Orientation 2011 by The Quinnipiac Chronicle

ORIENTATION ISSUE

N O I T I D E SPECIAL QUChronicle.com

The QUINNIPIAC Volume 80 Issue 25

Summer 2011

STEP RIGHT UP Your guide to all things Quinnipiac

WHAT'S INSIDE? - QU'S BUCKET LIST - FITNESS TIPS - QU-YALE RIVALRY - MORSE CODE - VOLUNTEER EMT

QUINNIPIAC'S TOP-VOTED Professors

PAGES 8-9

BEN CLOUTIER Meet your student body president

PAGE 12

BLUE & YELLOW PRIDE

PAGE 10

Orientation The Chronicle

Welcome to Quinnipiac

Publisher Matt Busekroos Editor-in-Chief Lenny Neslin Senior Managing Editors Tara McMahon Meghan Parmentier Managing Editor Michele Snow Head Copy Editor Jamie Hill Photography Editor Anna Brundage News Editor Phil Nobile Opinion Editor Jeremy Stull Arts & Life Editor Nicole Fano Associate Arts & Life Editors Sarah Rosenberg Christine Burroni Sports Editor John Healy Associate Sports Editor Matt Eisenberg Sports Photography Editor Charlotte Greene Web Editor Tim O'Donnell Web Developer Marcus Harun Associate Advertising Manager Ilya Spektor Design Editor Sam Epstein Adviser Lila Carney Quinnipiac University 275 Mount Carmel Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 (203) 582-8485 QUChronicle.com Facebook.com/QUChronicle Twitter.com/QUChronicle Twitter.com/QUChronSports thequchronicle@gmail.com Letters to the Editor should be between 250 and 400 words and must be approved by the Editor-in-Chief before going to print. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit all material, including advertising, based on content, grammar and space requirements. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Chronicle.

Welcome, Class of 2015! Looking for a roadmap to college? This is it. In this special edition of the Chronicle, we gave you a taste of Quinnipiac’s most interesting features and what the university has to offer. We gave you the skinny on the buildings you’ll need to know and the professors you will definitely want to take. Keep those in mind for the next four years. We also profiled some of Quinnipiac’s most fascinating students who have accomplished something great or made a difference on (or off) this campus. Think you fit this bill? Tweet us @QUChronicle. If you witness something strange on any of Quinnipiac’s three campuses (Mount Carmel, York Hill, North Haven) or meet someone who flat-out amazes you, let us know on our Facebook page. Are you a sports nut who is anxious to see Quinnipiac’s Division I athletics compete? Or even if you just want to stay informed on the success or failure of your school’s teams, give @QUChronSports a follow on Twitter.

Like the back of our shirts say, we put out on Wednesdays. Issues. We put out ISSUES every Wednesday. We also have a website that we update 24/7 that delivers you breaking Quinnipiac news as soon as it breaks. Do we sound like the student organization for you? Stop by our Media Summit on Aug. 31 at 9:15 p.m. in the Mount Carmel Café. We are looking for anyone with an interest in writing, photography, design and business. If you have any questions about the Chronicle, email us at thequchronicle@gmail. com and we will get back to you. Most of you will spend just four years here; that’s only a small fraction of your lifespan. Don’t forget to: • Make friends • Connect with professors & faculty • Go to class • Make great memories • Live it up And in the words of the Chronicle’s former Editor-in-Chief Joe Pelletier, “Take possession of your college experience.” Matt Busekroos ’12 Lenny Neslin ’12 Publisher Editor-in-Chief

Summer 2011

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The ultimate Quinnipiac bucket list The top 10 things that make you a true Quinnipiac student

Hike the Giant: While you most likely did it with your orientation group, your QU class, and your friends, the view is amazing and well worth the climb. Go to Toad’s Place: Riding the shuttle is half the fun and once you can’t push your way through Toad’s any longer, Yorkside Pizza is calling your name. By senior year, on Sunday mornings you find yourself saying “I’m so done with Toad’s,” but when next Saturday rolls around, you find yourself back in the same old shuttle line. Ride the Shuttle with Maxine: By far the best-known shuttle driver, she may run down a few people but you definitely will get to where you are going fast. She may even start singing along to the blaring music. Maxine is pure entertainment. Talk to Java John: The main man of Café Q, John is always ready to have a chat. Whether there is one person in line or 20, John talks to every person and somehow remembers a random fact about them. If this guy doesn’t brighten your day, I don’t know what does.

Ride the Bobcat: While we all appreciate the $1 million donation, the midnight adventure of climbing the bobcat is a must … picture evidence necessary.

Quinnipiac vs. Yale hockey game is one of the biggest sports events year after year. Whether we win or lose, we definitely have the most school spirit. The Yale students were in the library studying for finals … in February.

Get your computer reimaged: Even if the problem is the hard drive or the motherboard and you have to call Dell, don’t worry; the help desk will make sure it gets reimaged multiple times under all circumstances.

Lose your Q-card ... at least twice: No matter how hard you try, your Q-card just cannot make it through all four years. Whether you leave it in New Haven or just lose it in your room, there is no way you graduate with a “1” on the back of your card. And the lucky ones that do, you still have that awkward freshman year picture to look back at.

Wonder what exactly is in that “creek”: There are definitely a lot of tennis balls in there, but the water is so brown that you just can’t see them. When it floods, air mattress floats are definitely an option. Fall asleep in the comfy library chair … I swear I was studying: Two tests tomorrow and an all-nighter ahead of you, the brown leather chairs are calling your name. It wouldn’t be that bad if you took a nap. At least you aren’t one of the people that are so obvious they bring a blanket. Attend the QU-Yale hockey game: Selling out in about 3 minutes this year, the

Honorable Mentions (in case you stay for a fifth year): -Forget that the Quad is grass; lay out like it’s the beach. -Realize they call it the “RAT” for a reason. -Run out of your meal plan ... two months into the semester. -No matter how much you resist, invest in your first pair of rainboots, and love them. Class of 2011 hope you have done it all. --Alyssa Jann

Orientation QUChronicle.com

Summer 2011

THIS IS ME “This is Me” is a weekly feature celebrating individuality at QU.

This is Patrick’s story.

