Issue 10.21.15

S A C R E D

H E A R T

U N I V E R S I T Y

“SHEDDING LIGHT ON CAMPUS NEWS SINCE 1983”

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

INTHISissue

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F A I R F I E L D ,

C O N N E C T I C U T

VOLUME 35, ISSUE 5

Round One: Democratic Showdown Begins In first debate, Democratic presidential candidates take on big issuses - and each other

HE SAID/ SHE SAID

Melanie and Anthony discuss handling breakups

SOCIAL MEDIA SECURITY

How “private” are social media accounts and their impact on job prospects

FOOD REVIEW

Review of Fairfield’s Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill

FALL DANCE SHOW

A recap of the dance ensemble’s annual Harvest Variety Show

CHARLES GRODIN

Actor Charles Grodin visits campus and shares advice & experiences with students

CLUB BASEBALL

The team shares preparations for the upcoming spring season

TWEETS of the Week @MeaganLowlell “I need Chips pancakes in my life.”

@SamanthaMayss “Went home for Columbus Day break and upgraded my college kitchen set to not one, but now two cereal bowls”

@MikeMazzilli23 “Still very pissed that Merritt doesn’t have mac and cheese bites anymore.”

“Tweets of the Week” are taken from a public forum on Twitter. Tweets are opinions of the individual and do not represent the opinions of Sacred Heart University or The Spectrum Newspaper. If you want to see your Tweet in the newspaper, use the hashtag #ShuSpectrum and you may be featured!

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JOHN LOCHER, AP

HILLARY CLINTON LOOKS ON AS BERNIE SANDERS SPEAKS DURING THE CNN DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ON OCT. 13, 2015.

BY ALEXA BINKOWITZ Staff Reporter

On the evening of Oct. 13, all eyes were on the Democratic candidates of the 2016 presidential race as they discussed the political, social, and economic issues surrounding the upcoming election.

The five candidates, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Lincoln Chafee, Jim Webb, and Martin O’Malley, voiced their opinions on the major issues surrounding American society today.

“It was a lively and substantive debate and it was pleasing to see the candidates discuss important policy issues,” said Professor Gary Rose, Chairman of the Department of Government, Politics, and Global Studies.

There were many issues presented to the candidates during the debate, such as increased gun control, the legalization of marijuana, and climate change.

Some viewers were pleased with the way the debate played out, finding the discussion interesting and informative.

“Perspectives on these issues have direct bearing on a president’s agenda. These are the ‘bread and butter’ issues that really make a difference in the lives of the American people,” said Rose.

Sanders and Clinton were the prominent candidates involved in the discussion about the controversial issue of taxation of the rich in order to stabilize the lower and middle classes.

Sanders is in favor of increased taxation of the upper class in order to support small and medium sized businesses, while Clinton does not want to drastically change the system.

“It’s our job to reign in the excesses of

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capitalism so it doesn’t run amok, and doesn’t cause the kind of inequities that we’re seeing in our economic system,” said Clinton during the debate that was broadcasted by CNN and Facebook. “But we would be making a grave mistake to turn our backs on what built the greatest middle class in the history of the world.”

The candidates debated gun control laws, which have become an important issue due to the increase of shootings at schools.

Clinton argued that Sanders was not strict enough with gun control, and O’Malley, an avid supporter of increased control of the National Rifle Association (NRA), agreed.

“We have to look at the fact that we lose 90 people a day from gun violence,” Clinton said at the event. “This has gone on too long, and it’s time the entire country stood up against the NRA.” Sacred Heart University students who watched the debate felt that gun control was a necessary topic for the candidates to discuss, and agreed that there needs to be a change.

“Since the beginning of this year, there have been close to 300 mass shootings in our country. I never think it is a bad idea when candidates bring up the issue, as there needs to be a resolution as soon as possible,” said junior Sarah DeNisco. “There needs to be a strong force in the White House that doesn’t say ‘gun violence is a mental health issue,’ but advocates that there have to be stricter laws for anyone who buys guns. Tragedy will keep happening until a new policy and law occurs.”

The debate then turned to Clinton and her past issues with her unofficial government email usage.

Clinton had used her personal email account to conduct official government

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business.

“Hillary’s email controversy is relevant and I’m pleased it was discussed,” said Rose.

“Bernie Sanders seems to be missing the point concerning the relevance of Hillary’s conduct and how she chose to communicate as Secretary of State. The on-going email controversy provides a window into her behavior as a potential president.”

However, Sanders was more interested in debating the problems the country has as a whole, not just with Clinton’s emails.

“The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails,” said Sanders. “Enough of the emails. Let’s talk about the real issues facing America.”

Some students were also interested in the conversations about healthcare, which could change depending on which candidate will get elected.

“In my opinion, the most important topic they discussed was healthcare,” said sophomore Faith Leahy. “There are too many people in this country that are living without healthcare or don’t even have jobs to afford these high health care costs.”

Students were also able to connect to arguments that would directly affect their generation in the future.

“I think Clinton brought one of the most important issues of the night up when she criticized the Republicans’ attempt to defund Planned Parenthood,” said DeNisco. “If a president were to make this happen, the lives and health of thousands of women and their families would be put in jeopardy.”

Overall, the debate lasted about two hours and had a total of 15.3 million views, according to Fortune.com.

The 2016 presidential election will take place on Nov. 8, 2016.

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The Sacred Heart Spectrum

News

“

October 21, 2015

There needs to be a strong force in the White House that doesn’t say ‘gun violence is a mental health issue,’ but advocates that there have to be stricter laws for anyone who buys guns.

- Junior Sarah DeNisco

“

2 | News

Kerry: Foreign Presence Not Needed at Jerusalem Holy Site

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS MADRID (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday that a proposed international presence at the Jerusalem holy site at the center of escalating Israeli, Palestinian tension and violence is not needed.

Instead, he said what is needed is clarity over pledges by Israel to maintain the status quo at the hilltop compound revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest shrine and a key national symbol for the Palestinians.

“We don’t contemplate any change, but nor does Israel,” Kerry told reporters at a news conference in Madrid.

“Israel understands the importance of that status quo. What is important is to make sure everybody understands what that means. We are not seeking some new change. We are not seeking outsiders or others to come in ... “ “We need to have clarity,” he said.

France has proposed action at the United Nations that could see an international presence to ensure the status quo at the site, where Jews are allowed to visit but not to pray.

SEBASTIAN SCHEINER, AP Kerry noted that not only are the U.S. and Israel opposed ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS WAVE FLAGS AS ISRAELIS MARCH CELEBRATING JERUSALEM DAY IN MAY. to the move, so is Jordan, which governs the agreement that Israel was plotting to take over the area. Israel has stability. regarding the site. adamantly denied the allegations, saying there are no plans “Security and diplomacy go hand in hand,” Kerry said.

An Israeli official said France’s ambassador to Israel has to change the status quo and accuses the Palestinians of “There is not a time for one and then the other. There is an been summoned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry in the wake incitement by spreading the rumors. importance to both.” of France’s proposal.

Kerry will be meeting this week with Israeli Prime In addition to his meetings with Abbas and Netanyahu, Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Kerry also said he would be meeting this week in Europe Israel expressed its “firm opposition” over the French Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah and he said with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Russia proposal for a United Nations Security Council resolution they would be looking “to be able to find a way of making to discuss the crisis in Syria and the need for a political that would establish an international presence to ensure the certain that everybody is clear with what is happening with transition to end the conflict. status quo at the site, where Jews are allowed to visit but respect to the Temple Mount.”

“This is a human catastrophe unfolding before our eyes not pray.

He said it is imperative that all sides take urgent action and it is a catastrophe that now threatens the integrity of a Nahshon said Monday that Israel is opposed to any to end the “senseless” violence taking place in Israel and whole group of countries throughout the region,” he said. moves not coordinated or proposed jointly with Israel that the West Bank.

Kerry said his meetings on Syria would “work through related to the country’s “critical interests.”

Kerry, who plans to see Netanyahu in Berlin later this real and tangible options that could perhaps re-ignite the The Israeli spokesman says the French ambassador told week and meet with Abbas in Jordan over the weekend, political process and bring about political transition in Israeli officials that France is exploring different ideas to called on all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from Syria: a transition to a government that responds not to a tackle what he called “the continuing freeze in the peace actions that could escalate the situation. dictator’s whims but to the desperate needs and wishes of process.”

He also pushed back on suggestions that diplomacy the Syrian people.”

