rachel Greenspan Assistant Arts & Culture Editor
Giggling girls, farcical stage combat and jabs at President Donald Trump: Welcome to the wild world of “The Mikado.” Binghamton University’s music department joins with the Summer Savoyards, a local theatre group, to perform the three-hour opera-comedy this weekend. “The Mikado,” an operetta by famed duo William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (“H.M.S.
Pinafore,” “Pirates of Penzance”), debuted in London in 1885. The show ran for 672 consecutive performances, making it one of the longest-running pieces of theatre in history at the time. The Summer Savoyards has been performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan since its founding in 1961. The nonprofit organization has performed all of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas. This is the first joint venture between the BU music department and the Savoyards. The show follows the entangled and complicated lives
of those in power and those lost in love in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu. Since its debut, “The Mikado” has remained one of the most popular operettas of its kind, inspiring performances all over the world at the high school, community and professional level. Something that makes “The Mikado” desirable for performers is that the score includes two patter songs. Made famous by Gilbert and Sullivan, the patter song consists of wildly fast tempos and tongue-twisting lyrics.
Professor Timothy Perry, director of the University Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and conductor of “The Mikado,” explained that a hallmark of Gilbert and Sullivan renditions is the opportunity to write new lyrics into these patter songs. “These [modern versions] have traditionally become avenues for people to make comments on their present condition,” Perry said. Perry also said that the creative lyric changes make “The Mikado” an exciting show to follow.
“Even if you’ve seen ‘Mikado’ before, these two famous, famous songs are going to have stuff that you’ve never heard before,” Perry said. The rewrites of the patter songs in BU’s production of “The Mikado” poke fun at the trivialities of today’s pop culture, including Twitter, selfies and Snapchat. One song also draws comparisons between the U.S. political climate of today — “orange chauvinist, he won’t be missed” — with the British authority of the late 19th century,
when the opera was written. Dylan Ruffo, chair for the executive board of the Summer Savoyards, said that Gilbert and Sullivan wrote “The Mikado” as a satire of Britain’s obsession with Japan during the Restoration. “The British were absolutely obsessed with anything and everything Japanese, and collected things like fans and swords to display in their homes,” Ruffo wrote in an email. “However, they had no real understanding of the intricate culture of Japan.” With this heavy satire, “The Mikado” is often criticized as being racist, as it often features white actors adorning themselves in traditional Japanese garb. Some productions have featured actors in yellowface. Ruffo argues that the interpretation of the show as racist stems from a misunderstanding of the circumstances of the time. “Gilbert was not a dumb man,” Ruffo wrote. “He knew what he was doing. Just like the other Savoy Operas in the Gilbert and Sullivan canon, the main function of this work is to poke fun at British aristocracy.” According to Ruffo, fans of the opera can expect its usual antics with twists and turns, and newcomers to the show should prepare to be entertained. “You cannot walk away from a production of The Mikado without humming the tunes, or laughing at the jokes for a few days after the performance,” Ruffo wrote. “The Mikado,” with stage direction by Steven Nanni and John Isenberg, a local director and a BU music department faculty member, respectively, will run in the Anderson Center’s Chamber Hall on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 for BU students and $20 for adults. For tickets, call (607) 777-2787, or visit anderson. binghamton.edu.
Downtown museum debuts fashion exhibit This Valentine's Day, try Styles from the Progressive era to be displayed at the Phelps Mansion your own DIY bouquet
Photo provided by Ammodramus The Phelps Mansion at 191 Court St. serves as a local museum, featuring different exhibitions throughout the year.