VOLUNTEER LIFE SAVER

Ilya Spektor / Chronicle

His experiences as an EMT have been emotionally challenging, but rewarding

plete a state training program and pass practical and cognitive exams, according to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The cognitive exam tests applicants on n a Monday morning in January ventilation, trauma, cardiology, and EMS pro2009, Patrick Noonan arrived at tocol and operations. Although he admits the the scene of a cardiac arrest. practical skills exam was most challenging, As a volunteer emergency medical tech- Noonan passed both exams on the first try. nician, it wasn’t the first time Noonan had atAn EMT-B’s job responsibilities include tempted to save someone’s life, but it was the responding to emergency calls and providing first time he tried to revive someone he had care while transporting patients to the nearknown since elementary school. est medical facility, according to the Bureau of Noonan did his job, giving the patient Labor Statistics. EMT-Bs are licensed to drive rescue breaths and setting up a breathing tube, ambulances and can prescribe small doses of but his classmate died hours before emergen- medications, such as albuterol and epinephrine. cy medical services arrived at the scene. He “I think one of the most important died of a drug overdose. qualities is be“It was the first “He eats, breathes, and sleeps ing able to work time I felt really weird EVAC. If Patrick didn’t have under presto be on an emergency sure,” Noonan medical services call,” EVAC he would have no out- said. “I get my Noonan said. “There let for his compassion. He work done and I am, helping a kid my do better. cares for everybody – he’s like IHaving age, who I knew, trying that big the mother hen of the room.” stress barrier to save his life.” Noonan knew that every EMS –Sean McCarron, roommate he wanted to become job has, for me, involved with EMS in elementary school, it’s like the fuel to get the job done right.” when a neighbor showed his Boy Scout troop Noonan responded to 79 medical calls an Eastchester Volunteer Ambulance Corps in 2009. On average, EVAC responds to 2,100 demonstration. In high school, Noonan went calls per year. on to volunteer as an ambulance driver. Noonan estimates he has responded to “Three years later, I’m still there and ac- more than 300 calls since he began volunteertively involved with EMTing,” Noonan said. ing, and has witnessed everything from broNational EMT certification levels in- ken bones to stab wounds, strokes, allergic clude first responder, emergency medical tech- reactions, and gunshot wounds. nician-basic, intermediate, and paramedic. Noonan said his experiences are rewardNoonan became a certified EMT-Basic ing, but admits there are emotional challenges. in the summer of 2009, and regularly volun“It’s a very high stress job. Obviously teers at the volunteer ambulance corps in his when you see a dead person, when you see hometown, Eastchester, N.Y. something traumatic like a very bad car acAll certified EMT-B’s are required to com- cident, it can have lasting effects as an EMT,” By Nicole Fano Arts & Life Editor

Noonan said. “It’s NAME: Patrick Noonan always in the back of your mind YEAR: 2012 you never quite erase that you HOMETOWN: Eastchester, N.Y. were there. You were the last perMAJOR: Accounting, Computer Information Services son to really see STORY: Three-year volunteer EMT them alive.” Noonan Although the nearby Echo Hose Ambuhopes to be promoted in the future, to a lance Corps in Shelton, Conn. accepts volunlieutenant, captain or chief. Interestingly, he teers, Noonan already juggles a hectic schedisn’t studying medicine or health sciences at ule. As a double major with an internship and Quinnipiac. Instead, Noonan is a double maparticipation in student activities, including jor in accounting and computer information The Big Event and the Quinnipiac University systems, but hopes to eventually work on the Irish Club, Noonan has little free time. corporate side of EMS systems. Kevin O’Donnell, a fellow EVAC co“I don’t ever want to do this for pay,” he worker and EMT-B, enjoys Noonan’s comsaid. “There’s a difference between getting paid pany during shifts. as an EMT and volunteering as an EMT, and it’s “Patrick brings a wonderful attitude and a lot more valuable when you just volunteer.” high level of maturity to EVAC when he is on ean McCarron has lived with Noonan duty,” O’Donnell said. “He may not be the for the past two years, and witnesses oldest or most experienced member, but he is the great impact of EVAC on Noonan’s daily looked at often for answers, and because of his great personality life. Noonan frequently he is extremely speaks in radio code and “I don’t ever want to do this well-liked.” always sports his EVAC for pay. There’s a difference jacket, according to McIn two Carron. between getting paid as an years, Noon“He eats, breathes, an will reach and sleeps EVAC,” Mc- EMT and volunteering as an EVAC’s five year Carron said. “If Patrick EMT, and it’s a lot more valu- volunteer milestone. didn’t have EVAC he able when you just volunteer.” “I love would have no outlet EVAC. I call for his compassion. He –Patrick Noonan it my second cares for everybody home, like I’m always there and I always try he’s like the mother hen of the room.” Since Quinnipiac doesn’t offer an EMS to be there,” he said. “I think it allowed me volunteer program, Noonan participates in to develop a lot of skills that I wouldn’t have EVAC every Monday night he is home, usu- been able to develop on an everyday basis without EVAC. It’s like my little niche.” ally for a full 24-hour shift.

WHAT’S IN THERE ARE LOTS OF FAMILIAR NAMES AROUND CAMPUS. BUT JUST WHO ARE THEY?

Marcus Harun / Chronicle

The man, the myth, the library. Most Quinnipiac students have been inside of Arnold Bernhard, but do they really know him? Here’s your chance to get a feel for Arnold, the investor.

HEY ARNOLD! Meet the man behind the books By Anna Brundage Photography Editor

Whether a serious relationship or just a fling at finals, Quinnipiac students find themselves getting personal with Arnold Bernhard. Originally the Connecticut College of Commerce, founded in 1929, the school evolved over the past 82 years into today’s Quinnipiac University. When the first name change occurred in 1935 to the Junior College of Commerce, the school began its gradual assembly of a library named for “a lifelong lover of the arts and humanities.” Founder, publisher and editor of Value Line Investment Survey and Value Line Family of Mutual Friends, Bernhard was a hardworking first generation American. Talented in many areas, he took on Wall Street with his own resourcefulness and aca-

demic honesty. The motto of Bernhard’s Value Line is “Themost trusted name in investment research.” His commitment to the stock industry transformed the practice of security analysis. After Quinnipiac’s relocation to the Mount Carmel campus, monetary donations were made by the Bernhard family to construct the library and clock tower that is now the icon of the school. The library that once only held close to 4,000 texts now houses thousands more. “Arnie B,” as some students call it, has had many face-lifts since its construction at the center of campus. From an entire renovation and redesign of the clock tower to the recent installation of more study cubicles, the library accommodates and inspires more students than Bernhard could have imagined.

A NAME?

DON’T WORRY, THE CHRONICLE HAS GOT YOU COVERED.

Lender

McMahon

Comm. Center

Business Center Actually we do not have a “Lender School of Business.” Rather, we have the “Lender School of Business Center” – the building has a name, not the actual school (e.g. “Wharton School of Business” at UPenn). Murray Lender is a 1950 graduate of Quinnipiac. He and his brother Marvin Lender were involved in their famous family business, H. Lender & Sons restaurant chain and, most famously, Lender’s Bagels. The Lender brothers have been active supporters of Quinnipiac and other causes in the Greater New Haven area for years. Their reputation as successful businessmen, their generosity and Murray Lender’s service as the co-chairman of the 1993 fundraising campaign for the School of Business Center explain the Lender name on it.

