Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE:

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4

Photography club’s ‘Fix’ magazine debuts inaugural juried show

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6

Laura Byko tells you how to stay warm

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Women’s basketball loses to Indiana University East

8

Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2016

Issue 3

University announces hire of new provost

By Iain Oldman Staff Writer

After months of searching and multiple rounds of interviews with potential candidates, Point Park University announced the hiring of Dr. John Pearson as the University’s new provost on Monday.

Pearson comes from Stetson University in Deland, Fla., where he currently serves as associate vice president of Academics Affairs. He has worked at Stetson University in various roles for the past 26 years. Pearson holds a Masters of Arts and a doctorate in English from Boston University.

According to Point Park University’s press release, Pearson created and directed the General Studies Program at Stetson University for 10 years. The program was created “to improve the performance and retention of academically at-risk students.” Pearson also built an advising program geared toward undecided students called Stetson’s Discovery Program.

“John’s experience clearly shows a commitment to the same values that have allowed Point Park to thrive as a student-centered university with an eye toward innovation and community engagement,” Point Park University President Paul Hennigan said in the press release.

Pearson visited Point Park’s cam-

pus on Jan. 15 for a round of interviews with faculty to answer questions from students.

“I had a terrific experience during my visit to Point Park,” Pearson said in an email interview Monday. “The students, faculty and staff were welcoming, asking great questions and seemed fully engaged in their work.”

During his time on campus, Pearson said the faculty of the school stood out to him.

“I’m particularly excited about working with the faculty, who are a very talented, hardworking group of people focused on student learning.

I’m also excited about working with the staff throughout the University; for they, too, are talented and hardworking,” Pearson said. “The senior leadership team, moreover, is the finest I’ve encountered in my career. Together, we will strive to offer the best student experience possible.”

Point Park’s urban campus makes it an interesting and unique school for both students and faculty, though Pearson believes his time at Boston University will help him make the transition from Stetson.

“I try to learn something useful from every experience,” Pearson said.

“Having lived and studied in Boston for many years is helpful as I make the transition from Florida to Pitts-

PROVOST page 2

photo courtesy of Liz Berie, Point Park Athletics

Senior Eric Briggs sprints during the indoor track and field meet at Youngstown State University (YSU) College Invite on Jan. 22. Men’s and women’s track and field broke eight school records at Jan. 22’s event. Read more on page 7.

Potential food service providers hear from students, discuss plans

“I just had to really pay attention to my spending over the course of the whole process,” Kruth said. “It’s been really hard at times. The biggest thing I’ve had to do though was cutting into my savings. I’ve gone through almost all of my savings just to pay rent over the last couple of months.”

Though the state has yet to pass a budget, a recent action by the state’s General Assembly and Governor Tom Wolfe has appropriated roughly $305 million to PHEAA’s Pennsylvania State Grant Program.

This means students are one step closer to getting the money they expected, but the overall amount is less than predicted. Wolfe originally requested that PHEAA receive $344.8 million, so this appropriation is an 11.5 percent decrease from that original sum.

There are 153,585 students who qualify for the state grant, which means the original $344.8 million request averaged out to $2,245 per student. The $305 million appropriation averages out to $1,985 a student, which is a cut of approximately $260 per student.

“I honestly didn’t find the cut to be a problem,” Kruth said. “I just want the money. I don’t really care if it’s a little less.”

Despite the cut being minimal, PHEAA decided something needed to be done to honor the commitments the agency made. According to Keith New, PHEAA spokesman, the agency had previously set aside $75 million from its personal reserves for the grant program. However, the agen-

dent Affairs and Dean of Students Keith Paylo moderated the forum and began by addressing the students.

He explained that food service providers do not usually get to talk with students during the bidding process, and that the forum was a rare opportunity for them to hear from students.

“They’re here to talk with you, not at you,” Paylo said.

The event had no set agenda or format. It began with introductions from the four representatives and led to students asking questions.

John Geronimo began the introductions on behalf of Metz Culinary Management. Metz was the only company at the forum that does not currently have a college client in the Pittsburgh area.

The Dallas, Pa.-based company does however currently serve Gannon University and Lake Erie College, as well as local private schools including Shadyside and Sewickley Academies.

Bob Kelly represented Culinart Group, a New York-based company that currently serves Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

Dave Giron, the current food service director at Point Park, represented the incumbent food service provider, Aramark. Point Park is the only local college or university that Aramark serves. The company also is the food provider for the three major Pittsburgh sports teams.

Aaron Weaver ended the introductions as the representative for Parkhurst Dining. Headquartered in Homestead, Parkhurst has three local Universities in its portfolio, including Robert Morris, Duquesne and Chatham. It is also a division of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group.

The representatives began by

BUDGET page 2

FORUM page 3

Thursday: Partly Cloudy, H 39, L 27 Friday: Cloudy, H 35, L 26 Saturday: Cloudy, H 48, L 37

Sunday: Showers, H 48, L 40 Monday: Showers, H 48, L 34 Tuesday: Showers, H 51, L 39

By Josh Croup Editor-in-Chief

photo by Emily Bennett

Freshman Jaron Andrechak examines student photography at the first Fix Juried Show on Saturday, Jan. 23. Read about the inaugural show on page 4.

Representatives from four food service providers spoke with students Wednesday to ask and answer questions about potentially becoming Point Park’s new food service provider in the fall.

Aramark, Point Park’s current provider, is in the last semester of its contract with the University and has served Point Park since 2001.

Joining Aramark Wednesday afternoon in 701 Student Center in front of about 30 Point Park students were representatives from Metz Culinary Management, Culinart Group and Parkhurst Dining.

Associate Vice President of Stu-

State budget impasse withholds needed grant money for students

By Phillip Poupore For The Globe

Junior broadcast reporting and broadcast production double major Matt Kruth is just one of 950 Point Park students who expected to receive a Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) grant this school year.

Between this grant and his other financial aid rewards, he expected a refund check of $6,500 to help pay for his off-campus apartment; however, he received just $2,000 due to the Pennsylvania budget impasse.

In order to make ends meet, Kruth not only had to change his spending habits, but he also had to pull significantly from his savings.

Weather Forecast Today: Cloudy H 34, L 23

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

NEWS

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

IT to students: make Wi-Fi complaints specific USG

By Sabrina Bodon USG Beat Writer

Addressing recurring Wi-Fi issues, Point Park’s United Student Government (USG) invited Dr. Tim Wilson, Assistant Vice President of Information Technology (IT) and Will Elmes, Director of IT Security and Operations, for a follow up to last semester’s meeting with Wilson regarding student installed Wi-Fi routers.

Following the initial meeting last semester, IT conducted a formal survey throughout campus looking at Wi-Fi strength to put in Wi-Fi access points and conducted campaign to remove home Wi-Fi routers.

“We [IT] were very aggressive as to a marketing campaign and a media campaign…as to move the issues caused by people bringing in their own Wi-Fi access points into their rooms, running time and the interference caused,” Dr. Wilson said during the meeting.

