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SPECTRUM the

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Sacred Heart University - Fairfield, Conn. Volume 28, Issue 2

‘War’ author speaks to SHU community

Jacqueline Duda Asst. News Editor

World-renowned author Sebastian Junger spoke at Sacred Heart University on Sept. 19, as part of The 20112012 Student Affairs Lecture Series. He has written books such as “The Perfect Storm,” “A Death in Belmont,” and “War.” “War” was given to the freshman class as their summer reading book. The book is about the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan. Prior to this experience he had always covered war from the civilian point of view. He wanted to know what it was like to be a soldier in the U.S. military during a war. It is the story describing in great detail the experiences and adventures that were placed before him during the five one month trips he took.

During the lecture Junger also spoke extensively about his experience being in the face of battle and the fears of always being in danger, including the experience of having a bullet miss his face by inches.

Junger also spoke about the bond that is built up between the men within the platoon during a war.

“There is something more profound going on that you can’t duplicate and that’s brotherhood. It is the shared understanding that everyone will put his or her own personal interests and comfort aside to take a risk for someone else,” he said.

He even felt that bond on some level.

“Trip after trip as I bonded with the men in that group my fear went down. It had a narcotic effect on my fear; I just wasn’t as scared. I also felt that if one of those guys was in trouble and I could of helped I would of without hesitation and I think they would have done the same for me,” said Junger.

The lecture offered a view into what Junger thought of war and the experience.

Freshman Jaime Perrotti said, “It was cool to hear everything from his point of view. Yes, we all read the book but hearing it come straight from him made it more real that he was in those situations that he described.”

The Spectrum/Megan Pullone

Author Sebastian Junger during his lecture at SHU.

Photo courtesy of Shawnee Zyskowski

Members of Sacred Heart’s vocal ensembles pose with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

SHU choirs sing at memorial Mike Peterson News Editor

Sacred Heart University’s vocal ensembles helped remember the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 with a special performance at the Voices of September 11th luncheon in New York City.

SHU LOVE (Ladies Only Vocal Ensemble) and 4 Heart Harmony, two of the university’s choral groups, were invited to perform by Mary Fetchet, the founding director of Voices of September 11th.

The luncheon provides information, support services, and annual commemorative events for families, rescue workers, and survivors affected by Sept. 11, according to the organization’s website.

Forty members of the ensembles performed at the luncheon, according to the Sacred Heart website.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was among those in attendance.

“It was such an honor to be a part of the events,” said junior Shawnee Zyskowski, a member of SHU LOVE. “9/11 is such an important day, because it truly shaped history and showed us the best and worst humanity has to offer.”

Clinton’s appearance at the event was a memorable moment for the choir members.

“We knew that she would be there, but it was much more thrilling than I thought it would be,” said Zyskowski. “I was almost star struck.

“She was very nice to us. I remember she thanked us for coming and then let us through security so we could get a group picture with her.”

Four Heart Harmony is an audition-only chamber ensemble. According to the university’s website, 4 Heart’s repertoire includes a cappella, jazz, pop, and show tunes.

Dr. John Michniewicz, director of the ensemble, “Bridge over Troubled Water.”

“The luncheon definitely had a somber air,” said Zyskowski. “It is hard to lose someone you love, especially in something as needlessly hateful as the 9/11 attacks. At the same time there was pride in all everyone there had accomplished.”

SHU LOVE is a women’s choir currently in its third year. The ensemble has performed at off-campus events such as Broadway tenor Frank Mastrone’s benefit concert last year.

LOVE, which is directed by Galen Tate, performed “Fix You” by Coldplay during the event.

Voices of September 11th was founded by Fetchet, who lost her son in the attacks, and Beverly Eckert, a 9/11 widow, in Oct. 2001.

According to Voices’ website, the initial purpose of the organization was to distribute information to those affected by the attacks through their website, e-newsleters, direct mailings, and media outreach.

Additionally, Voices’ social workers provide assessments, case management, support groups, and resiliency programs for the families of victims.

For Zyskowski, the event was a dramatic reminder that Sept. 11 is about more than rhetoric and symbolism.

“Sometimes we get too caught up in the ideals of Sept. 11 and forget that it wasn’t about statistics or ideals,” she said. “It was about people, a lot of people who will never come home.”

One booth at the event hit particularly close to home for Zyskowski. People at the booth researched a 9/11 victim and drew a picture to represent them.

“There was one in honor of a fireman who died in the towers, that had the only pair of size 15 boots in the station,” she said. “On the picture was a pair of boots, with a lonely dog wrapped around them and the words ‘Too Big to Fill’ on top.

“It really helped remind me about the people who suffered that day and the people who are still suffering now.”

News

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Warm Your Heart AYAA Club raises autism awareness Erin Burke Columnist

The Spectrum/Sofia Carolan

Sacred Heart’s freshman seminar program is expected to replace the academic writing course.

Freshman seminars replace academic writing classes Katelyn Newman Staff Reporter Sacred Heart University’s campus has been physically transformed over the past few years.

This spring the core curriculum is undergoing renovations, by replacing English 110 or academic writing with freshman seminar-styled classes in various subjects. Sacred Heart’s website calls it “the brainchild of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Seamus Carey.”

The unique courses will remain writing-intensive, which allows the professors to creatively approach their subject with excitement and originality. The class size would be small, with a conversation involving the class rather than a lecture.

According to Carey, the class would be scheduled as a normal twice-a-week class for one hour and 15 minutes. However, in hopes of creating more “face time,” this may change to three times a week for 50 minutes of interactive class.

The seminar-styled tables will replace the traditional approach with a comfortable circle of academic minds.

The hope is to lower the freshmen transfer rate and raise the importance of finding freshmen’s writing voices.

English professor Dr. Sandra Young feels that the overall goal of the seminars is to instill passion in young students.

“Its [purpose] is to engage students in a topic as a freshman who loves the subject, and to transmit passion for learning,” she said.

Young said the seminars should “replace English 110 in a way that it asks other disciplines to teach their subject but add writing to it.” For example, if the class is based in biology the professor’s enthusiasm for the topic should inspire the student to learn as well as write.

Over the past summer teachers participated in workshops run by Dr. Anita August, an English professor and the Director of Writing Programs.

August told the Sacred Heart website, “The over-arching goal is to make students aware that writing and critical inquiry are indispensable in all disciplines, not just English literature.”

In addition, Sacred Heart is introducing the Great Challenges Curriculum. According to Car-

ey, it is a series of multidisciplinary minors that post-freshman students can easily take in addition to their majors.

One class Carey mentioned was “Democracy in the Digital Age.” “Students can minor in this topic and at the same time meet the requirements of the elective core,” said Carey.

Carey also mentioned that there would be several philosophy courses offered in subjects such as courage and friendship. In a way, these themed courses will be based around primary concepts that young students should encounter throughout their four years in college.

From the Sacred Heart website, Dr. Gary Rose, chair of the Freshman Academic Experience committee and chair of the Department of Government and Politics, said the new seminars “will strive to create a learning environment where students will develop the skills needed for this ever-changing society.”

For junior Olivia Civardi, president of the AYAA Autism Club, the motivation for starting the club is about more than helping a good cause. Her brother, an 18-year-old freshman at Hofstra University, is autistic. This is something Civardi has always grown up with, and she knows what it does to a family.

For those who are not aware, autism is a combination of complex developmental brain disorders, which have been classified as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) as defined by Autism Speaks. The website for this national campaign also informs us that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, which is more than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. More than 1.5 million Americans are impacted by autism.

“This is a disability that is becoming more and more common and not enough people understand its impact, not only on those who are directly diagnosed but on their families and friends as well,” said junior Maura Leahy, an AYAA member.

The AYAA (Are You Autism Aware) Club, which meets every Monday evening at Roncalli, is devoted to raising money for autism and bringing education and information to campus along the way.

“Our motive is to keep it light and fun,” said Civardi.

“Autism is a social disorder, not a disability. So many people give money to medical causes, like cancer research for example.

“It’s a great cause, but raising money for autism goes to helping families with what the insurance companies don’t cover. The one-on-one instruction in class, the social therapy, things that help the kids adjust and be successful in everyday life.”

Despite being a new club on campus, the AYAA has big plans. At the Club and Organization Fair last week they had over 40 new members sign up, including junior Caroline Herlihy.

“My sister is autistic, and I have always wanted to join a club that supports the cause,” Herlihy said. “I’m glad that Sacred Heart’s campus has opened itself up to this disability that impacts so many families.”

Leahy is also excited about this club.

“This is a really great cause that I think the Sacred Heart campus has not been made aware of yet,” she said.

“We are going to do awesome things.”

For Civardi, the cause truly strikes a personal cord.

“My brother, Jonathan, is truly my inspiration,” she said. “He - being at school and going through the stress and pressures of freshman year with the added struggles of autism - is what motivates me to make this club so successful and make people aware.”

The AYAA already has their first big event in the works. On Oct. 23 they will be hosting a Halloween 5K for Autism on campus.

The weekly meeting times are going to change based on the availability of the members, in efforts to make the meetings more convenient, so watch your e-mails.

Autism Statistics - An estimated 1 in 110 U.S. children are diagnosed with autism.

- Boys are 4 to 5 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed.

- It is estimated that the lifetime cost to care for an individual with autism is $3.2 million.

Courtesy: Centers for Disease Prevention and Control The Spectrum/ Sofia Carolan

Students adjust to the change in curriculum.

News 3

September 21, 2011

Petillo inaugurated today

Sofia Carolan Staff Reporter

“A Time for New Beginnings,” the inauguration of John J. Petillo, as the sixth president of Sacred Heart University, takes place today, Wednesday, Sept. 21.

The ceremony will follow the University induction of the class of 2015 in the William H. Pitt Center. Later that day, there will be an inauguration mass in the Chapel, followed by a gala on Thursday, Sept. 22.

Petillo, former Dean of the John F. Welch College of Business, served as temporary president of the university for five months before being named as the new president in March after an extensive search for a new candidate.

“I want it to be very student-focused,” said Dr. John Petillo.

The inauguration for President Petillo will hold a special place for the Class of 2015 as well. “[It’s important] to always remember, particularly for the freshman class, they are coming in with the new president, and there is a certain connectivity,” said Dean of Students Larry Weilk.

This inauguration is one of the university’s biggest events in years. The Sacred Heart community has been planning for this affair since this past May. “This isn’t something that happens everyday,” said Student Body President Mia James.