It’s the Ed McMahon Mass Communications Center, which was dedicated in September 1993, and was originally presented as part of the Lender School of Business Center. Ed McMahon was Johnny Carson’s sidekick on “The Tonight Show.” McMahon’s daughter is a 1971 graduate of Quinnipiac, and he reportedly supported the creation of the communications center because it would help young people break into the world of broadcasting. He had a great career and hoped that future QU graduates would go on to have successful, fulfilling careers.

Dean Evans CAS

Dean Robert W. Evans joined the faculty of the Junior College of Commerce in the fall of 1945 as an instructor of psychology and philosophy. In 1950, he became director of the Evening Division and dean of continuing education. In 1966, he became dean of students when the college moved to its Mount Carmel location and served until 1983, when he stepped down as dean. He continued to serve as the assistant to the VP of Academic Affairs until 1985 when he fully retired. In 2002, alumna Helen (Lindenmeier) Blake ’51, one of Evans’ former students wanted to preserve his place at Quinnipiac, since he was – in her words – “a true teacher, one who changed lives.”

Tator Hall Samuel W. Tator, business professor and politician, founded Connecticut College of Commerce, a small business college, in 1929. With support from his wife, Irmagarde Tator, and Yale graduate, Judge Phillip Troup, the school enrolled 200 students. In 1930 eight students earned degrees as the first graduating class.

Buckman Center

Clarice “Clare” L. Buckman was a businesswoman and philanthropist known for her strong commitment to improving higher education in the region. Her late husband, Jacob F. “Jack” Buckman, was a pioneer in electroplate technology and co-founded Enthone, Inc. of West Haven in the 1930s. Buckman assisted her husband as the company’s bookkeeper and they grew the company from a local shop to a multi-national chemical company in the 1950s. Mrs. Buckman passed away in 2000, after a lifetime of generosity in the region. The Buckman name can be found in another very prominent place on the Quinnipiac campus. Can you find it?

Schweitzer Institute

The Albert Schweitzer Institute, named for philosopher and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, is one of Quinnipiac’s most recognized institutions. Schweitzer’s belief in nuclear nonproliferation has reverberated to this day, as ASI Director David Ives and students recently traveled to Japan for a global conference on nuclear disarmament. Schweitzer famously founded a volunteer hospital in Gabon, Africa that functions to this day.

Photos by Anna Brundage Design by Marcus Harun

Orientation The Chronicle

Summer 2011

oted most random Whether you’ve only heard of them or you know them personally, you can’t deny the popularity of this all-QU band on campus

By Matt Busekroos Publisher Huddled together at The Space on Feb. 25, the five members of Voted Most Random close in, put their hands together in a circle, and give one another a pep talk before performing their sold-out show. “You’re my best friend” and “I love yous” are exchanged among the group, who reached a milestone that week with the release of their first album, “Everything You Want and More.” While Voted Most Random formed in 2008, the band didn’t solidify their line-up until last year. However, that didn’t stop them from planning for the future. “In the beginning, we did everything backwards,” said Joe Mauti, the bass player of the band. “We were playing shows before we

MEET AND GREET from left to right

BENNETT RHYTHM GUITAR

JOE

BASS GUITAR

IAN

“

LEAD VOCALS When we are together, it’s magic.

SCOTT LEAD GUITAR

“

If we do get where we want with this, we will remember everyone who helped us get there.

SAL

“

DRUMS

Chase your dreams, follow your heart. If someone says you can’t do it, turn around and say ‘watch me.’

ducers who collaborated with bands in their genre. They attracted the attention of record producer Rob Freeman, who produced albums for bands such as Hit the Lights and Cobra Starship. After doing everything backwards, the band started to move forward with this opportunity. Freeman worked for a reasonable price and had time in the studio available for the band. When writing songs, Freeman advised the band to “make it simple, make people clap.” “That’s how we write our songs now, and that’s all thanks to him,” Mauti said. “He’s helped us and continued to help us even when he’s not directly interacting with us.” According to Reibeisen, the band hopes to record another album in the near future and find a label to sign them. They have spent hours looking up booking agents and record labels. “We want this more than anything,” Salemme said. “We take it very seriously and we appreciate any support.” Soon, they’re starting Kickstarter, a funding platform for musicians. They’re trying to raise money so they can tour, a significant expense for college students. “The little that other people can do for us can make all the difference in the world,” Reibeisen said. Back at The Space, fans scream and sing along while Voted Most Random perform original songs such as “Hot Mess” and “Party Naked.” The band also plays their popular cover of Ke$ha’s hit “TiK ToK.” Almost completely out of breath, Reibeisen prefaces the next song with the brazen playfulness that makes watching the band perform so entertaining. “I’ve been in love once,” Reibeisen said to the crowd. “This song is about that bitch.” Sophomore Erin Williams watched the band at The Space that night. She respects them and cites their catchy songs as one of several reasons she is a fan. “The band is very interactive with the audience. The passion and joy that each member has for performing is instantly illuminated when they step on the stage,” Williams said. “My favorite song is “Here I Go” because the lyrics are real and relatable, and the beat is appealing.” Ultimately, Voted Most Random is happiest when they’re on stage. “It’s just where we belong,” Salemme said. “There’s never a second of time when one of us does not have a smile. Amanda Shulman / Chronicle It’s being exactly where the universe thinks you should be.” Voted Most Random released its first album, “Everything You Want and More,” on iTunes Feb. 26. had songs to play a show. We would book a show before we had a singer.” With Mauti on the bass, Ian Reibeisen providing the lead vocals, Scott Gunter on the lead guitar, Bennett Pisaniello playing the rhythm guitar, and Sal Salemme working the drums, Voted Most Random is now complete. The band comes from different musical backgrounds. Several of them grew up listening to Blink-182 and have an array of influences as far-reaching as Aretha Franklinsurprising for a band with a punk-rock-pop sound. Since each member of the band has input writing songs, they take a collaborative approach when making music. Sharing that music with fans outside of Connecticut is one of the band’s current struggles. “Our fans are so dedicated in Connecticut, and I know we can do it in any other

state,” Reibeisen said. “We just need the opportunity.” Mauti adds that any band needs to be able to prove themselves in any particular city or state. “If no one is willing to give you that opportunity, you have to get creative with how you promote and just reach out to them more,” he said. Gunter realizes how fickle the music industry is, and he knows there are several bands trying the same thing. He acknowledges the talent out there, which makes it more difficult for Voted Most Random to find their place. “I think the hardest part for me personally, and something we all had to deal with, is getting noticed among these other different people trying to do something,” Gunter said. But Voted Most Random did get noticed. Mauti looked into studios and pro-