Katy Wong Contributing Writer If you’re seeking an escape from the brutal Binghamton weather or need a break from cold, drunken nights, skip the crowded fraternity houses this Friday and visit the exhibition
on Progressive fashion at the Phelps Mansion Museum. The Phelps Mansion, located on Court Street in Downtown Binghamton, was built between 1870 and 1872 as the home of Sherman Phelps, a former mayor of Binghamton. The mansion now serves as a local
museum featuring different exhibitions throughout the year. Most recently, the museum is featuring an exhibition titled Progressive Fashion 18931921, curated by Binghamton University alumna Julia Adams, ‘06. Adams, who graduated
with a bachelor’s degree in theatre, found her passion in historical and period fashion. For the exhibition, she helped restore numerous Progressive-era outfits ranging from ornate, beaded dresses to slim-fitting day gowns. Though the Progressive era dates back to the late 1800s, Adams says that some remnants of the Progressive movement mirror and help to explain the political climate of today. “During this period, Irish [people] and Italians were considered undesirable people and the government put out trade embargos to keep them out of America,” Adams said. “So not only is this a chance to see fantastic, authentic fashion of the period, but to see where we came from and how we share a lot in common with what’s happening in America now.” The U.S. Progressive era, which took place from 1893 to 1921, highlights important changes through the diverse fashion styles that were commonly seen as scandalous before the rise of the movement. According to Adams, this included slimly fit skirts and dresses shorter than the usual ankle-length. “My favorite piece from this collection has to be this very slim-cut purple-and-cream gown,” Adams said. “This style expressed comfort in the female form in its natural form, instead of heavy corseting.” Another favorite by Adams was a 1914 striped dress printed with a polka-dot pattern. The exhibition will be open to the public starting this Friday and will remain open until May 13. The Phelps Mansion Museum is located at 191 Court St. Tours of the grounds will be available every 30 minutes. Tickets are $5 for students and can be bought online at phelpsmansion.org.
Save money and get creative with Pipe Dream's floral arrangement tips Georgia Westbrook Assistant Arts & Culture Editor With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, the pressure is on to pick a gift for your sweetheart. The perfect gift is the one that costs little but shows a lot of thought, and a universally successful choice that checks both of these boxes is the gift of flowers. From big bouquets to simple single stems, follow our tips to put together the perfect bunch of flowers to say “be mine” without having to shell out for expensive arrangements from a florist. When picking out the flowers for your bouquet, there are several factors to consider. First, think of the shape of the flowers themselves. It is best to choose at least three types of stems: one green, leafy plant, one small flower and one big, focal flower. Good choices for greenery are ferns, hostas and eucalyptus. Small flowers include baby’s breath, wax flowers and delphinium. Large flowers include gerbera daisies, roses, lilies and carnations. The easiest way to select the flowers you use is to start with the biggest ones and work your way down from that focal point. You don’t have to limit yourself to just three types of plants. As long as you keep the big flower as the center of attention, adding in other types of small flowers or different shades of green can add to your bouquet. For Valentine’s Day, pink, red and white is a popular combination, but combining yellow with blue or purple with pinks can also be a winning choice. Incorporating your recipient’s favorite colors into the bouquet can help
personalize your gift and show how much you care. The flower section at Wegmans offers a wide and rotating selection of choices, but most grocery stores and floral shops can serve as good alternatives. Make sure to purchase the flowers as close to the day you will be giving them as possible, and when you bring your flowers home from the store, put them in water as soon as you can. Once you are ready to start arranging your bouquet, the first step is to choose the vase you will be using. Whether you go short or tall, you will have to cut the stems to match the height. Cutting the stems at an angle, and above a leaf node (the bump where the leaf is), will ensure that they last a long time. If there are leaves on the stems that will be underwater in the vase, remove them to ensure they don’t make the water murky as they decay. Stir sugar or packaged plant food, which may come with the flowers, into warm water and then add the flowers. Put the biggest flowers into the vase first, followed by the smaller flowers and then the greens. If they do not fill the vase and are flopping around, you can put a rubber band loosely around the bunch to keep them together. If you don’t want to give the flowers to your valentine in a vase, put a rubber band around them more tightly and wrap the bouquet in tissue paper with a ribbon for store-like presentation and easy transport. When giving the flowers to your friend or significant other, be creative. Pair them with heart-shaped chocolates or a homemade dessert from the Pipe Dream recipe archives and prepare to feel the love.