The eventful day will be something not every Sacred Heart student gets to experience. It is not everyday that a new president is brought in.

“It will be an opportunity to let people see a glimpse of the greatness of the institution. By that I mean of students and faculty and to be proud of who we are,” said Petillo.

The freshman class will be a part of one of the most significant events at Sacred Heart. Not only is their convocation happening at the same time as Petillo’s inauguration, but they will also be beginning their college career when Petillo starts his career as the university’s president.

“It should be more exciting and dramatic for the freshman, rather than just pouring into the Pitt Center at five minutes to two,” said Dean of Freshmen Michael Bozzone.

Not only are Sacred Heart students excited about the induction of a new president, but the campus as a whole has shown its support.

“I personally think it is pretty exciting. I have been in higher education for 33 years now and during that time I have never been a part of an insulation of a new president,” said Weilk.

President Petillo’s previous experiences in higher education such as being the CEO of Seton Hall University, have made him the perfect candidate to bring in new ideas and change to the university.

“Learning is not just sitting in a classroom, but also outside the classroom, so it becomes a total learning experience,” said Petillo.

Bozzone is equally excited for the new beginning.

“Improving the intellectual quality of the university -this kind of person is right up my alley,” said Bozzone.

This celebratory event to welcome Petillo will transform the Sacred Heart Community, giving it a fresh new start.

“Sacred Heart will be more of a living, learning community,” said Petillo.

Student reaction to a study conducted at St. Lawrence University is varied.

The Spectrum/ Sean Elliott

Does the early student get the A?

Study finds students who take early classes receive higher grades Andrea Coronis Staff Reporter A study conducted by two psychology professors at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. shows that taking classes earlier in the day will result in higher grades.

According to the New York Times, a total of 250 students were involved in the study, which came to the conclusion that students who were enrolled in earlier classes earned higher GPA’s than the students enrolled in later classes.

“For every hour of class that you have later, you get about a .02 difference, so three hours of difference between class start times will result in a .06 difference in grades,” Pamela Thacher, co-author of the study, said in an interview with the Times.

“I like earlier classes because I get them out of the way in the morning and have more time to do work in the afternoon.”

--Gianna Allen, sophomore The study shows that students with later classes are more apt to drink alcohol on school nights because they don’t have class until much later the next day.

The study says that this behavior actually leads to restless nights, even though students think they will be able to sleep more.

Although this study proves many points, some Sacred Heart University students disagree.

“In earlier classes, I feel like people don’t do as well because they stay up late to keep up with their friends taking later classes. So they’re either tired in class or just don’t come at all,” said sophomore Gianna Allen.

“I like earlier classes because I get them out of the way in the morning and have more time to do work in the afternoon rather than late at night. Later classes make me preoccupied because I would be curious as to what all of my friends are doing outside of class in the evening when I’m still stuck in class,” said Allen.

Some students decide to take earlier classes simply to get work done earlier in the day. But the study stresses the strong link between later classes and alcohol, which some students highly agree with.

“I think most college students who take later classes are more willing to binge drink on a weeknight rather than students with early morning classes.

I think the current college behavior essentially encourages that,” said junior Javier Vidal.

Vidal believes that class times have little effect on students’ work ethic.

“The fact that I take early-morning classes doesn’t necessarily pressure me to get my work done at a reasonable time so I’m well-rested. I still end up doing the work last-minute, which I’m sure most other students do as well,” said Vidal.

According to students, taking earlier classes depends on the individual.

Obama: US headed down ‘perilous path’ Associated Press (AP) President Barack Obama warned Monday that the United States is headed down a “perilous path” if its leaders cannot move quickly and responsibly to help people get back to work.

Obama, speaking at an exclusive Park Avenue fundraiser for his re-election and for other Democrats, promoted his plans to spur hiring and put a dent in the long-term debt.

He proposes to pay for his ideas in large part by raising taxes on wealthy Americans and corporations.

Republican leaders have offered strong opposition to his economic program.

If we don’t succeed, then I think this country is going to go down a very perilous path,” Obama told his audience in brief remarks in front of reporters.

He said that meant conditions would get worse for everyone, rich and poor.

Obama spoke at the home of Ralph Schlosstein and Jane Hartley. About 60 people paid

$35,800 each to attend.

The president’s fundraiser, the first of two in two nights, came ahead of his diplomatic meetings at the United Nations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Obama is seeking a second term amid an increasingly dismal economy and some of the lowest poll numbers of his presidency.

He told his supporters that his mission is to keep building a thriving middle class and offering a “big, generous” vision of America as a place of opportunity for all.

If so, he said, “then I’m confident the American people will follow us. That’s where they want to be.”

Schlosstein is CEO of Evercore Partners, Inc., an investment banking advisory form, and Hartley is the CEO of the Observatory Group, an economic and political consulting firm.

Under federal law, the Obama campaign can get $5,000 of each individual contribution. The Democratic National Committee will get the balance.

News

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Perspectives Perspectives

5

To snail mail or not to snail mail, that is the question Students’ decision to use e-mail impacts Post Office

Keisan Gittens Staff Reporter

When you imagine a house, an apartment building, a studio, a store, or any building or corporation for that matter, one thing they all have in common is an address with a mailbox.

The U.S. Postal Service connects the large grids of streets and numbers through letters and parcels.

However, another world is beginning to emerge -- a world where someone does not have to be at home or attached to a fixed address to receive a message, a world where all you need is an electronic device and you can receive and send messages of all characters, fonts, and languages.

With endless options available right at their fingertips, students can now decide whether to send mail electronically or send it through the U.S. Postal Service.

“I use e-mail. It’s much easier.,” said Jeff Daly, a first-year graduate student.

Such attitudes have caused an adverse effect on the Postal Service, especially since email has increased in popularity.

A New York Times article by Sean Collins Walsh said that over 3,600 postal offices across the country are due to close.

According to the article, “It is expected to lose more than $8 billion this year and has maxed out a $15 billion loan from the Treasury.

Mail volume has dropped 20 percent in the past four years, and about 200,000 career positions have been eliminated in the past decade.”

A bailout plan has been proposed that includes layoffs of over 110,000 workers, cancellation of the Saturday services, cuts to the workers’ retirement plans, and even requests to the right to deliver wine and beer.

“It’s unfortunate that they’re losing their jobs. It’s hard because that’s the way technology advances,” said junior Stephanie Walters.

Information literacy instructor Michelle Silk acknowledged flaws within the online system. As she explains, there is still a need for traditional mail carrying.

“Sometimes, the person who holds a copyright wants you to get expressed written permission before you use it. So I’m not sure how that will be dealt with if the Post Office goes away because things aren’t always considered 100 percent legal through email,” she said.

Yet before anyone jumps to conclusions, Art Gerckens, manager of the Mail and Duplicating Center at Sacred Heart University, granted students reassurance.

“The Postal Service is not bankrupt. They’re still open. They are still running and going about their business as always, as they have for the past 200 years,” he said.

Gerckens said that the Postal Service has to deal with the problems caused by technology.

There

In Connecticut, there are three plants that process and filter mail with high-speed equipment. One of these plants is located in Stamford, which is where Sacred Heart’s mail is sent.

Gerckens explained that if it were to be closed, the university’s mail would then have to take a different route from campus to Westchester, N.Y.

As for Sacred Heart’s postal service, Gerckens said the Mail and Duplicating Center sees a large quantity of packages, especially at the beginning of the semester.

“Packages are coming in at an all time high.

People are buying books from Amazon and EBay and all that stuff is getting shipped through here,” he said.

Whatever the outcome may be, some students still see the value in receiving physical mail.

“There’s just something special about getting a birthday card in the mail. It’s much more personal as opposed to receiving an e-mail,” said senior Lindsay Tomaszewski.

Students look forward to reconnecting at reunions “I feel school reunions in college and therefore knew

Julia Baumgart Staff Reporter

As she thinks back to her high school and college experiences, graduate student Jessica Colucci recalls all of the people she met and made relationships with over the years.

Although she may have lost touch with some friends along the way, school reunions present the opportunity to rekindle lost friendships.

“I think school reunions are a great way to catch up with people who you may have lost touch with in recent years,” Colucci said.

Sacred Heart University recently issued a statement saying that on Oct. 29, those who graduated between the years of 1967-1979 will have a reunion.

The graduating classes will have the opportunity of bringing back memories that they once had together at Sacred Heart many years ago.

There will also be reunions for students who graduated in 1991, 2001, and 2006 on Sept.

24.

are a great way to reconnect with old friends and see how everyone is doing,” said junior George Bakshys.

While many students have not experienced a high school reunion, Prof. Justin Liberman graduated from South Windsor High School and recently attended his 10th reunion.

“It was very fun and was a nice opportunity catch up with old friends,” said Liberman. “It was interesting to see the path people chose to pursue and in contrast, to see some people still living like they did in high school.”

Many said they would be more likely to attend their high school reunion over a college reunion because of the close connection to their homes.

“I would be more likely to go to my high school reunion because there were less people in the class than in college -I know everyone in my high school class,” said Bakshys.

Colucci agreed, noting that she was involved in a lot more at her high school than

more people there.

“I think I would go to my high school reunion only because the people there were more close-knit than at my college,” said Colucci. “You knew everyone there and everyone knew you.”

While some reunions have elaborate themes, the main focus is on the connections made with others and the long lasting friendships.

“It would be nice to have a nice party atmosphere at the reunion -- something where you don’t have to dress up, something casual where everyone just has a fun time with food and drinks,” said Bakshys.

Colucci said that reunions are great if they are just a relaxed way to meet up with people, talk, and dance the night away.

“I think it would be fun if the reunion was kind of like all the dances we went to over our four years,” said Colucci.

“That would be an interesting way to see people -- and it would be a ton of fun!”

The Spectrum/ Emily Cordero

Senior Adriana Dattoli uses her Pioneer Plus card on campus.

Pioneer Plus ca rd gets mixed reviews on campus Rakendrick Varnado Staff Reporter

Money is a valuable commodity for college students, since school is so expensive and most students’ funds are relatively low. In order to obtain money, students must either work, wait for their parents to supply money or rely on refund checks.

“[Now] we can receive money much sooner -- and everyone wants their mon ey as soon as possible.”

-- Keshaudas Spence,

freshman

Sacred Heart University’s new partnership with Higher One grants students the opportunity to receive refund money electronically. Waiting for loan refund checks in the mail will now be a thing of the past – but is this refund method really needed?