Prior to Monday’s meeting, USG created and promoted an anonymous survey through SurveyMonkey asking questions regarding student interac-

tions with school Wi-Fi following the removal of home routers.

According to SurveyMonkey data, in a group of 100 students, 91 percent still reported problems with school Wi-Fi. With this same group of 100, 44 percent cited “frequently” as the rating to how often they experience Wi-Fi drop offs from options of never, occasionally, sometimes, frequently and always.

To this, Wilson and Elmes stressed reporting issues to IT in the most specific fashion as possible.

“If you’re in your room and it [the Wi-Fi] just drops off, that concerns me,” Elmes said. “If we knew when you walked down this hallway out here you dropped off twice, sure we can address something like that by adding some more access points in.”

Addressing the complication students faced last semester while registering, Dr. Wilson described the issue as “severely a load issue kind of thing.”

“We had a situation where the timeline for registration was collapsed down which put a lot more people trying to register at the same time,” Dr. Wilson said. “This time around, you’re going to experience an

expanded registration period.”

Using the crash as learning experience, IT continues to work with the Registrar’s Office for a more stable registration timetable to avoid a complete shutdown/crash of PointWeb, which occurred last semester.

In regards to the more recent issue of users with Windows 10 or Lollipop version 5.1.1 on PC and Android devices struggling to log into the PointPark802.1X Wi-Fi, Elmes offered a solution.

“Since late November, early December, Microsoft released - a security update ‑ our Wi-Fi vendor has yet to get caught up with,” Elmes said.

“However, there is a workaround but it’s manual that you have to implement…You have to probably email or speak to the Help Desk directly.”

The next step USG plans to take involves a formal survey requesting students to be more precise with their responses and issues.

USG also followed up with budget business from last meeting, allocating a $500 budget to Theatre Club to meet deposits for COPA Prom rather than keeping its budget at the original $483 recommended by the Finance Committee or allocating the

full amount requested. Theatre Club originally requested $3,100, but submitted a late budget request resulting in a tabled budget last meeting.

The Society for Intelligence and National Security also submitted a late budget request, but since its budget was sent back to Finance Committee last meeting, the organization had the option to have its budget fully reviewed and received $2,770—up from the original $483 recommended.

In addition, USG coordinated with Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership (SAIL) for the SAIL Showdown this week by stressing the importance of reaching out to the student body.

“We want to continue our efforts [for] the student body [to] reach out,” president Blaine King said to the legislative body.

In part with this, USG is working on its social media communications, as well as its different spring semester projects, such as a Forum in March 18, and Pioneer Community Day set for April 2.

Sabrina Bodon can be reached at sbodon@pointpark.edu.

Port Authority Transit announces elimination of zones in favor of flat rate across transit system

By Vania Arthur For The Globe

For the first time in 35 years, Port Authority Transit of Allegheny County (PAT) announced that it will merge Zones 1 and 2 with a flat rate of $2.50 with the use of a Connect Card.

That means that riders who board in Zone 2 will enjoy a $1.25 discount under this new proposal, which still needs approval by PAT’s Planning & Stakeholder Relations Committee.

“It’s definitely exciting. I’m excited. It’s going to cost me less to go home,” Lauren Ortego, a commuter from Greenfield and sophomore psychology major, said in an interview in Lawrence Hall.

Under the current two-zone system, people commuting in Zone 1, which includes areas like the Strip District, Squirrel Hill, Homestead,

North and South Side, pay a current rate of $2.50 per while people going to Penn Hills, Monroeville, New Kensington and beyond pay $3.75 per trip as part of Zone 2.

Adam Brandolph, the media contact for Port Authority of Allegheny County said in a press release Jan. 13 that the decrease stems from numerous and long standing complaints and requests by citizens of Allegheny County, who argued that the Zone 2 fares put undue burdens on people like college students who commute into the city on a daily basis.

Ashley Konchak is a sophomore special education and early childhood development major who currently pays $3.75 daily traveling to and from school from New Kensington. During a Tuesday interview in the Lawrence Hall commuter lounge,

For students, budget impasse a nuisance affecting financial aid from BUDGET page 1 cy’s board of directors recently decided to set aside an additional $11-50 million to try and cover the decrease.

“The board wanted to make sure to disburse funds as quickly as possible,” New said. “We wanted to honor those commitments and ensure that we would meet the amount students and schools were expecting.”

For students trying to pay for college, every dollar counts, so this act of good will did not go unnoticed.

“My respect for PHEAA has definitely increased,” senior broadcast reporting and broadcast production and media management double major Brittany Lauffer said.

“Especially to honor the amount the students expected when the situation wasn’t their fault is admirable and greatly appreciated.”

According to New, now that PHEAA has settled on the allocation, the refund process will begin. He explained that all grant money will be sent to the schools, and disbursed from there. The schools will begin receiving the funds within two weeks, New said.

According to George Santucci, director of financial aid at Point Park, the refund process is really in PHEAA’s hands. There is nothing Point Park can do until PHEAA releases the grant money to the school.

“Once we get the money from

PHEAA, we will work to get the funding out to the students as soon as possible,” Santucci said.

For the students affected by the impassé this process has been a rude awakening to the dark side of politics.

“The impassé as a whole has been a mess in my opinion,” Kruth said. “I know that I’m not always going to get what I want, but the politicians don’t seem to understand that concept, and it comes at the expense of the people who rely on them to get their jobs done.”

Lauffer is one of the students who relied on the government to help pay for her education. Because of the impasse, she was forced to pick up extra hours at work and she even had to find other freelance opportunities to make up the cost.

“To have a new governor that has this many problems with his fellow politicians is frustrating,” Lauffer said. “It was hard knowing that I worked holidays to compensate for the missing funds while they took days off even though the budget was so many months late.”

Even though the money is on the way, these students have reiterated that they won’t be happy until the money is finally in their hands.

Phillip Poupore can be reached at pjpoupo@pointpark.edu.

Konchak, who recently purchased a Connect Card, said she is optimistic about the new system. “[As] long as I am getting that fare guaranteed, I’d rather use the Connect Card and I don’t have to worry about scrambling for money,” she said.

If implemented by a vote of the PAT Board, the new system will start

discount of $1 bus fare after 7 p.m. will still be in effect.

“Since Point Park is such an urban school, it sure would save students like me a lot of money per semester,” Joe Truesdell, a sophomore business management major, said.

With this change, student commuters will have the opportunity to save money while also giving PAT

photo by Dominique Hildebrand

On a primarily commuter-based campus, the Port Authority’s plan to issue a flat rate will bring welcome relief to commuters and those living outside of the city limits in Zone 2 bus routes. on January 1, 2017. There will be a one-time $2 fee for purchasing or renewing the Connect Card.

“The proposal not only makes public transportation more accessible and affordable for our riders— and potential riders—it’s the right move,” Brandolph said.

Brandolph said those individuals wanting to use cash will have a twenty-five cent charge, while keeping rates for transfers the same. He also said that Point Park’s existing

the opportunity to gain riders with its reduced wages.