Orientation Ke$ha kills it at Bank QUChronicle.com

Contrary to the lyrics of Ke$ha’s hit song “TiK ToK,” the By Nicole Fano party did start long before the Arts & Life Editor pop singer walked into TD Bank Sports Center on April 2. Due to severe intoxication, a number of students were escorted out of the arena by Quinnipiac Security and Hamden Police. Some were taken away by ambulance on stretchers and wheelchairs. The university did not provide a specific number. “Students who acted inappropriately at the event were escorted from the venue,” said Lynn Bushnell, vice president for public affairs. “To maintain the privacy of all of our students, the university does not comment when a student seeks medical attention.” Safety was high priority for SPB President Vincent Bond, who was pleased with the event staff ’s response during the event. “A lot of time was put aside to make sure we were prepared for that,” Bond said following the SGA debates on Monday night. “That’s why there were so many transports. While it shows a negative side that there were so many students felt they had the need to get inebriated to that level, the fact that we were able to take care of and make sure they were safe was something I was very impressed with our staff. We were ensuring our students had a good time but at the same time were being responsible. If they weren’t being responsible, they are taken care of and are taken off the premises.” A majority of scantily-clad female students wore everything from tutus to lacy bras and surpluses of glitter eye makeup. Some took the phrase “Get $leazy” to a new level. The audience’s energy level reached an all-time high when Ke$ha took the fluorescent lighted stage wearing a light mask, a glitter leotard, and fishnet stockings. In between bouts of cartwheels, crotch-grabbing and spanking, Ke$ha interacted with the audience when she asked for “a man who wants to be abused onstage.” That man turned out to be freshman Ian Jackson, who was Saran-wrapped to a chair and taunted by two men dressed as a penis and a pear throughout Ke$ha’s performance of “Grow a Pear.” “Being pulled on stage was amazing and crazy all at the same time. I was going crazy the second she looked at me,” Jackson said. “It was mind-blowing, and while I was on stage, I had the best time of my life. Ke$ha left a very high mark, so the concerts to come definitely have some big shoes to fill.” According to Jamie Kloss, Student Programming Board’s mainstage chair, the sold-out show equalled 2,462 tickets purchased. “This is one of the most unique shows that SPB has brought to Quinnipiac, and turned out to be one of the craziest nights that I’ve seen on campus,” Kloss said. “Students loved rocking out to Third Eye Blind and singing along with The Fray, and this show was an opportunity to dress up and dance.” One of the concert’s multiple climaxes occurred when Ke$ha performed her latest single, “Blow.” The pop star displayed rock-star behavior, using a gun to shoot confetti at those on the floor. As her last Wake the Giant spring concert, senior Kristen Babowicz was pleased with the performance. “I really enjoyed the concert; it was very entertaining and I had a lot of fun,” she said. “It was definitely one of my favorites and it was very different than past SPB concerts.” “TiK ToK,” the party anthem that started it all, was saved for the end. The audience went crazy, banging on seats and chanting her name. At the crowd’s demand, Ke$ha returned to the stage for an encore performance of “We R Who We R,” where she encouraged audience members to be true to themselves-“unapologetically always.” “Ke$ha is one of the most extreme artists on the music scene right now, so we knew that it was going to be a crazy concert,” Kloss said. “The enthusiasm of the students and the atmosphere of the show created a really fun night for everyone.”

Summer 2011

Charlotte Greene / Chronicle

Ke$ha drew a sold-out crowd at TD Bank Sports Center on April 2 at SPB’s annual Wake the Giant concert.

TAKE ME

The Chronicle’s Facebook poll of best professor some of the top vote-getters, a spotlight on the fo for best professors. Check out the

(Health Sciences)

Lisa Kaplan Her classes may be difficult, but no Scorecard: one can say that Lisa Kaplan doesn’t give Overall Quality her students every opportunity to succeed. “I think back to when I was a student and what I would have liked, and more imEasiness portantly what I didn’t like and I try very hard to make it be about learning the stuff rather than guessing my style or guessing about tricks,” she said. (Statistics via Rate My Professors) Kaplan, an associate professor of biology, records each of her lectures and makes them available to her students online. There are also several other teaching methods she employs that go beyond the average professor. “Between the audio recordings, all the writing on Blackboard, the office hours, the out-of-class reviews for exams, the extra assignments that aren’t graded but show up somewhere else, I think what it does is regardless of your learning style, hopefully there is some component in there that you can grapple onto that you’re comfortable with,” she said.

4.9 / 5

1.6 / 5

Sean Duffy (political science) Philip Goduti (history)

Bruc Whi (ISM

Joe Pelletier / Chronicle

“As a public relations major, I’m far from being the perfect biology student, but professor Kaplan knows what she’s doing. She’ll stop at nothing to make sure you understand the course material. I would take her again in a heartbeat.” Christina Ruperto, '12

Maureen Helgren (physical therapy)

Vicki Todd (public relations)

(Liberal Arts)

Robert Smart English isn’t just words on the page for professor Robert Smart, chair of the English department. “You need to keep it contextualized,” he said. Smart has been teaching at Quinnipiac for 11 years. This year, his class-load ranges from the introductory EN102 to EN551, offered for MAT students planning to teach at a secondary level. “I give all credit to my students,” Smart said. “They are always engaged and involved.”

Joe Pelletier / Chronicle

Scorecard: Overall Quality

4.8 / 5 Easiness

3.1 / 5

Joe Catrino (media studies)

(Statistics via Rate My Professors)

“Smart is a challenging and dedicated professor. He is very passionate and educated about the subjects he teaches and takes a great interest in what his students have to say.” Chris Casinelli, '11

EDITORS

PICKS

“Margarita Diaz (journalism) was my most influential professor–incredible teaching talent. Plain and simple, she makes you a better journalist. I’d also pick out Jonathan Rounds (English). He’s an engaging and intelligent professor that incorporates his music background into his teaching.” -Joe Pelletier, former Chronicle editor in chief

Want the image to smartpho

Here’s your primer on the must-take professors at Quinnipiac University:

rs drew more than 600 votes. Here’s a look at our most popular, and even some editors' picks e full list at QUChronicle.com.

(Communications)

Kenn Venit

Terry Goodwin (business)

ce ite M)

Joe Pelletier / Chronicle

“In his broadcast performance class, I truly learned a lot that wasn't in the textbook. It came from the experience that he has had in his life and the handson learning we did in front and behind the camera that makes him a great professor.” Kwegyirba Croffie, '11

Peter Sumby (FVI)

For 10 years, adjunct associate professor Kenn Venit has blown students away on the first day of the semester. Literally. The journalism professor offers his signature start to class when he shows students the famous R. Budd Dwyer suicide video, and immediately tells them to write a news brief. Scorecard: Venit has been around Quinnipiac for 11 years (including one Overall Quality year in 1979-80; when “the TV studio was in the basement of the library,” he said with a laugh), and Easiness prides his teaching style on engagement. “I engage my students,” Ve(Statistics via nit said. “It’s interactive. Everyone Rate My Professors) talks, and everyone learns how to give an opinion.” Venit maintains a fun, entertaining atmosphere–during Monday’s class, he joked that a student’s undeclared major was not unlike the war in Libya. “I try to use videos and current events,” Venit said. “I have a lot of fun.” His JRN160 class’ latest assignment was to interview strangers about April Fool’s Day, and according to Venit, “it was some of the best writing of the year.”