Freshman Keshaudas Spence thinks it will make the whole process much easier.

“I feel that the Pioneer Plus card is a great creation for getting refunds back to students in a timely manner.

If students fill out their paperwork properly, we can receive money much sooner -- and everyone wants their money as soon as possible,” Spence said.

With the option of having the refund money either placed on the Pioneer Plus card or deposited into a personal banking account, it grants students a hassle-free method of receiving money.

“I think it’s a great idea that Sacred Heart is giving the students an

alternative way of receiving money.

It’s so much easier to have them put our reimbursement money on a card that we can use, rather then us waiting on a check to arrive through the mail,” said senior Erisa Hasimi.

Also, with the direct deposit system, students without transportation to their primary bank can skip the whole banking process.

“It’s the best option for me because you can set up your account to deposit into your personal bank. I do not have to set foot into a bank and I will have the money advanced into my account,” Hasimi said.

The new refund card may sound like it is an agreeable program for everyone, but not all students are as thrilled as Hasimi and Spence.

Some students have expressed their dislike for the new system of refund transaction.

“It’s not a good idea because it is unfair to students,” junior Christina Lee said.

Additionally, since the program is new this year, many students are not aware of the card and how it works.

Senior Stacy Danquah said, “I have heard of it but I really don’t know what it is for.”

With e-mails being sent daily informing students of the new program, it will only be a matter of time before all students are fully aware of the card’s purpose.

In today’s technologically based society, the Pioneer Plus card may be another reason why incoming students will be drawn to Sacred Heart.

“Its necessary for Sacred Heart to provide the option of a refund card for the simple fact being, other schools don’t give you the choice of a card that returns your refund to you,” said Spence.

September 21, 2011

Perspectives 6

He Said/She Said What’s the best way to ask for someone’s number?

Joseph Buquicchio He said

The Spectrum/Sean Elliott

A sorority poster on Sacred Heart’s campus displays a QR code.

QR codes make way to SHU’s campus Students find codes unhelpful and unnecessary

Nate Milbank Staff Reporter

You’ve probably seen them in airports and subways, at the mall, or in a magazine -- little squares with pixels in the middle and text that prompts you to scan it with a Smartphone.

These scan-able barcodes are called QR codes, an acronym for “quick response.”

Lately they’ve been appearing on various posters or handouts for different events or causes on campus.

“I think as time goes on, more and more people will use them -- to the point where people will find an everyday use for them.”

-- Chin Nodum, sophomore

QR codes originated in East Asian countries like Japan and Korea.

“They’re basically a program that makes it easier for people to download apps or software to whatever mobile device you have,” said sophomore Chin Nodum.

In addition to being able to download apps and other material to your phone, QR codes can also connect anyone who scans them to a website that is linked to the code.

While the concept of QR codes sounds like a marketing opportunity, it doesn’t seem to be catching on with some Sacred Heart University students.

“A lot of it is used for advertisement. It’s not really mainstream, it’s kind of a gimmick,” said freshman Nathan Perez.

When asked about the QR codes, many students were unable to recognize

them by name until the concept was explained in details.

Once explained, some students spoke of the codes critically and saw it as nothing more than a mere publicity stunt.

“They look like one of those magic eye puzzles,” said graduate student Colin Difilippo. “Most people, when they look at an advertisement, what do they really care after that?”

Many students said that they either never used them or couldn’t be bothered to use them.

“I think it’s cool, but not something I would use constantly,” said Perez.

However, QR codes are still relatively new here in America. They may become more popular as more people understand how they work.

“I think as time goes on, more and more people will use them -- to the point where people will find an everyday use for them,” said Nodum.

If they catch on, the possibilities of what QR can be used for seem limitless.

“I think that over time, we can use it for different things like education, media, and a lot of other things, but it just takes time,” said Perez.

Meanwhile, some online journalists have taken notice of the trend.

“QR codes are becoming more of an option for designers to prompt interaction,” said Kevin Makice of Wired Magazine. “The two-dimensional barcode can easily be generated from text, including a website link, and printed on materials in magazines and conferences.”

While some find a great fascination with how QR codes work, others like junior Michael Casey said that it may simply be a fad.

“To me, it’s more of a gimmick. I don’t think we’ll see everybody wanting to buy a Smartphone to scan QR Codes in the future, but that’s just me,” said Casey.

Whenever I meet a girl and think I want to get to know her, it may get nerve wracking because I don’t want to seem weird or pushy -- I just want to get to know her.

When it comes to asking for a girl’s number, I just do my absolute best to keep my cool. I try really hard not to over think things and try my best to be myself.

If the girl thinks I’m a nice enough guy to give me her number, that’s beautiful. If things go south or she seems unsure about it, it’s no sweat off my brow. It’s unfortunate, but at the same time, some things are just meant to be and others aren’t.

I’m not a fan of all of those cheesy pickup lines like, “Nice shoes, what’s your number?” or anything stupid along those lines. I think it’s better to make a great first impression by just walking up to a girl you think is pretty and having a good old fashioned conversation -- you just got to have fun with it.

I feel that our generation doesn’t appreciate having conversations as much as we should. You can find out some interesting things just by talking to a girl and telling her the truth. “Hey, I’m Joe. I think you’re adorable and I want to get to know you a little more.” If that is such a problem for the girl that you’re trying to talk to, then you don’t want to be talking to her in the first place. Girls like that are what I like to refer to as “meanies.”

The problem that I have with girls is that there are so many of them. They are all so beautiful in their own individual way, shape, and form. And I really don’t want to come off as sleazy, but I honestly wouldn’t mind having all of their numbers.

In an effort to write a better article for Spectrum, I decided to put my pick up lines to the test. I walked around the halls of Sacred Heart and approached the girls who I thought seemed nice, sweet, or cute.

I just introduced myself and decided to tell them the absolute truth.

Most conversations went as follows on my part.

“Hey how’s it going? I don’t want to go to class” (everyone pretty much agreed). “How was your weekend? My name is Joe, it’s really nice to meet you.

Do you have a minute? I’m curious, I’m writing an article for the ‘He said’ column.

I have to write about how to get a girls number. Do you think if I came up to you and asked for your number, you would give it to a guy like me?” Insert my trademark big smile.

I got seven girls’ numbers this week and I honestly only texted two of them back. I don’t want to sound like a jerk, but it was because it seemed as if only a few of them could hold an intelligent conversation. I’m not saying that girls can’t! I’m just saying that some people in general just seem like “meanies,” or aren’t as extraverted as I am.

My best advice to guys out there who want to get a girls number is to just be yourself. Do you.

If you’re a good person and the girl that you are eyeing doesn’t see potential in you, then they are not someone that you want to deal with in the first place.

Arielle Mangiaracina She said

“Can I have your number?” “Can I have it?” Darrell’s approach in MAD TV’s infamous video is one way ask someone for his or her number. However, it is a tad creepy, annoying, and probably not going to get you the digits you covet.

Asking someone for his or her number is a tricky situation. You don’t want to ask too early at risk of sounding too eager.

However, you don’t want to waste time because the other person might assume that you are never going to ask.

The appropriate time to ask depends on the situation. For instance, if you are at a bar or a party and you meet someone that you hit it off with, I would say ask for the number before you leave. However, don’t flat out ask for it that can seem abrasive.

Perhaps say something like “I enjoyed hanging out with you, we should do it again sometime.”

Another approach is to use clues from your conversation. Did you both mention a movie you want to see? Are you in the same class? Can you study together? If so, casually bring up seeing the movie, studying, etc. together and then inquire about the phone number so you can be in contact.

If you are trying to get a number of a mutual friend, you could always ask your friend for the other person’s number.

However, exercise caution when you use this approach. You should verify that your mutual friend informs the person that he or she passed the phone number along to you.

If you are the mutual friend, make sure you tell the other person you gave their phone number out and that your friend is comfortable with your other friend texting him or her. If you do get someone’s number from a friend, make sure you identify yourself when you text the other person, even if your mutual friend informed the other person that you could be texting in the future. It makes it less awkward and less creepy.

So now you have the number that you have desired for so long. What do you do with it? Obviously, you use it! Pick up the phone and text! However, I don’t want to say there are rules about how long you should wait to call or text a person, so I’ll call them guidelines.

Presumably, you are excited that you have this person’s number, but don’t get overzealous when texting. For instance, texting someone right after you met them is not recommended. On the other hand, don’t wait too long to text. If someone knows you have their number, they are waiting for you to use it. If you wait too long, the other person is going to get bored and lose interest in you.

I prefer texting to phone calls, as do (I assume) most people in my generation.

Phone calls are a whole other story. Unless you are my grandma, there is no need to call me when you can text. Phone calls are reserved for serious conversations like calling your boss and other relatives that aren’t savvy enough to text. There are exceptions, like if your best friend has to tell you a story that is too long to be conveyed through a text. However, if you are want to grab a bite, go to the movies, or study in the library at 3 p.m., text! Calling is a thing of the past!

Editorials

7

Facebook: Stalking made easy... but doesn’t make it right Kelley Bligh Managing Editor Remember when only crazy girls stalked their exes and only obsessive guys stalked their crushes? It was a long time ago but people would have to be truly dedicated to the cause to stalk someone. You had to really work for it and that’s why it was only for the crazies out there. “Normal” people just don’t drive by their exes’ houses to see if they’re home or who they’re with.

Now, with Facebook’s (and others’) help, stalking has become commonplace and almost completely acceptable.

Sentences such as “I know this because I creeped on his Facebook” or “I Facebook stalked her last night and found out this” are used between friends everyday. That’s fine too if you don’t really mean “stalked.” It’s just an easier way to say, “I looked at so-and-so’s Facebook page.”

It’s becoming a whole new playing field now though.

I signed into Facebook Sunday night and all these tabs popped up telling me about the new features Facebook now offers to… make your Facebook experience better?

For those who haven’t seen, Facebook now has a new section called “lists.” It automatically made me a Sacred Heart list so I can look at a News Feed of only posts from people in our network. “Close Friends” is there too but that one’s up to me to add to.

OK, so it’s not the worst idea ever. I could deal if it ended there. Then I clicked on a friend’s profile to post something on his wall and more tabs popped up. I could add him to a list or I could change my “subscription” to what updates I receive on my News Feed from him.