The current outbreak of violence was fueled by rumors should take a back seat to the immediate goal of restoring

Mac and Cheese So Good It’s Worth Jail Time

BY CHRISTIAN COLON Asst. News Editor

On Oct. 4, Luke Gatti, a student at the University of Connecticut, was arrested after demanding mac and cheese in the campus cafeteria while allegedly intoxicated.

A few days later a video was posted on Youtube showing Gatti yelling and pushing a cafeteria employee as a crowd of students and staff observed the confrontation.

“If I saw this situation occur, I probably would try to not get involved all together.

Getting involved would only make the situation much worse. I would have people of higher authority handle what is going on,” said junior Thomas Spierto.

According to the video, he was not only demanding food, but was also caught carrying an open bottle of alcohol. This was one of the reasons the employee urged Gatti to leave the cafeteria.

Sophomore Julia Vezza has known Gatti since middle school where they both attended Locust Valley High School in Nassau County, N.Y. “We always seemed to have English class together,” said Vezza. “I couldn’t believe someone I knew was in a video that went viral, but I wasn’t too surprised that it was him because he always had a bit of a temper.”

This wasn’t the first incident he was involved in that led to an arrest. According to NBC Connecticut, Gatti was arrested

twice in 2014. This was while he was a student at the University of Massachusetts, prior to enrolling at the University of Connecticut.

“I believe that the student getting arrested was acceptable. Being physical towards others and causing a commotion all for mac and cheese is no way to act in that situation,” said Spierto.

Spierto is a waiter in the Hearth Room, which serves as a dining room for faculty and staff at Sacred Heart University. He said that if he were caught in a similar situation where someone aggressively ordered food, he would try to calm the individual down and call for help from his superiors to take care of the situation.

“I would contact public safety so they can take care of it because all that matters is the safety of the students,” said Andy Welle, floor manager at 63’s dining hall. “I would try to be nice towards the situation.”

Gatti was charged with second-degree breach of peace and first-degree criminal trespassing.

On Oct. 11, a few weeks after the incident, Gatti posted an apology video where he said he regretted his decisions and admitted he shouldn’t have acted the way he did. He asked the manager and the university to forgive him along with anyone who was involved in the incident.

“Because of his bad reputation at his previous school, I did not believe anything he was saying in the apology video. His facial expressions had no sympathy,” said junior Rachel Profitt.

Sacred Heart Holds Annual Career Fair

BY CHRISTIAN CARTER Staff Reporter

Sacred Heart University held its annual Career Fair on Oct. 14 in the William H. Pitt Center.

Those in attendance had the opportunity to meet the organizations that could potentially hire them for full-time or parttime employment.

“This was one of my very first career fairs and it is very important to me that I come out and see what I can accomplish,” said sophomore Offutt Osaze Perry-Porter.

Students were able to gather valuable information needed for deciding on a major, or discovering a company that has additional internships or positions available.

According to a global email sent out by the Career and Development Center, 65 percent of the employers in attendance were interested in students from any major.

Some of the companies that were in attendance included Fox Rehabilitation, BIC, Connecticut State Police, World Wrestling Entertainment, Northwestern Mutual, Sikorsky Aircraft, and Prudential Financial.

The student body was encouraged to attend this year’s career fair, but some still felt that the options were limited.

“I feel as though the businesses here were biased, in regards to offering more opportunities for finance and business majors,” said sophomore Patrick Otojeareri. “I think if there were more

health field-related companies here, then a lot more students would attend and benefit from the career fair.”

Some students were able to make a connection with recruiters.

Otojeareri interviewed with a representative and obtained an internship position with a child care organization.

This position will allow him to explore the field of clinical psychology, while continuing to work with young children.

For Perry-Porter, the main organization that he was interested in was the city of Bridgeport.

“As a sociology major, there weren’t a lot of social work internships available, but I definitely talked to people who could lead me in the right direction,” said Perry-Porter. “One of my career goals is to establish myself in the community while taking more sociology courses to prepare and improve my abilities in the field.”

The event, which is usually held during the spring semester, was moved to the fall.

This career fair was the only universitywide career fair that the Career and Development Center would host for the academic year.

Attendees of this year’s career fair were required to dress in business attire and have their resumes available for employers or organizations interested in their credentials.

Not only does Sacred Heart provide its- students with access to a substantial amount of future employers, but provides students with a free opportunity to have a LinkedIn headshot taken by a professional photographer.

October 21, 2015

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Perspectives

Perspectives | 3

I Think It’s Time We Go Our Separate Ways He Said She Said ANTHONY...

MELANIE... ...

Maybe I’d be better at breakups if I had any meaningful or consistent relationships with people.

In fact, I should be a breakup expert considering how often I get dumped.

I have dated what could arguably be the next cast of “Orange is the New Black,” from schizophrenics to Republicans.

However, some way, somehow, they always end up breaking up with me.

If getting dumped was an Olympic sport, I’d be a two-time gold medalist.

I’ve been in therapy for long enough to know I’m not gonna stop getting dumped anytime soon.

What I have come up with in these years of bettering myself is a foolproof system of how to win at the breakup.

“But a breakup isn’t a contest...”

That is where you, my humble reader, are flawed. A breakup is one big contest of apathy. What I’m about to say is essential in order to make your ex regret they ever left you in the first place.

The first step to winning the breakup is to delete their number from your phone or rename their contact to something outrageous like “Gollum” or “Back Zits.” This way, there is no chance for a drunken call. Naturally, you also have to delete them on all social media. Your drunk and emotional self is very capable of navigating online communication and you don’t want to wake up to 30 unanswered DMs. Step two: Convince everyone the breakup was your idea. I know what you’re thinking. “Melanie, that’s lying.”

To that I must ask you to rethink the relationship. Did you really want to spend the rest of your life with someone who has toe fungus and orders a cocktail so obscure the bartender doesn’t even know how to make it? Yeah, the breakup was your decision.

The third step is to get up. You have a week to wallow. Yes, a week. I don’t care if he was the next George Clooney.

Don’t you dare put on sweatpants- that is admitting defeat. Do your crying at night, then get up, work out, do your hair and put some bronzer on. “Why am I glowing, you ask? It must be my newfound independence making me look so sexy.”

The fourth step to winning the breakup allows for relapse. We’re only human and I understand that breakups are depressing. Step four is your one pass to eat as much ice cream as Ben and Jerry’s pumps out and watch “The Notebook” with your friends. It’s a cinematic masterpiece, okay?

Step five is to meet new people. Now, the important part of this step is to ensure you document it. Since you’ve deleted your ex from all social media, they will rely on their friends to get all the details of your life. So if your ex has a friend who sees that you look bangin’ in a photo at the Star, your ex will know about it. Dalton said it best in his theory. Atoms cannot be subdivided, created, or destroyed, but ex boyfriends can. (This is science. Just trust me, don’t look it up).

The final step to winning the breakup is relishing in the fact that your ex’s new girlfriend is uglier than you.

This is my personal favorite step. That wedding they went to together? His tie didn’t even match her dress.

Winning at a breakup may sound like a petty thing to do. But fake confidence makes way for real confidence, and when your ex comes crawling back to say they miss you, you’ll have already moved on.

“So…where is this going?” a.k.a. five words all men dread hearing, and all women want the answer to.

These five words are also a popular catalyst in speeding up a typical breakup. Oh, breakups. Always easy, right?

No shot.

Somehow, despite having never been in what I consider a true, “serious” relationship, I’ve had to partake in at least one breakup with a girl (it may have been two, but I’m not quite sure about the other one).

Even with my lack of experience, it is still evident that the process is not an easy one.

Feelings can get bruised. And really, they do get bruised—about 98% of the time. My feelings were bruised when I didn’t recover one of my favorite sweatshirts from a high school “relationship,” but that’s a story for never.

Just thinking about what the end of a relationship entails gives me a headache. Like writing a last minute essay on 18th century monarchies at 3 a.m. headache.

If someone wants to do it the right way, there are a number of factors to ponder before dropping the bomb.

First of all, you don’t text her. If she deserved to have your attention, then she deserves a proper explanation, in person, on why she no longer has it.

Also, changing your Facebook relationship status is in no part of the world an acceptable way to inform someone that they’ve been dumped.

You have to take into account the other person’s feelings, if the other party wants to separate too, and if one should duck and cover for whatever wrath might come their way in the aftermath.