4.8 / 5

3.4 / 5

(Wild Card)

David Ives

Rich Hanley (journalism)

Scorecard: Overall Quality

4.9 / 5 Easiness

4.1 / 5 (Statistics via Rate My Professors)

Lisa Burns (media studies)

e full list? Scan the the left with your one and check it out!

Joe Pelletier / Chronicle

“I took professor Ives twice, and both times I came away with very good experiences. He seemed to be from the school of thought where you won’t truly learn something unless you see the important details up close (with vivid videos or pictures from the world you are studying) and I always felt it was a very useful technique.” Alex Birsh, '11

“I prefer professors that spark interesting discussion in class, instead of just lecturing the entire time, so Sean Duffy (political science) is one of my favorites. He has a knack for getting students involved and making his classes interactive. Min Fang (Chinese) is another of my favorite professors because she makes a difficult subject very accessible and enjoyable.” Matt Ciepielowski, former Chronicle senior managing editor

David Ives, executive director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute, brings very unique life experiences to the classes he teaches. “When you talk about international development, for example, I’m probably one of the few people on campus that has lived in a developing country for two years,” Ives said. “So when I talk about development or economics in that sense, it’s a real world experience and I tell stories

about that.” Ives always attempts to keep his students involved and interested, instead of simply lecturing. “If they’re just listening, they can sometimes tune out,” he said. “But if I try to do something very interesting and then get their opinions on it and cause them to do research on an issue that they have chosen, it seems to work.” Ives travels around the globe through his work with the ASI, including accompanying Quinnipiac students on alternative spring break trips to Nicaragua and a recent trip to the 11th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Japan, which the Dalai Lama also attended.

“Dr. Surya Chelikani (finance) was my favorite professor. He knows so much about finance, and yet he knows how to teach and talk to you as a student for as much time as you need. Judy Gedge (accounting), another of my favorite professors, makes business law one of the most interesting courses you’ll take in the School of Business.” -Caryn Mitchell, former Chronicle business manager

Orientation The Chronicle

Summer 2011

MAN OF THE hour ‘I’m ready to go’ By Katherine Rojas Staff Writer Benjamin Cloutier did everything he could to earn votes for student body president on April 6–including walking up and down Bobcat Way for five hours with a sign almost as large as he is. It certainly paid off. The sophomore political science major from Goffstown, N.H., earned 348 more votes than junior Andrew McDermott on election day. “Leading up to it was really nerve-wracking,” Cloutier said with a smile. “I was really nervous because both Andrew and I did really well in terms of campaigning, so I had no idea what to expect.” Cloutier officially took office on April 27 at SGA’s general meeting, taking the reigns from former president Louis Venturelli. The two had a meeting and Venturelli gave Cloutier some words of wisdom. It was overwhelming, Cloutier said, but he was more than ready to take office. “I’m really excited to get started,” Cloutier said. “That’s basically all that that meeting gave me, just more excitement and obviously a little bit of a sense of overwhelming, but it’s all right. I’m ready to go, I’m ready to go.”

Austin Hopkins / Chronicle

Sophomore Benjamin Cloutier was elected to be the next student body president late last spring.

Cloutier has been the president of the Class of 2013 for his first two years at Quinnipiac, and was the leading voice behind last semester’s push to extend hours at the Bobcat Den. Cloutier is interested in “working to help community,” which attracted him to student government, he said. “I was in student government in high school and that’s why I got involved with it here: to make a difference, to help people do things on campus and to be a part of the com-

munity.” Cloutier said he was not up to speed until late second semester in his freshmen year. Snapping his fingers, however, he said this year he was able to “pick it up.” “This year I felt as though I was confident in managing and leading the group,” Cloutier said. “So if I were to take on this position that I’m in now, SGA president-elect, it would be easier for me to pick it up and then to do big things with it for the next two years, hopefully.” Unlike high school, “there is

a lot more opportunities here to make changes to the campus and to the community,” he said. Cloutier is the executive board secretary of Students in Free Enterprise, which creates businesses to help with community service. He has also been in Sigma Phi Epsilon since his freshmen year. He is currently on Sig Ep’s standards board, which makes sure his brothers keep fraternity standards. “Joining a fraternity is probably the best decision that I made in my life. I don’t know if I’ll be

running for any position. I might in the future, but right now I’m just focused on making sure that I transition properly into this,” Cloutier said. This summer, Cloutier will live in Hamden and plans to have an internship, “so my nights would consist of student government,” he said. He described being a student body president as “making sure that the rest of the student government members are performing at their best potential. A student body president also inspires the rest of the student government, as well as the other organizations on campus, to continue to succeed and to progress in terms of their goals and in what they want to do.” For Cloutier, student government’s biggest problem is communication. “The biggest problem in SGA that we’re facing now is that we’re not out there enough to the students,” he said. “So while we’re solving concerns and looking to push forward new initiatives, we’re not getting enough feedback or input from the students.” He plans to raise awareness of student government by going doorto-door twice each semester. While campaigning, Cloutier asked, “‘Can you tell me one thing that the student government has done this year?’ The majority of the people had the same answer: ‘I couldn’t tell you.’ “If we’re not getting input and we’re not getting feedback from the people that we’re supposed to be working for,” Cloutier asked. “Then how do we know that we’re doing a good job or how do we know we’re doing the right thing?”