I didn’t know this before and in case you didn’t either, I’ll tell you what Facebook told me. Right now, what we all receive from all our friends are “most updates,” meaning just that -- not every single thing that this person posts or changes, but most. You can now choose to change this though. You can get “only important” updates such as a new job, a move, etc. You can choose which updates you receive. Or, you can unsubscribe completely.

What really got me though was that you can also choose to get “all updates.” Is that really necessary? I think, no. Right now we get “most updates,” and isn’t that enough? Don’t we already know way too much about people we just go to class with, met once at a party, and have

gone to middle school with?

What’s even worse is that I clicked on my “Close Friends” list to see how these things actually work and it gave me the option of receiving notifications every time someone in that list posts – talk about stalking made entirely too easy. You could theoretically make a list of people you wanted to stalk and, aside from receiving every update possible from them, you could also receive notifications every single time they post. That’s just too much.

If you rely on Facebook to know what’s going on in a person’s life because you’re aren’t getting that info directly from them, you probably shouldn’t be getting updates on that person at all. It’s called stalking. Don’t do it.

And here comes the same lament you hear all the time when people complain about social media -- where has all our face-to-face, human interaction gone? If you want to know something, ask someone in person. If you don’t see them or are only “Facebook friends” and not real friends, there’s no need to know every detail they post.

We know enough about each other as it is. Just because Facebook makes stalking easy and it’s not as much effort as actually stealthily and creepily following someone, doesn’t mean you should do it.

Coming to terms with ‘ballin’ on a budget Sophomore year brought an added expense in the form of gas money. Sure I’ll take my car to New Haven every Saturday night and drive everyone everywhere. I don’t know who I thought I was because gas is expensive.

I was sometimes forced to sacrifice a trip to Forever 21.

The horror.

Junior year was pivotal to my financial understanding. I was out of the dorms, in a house with my “besties.”

Oh em gee we were going to have so much fun! And we were going to be poor. So much so, we never put the heat on. The amount of money it costs per month to satisfy our cable and electrical needs was something I was not ready for. My work-study job just did not suffice so I spent some weekends babysitting.

The expenses carried over into the summer, during which time I worked an unpaid internship. I relied heavily on help from my parents. This bothered Managing Editor me, and them, because I’m old enough Kelley Bligh to be self-sufficient. I eventually found another part-time job.

Asst. Editor As senior year begins, there is a Lindsay Caiati greater sense of urgency to integrate my

Most of us are familiar with the adage, “with age comes wisdom.” In retrospect, I wish the phrase were more along the lines of, ‘with age comes never ending expenses.’ That way, paying for the things I use everyday wouldn’t be such a metaphorical slap in the face.

That “slap,” however, is called reality, and it was much needed. Since entering college, I’ve had a taste of what it’s going to be like when I truly live on my own, without the help of Mom and Dad. Freshman year, all I worried about were weekend expenses. I would scrape up enough money to cover cab fare, dinners out, and other extracurricular activities.

SPECTRUM the

Editor-in-Chief Ryan Hannable Chief Copy Editor Erin Murtagh News Editor Mike Peterson

Asst. News Editor Jacqueline Duda

Perspectives Editor Erin MacDonald

Asst. News Editor Brittany Foy

Features Editor Hannah Ackerman

Asst. Perspectives Editor Liz Lezama

A&E Editor Lisa Manente

Asst. Features Editor Jessica Geraghty

Sports Editor Blake Campbell

Asst. A&E Editor Vee Sourignamath

Advertising Manager Anna Jewell

Asst. Sports Editor Dan Otzel

Photography Editor Sean Elliott

Asst. Sports Editor Morgan Mireski

PR and Circulation Manager James Kearns

Asst. Photography Editor Megan Pulone

Web and Social Media Manager Paige Reeth

Asst. Photography Editor Samantha Purnell

Graphic Designer Casey Rothenberg

Faculty Advisor Prof. Joanne Kabak

The editorial pages are an open forum. 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.

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Erin Murtagh Chief Copy Editor job with my class and club commitments. Time management is now emphasized more than ever.

Even if I don’t have time for sleep during the week, I am not special. There are people in this world, in this school even, who are just as busy as I am and who have even greater financial responsibilities. The money I work hard for allows me to enjoy my last year at school. And as much as I complain about my minuscule amount of financial independence, I am grateful for what it’s preparing me for.

Come next year, I will be a big girl and will need to separate myself from the security blanket my parents have provided. So thank you, Mom and Dad, for teaching me how to be a responsible individual. I will never again yell at you outside of an Abercrombie & Fitch for refusing to buy the ridiculously expensive clothing that would just sit in my closet. I will also never again buy anything from Abercrombie & Fitch ever again because I’m not 14, and I can’t afford it either. Baby steps.

Editor’s Choice

Favorite photos taken by your Spectrum staff

Sean Elliott Photography Editor

During halftime of the football game last Friday, the Pioneer baseball team received their NEC Championship rings from the 2010 season.

Sept. 14 issue correction:

- In the article “SHU Students study in style,” the cafe in the library was called, “Starbucks coffee bar,” but it is actually called “Chartwell’s Cafe.” The cafe sells Starbucks coffee and other products.

Arts & Entertainment

8

‘Thoroughly Modern’ Emmy Lisa Manente A&E Editor

Last Sunday’s Emmy Awards, hosted

by Jane Lynch, kept it all in the family as ABC’s comedy darling “Modern Family” took home a total of five awards.

While Lynch didn’t get the chance to make an acceptance speech for her nomination for outstanding supporting actress for “Glee,” she did get to crack a few jokes at the light-hearted expense of her peers.

“A lot people are very curious as to why I’m a lesbian -- ladies and gentleman, the cast of ‘Entourage,’ ” she said.

The audience may have gotten a laugh out of the remark, but one actor who did not think it was all that funny was “Entourage” star Kevin Dillion.

“It was funny, but I think it’s not fair at the same time. We all have good senses of humor but I think the men of ‘Entourage’ treat women well for the most part,” said Dillion to E! Online.

While both Lynch and Dillion’s shows didn’t walk away with a golden

statue, the cast of “Modern Family” didn’t have enough hands to carry away their winnings.

Julie Bowen and Ty Burrel won for Outstanding Supporting Actor and Actress in a Comedy Series for their hilarious husband and wife roles. The show also won for writing and directing credits and took the title of Outstanding Comedy Series.

As the camera caught the surprised expression on her face, “Mike and Molly” actress Melissa McCarthy took the award for Outstanding Lead Actres in a Comedy Series. Other nominees in this category included comedy powerhouses Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

As for the dramas, “Mad Men,” won its fourth consecutive award for Outstanding Drama Series. The show’s star, Jon Hamm, fell short of the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, as it went to Kyle Chandler of “Friday Night Lights”.

While the Emmys are meant to highlight the year’s outstanding achievements in television, there were a couple musical

surprises.

For the opening performance Jane Lynch teamed up with TV’s most recognizable faces for a musical number showcasing TV’s biggest shows.

Later, Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, Michael Bolton, and others from the SNL cast performed a medley of the vari-

ety show’s most viral songs.

Some of the night’s other big winners were “The Amazing Race” for reality competition series and Kate Winslet for her role in “Milred Pierce.”

For a complete list of winners visit the official Emmys website at Emmys.tv.

AP Photo

The cast and crew of “Modern Family”celebrate their multiple Emmy wins.

2011 Fall TV preview Stars say ‘I Do’ Chris Hindenach Staff Reporter

The air is getting cooler, and the leaves are beginning to change all around campus. This could only mean one thing -- it’s time for all new fall TV shows, of course.

This week the start of many new and recently updated premieres will release for television networks such as Fox, ABC, NBC, the CW, and Showtime.

Currently, the debuts of a few new shows are stirring up quite a buzz.

Some fans of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” are excited to see the star back on the small screen.

“Sarah Michelle Gellar’s long awaited return to TV as the star of CW’s ‘Ringer’ has arrived, and by now you’ve no doubt memorized 100 times over the plot of this twin sister-fueled noir thriller,” said Megan Masters to TVLine.com.

On Fox, Jaime Presley and Katie Finneran will star in the comedy that pokes fun at motherdaughter relationships. Their show, “I Hate my Teenager Daughter” will air Nov. 23.

Another anticipated premiere is Simon Cowell’s brainchild, “The X Factor.” Originating in the UK, the show has promised to find the next singing sensation. The panel of judges is made up of American Idol alumni, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, as well as L.A. Reid, and Nicole Sherzinger. It airs tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox.

Even with a new line up on many of the major networks, veteran hits are poised to come back with fresh material.

NBC’s, “The Office,” which has been entertaining fan since 2004 with its awkward and condescending humor, premieres tomorrow at 9 p.m..

Most of the chatter about this season revolves around star Steve Carell’s replacement. James Spader will play the role of Robert California, CEO of Dunder Mifflin’s parent company, Sabre.

Junior Mike Amatulli is excited to see what the new season will bring.

“ ‘The Office’ is my favorite because it’s always funny. The way they ended last season was great and therefore I’m excited to see who the new boss finally is,” he said.

Senior, Charles Schneider is also awaiting the return of a hit comedy -- Fox’s animated comedy series, “Family Guy,” which is on record for its tenth season.

“It’s an extremely clever show,” said Schneider. “They are still able to find new ways to make people laugh hysterically. It never gets stale. For this reason, I’m hoping they can come up with outrageous, controversial material, things that got them famous in the first place but at the same time keep it tasteful.”

Whether you’re into these shows, or other big titles such as “Dexter,” “Glee,” or “Grey’s Anatomy,” the fall’s variety provides enough entertainment for viewers of all tastes.

Britain’s “X-factor” is coming to the U.S. this fall, with Simon Cowell as one of the judges.

AP Photo

TV nuptuals become celeb trend

Venithda Sourignamath Asst. A&E Editor

The royal wedding?

That’s old news. There’s a new season of weddings making their way to television.

Hollywood A-listers such as Nick Lachey, Kim Kardashian, and Blake Shelton said their “I do’s” in style, with themes ranging from a black tie affair to a laid back country hoe down.

Former 98 degrees singer Nick Lachey said “I do” in a televised ceremony with new wife, Vanessa Minnillo.

It aired on TLC on July 30. Viewers got to see the couple exchange their vows before 35 guests on a private island in the British Virgin Islands.

“I definitely watched the special and it was so cute. They seemed so in love,” said sophomore Joy Vandermark.

Country music duo Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert took a different approach to their wedding, making it “old-fashioned, laid-back and fun,” said wedding planner Kathy Best in an interview with US Weekly.