OPINIONS Thursday, February 9, 2017
The lost art of patience Technology has changed the way we empathize through technology. However, our emotional intelligence and soft skills can only be developed and improved upon through face-to-face conversations. Additionally, we have begun to treat people similarly to how we treat technology when it fails. When our phone freezes or our laptop crashes, our first response is to direct anger and frustration at the device. The device feels no emotions, so this anger pointed at the device is fairly harmless. But when we apply this same reaction to humans, we hurt people. The art of mastering patience and empathy is difficult to learn but it’s a useful skill set that can be applied in all areas of our lives. There are some practical steps to take to become proficient in these two soft skills. Spend more time interacting with other people outside of technology to build up your emotional intelligence. Impatience occurs when we zone in on our waiting time. Thus, self-distraction is one path to achieving patience; distract yourself the next time you’re in line waiting for your purchase by stepping into the shoes of the person behind the counter. Being patient not only helps us strengthen our relationships with people, it also can be used as a tool of learning through the relatively mild suffering of unplugging and focusing on one thing for a short duration. If we don’t learn how to be patient and empathetic now, we are reinforcing our generation’s poor habit of not engaging with people, which leads to a colder, more detached world. Becoming cognizant of our level of patience and empathy is a powerful tool in directing us toward choices and actions that bring us students closer together.
Sarah Tucker
Contributing Columnist
Elizabeth Manning/Editorial Artist
OPENING THE DOOR How can students interact with the city of Binghamton in a meaningful way? That was a topic of conversation when the Pipe Dream Editorial Board sat down with Binghamton Mayor Richard David earlier this week. During the talk, David emphasized the ways in which students can interact productively and effectively with city government. He encouraged student residents to contact government offices if they have a problem, if something in their neighborhood is in need of repair or if they have an idea for how to improve an aspect of the city. David expressed interest in hearing student concerns and suggestions and listened carefully to ours. The mayor also pointed our attention to the city of Binghamton’s mobile application, which allows users to submit service requests and contact city hall directly. While a mobile app and willingness to listen do not necessarily equate with
accessibility, these resources have the potential to facilitate a closer relationship between students and their community. For many students, there’s a clear divide between city and campus life. BU’s campus is physically isolated from the city of Binghamton. Most students who live on campus find little reason to venture into the city proper — apart from a weekly trip to State Street, or perhaps to grab a bite in one of the restaurants Downtown. Students living off campus are, if only because of geography, more connected to their city and patronize its stores and restaurants on a more regular basis. However, even these students tend to operate within the same circuits, not venturing too far out off the beaten path. For the most part, students are largely disengaged from local politics and demonstrate apathy toward municipal proceedings.
This apathy stems from a place that is at the very least understandable. After all, for many, the city of Binghamton is only a temporary home. A large portion of the student body views the area as a fouryear stop on path to careers, and the city becomes a bystander in the college experience. Most University students exist in a bubble separate from city life, where they spend the majority of their time living a campuscentric lifestyle. But even with this outlook, there are advantages to engaging with the surrounding city. Whether it is taking a semester-long internship at a local company or just alerting the city of a pothole that needs filling, students can actively make the best of their college experience, and help the city along the way. Yes, students are entitled to live at whatever level of
community engagement they choose, but we believe that apathy should not be the default setting. A more cohesive and involved relationship between the city and BU students can open up mutually beneficial opportunities in the future. Students can gain practical experience from internships, political advocacy and volunteer work within the city of Binghamton. Likewise, the city can tap into a pool of talent, an economic base and find new activists. As the University continues to expand, the relationship between students and the community is becoming harder to ignore. If we want the nature of that relationship to be productive, we cannot forget that the city government is a living, breathing entity — one that is a resource to all residents of Binghamton, no matter how long their stay.
Views expressed in the opinion pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece which represents the views of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the Staff Editorial, above. The Editorial Board is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, News Editor, Opinions Editor, Sports Editor and Arts & Culture Editor.