“I am thankful for the Port Authority system,” Konchak said. “[It] does help me as a student save money in the long run.”

Vania Arthur can be reached at vearthu@pointpark.edu.

University names Pearson as provost from PROVOST page 1 burgh. As a student, I loved being on an urban campus, and I’m definitely looking forward to working at Point Park.”

Pearson replaces Karen McIntyre, who served in the position since Dec. 2010. McIntyre will take a yearlong sabbatical before returning to chair the recently created Department of Innovative Learning.

Before serving as provost, McIntyre worked as the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences from Jan. 2007 to May 2009.

Pearson is expected to begin his

duties as provost in June, according to Point Park University’s press release, though he said he will visit the University beforehand to familiarize himself with the campus and student body.

“Of course,” Pearson said, “I also have to find a place to live.”

Iain Oldman can be reached at idoldma@pointpark.edu.

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

3

Tutoring offerings expanded to students

By Alexander Popichak Co-News Editor

Point Park’s Center for Student Success (CSS) announced Jan. 18 via email that its tutoring services have expanded this semester. Previously, tutoring services were limited.

“Last semester, we had one drop-in center that also used oneon-one and group tutoring services, and that was primarily the writing center,” said tutoring services coordinator Natacia Owens. “So when that email went out on Monday [Jan. 18], it was just explaining that instead of just having one drop-in center, we had multiple drop-in centers for different high-demand subjects.”

One-on-one and group tutoring services are structured as weekly meetings with tutors for the courses a student designates on a request form. These forms can be found by contacting the CSS office. Drop-in centers, as the name implies, are advertised and open tutoring sessions in specific subjects with no appointment needed.

“I think it’s a great idea, I really do, it’s going to be important

that the students have a resource to use that can be very spur-of-themoment if they need to,” said Phil Gertz, senior mechanical engineering technology major and student tutor. “Not everyone needs weekto-week tutoring so… it can be helpful to get a second set of eyes on [a problem].”

This semester, the CSS has responded to popular demand by expanding the drop-in sessions from strictly writing centers to math and science.

“For the high-demand subjects, especially for the maths and sciences, I try to have at least two [dropin tutoring sessions] per week,” Owens said in her office Thursday.

Gertz is available to students specifically during the Thursday 4:30-6:30 p.m. drop-in session in statics and dynamics, which he describes as a “higher level of what you might have learned in a high school physics course.”

“I think it’s a good tool,” Gertz said at the CSS office Thursday afternoon. “I think that’s what the drop-in center is going to be, as

opposed to like the one-on-one sessions. If you know you want extra help every week that’s one thing, but it’s a good tool to have, as a student, just like any other resource.”

The calendar for drop-in sessions, as well as a listing of the subjects, covered is posted in the CSS office on the fifth floor of West Penn Hall.

“As long as we’re getting more tutors and we’re getting recommendations from faculty for tutors, and having more people sign up [we can continue to grow],” said Owens. “As we’re keeping [our options and services] on the expanding realm we want to make sure that we’re serving the students, but it’s based on demand…We want to serve the students as best we can.”

New this semester in the tutoring request form is a listing of terms and conditions students must sign, including an agreement on attendance.

“This [new section of terms and conditions] was added more as a protection to make sure that the expectations of our tutors were

matched with what is expected for the students,” Owens said.

Students interested in being hired as tutors should also contact the CSS. The positions are paid and require the recommendation of a professor endorsing proficiency in the subject for which the student will be tutoring. That being said, the experience is rewarding.

“There’s nothing like helping someone with a concept they didn’t understand and they come back and they say I did really well on the test or I really feel confident about that last test I took,” Gertz said.

“We always tell people we don’t want you to come in and say ‘my goal is to pass this class.’ I want you to get the material, I want you to understand what you’re doing, and if you do, you’re going to pass the class, it’ll happen naturally.”

Alexander Popichak can be reached at apopic@pointpark.edu.

University implements Four companies Safe Zones for students take part in student

By Angela S.E. Woodard For The Globe

This spring semester, a new sign bearing the words “Safe Zone,” depicting a rainbow wave in front of the silhouetted Pittsburgh skyline is being displayed on various campus doorways.

Safe Zone is a new program on campus that offers support services specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender queer (LGBTQ) concerns. Members of the campus community can access information and resources related to gender and sexuality from individuals who have received training in LGBTQ concerns and have volunteered to offer a judgment-free space and to serve as allies on campus.

“Safe Zone came out of my searching for a student club or gaystraight alliance that I could mentor as an advisor to and noticing that we didn’t really have any support services specific to LGBT students,“ said Point Park Assessment Coordinator, Lindsay Onufer, who serves as Safe Zone program coordinator.

After investigating through Staff Assembly last year, Onufer discovered that a number of proposals for LGBTQ student clubs had been made but none had been able to be sustained.

“I thought Safe Zone would be a good way to get faculty and staff involved without making students entirely responsible for sustaining the program,” Onufer said.

Onufer worked through Staff Assembly, teaming up with Director of Student Development, J.W. Tabacchi and Title IX Coordinator, Elizabeth Rosemeyer, on the Safe Zone proposal.

Part of the mission of Title IX is to ensure that the University prevents and responds to any sort of discrimination based on sex and gender identity.

“Within Title IX, Safe Zone is one more space where a person can be heard in a responsible and compassionate way,” Rosemeyer said in an interview at the campus Starbucks Friday morning.

Two groups of faculty, staff and students from Residence Life volunteered for Safe Zone training sessions conducted by education counselors from the PERSAD Center, a United Way agency organization that serves the LGBTQ community by offering resources in education, mental health counseling and advocacy among others.

The training sessions, which lasted for three hours, covered a general historical background of

cultural attitudes, changes in laws and sensitivity training in the distinctions between gender identity and sexual orientation.

“Safe Zone volunteers do not provide mental health counseling services,” Tabacchi said during an interview in his office in the Student Center on Wednesday. “Students need a place where they can go if they are questioning their gender or sexuality and aren’t sure about the resources or aren’t sure about what on or off-campus resources are available.”

Charles Murria, a sophomore majoring in sports, arts, and entertainment management, realized he was bisexual when he was 14 years old. His friends at school and their parents were the first group of people who he shared this personal information with until he felt confident enough to tell his parents.

“It was a very confusing time for me, but I was lucky that I went to a school where I had teachers that I could talk to, and they were able to introduce me to other students who were questioning their sexual identity,” Murria said in an interview in the Student Center on Wednesday.

“I think the Safe Zone program can be for students that may not have supportive friends or family - what my friends and teachers in high school were for me.”

Safe Zone training is open to any faculty or staff member who wants to participate and are available. Once the training is complete, individuals have the opportunity to become Safe Zone volunteers. Along with training, volunteers must sign a contract that outlines their duties and responsibilities, ensures confidentiality, and underscores the fact that they are not acting as mental health counselors.

“Even if students don’t utilize the program, they’re aware of that support as they walk around campus and see the Safe Zone signs,” said Onufer. “And should a student need support even if they are not an LGBTQ student, Safe Zone volunteers are there to point them towards resources that could help them.”