The couple was wed in a latern-lit barn on 125-acre ranch in San Antonio, TX. The country-themed wedding included a reception hall decorated with fishing and hunting gear, according to US Weekly.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and her NBA hubby Kris Humphries tied the knot in front of an estimated 450 family and friends.

The black tie ceremony was held at a private estate in Montecito, CA on Aug. 20, according to People Magazine.

In an interview with E! News, the couple’s wedding planner, Sharon Sacks, said, “They have this Hollywood royalty feeling and the black and white represented formality. But tradition was very important to them.”

Kardashian, 30, donned three custom- made dresses by designer and close family friend, Vera Wang. She also rocked her 20-karat diamond ring, which was reportedly $2 million.

According to the Daily Mail website, the wedding was one of the most expensive celebrity weddings of all time, coming in at an estimated $10 million.

While some fans may be raving over the black tie affair, others were wondering if the wedding went overboard.

“Kardashian wedding? One word: overzealous,” said sophomore Annie Goyzueta.

“Three Vera Wang wedding dresses, like come on. It was a beautiful wedding and I will definitely be watching, but I just felt that they went a little too far,” she said.

While Goyzueta thinks the money spent on the wedding could have gone to better use, she still claims to be a fan of the reality TV family.

“I’m not a hater. I love the Kardashians and all of their shenanigans,” she said.

Kardashian and Humphries’ fairy tale wedding will air over a twonight special on the E! network on Oct. 8 and 9.

September 21, 2011

A&E 9

Adele ‘sets fire’ to her fame Jaclyn Giuliano Staff Reporter

AP Photo

Hugh Jackman is set to take the Broadway stage again in “Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway.”

Broadway Bound

Hollywood stars migrating to ‘Great White Way’ Lisa Panzarino Staff Reporter

The number one spot at the box office, sound stages, and sold out arenas don’t seem to be enough for today’s triple-threat actors and musicians.

Hugh Jackman, Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Connick Jr., and Scarlett Johansson are just a few of the celebrities who have ditched the big screen for life on stage.

Known for his role in “Harry Potter,” Radcliffe traded in his wand for a briefcase, starring in Broadway’s “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

While his acting chops and singing voice may have been a factor as well, producers of the show counted on Radcliffe’s Potter fan base to draw in a crowd.

“Having Daniel Radcliffe committing to do ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ meant the producers probably won’t have much trouble raising money for the show, and they would get a theater,” said the show’s casting director, Tara Ruben, in an interview with The New York Times. “So two of the biggest obstacles to producing the musical were solved right there.”

The reaction to Radcliffe’s performance was positive, and according to Broadwayworld.com, the show was nominated for eight Tony Awards this year.

According to Access Hollywood, two more famous faces will take over Radcliffe’s role this winter.

First will be“Glee’s,” Darren Criss, followed by musician and Broadway veteran, Nick Jonas.

Golden Glode nominated actor, Hugh Jackman, is returning to the stage as well. He won a Tony Award in 2004 in the category of Best Leading Actor for “The Boy From Oz.” Broadway.com confirms that his one man show, “Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway,” will debut on Nov. 10.

According to an article in the New York Times,

Jackman’s success with “A Boy From Oz” and “A Steady Rain” provide him with “a golden track record in a business where only 25 to 30 percent of shows even recoup their investment each year.”

“The whole interest in stars is really about a producer trying to raise the money, because it’s easier to raise money with a star,” said Broadway casting director Bernie Telsey to the New York Times.

It seems that in some cases, Telsey’s ploy may be working.

“I feel that celebrities have influenced my decision to see Broadway plays. I feel that they motivate more people in general to go see the plays because they are in them,” said junior Katie Durr.

While for Durr, the attraction to Broadway shows may be the hit songs or Hollywood stars, Nancy Piccone of the Manhattan Theatre Company disagreed.

She said in an interview with the New York Times, “It’s so interesting to look at Broadway right now. ‘Book of Mormon’ doesn’t have a single star, and it’s a huge hit.”

While their faces in magazines and on TV may make these stars recognizable, junior Brittany D’Adamo isn’t booking her tickets just for that reason.

“Celebrities have never influenced my choice. I go see the plays I want to see. I went to see ‘Hairspray’ because I wanted to see it, not because at the time Ashley Parker Angel was in it,” said D’Adamo.

Sophomore Thomas Potenzo shares this sentiment.

“I have seen ‘Lion King’ and ‘Wicked,’ but I don’t see plays because the have celebrities in them.

There are shows on Broadway that have become hits without any celebrities in them. I have not seen ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,’ but if I did it would not be solely because Nick Jonas is going to be in it; it would be because I want to see it,” said Potenzo.

A piano and her voice were the only things that Adele needed to wow the crowd when she performed at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMA’s).

In 2008, the British singer and songwriter made her debut in the United States with her first album, “19.” In 2009 she won two Grammys, one for Best New Artist and one for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Her sophomore album, “21,” a play off the age she was when she wrote the tracks, debuted this February.

So far the album has sold three million copies, making the “Turning Tables” singer the first female artist to simultaneously have two albums and two singles in the U.K. top five. The Beatles were the only other musicians to do this, in 1963, according to VH1.com.

“Rolling in the Deep,” a track off of “21,” hit the American radio waves and soon took the number one spot on the American charts.

Her hot streak didn’t end there. After her stripped down performance at the VMA’s, the songstress made history once again.

According to Billboard.com, her song “Someone Like You” leapt from number 19 on the Billboard Top 100 to number one in only one week, making it the only non-released single in history to do so.

The Brit seems to stand out among her fellow pop princesses because she doesn’t use glitter, strobe lights, or auto-tune to impress.

“I believe she was the best performer at the VMA’s,” said sophomore Christa Cappelli.“I really like the fact that she sounds exactly like she did on her record. That is pretty rare for a musician.”

Freshman Roy Allen agrees, picking a chart topper from “21” as his favorite track.

“My favorite Adele song is ‘Rolling in the Deep.’ It is very soothing and isn’t like your typical pop song. It has a different vibe too,” he said.

While Adele may be their newest competition, other artists in the business are thankful for her new soulful contribution to today’s music.

“She’s a breath of fresh air, and she’s so exciting and her music is adding another dimension to radio that’s so important,” said Lady Gaga to MTV.

According to the Huffington Post, Adele’s recent Los Angeles concert brought a lot of Tinseltown together including Jessica Simpson, the “Glee” cast, Kate Walsh, and Christina Aguilera.

Aguilera later tweeted a picture of the two with the caption, “Me & Adele. ‘Someone Like You’ is my favorite! Beautiful to see all her fans sing it tonight! ;) Love u Adele.”

Although some celebrities and Sacred Heart University students really enjoy Adele’s music, some haven’t quite jumped on the bandwagon.

“I don’t really listen to Adele. I don’t know why but she just doesn’t interest me that much. I guess I’m really not into that type of music,” said sophomore Brendan Finnigan.

Sophomore Ashley Clinger however uses Adele’s music when she needs a pick me up.

“I really enjoy listening to Adele,” said Clinger. “She is on my top playlist on iTunes and I can listen to her when I’m in any kind of mood. There is just something about her music that just puts me in a good mood.”

Broadway’s Must Sees:

Wicked Lion King Anything Goes

Book of Mormon Jersey Boys Memphis Adele’s record “21,” is this years best selling album.

AP Photo

Features

10

New minor proves to be ‘in fashion’ Year-old fashion program is success among students Meghan Pero Staff Reporter

The Spectrum/ Kelly Taylor

Senior Ray Palmer interns in an effort to prepare him for his future.

Preparing for life after graduation Senior Ray Palmer lands internship that opens doors for his future Kelly Taylor Staff Reporter

Another summer season passed with no hope of a tan or lounging on the beach for senior Ray Palmer. Since June 2010, Palmer has put over 40 hours a week into his internship.

This past summer was his second with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, an aviation manufacturing company based out of Stratford, Conn.

Palmer was hired as an interactive marketing person. In this role, he dealt with onscreen, websites, and multimedia services, along with digital and print advertising. He assisted a department of six designers for a corporation with over 10,000 employees.

“Everyday is different. Some projects would last three to four days while others would last seasons,” said Palmer.

Not only was he in charge of Sikorsky’s YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook pages, but he was also the mastermind behind the design of T-shirts given out at Sikorsky Innovation’s booth at the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration trade show.

“I had a really good idea while working with the internal marketing team,” said Palmer. “We put Quick Response Codes, or the scannable square URL codes, on the back of the shirts we gave out at the trade show. We printed thousands of them.”

This idea proved affective. As of Sept.

16, the Sikorsky Aircraft Twitter page had a total of 3,254 followers.

“It caught the eye of so many fans, and I am proud to say I worked on the project,” said Palmer.

He also explained how his time with the company has been extremely important to him. Currently, Palmer still holds the position of intern and hopes to remain there until after graduation.

“It’s easy for me to enjoy what I am doing,” he said. “I am in my field of study, and getting real world experience. Even though I have the title of intern, that doesn’t stop me from exceeding the expectations set for me.

They understand that I am an intern but at the end of the day I still work for them, and will do the best I can.”

Palmer explained that it has taken determination and effort to get him where he is today.

“I applied for the position and got to interview over a month later. I didn’t start until June even though I applied in February. This job deals with the government, and I had to pass background checks and such, in order to even be evaluated for the position.”

As the semester begins, Palmer finds a balance between schoolwork and the internship.

“I work around 10 hours a week while at school. Sometimes things get crazy but I handle it all. My job understands that I am still an undergraduate, and they have had to make certain arrangements if they need to be made,” he said.

Regardless of the time committment, Palmer feels the experience is worth it.

“They understand that I work hard and enjoy what I do, so they are willing to give back to me in the end,” he said. “I feel in the process of my internship I have developed and advanced my graphic design skills, and matured in the direction of my career.”

Palmer’s internship success is not the first at Sacred Heart University.

According to Rick DelVecchio, Director of Career Placement at the Career Development Center, the school prides itself on the placement of students.

“Sacred Heart students average at about 96 percent over the past five years for either full time employment or graduate school by one year after graduation,” he said.

DelVecchio stressed the importance of all students looking into employment options.

“The most important thing to do during college is intern. Throughout the entire four years that students are here, there is always something positive for them to be doing,” he said.

An early start could be the key to finding out what you want to do with your future, DelVecchio explained.