In reality, one’s “Let’s Breakup” Pow-

er Point presentation is likely to start a problem. There could be crying, and there could be an argument to complement it.

Maybe Jesus loves you a little more than the unlucky person who breaks up with someone who throws pots and pans when angry, and you escape with an “I understand. In fact, I agree. Let’s end it.”

Otherwise, have that Advil on deck.

Through casually studying other relationships, I find it’s important to see both sides of all situations, so as to keep my perspective sharp.

If I get involved with a girl, I don’t want to go into any argument sounding like an idiot. I want to sound educated.

I want to be presidential debate ready (minus the fake smile and American flag pin on a suit jacket).

Ending something with someone leaves me confused for a little while afterwards, no matter what side of it I’m on.

How do I greet the person when our paths cross again? Do I smile? Do I nod my head when I say hello, or do I wave my hand? Obviously my voice cracks, but that goes without saying.

After breaking it off with anyone, or being on the other end of the breakup, it just gets awkward for a bit. Big deal.

Life goes on and one day you wake up with a wife, kids, and a closet full of golf shirts.

All in all, I’m not an expert on breakups because I haven’t been through many. However, after this week, Melanie has unofficially dumped me because it took me so long to write this article.

Don’t worry, readers, she’s just kidding…I think.

Poet’s Corner...

“Fated Love”

~Freshman Megan Roebuck~ Your tempting lips with their rosy tints, My love, I long to see you smile at me.

Your eyes with their mischievous glint How they do sparkle like the bluest sea.

Your arms are a protective vine, they shield Me from the worst this world has ever known.

With your love, my fragile heart you have healed, And from your love, trust, and friendship I have grown.

Our love is so fierce some thought it to be eternal.

But love, no matter how strong, can’t save us all.

Fate, her hand so fierce she makes our love curdle.

Even the mightiest of love will fall.

My love is now gone, how could I never see That our damning fate was something in me?

“Room full of Darkness"

~Junior Bailey Paquette~ Tongues tied, minds blind, the walls closing right in on me.

I can feel my lungs collapsing with coldness swallowing me.

Room full of darkness and nothing to see, but it feels like I have a million eyes staring at me.

Even though I'm all alone, it didn't seem just quite, I feel my mind pounding to be free of fright.

In the darkness you feel alone and unbothered, but the thoughts in your head is pouring out just like water.

Even though water is flowing and free, my mind is not it's full of greed.

Room full of darkness and nothing to see, all you can hear is the mind running in circles, trying to escape thee.

4 | Perspectives

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Perspectives

Online Presence

BY ANTHONY MATTARIELLO Staff Reporter In this day and age, people are obsessed with their presence on social media.

“Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram. All day, everyday,” said sophomore Nicholas D’Angelo.

But sometimes students forget who can view their online profiles and what they post cannot be permanently deleted.

“If my employer ever got a hold of anything I post online, then I would be in a lot of trouble,” said junior Luke Schiele.

Other students are actively mindful of what they post on social media.

“Only dumb people post dumb things that could affect their job and I’m not one of them. I know for a fact that I won’t lose a job because of some drunken picture that was posted on Facebook,” said freshman Christopher Becker.

As much as students are using social media, so are many national companies.

Often, a potential employer will search an interviewee on Facebook before making any final hiring decisions.

Does this mean students should have private social media accounts? And how private is really private?

The “private” setting on most social media forums means that only one’s “friends” can see what has been posted.

Students have plenty of reasons to have private social media accounts. “My social media accounts are private. I only want people I trust seeing my online activity,” said senior Brian Crean.

“My accounts are definitely private.

No matter what you post you don't need strangers seeing it for protective reasons along with future employment opportunities,” said junior Cailey Smith.

Some students would rather keep their posts open to everyone.

“My profile is open to the public. I

October 21, 2015

Farewell to Facebook

frankly don’t care what I post online.

I know that if I apply for a job and I’m what they are looking for, they are not going to refuse me because of a picture I put up in college,” said sophomore Nicholas D’Angelo.

Others believe public knowledge is appropriate at some times more than others.

“I keep mine on public, but if I was getting an important job that I wanted to keep I’d switch them to private,” said freshman Bryan Brown.

In today’s work environment, bosses and co-workers might rely on social media as a form of communication in the workplace as well as an opportunity to get to know their staff better. This can be both positive and negative depending on the situation.

“I don’t think it’s a great idea to be friends with your boss online because things you post are usually not considered to be professional. I would only be friends with my boss on LinkedIn,” said junior Emily Mignogni.

LinkedIn is a professional online forum where people can post their resume and look for jobs.

“I think it’s a bad idea to friend your boss or your co-worker. But personally I would because I don’t really post anything online. If I do happen to post something, I make sure that it is appropriate so it doesn’t create any controversy,” said junior Kaitlyn McNicholas.

Some people believe that certain social media platforms allow them to be more liberal with what they post.

“I am well aware of what I post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. I am a huge Snapchat fan though, so my friends typically see all sides of me there,” said McNicholas.

BY JENNIFER BAUCH Staff Reporter All good things must come to an end, but is that ending coming soon for Facebook?

“I feel that Facebook is deteriorating,” said senior Valentina De Santis.

Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook took the social media world by storm.

Through pictures, messaging, and status updates, people are able to connect instantly with friends and family from around the world in just seconds.

Although Facebook has become the world’s most favored social media site, other sites such as Twitter and Instagram have increased in popularity, which has created a challenge for Facebook.

Some students at Sacred Heart University feel that Facebook is not a preferred site among college students anymore and may come to a complete end as well.

Senior Kara Levine said, “I think that Facebook is becoming more for older generations. People my age are still using Facebook and it is a still a popular social media site but I feel like it is soon going to become a thing of the past, just like Myspace.”

With the rise and fall of popular blogging and social networking sites in the past like Myspace and Xanaga, some students feel that Facebook may be facing a similar decline in popularity soon.

“Instead of uploading pictures on Facebook, more people would rather use Instagram to share their photos and connect with others,” said De Santis. “I find myself using other social media sites over Facebook more often.”

Some students at Sacred Heart create profiles on social media sites for the intent of personal use only.

These are mainly sites that were created for professional networking and have become popular among students.

Senior Amanda Forlenza said, “Besides Facebook, I use Instagram and Twitter to socialize with friends.

On a professional level, I use LinkedIn to network myself and connect with other Sacred Heart students professionally.”

“LinkedIn allows me to present my skills and qualifications to potential employers and is a great way to meet business professionals.”

While some students feel that Facebook has come to an end for the college generation, there are also some students that feel Facebook is not over just yet.

Junior Morgan Carolan said, “I don’t think Facebook is coming to an end, for now at least. Being away at school, Facebook allows me to stay connected with my family that I do not get to see as often.”

Facebook has many useful aspects that other social media sites do not offer.

“It is also a popular site to organize and inform people about upcoming events, and I feel it is the easiest way to communicate and stay connected across campus,” said Carolan.

How Do You Exercise?

BY ILARIA DEANGELIS Staff Reporter Exercise is one of the most important things for mental and physical health, and finding the time and motivation to work out is crucial, especially for college students.

With homework, exams to study for, and extracurricular activities, the average college student has difficulty finding the time to work out.

However, with so many opportunities to get involved with exercise on campus, students are encouraged to fit exercise into their busy schedules.

ILARIA DEANGELIS/ SPECTRUM Assistant Director of Recreation and Intramurals STUDENTS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SMALL GYM AT SCHOLARS Liz McGreevy shared her knowledge of the many COMMONS fitness classes to get involved in on campus, as well as break from it all.” how beneficial the Pitt Center facilities are to Sacred “I like to run because it clears my head and relieves Heart students. my stress. It also puts me in a really good mood and “We have 10 different types of classes that are ofgets me ready for my day,” said sophomore Jacqui fered: yoga, zumba, cardio craze, spinning, abs, total body, core, fitness reboot, boot camp, and barre,” said Krebs.

Krebs and classmate Heather Coken are avid users McGreevy. “The instructors are quality professionof the Pitt Center facilities, and have observed who als and they love what they do. They love teaching at tends to use the Pitt Center more.

Sacred Heart. Plus, anything to get out and be well “I don’t see as many upperclassmen at the Pitt, is important. Students are faced with the stresses of definitely more lowerclassmen,” said Coken. academic and social life, and the fitness classes, or a “The Pitt is the only gym that underclassmen have good workout at any of our fitness centers, are a nice

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access to, and the upperclassmen are able to get to other workout facilities and have their own gym memberships.”