QU to gain 2 new sororities New fraternity also on horizon By Meghan Parmentier Senior Managing Editor Two new sororities will join Quinnipiac’s Greek life community, according to Assistant Director of the Student Center and Campus Life Courtney McKenna, and a fraternity is under review to potentially colonize. Pi Beta Phi will colonize and begin recruitment for their founding sisters during the fall 2011 semester, former Panhellenic Presi-

dent Jessica Russo said. Kappa Delta will colonize during the fall 2012 semester. “We opened for extension because we’ve seen that specifically in the past few years, Greek life has really exploded on campus,” said junior marketing major Megan De Vizio, former Panhellenic Delegate for Phi Sigma Sigma. “We’re seeing more and more women coming through recruitment each spring, resulting in the largest new member class sizes QU has ever seen.” This year, there were record numbers of women who registered for sorority recruitment, participated in the first round, and actually received bids, according to Assistant Director of Student Center and Campus Life Courtney McKenna. “Those numbers really show the growth that Greek Life is currently experiencing at Quinnipiac,”

said Keighly Rector, this year’s Panhellenic vice president of recruitment. 277 women went through recruitment, compared to 250 last year (a nine percent increase) and 137 in 2009 (a 49 percent increase). “I feel like it’s really a sort of unique microcosm of Greek life here at Quinnipiac that we get to experience, and I think that’s attracted to potential members,” McKenna said. An advantage of having these new sororities, De Vizio said, will be more manageable chapter sizes. McKenna said the smaller chapter sizes will allow for more positive interactions with the members and more spaces on campus for the sororities to meet. “We want to provide everyone who goes through recruitment with a good match,” McKenna said. The new additions were cho-

sen based on the philanthropies and new contributions they can add to the Quinnipiac campus. “Each of these sororities have unique philanthropies,” Russo said. “In addition, each have a multitude of leadership opportunities, programming and academic support that sets them aside from all of the other National Panhellenic Conference sororities. Their values match well with Quinnipiac’s, as well as the sororities’s and Greek life’s on campus.” De Vizio described Pi Beta Phi as a sorority with a mission to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential, and enrich lives through community service. Pi Beta Phi’s present members contribute to their philanthropy of literacy with their involvement in programs

such as First Book, Champions Are Readers and Make Your Mark for Literacy. Once colonized, they will join the rest of the Quinnipiac Panhellenic community and participate in formal recruitment in the spring. The Kappa Delta website states their purpose as one to promote friendship among college girls across the country. Their members contribute to their philanthropy by supporting Prevent Childhood Abuse America, while working closely with the Girl Scouts of America. The fraternity pledging process is much more informal and brings in smaller new member groups. Still, McKenna said a new fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, is currently being reviewed to potentially colonize at Quinnipiac during the fall 2011 semester.

Orientation QUChronicle.com

Summer 2011

THE ULTIMATE SANDWICH

SHOWDOWN

Ray & Mike’s? The Corner Deli? Debate has raged since the dawn of time about who has the better sub. Well, the Chronicle decided to stack ‘em up, pound for pound, in a no-holds-barred sandwich showdown. We took four of our most refined sandwich eaters, gave them a blind taste test and asked them to size up the classics. You might be surprised at the results. The Judges: The Winning

Sandwiches:

Cassie Comeau

Lenny Neslin

Matt Busekroos

Nicole Celli

BUFFALO CHICKEN:

Draw 2 votes apiece

Ray & Mike’s

The Corner Deli

“I’m not really a fan of buffalo chicken, or anything spicy for that matter. If I had to choose, I say that No. 1 (The Corner Deli) was better.”

“No. 2 (Ray & Mike’s) tasted as good as it looked. The chicken had sufficient buffalo sauce on it and I tasted the spice as soon as I bit into it.”

“For those seeking spice, go with No. 1 (The Corner Deli). For those looking for conformity and less heat, go with sub No. 2 (Ray & Mike’s).”

“No. 2 (Ray & Mike’s) had sauce on it, and felt more like what a buffalo chicken sandwich should look and taste like. Good flavor.”

STEAK AND CHEESE:

The Corner Deli

4-0

Ray & Mike’s

The Corner Deli

“There seemed to be too much bread and not enough steak in No. 2 (The Corner Deli). You could taste the cheese more in this one than in the (Ray & Mike’s). The bread was about the same. The steak seemed to have much more flavor than the (Ray & Mike’s) and balanced out with the cheese.”

“(The Corner Deli) blew me away; it was the exact opposite of the (Ray & Mike’s). Grilled steak and cheese filled every bite. The bread was only there to hold the sandwich together, as it should be, and it did a great job. It could’ve just been my sample, but my sample contained far more meat and less bread.”

“I wasn’t expecting this result, but it made me realize that if you want a decent steak and cheese sandwich, The Corner Deli may be the best place to go. This bread is better suited for a steak and cheese sandwich. Could use more cheese, but didn’t have as much of a “burnt” taste as (Ray & Mike’s).”

“I had a feeling the second one was from The Corner Deli. Their sandwiches are usually filled to the max and a little greasy, and of course really good. The steak tastes more charred and flavorful. It was extra cheesy and a little greasier than the other one, which I think a steak and cheese should be.”

CHICKEN PARMESAN:

The Corner Deli

4-0

Ray & Mike’s

The Corner Deli

“I was shocked by this reveal as well. I’ve never had chicken parm at either place, but I know my roommates love the chicken parm at Ray & Mike’s. I thought the (The Corner Deli) one was much better than (Ray and Mike’s). It was extremely flavorful. The chicken was extremely tender.”

“I needed a napkin, and it was worth it. The (The Corner Deli) hit on the three key ingredients of a chicken parmesan sub: chicken, marinara sauce and cheese. I’d rather have lacking bread and a surplus of the three keys, and that’s what I got. While I liked both, I felt more satisfied by the sandwich from The Corner Deli.”

“Overall, there were clear differences between the two. I felt (The Corner Deli) was more satisfying. Nice and moist, which is good. Slides down my throat with ease. Kind of melted in my mouth. Could’ve used a bit more spice. There was more spice to the (Ray & Mike’s), but didn’t necessarily add anything to it.”

“The Corner Deli all the way. This wasn’t a contest at all. I really expected more from Ray and Mike’s. I think The Corner Deli is often overshadowed by Ray and Mike’s, especially since Ray and Mike’s is closer to the campus and therefore more easily accessible. However, I think The Corner Deli really made a name for itself in our challenge.”

Orientation The Chronicle

Boomer has become a staple at the TD Bank Sports Center since his introduction in November 2002.

Summer 2011

Charlotte Greene / Chronicle

BABY BOOMER The story behind QU's Bobcat Whether driving up to the York Hill campus or pumping up the crowd during athletic events By Phil Nobile at the TD Bank Sports Center, News Editor Quinnipiac’s ferocious mascot Boomer the Bobcat catches the eye of students and adults alike. More than eight years ago, Quinnipiac introduced Boomer to the world, and has since become Bobcat nation. “I think Boomer is really the icon of the University, especially now in terms of what the school has done with the athletic department,” said Andrew Mallardi, a 2004 alumnus and the first Boomer in school history. Mallardi entered Quinnipiac in 2000 as the school began its transformation from “college” to “university” because of new academic offerings. Another big change occurred after the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights recommended in April 2001 that all schools using Native American mascots or nicknames (like the Quinnipiac Braves) change to something less offensive. The commission declared the mascots were “false portrayals that encourage biases and prejudices that have a negative effect on contemporary Indian people.” According to Director of Athletics and Recreation Jack McDonald, Quinnipiac went without a nickname from December 2001 to August 2002 due to the recommendation. “We thought it was a prime time to take a look at the nickname ‘Braves,’” McDonald said. Students were a major factor in the decision, according to McDonald. Multiple mascots were considered, including Coyotes and Jaguars. However, the deciding committee felt few schools shared the Bobcat as a mascot. “It’s very hard to show school spirit using Native American icons and school imagery,” McDonald said. “It has really been enhanced by changing the name to Bobcats.” According to the fall 2002 issue of Quinnipiac Magazine, the mascot change from Braves to Bobcats cre-