“Even if they are a freshman and think they may know what they want in a career, they don’t. They should make appointment with a career advisor to discuss their options,” he said.

For many Pioneer fashionistas, the fashion marketing and merchandising program at Sacred Heart University is a welcomed addition. The program is new to the Sacred Heart curriculum and has blossomed since its introduction to the university one year ago.

Non-marketing majors have the option to minor in fashion merchandising.

Both the concentration and the minor prepare students for a career in the competitive field of fashion.

Junior Jackie Carbonetto was unsure of what she wanted to major in when she entered Sacred Heart.

“Now that we have the fashion program, it made my decision much easier,” said Carbonetto.

Growing up, Carbonetto always expressed an interest in fashion. She pursued her passion by taking her first fashion design class in high school.

While some majors at Sacred Heart may be based mainly on theory learning, fashion marketing offers a hands-on experience. Students are currently designing fashion lines to present this term.

“In my fashion marketing course, I’m really looking forward to working with my classmates to develop and market a fashion line. I’m also really interested to see the designs everyone comes up with,” said Carbonetto.

For her, and many more in the program, fashion is not a just a field of study, but a way of life. It is incorporated into everyday decisions, and acts as a form of self-expression.

“Fashion has always been a huge part of my life, so incorporating that into my schooling seemed like an obvious choice,” said Carbonetto.

David Bloom, instructor of fashion marketing, explains the importance of the fashion marketing and merchandising program in a video on school’s website.

“We want our students to get into the business, to get immersed, make decisions, move up the ranks, and be prepared when they leave here,” Bloom said in the video.

Bloom has over 40 years of experience in the fashion industry and created the three original fashion-marketing classes in the spring of 2009. As the program continues to grow, so do the course offerings.

Carbonetto, who is currently enrolled in Bloom’s fashion marketing class, believes he is an important asset to the program.

“He is extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter and is always very engaged in what we are doing,” she said.

Carbonetto aspires to be a retail buyer after she graduates. Since she has taken classes with the fashion program her awareness for fashion in today’s society has dramatically improved.

“We have learned a lot about what drives fashion in our society, and how fashion is part of our everyday life, even though we may not always notice it,” she said.

With the busy life of a student athlete, Carbonetto believes studying something of interest is what helps her to stay focused and engaged.

“I believe that the new program will definitely help me to attain my career goals, and provide me with opportunities I would not have been able to experience before,” she said.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Kanner

Fashion Marketing and Merchandising offers students hands on experience.

September 21, 2011

Features 11

UMOJA celebrates diversity, creates unity

Alyssa Amoroso Staff Reporter

With a wide variety of clubs on campus, it can be hard to find the right fit for you. UMOJA is a club that offers unity for a variety of students who come from different backgrounds and cultures.

Coming from the Swahili word for “unity,” UMOJA prides itself on its diversity.

“When the club was first founded, it was created primarily to unite students of African American backgrounds.

However, it has now expanded, including people from a variety of cultures,” said alumna and former UMOJA President Kaitlyn McBryde.

The club is not exclusive to Sacred Heart’s campus.

It is nationwide, organization on many campuses across the country. Each individual club holds similar values and beliefs.

“UMOJA is always looking for new members who are looking to get involved. We encourage everyone to stop by our meetings.”

-- Kayla Crooms, UMOJA President

The club was founded at Sacred Heart to educate students on African American culture.

It creates a meeting ground for students looking to become better educated about minority relations outside of and within the Sacred Heart community.

“Our goal is to provide a positive influence to the minority population in neighboring towns and cities,” said junior and current UMOJA President Kayla Crooms.

Although UMOJA brings together African Americans on campus, the club is open to welcoming all students from different ethnicities, religions, and cultures.

This offers students a chance to learn more about the diversity of their peers.

“UMOJA is always looking for new members who are looking to get involved. We encourage everyone to stop by our meetings which are currently held on Tuesday

UMOJA members volunteer at the Hearts for Haiti event. nights at 8 p.m. in UC 107,” said Crooms.

She also encourages commuters to get involved as well, allowing students both on and off campus to be unified.

“Just because you cannot make the meeting does not mean you can’t be a part of UMOJA,” said Crooms.

At meetings, students share personal experiences and stories about their upbringing.

“I feel united on campus thanks to UMOJA because it helps me meet and learn about different people whose families originate from different countries. I just love meeting new people and getting different sides of one story,” said junior Sherrod Williamson.

Five photos never to post online Hannah Ackerman Features Editor The photos you think are harmless floating around in cyber space may be more troublesome than you think.

Today, it isn’t just incriminating Facebook or Twitter photos that can get you into trouble.

In a short episode of Upgrade Your Life, a web series that focuses on today’s technology, host Becky Worley talks about the five worst photos to post online.

She explains how pictures showing personal data, location using geotagging, alcohol consumption, poorly cropped photos, and what she calls the “duck face webcam pic,” commonly known as the “kissy face,” are detrimental to the user.

“All of these just are not a good idea.

You should use your common sense, don’t put any kind of personal identification online,” said sophomore Megan Tully.

While you may want to show off your new drivers license or the long awaited paycheck you finally received, the consequences could be too great.

The amount of personal data that is presented to the public can lead to major forms of identity theft.

“I don’t believe posting pictures with

any personal information is a smart thing to do. There are so many people out there that can try to steal your identity. You may think it’s fun or a joke but it can come back to bite you,” said sophomore Vinny Ebenau.

Enabling your geotagging is also an “online photo don’t” in the world of social networking. Geotagging presents the risk of posting your home address without your knowledge of ever doing so.

“If this is something that is changed on a social networking site, like Facebook, they need to send a memo out letting their users know. There are certain things that you know you are going to be posting, and that becomes your own fault. When you don’t even know that this happening, they need to warn you,” said senior Carolyn Holland.

Regardless of the information available to online users, some continue to ignore the perils of online sharing.

“People are too interested in bragging about what they have, where they are, or who they are, instead of worrying about their safety,” said Holland.

The poorly cropped and infamous webcam photos are the two final “online photo don’ts” that Upgrade Your Life suggests should be left out of the public eye.

“No, it does not make you look cool, trust me,” said Worley.

Photo Courtesy of Kayla Crooms

The club holds many events on and off campus each semester. These plans include holding a game night, a poetry slam, their annual food festival, a “Represent Your Flag” night, a community BBQ, food drive, read-a-loud, and an open mic night.

Williamson is looking forward to many of UMOJA’s events this coming year.

“I’m mostly excited about UMOJA’s poetry slam,” he said. “I love hearing poetry and trying to understand what kind of story line the poet is portraying. I also really enjoy UMOJA’s ‘Rep your Flag’ night and food and culture night, where people come together to eat, dance, and just enjoy each other’s company.”

Scoreboard

Thursday, September 15 M. Soccer SHU- 1 SBU- 0

Friday, September 16 Football Bryant- 26 SHU- 6

W. Volleyball SHU- 3 VCU- 2

W. Soccer SHU-2 Manhattan- 1

Saturday, September 17 M. Golf 7th out of 17 at McLaughlin Tournament

W. Volleyball SHU- 1 Ball State- 3

Sunday, September 18 W. Soccer SHU- 3 Brown- 2

W. Field Hockey SHU- 1 Yale- 9

On Deck Today

W. Field Hockey @ Fairfield 4:00 p.m.

Friday, September 23 M. Tennis @ UConn Invitational

Sports 12 Pioneers fall to Bryant 26-6 Special teams meltdown before half proves costly

Emily Cordero Staff Reporter

It was a somber Friday night under the lights at Campus Field as Sacred Heart University’s football team fell to the Bryant University Bulldogs. The game was the first ever Northeast Conference game being broadcasted on Madison Square Garden Network in high definition.

“The game being televised obviously adds a little emotion, but once the opening kickoff is over, nobody really thinks about those sorts of things too much,” said red shirt sophomore quarterback Luke Wischnowski.

The Pioneers weren’t able to hold up against the Bulldogs’ offense as they fell by a final score of 26-6. This was the fourth encounter the Pioneers and Bulldogs have had since Sacred Heart joined the NEC. “After the Marist game our kids were disappointed as well as the coaches, but the players know they only have 11 opportunities during the fall,” said Associate Head Coach Mark Nofri.

“They need to focus on the next team at hand and forget about the Marist game. Coach Gorham told them to stick together, they only have each other, and we will get back to work in practice. Good things happen when you work hard and you have the right mind set,” said Nofri.

In the first quarter the Bulldogs blocked a punt kicked by red shirt junior Bobby Shepherd. The result of the play on fourth and nine was a safety with 3:03 left in the quarter.

Bryant earned two points as well as getting the ball back.

“I didn’t know where exactly the rush came from, but at that point in the game it was only 0-2 and there was a lot of football left,” said Shepherd.

Going into the second quarter, the Pioneers

were only down by two points. Four seconds into the quarter, Bryant quarterback Mike Croce completed a pass to tight end Matt Tracey for an 11-yard touchdown pass. That completed a six play 40 yard drive.

Red shirt freshmen Chris Rogers kicked a 29-yard field goal to bring the Pioneers back within a few points, 9-3.

Later in the quarter, Bulldogs running back Jordan Brown returned a punt for a 53-yard touchdown.

Bryant scored their third touchdown of the second quarter with 5:16 to go, on a pass from Croce to Tracey again with a successful extra point from Tom Alberti.

Alberti scored again for Bryant on a field goal from the 21-yard line with 0:26 left in the first half. The Pioneers were able to end the half with a 39-yard field goal to go into the

locker room trailing 26-6.

The Pioneers’ defense was able to stay with the Bulldogs for the rest of the game as either team did not score in the second half.

“Our goal every year is obviously to win the NEC. To do this, we need to take this season one game at a time and have the winning mentality necessary to win each game,” said Wischnowski.

“This league offers no easy opponents and we understand the commitment and preparation needed each day in practice to succeed,” he said.

The team is determined to win the Homecoming Game against Dartmouth.

“Confidence is contagious and I think we are waiting for the first spark to set us off,” said red shirt sophomore quarterback Tim Little.

W. Volleyball goes 1-2 at Michigan State Leah Salindong Staff Reporter

The Sacred Heart University women’s volleyball team beat Intercollegiate Championships Virginia Commonwealth, while falling to Ball State and Michigan Field Hockey vs. Lehigh State at the Spartan Invitational last weekend in East Lansing, 4:00 p.m.

Michigan.