With many fitness classes to get involved in, the hope is for all students to take full advantage of these free classes.

“I exercise three or four days a week, but I would like to be going to the gym five or six times a week,” said senior Joe Heenan.

“The classes are not as full as we like to see them,” said McGreevy. “We just bought some new accessories, which should improve some of the classes – yoga blocks, Swiss balls, jump ropes. I hope to get some foam rollers and bands too.”

“Aside from fitness classes, I think the Pitt Center is the busiest it has ever been. The equipment is in constant use. We are having all the equipment in all the dorms repaired and maintained, so I hope that will help encourage students to check out the smaller centers in some of the dorms, such as Roncalli, CWC, Scholars, and Park Ridge,” said McGreevy.

"I see more women lifting which is great! I have been asked about Cross Fit and Body Pump, which may be options in the future,” said McGreevy.

SHUSpectrum Newspaper

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October 21, 2015

meetTHESTAFF EDITOR IN CHIEF EMILY ARCHACKI 2016 MANAGING EDITOR MELANIE HOLEC 2016 COPY EDITOR JESSICA CHALOUX 2017 COPY EDITOR BILLY SANCHEZ 2016 NEWS EDITOR ALLY D’AMICO 2016 NEWS EDITOR GABBY NUTILE 2017 ASST. NEWS EDITOR CHRISTIAN COLON 2017 PERSPECTIVES EDITOR MELANIE VOLLONO 2016 ASST. PERSPECTIVES EDITOR GIOVANNA GATTO 2018 FEATURES EDITOR NICOLE CANNIZZARO 2016 ASST. FEATURES EDITOR MARINNA DESANTIS 2016 A&E EDITOR NATALIE CIOFFARI 2017

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Editorials

Editorials | 5

Calling All Members of White Girl Nation MARINNA DESANTIS ASST. FEATURES EDITOR

After a long, hot six months the best kind of weather is finally upon us – sweater weather. White girls look forward to fall and everything that comes along with it. I, in fact, am one of these girls and am not afraid to admit it. It’s something about the crisp air, pumpkin-flavored everything, and layers upon layers of clothing that make me want to roll around in a pile of leaves.

It’s officially time for #whitegirlnation to stand up because this is our time of year. Time to trade in our maxi skirts and gladiators for our new leggings, sweaters, and boots – and race to the pumpkin patch to post the first Instagram of the year. Because why else do we really go pumpkin picking?

Sundays are another essential part of a white girl’s ideal fall. I for one, can say my housemates and I live for Sundays.

Waking up, staying in our pajamas all day, and eating just about everything in sight. That’s what big sweaters are for, right? Our bikinis are being packed away until the infamous Cancun spring break trip, which seems like an eternity away. So why not use the time to indulge in apple cider donuts?

Next on the agenda for your average white girl is the daily trip to Starbucks before class because you need, not want, a pumpkin spice latte. Or anything pumpkin flavored for that matter. Then, when you’re getting out of night class and your pumpkin levels are running low – you sprint over to Red’s hoping there’s Shipyard on tap.

Flannels are probably the most essential part of a white girl’s fall wardrobe. You can dress it up with thigh high boots and a fur vest, or dress it down with high-top converse. For a little styling a la Jessie James Decker, a bandana is the perfect accessory. And

to transform into a full blown Decker enthusiast, an Eric Decker

by Kittenish tee should at all times be worn under the flannel while the Jets are playing.

Trips to Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works are tripled during this time of year. If the smell of an apple/pumpkin/ cinnamon paradise doesn’t smack you in the face, there’s probably not enough candles burning. And after a trip to the bathroom, it’s not abnormal to see someone obsessively smelling his or her hands.

In just a few short weeks it’s time to put a year’s worth of planning into a reality; Halloween of course. Every girl on campus is scrambling to find an outfit, or four, when in reality 50% of Sacred Heart girls will probably be a cat or a mermaid.

How original, right? If you’re lucky enough to actually be original, however, show up at Red’s next Wednesday in your best costume to win Ranger’s tickets. This is just another perfect opportunity for an Instagram photo-op. (Since everyone knows you don’t like hockey anyway.)

My personal favorite holiday of the fall, Friendsgiving, is just as much of a drinking holiday as it is an eating holiday. (Sorry for all you non-21 year olds). It’s much more enjoyable than your typical Thanksgiving with family. And last but not least, white girls need to make sure that anyone and everyone stepping into their house know that it is indeed fall. Sorry not sorry, my house was decorated October 1st on the dot.

ASST. A&E EDITOR HALEY TANELLA 2016 SPORTS EDITOR SHAWN SAILER 2017 ASST. SPORTS EDITOR ANTHONY SANTINO 2018 ASST. SPORTS EDITOR TAMARIC WILSON 2017 ADVERTISING MANAGER BRIDGET HUGHES 2016 WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER HALEY TANELLA 2016 PR & CIRCULATION MANAGER JENNA BILLINGS 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR FILIPE LOBATO 2016 ASST. PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR ALEXA BRISSON 2017 GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR GINA BATTAGLIA 2017 GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR JULIANNA DIDONATO 2017 FACULTY ADVISOR PROF. JOANNE KABAK

Before You Kick the Bucket JESSICA CHALOUX COPY EDITOR One day you find yourself entering freshman year of high school, anxious to start a new chapter in your life and in a blink of an eye it’s seven years later and you’re a junior in college. I’ll repeat that- seven years later. How seven years have already gone by, is mind blowing. It scares me to think that one day seven more years from now, I’ll look back and think the exact same thing.

Where has time gone? There is so much I want to do with my life; so much I want to accomplish. It seems like a long time to be able to fit in what I want out of life. But is it? What about in 50 years? Do I have that much time?

The first time I had heard of a bucket list was while I watched a film by the same name, “The Bucket List.” The movie stars Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson who play terminally ill men who decide to travel the world, completing adventures they wanted to experience before they “kicked the bucket.”

The concept of creating a bucket list was amazing to me. Writing down things I wanted to do before I died made me feel like anything was possible. I wrote a few simple ideas down such as

wanting to see Mount Rushmore and chopping down a Christmas tree. (That I knew I had wanted to do for a while.) Eventually more complex goals were added to the list motivating me to become a better writer and to make a difference. No matter how silly the idea was, I wrote it down.

I know many people who have created their own lists to interest themselves in being adventurous and to expand their expectations in their lives. As college students figuring out what we plan on doing for the rest of our lives, it might be hard to look past graduation day.

Even though there are many decisions to be made, try to focus on what you really want to do with the time you have left, how ever long that is. Life really is short, do what makes you happy and what goes beyond your normal way of life.

Creating a bucket list was surprisingly challenging, but made looking into the future less stressful and more of something to look forward to. It might take a miracle to get everything on my list completed, but who knows. I might actually be able to dance with Neil Patrick Harris one day.

The editorial page is an open forum. Editorials are the opinions of the individual editors and do not represent the opinions of the whole editorial board. Letters to the editor are encouraged and are due by Sunday at noon for consideration for each Wednesday’s issue. All submissions are subject to editing for spelling, punctuation, and length.

Letters to the editor should not exceed 400 words and should be e-mailed to spectrum@sacredheart.edu. The Spectrum does not assume copyright for any published material. We are not responsible for the opinions of the writers voiced in this forum.

6 | Features

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Features

October 21, 2015

Lobato In London

FILIPE LOBATO/SPECTRUM

BIG BEN IN THE FALL SUNLIGHT REALLY SHOWED HOW BEAUTIFUL IT REALLY IS. We got to our hotel, unpacked our bags, and though I am not a Chelsea fan, I am a soccer fan and to

BY FILIPE LOBATO immediately started exploring. We walked down the one hear about the club’s history and get to be on the pitch Photography Editor block and there it was: Westminster Abby and Big Ben. was an incredible experience.

Stunning works of architecture and just their overall Afterward, we met up with my mom at the Churchill Most people on Columbus Day Weekend go home and beauty greeted us on that wonderfully brisk Friday War Rooms. It is probably one of the most historic sites catch up on sleep, spend time with family, maybe even morning. in London during the modern era, as it showcases how catch up with some friends. I however did something I Obviously we looked like tourists because we started Churchill helped England fight and survive the Second never thought I would have the opportunity to do: have taking lots of pictures of everything. It also became World War. It also had a detailed timeline of Churchill’s a long weekend getaway to a foreign country. London, obvious that we were tourists when we started looking life and what he had achieved during his lifetime.