It’s 1:30 p.m. and students are rushing to grab lunch in the Marketplace before their next class. The register drawer won’t open and the line is not moving. Out of frustration, students grimace at the workers and express frustration in their voices when speaking to friends or the person preparing their food. I am one of those workers. That day, my station was understaffed and at times, I was working the station by myself. Imagine restocking and making sandwiches for over 15 people in line while occasionally ringing people up. I was stressed but working at my full capacity to prepare everyone’s food quickly and efficiently. Seeing the angry faces in line only served to stress me out even further. Had the students been patient and empathetic, they would have seen the whole picture. In our generation, patience is a lost art, obscured by modern technology. The tools that technology has provided us with to accomplish tasks faster have made our generation forget the importance of slowing down to reflect on our actions and to truly comprehend our surroundings. Patience is strongly connected to empathy. A 2010 University of Michigan study reveals that empathy levels among college students have dropped almost 40 percent in the 20 to 30 years prior. This decline in empathy has been researched by several universities, which attributed the increased use of technology as a factor contributing to the loss of human empathy. Technology has dampened our human empathy by providing — Sarah Tucker is a our generation the ability to senior majoring in business spend more time communicating administration.
VOICES:
Visiting assistant professor Lubna Omar, a Syrian archaeologist, has been on the run for five years. Here she shares her story and reactions to the Trump administration's travel ban. Lubna Omar Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Where to go after the ban? This was one of the haunting questions that started to pester in the back of my mind after the chaotic weekend caused by the executive order signed on Friday, banning citizens of seven nations from entering the United States. As a Syrian archaeologist, I have been on the run for more than five years now. I left my family and loved ones in Damascus, carrying with me my Ph.D. diploma and a daunting uncertainty about the future. I was quite lucky to land in Turkey. The first few years were quite challenging — not only in terms of lecturing in a foreign language I learned in a
few months — but also in terms of waking up to the news every morning to check which areas had been bombed and how many children had been killed. In time, I had to stop counting the casualties, the missing and the displaced; I had a sense of deep shame that all of us failed humanity. I tried hard to focus on my work, aiming to alter my previous research approaches and fit them into my new reality. I was surrounded by wonderful loving friends and colleagues. However, being a displaced academic meant that I had limited rights in terms of funding, attending conferences and workshops, depending on the borders that I can or can’t cross. In my case, getting permission to work on archaeological digs seemed to be the ultimate challenge. Last year, when I had the chance to move to the
United States, I rejoiced at the opportunity to resume my academic career and to contribute through my research and teaching to rescue the heritage of the Middle East. Sadly, the change of political scene after the presidential election dragged me back in time to my last days in Syria. The troubling news of the ban transformed my Facebook newsfeed into a tocsin. I was not surprised by the order itself, just the haste in its implementation threw me off. After spending a long weekend tormented by the stories of stranded refugees and splintered families, I made the decision that I wouldn’t let destructive political actions change my view of the United States as a haven of science and scholarly efforts. I joined the faculty of Binghamton University
knowing that I had to seize this opportunity and work hard to give back to both American and Middle Eastern communities. I am still ready to take action and participate on any academic or social level. From my personal perspective, if I let the hateful rhetoric stain my vision, I won’t let racism take control over my values and dehumanize me. These days, I am still assessing the consequences of this ban on both my personal life and career, but at the same time I am able to recharge my optimistic drive thanks to the efforts of the University, colleagues and friends, who are making sure that I am not alone in this. Their collective actions and sincere love and support assisted me in going back to maintain a daily routine. I am trying to focus on my courses and my students rather than obsessing about the ambiguity of the near future.
Even though the travel ban is temporarily halted for now, my status in this country is back to the front lines. Once again, I can’t commit to projects or attend conferences. I am not even sure if I should replace the chair in my office! Thanks to the justice system that halted the travel ban, we can still depend on the United States to protect our rights to be treated as equals. However, the shore is not yet clear. We still need the support and continuous efforts of the wonderful people and institutions that are working restlessly to guard the exceptional democracy of this country. For my friends, who were banned from traveling and their visas were revoked: I hope morality and kindness will win this battle, and we will be free to resume our studies and be able to meet our families and loved
ones sooner rather than later. I do believe that the greater good always wins. But, before jumping on the happy, positive wave, take your time to grieve your losses. Since most of us are familiar with such challenges, it is best to support and help our friends who are in urgent need. However, there is nothing wrong with fighting alternative facts with alternative plans. Look for new opportunities over the summer instead of risking being denied to enter, stay informed but not overwhelmed and keep your chin up. You are not alone in this. In the end, I believe that if we stay positive and vigilant, we will keep this country as our first choice of education and a second home. — Lubna Omar is a visiting assistant professor of anthropology.