W. Soccer vs. Quinnipiac On Sept. 16, the Pioneers beat the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 7:00 p.m. by a final score of 3-2 in the first W. Ice Hockey @ Maine game of the Spartan Invitational.

The Pioneers conquered the 7:00 p.m.

Rams in the first set 25-19. The Saturday, September 24 Pioneers struggled in the following two sets just barely falling Football vs. Dartmouth to the Rams, 23-25 and 22-25.

1:00 p.m.

In the fourth set Sacred Heart tied VCU 25-23, leading them W. Volleyball vs. FDU into an additional tie-breaking set.

6:00 p.m.

The Pioneers led in the final set and ultimately defeated the Rams M. Soccer vs. NJIT 15-13 with a block from junior 7:00 p.m.

Johanna Ovsenek.

Offensively, sophomore M/W XC @ Fairfield Dianis Mercado was the top scorInvitational er for the Pioneers on Friday with a total of 17 kills, and second 11:00 a.m. top scorers, junior Elise Sage and Sunday, September 25 freshman Alissa Young with 10 W. Soccer vs. Central Conn. kills each.

Senior Jessica Colberg led the 1:00 p.m.

Pioneers defensively, with 16 digs and a close 10 digs by Kimmee W. Volleyball vs. Bryant Roleder.

1:00 p.m.

The next morning the Pioneers faced the Cardinals W. Tennis @ Eastern

The Spectrum/Sean Elliott

Bobby Shepherd’s punt is blocked in the first quarter resulting in a safety.

of Ball State University from Muncie, Indiana. The Pioneers fell to the Cardinals 3-1 in a close match.

Sacred Heart had a strong attack in the first frame, beating Ball State 25-19. The last three sets were close but the Pioneers were unable to pull out a victory.

The Cardinal offense was powerful in the second frame with .409 hitting average leading them to a close 25-23 win over the second set.

Ball state only made two attacking errors in the third set allowing them to claim the third set as well. In the fourth set no team hit over .100 percent, proving that both defenses made progress. Despite the improvement of the Pioneer defense, the Cardinals prevailed in the fourth set beating the Pioneers 3-1.

Junior Elise Sage had a strong offensive game against the Cardinals with 11 kills and a .450 hitting percentage. Roleder was the Pioneers top scorer against Ball State with 14 kills.

“During the Ball State game we had a lot of things that the team could improve on. Serving is one of our greatest keys to victory being able to knock the other team off balance, and we lacked in that area. Also, our defense wasn’t tenacious as usual,” said Sage.

Defensively Sacred Heart

racked up a mere 37 digs to Ball State’s 47. The Pioneers also fell in blocks with only four to Ball State’s 15.

Later Saturday evening the Pioneers faced the host of the Spartan Invitational, Michigan State.

The Pioneers fell short offensively in the first set 15-25, but regained momentum in the second set. Sacred Heart was able to tie many times throughout the second set but could not come out on top.

“Offense always depends on defense to be able to do their job and it got more difficult to do that as Michigan State was doing their job by making it harder for us with their disciplined blocking and offense,” said Mercado.

Sacred Heart lost their momentum in the third and final frame, which created an opportunity for Michigan State to prevail in a 25-11 set win. Michigan State conquered Sacred Heart in a 3-0 victory.

The Pioneers faced multiple top ranked teams at the Spartan Invitational and were able to defeat one of the three.

Ovsenek was named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Pioneers look to improve their game in order to defeat Farleigh Dickinson and Bryant this weekend, in their first NEC matches.

“There is no other plan than getting into the gym and keep practicing and make ourselves more disciplined. We’re excited and confident for this NEC game,” said Mercado.

The Spectrum/Zack Lane

September 21, 2011

Sports 13

Castro W. Soccer heads into leads SHU conference play 4-2-2 to victory Blake Campbell Sports Editor

Peter Mormino Staff Reporter On a chilly Thursday night the Sacred Heart University men’s soccer team traveled to eastern Long Island to take on the Sea Wolves of Stony Brook.

The defensive battle was scoreless until a penalty by the Sea Wolves, which gave the Pioneers an opportunity in which they capitalized on.

In the 70th minute, junior defender Marcello Castro drilled a 30-yard free kick in the top right corner of the goal, which would ultimately be the deciding factor.

“It was great to get a win on the road at Stony Brook and bounce back after a tough 1-0 loss to Providence. Castro’s goal was a world class free kick that he buried in the side netting,” said junior defenseman Alex Danais.

Castro’s goal was his second of the season, which leads the team. Castro is putting up big numbers early in the season, which is a good sign for the Pioneers.

“It was comforting to see Castro bury one especially after being out shot throughout the game. Although late in the second half, the goal gave us the confidence we needed as we were able to finish strong and get the win,” said senior goalkeeper Alex Fait.

Stony Brook was consistent offensively, out shooting the Pioneers 16 to eight, but just couldn’t find the back of the net. All five shots on net were denied by Fait, posting his third shutout of the season.

Fait has been solid in the net throughout his career, starting his sophomore and junior years, and is looking to finish with a strong senior year.

“It’s comforting to know our team can rely on Fait; we have lots of confidence with him in the goal,” said Danais.

“A senior and three year starter lets us play the game we want because we can rely on him when it comes down to it,” said Danais when talking about Fait.

The Pioneers moved to 3-2 on the season. They have defeated Saint Peter’s, Holy Cross prior to the victory over Stony Brook.

Their losses have came to Columbia and Providence, both by a score of 1-0. They were both on the road as well.

Head Coach Joe Barroso is in his fifth season with the team. Everyone surrounding the program sounds excited and is confident about the remainder of the season.

“Looking forward to the rest of the season, the NEC will be tough. The first test for us comes on the road at Robert Morris and St. Francis (PA). Winning both of those games would be a huge jump start to an NEC title run,” said Danais.

The Pioneers have made several postseason appearances in the previous years, but are still seeking their first NEC championship.

“Only five games in, there is a long season ahead of us. But the team is confident we can be successful,” said junior forward Justin Brewer.

“If we continue to work hard and play together as a team we can accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. We’re ready to get on track and stay hungry for more wins.”

Northeast Conference play is right around the corner as Sacred Heart opens conference play next week.

The Pioneers host NJIT on Saturday under the lights for a 7 p.m. game at Campus Field.

The roar of trains overhead flooded the field as the ball raced into the net for a game deciding goal. With car brakes screeching in the distance, the Pioneers ended their two-week road trip with a victory.

The sounds of the city made for an atmosphere unfamiliar to the Sacred Heart Pioneers as they traveled to the Bronx for a match against the Manhattan Jaspers.

“The field was in the middle of the Bronx surrounded by subways and busy streets so it was a very different feeling for us,” said junior captain Jen Mulvey.

Although they were on the road, the Pioneers were not alone as many of the Pioneer faithful made the trip in support of the ladies.

“We actually had a very large fan base there considering it wasn’t our home field so I think that helped us out a bit,” said Mulvey

In enemy territory, the Pioneers came prepared to counteract their opponents’ fast paced style of play.

“Going into the game we knew we had to settle the ball down and play to feet because they were a team that likes to just kick and run,” said Mulvey.

This game plan proved effective as the Pioneers took an early lead with a goal by Mulvey off an assist by junior Ashley Moore at the 11:49 mark of the game.

Less than a minute later, sophomore Martine Diamond answered with a goal of her own as she tied the match 1-1.

“After I scored the first goal, I think that we had a bit of a mental lapse as we let them get one back very quickly. Throughout this season though, we have been very good at bouncing back and scoring late goals, which I think is a credit to our fitness and will to win,” said Mulvey.

The Pioneers’ did just that as sophomore Lucy Gildein scored an unassisted goal at the 71:56 mark of the second half.

The defense would hold on for the remainder of the game as the Pioneers took the match 2-1.

“Offensively, it wasn’t our best game, but we definitely got the job done. We were pressuring their defense a lot so eventually they just broke down,” said Mulvey.

The Pioneers packed their bags and headed to Providence for a Sunday match against the undefeated Brown Bears. Going into the match, the Bears were undefeated.

Senior Amanda Stiles drilled a penalty kick in the 19th minute to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead. The Pioneers added to the lead when Gildein found the back of the net in the 33rd minute.

The Spectrum/Zack Lane

Jen Mulvey (#13) heads the ball towards the goal.

The Bears clawed their way back into the game when sophomore Kiersten Berg made a goal in the 37th minute of the first period off of an assist by senior Sarah Herbert-Seropian.

Brown started the second period off with another goal less then three minutes into action. Sophomore Alison Mullin headed the ball off a Chloe Cross corner kick, tying the game up 2-2.

The Pioneers took the lead for the last time when Stiles found the back of the net again for what proved to be the gamewinning goal off an assist by senior Heather Quevillion.

“After scoring the second goal I was thinking that we can’t let up because if we stop putting hard pressure on them anything could happen,” said Stiles.

The Pioneers are now 4-2-2 heading into conference play.

“The win was an important one because brown was undefeated going into this game and getting the win gave us a lot of confidence going into conference next weekend,” said Stiles.

The Pioneers will be back in action Friday against Quinnipiac at 7 p.m. on Campus Field to begin Northeast Conference play.

Vincent Ebenau contributed to this article.

Sports

14

NCAA’s top teams ready for 2011 season Bill Romaniello Staff Reporter Top-level college football stadiums hold double the amount of fans than that of NFL stadiums.

In the historic battle between the Michigan Wolverines and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 9 of this year, attendance levels were at a NCAA-record high of 114,804.

With the 2011 season already in progress, there are emerging players and teams to look out for.

For the 100th time in the history of the Associated Press college football poll, the Oklahoma Sooners are the number one team in the land.

Leading the defending Big 12 champions are junior quarterback Landry Jones and senior wide receiver Ryan Broyles.

The Sooners have held on to that coveted spot by demolishing Tulsa and beating then-No. 5 Florida State in Tallahassee.

Down one spot are the LSU Tigers. In addition to Northwestern State, the Tigers have already dropped then-No. 3 Oregon and No. 25 Mississippi State in their quest for bowl greatness.

At No. 3 are the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide’s three wins have come against Kent State, North Texas, and at then-No. 23 Penn State.

The Penn State game, at Beaver Stadium in Penn., drew a sell-out crowd of 107, 846.

Sacred Heart senior Dylan Larson has been part of these crowds. “I became a Nittany Lions fan because my close friend and high school teammate is a linebacker at the school,” Larson said.

