IN THIS ISSUE:
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Collective exhibit displays work from homeless artists
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Laura Byko argues protesting is a moral obligation
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Basketball players create videos to get noticed by professional coaches
Issue 13
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Adjunct professor resigns amid Rally draws university’s response to dispute thousands By Josh Croup Editor-in-Chief
A Point Park University adjunct photography professor resigned last week after a disagreement with the university’s handling of an alleged incident with a criminal justice professor. Matthew Conboy was teaching his black and white photography class Feb. 2 on the fifth floor of Academic Hall when he and multiple students in the class said Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Trudy Avery interrupted the class to bring freshman photography student Tyler Calpin into her office. Calpin said the class was critiqu-
ing his work outside the darkroom, which sits across the hallway from Avery’s office. Avery said she heard a crunching sound and looked outside her office and saw Calpin near her plant in the hallway. According to Avery, Calpin stepped on a plastic tray under the two-foot tall plant. Senior journalism major Madison Taylor was in the class and said during a March 31 interview in the University Center that Calpin was trying to make room for other students in the hallway. Conboy and Calpin said Avery exited her office, grabbed Calpin by the wrist, took him into her office and
closed the door. “I didn’t know what to do,” Calpin said in a March 30 interview in Lawrence Hall. “I’m not used to being grabbed by a professor against my will and dragged into their office for some ridiculous reason. That’s what gets me is like, it wasn’t even a legitimate reason. She thinks it is, but I don’t think it is.” Avery said she did motion for Calpin to come into her office to explain the plant’s significance, but denied grabbing him and closing the door during an April 6 interview in her office. “There’s no way under the sun that I would pull anybody in here and close the door,” Avery said. “I’m not going to pull anybody anywhere. I’m just not going to do that.” When Conboy realized his student was no longer with the rest of the class, he said he opened her door and asked for his student back. Avery said she introduced herself to Conboy, who she thought was another student, as Conboy repeatedly asked to have Calpin back. Avery said she did not realize
Several notable speakers, including Matt McGorry, star of the Netflix original series “Orange is the New Black” gave personal insight and advice on the dangers of sexual assault on college campuses before Biden’s remarks. After the moving speeches from victims and fighters of sexual assault, Biden gave an emotionally charged speech on the horrible effects sexual assault has on victims, their friends and family and on society. He incorporated multiple examples of the effects of sexual violence that he has heard while talking to young men
BIDEN page 3
PANEL page 2
CLINTON page 3
photo by Dominique Hildebrand
Students rush past Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Trudy Avery’s plant in the hallway leading into the Academic Hall photography labs and Thayer Hall fifth floor dorms.
Biden speaks at Pitt for ‘It’s On Us’ campaign Vice President Joe Biden visited the University of Pittsburgh on April 5 as part of the White House’s “It’s On Us” campaign, which aims to reduce instances of sexual violence on college campuses through education and discussion. Pitt’s Petersen Events Center was filled with excited students eager to hear what the vice president had to tell them about the sexual assault epidemic on college campuses across the country, and how they could make a difference.
USG proposes changes to legislative structure USG By Margaret Davis Staff Writer
Point Park’s United Student Government (USG) voted on a resolution to amend their constitution April 4. The resolution would restructure how senators in the legislative body represent their constituency. The proposed amendment will be voted on by the student body during USG elections this week. As it stands, the USG is structured to have a senator representative for each grade level within each school. The School of Communication, for
Co-Sports Editor
The Point Park News Service held its second annual social media event #Burgh2.0 from 2-4 p.m. in the Lawrence Hall Ballroom Monday featuring four professionals discussing their approaches on social media. The shift to the digital sphere has affected the way KDKA-TV anchor Kristine Sorensen, Very Smart Brothers co-founder/editor-in-chief Damon Young, analytics engineer Kristen Perko and senior social-digital strategist at Smith Bros. Brandi Smith and several companies connect to their audiences. “To go to the blessings of social media and how I can use it, it’s a wonderful way to connect directly with our viewers and our community,” Sorensen said Monday during her presentation. She then opened her Facebook
Social media focus of panel
For The Globe
By Michael Richter
Prior to the April 26 Pennsylvania Democratic Primary, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke to a crowd of approximately 2,000 at Carnegie Mellon University’s Skibo Gymnasium on April 6. Clinton entered the gymnasium at about 6:40 p.m., 40 minutes after her scheduled time. Prior to entering the gym, Clinton spent addressed more than 1,000 people waiting outside who were denied access to the rally because of space. The crowd, comprising mainly of young people and senior citizens from a diverse set of backgrounds, erupted into applause and cheers as Clinton, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto walked on stage. “Wow, what a crowd!” Fitzgerald said as the crowd chanted Clinton’s name, awaiting her speech. After introductions from Fitzgerald and Peduto, Clinton said she was excited to be in Pittsburgh, a city she said “has moved into the future.” Clinton focused her speech on climate change, the pitfalls of the Republican presidential candidates and the country’s infrastructure issues. “I do believe if you are progressive, you need to make progress,” Clinton said. “You gotta get things done. You [have to] bring people together. And that’s what I intend to do.” Clinton said she would create a national infrastructure bank if she were elected president. Moreover, Clinton expounded on a $10 billion plan that would generate manufacturing jobs. “Imagine [the U.S.] once again become[s] the manufacturing engine of the world — that we are building what the world needs,” Clinton said. When Clinton turned to climate change, she rebuked the Republicans running for president, as frontrunners Donald Trump and Ted Cruz deny its existence—John Kasich believes human activity causes climate change, said in one of CNN’s debates.
RESIGNATION page 2
By Nick Fischer
of Clinton supporters to CMU
example, currently can have a senator for each the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes. The resolution would change that grade-based structure to one that is more all-encapsulating for each school. There would be six senators per school, who would consider all grade levels within that school to be their constituency, as opposed to one senator representing each grade within each school. Both Senators Amedea Baldoni and Daniel Murphy expressed concern that each class would have less of a voice within the new structure.
USG page 3
By Sabrina Bodon Staff Writer
photo by Julianne Griffith
Presidential Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton spoke to an estimated crowd of 2,000 at Carnegie Mellon University’s Skibo Gymnasium on Wednesday April 6, 2016.