England was the final destination, and here I thought I towards the wrong side of traffic. Here in the United On the last day, we went to Harrods, quite possibly was going to Disney.

States, cars drive on the right side of the road, so we look the largest shopping center I have ever been to. It is a So before everyone starts freaking out let me explain to our left because oncoming traffic is coming from that luxurious shopping center that housed some of the best how this all went down and how I ended up down the direction. In London, they drive on the left side of the designer clothes for men and women. By that point in the block from Westminster Abby and good ol’ Big Ben. This road, so they have to look to their right because that is trip I had no money to spend, but I probably did not have summer my immediate family (Mom, Dad, and brother) where oncoming traffic is coming from. When I tell you enough money to spend on anything in any of the stores and I were supposed to go to Portugal to visit family and that you are not used to it and you never will be, I am anyway. friends. However, both my brother and I were working telling you that you will never be used to it. The amount Words cannot truly describe how amazing my trip was. and couldn’t make the time to go see family. My mom of time we stood at a sidewalk, making sure that no cars I am blessed to have been able to go and visit a city I was annoyed about it, but knew it wasn’t the end of the were coming, was embarrassing. have never been to, and being with my family made the world. She still wanted to do a family trip though, just the Anyway, we spent the rest of Friday exploring the experience all that much better. I saw a lot, but I have four of us. surrounding area, from seeing Buckingham Palace, to plenty to see and lot more to explore, so I hope to be back So she told my brother and I not to plan to go away going on the London Eye. At night, we went to the iconic one day. or do anything during Columbus Day Weekend because Wembley Stadium, where we watched the England something was in the works. I of course agreed and then national team beat Estonia 2-0 in soccer, and yes, the seats began to think where could we possibly be going. My were amazing. And yes, I had fish and chips and they mind went straight to Disney, because why not go to the weren’t half bad. “happiest place on Earth” with your family.

The next day, we planned on going on a trolley tour Instead, when I got home to celebrate my mom’s around London to get to London Bridge, Tower Bridge, birthday, she ended up having a surprise of her own. She The Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral. We revealed to my brother and I that we would be going to managed to see all those places, but we unfortunately lost London for Columbus Day Weekend. half of our day due to the fact that we tried to go on a tour Complete and total shock. I’m pretty sure I screamed bus to get there. It took too long and would have been out of sheer excitement (yes it was a manly scream). much quicker to just get a cabbie (they are called cabbies, Nevertheless, on Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m., I would be on a not cabs). plane, getting ready to go to the Old World and walk the The Tower of London was probably the best tour of any streets of London. place I have ever been to. Our tour guide was a beefeater, After a six-hour flight where I was able to watch ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London and mine “Inside Out” and nearly cry in a plane full of strangers, was particularly hysterical. He was a fantastic storyteller we arrived around 7:00 a.m. London time. There was and knew everything about the Tower and the surrounding a five-hour time difference, so it wasn’t the worst time area.

FILIPE LOBATO/SPECTRUM change I have had to deal with, but only being in London On Sunday, my dad, my brother and I went on a tour ENGLAND PLAYED WELL, BUT STILL HAD A LOT TO DO IN for a short amount of time would definitely take its toll, of Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club, ORDER TO GET THE WIN AGAINST ESTONIA. but it was all worth it. one of the many soccer teams London is home to. Even

October 21, 2015

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Features

Features | 7

Food Review: Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill

BY SPENCER STOVELL Staff Reporter

College students are often looking to find the next restaurant that won’t blow their budget and will provide a spot to hang out during the weekdays or weekends.

If you love food and want a comfortable place to dine, then you’ll enjoy Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill located in downtown Fairfield.

When I walked into Geronimo, I was pleased by how the hostess greeted me with a warm welcome into the establishment. The decor and lighting from the restaurant and bar instantly captured my attention as I made my way over to my table. Since it was a beautiful sunny afternoon I decided to sit outside on the patio that is attached to the restaurant.

The restaurant is reasonably attractive with displays of Native American artwork from J.D. Challenger and there is a mixture of different kinds of music played throughout the restaurant on both the first and second floor.

Geronimo is a fairly new restaurant in Fairfield and it has been open since January 2014. However, there is a second restaurant located in New Haven, Conn. with the same owners as the Fairfield location.

The main attraction of Geronimo is located in the back corner, known as the scorpion table. If you are 21 or older, you can make a reservation at this table, where you eat off

of a glass table top with live scorpions underneath.

Within two minutes my server walked over to my table to greet my guest and I with water and menus. As I was taking a look through the menu, I loved how there was a variety of options that provided something for everyone’s taste.

You can order a chicken or vegetable taco, a chicken or pork burrito, many varieties of soups and salads, or even a burger. The specials tend to change every night with an appetizer special, or a meat and fish special. The dessert menu also changes every now and then, serving either a brownie sundae or a chocolate lava cake.

Since Geronimo is known for being a tequila bar, they serve over four hundred different tequilas and mainly specialize in margaritas with additional cocktails and wine selections.

Two of the most admired dishes on the menu that costumers love coming back for is molcajete and grilled chicken quesadillas. The molecajete comes in a hot lava rock bowl with grilled steak, chorizo chicken, shrimp black beans, grilled red onion, grilled tomato, Oaxaca cheese, nopale, scallion and Chimayo chile broth. This dish might be something you’ll want to have as an appetizer, considering it is a large portion that can be shared with friends and family.

The grilled chicken quesadillas is another popular dish that customers truly love. It includes black beans, caramelized onions, corn, applewood smoked bacon

Fairfield Restaurant Recommendations

BY JOHN PARMENTER Contributing Writer

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana 238 Commerce Drive, Fairfield, CT, 06825

Frank Pepe’s pizza is well known throughout the state for making some of the best pizza you can get. If you are looking for a great time out with the family and having superb classic pizza, this is the ideal spot. “It is the original Napoletana style pizza, I like the old school pizzeria feel and it compliments nicely with the quality of pizza they have,” said senior Jared Aiken.

Frank Pepe’s offers multiple toppings for your pizza, everything from fresh clams and shrimp to the classic salami and sausage. Their staple pie is the white clam pizza, which is surprisingly excellent.

Martel Restaurant

2316 Post Road, Fairfield, CT,06824 Martel is a great local spot in Fairfield offering incredible French, American, and Italian dishes. The ambience creates a modest, tavern-style setting by serving simple yet superb dishes. They are a popular spot in the area on Friday and Saturday nights.

Personally, Martel is amongst one of my favorite places to eat in the area. During the spring time or even early fall is a great time to visit Martel’s for a nice meal. I highly recommend ordering either the

Mecha Noodle Bar

Brick Walk, 1215 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT, 06824 When I first ate at Mecha I noticed right away the atmosphere was really casual and the place has a cool vibe. The restaurant is on the smaller side, but does feature an open kitchen so people can see the chefs cooking. Mecha is a great spot to eat at in the winter and fall. You really cannot beat eating a bowl of hot homemade noodles on a cold day. I definitely recommend ordering the pork ramen. Trust me, these will be the best ramen noodles you will ever have.

I also recommend checking out the specials they have. For the quantity and portion size the meals are moderately priced. The ramen and phu noodle bowls are very filling and tasty.

(optional), Chihuahua cheese, smoked tomato sauce, and pico de gallo salad.

For students who are 21 and over, Geronimo stays true to its authentic tequila drinks, with price options ranging anywhere from $5 to $20.

I decided to order the kale salad with shrimp, priced around $17, and the famous grilled chicken quesadillas, which were $16. When our entrées arrived the portion of each dish was perfect, the quesadilla was displayed on a flat plate with four thin soft tortillas, with salad and a touch of tomato sauce on top. The kale salad was served in a bowl with six straight off the grill shrimp, gold beets, apple, dry cranberries, almonds, red onion, tortilla threads, and agave-Chimayo vinaigrette. Both entrées were delightful and will bring me back for more in the near future.

The prices on the menu can range from $7 to $32 per entrée. For a college student who is on a budget, this may not be the ideal restaurant to visit every week. However, I think you’ll want to treat yourself at least once. Geronimo is an entertaining atmosphere for college students. The location is perfect, parking is available at the back of the restaurant and it is open every day until 11:30 p.m. with the bar staying open even later, until 2 a.m.