He was at Beaver Stadium to experience last year’s loss against Michigan State.

“When the home side yelled in unison, ‘WE ARE,’ a brief pause would be

followed by the away side responding, ‘PENN STATE,’” Larson said.

Ranked No. 4, the Boise State Broncos are coming off two big road wins. Heisman Trophy hopeful, senior quarterback Kellen Moore, led his troops to victory over thenNo. 19 Georgia and Toledo.

Rounding out the top 5 are the Stanford Cardinal. At 3-0, the boys from California have already bested San Jose State, Duke, and Pac-10 rival Arizona.

The poll’s next 15 teams are part of college football’s regular cast of characters. Wisconsin is No. 6 followed by Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Oregon.

Florida State drops to No. 11 after the Oklahoma game while South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, and Florida compile the top 15.

Big 12 teams, Baylor at No. 17 and Texas No. 19, and Big East teams (West Virginia at No. 16 and South Florida at No. 18) help fill in the top 20. At No. 20 is future Big East member, Texas Christian University (TCU).

Ranked No. 14 in the preseason, TCU suffered an early, 2-point loss at Baylor to start their season.

However, after wins against Air Force and Louisiana-Monroe, the Horned Frogs look to climb the national ladder once again. Last year, TCU capped an undefeated season by defeating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl.

The slow start has not stopped senior Joe Weisberger from being a fan of the TCU Horned Frogs, though.

“They play great defense,” Weisberger said.

And with appearance becoming more and more important in college football, he doesn’t mind that their attire stands out.

“Their uniforms are awesome and the Horned Frogs is an absurd mascot,” said Weisberger.

Closing out the top 25 are Clemson, Michigan, USC, Illinois, and Georgia Tech.

Yet, at Sacred Heart, there are teams that fly under the national radar but still get attention from the community.

Although not ranked, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights seem to be a favorite at Sacred Heart due to the large amount of students from New Jersey.

The Scarlet Knights opened the season with two games against North Carolina foes. They shutout North Carolina Central in game one, but then lost a 2-point contest in Chapel Hill against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Rutgers is especially close to home for senior Austin Alpaugh.

“I am from New Jersey and grew up watching games, so I am a big fan,” Alpaugh says.

Not only is Alpaugh a fan, but he also wrestled with a few players on the team.

“Knowing some of the players on the team also makes it more interesting to watch and get into the games,” Alpaugh said.

North of New Jersey, in Chestnut Hill, MA, there is another college football team that has a grip on some students.

The Boston College Eagles, led by All-American linebacker Luke Kuechly, have had their fare share of troubles to start the season.

After losing their first three games against Northwestern, Central Florida, and Duke; the Eagles need to find their footing if they wish to compete in the brutal Atlantic Coast Conference.

As they prepare for an in-state game against the University of Massachusetts, Boston College fans at Sacred Heart are feeling nostalgic, despite the shaky start.

Senior Caitlin Gottwald watched her first Boston College football game at a

AP Photo

LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle (#2) catches a touchdown pass in their game with Miss. State over the weekend.

young age.

“Living fifteen minutes from Boston my entire life my Dad always had the game on. It finally grew on me and I began to enjoy watching the games - I became a fan,” Gottwald said.

For all fans, not just at Sacred Heart, this week promises a full slate of college football games.

No. 7 Oklahoma St. travels to College Station, Texas to take on no. 8 Texas A&M. In a matchup between two undefeated SEC opponents, no. 14 Arkansas will head to Tuscaloosa to battle no. 2 Alabama.

Dan Otzel, Asst. Sports Editor contributed to this article.

September 21, 2011

Sports 15

SHU offers wide variety of club sports Emily Pepe Staff Reporter If you love the competitive experience achieved in sport, but cannot make the full commitment to a Division I team, then Sacred Heart University club sports may be for you.

“A club sport is an on campus organization that does not compete on the Division I level but must compete against one non-Sacred Heart affiliated team throughout the academic year,” according to the Sacred Heart athletic website.

This marks the fourth official year of the club sports program which, in the wake of success, continues to expand.

Two new sports that Sacred Heart has introduced this semester are sailing and Gaelic football.

“I would have to say baseball, basketball, and women’s volleyball are among the most popular [club sports],” said Club Sports Graduate Assistant Christopher Carr. “However, we are able to field competitive teams for almost every [sport] and even more than one team for some sports.”

Although Sacred Heart’s Division I teams compete in the Northeast Conference, club teams are relegated to league based on the sport.

One baseball team competes in the

National Club Baseball Association, while the other plays ball in the New England Club Baseball Association.

Softball is in the National Club Softball Association and men’s and women’s rugby belong to the Metropolitan New York Rugby Football Union.

For the most part, all club teams take on the same opponents; from Boston College to Hofstra -- even across town against Fairfield University.

There are many other differences between Division I sports and clubs sports, though. Two of the most glaring are practice time and scheduling.

“It is a competitive outlet that promotes team work and bonding without a commitment of a varsity sport,” said Kelsey Hanley, a member of the women’s basketball club team.

Most Division I teams practice in their offseason, while club sports don’t require their players to compete or practice.

The lack of a preseason allows students in club sports to compete in more than just one sport. Also, club teams will play six to ten games, while Division I teams can easily double that number.

Since the birth of club sports on campus, several teams have found success. In the 2010-2011 seasons, the dance team competed at nationals (finishing in the top

10) and the women’s rugby team finished third in their conference.

Women’s volleyball made their first playoff appearance when they traveled to Boston and the figure skating team was named Team of the Year in the Club Sports

Awards.

“Each year we have grown as a program, making all of our teams more competitive and more successful each year,” said Carr. “This year looks to be no different.”

-Men’s & Women’s Basketball

- Golf

-Men’s & Women’s Lacrosse

- Gymnastics

-Men’s & Women’s Rugby

- Men’s Ice Hockey

-Men’s &Women’s Soccer

- Sailing

-Men’s and Women’s Volleyball

- Running

-Baseball

- Softball

-Bowling

- Tennis

- Dance Team

- Ultimate Frisbee

- Field Hockey

- Weightlifting

- Figure Skating

- Gaelic Football

Club Sports offered at SHU

A Word from the Editor: Mayweather KO’s Ortiz Blake Campbell Sports Editor In the fourth round of Saturday’s Pay-Per-View event, Floyd “Money” Mayweather knocked Victor Ortiz out with two vicious punches to take the WBC welterweight title. Although there has been much debate over whether or not the punches were fair, one thing is for certain; the punches were legal.

Just moments before the controversial two-punch combination, Ortiz, frustrated at his inability to land punches, stunned Mayweather with what would appear to be an intentional head butt. Although there has been much debate as to whether or not this justifies Mayweather’s response, one thing is for certain; the head butt was not legal.

Mayweather (42-0-0) recorded the 26th knockout of his career with the statement that will be attached to his name for the remainder of his career, “Protect yourself at all times.”

During a sit-down interview leading up to the fight with Max Kellerman, Mayweather looked Ortiz in the eye and warned him, “If you make any mistake, you have to pay.”

Mayweather made good on his word as he has 41 times prior to the Ortiz fight.

Ortiz (29-3-2) was warned verbally but he chose to learn the hard way. After a vicious head butt, Ortiz insisted on apologizing to Mayweather not once, but twice.

First with a hug and a kiss that was denied by Mayweather immediately after the cheap shot, and then once more after the bout had been restarted.

With his hands down, the opportunist Mayweather, one of the more technically sound boxers of our generation, took advantage of the opening and delivered the two fatal punches knocking Ortiz out for the count.

There wasn’t much of a contest prior to those punches. Mayweather had dominated each round while controlling the fight.

Ringside stats showed Mayweather landing 73 of 208 punches while Ortiz

Floyd “Money” Mayweather delivers a vicious blow on Victor Ortiz in Sunday’s Pay-Per-View event. only landed 26 of 148. Up until the knockout, Ortiz had been chasing Mayweather around the ring swinging plenty but rarely connecting.

Even with Mayweather backed against the ropes Ortiz was unable to connect punches, which led to the intentional head butt in the first place. Ortiz’s inability to connect punches proved he was no match for the more experienced, much quicker Mayweather.

But still there has been much talk in the sports world about the fashion in which Mayweather won the fight as if there was any question as to who would have won the match.

Put yourself in the fighters’ shoes, if you will.

First, look at it from Ortiz’s perspective. You’ve been chasing Mayweather around all night and you can’t seem to land a punch. Mayweather has been mocking you all night, shaking his head at you to let you know you haven’t done any damage.

You have nothing to lose, seeing how you’ve already been defeated. After a

flurry of unsuccessful punches, you decide the only way to hurt the man is to launch your head into his chin because you can’t seem to connect with it using your hands.

Now switch your perspective over to that of Mayweather. You’re a perfect 41-0 and your entire legacy depends on protecting your undefeated streak. While Ortiz has nothing to lose, you have everything to lose.

While you are easily controlling the fight, Ortiz takes a cheap shot at you.

Although you aren’t rattled, one more cheap shot could put you in a position to lose everything.

Your inexperienced opponent provides you with an opportunity to end the fight quickly and legally. Do you take your shot and secure your legacy or do you continue to risk everything against a reckless youngster with nothing to lose?

It’s easy to say what you would or wouldn’t do hypothetically, but until you step in the ring under those circumstances, it’s hard to determine what you would do in actuality.

AP Photo

Naturally, with Mayweather’s status in the boxing game, standing undefeated capturing every belt he’s ever competed for, there will be a large number of people who support him and an even larger number of people who hate him.

Whether the hate is motivated by his greatness or his arrogance is irrelevant because at the end of the day, you have to respect his resume and his hustle.

Mayweather brought home a guaranteed $25 million for the fight while Ortiz brought home $2 million. Both of these numbers will increase depending on how much was made off of Pay-Per-View.

Mayweather will continue on undefeated, Ortiz can write this off as a learning experience, and boxing fans have something to talk about until the next time Mayweather decides to come out of retirement, hopefully to fight Manny Pacquiao.

HBO gets a huge paycheck and the dying sport of boxing gets yet another breath of life. At the end of the day, everyone is a winner.

Sports The Spectrum

www.sacredheartspectrum.com

PIONEERS DROP TWO STRAIGHT

The Spectrum/Sean Elliott

Senior Wide Receiver Jojo Jamiel (#9) fields the ball during Friday’s loss to the Bryant Bulldogs. Jamiel had five catches for 35 yards.