For more information about the Safe Zone program or to volunteer contact Lindsay Onufer at lonufer@pointpark.edu.

Angela S. E. Woodard can be reached at aswooda@pointpark.edu.

driven food forum from FORUM page 1

discussing which national brands they are each partnered with.

Weaver mentioned multiple times the possibility of integrating Hello Bistro, a branch of the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, to the Point Park meal plan. Each representative also suggested the possibility of integrating Hundred Wood into the meal plan, or possibly replacing the restaurant.

Student concerns ranged from quality and quantity of food, customer service and staff as well as limited options.

Multiple students talked about the lack of healthy options Aramark provides.

“We’ve been hit and miss here and there,” Giron responded. “We are always trying to improve that.”

The representatives have toured and visited Point Park multiple times in preparation for the bidding process. Geronimo said Metz would work to fit in to Point Park’s unique culture.

“We don’t expect our clients to fit in with our culture,” Geronimo said.

“We want to fit in with your culture.

You want to see where people walk before you put down the sidewalk.

Point Park is definitely unique.”

The representatives each said they would like to see their new food service director at Point Park for five to seven years.

Students stressed the importance of having options. They suggested hands-on cooking stations, variety in the dining hall and more flexible hours for students of all types.

Weaver said whoever is the food service provider at Point Park has to adjust to what students want, especially at a school with a heavy performing arts concentration.

“At home, mom doesn’t cook the same meal every day,” Weaver said. “We have to adapt to you.”

Each representative made closing statements as they thanked students for their time. Kelly said he appreciated rare opportunity to talk

with students at the open forum and invited to bus some students to CMU to sample Culinart’s food.

Weaver had the last word of the forum and invited students to visit Duquesne a few blocks down the road to talk with students and have a free Parkhurst meal.

Last year, USG submitted a vote of no confidence that began the search to possibly replace Aramark once its contract expires at the end of the school year.

Prospective food service providers will submit a request for proposal (RFP) that a committee tasked with reviewing the different bids will look over.

Last Wednesday’s forum will serve as an aid to the companies who now have a better idea of what Point Park students want in a food service provider as they finalize their RFPs.

Josh Croup can be reached at jdcroup@pointpark.edu.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

FEATURES

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

‘The Fix’ holds first juried display of student content Julie Griffith was one of the artists whose work work surrounding depression. I was recently diagwas featured at the juried show. The junior photog- nosed with bipolar disorder, and I’m trying to cope Co-Copy Desk Chief raphy major has been involved with the Point Park with it,” Maine said at the event. “Right now I’m playThe Fix magazine, a Point Park University-run Photography Collective since her freshman year and ing with space and a lot of light to display how an imfine art publication, hosted its first Juried Show: An is the head layout editor for The Fix Magazine, al- age affects how I feel internally.”

Students from all majors were encouraged to Exploration of Conceptual Art on Saturday. There though this was her first gallery.

“Getting framed and having my work out here come to the juried show. Daymon Long, a sophowere 47 pieces showcased in total, ranging from a reis so dreamlike,” Griffith said during an interview more cinema production major, came to the show photographic essay to collaged pornography to silver Saturday at the Mine Factory. because he “just loves art.” gelatin abstractions.

Her photos depicted the idea of growing up and “Being a cinema major, I love to see art in oth“A juried show allows for a wide variety of selecseeing some of her most familiar and er mediums besides film. I love tions that are edited through by experts,” Hannah favorite places become less beautiful. to see what inspires and moves Harley, senior photography major and Administrat“The government cut spending to people,” Long said at the event. ing Curator of the show, said in a phone interview keep up the lake community.

Lots of Among the 16 artists, three last Sunday. “We were fortunate enough to benefit places became abandoned.

My parents were chosen to receive recogfrom the expertise of Jessica Beck and David Oresick. had a lake house there, and I just had to nition from the jurors. Among These jurors were also gracious enough to be our watch everything around it fall apart,” those who received honorable curators, so they selected the work from the large Griffith said.

“The state could easily mentions were Morgan Richamount of submissions, and then they arranged the bring back funding and reopen, but ards, a sophomore photography work in the space.” major and Nicole Fritz, a BFA The exhibition took place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 the longer it’s closed, the more money it takes to start everything over again. photography major. p.m. at the Mine Factory on North Braddock Avenue I grew up here.

I wanted to capture the “My pap is always on my and featured 16 student artists. The exposition was stuff that I remembered.” mind, which was more of a reaentirely free and open to the public. A shuttle was Griffith credits the Administrating son for me to do this project,” available for students and catering was provided at Curator of the juried show and previKaylin Herzer, junior photograthe Mine Factory. The jurors were Oresick, Director ous Co-Editor/Content Coordinator phy major who won best in show of the Silver Eye Center for Photography, and Beck, for the Fix Magazine, Harley, with with her series of silver gelatin Assistant Curator of the Andy Warhol Museum.

Hannah Harley giving her the confidence to place her prints of recreated childhood April Friges, assistant professor of photography Senior Photography Major at Point Park, explained her role in the juried show at work in the juried show.

Content Coordinator for the Fix memories, said at the event. “To “I was helping put everything tohelp face the loss of my pap, I an interview at the Mine Factory on Saturday. gether, really, and Hannah said, ‘Put decided to re-photograph mo“I put it together. The students came to me and your stuff in!’

So I did,” Griffith said. ments from my childhood. I said they wanted to do a juried show, and I told “For some, this is the first time wanted to highlight the differthem, ‘Okay!’ [Harley] did a great job of getting it their work has been hung in a gallery.

This is our ences between then and now.” all together and sequencing the work,” Friges said. way of closing out the year outside of the senior Herzer was more pleased with the impact she “I’m mainly the students’ puppet. They have a vision thesis,” Ren Rathbone, senior photojournalism made on those that visited the show than the $350 , and all I do is try to support them and help them major, said at the event on Saturday. scholarship she received for winning best in show. get experience. This experience is something they Rathbone collaged a photograph of fashion “I’m just really happy that people were impacted can’t learn in the classroom.” photographer Ter- by my work,” she said. ry Richardson with Beck said she was more than happy to be part of the words “cause the juried show.

I’m a creep” fixed “I was happy to participate as a juror. It’s always over the images. really exciting to see student work and be challenged “He’s a disgust- to think about what’s happening in Pittsburgh creing human. This atively, so it was nice. The work that we picked is piece was made out great work on its own, so it was so nice to see younger of frustration not talent and really good talent.” only that he exists, Harley said she appreciates Point Park’s support but also because of and the efforts from April Friges for this opportunity. his acclaim,” Rath“It is incredible to know that I was able to bone said. help bring something to this incredible photogRyan Maine, a raphy community before graduation. It’s wonsenior photography derful to have this kind of overwhelming enmajor, displayed thusiasm and support from the artists and this three pieces, titled surrounding community,” she said.

“Internal and External,” which focused on themes like love, hate and regret withphoto by Emily Bennett in the context of past Emily Bennett Photography professor April Friges hangs a student’s work in preparation for the show and present spaces.