Sadly, the change of political scene after the presidential election dragged me back in time to my last days in Syria
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FUN
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www.bupipedream.com | TKMonth ##, 20##
Thursday, February 9, 2017 Whatevs
Elizabeth Manning Free Hugs!
Nate Walker
take 2
Knock-Off Memes
RELEASE DATE– Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Elizabeth Manning
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis ACROSS 1 Nixon pal Rebozo 5 Rejuvenating retreat 8 Feudal servants 13 Harrow competitor 14 Corn pieces 16 Eye: Pref. 17 Justice Warren’s lunch? 20 Keats’s urn tribute, e.g. 21 Tuna container 22 Domed building 23 Dinero before the euro 25 Pull 26 Jazzman Gerry’s dinner? 33 Wraparound garment 36 Observe 37 In the vicinity 38 Bikini, for one 40 Guadalajara gold 42 Sniffed things 43 More pretentious when it comes to culture 45 “__ clear day ...” 47 Common Vegas exchanges 48 Actor Kevin’s breakfast? 51 Tank filler 52 Not quite 56 New car price offset 61 By way of 62 Teachers’ org. 63 Actor Joseph’s snack? 66 Baja buddy 67 Transgresses 68 Morph lead-in 69 Motel posting 70 Animal shelter acquisition 71 Zaire’s Mobutu __ Seko DOWN 1 Dizzy’s music style 2 Chopin creation 3 Uninspiring lecturers, e.g. 4 Subj. that involves reading novels 5 Continuing stories 6 Second-rank chess piece
7 Ex-Bush staffer Fleischer 8 Like cola, drinkwise 9 Light tan 10 Place of archaeological interest 11 Beat it 12 Slugger who rivaled McGwire 15 Gymnast Kerri 18 “__, Brute?” 19 TV colonel with heroes 24 Actor Estevez 25 Steering linkage connectors 27 Sign of summer 28 Prefix meaning “recent” 29 Cruelty named for a marquis 30 Trampled 31 Spanish river 32 “The Swiss Family Robinson” author Johann 33 Sad-sounding auto? 34 Name on a razor 35 Mil. recruiter at colleges 39 NFL Hall of Famer Dawson
41 Half and half 44 __ Cajun: University of LouisianaLafayette athlete 46 Hostile to 49 Grannies 50 Happy 53 Like drinks in a cooler 54 Religious offshoots 55 Nevada border lake
56 Lift up the slope 57 Capitale on the Tiber 58 Got down 59 Old Venetian magistrate 60 Many entertainers have big ones 61 Windmill part 64 Tiny taste 65 Horror film director Craven
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:
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7/17/07
free them
By Jim Holland (c)2007 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
7/17/07
7
SPORTS
bupipedream.com | February 9, 2017
BEARCATBRIEFS BASEBALL Staff Reports
Rachel Tomei/Pipe Dream Photographer The Binghamton men’s lacrosse team missed the playoffs by one game last season.