Weather Forecast Today: Mostly Sunny H 6, L 35
Thursday: Sunny, H 66, L 39 Friday: Sunny, H 68, L 41 Saturday: Sunny, H 70, L 44
Sunday: Sunny, H 76, L 48 Monday: Partly cloudy, H 72, L 45 Tuesday: Partly cloudy, H 71, L 45
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WEDNESDAY, ARPIL 13, 2016
NEWS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Adjunct photography professor resigns after dissatisfaction with university’s investigation from RESIGNATION page 1 the students gathered outside her office were part of a class. A PointWeb course search lists 15 students in the three-hour Tuesday class. According to Conboy, Avery asked him to wait outside until she was done describing the plant’s significance to Calpin. “After she told me again to leave, I got very close to her face,” Conboy said in a March 24 interview in Lawrence Hall. “I spent 12 years in the army, and I talked in a very quiet but authoritative manner, letting her know there would be serious issues, just through the tone of my voice. I did tell her to get her [expletive] hands off my student. I was able to say that in such a way. I just wanted to convey that she needed to let him leave.” Conboy, Calpin and Avery each said Conboy then grabbed Calpin by the arm to escort him out of Avery’s office. Calpin said he didn’t have much to say during the dispute and said he trusted Conboy’s judgment. “I think Matt was trying to take control of the situation,” Calpin said. “I didn’t know what to do. I was kind of in shock. This woman grabbed me from my classroom and pulled me into her office. I would think I was just in shock. I don’t think I knew what was going on.” Taylor said the situation was odd and that some of the class thought Avery was joking. “It almost reminded me of a little kid being punished,” Taylor said. “I think Matthew was really trying to protect his class.” Avery said Conboy began shouting, “You kidnapped my student,” loud enough that it could be heard at the other end of the hallway. “That is the kind of accusation that you never live down,” Avery said. She said the situation seemed like a “bad joke” as she said she saw Conboy smiling during the confrontation. Freshman photography student David Williford was in the class and said in an April 9 interview in Lawrence Hall that Conboy spoke in an “authoritative” tone, but never yelled. “He didn’t get loud, but you could tell his tone shifted,” Williford said. “It wasn’t shifting in a disrespectful manner; it was shifting in a frustrated manner. There was no shouting.” Williford said he did not see Avery physically grab Calpin, but looked up and noticed Calpin was no longer with the rest of the class. Freshman cinema production major Tim Tobias was also in the class and said during an April 7 phone interview Avery did not grab Calpin. Tobias also said the situation seemed under control throughout. “All she did was like say, ‘Come here,’” Tobias said. “She was telling him it was dangerous to be around that plant. The student was confused; he was trying to go back to class, and she wouldn’t stop.” Williford and Taylor said Avery then left her office and made her way through the students in the hallway to the Photography Department’s wet lab in room 503. Avery said she was looking for other photography professors to discuss the events with, but instead en-
countered senior photography major the matter” and took “appropriate reLiz Berie, a face Avery said she sees medial action to avoid similar issues frequently on the floor. Berie is the in the future.” Globe’s sports photo editor. “In the course of our investigaAvery said she thought Berie was tion, it was noticed that your response a teacher because of the amount of may have escalated the situation,” the time Berie spends in the labs. letter to Conboy said. “In the future “She never said a word,” Avery you are advised to contact the Point said. “She was concerned, and I could Park Police immediately should you see the concern. I don’t know how feel that any person is in danger. much of the shouting she heard.” “It is important for you know Berie said in an April 9 interview that confronting another faculty in in Lawrence Hall that she did not front of students is not appropriate hear yelling or shouting in the hall- behavior in our collegial setting,” way and felt uncomfortable that Av- the letter continued. “While this is ery kept her for around ten minutes not a formal reprimand, I feel it is in the lab. necessary to outline the University’s “She was telling me her life sto- expectations of all faculty members ry,” Berie said. “Trudy never comes to ensure an understanding of the into the wet lab. When she came in, I requirements at Point Park. I do not knew there was something up.” expect you to confront this type of Conboy dismissed his class and situation again. However, I would left to teach his 1 p.m. History of Pho- expect that your future actions will tography II class. He said he emailed be free from any sort of physical conhis department tact or profanity.” chair, Thom BaggerUpon reading the man, that night and letter, Conboy told detailed the events Thomas he was reof the afternoon. signing. He said in an According to the April 5 interview in interoffice emails, Lawrence Hall he was Baggerman respondsurprised with some ed that night saying he inconsistencies in the would make Associate letter and disappointProvost James Thomas ed with the outcome aware of the situation. of the investigation. Six days after not He canceled his receiving an update, Tuesday classes and Conboy reached out met briefly with his to Baggerman once History of Photograagain and a meeting phy II class Thursday was scheduled the to inform them of his next morning for the decision. He emailed upcoming Thursday his Black and White between both depart- Tyler Calpin Photography I class ment chairs and pro- Freshman later that day to infessors involved in Photography major form them. the dispute. Conboy said he Avery said the has not heard from two never met, and Conboy said the the university since his meeting with meeting was cancelled. Thomas and said he planned on notiConboy said he then reached out fying the adjunct faculty union about to the Human Resources Department his resignation. to see if he needed legal representa“At the beginning of all this, I tion or an advocate present at their would have been very happy if there group meeting. had been a personal one-on-one apolAccording to the interoffice ogy between Avery and my students,” emails, Conboy was made aware that Conboy said. “That would have just his decision to go to Human Resourc- wrapped up everything. But now I es “resulted in an escalation” of the just have this sense that nothing’s issue, requiring them to schedule going to happen. All I know is that if Thomas into their group meeting. I had done this to a student, I would The meeting was not rescheduled. have been on the street immediately. Conboy was not sure if Thomas I would not have had time to clear out was involved before he went to Hu- my belongings.” man Resources or not. Students in his History of PhoIn an attempt to interview tography II class were disappointed Thomas, the university said it could when Conboy delivered the news not comment on employment-re- and read the letter from Thomas lated matters. Baggerman also said that he passed around during class he could not comment in a separate last Thursday. request. “Everyone was very upset and Conboy said he did eventually shocked,” said junior photography meet with Thomas in his office Feb. major Hannah Altman in an April 7 24. Avery also said she had meet- phone interview. “We didn’t see this ings with her superiors about the coming. He just flat out said it. He alleged incident. was very respectful. He respects the Last Monday, April 2, more than students as much as we should retwo months after the initial alleged spect him. There are only a couple of incident, Thomas and Conboy met professors that care and make an acagain to discuss his decision. tive effort beyond the classroom that Thomas gave Conboy a letter de- he does. We just can’t believe that tailing his decision, which Conboy we’re losing him.” provided a copy of to the Globe. The plant, which Calpin allegedly The letter said the university con- stepped on, is still in the hallway on ducted a “complete investigation into the fifth floor of Academic Hall out-
“You walk out of that dark room and you feel like if [her office] door is open, and you stand too close to [the plant], you don’t know what could happen.”