“I’m just now can be reached at on Jan. 23 at the Mine Factory. elbenne@pointpark.edu. starting to make By:Emily Bennett

“It’s wonderful to have this kind of overwhelming enthusiasm and support from the artists and this surrounding community.”

‘Fight For $15’ lacks Point Park student participation By: Matt Petras Co-Sports Editor

The grassroots activist organization “Fight For $15” has gained traction not just in Pittsburgh but also across the country, uniting frustrated single parents working at fast food restaurants with passionate, idealistic college students. College student activists have caught the attention of adult activists dedicated to Pittsburgh’s “Fight For $15” effort.

“I had tears in my eyes,” Mary Ann Williams said, recounting the supportive college students that participated in an April 15, 2015 protest in Pittsburgh. “I had goosebumps,” said Williams while manning the “Fight For $15” booth at the 18th Annual Summit Against Racism on Saturday.

Those college students in particular were from the University of Pittsburgh, not Point Park University.

“There were a lot more Pitt students involved then,” Point Park alum Samey Jay said.

Jay is closely involved with local activism, like the fight on behalf of Point Park’s adjunct professors.

“Fight For $15” specifically agitates for an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour, something that is in some cases proposed to be done over several years of increases, and in other cases. Pennsylvania’s “Fight For $15” had both a booth and a workshop at the recent Summit Against Racism.

“Why does the CEO of Chipotle

need $20 million [a year] when workers are making under $15 an hour?”

Carlin Christy, a “Fight For $15” activist said while speaking during the organization’s workshop.

Christy spent the bulk of her time explaining statistics about the implications of the current levels of wages in America for those making the least.

She also allowed time for low-wage workers and activists associated with “Fight For $15,” most of whom were African American, to speak about their personal experiences in the workforce and the activism scene. She then led a demonstration at a local McDonald’s immediately after the workshop, inviting audience members to join.

One woman named Ashona Osbourne recounted her experience working multiple jobs at places like Wendy’s to make ends meet for her and her son, whom she raises on her own. She explained that the amount of work she found herself doing caused physical exhaustion. This inspired her to get involved as an activist in a movement much bigger than just herself and her city.

“I didn’t think we’d get this far, but we did,” Osbourne said while speaking at the workshop.

An increase in the minimum wage is now a concern discussed at the national level from politicians and mainstream pundits alike. Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley both support federal minimum wage increases to $15 an

hour. Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton supports a $12 minimum wage.

Chris Ellis, a “Fight For $15” activist at the Summit, praised Sanders, a candidate particularly popular among college students, for his support of these activists across the country.

These young people surprise Ellis with their passion for this issue. “[College students] are doing things I probably wouldn’t have done [at their age],” Ellis said.

Ellis initially expected it to be difficult for college students to get involved in the movement to raise low wages because of the expectation that a college education guarantees comfortable earnings, he explained. This didn’t pan out from his perspective, and he went on to explain the reality for many college graduates.

“You’ve got debt to pay for and rent to pay,” Ellis said. “Where do you go?

Fast food.”

While he has seen Point Park students taking to the streets for wage activism, his stories about college students were mostly about Pitt students.

“There is an apathetic atmosphere at Point Park,” Jay said.

By apathy she is specifically referring to lack of energy for political activism.

“We’re all working our [expletive] off through college,” Jay said, speaking to the necessary priorities of many Point Park students.

Ren Finkel is a senior photojournalism major at Point Park, and is involved with Student Solidarity

Organization, which Jay was also involved with as a student. Finkel acknowledged the lack of involvement from Point Park students. They said it most likely has much to do with the lack of a conventional campus and a majority commuter student body.

“If they’re not already on campus, it’s hard to get them interested in activism,” Finkel said.

Matt Petras can be reached at mapetra@pointpark.edu.

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

5

Phipps Conservatory showcases orchids, bonsai trees to showcase them in the exhibits is her favorite aspect.

“It’s a challenge getting them to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden is bloom sometimes, so that’s always welcoming back the thoughts of warm, bright days exciting,” Wahl said. with its newest exhibit. The display of tropical bonsai Bodnar added that the orchid and orchids creates a mid-winter escape for visitors selection is among one of the more opened Jan. 16. distinguished areas, and the slip“[Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden] per orchid collection is held in is a nice escape from the cold… and like a nice way “high regards nationally.” to kind of unwind,” Jenna Bodnar, communications For the bonsai exhibit, Melino coordinator, said in an interview Friday afternoon at said the bonsai tree collection is in Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden. “I know “full leaf” at the moment, too.

I did it when I was a student, too.”

“Bonsai, again, is a form of art Currently, there are four exhibits showing: “The too,” Melino said. “We have one Winter Light Garden,” “Tropical Forest Congo,” bonsai person who is dedicated to “Garden Railroad” and “The Orchid and Tropical sculpting, manipulating and growphoto by Paul G. Wiegman Bonsai Show.” The most recent to open was the col- ing these bonsai.” lection of orchids and bonsai trees. This selection Kevin Haughey, a display hor- The bonsai and orchid collection runs from Jan. 16 through Feb. 28 at will run through Feb. 28 at Phipps Conservatory and ticulturist at Phipps and the bonsai Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden in Oakland.

Botanical Garden. manager, takes on the responsibility year advance and a lot of consideration goes into how “The orchid and tropical bonsai show always of training the trees. gives us the opportunity to showcase our collec“Throughout the year, I am keeping them alive well the plants will work well together. The overall set tions, here at Phipps,” Jordyn and constantly making sure they are up takes between one to two weeks.

“The most difficult is probably getting the plant Melino, exhibit coordinator at in their best health,” Haughey said selections right,” Melino said. “For this show, we Phipps, said Monday morning in Friday afternoon in a phone interwanted to choose some plants that would really let a phone interview. “We actually view. “It’s seeing how resilient trees the orchids shine.” have a fairly extensive orchid colreally are and how much of an art Throughout the orchid and bonsai show, Phipps lection and this is the time of year piece they can be.” is hosting classes that focus on growing and mainorchids are in bloom.”

Haughey said when others visit taining these plants.

With the cost of admission, Melino said this year Phipps the display he hopes they will realize these classes are free to the public and hosted on Satwanted to feature the horticulturwith bonsai trees it’s not important urdays and Sundays. ist Georgia Wahl who specializes how old they are, but mostly how old Bodnar said the other event throughout the year with the orchids. the tree looks. students might take interest in, is the “Parties in the “Growing orchids really takes “It’s an art of illusion. We are tryTropics.”

The next one is being held on Feb. 5 for the a lot of skills and technique,” Meliing to make these trees look old…and students who are 21 years-old and older. With the no said. “We are really putting [show] characteristics that old trees cost of admission, there is a DJ, food and purchasa highlight on our horticulturist possess,” Haughey said. able drinks in the “Tropical Forest Congo” exhibit. who grows the orchids and what Haughey believes students could With a current university I.D., students receive an excellent job she does here.” benefit seeing how the bonsai trees Jordyn Melino the discounted admission fee of $14. If interested Wahl dedicates her time to Exhibit Coordinator are works of art. in future events or for more information, visit their growing the orchids and main- Phipps Conservatory and “They follow all of the other website phipps.conservatory.org.