Men's lacrosse looks for fresh start Behind new coach McKeown, Bearcats hope to hit stride
Kyle McDonald
Assistant Sports Editor
After going 4-10 and letting go of its head coach following the 2016 season, the Binghamton men’s lacrosse team is looking for a fresh start under first-year head coach Kevin McKeown. “As coaches, we’re just really trying to focus on some of the detailed things and making sure that guys … are taking care of their job,” McKeown said. “As a coaching staff, we’re excited to get started here and can’t wait for [our first game].” McKeown may be in his first year, but he is a veteran the program. He was a standout goalkeeper from 2003-2006, when he earned all-conference honors three times and became the first All-American in program history. McKeown also has experience on the Bearcats’ coaching staff, as he served as defensive coordinator from 2008-2011 before taking over as interim coach after the resignation of former head coach Ed Stephenson during the 2011 season. “Anytime you have somebody who’s been a part of this program who’s taken the same steps we’ve taken every single day, you absolutely feel like he’s one of us,” said junior defenseman Sal Fama. “[His experience] has
been a really big help for us.” This season, McKeown has his work cut out for him. BU has lost its top two scorers, midfielder Zach Scaduto and attack Johnny Maher, to graduation. The Bearcats will also be without junior midfielder Ben Kocis, who scored 17 goals last season, after he suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason. Leading the attack for BU this season will be the trio of redshirt junior attack Sean Gilroy, redshirt senior attack Tom Moore and senior attack Matt Kaser. Sophomore midfielder Joe Licata, who was selected to the America East (AE) AllRookie Team after tallying 12 goals, is also expected to contribute offensively. McKeown is confident that offense will be the Bearcats’ strength this season. “I think when you look at our attack unit with three seniors that are there, they’re bringing a lot of experience there,” he said. “Through our practices and our first scrimmage, they’ve done a great job of setting the tone for us on the offensive end.” Defensively, the Bearcats are relatively young, but they return two of their leaders in Fama and senior defenseman Garrett Waldron. Senior goalkeeper Tanner Cosens, who made an average of 9 1/2 saves per game
in 2016, will anchor BU in the net. Whenever a new coach takes charge, changes in team philosophy and culture can be expected. A notable change that both McKeown and his players preached was the idea of family. “I think [the coaches] have really focused on creating a better atmosphere,” Waldron said. “And since we have been able to come together, we want to do it for each other … we want to win for each other.” The players have embraced this mentality and McKeown is hopeful it can lead to a successful year. “I try to remind the guys of what [family] means,” he said. “To us, it means working hard and holding your teammates accountable.” The Bearcats are also using their status as underdogs to drive them forward; BU was picked to finish last in the AE in the preseason coaches’ poll,
despite missing the conference playoffs by just one game last season. “[The poll] puts a chip on every one of our shoulders,” Fama said. “It gives us a little extra reason to be hungry … anytime you’re the underdog, you’re much hungrier to win.” The Bearcats’ hunger to disprove their naysayers will be tested early on by their difficult schedule. They are set to face multiple teams that are either ranked or receiving votes in last season’s US Lacrosse Intercollegiate Associates poll. “I think [the tough schedule] is going to be great,” McKeown said. “We want to be playing the best teams to prepare us for America East play and the America East Tournament.” BU is scheduled to kick off its 2017 season with a home game against Colgate. Faceoff is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Feb. 18 from the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.
The Binghamton baseball team was picked as the unanimous preseason favorite in the America East (AE) preseason coaches’ poll, which was released on Wednesday. The reigning regular season and postseason champions received all six first-place votes from coaches around the conference. In 2016, the Bearcats won the regular-season crown with a 19-5 AE record, 4 1/2 games better than rival Stony Brook. They then swept the conference playoffs to advance to the NCAA Tournament. The win marked BU’s third tournament appearance in the last four seasons. Although the Bearcats are favorites to return to the tournament, they will have to deal with key losses in their lineup. Second baseman Reed Gamache, now graduated, spearheaded the BU offense last season. He had a .366 average and led the team with 46 RBIs and 77 hits. They will also be without third baseman David
Schanz, who contributed 35 RBIs last year. The pitching staff will be without starter Mike Bunal, who led BU in wins before being drafted by the Rockies, and saves leader Rob Hardy. However, the Bearcats lost just five seniors and return multiple key contributors in the lineup and on the mound. They return the power-hitting trio of senior catcher Eddie Posavec, senior first baseman Brendan Skidmore and junior outfielder CJ Krowiak. They combined for 188 hits while driving in 95 runs. Redshirt junior pitcher Jacob Wloczewski, who had a 3.06 ERA last year, is also set to take the mound again. He ended the year with a 4-0 record, holding batters to a .216 average. BU is set to begin their season with 21 straight games on the road. This road stretch is nothing new for the Bearcats, who had a 16-game road stand to start the season last year. The season is set to get underway on Feb. 17 when BU takes on New Mexico at Santa Ana Star Field in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