side Avery’s office. She also has multiple plants in her office. Avery said she has had heart and lung problems since she was young. Plants, she said, improve the environment around her. Her office is in the vicinity of the photography labs, which do contain various chemicals. Avery said there is also a superstition behind the plants, similar to the canaries coal miners carried down into the mine tunnels that warned them of dangerous gases. She said her father first told her to always have plants near her. “When they start to droop, get concerned,” he told her. “If I’m in an area where there are fumes and things like that, and I have some plants that will do what? Slump before I will, droop before I will and that was the purpose of that plant.” Avery said she was surprised to hear Conboy, who has taught as an adjunct at Point Park since 2014, resigned. “I started out as an adjunct, maybe 2002 or something like that, and when you work part-time like that, you have to have a lot of heart,” Avery said. “Talking could have gotten through it. So few things are irreversible, in that you can’t keep something from happening that has already happened. You can avoid similar incidents by having a discussion with or about, either with that person for whom it happened, or about that, and we didn’t do that.” Junior photography major Sean Eaton was in Conboy’s History of Photography II class Thursday when he announced his resignation. He said the general consensus of the class was “pure shock.” “I’m trying to find words to describe it,” Eaton said in an April 7 phone interview. “His goal is to make us better photographers. He does so much more than what’s done in the classrooms.” Avery said she regrets the way things happened the way they did, but said more communication and talking could have worked things out. “What is done is done,” Avery said. “It takes a lot of love, a lot of planning to do a decent job of what teaching expects. And sometimes, regrettable things happen that can’t be called back, but possibly could be talked about. There comes to be a place where minds meet.” Calpin said he has moved on from the Feb. 2 class, but said working on the floor is uncomfortable at times. “You walk out of that dark room and you feel like if [her office] door is open, and you stand too close to [the plant], you don’t know what could happen,” Calpin said. “It definitely is uncomfortable, especially if you’re trying to talk out there. You shouldn’t get close to her door or you shouldn’t be loud.” Conboy told his students that Assistant Professor of Photography April Friges would help students finish the remaining work in the semester. Along with talking with the associate provost, Berie and Conboy also said they filed official statements with the campus police. University police could not release the official reports due to their confidentiality.
Josh Croup can be reached at jdcroup@pointpark.edu.
Panelists discuss negative comments, branding from PANEL page 1 page for the audience to see. “So often people see us in their homes and they feel like they get to know us. This way they can actually connect and get to know us and know a little more about us than what they see on TV.” With KDKA, there are no official rules or regulations anchors must follow regarding social media posting, Sorensen explained, but there is an ongoing conversation on how they should utilize social media in promoting KDKA and its stories, community events and her talents. Negative comments were a hot
topic of discussion, with several of the panelists chiming in with their different approaches. Young, who uses social media to not only promote himself as a journalist, but also his company, found negative comments to be amusing to a degree but also provides important insight on how he should write about sensitive topics, such as sex, gender inequality and race. “There are certain negative comments that affect me and these aren’t necessarily hate mail messages, but criticisms,” Young said. “If I get criticism about something
I wrote...and someone responded saying that I was insensitive, that’s a criticism that I actually mind.” Sorensen, on the other hand, found the most effective way to combat negative comments is to ignore them. As a social-digital strategist, Smith is typically required to reply using pre-approved responses as she works as the voice of the company. However, in certain circumstances, she is able to create a more open and free discussion. On the branding side, Smith mentioned social media posts usu-
ally funnel through several channels before posting, but with professionals like Sorensen and Young, their accounts are up on display with their own original content. Regarding the Facebook post that led to Wendy Bell’s ternimnation with WTAE, Young said, “When writing about something politically charged…before you hit send, maybe you have somebody read it.”
Sabrina Bodon can be reached at sbodon@pointpark.edu.
NEWS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
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Clinton goes after Republican candidates over climate change, Sanders on climate regulations from CLINTON page 1 “I care passionately about this, because I actually listen to the scientists,” Clinton said as the crowd cheered her on. Clinton mentioned two climate change plans she would enact as president. She called first for a North American climate agreement. “We need to be working with Canada and Mexico,” Clinton said. As well, she promised to set up 500 million solar panels in the U.S. by the conclusion of her first term — which she claimed would be a boost to the economy. “These are jobs that must be done here in Pennsylvania and across the United States,” Clinton said. “And these are opportunities for us.” Clinton mentioned her visit to CMU’s Robotics Institute earlier that day in her speech, saying she was impressed with the university’s research. “[Clinton’s] very interested in universities that are being innovative with their research,” Stephanie Luger, an organizer for “Hillary For America,” said in an interview following the rally. Clinton highlighted a difference between the Democratic primary race and Republican primary race. “I’m proud that we’ve run an issue-oriented campaign in the Democratic primary,” Clinton said. “As far as I can tell, the Republicans have run an insult-oriented campaign.”
Clinton warned the audience that the Republicans will do anything it takes to regain control of the White House, and she said it will be detrimental to the United States if they succeed. “And if they get the White House plus a Republican Congress, we will not recognize our country,” Clinton said. During her speech, Clinton took a shot at her opponent, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Clinton said she was ecstatic when 195 countries signed the Paris Climate Summit agreement, and she criticized Sanders for claiming it did not create enough regulations. “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good,” Clinton said to the crowd. The rally attendees started lining up outside of the Skibo gymnasium a few hours before the doors opened at 4 p.m. Kris Chandler, a freshman screenwriting and political science double major at Point Park, got in line around 1 p.m. According to Chandler, his early arrival placed him about two or three rows back from the stage. Chandler, a Clinton supporter, emphasized that he could clearly hear the conviction in the former Secretary of State’s voice during his time at the rally. “That’s something that doesn’t transfer over well in television or online,” Chandler said in a phone interview. “She makes you feel a
photo by Alexander Popichak
Presidential Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton takes one of her infamous selfies with the crowd of supporters at her rally last Wednesday. part of the story, and she really engages her audience. It was a oncein-a-lifetime experience.” Clinton currently holds 1,278 pledged delegates to Sanders’ 1,037. If she were to win the Pennsylvania primary, in which 189 delegates are at stake, on April 26, it would catapult her closer to the 2,383 delegates required to win the Democratic nomination. Luger foresees Clinton returning to Pittsburgh again along the campaign trail. “We have a lot of strong support here in Pittsburgh,” Luger
said. “We had a fantastic turnout [at the rally]. And we’ve got a lot of enthusiasm here in Pittsburgh and the surrounding counties.” Editor-Elect Alexander Popichak contributed additional reporting for this piece.
Michael Richter can be reached at mwricht@pointpark.edu.
New HR club officially recognized by USG from USG page 1
Margaret Davis can be reached at madavis2@pointpark.edu.