For some behind taining the displays. rules and regulations of all these Botanical Garden the scene fun, add Phipps Snapchat at “phippsnews.”

“There are three different various other kinds of art forms like houses because there are so many painting and sculpting,” Haughey Karly Rivera different kinds of orchids,” Wahl said. “They have said. “It’s an art form that is never finished. They can be reached at different temperatures and light requirements.” are always growing.” kmriver@pointpark.edu.

For Wahl, seeing the orchids bloom and getting Melino said planning for these exhibits begin in a By: Karly Rivera

Co-Features Editor

“The orchid and tropical bonsai show always gives us the opportunity to showcase our collections, here at Phipps.”

6

OPINIONS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

With cold weather on the way, tips for staying warm

’S

POINT

By Laura Byko

Co-Opinions Editor

Student engagement too low College kids are thinking about the future; nobody goes to college without thinking in some way about what comes next. Whether you’re an engineering student looking to become an engineer or a journalism student hoping to scrap together enough money for food, we’re all in college because of what comes next.

We all understand it is important to keep up with our studies and make sure we’re on track to achieve our goals, but what we should be sure not to overlook is our collective well-being.

We should be actively involved in Point Park’s administrative politics.

Last week, Point Park invited students to interview potential candidates for the position of provost. At the interview with John Pearson, who would go on to be hired for the position, only one student showed up.

That was his first impression of Point Park’s students: they are people who, overwhelmingly, do not show up.

The provost is the “Chief Academic Officer and leader of the University’s Office of Student and Academic Affairs,” according to Lou Corsaro, managing director of Point Park University marketing and public relations.

We should all feel embarrassed that we are so disengaged from Point Park’s administration that we did not make the time or effort to vet a new, top official.

Four potential food service pro-

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

viders visited campus last week for an open forum that gave students a chance to ask questions regarding dining at Point Park.

Point Park’s United Student Government (USG) received more food service complaints last year than any other issue. Clearly, this is an important topic on campus, but less than 30 students attended the open forum, with a majority coming from USG. We complain and complain and complain, but when given the opportunity to actually act on our complaints and make our voices heard by those in power, we choose instead to stay in our dorms and apartments or check Twitter as we pretend to do homework.

By remaining apathetic and disengaged, we are choosing to give up what little power we have in the University’s future. Point Park is a private institution. This means it is obligated to give us very little information about the way it functions and the way decisions are made.

The fact that the provost search was so transparent was important, and it was excellent the University wanted to get students involved.

But now they have no reason to do so in the future. Why bother accommodating a student body that won’t show up?

The Globe can be reached at globe@pointpark.edu.

After a long and tepid November and December, January has at last arrived and brought some face-biting cold to Point Park’s campus. Now that it actually feels like winter, I thought I’d gift you, the readers, some tips for surviving winter in Pittsburgh.

First, just accept that you will feel bad. Pittsburgh winters can deplete your happiness like a dementor sucking away your soul. There will be some days it will look so gray outside that you will forget the sun has ever existed, and you will fantasize about clawing a hole in the earth and crawling into it instead of facing the outside world.

Such is winter.

But the important thing is that you do not, in fact, claw a hole in the earth and make a new life for yourself as a rodent-person, shying away from the flashlights of the children who come looking for you.

(You have become an urban legend in this scenario.)

Instead, you need to gather your coziest blankets and loved ones and burrow into them instead.

Please only do that figuratively, as your loved ones probably would not appreciate you physically burrowing through their chest cavities and erupting through their spines.

But retreating into them emotionally is appreciated and expected in the wintertime. If you tell them about how miserable you feel, they will most likely reciprocate your

feelings, and you can all commiserate into a ball of blankets and, ideally, fuzzy socks.

One of my favorite winter survival techniques is to buy sweaters, but not your run-of-the-mill, regular, one-color or one-pattern sweaters. Rather, I like going to Goodwills and thrift shops and finding the ugliest sweaters I can find.

It’s empowering to make yourself uglier than your surroundings.

By wearing an enormous studded cowboy shirt-slash-sweater, I am telling the weather that I am in control of the hideousness in my life.

While gray skies and slush can be disheartening, absurdly ugly clothing makes the cold and wet look downright cheerful by comparison.

One caveat: I don’t recommend purchasing clothing that knows how ugly it is. In “Terminator,” you don’t want Skynet to become self-aware, and in Pittsburgh winters, you don’t want your grotesque clothing to become self-aware.

In a consignment shop over the weekend, I saw a hideous sweater with a smug-looking unicorn on it.

Don’t buy the unicorn sweater. The unicorn is smug because it knows it’s making a statement.

Don’t make a statement. Revel in the ugliness, revel in your friends, revel in blankets, and you’ll survive this winter.

Laura Byko can be reached at lobyko@pointpark.edu.

#OscarsSoWhite creates change in Hollywood

By Iain Oldman Staff Writer

For the second year in a row, only white actors and actresses have been nominated for the top four spots in their respective categories at the Academy Awards.

The resulting outcry of #OscarsSoWhite is justified, and highlights an underlying problem in Hollywood that has gone largely unaddressed: simply, the emphasis on funding and producing movies with minority or ethnic roles has completely disappeared from Hollywood, if it was ever there in the first place.

Countless celebrities have announced their shame in the academy since the nominations were released.

Acclaimed director Spike Lee is boycotting the ceremonies. 2012 Best Supporting actress Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o said the awards should be a “diverse reflection of the best of what our art has to offer today.” Will Packer, executive producer of “Straight Outta Compton,” said the lack of diversity at this year’s Oscars is “embarrassing.”

“Straight Outta Compton” is perhaps the focal point on the lack of diversity at this year’s Academy Awards. The N.W.A. biopic received only one nomination, a screenwriting nod (for its white screenwriters), though many believe it should have received a best picture nomination.

A strong case can be made that Jason Mitchell deserved a best supporting actor nod for his portrayal of Eazy-E. N.W.A. rapper and actor Ice Cube commented on what the crew could have done to get the movie a best picture nomination.

“Maybe we should’ve put a slave in ‘Straight Outta Compton,” he said. “Just one random slave for the academy members to recognize us as a real, black movie.”

Another black actor that was famously snubbed this year is Idris Elba, star of the Net-

flix orginial film “Beasts of No Nation.” There is some debate whether the Academy snubbed the Netflix film because they didn’t want to promote movies outside of their control of distribution, which itself would be a shame. However, two Netflix documentaries, “What Happened, Miss Simone?” and “Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom,” were nominated for best documentary film this year.

Some critics felt that Elba’s portrayal of a rebel military commander leading a group of child soldiers warranted his first Oscar nomination. Many felt he was looked over two years ago for a nomination for his role as Nelson Mandela in the biopic “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”

Since the 2006 78th Academy Awards, out of the 200 nominations for best actor or actress in a lead or supporting role, only 17 have been black. Only two were Hispanic. One went to an Asian actress.