MEN'S LACROSSE
Bearcats picked to finish last PAGE 7 Thursday, February 9, 2017
Michael Contegni/Staff Photographer (L) Raquel Panitz/Staff Photographer (R) Junior forward Bobby Ahearn netted 15 points, including three 3-pointers, in the Bearcats’ loss to Vermont. (L) Sophomore guard Rebecca Carmody tallied 10 points in BU’s victory over Vermont. (R)
Bearcats fall to Vermont BU defeats Catamounts
Men's basketball drops third straight game Hot shooting propels Bearcats over Vermont
Evan Cole Pipe Dream Sports
In what first appeared to be an encouraging performance, the Binghamton men’s basketball team found itself in a tight battle with the elite Vermont team on Monday night. Trailing by single digits with less than 10 minutes remaining, the Bearcats (12-14, 3-8 America East) were in position to pull off an upset. However, their subsequent play was a microcosm of their conference season: shoddy defense and comparatively inferior offense. The Catamounts (21-5, 11-0 AE) went on a 19-9 run, finishing off the Bearcats en route to a 71-51 blowout. BU was adept at trading baskets for most of the game, hanging with a formidable opponent, but ultimately ran out of gas down the stretch. “We worked hard all game and hung in there, but just couldn’t make that final push,” said BU head coach Tommy Dempsey. “We fought hard defensively but just couldn’t find enough points.” BU started the first half hot, going up 9-4 less than four minutes
into the game. The quick start was more than nullified, as Vermont smoothly countered with a 24-7 run. The score differential remained steady until the half, with the Catamounts heading into the break, 33-23. The Bearcats found efficient shots by way of their front court, as junior forward Bobby Ahearn and sophomore forward Thomas Bruce led the way with a combined 11 points on only seven shots in the first half. The rest of the offense struggled mightily, as the team shot only 39.1 percent from the field. In contrast, Vermont shot an impressive 54.5 percent from the field, including a scorching 55.6 percent from beyond the arc. Despite this advantage by Vermont, the Bearcats still found themselves in striking distance at halftime. BU’s second-half offense put more of an emphasis on playing through its big men, and it paid off greatly. Ahearn, Bruce and junior forward Dusan Perovic combined for 20 of the team’s 28 secondhalf points, providing an effective counter to Vermont’s sharpshooting attack. After an Ahearn 3-pointer,
Q&A
the Bearcats found themselves down 52-43, with 9:15 to play. The Catamounts proceeded to pull, going 6-for-10 from the floor to close out the game and earn the season sweep. “They put it away in the last couple of minutes,” Dempsey said. The Catamounts’ trio of redshirt sophomore guard Ernie Duncan, redshirt junior forward Payton Henson and redshirt senior forward Darren Payen, spearheaded the offensive attack. They scored a combined 42 points and went 17-for24 from the court. Their dominant scoring played an integral role in denying the Bearcats an opportunity to make it a one-possession game. For BU, Ahearn led the way with 15 points and seven rebounds. No other Bearcat scored in double digits, and the lack of a diverse offense hurt the team’s ability to counter the Catamounts’ potent attack. The Bearcats will look to put this loss behind them when they face Albany at home Thursday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. from the Events Center in Vestal, New York.
FORMER
BU GOALIE
Julian Guevara Contributing Writer
Down by one point going into the second half against Vermont, the Binghamton women’s basketball team caught fire. Junior guard Imani Watkins and redshirt sophomore guard Jasmine Sina led the way in a 7661 victory over the Catamounts (7-16, 4-7 America East). Although Watkins and Sina carried the team for much of the game — contributing 25 and 14 points, respectively — the BU bench outscored the Catamount bench, 17-7. The bench’s strong performance helped spark a third-quarter run that gave the Bearcats (12-12, 7-4 AE) a 37-36 advantage with 6:53 left in the third. “We talk all the time about how your sixth and seventh person really have to contribute; everyone knows you’re going to focus on one through five,” said BU head coach Linda Cimino. “The biggest difference at this level is what six, seven and eight are going to give, and
teams that have good players off the bench are usually teams that are going to win and go far in the tournament.” The Bearcats proved to be a team of that caliber through this victory, as sophomore guard Rebecca Carmody and freshman guard Carly Boland found their rhythm on the court. Carmody showcased her ability to lay it in under pressure, scoring key baskets off turnovers in the third quarter. “We all feed off each other and I think defensively, whether it was Alyssa [James] taking charges or Imani [Watkins] making shots, collectively it was a team win,” Sina said. “And the bench does a great job as well in getting us really excited during the game.” The Bearcats put on a clinic, knocking down 42.6 percent of their shots, including 50 percent from beyond the arc. They committed just seven turnovers compared to Vermont’s 18. The BU women also converted 12 of their 14 free throw attempts.