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Apr il 9 a 18 - 22 m5p m
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WEDNESDAY, APR. 6
*Must bring hard copy of documents for review
7:05 a.m. Student Center Criminal Mischief: Under Investigation
11:00 a.m. West Penn Hall Simple Assault: Under Investigation
1:42 p.m. Lawrence Hall Theft: Under Investigation
FRIDAY, APR. 8 5:35 a.m. Pioneer Hall
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Alcohol Violation: Referred to Student Conduct
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Sen. Bobby Bertha responded,saying “The idea is that the entire student body is your constituency, so it’s your job to know what your school wants.” Freshman Sen. Murphy suggested instituting a quota to ensure each class has a representative in USG. Bertha, who is running unopposed for the Vice President position, said, “We want to grow the organization as a whole. If we were to have three people from the same school who want to run for the same position, only one could be elected, but the other two would still have input we could use.” USG President Blaine King said USG is set up for 24 senator positions. Currently, 10 positions are filled, and the resolution would result in a fuller legislative body. However, the resolution passed with Murphy in opposition. USG moved to recognize a new student club, the Student Human Resources Association (HR Club). The club would cater to human resource majors with the aim of providing support and professional development to improve their members’ career paths. No representatives from the newly recognized HR Club were present at the USG meeting. Some members of USG will be attending Lobby Day in Harrisburg, Pa. this week. Lobby Day is an opportunity to push state and federal legislators for additional student aid, grant money and university funding. Dubin mentioned that they would be meeting with some unnamed chiefs of staff and Pennsylvania State Representative Paul Costa, who is an adjunct professor at Point Park. President King, who is running unopposed for re-election during this week’s election, gave a speech to USG members, thanking them for their hard work. “It was a pleasure working with you this semester and this year. I’m very proud of how everything went and very grateful,” King said. “Hopefully, I can fill this position next year.” King added, “At the start of the year, we were worried we might not
have enough members, but we solved that. We’re [going to] continue this next year, continue to push, and continue this foundation.” If King is re-elected, he will be the first USG president in recent memory to serve two consecutive terms.
Data compiled by Alex Grubbs Design by Emily Yount
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Biden states support important for victims from BIDEN page 1 and women across the country. In his remarks, Biden said that, until recently, the court system still allowed prosecutors to ask victims of rape, “What were you wearing?” and “Did you have a bra on?” His voice swelled with emotion. “What difference does it make?” he yelled. The crowd roared. He went on to inform the crowd of how to properly act when they or someone they know falls victim to sexual assault. Making sure the person is safe, and making sure they know that resources are available to help them is crucial to their well-being. Each and every school, he said, has a Title IX office that works with school officials and local and state governments to ensure the safety and security of victims of sexual misconduct while bringing justice to perpetrators. According to Biden, recent studies have shown that the psychological damage of sexual assault has serious long-term physical effects on victims. Bottling in their feelings, victims
suffer from anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, heart disease, depression, hypertension and a variety of other stress-related illnesses. The vice president closed his speech by reminding the crowd that until our campuses are free of any form of sexual violence or abuse, authorities and organizations will be relentless in getting their message out and treating each case as a serious matter. Simple measures, such as increased lighting on college campuses, larger police presence and emergency call boxes, as well as education on what constitutes sexual misconduct and how to prevent and handle cases of sexual violence, have helped to decrease these unfortunate instances. Point Park’s Title IX office handles all matters dealing with these instances, and is located on the 7th floor of the Student Center.
Nick Fischer can be reached at ngfisch@pointpark.edu.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
FEATURES
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Title IX, Pioneer Records collaborate for concert event By Eddie Trizzino Co-Features Editor
April is sexual assault awareness month, which is a national reminder of an issue that deserves attention even though it is a sensitive subject. For the second year in a row, Point Park’s Title IX department hosted the Break the Silence Against Sexual Violence Awareness Concert to educate and bring student attention to the dangers of sexual assault. “With this event we try to bring awareness to this important social issue, and also let people have fun and interact with each other,” said Elizabeth Rosemeyer, Point Park University’s Title IX coordinator, in an interview at the concert. In addition to bringing attention to sexual violence, the concert was also host to the Pioneer Records’ album release party of John Rushlander, who played a set of songs to the crowd of students and local organizations. “I love playing in front of anyone,
and I’m at a point where if I can get people to just watch it’s great,” John Rushlander, junior Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management (SAEM) major, and Pioneer Records’ second Pioneer Star, said after playing. The concert was a collaboration between Title IX and the SAEM department, who combined their resources and goals to reach the most students possible. “Title IX asked who we could get to play, and we had all our artists here so I asked if we could include John’s album release party, and it all worked together,” Ed Traversari, SAEM associate professor, said at the concert. To support the message of awareness, local advocate groups and organizations from around Pittsburgh attended to spread the word on dealing with sexual violence of any kind. “This is a great thing to host because it raises awareness for something we should all know about,” Laura Summers, supervisor of Prevention Services for Pittsburgh Action Against
photo by Chloe Jakiela
The Break The Silence Against Sexual Violence Awareness Concert, hosted by Pioneer Records, featured the performances of David Wilson, Hannah Jenkins, John Kono Rushlancder’s CD Release Party and The Commonheart Thursday night.
Rape (PAAR), said at the concert. PAAR had a booth at the event to give advice on dealing with situations involving sexual violence. Summers said that bystander intervention was a huge player in stopping assault before it happens. “If you ever feel like there may be a problem, there is never harm in just checking in,” Summers said. “Trust your gut.” PAAR also worked with a group of students on a cinema production film entitled “Some Monsters,” which involves a story based on sexual assault. “We paired up with PAAR, who helped us craft the story through their own experiences,” said Jordan Durham, senior cinema production major and producer of the film. Although preemptively stopping sexual assault was the message of the concert, support for victims of sexual abuse was also an issue that was pushed. The Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) is an advocate organization which deals with victims of sexual abuse or assault. “Sexual violence is an intimate kind of violence that can be very harmful,” Erin Leffew, who is an advocate from WC&S, said. WC&S also has a 24-hour hotline for victims who need immediate help, as well as emergency shelters for those affected. Shelter services for victims are provided at a confidential location in Shadyside, which is revealed to a victim once it is certain they will need to stay there. The hotline for this organization is 412-687-8005. “We have support groups for any kind of victim of sexual abuse,” WC&S advocate Shvonne Walker said. Summers said that being there for a victim can help them cope. “If the violence already happened, let the survivor drive, and let them know they’re not alone in the healing
process,” Summers said. In addition to the local Pittsburgh advocate groups, Point Park also has organizations which act as advocates for preventing sexual violence, such as “Not on my Campus.” “[It] is an organization that strives to promote awareness and educate college campuses on sexual violence, and how it can be stopped,” Syrah Sherwood, junior acting major and president of “Not on my Campus,” said at the concert. It is a national student organization that got its start at Southern Methodist University and has since moved to other colleges and universities around the country, joining Point Park in 2015. At the concert, the organization had a booth where students could sign a pledge to fight sexual violence, and also get their photos taken after writing the name of the club on the palm of their hand. The musical side of the event was headlined by the local Pittsburgh band “Commonheart,” and supported by Rushlander, junior SAEM major and former Pioneer Star Hannah Jenkins and Point Park alum David Wilson. Students were given free event t-shirts at the door, and were also given tickets which allowed them to get free cotton candy and sandwiches. They could also get teal ribbons, which are the national symbol for awareness of sexual violence. “We’re happy to empower students to stop [sexual violence] in our community,” Rosemeyer said. “Even though this is a place for students to enjoy themselves, they should know about this issue and make it an important cause to fight for.”