Actress Viola Davis, a two-time Academy Award nominee and the first black actress to win a Primetime Emmy Award for a leading role in a drama, points to the problem with diversity at the Academy Awards as having more to do with a lack of black movies being produced.

“How many black films are being produced every year? How are they being distributed?

The films that are being made, are the big time producers thinking outside of the box in terms of how to cast the role?” Davis said. “You can change the academy, but if there are no black films being produced, what is there to vote for?”

Davis’ charge brings to light a good point about the people behind the camera - the directors, producers and screenwriters. In the ten Academy Awards since 2005, only two black men have been nominated for best director: Steve McQueen in 2014 for “12 Years a Slave” and Lee Daniels in 2010 for “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.”

In that same time span, only three other men

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of color were nominated for best director: Ang Lee, Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who is up for the award again this year for “The Revenant.” Perhaps most egregiously, Kathryn Bigelow was the only woman nominated for best director in that timespan for “The Hurt Locker” in 2009.

To the academy’s credit, they took a historic step to ensure growing diversity in their voting members on Thursday night. By a unanimous vote, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences approved substantive measures that will double the number of women and diverse members by 2020.

In 2013, 93 percent of the academy’s members were white. In addition, three new governor seats will be generated, with the heavy implication they will be filled by ethnically diverse members and women.

For all of the blow-back that has come as a response to the outrage over the lack of diversity at this year’s Oscars and the proposed boycotts (lowlighted by best actress nominee Charlotte Rampling’s “racism against whites” comments), it is hard, if not impossible, to imagine these steps would have been taken without the public outcry and social movement. To everyone who harped on about cry-baby culture and “reverse racism” this week, look at what has been achieved here.

There is only so much the academy can do itself, though. Until Hollywood and the film industry prioritize the production of ethnic films with minority and female directors, producers and screenwriters for American audiences, we will continue to see the same whitewashed award shows for years to come.

Josh Croup, Editor-in-Chief Anthony Mendicino, Co-News Editor Alexander Popichak, Co-News Editor Karly Rivera, Co-Features Editor Eddie Trizzino, Co-Features Editor Johanna Wharran, Co-Opinions Editor Laura Byko, Co-Opinions Editor Michael Richter, Co-Sports Editor Matt Petras, Co-Sports Editor Dominique Hildebrand, News Photo Editor Chloe Jakiela, Features Photo Editor Liz Berie, Sports Photo Editor Julianne Griffith, Layout Editor Alex Grubbs, Co-Copy Desk Chief Emily Bennett, Co-Copy Desk Chief Kayla Novak, Copy Editor Carrie Reale, Copy Editor Beth Turnbull, Copy Editor Quinn Baumeister, Copy Editor Nicholas Fischer, Copy Editor Isabelle Opsitos, Copy Editor

Iain Oldman can be reached at idoldma@pointpark.edu.

Emily Kubincanek, Copy Editor Dana Bohince, Online Editor Gerri Tipton, Online Editor Sabrina Bodon, USG Beat Reporter Brianna Murray, Social Media Editor Alexa Yanyanin, Social Media Editor Emily Yount, Graphic Designer Arianna Khalil, Graphic Designer Kariann Mano, Business Manager Dr. Steven Hallock, Faculty Adviser

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THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

SPORTS CROUP’S CORNER

By Josh Croup Sports Columnist

Fou fighter saves the day Indiana University East was undefeated in Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) play entering Saturday. The Red Wolves were also undefeated in the all-time series with Point Park, which included an 84-67 KIAC Championship victory over the Pioneers last year.

Just seven minutes into Saturday’s game, IU East led by two touchdowns. It looked like David was en route to burying Goliath who lost four of his last five road games.

Point Park needed a hero, or four.

Sa’iid Allen came off the bench with three crucial treys that kept Point Park in the game and finished with 11 points.

Kelvin Goodwin registered a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He kept Point Park alive early with 12 points in the first half.

Jerah’me Williams scored all 12 of his points in the second half. He took the game into his own hands in the final three minutes, scoring Point Park’s final seven points during that time.

With 57 seconds left, he hit a clutch three at the top of the key that tied the game at 68. He put Point Park ahead with a running floater 40 seconds later.

Enter Fousseini Konate.

While the previous three players had strong games, Konate played the best game of his Point Park career.

The Bamako Mali native quietly scored the first four points for the Pioneers to start the night and had a loud finish to end it.

As IU East trailed by two entering its final possession, Konate already

locked up the best game of his season with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Vasha Davis inbounded the ball for the Red Wolves in front of his bench. Guarded by Goodwin, Davis got the pass right back and drove through the lane with less than ten seconds left.

Underneath the hoop, Goodwin took the bait on Davis’ pump fake.

As Davis went up for what looked like an automatic game-tying layup, Konate flew in from behind and swatted his shot back down to the floor.

Konate’s block sealed the deal for Point Park and saved the day. All that was missing was his superhero cape.

“I just saw it,” Konate said.

“We wanted to win. Somebody had to do it.”

It’s that simple. Somebody had to step up and Konate did just that. He wasn’t alone though.

Williams came through with seven critical points down the stretch.

He and Goodwin have combined for at least 49 points each of Point Park’s last four losses. The duo totaled 26 Saturday.

They needed someone else to get involved and Konate did just that.

Konate’s play on Saturday could act as a turning point in Point Park’s inconsistent season. If he can produce consistently alongside Goodwin and Williams, the Pioneers may have a shot at returning to the KIAC Championship for the second year in a row.

Josh Croup can be reached at jdcroup@pointpark.edu.

7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

Track and Field breaks five University records The Point Park University men and women’s indoor track and field team started the spring season at the Youngstown State University College Invite at the Watson and Tressel Training Site (WATTS).

The women’s team broke five school records. Freshman Leah Sero set the school shot put record with her 10.77 meter toss. Sophomore Katie Guarnaccia set a record in the 3,000 meter race with a time of 11:02.

Freshmen Onon Kadima ran the 200-meter dash and set a record of 26.62 seconds. The 4x400 relay team of Kadima, Amber Brown, Olukemi Olugbakinro and Madison Przicina had a time of 4:21.87, setting a new record. Przicina set an individual record in the 800 meter run with her 2:29.98 time.

The freshmen set records for the men’s team. Tyrone Robinson set a new pole vault record at 4.15 meters.

In the 800 meter run, Andre Bennett set a new school record at 2:01.29.

Andre Lowery set the long jump record with his 6.50 meter leap.

Point Park returns to action this weekend at the SPIRE Midwest Indoor Track and Field Open at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.

Track and field photos courtesy of Liz Berie, Point Park Athletics Sophomore jumper Jyri Davis placed fourth place in the triple jump at 13.81 during the indoor track and field meet at YSU College Invite at the Watson and Tressel Training Site on Jan. 22.