ated an identity that “more fully captures the energy and enthusiasm of Quinnipiac athletics,” President John Lahey said in an article. Mallardi experienced the transition first-hand when he came out as Boomer at Midnight Madness that year. “It was around November (2002) when they revealed Boomer, and it was in the gymnasium after they just redid it. Everyone was there, all the teams and captains were all lined up,” Mallardi said. “Running out when they announced it was just amazing. It’s just here’s the mascot for the rest of this institution’s life, just pretty incredible.” Boomer, however, isn’t just one person. It takes a team of up to 15 people to maintain the image of Boomer–everything from costume care to mascot training. “This is my first year here working with Boomer, and it’s definitely a lengthy process,” said Matthew Calcagni, athletic ticket manager at the TD Bank Sports Center. “It’s a team effort that we try to get everyone involved with.” The team of Quinnipiac employees, student workers, and Hamden volunteers create everything related to Boomer. The actual workers in the suit go through tryouts, training and lessons in “mascot etiquette,” meeting the charismatic needs of a mascot over time. “It’s really difficult; just imagine having a large head and feet,” Calcagni said. “In the past years, we’ve had one incident where the head popped off, but it was in front of a smaller crowd so not too many kids were scarred by it.” Along with in-game appearances, Boomer is seen as a member of the Hamden community, making appearances at local youth leagues and other public events, according to Calcagni. Whether at an event in Hamden or courtside cheering on the Bobcats, Boomer’s influence is expanding farther than Quinnipiac, into Connecticut culture itself. “To me, he represents Quinnipiac,” Calcagni said. “He is Quinnipiac.”

Between being the Braves and the Bobcats, Quinnipiac was without a mascot for nine months in 2002.

Orientation QUChronicle.com

Summer 2011

FUNDAMENTAL

By Catherine Boudreau

FITNESS

Going to the gym is a lot easier at college, since it’s less than a 10 minute walk away and it’s free. Getting there is the first step, but where do you go from there? Knowing what type of workout routine best suits your lifestyle is tough - especially if you are like me and played sports in high school and therefore have no clue how to work out on your own. But when it comes to being physically fit, there are only a few basic components.

STEP 1

Cardiovascular Endurance

Cardiovascular endurance, otherwise know as “cardio,” means getting your heart rate up and sustaining that heart rate for an extended period of time. Each person’s ideal form of cardio is different; you have a lot of options to choose from. Choose an activity that you enjoy, so you can tolerate it at least four times a week. Treadmills, elliptical trainers, StairMasters and intramural sports all get your heart pounding and qualify as cardio exercise. If you are a beginner, start by doing 10-20 minutes of cardio four to six days a week and keep increasing until you reach 30 minutes per session. This is the basic recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Once you’ve made it to 30 minutes, increasing the intensity level is the next step. The harder you work, the more the workout will pay off.

STEP 2

Muscular fitness Muscular fitness is the ability to produce force for brief and extended amounts of time. Weight training is known to increase muscle mass, strength and endurance. To increase muscle strength, perform a low number of repetitions using heavy weights. To increase muscle endurance, perform a high number of repetitions using lighter weights. Try to weight train two to three non-consecutive days a week, doing eight to 12 reps in sets of three. This applies to anyone trying to build muscle in their arms, legs, abs, and any other main muscle group. Squats, lunges, calf raises and the leg press machine are excellent ways to build muscle strength in the legs. “Include both cardio and strength training in your weekly routine but not at the same time,” athletic instructor Susan Henderson, a professor of chemistry, said. “Change your routine periodically to create muscle confusion to get the most benefit from strength training, and always build in time to rest the muscles so they can repair and grow stronger.” When using heavy weights, allow at least two minutes of rest in between sets. Only about 30 seconds is needed when using lighter weights.

Who was your Apollo Night winner? Tell us at QUChronicle.com.

STEP 3

Flexibility Flexibility is another very important part of physical fitness. Stretching is the most common exercise to improve range of motion. Improving flexibility can help your balance, posture and the circulation of blood and nutrients throughout your body. It also reduces muscle soreness and the risk of injury. The most common form is static stretching, which is locating a particular area, extending it to a position of mild discomfort, holding for 10-30 seconds and releasing. For each targeted muscle group, do three to four repetitions.

-Photos by Charlotte Greene

Orientation The Chronicle

Summer 2011

Ilya Spektor / Chronicle

A depleted student section and a tired Quinnipiac team watches Denny Kearney’s shot from the other end trickle into the net. Quinnipiac had pulled its goalie to create a 6-on-3 advantage while trailing 5-1 late in the third period, and Kearney flipped a 175-footer into the empty net for his second goal of the game.

THAT EMPTY FEELING Yale sweeps regular-season rivalry in dominating fashion

Yale at the TD Bank Sports Center until Feb. 18. Few students stood for the The Bulldogs came hard at the third period, as Yale led 5-1. Many Bobcats. So hard that one Yale slap had left already. shot even sailed through QU’s net. Quinnipiac head coach Rand The Bulldogs, ranked third in Pecknold said the team wasn’t fothe nation, trounced the Bobcats in cused mentally. humiliating fashion, 6-1, in front of “We didn’t have a good minda student section that set tonight,” he said. 6 “We’re a young hockey dwindled as the game Yale progressed. Quinnipiac Quinnipiac 1 team, and we were very had never fallen against archrival immature the whole game.” By Lenny Neslin Editor-in-Chief

MATT EISENBERG, AL VALERIO / Chronicle

The Quinnipiac-Yale hockey game is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. In the last meeting, Yale trounced QU, 6-1.