Eddie Trizzino can be reached at eatrizz@pointpark.edu.
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
5
Art exhibit showcases homeless community work By Emily Bennett
Co-Copy Desk Chief
Across university history, Lawrence 200 has been transformed to serve many different on-campus purposes -- from regularly holding Honors Student Organization meetings to the annual freshmen Pioneer Pub event. However, Friday, the multi-purpose room converted into something Point Park had never seen before. From 6-9 p.m., the room turned into an art gallery. Walls were chock full of original art pieces, ranging from collections of Star Wars-themed canvases, abstractions, beaded necklaces and bracelets and much more. Catering was provided. Springsteen and Arcade Fire played over the sound system. An estimated 250 people streamed through the doors – many of them placing golden star stickers on items that they wanted to buy from artists before leaving. Although the atmosphere and displayed work equated that of any city art show, this one was unique. Beyond the fact that they are artists, something distinctive bound these 23 individuals together – they all have experienced homelessness. Students in tie-dyed T-shirts from Point Park’s Confluence Psychology Alliance kept track of sales. These students, alongside countless others from Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net, are responsible for making this event come to fruition. “I think it’s fantastic; it’s beautiful. I love partnerships and when they work, and this is a great example of when a partnership works – the Con-
fluence Psychology Alliance, Mercy and Operation Safety Net,” Dr. Robert McInerney, associate psychology professor and advisor to Confluence, said at the event. “What’s nice about this is it’s a win-win where it’s just beautiful for everyone. We can help each other out, and help with advertising, and I think you can see the result of that tonight with the numbers, and you can see lots of the Confluence students working here and that makes me feel wonderful too. And let’s not forget the artwork.” It all started in 2014 when Operation Safety Net began holding open studios in the Wellspring Drop-in Center and Trail Lane Apartments – a resource-based location where those who identify as homeless can access facilities. Terrence Wyrick, an artist whose work was featured at the gallery, got involved with the open studio through accessing the Wellspring platform. “I would go down to Wellspring every now and then to get the resources as far as living arrangements, things like shelter, showers…and they were having an art gallery down there on a Friday,” Wyrick said. “I’m from California, and when I had my house there, my friends would come over and we would just start throwing paint on the wall. I love graffiti art, and anything we would come up with on a canvas, we would flip it upside down and say, ‘what do you see?’ So I started doing art at Wellspring. Then I submitted my stuff.” Jacqueline Reynolds, a master’s level art therapist, is in charge of the open studio at Wellspring – a space
Students participate in ‘Steubenville’ event By Margaret Davis Staff Writer
On Monday, April 4, “Steubenville,” “a participatory theatrical event reflecting on rape culture in our communities” created by New Zealand artist Eleanor Bishop, was held in the Lawrence Hall ballroom at 9:15 p.m. “When I first moved [to] the States and read about the events in Steubenville, I was so moved and baffled by what had happened there,” Bishop said. “What I really wanted to do was take this case, which had galvanized so much attention around the issue of sexual assault, look at what happened there, and look at ourselves as a community. This is just one case, but it happens everywhere.” The show lasted about fifty minutes and was split into three parts. Actress Molly Griggs guided the audience through material from the Steubenville case, including trial transcripts and text messages from the victim, referred to only as “Jane Doe,” and her attackers. Griggs also performed previously recorded interviews with members of the Point Park community. Audience members were reminded several times that they should feel free to step out for a breather if at any point the presented material became too upsetting. The Steubenville rape scandal occurred in August of 2012, when several students from Steubenville High School, also known as Big Red, raped the unconscious Jane Doe at a football party. Her rapists took pictures and filmed the assault, all without her knowledge. Faculty members at Steubenville High School attempted to cover it up, rather than lose any of their star football players. The show began with Griggs and an audience member acting out a scene from the adventure-romance film “The Princess Bride,” followed by a display of text messages from the victim as she questioned her attackers about what had happened to her. Griggs and several volunteers from the audience performed segments from the trial, where the accused were questioned about their involvement in the assault. Text messages from Jane Doe and her attackers were projected onto a screen behind Griggs. The audience could see the boys discussing and
joking about the events amongst themselves, and then panicking, promising to deny everything and lie for each other. For the community interview portion of “Steubenville,” Griggs and Bishop stood on opposite sides of the room wearing headphones, while interviews with Griggs and several Point Park students were shown on the projector screen. The video was silent and Griggs spoke in sync with the interviewees as they answered questions about sexual assault, catcalling, objectification, sexuality and sexual empowerment, safety, and feminism. The interviews addressed how these issues affect female, male and transgender people. The audience was asked to text “Steubenville” to a number on the screen and send in any thoughts, feelings or comments about the material. Real-time responses from the audience were displayed anonymously on the projector several times throughout the event. Afterwards, Jess Klein, the coordinator of gender programs and sexual violence prevention at Carnegie Mellon University, led the audience in an open discussion about the state of rape culture in America. Attendees shared their own stories and expressed how the “Steubenville” material affected them. “It’s not just about Steubenville and what happened there. It’s about the rape culture and victim blaming that played into the whole situation,” Klein said. “Eleanor [Bishop] wanted this to be educational from the very beginning. We wanted to have a dialogue about rape culture and sexual violence and masculinity and cat-calling, the culmination of things that are the reason this happened in Steubenville.” Bishop believes the theatrical performance is a way for people to begin to understand the events that happened in Steubenville. “The piece is asking the people who come to it to understand what happened in Steubenville, and ask themselves how they might play a part in rape culture, generally, in their community and in society,” Bishop said. Information about “Steubenville” is available on wearesteubenville.com.
Margaret Davis can be reached at madavis@pointpark.edu.
photo by Gracey Evans
Terrence Wyrick shows off his art at the “Home is Where the Art Is” event organized by Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net and Point Park University’s Confluence Psychology Alliance Friday night in Lawrence Hall Multipurpose room. open twice a week that she said exists to encourage individuals to “relax, have fun, interact, create, play and explore and above all, to have permission to do all these things.” “Jacqui put all this together,” President and CEO of Pittsburgh Mercy Health Sister Susan Welsh said at the event. “This whole thing was a brainstorm of the people who work with the homeless population. It’s just wonderful therapy for people to do this and be able to express themselves, and of course, at Pittsburgh Mercy, we are committed to whatever it takes for people to be in a healing environment.” In the past year and a half, over 200 different individuals have stepped through the doors of the open studios. Here, they were able to connect and engage with services, have positive peer interaction and foster and develop their artistic identities. Reynolds delivered an emotive speech halfway through the gallery event – standing on a couch, a symbolic soapbox of sorts, to express her gratitude concerning the turnout and involvement, as well as deliver the idea and mission behind this profound endeavor. “We would not have an art show filled with such variety of personal, unique, exciting, authentic and engag-
ing art work without the artists who were willing and open to show their pieces here tonight,” Reynolds said. Reynolds said that most of the artists have always appreciated art in some facet. Many recall playing around with different media as children, while others took art classes in high school. Reynolds said that despite having made art their entire lives – some for decades – these individuals still struggle to call themselves artists. “It’s interesting because we’re all so quick to assign labels to things,” Reynolds said. “More often than not, it seems we’re willing to embrace the negative, maybe disparaging and dehumanizing labels before we consider the labels that empower, inspire and encourage us to be more than what others see or what others think they see -- to be the best versions of ourselves -whatever that means, because it looks different for each and every one of us as individuals…as different and unique as each work of art in this room tonight.” Reynolds ended her speech with a quote from author Kurt Vonnegut. “To make art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.”