This is a place to go to mingle especially during the weekends where the energy is vibrant and full of young adults. Geronimo Bar and Grill is located at 2070 Post Rd, Fairfield, Conn., 06824.

Veteran Spotlight United States Navy David Russo

BY NICOLE CANNIZZARO Features Editor

Pizzeria Molto

1215 Post Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824 Pizzeria Molto is a lively pizzeria with a trendy ambience. “I enjoy the small feel and the outside seating is great; the paninis are a must get as well,” said senior Sean Ramini.

The restaurant has a great outdoor seating section which makes it an ideal place during the spring and summer. Their menu is tapas style, meaning a group shares several small plates of food. This is very ideal for a nice family dinner where everyone shares a little bit of everything. The dishes are fairly priced but are very much worth it. Their pasta dishes are all excellent. I personally love the Pappardelle Bolognese and the Linguini Carbonara.

Chips Family Restaurant

525 Tunxis Hill Cut Off, Fairfield, Conn., 06825 Chips is an excellent classic family breakfast restaurant. According to their website they have been voted as having the best pancakes in Connecticut the past 8 years straight. “You don’t normally see a great variety of pancakes like them anywhere, and the omelets are a must get,” said senior Matt Morganelli. The meals at Chips are moderately priced and nice-sized portions. I definitely recommend ordering the cinnabon or bacon pancakes. The pancakes are truly the best, and taste as if they were just made from scratch.

David M. Russo, an E-3 in Supply Logistics, served on active duty from 2001 to 2005 and active reserve 2005 to 2009.

Q: What are your best memories of your service?

A: My fondest memories being in the Navy would have to be when I was first in Japan for my duty station and having to get used to life over there. Also, definitely meeting great people that I am still very close friends with today.

Q: What was the hardest part about transitioning back and forth?

A: The hardest part was that I had to play catch up with school, while most of my high school friends are already done with it.

Q: Why did you decide to go to college, and why did you choose Sacred Heart?

A: I chose to attend school because in this day and age you need a great education and more importantly a bachelor’s degree to get you going in the right direction.

I chose Sacred Heart especially because of how military friendly they were towards me, and I liked the fact that it is a small campus too.

Q: What is something you’d like people to know about young veterans like yourself?

A: I’d like them to know how hard it is to transition into civilian life and attend college after duty, especially when you are a lot older than everyone else.

Q: How did your family deal with you being in the service?

A: When I left for the Navy back in June 2001, my family missed me but I was always in contact with them, either through emails or phone calls. My father was in the Marine Corps for four years, so he was very proud of me when I told him I wanted to join the military.

Q: Has the Navy supported you since you’ve been in college?

A: There are a lot of programs that the Department of Veteran Affairs has to offer for a veteran to attend college, plus there are great incentives to attending school too.

Q: What is your major and what made you choose that?

A: My major is media communications with a concentration in public relations.

I chose this profession to study because I have experience in the military doing similar tasks. So I wanted to utilize my experience out in the civillian world.

Q: Do you have any regrets about your service, or your decision to attend college?

A: I never have had any regrets about my time in the Navy, but I wished now that I had stayed in.

Q: What are your plans after college?

A: My plan after college is to obtain a government job working with veterans that are making the difficult transition from military to civilian life.

Q: Do you want to serve again?

A: If I ever had the opportunity to serve again I would in a heartbeat.

8 | A&E

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

October 21, 2015

Arts & Entertainment Artist Corner

SENIOR KAITLYN KREITZMAN CREATED BOTH “WALL-E” (L) AND “CHRISTIAN SMOKING” (R) USING THE PAINT BRUSH TOOL IN PHOTOSHOP

KAITLYN KREITZMAN 2016 / SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY

Husk a Move

The Dance Ensemble’s Annual Harvest Variety Show

BY BRITTANY EGER Staff Reporter

On Saturday, Oct. 16, the Sacred Heart University Dance Ensemble performed their annual Harvest Variety Show in the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts. This event has been a tradition since the Dance Ensemble’s inception on campus.

The Dance Ensemble puts on two major performances every year - one during the fall semester, and one during the spring semester.

“The Harvest Variety Show is always exciting for the whole campus because they want to see what we have in store for each year,” said junior Dance Ensemble member Taylor McDonough.

For the Harvest Variety Show, The Dance Ensemble had worked on their pieces since the beginning of the school year. The group’s members rehearsed three times a week for two-hour time periods.

“It was very time consuming. Since I was choreographing a show with Suzanne, who is another member in the ensemble, I also had to take time out of my personal and school schedule to work on it. It was so

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crazy, but worth it,” said senior Dance Ensemble member Victoria Lettiero.

This show attracted a very large crowd. According to McDonough, the shows are usually at full capacity, with little to no seating left.

The show featured six dances from the Dance Ensemble.

Some of the songs included were by the Jonas Brothers, The Jackson Five, an Usher remix and an acoustic version of Beyoncé’s song, “Crazy in Love.”

The types of dances performed varied from jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap and kick-line dances. The ensemble also donned all new costumes and a cornfield backdrop for the stage.

“My favorite dance that I was in was ‘Burning Up.’ My best friend choreographed it and I’m so proud of her,” said McDonough.

However, the Harvest Variety Show did not only showcase the Sacred Heart Dance Ensemble’s work. The ensemble invited other dance organizations to perform as well, such as the Sacred Heart Dance Company, Ballroom Dance Ensemble, Irish Step Ensemble, Hip Hop Ensemble and a non-Sacred Heart hip-hop dance group called Mega Hurtz.

“It was fun and cool to be able to perform for the

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alumni, parents and students this weekend,” said junior Maggie Enright, who is a part of the Sacred Heart Dance Company and was invited to perform in the Harvest Show.

It was a chance for the audience to see all of the different dance programs that Sacred Heart has to offer; they were exposed to a wide variety of different dance styles and music.

The ability for students to choreograph dances is something that sets the Dance Ensemble aside from other dance organizations on campus, such as the Dance Team and Dance Company, whose instructors choreograph dances.

“This was the first time I choreographed a show. The girls were so great and I absolutely loved it. The show was amazing,” said Lettiero.

The Harvest Variety show was also performed on Tuesday Oct. 20.

All Sacred Heart students are welcome to join the Dance Ensemble, and no audition is required. If you are interested and looking for more information, you can visit sacredheart.edu, or contact the dance program’s director, Scott Alberti.

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October 21, 2015

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Arts & Entertainment

A&E | 9

“With A Little Help From SHU Friends” “A Really Big SHU” concert

BY MOLLY DILLON

Staff Reporter

ALEXA BRISSON/SPECTRUM

MADELEINE GOLDA & PROF. GOLDA PERFORM BEATLES HITS AT THE REALLY BIG SHU EVENT

On Friday, Oct. 16, Sacred Heart University kicked off its annual homecoming weekend with “A Really Big SHU,” a concert dedicated to the music of The Beatles.

The concert featured bands made up of Sacred Heart faculty, staff, and alumni performing well-known pieces of the Fab Four and other rock bands.

“I was a stage manager for the show, and making sure everything went smoothly was my main priority. All the bands were great. I mean, who doesn’t really like The Beatles?” said senior Carly Augustis-Kokoni.

The opening act, The Rising Tide Band, sang popular hits of The Beatles era including “Venus,” “Tainted Love,” “Hound Dog,” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” This was accompanied by the dancing of Sacred Heart’s own Father Buckles.

The Rising Tide’s members included Fred O’Brien on bass guitar, Andy Weinstein on keyboard and harmonica, Tony Pantuso on drums, Tom Mirabelle on guitar, Dina Scungio performing vocals and sax percussion, Ben Fitzpatrick on the alto saxophone and clarinet, Austin Lesu on trumpet, and featured Madeline Golda on vocals.

After Rising Tide finished performing, the band RPM came on and performed some of their favorite Beatles tunes including “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Hey Jude,” “Let it Be,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

RPM’s band members included Professor Joe Alicastro, Professor Sid Gottlieb, Professor Greg Golda, Madeleine Golda, Bill Haug, Chris Mastrocola, Professor Steven Michels, and Professor Mike Ventimiglia.

Before the band started, Professor Richard Grigg came on stage dressed as Sgt. Pepper and, as an introduction to the band, talked about why The Beatles will always play a large role in modern-day music. In the program, Grigg mentioned how The Beatles made an impact on the lives of many.

“The Beatles changed our music, our tastes in clothing, our vocabulary, and perhaps even our sensibilities about our fellow human beings,” said Grigg.