Sophomore Amber Brown hands the baton to freshmen mid-distance runner Madison Przicina during the women’s 4x400 meter dash relay.

Men’s basketball scores upset against IU East

Senior gaurd makes game-winning basket with mere seconds left

By Michael Richter Co-Sports Editor

With the game tied at 68, Point Park guard Kelvin Goodwin passed the ball to fellow guard Jerah’me Williams. Upon receiving the pass, Williams pump faked a three-point attempt, then maneuvered his away around an Indiana University East defender and scored on a floater, giving the Pioneers a 70-68 lead with 17 seconds left.

“I was working on my floater all week,” Williams said. “I used it today, and it helped me.”

The Point Park men’s basketball team upset IU East 70-68 at home on Jan. 23, which marked the Red Wolves’ first Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) loss of the season, and improved the Pioneers’ overall record to 11-9. Moreover, it was also Point Park’s first-ever win against IU East — the all-time series is now 8-1 in favor of the Red Wolves.

“This [victory] showed me that this team has the desire to win,” said Point Park head coach Bob Rager after the game. “If we continue to have the desire to win, our talent will take over. 40 minutes of desire is what basketball’s about.”

During the first six minutes of play, IU East went on a 21-7 run — during which the Pioneers went two-of-nine from the field.

However, after a 30-second timeout with 13:32 remaining in the first half, the Pioneers’ offense rejuvenated itself. On the first possession after the timeout, Fousseini Konate scored from the beyond

the arc. Goodwin racked up nine points during the remainder of the first half following the timeout — three of which came on a contested three-pointer with 1:29 to go in the opening half, tying the game at 35.

The Red Wolves regained the lead at the end of the first half, and

steal, he passed the ball to forward Yandell Denis, who scored on a layup to tie the game at 57 with 7:32 remaining.

On the ensuing IU East possession, Goodwin deflected a pass from a Red Wolves player, and the ball fell into Denis’ hands. Denis raced down the court and passed the ball to guard Sa’iid Allen, who made an uncontested three-point shot. That gave the Pioneers a 60-57 advantage with 7:01 left, which was the home team’s first lead of the game.

With the Red Wolves up 68-65, Williams sunk a three-point while guarded to tie the game with 1:00 left.

Then he hit the game-winning shot, which gave him 12 points in total against IU East. The senior guard did not score a single point in the first half, but photo by Josh Croup he connected on Senior guard Jerah’me Williams handles the ball two key shots in the against the IU East Red Wolves at CCAC South on Jan. second half.

On the Red 23. Williams hit the game-winning shot in the final secWolves last ofonds to give Point Park the victory. fensive play of the game, guard held onto it until there were under Vasha Davis attempted a layup in eight minutes left in the game. the paint, but Fousseini Konate After Williams came up with a blocked his shot from behind,

which secured the Pioneers victory.

After the game, Goodwin said the triumph over IU East places the Pioneers one step closer to a playoff berth.

“It was a very important [win],” Goodwin said. “We’re still trying to make the playoffs.”

Rager, who is in his 27th year as head coach, stressed the importance of playing good basketball at the end of the season.

“This team can be very good if we can start playing down the stretch now,” Rager said. “That’s the whole idea - play well at the end [of the season].”

The Pioneers’ next game is at Ohio Christian University on Jan. 26.

Michael Richter can be reached at mwricht@pointpark.edu.

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8

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

SPORTS

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

Women’s basketball falls short against KIAC foe Pioneer offense falters in the fourth quarter, drops in KIAC standings

By Michael Richter Co-Sports Editor

With Indiana University East up 56-51 and just a couple minutes remaining, Point Park women’s basketball center Baylee Buleca attempted a jumper from the foul line. The ball fell short of the rim and bounced out of bounds, which gave IU East possession of the ball.

That play was representative of Point Park’s offense in the fourth quarter versus IU East: The Pioneers shot 2-9 from the field and were outscored 26-11.

all season.”

IU East (11-9) defeated the Pioneers (14-7) 67-56 on Jan. 23, which enabled the Red Wolves to jump ahead of Point Park to second place in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Colonial Division standings.

“We had them multiple times right where we wanted them,” said Pioneers guard Kaitlyn Smith, “and we just didn’t execute.”

The Pioneers, who led at halftime and throughout the entire third quarter, lost their advantage

very many foul shots and we must have missed six or seven wide open three-pointers. You’re not going to beat anybody that way.”

In the fourth quarter, Pioneers forward Leah Hurst missed two three-point shots, and guard Celina DiPietro missed on one three-point attempt. Pioneers forward Carly Forse and guard Shaniya Rivers both missed respective layups.

With 5:44 left to go, bench IU East player Sarah Cook connected on a jumper to give the Red Wolves the lead 50-49, and the Pioneers never jumped ahead of them on the scoreboard again.

DiPietro kept offense going:

photo by Josh Croup Senior guard Alexa Xenakis and sophomore center Baylee Buleca defend the net against IU East during a 67-56 loss at CCAC South on Jan. 23.

“I thought the offenses we were running were giving us good looks,” said Pioneers head coach Tony Grenek. “We just couldn’t make the shots. We’ve just been going into scoring droughts. It’s been like that

midway through the fourth quarter, as the team’s offense generated only four points from the field in the last quarter.

“We couldn’t make layups,” Grenek said. “We couldn’t make

In the first 22 minutes and 30 seconds of play against IU East, DiPietro made five three-point shots, four of which were uncontested tries.

“She was definitely hot in the first half,” Grenek said. “And she was the reason we were leading for a while.”

With 2:47 remaining in the second quarter, DiPietro’s fourth trey of the game cut Point Park’s deficit to 23-22. And her final three-pointer of the night helped the Pioneers mount their biggest lead of the game, which came a couple minutes into the third quarter.

DiPietro stated one of the team’s priorities in the game was to ensure that she got good looks from beyond the arc.

“They [the Red Wolves] left me open a lot,” DiPietro said. “And they [the coaching staff] set a lot of plays with screens for me so I could get open.”

DiPietro finished as Point Park’s

leading scorer against IU East with 19 points; 15 of which were from three-point shots.

Freshman guard showcases her potential: Smith went 10-12 from the foul line and scored 12 points against IU East. The freshman made all six of her free shots in the fourth quarter, and she scored on a layup — which equates to eight of the 11 points the Pioneers scored in the final quarter.

Moreover, she blocked two shots and produced two steals on defense.

“I thought she did a fantastic job for being a freshman and playing in a game of this magnitude,” Grenek said. “And she showed that she’s really going to have a great career here.

I was really impressed with her.”

Smith admitted after the game that this was one of her best performances as a Pioneer, but she still wants to improve.

“Defensively, I could have helped my team a little bit more,” Smith said. “I’m trying to up my rebounds, and I’m trying to be a leader out there since I’m a point guard, and that’s my job.”

Up Next: The Pioneers travel to Ohio Christian University for a rematch between two of the best defenses in the KIAC on Jan. 26. Then they play Slippery Rock University on Jan. 30.

Michael Richter can be reached at mwricht@pointpark.edu.