Emily Bennett can be reached at elbenne@pointpark.edu.
Alec Baldwin to conduct Pittsburgh Symphony By Nikki Morath For the Globe
As news of Alec Baldwin hosting the Pittsburgh Symphony reaches the public, the symphony is curious to see if attendance will finally increase. Baldwin will host the symphony series Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m. at Heinz Hall. The fact that the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) does not have the attendance rate of a Pittsburgh Steelers game is nothing new, but considering Heinz Hall has over 2,000 seats to fill, PSO is required to provide innovative program series to even partially fill the hall. Most symphony goers are attracted to the programs with recognizable names. That’s one of the reasons PSO Vice President of Public Affairs Louise Sciannameo sounds confident in the program with Alec Baldwin. Alec Baldwin, actor and winner of Golden Globe and Emmy awards, is a name most of the public can identify. Baldwin may be more associated with controversial and aggressive phone calls made to his daughter, but still, there is buzz surrounding Baldwin which can potentially benefit the attendance rate for PSO. “It is tremendously exciting to have Alec Baldwin appear with [PSO]…and for him to share his talent and creativity onstage with our amazing orchestra” Sciannameo said. “We have received a great outpouring of interest from our patrons and from press across the country.” Publicity across the country and an exciting host leads the symphony goer to presume attendance rates will grow. Sciannameo said the program will consist of, “Alec Baldwin sharing some of his classical favorites with the audi-
ence—his playlist of musical selections that are particularly important to him and that have transformed moments in his life. The program is evolving, but is scheduled to include works by Beethoven, Berlioz, Stravinsky and Mahler, among others.” Even though attendance has been thin, support for the symphony is not, with or without Baldwin. Anaya Bobst, an international student at Point Park University, loves the music PSO conducts. “When I saw [PSO], I was overwhelmed with satisfaction, the talent and ability of the musicians to listen to what they are playing in correlation to the other musicians is more than impressive,” Bobst said. While many agree with this statement others would agree with the counterpoint made by Colleen Loverde, a local dance artist. “So many people fall into that pool of questioning why they should attend the Symphony when so much music is available via Internet,” Loverde said. While PSO has struggled with attendance rates they have provided a diverse set of programs that fuse the classics with modern marvels. Alexandria Ball, an accompanist supervisor for the Point Park Conservatory of Performing Arts, recognizes the innovations of PSO. Ball said, “Given this economic climate, I think PSO has done a good job of keeping the doors open by balancing the season with inventive programming and creating a pricing structure to give everyone a chance to attend.”
Nikki Morath can be reached at nlmorat@pointpark.edu.
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OPINIONS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
’S
POINT
Appropriate action? The Globe’s front-page story this week on the resignation of photography professor Matthew Conboy following an alleged incident in February raises more questions than it answers. The most disturbing question raised is one of safety within a system whose aim is supposedly to protect students and faculty and provide answers through action. The reason Conboy gave for his resignation was dissatisfaction in the way the university handled an alleged incident with Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Trudy Avery. It took more than two months for the university to conduct its investigation and reach a decision, which blamed Conboy for escalating the situation. He felt the university blamed him for stepping in to stand up for his student. Avery did say she did not know the student at the center of the alleged incident, freshman photography student Tyler Calpin, was in a class at the time, or that Conboy was a professor. Conboy, who served in the military for more than a decade, asked for his student back and felt the need to protect him. That was his instinct. The university concluded Conboy was in the wrong and should not have intervened. Associate Provost James Thomas said in his letter to Conboy that the professor should call university police in the future if he feels anybody is in danger. It is not the Globe’s position to dish out blame. We stand by our reporting and report the facts as told by those that were there. We don’t know what the university’s investigation found, or how thorough the two-month investigation was. We do know that Conboy thought he received the majority of the blame from the university, which is why he resigned with two weeks left in the semester. He was blamed for escalating a situation that he was trying to resolve. Other students in the class
said the conversation never seemed out of control and felt Coboy was in control of the situation. Thomas said in his letter that confronting other faculty members in front of students is ‘not appropriate behavior in our collegial setting.’ Calpin said that he trusted Conboy’s judgment when it came to handling the situation and also trusted that the university would handle this. While one could argue how well the parties involved handled the situation, at the end of the day each reported to who he or she thought was the point person to handle such a situation. In other words, the people involved trusted the university to handle it. That trust, that the university would solve the situation at the very least in a timely way, seems to have been misplaced. Point Park is now losing what students think is a quality professor in the photography department. The situation was handled as a dispute between two faculty members, and the associate provost said in his letter to Conboy that his office had taken “appropriate remedial action to avoid similar issues.” The university declined to comment, so we do not know what those remedial actions include. Avery’s property is still in the hallway and Conboy is no longer at the university. To The Globe, it seems that there exists an inequity between those whose voices are heard and those whose voices are stifled. The Globe’s Point and the opinion of our staff does not reflect our reporting on issues in the news. The Globe’s Point is written after all reporting has been done and reflects only the opinion of our editorial board and in no way, shape or form impacts how we approach our factbased attributed reporting.
The Globe can be reached at globe@pointpark.edu.