He also went on to say how The Beatles achieve artistic perfection with their last album “Abbey Road.” “Its melodies are inspired, its arrangements breathtakingly right, its singing and playing pitch perfect, and its production flawless,” said Grigg.

Professor Greg Golda, the show’s musical director and RPM performer, talked in the program about the genius writing style of Lennon and McCarthy.

“They were not just writing to express themselves; they wanted stardom,” said Golda.

He also mentioned how their impact is resonating with musicians today.

“The show started in 2014 when we played for the Beatles 50th anniversary on the Ed Sullivan show,” said Golda. “This one was done for homecoming and was a celebration of Lennon’s 75 birthday.”

The show finished with an encore from both bands.

“We combined both bands for the encore of our show when we played ‘Twist and Shout’ and rock and roll music,” said Golda.

The show’s success wouldn’t have been possible were it not for the help of Sacred Heart students and alumni, as well as the many employees and staff members of the Edgerton Center of the Performing Arts.

“I thought the show was really awesome, and I loved the showcase of The Beatles. I thought all of the performers and crew did an excellent job putting on the show,” said junior Cara Fusillo.

To find out more information about The Rising Tide and RPM, visit their websites at www.therisingtideband.com/ and http://rpmrocks.us/.

A Visit from Beethoven’s Finest

BY KELLY DALTON

Staff Reporter

On Thursday, Oct. 8 Charles Grodin was invited to Sacred Heart University to discuss his acting career in television, film, and theater. The event was held in the Martire Forum.

“This event came together very quickly, and like any event on campus or in the professional world - it takes a team of people. What was really exciting was for everyone across campus and in academics, student life, administration, and university public relations to come together to create this event in a short period of time,” said Assistant Professor Dr. Lori Bindig, who organized the event.

Charles Grodin began his career in the 1960s on a television show called “The Virginian.” Starting in the 1970s until present day, he has made many other appearances in movies.

Grodin is widely known for his role in comedy films like “Beethoven.” As for having a successful career, he said it was important to know the parts and characters for each production very well, and it was a great deal of work.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, many of his films have been well-received by both reviewers and general audiences alike. To this day, Grodin is still working in the movie industry.

“He has done television, film, Broadway; he did radio commentary and political commentary, and the news, so to have someone who has that breadth and depth in his career, its just really extraordinary,” said Bindig. “I feel like his movie roles are the most iconic, that is impossible to pick a favorite.”

As for Grodin, some will know him from his roles in “Beethoven,” “Midnight Run,” and “Rosemary’s Baby.” He also had a part in “The Great Muppet Caper.”

“I thought his part in ‘The Great Muppet Caper’ was a little strange only because I didn’t understand what he was doing there until they revealed he was the bad guy. But he played it with fake seriousness - it was funny,” said sophomore Gianna DiMartino.

Grodin discussed the many aspects of his career and the process of his auditions. He also mentioned the rejection actors experience in the film and television world. Grodin talked about how only three percent of people that audition for acting jobs are able to make acting into their career.

Besides his movie roles, Grodin has also worked with criminal justice reform efforts for many years. He discussed with the audience his hopes to help those who are suffering unjust punishment after having committed minor crimes.

“Mr. Grodin shared his passionate interest in criminal justice reform,” said Professor and Chair of the Philosophy, Theology & Religious Studies Department, Brian Stiltner.

“He has advocated for more sensible policies to help people convicted of minor crimes to get a second chance in life, and he’s helped many individuals do so.”

At the end of his presentation, Grodin offered advice to the audience. His urged students to never take rejection or failure personally, and to work really hard for auditions, saying that these are two key factors to building a successful acting career.

“I did like his advice because it was very real-world. It wasn’t sugar coated. It was straight forward,“ said freshman Marisa Best.

At the end of the event, the audience was also able to ask Grodin questions about his career.

TRACY DEER-MIREK/SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY

CHARLES GRODIN AUTOGRAPHS THE PROMOTIONAL POSTER FOR HIS EVENT

10 | Sports

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Sports

October 21, 2015

Women’s Volleyball Off To Stellar Start Fast Start Brings Optimism For Rest Of Season

BY CHRIS CAIOZZO Staff Reporter

The Sacred Heart women’s volleyball team is off to a great start this season.

The team is 6-1 and off to a hot start, and even though their winning streak ended Saturday, they ended the weekend with a big win against St. Francis College.

“We are playing really well and working so hard,” said junior Ana Gonzalez.

The team has changed significantly this season, with a lot of players returning from injuries they suffered a year ago.

“We are maybe where we would hope we would have been,” said Head Coach Rob Machan referencing this season compared to last year.

The Pioneers return with only four starters from last year, but with the additions of junior Leah Lieb and senior Bruna Bon, and the return of red-shirt sophomores Kiki Robinson and Madison Losure and red-shirt junior Allison Riggs, the Pioneers have definitely improved and are where they want to be.

“We were nicked up, injuries set us back,” said Machan.

Sacred Heart started out the year with tournaments at Boston College, here at Sacred Heart, the University of Rhode Island, and the University of Delaware, where they started to get a feel for each other and develop chemistry, and their records in those tournaments were just about even.

After tournament play was over, the Pioneers opened up non-conference play against UMass Lowell. The day after started conference play against Fairleigh Dickinson University with a win.

Before Saturday the Pioneers were 5-0, and Gonzalez is excited.

“It feels so good to start strong, it’s definitely different from the past two years I have been on the team,” said Gonzalez. “We are all matured and have played together now for two or three years, it’s such a good feeling that we can win and do it.”

Starting out so strong, no one would think the team has a weakness.

“Our weaknesses are very limited, but there are some.

Our speed of play. We are still a little slow to get six rota-

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tions of quick athletic play, but we are getting closer,” said Machan.

There are also positive qualities the team has.

“We are really young, we are like a family, we play together and united, and if someone is struggling we help each other.” said Gonzalez.

“The teams work ethic is incredible, the team is working hard, we are very athletic and skilled, and our serve receive is the best I have seen since I have been coaching,” said Machan.

The team’s makeup is very interesting with only two true sophomores and three true seniors; the Pioneers’ junior class is very strong and scary for opponents. This year the Pioneers brought in five freshman.

“We are poised to be good for years. What the current group of girls are doing, creating a culture, which is go-

ing to be a legacy,” said Machan.

Every team has those players, who aren’t on the headlines, but if you were to ask another coach or a star player they would say really great things about them.

Both Machan and Gonzalez were impressed with sophomore Lila Palmer.

“Lila really helps us push ourselves during practice time,” said Gonzalez. “Lila comes every day to practice and works hard, if we are able to defend her, we can defend any other team’s best player. She’s an outstanding player, a true five tool player,” said Machan.

The team is looking forward to the rest of the season.

“We expect other team’s to bring their best and we are the team to look up for. Other teams are doing their best to beat us,” said senior Bruna Bon.

Athletic Communications Department Has Plethora Of Duties

BY MARIAH WARDIUS Staff Reporter

The Sacred Heart Athletic Communications Department holds a mighty fleet for such a small space nestled in the back of the university’s Pitt Center. A team of four is behind the vast amount of work to be completed regularly.

The department consists of: Chris O’Connor, Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs; Katie Sullivan, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications; Mike Haase, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, and Zachary Durham, Graduate Assistant for Athletic Communications.

“Athletic Communications oversees the publicity efforts for the department. That is maintaining the website, social media platforms, handling media requests, and running the web streaming,” said O’Connor. “We are also responsible for official stats for our programs, reporting to the NCAA and the conference offices, and nominating for awards such as Academic All-American.”

“The main goal is to put the best image forward of Sacred Heart University Athletics as possible, and that is the student-athletes. We have immensely talented young men and women competing for us and telling their story in as many places as possible is the top priority,” said O’Connor.

The department deals with many different people in order to accomplish their duties.

“We deal with coaches often, but [we spend] the most

time working with and bouncing ideas off of everyone in this office. We’re very team oriented, especially when we have five or six games to cover in a weekend. It’s a very collaborative effort,” said Sullivan.

“I deal with coaches more than players. Just in helping schedule things and setting up interviews. We really rely on the coaches to help us with feature ideas. They know their players better than we do so we rely on them in that aspect but I would really say it is the people in here that we work with the most,” said Sullivan.

In order to adequately cover Sacred Heart’s 32 Division I sports, they are split amongst the staff.