The role of sixth and seventh player has been crucial to BU’s success thus far due to the constant foul trouble in which James has found herself. Staying out of foul trouble helps keep the BU bench fresh, leading to a more positive end result. James did just that against Vermont, staying on the court for all 40 minutes and contributing 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots. “We put together a great second half, and we didn’t turn the ball over,” Cimino said. “And I think the biggest difference is we didn’t give up points off turnovers and secondchance points.” A majority of the Bearcats’ damage was done in the third quarter. During this stretch, BU scored eight second-chance points, the bench finished the quarter with 11 points to UVM’s two. The Bearcats are set to continue AE play against Albany on Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. from the SEFCU Arena in Albany, NY.
ROBERT MOEWES
Last month, former Binghamton goalkeeper Robert Moewes was selected by Toronto FC in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft after spending a year playing at Duke. We spoke with Moewes on Wednesday. Pipe Dream edited this interview for clarity.
Noah Bressner Assistant Spots Editor
Pipe Dream: How was your experience at Duke different than playing at Binghamton? Robert Moewes: I think in general the competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference is a higher level. The facilities and grass fields are all insane. But as a goalkeeper, you’ve got to play ball anyway. The game is a little faster, but it’s not that different to me. PD: What was the whole MLS SuperDraft process like for you — going through
the Combine and waiting for the first two rounds to get drafted? RM: The Combine was a great experience, and the level at the Combine was really good. It was a really great event. I’m really grateful to have had this experience. For an international goalkeeper, it can be a lot harder to get drafted than players from North America. PD: Is there anything that you’re looking forward to most as you transition from playing college soccer to the MLS? RM: Right now, I still have to earn a contract with Toronto FC. But it would definitely be great to be able to be completely focused entirely on soccer. Being in school is great, but you always have to hurry up on the practice field; you don’t have
that much time. PD: What is your status with Toronto FC right now? RM: When you get drafted, you go into preseason with the team, which is what I’m doing right now while I’m still in school. So it’s a little bit stressful right now as I’m trying to finish my degree. I was in Los Angeles last week with Toronto and I was practicing for the two weeks before that. PD: When I talked to BU head coach Paul Marco a few weeks ago, he was a little disappointed that you didn’t go higher in the draft. He believes that you’re one of the best college goalkeepers in the country. Do you feel a similar way, that you should’ve gone a little higher? RM: Yeah, I think so. To be honest, I think so. There were
five goalkeepers ahead of me, and I don’t think I’m the worst in that group. The fact that I’m an international goalkeeper played a big role; some teams are not willing to sacrifice an international spot for a new and young goalkeeper, especially knowing that a new goalkeeper will not start right away. PD: You’re trying to finish your master’s in management studies from Duke at the same time as you’re training with Toronto FC. Can you explain how you’re doing it? RM: Luckily, both Duke and Toronto FC are cooperating with me. Right now, I have missed about two weeks worth of classes, but I can’t miss much more. So I’ve been flying back and forth, and luckily, Toronto FC has helped me out there. I’ll have a
Raquel Panitz/Staff Photographer During his time at Binghamton, goalie Robert Moewes earned America East Goalkeeper of the Year honors for two straight seasons.
spring break coming up, so I’ll have three weeks where I can just focus on being in Toronto before there’s another period of six weeks where I will have to do the same thing. PD: Being from Germany, if you were given the opportunity to play professionally in Europe, would you take it? RM: I think it’s not realistic. I have the most leverage in the United States, where people have seen me play. But it’s every kid’s dream to play in Europe. PD: Is there a goalkeeper that you would say that you’ve grown up watching, and have modeled your game after? RM: The best goalkeeper right now is obviously Manuel Neuer. I look at his game and try to play like him, but obviously a much different level of skill.