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Rideshare services should prioritize women’s safety Female-only driving service comes at exactly the right time By Johanna Wharran Co-Opinions Editor
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have normalized riding with strangers and transformed it into something the average young person doesn’t think twice about, especially those frequenting bar scenes. Chariot for Women is a new Uberlike company that plans to launch in Boston on April 19. The company was created by Uber driver Michael Pelletz to provide safe rides for women and a safe environment for female drivers. Chariot for Women will be a ride-sharing company with female drivers for female passengers of any age, as well as children. Pelletz formed Chariot for Women because of an encounter he had with a belligerent male passenger in his car. As a grown man, Pelletz did not feel safe and thought of women everywhere and how they would have handled the situation. This female-only service comes at exactly the right time. In February, an Uber driver reportedly raped a woman in San Diego. The following month, BuzzFeed News attained screenshots from Uber’s customer support information documenting thousands of complaints of rape and sexual assault from Dec. 2012 to Aug. 2015. As a 21-year-old woman living on an urban campus, I use Uber and Lyft a couple times a week, minimum. Using these ride-sharing services so frequently has left me with my fair share of driver-based horror stories. Knowing I would always have a female Uber driver would definitely make me feel safer, but on the other hand so would thorough background checks for Uber and Lyft’s employees. I had assumed that, as it is a service where you are getting into the car of someone employed by Uber or Lyft, the companies would have a fairly extensive background checking system. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Neither company requires its drivers to undergo fingerprint background checks, which would provide more accurate information and leave less room
for error and fraud when determining whether a potential driver is safe or not. Chariot for Women is currently using the Criminal Offender Record Information background check for its drivers, which is the same used in Massachusetts schools and daycares. The company also plans to implement fingerprint background checks as soon as possible. An all female ride-sharing program is not a solution to end violence and assaults on women in this type of setting, but it will make riding alone less worrisome for women in Boston. However, there is one major issue they must overcome first. It is being widely speculated that legal trouble is on the way for Chariot for Women. Though the company hasn’t started giving rides just yet, they are sure to run into some trouble for hiring only women. “To limit employees to one gender, you have to have what the law calls a bona fide occupational qualification. And that’s a really strict standard,” Massachusetts employment law specialist, Joseph Sulman told the Boston Globe. “The law’s really tough on that. For gender, it’s not enough to say, ‘we really just want to have a female here because our customers prefer that to feel safer.” Pelletz addressed the sure-tocome legal problems when talk to TechCrunch, a technology news and analysis website. “We look forward to legal challenges,” said Pelletz. “We want to show there’s inequality in safety in our industry. We hope to go to the US Supreme Court to say that if there’s safety involved, there’s nothing wrong with providing a service for women.” Ultimately, Chariot for Women is not a catchall solution, but it is a good step on our way to safer ride-sharing as a whole. Despite an uncertain future for the company, it has the potential to change the way women travel.
Johanna Wharran can be reached at jmwharr@pointpark.edu.
Trump rallies merit moral obligation to protest By Laura Byko
Co-Opinions Editor
On Monday, Donald Trump announced that he’d be coming to Pittsburgh. Today, Donald Trump will be in Pittsburgh. He will be holding a town hall meeting at the Soldiers and Sailors Museum in Oakland at 5:30 p.m. with Sean Hannity of Fox News and a rally at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center at 7 p.m. And there will be probably hundreds of people at each event, protesting his presence in our city, and I will be one of them. It’s an interesting choice for Hannity and Trump to come to Oakland, land of college students who are overwhelmingly liberal and who have the liberty of skipping classes. It feels like an invitation to protesters, one I’m sure many people will accept. On March 11 in Chicago, protest-
ers managed to create such a hostile environment for Trump that he canceled his rally. Protesters have drawn criticisms from Trump supporters, who often use arguments that basically boil down to the phrase “freedom of speech” shouted ad nauseum into the gaping maw of the Internet. But interestingly, also protected in the First Amendment is freedom of assembly, which essentially gives citizens the right to protest. Protest, the act of disruption, is an essential part of a democratic process. Free speech doesn’t mean you are immune to criticism, nor has it ever meant that. Free speech means that the government cannot throw you in jail for your speech. Free speech means that people can peacefully disrupt your speech. Standing up and saying that you do not accept rhetoric that is inciting violence and actively hurting
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people is a vital act. But even some anti-Trump people in the media believe that protesting Trump only feeds the fire of his supporters and their (often bigoted, rarely if ever based in actual policy) views. Jonathan Chait, a writer for New York Magazine, believes that protests and the attempt to prevent Trump from speaking is another example of political correctness gone too far, even as he believes that a Trump presidency would be disastrous for America, according to a March 13 article he wrote. He even went so far as to say the protests are interfering with democracy. I think that idea is ridiculous. I think American people stepping up to express that they think fascist and violent discourse is unacceptable in America is a moral responsibility in a time when politicians are seriously considering deportations and barring Muslims from entering Josh Croup, Editor-in-Chief Alexander Popichak, Editor-Elect Anthony Mendicino, Co-News Editor Iain Oldman, 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 Hannah O’Toole, Copy Editor Carrie Reale, Copy Editor Beth Turnbull, Copy Editor Quinn Baumeister, Copy Editor Isabelle Opsitos, Copy Editor Dana Bohince, Online Editor
the country. That’s not “political correctness,” that’s exercising your right to protest speech that’s unethical and letting people know that their views will not become poisonous policy without a fight. It’s a way of planting yourself on the right side of history. When Trump arrives in Pittsburgh today, people will undoubtedly protest. And there will most likely be some backlash to their protests, people telling them they are suppressing speech or stoking a fire or even that they’re being rude. But in the face of a political figure who is historically hateful and who has developed a fervent following, protest is a vital act. Good luck to everyone planning on protesting today. And I’ll see you there.
Laura Byko can be reached at lobyko@pointpark.edu. Gerri Tipton, Online Editor Sabrina Bodon, Staff Writer Margaret Davis, Staff Writer Casey Hoolahan, Staff Writer Brianna Murray, Social Media Editor Alexa Yanyanin, Social Media Editor Emily Yount, Graphic Designer Arianna Khalil, Graphic Designer Maggie McCauley, Public Relations Coordinator Kariann Mano, Business Manager Dr. Steven Hallock, Faculty Adviser
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SPORTS CROUP’S CORNER By Josh Croup Sports Columnist
Crunch Time Well, here we are. It’s that time of year again. You’re trying to figure out all of the papers you have to write in the next week that you should have started months ago, your professors are cramming three weeks worth of material into the final three classes and you’re surviving on energy drinks and junk food to pull all-nighters every night. Sleep is overrated, anyways, right? Not for the Point Park baseball and softball teams. Rest up folks, because this week into next is the most important of your seasons. The baseball team enters the week with an 18-17 overall record and an 11-5 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) record. The Pioneers are in a tight race for second place in the conference that, at this point, belongs to anyone. One or two losses could determine the fate of Point Park’s season. I’ve stressed this for weeks: the regular season is all about racking up wins to get decent playoff positioning and then figuring out what worked and what didn’t during the regular season to adjust during the postseason. The only thing stopping the Pioneers from making a deep run in the KIAC tournament are themselves and Indiana University Southeast. The Grenadiers swept the Pioneers in a four-game series earlier this season and sit atop the conference with a 15-1 record in KIAC play. This is a team that put up 20 runs in game one of a four-game sweep of Ohio Christian last weekend. They scored seven runs in the first inning alone. They’re a good baseball team. The Pioneers are strong as well, despite battling injuries on and off throughout the course of the season. They can only hurt themselves from here on out. Errors on routine plays and fundamental mistakes won’t help this team win games. The next two weeks could make or break Point Park’s regular season conference record. Point Park plays a four-game series with 1-11 Brescia, games the Pioneers should win easily. Next weekend, the Pioneers play 1-15 Cincinnati Christian in a four game set.