O’Connor handles football and swimming. Sullivan handles field hockey, women’s basketball, softball, bowling, equestrian, rugby, rowing and cheerleading.

Haase is in charge of men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, wrestling, men’s and women’s fencing, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s and women’s golf.

Durham handles men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s basketball, baseball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, men’s and women’s cross country, and women’s ice hockey.

This is not the extent of their duties as many of them have other titles.

“Right now I handle seven sports and in addition to covering those I also am in charge of all the student workers in the office so the work studies, the interns, and I am also director of broadcast video.” said Sullivan.

“In a small department such as Sacred Heart’s, we all have different roles. I try and lend a hand wherever I can be of assistance – and again, work with people who are willing to do the same,” said O’Connor.

The Athletic Communications Department is endlessly working to promote the school positivity, gain positive response and get influential stories out there. Each one of them is eager and has a true passion for their purpose.

“I love working with the students. I love when we travel with women’s basketball. I’ve played sports my whole life so you feel like you’re part of a team here,” said Sullivan.

The only obstacle they may face is the race against time in their completion of a job.

“I would say that you have to be very good at time management because a lot is going on especially getting into October, November when seasons start overlapping you kind of just need to prioritize and kind of know what’s going on and exactly what you need to get done,” said Sullivan.

“There is no typical day in college athletics in any position,” said O’Connor. “I can go from a meeting on the planning of a new facility, to updating the roster for one of our teams online, to a meeting regarding the game operations for an upcoming event. The variety is part of the excitement of working in this field.”

11 | Sports

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

October 21, 2015

Sports

Football Team Wins Big On Homecoming

BY WILLIAM CALLAHAN Staff Reporter

The Sacred Heart football team rolled to a 31-6 victory over Cornell on Saturday Oct. 17 at Campus Field.

The Pioneers added their fourth win of the season in front of a homecoming crowd of 4,551. Cornell still remains winless at 0-5.

“I thought overall we played our best game of the year,” said Head Football Coach Mark Nofri. “It was our cleanest game of the year and I am very proud of the way we executed offensively and defensively.”

Senior quarterback R.J. Noel completed 15 of 22 passes for 270 yards while throwing for two touchdowns and no interceptions. Senior wide receiver Tyler Dube caught nine of those passes for 202 yards and a touchdown.

The Pioneers kicked off the scoring in the first quarter with a 35-yard field goal from junior kicker Alec Finney.

The Pioneers would never relinquish the lead from there as they added their first touchdown of the day in the second quarter, a one-yard pass from Dube to fifth year defensive lineman Connor Caveney.

Cornell would answer with a touchdown on the next drive, but that would be the only score they would get. The Sacred Heart defense held Cornell’s offense scoreless for the rest of the game, limiting them to 280 total yards and forcing two turnovers.

“We just play well as a unit together,” said senior linebacker Connor Candito, who contributed 10 total tackles. “It’s not one guy out there running the plays, it’s a collective unit coming together to make it happen.”

“Our defensive coaches do a great job mixing and matching personnel,” said Nofri. “When you have a bunch of players and coaches who buy in to doing their job it makes our defense that much better.”

Sacred Heart’s offense was not finished as they tacked on a touchdown with 3:31 left in the first half. Noel connected with senior wide reciever Moses Webb for a seven-yard touchdown to make the score 17-6.

While the defense shut down Cornell’s offense in the second half, the Pioneers offense added two more touchdowns to widen their lead. Junior Nate Chavious rushed for a 12 yard touchdown in the third before it was

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CONNER CAVENEY CELEBRATES AFTER SCORING A TOUCHDOWN DURING THE HOMECOMING GAME ON SATURDAY

Noel hooking up with Dube for an 80 yard score later in the fourth.

Dube’s 202 receiving yards was his personal best and just seven yards short of the school record for receiving yards in a single game.

“It’s a nice accomplishment,” said Dube. “But more importantly we got the win which is all I’m worried about.”

“The defense really fed off the offense and Dube’s 202 receiving yards today,” said Candito.

Dube has compiled 32 receptions this season for 616 yards and six touchdowns. All of Dube’s touchdowns this season have come from the starting quarterback Noel.

“The connection between R.J. and me has been good,” said Dube. “Having an extra year under our belts makes

that connection even stronger between us.”

“Like I said last year he knows where I’m going to be and I know where he wants to me to be,” said Dube.

“Having that extra year of experience really helps.”

Saturday’s Homecoming game was the first home game the Pioneers have played in more than a month. They have won both of those games, beating both Cornell and Saint Anselm in the season opener.

“I think the kids definitely fed off the home crowd,” said Nofri. “They play with a lot of emotion and they know what needs to be done to win a football game.”

“It’s great to have all the crowd out there,” said Dube.

“The support of all those people really shows that they care about the football team.”

Club Baseball Prepares For Spring Season

BY ANTHONY SANTINO Assist. Sports Editor

For the players and fans of Major League Baseball, this time of year means postseason action and World Series fever. For college club baseball teams around the country, it means “fall ball” is in effect.

With their autumn schedule beginning to wind down, the Sacred Heart club baseball team has time to reflect on the past two months, as well as time to look ahead at what will meet them in the spring.

The club had a strong start to their year, having posted a 9-2 record thus far. This includes a sweep of the University of New Haven, a win over Rutgers, and a series win over Towson University.

“We have some freshmen who contribute to the team, and our pitching has been good so far,” said sophomore Marcel Faccenda. “We also have really good team chemistry.”

That strong team bond is a major factor in club baseball’s success over the past year. Last spring, the team upset Delaware, a formidable conference opponent with a national ranking. This result gave the Pioneer players added confidence, as well as something else to work towards.

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“Hopefully we can upset Delaware at home [in the spring],” said Faccenda. “Our main goal, obviously, is to win the conference.”

Awareness of the team’s momentum can also be seen in junior captain Spike Manning.

“We’ve got a good head of steam coming in from last year, and I think we have the confidence to do it,” said Manning.

In the NCBA, the main governing body of American club baseball, the winner of each conference moves on to a regional competition, which progresses into national playoffs. Sacred Heart’s conference—the North Atlantic – East—also includes Drexel, Towson, Hofstra, Delaware, and Rutgers.

The conference schedule being several months away, club baseball is now looking to properly prepare for the challenge. Head coach Chris Carr has offseason plans for his players that display commitment to having a winning spring campaign. However, recuperation is the first order of business he has set in place for his roster.

“We’ll take a little break and give the guys some time to rest their arms,” said Carr.

After a brief period of no baseball activities, Carr’s players will resume working on their games. Conn. winters are not too suitable for fielding ground balls and taking batting practice outdoors, so the players use other means

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for getting their reps in.

“Once we get back from Thanksgiving, we’ll do winter workouts, some strength and conditioning, and coach Caron will work with the pitchers to help strengthen their arms so they are good to go for the season,” said Carr.

As far as keeping their skills sharp during the colder months, the players are expected to maintain their own routines in addition to the team workouts.

“There’s a lot of commitment and things the guys have to do on their own,” said assistant coach Clay Caron. “We only get together like once a week during the winter, so guys are hitting on their own, and throwing on their own.”

Aside from having their players stay in shape and give their best effort on the diamond, coaches Carr and Caron want to make their mark on the win column this spring.

“Our goal for every series is to take two out of three [games],” said Caron. “We have a strong team this year, so I think we could even sweep some of these teams.”

Winning the conference isn’t the only avenue of making it to the regional playoffs, but it’s certainly the most secure, and preferred, way of getting there. Sacred Heart could also make it to the postseason by having a good enough record to receive an at-large bid.

Either way, they will look to stay hot through the cold winter to make their playoff run a reality.

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October 21, 2015

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Sports

Sports | 12

SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

In Memoriam: Stephon Burton 1988-2015

Sacred Heart University and the Sacred Heart Athletic Department has experienced a loss.

Stephon Burton, Assistant Director of Advancement and Athletic Ticketing passed away on Oct. 15 at the age of 26.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Stephon,” said Bobby Valentine, Executive Director of Athletics in a press release sent out by the University. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Sacred Heart University community are with his family during this

difficult time.”

Burton joined Sacred Heart this past spring, becoming the first ticketing director in Pioneer history.

Burton was a 2011 graduate of Georgetown College and previously worked for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA and the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL. While earning his master’s degree in sports management at Eastern Kentucky University, Burton worked with the Kansas City Chiefs football team as a premium sales and marketing intern.