Orientation QUChronicle.com

Summer 2011

TRIPLETTHREAT ‘We wouldn’t have been able to split up’ By Kelley Davies Staff Writer

ith “RUNABC” personalized on their Pennsylvania license plate, Amanda, Brianna, and Christina Faust, '14, drove three hours from their hometown, Macungie, Pa., to run for the Quinnipiac women’s cross country team. “The first time we came here, we loved it,” Amanda said. The blond-haired Faust triplets, nicknamed “ABC” due to their initials, first heard about Quinnipiac from former Quinnipiac cross country runner Heather Hoffman. Hoffman graduated from the same high school as the triplets, Emmaus High School in Emmaus, Pa. “We knew her mom, and her mom had always told us that Heather loved Quinnipiac,” Christina said. “Her mom said, ‘You need to go check this place out.’ ” Head coach Carolyn Martin, also a former Quinnipiac cross country runner, was a teammate of Hoffman’s. “[Hoffman’s] parents were very friendly with the whole program,” Martin said. “They were the ones who first brought the triplets to our attention. They said, ‘I have triplets for you.’ ” The Fausts were on Quinnipiac’s radar ever since they were freshmen in high school. “We followed them for a while,” Martin said. “My assistant, Roy Harrison, followed them more solely throughout their career. We were thrilled once we knew they were very interested.” Not only did Quinnipiac’s cross country team interest the triplets, but the Physician Assistant Program also contributed to their decision to come to Quinnipiac. The 19-year-old Faust triplets have been together ever since they were born. They were named in the order in which they were born. Amanda, the oldest of the trio, was born at 10:27 p.m. on Sept.

Charlotte Greene / Chronicle

The Faust triplets (Christina, Brianna and Amanda) were top recruits for Quinnipiac’s cross country team.

15, 1991, while Brianna followed at 10:28 and then Christina at 10:30. Having been together their entire lives, their college decision came as no surprise. “We wouldn’t have been able to split up,” Christina said. “We are really close. When it came to college, we wanted to stay together.” They came to Quinnipiac as a unit, but they are not completely together when it comes to housing arrangements at Quinnipiac. During their freshman year, they are scattered among three different residence halls: Commons, Dana, and Ledges. “The first week was so rough,” Brianna said. “We would call each other to say goodnight.” The trio seems to do everything together. They also played soccer until seventh grade, Amanda said. “We were soccer players, but all the soccer teams were filled up, so our guidance counselor said, ‘Why don’t you girls run cross country to

stay in shape for soccer,’ ” Amanda said. “We did and we found out we liked it.” Christina added: “Back home, running is a big thing with clubs. It’s a huge running community.” The triplets helped Emmaus

win the last three Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Girls Cross Country Team Championships. As teammates and siblings, the triplets rarely ever fight with each other.

“We have our moments and it’s over stupid stuff,” Christina said. “We will be mad at each other for like five minutes.” They seem to get along well and serve as a good support system for each other, especially during races. The sisters run together in the summer, but sometimes it can become a race of their own. “We push each other,” Christina said. “It makes us faster in a workout or even in a race.” The triplets pushed each other to finish in A-B-C order at the Quinnipiac Invitational Tournament. Amanda, who was recently named NEC Rookie of the Week, finished in second place with a time of 18:41 in the 5,000-meter race. Brianna and Christina followed close behind with times of 18:53 and 19:03, respectively. “We always try to stick together,” Christina said. “Amanda is usually the faster one. Brianna and I try to stick up with her, I try and stick up with Brianna.” Christina has found participating in collegiate cross country to be overwhelming. “As a freshman, you feel like a little fish in a big pond,” Christina said. “But to have [your sisters] in the race too, it’s really fun.”

From left to right: Amanda (2nd place), Brianna (3rd) and Christina Faust (4th) race toward the finish line in the Quinnipiac Invitational on Sept. 18, 2010. Charlotte Greene / Chronicle

Orientation The Chronicle

money in the

Summer 2011

BANK

Sports center a necessary companion to a growing school By Chris Leary Former Online Sports Editor If you make your way out onto the viewing deck of the TD Bank Sports Center you will be overcome by a view which allows you to gaze over New Haven and make out the Long Island Sound. However, the view surrounding the facility is nothing compared to what is inside of it. The TD Bank Sports Center opened on Jan. 27, 2007, and hosted the Long Island University men’s basketball team in the building’s first event. The game’s ending was fitting, as the Bobcats prevailed in overtime by a score of 73-71. The TD Bank Sports Center was the first finished complex in the construction of the York Hill campus. The addition of the TD Bank Sports Center is vital for the future of Quinnipiac athletics, according to Director of Athletics

Quinnipiac basketball’s home court

and Recreation, Jack McDonald. “It is absolutely crucial to have these new facilities from a recruiting standpoint,” McDonald said. “It gives us such a sizable advantage over the other teams in our conference. It shows how committed the university is toward athletics.” The TD Bank Sports Center is a $52 million state-of-the-art complex with every amenity imaginable. The building is divided into separate basketball and hockey arenas joined by a main lobby that not only serves snacks, but serves as a gateway to every part of the building. Below the lobby are locker rooms, lounges, weight training facilities, training rooms and offices. All four teams that play in the TD Bank Sports Center have their own team lounge and locker room. “This is top of the line,” Sports Information Director Ken

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Sweeten said. “It was important for the facility to be equitable for all teams and genders. The hockey and basketball locker rooms are well above average in size compared to other schools. There are many high-profile Division I programs that don’t have the type of facilities that we do. Some visiting teams have laughed because our away locker

“It is absolutely crucial to have these new facilities from a recruiting standpoint.”

--Jack McDonald, Director of Athletics

rooms are better than their initial home locker room.” Connected to the locker rooms are the team lounges. Each lounge has its own plasma television and couches – a comfortable way for the team to relax when studying film. Outside of the locker rooms and lounges is a topof-the-line weight training room. The weight room can be used by athletes on their own, or when working with Brijesh Patel, the strength and conditioning coach. Above the hockey arena are luxury boxes, set aside for members of The University Club. Along with a viewing deck outside, the luxury boxes contain a service bar and plasma televisions.

The type of excellence displayed by the TD Bank Sports Center is exactly what was envisioned when the facility was decided on in 1995. “It has been a long process,” Sweeten said. “The Board of Trustees voted on it, and then a year later in 1996, we declared our intent to go Division I. It took eight years to start digging and raise enough money, but it’s obvious that every penny was worth it.” The TD Bank Sports Center has already hosted other important events besides athletics, including the 2009 fall concert played by Third Eye Blind and the 2011 spring concert played by Ke$ha. “The concert was a success,” Executive Director of the TD Bank Sports Center Eric Grgurich said. “We plan to have all future concerts in this arena, which will hopefully include some brand name performers.”

Quinnipiac hockey's home ice

The sports center also hosted the 2008 Women’s NIT tournament, which was the first national tournament ever hosted by Quinnipiac University. “We hope that along with some winning sports programs that we can get additional ticket sales through events such as this,” Grgurich said. The parking garage should helped improve local support. The four-year-old sports facility is a masterpiece that represents Quinnipiac University’s devotion to its current students, along with its prospective students. With the completion of the 250-acre York Hill Campus, Quinnipiac University will have facilities that many schools can only dream about. “There is no comparison to our new facilities,” McDonald said. “It’s something to be extremely proud of.”

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