Point Park’s next eight conference games are against teams with a combined 2-26 record. Losing any of the next eight games shouldn’t be acceptable. After finals week concludes, the Pioneers host four games against Asbury, who are tied with West Virginia Tech for third in the KIAC. It’s crunch time for this team and time to buckle up. After losing a pair of games at Rio Grande last weekend, the upcoming week for the softball team is even more important. The Pioneers enter the week with a 10-16 overall record and a 4-4 KIAC record. Point Park plays six KIAC games against three KIAC opponents this week. The Pioneers travel to Ohio Christian on Wednesday, which is 3-7 in conference play this year. Friday, Point Park hosts Midway for two games against the 0-8 Eagles and end the weekend Saturday with two games against the 2-6 Asbury Eagles. The softball team’s next six KIAC games are against the bottom three teams in the conference that have a combined 5-21 record in conference play. The team has a real chance to gain some ground in the KIAC over the next week. The Pioneers have to take advantage of weak opponents in the next week. It’s as simple as that. Next weekend, Point Park hosts Indiana University Southeast and Brescia who have 11-1 and 5-7 records, respectively. Students are drowning in final projects, papers and exams over the next couple weeks. If you think you have it rough as you try to finish the year on a high note, try adding the pressure of finishing a season that you’ve trained all year for on a high note. That’s respectable. Both teams have great chances over the next couple weeks to put themselves in a great position to make a deep run in the KIAC. It’s crunch time in the classroom and on the diamond. Let’s get to work.
Josh Croup can be reached at jdcroup@pointpark.edu.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
7
Men’s basketball players create highlight videos time on my own with a lot of friends,” Williams said. “I feel like that I’m the kind of person that even when I do With so many highlights good, I feel like I can do better.” throughout the basketball season, Williams made 81 3-pointers senior guards Jerah’me Williams, last season. The highlight of his seaKelvin Goodwin, and Yandell Denis son was when he hit a three during a have been making highlight videos comeback victory against Rio Grande for sites like YouTube in an attempt to reach 1,000 points in his Point to get noticed by professional coach- Park career. By the end of the season, es overseas. he had a total of 1,081 points during The three players make up more his two years with the Pioneers. than half of the points made by the “My best moment during the seaentire team. With a combined 1,340 son was when I scored my 1000th points from the start to the end of the point,” Williams said. “We were losseason, the players could potentially ing, but then we came back. So when have bright futures ahead of them. I shot my 1000th point, that was my “They’re very good players,” as- big moment.” sistant coach Gabe Bubon said. KelWilliams was the 20th member vin and Jerah’me had really good to reach the 1,000 point mark and numbers for points per game and the fourth to reach the milestone in Yandell was really good at rebound- just two years. As a result, Williams ing for us. When you’re trying to play passed his head coach Bob Rager on professional basketball, it’s good to the Point Park all-time scoring list. have something in your resume.” Williams finished his career in 15th Williams was named all-confer- on the list. ence second team at the end of the Denis didn’t score as much as season and Goodwin was named Goodwin and Williams, Assistant first team all-conference. Goodwin Coach Gabe Bubon said Denis was was also an Honorable Mention on really good at rebounding for the the National Association of Intercol- team. At the end of the season, Delegiate Athletes (NAIA) Division II nis averaged eight points and seven All-American team. rebounds per game. “I’m making them so that I can “When you’re trying to play get more publicity to get overseas for professional basketball,” Bubon basketball,” Goodwin said during a said. “It’s good to have something phone interview “The guy that’s my in your resume and having high agent said that a good thing for me scoring averages helps.” to do is to post vid“I felt like I eos on YouTube so grew as a playthat more people er and more as can see them and a man especially also get my name from the experiout there.” ences throughout During the the whole season season, Goodwin and learning how was ranked sevto cope with othenth in NAIA DII er players and in scoring, 16th even my coaches,” in steals and 18th Kelvin Goodwill Denis said. “We in assists. In the Senior Guard didn’t win, but at conference, he was Point Park Men’s Basktball the end of the day ranked second in I felt like we still scoring, third in tried our hardest assists and first in throughout the steals. By the end whole season.” of the season he played all but 45 With each season, there are alminutes of the games with an aver- ways ups and downs. Bubon was age of 38.4 minutes per game. asked during an interview which 12 head basketball coaches voted game was the highlight game for for players that deserved to be on the the seniors. He said when the PioAll-KIAC Team. Goodwin ended up neers defeated Indiana University finishing in third in the KIAC Player East on the road Feb. 19 86-84. IU of the Year voting and Williams was East made the final four this year in the highest vote-getter not on the the NAIA DII Basketball National first team. Tournament. Because of his best representaBubon said the seniors always tion of the NAIA five core characters came through during clutch moof respect, responsibility, integrity, ments of the games. servant leadership and sportsman“It was always a 4-5 point game ship, Williams was also name to the and they always made the plays at KIAC Champions of Character Team. the end of the game,” Bubon said. Ever since Goodwin transferred “This was the first time in six times from NCAA Division II Slippery against them that we made the Rock University, he started taking plays at the end of the game. We over the KIAC in several fields. Just got the win. We got the stop at the like Goodwin, Williams was also a very end. We made the shots that transfer and ended up coming from we needed to make. That was kind NAIA Lourdes (Ohio) University. of our breakout game when every“I think I played fairly well. I practiced a lot during the summer BASKETBALL page 8 By Liz Berie
Sports Photo Editor
“I’m making them so that I can get more publicity to get overseas for basketball.”
photo by Liz Berie Senior guard Yandell Denis goes through videos on Krossover Game Film Tools for Coaches and Athletes to use in his highlight videos.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
SPORTS
RUGBY CLUB DEFEATS CLEVELAND ROVERS
Men’s basketball players stay busy in the off-season from BASKETBALL page 7 body realized that we could beat the really good teams.” The seniors take their videos from Krossover Game Film Tools for Coaches and Athletes. The website allows coaches to upload videos for athletes to see them. The athletes download the videos from the website so that they can make highlight videos. All of the players would like to play overseas, but in order to get recruited they must make videos so that coaches overseas can see them. The players make several different videos from particular games to show coaches what each can bring to the team.
rugby photos by Gracey Evans Freshman lock Elliott Carr catches a throw-in and looks to where his team is. The Rugby Club defeated Cleveland Rovers Men’s Club B-side team Saturday 17-14.
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“It’s kind of like an audition so that they can see my talent, but it’s also a resume,” Denis said. “It’s basically just showing them everything that I can bring to the table, from shooting, playing defense and other aspects of the game.” With players like Goodwin and Williams, they have higher expectations since both are able to bring something big to a table. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they both succeed,” Bubon said. “Kelvin has a really, really great work ethic and Jerah’me is learning that.”
Liz Berie can be reached at erberie@pointpark.edu.
Senior fullback/wing/center, Jakob Como, tries to break out of a tackle against the Cleveland Rovers Men’s Club B-side. The Bison won the match on Saturday, 17-14.