Images of U.S. Women Showcased The gender studies program invites international artists to display their art on U.S. women, and brought a guest speaker to talk about crosscultural views. Page D-1
Friday April 3, 2015 • Volume 98, Issue Number 21 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper
the rocket LGBT issues addressed on campus
www.theonlinerocket.com
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Sophomore biochemistry major, Tara Schardong, and sophomore criminology and psychology major, Lizzie Strauch, kiss in the quad on Thursday in support of LGBT rights in front of street preacher, Zane Dempsie, who came to Slippery Rock University.
Advocate informs students about status of the LGBT community in Pennsylvania By Amber Cannon Assistant News Editor
Throughout the week, LGBT issues were addressed on campus, starting with Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, visiting Slippery Rock University Tuesday to inform students about the status and movement of LGBT issues in Pennsylvania, followed by a street preacher in the quad Thursday afternoon. Equality Pennsylvania is the state wide LGBT advocacy
Baseball's Offense Shines In Sweep The Rock baseball team hit five home runs in a double header against Walsh University. Page C-1
organization. Martin said he spends all his time based in Harrisburg working with legislatures and educating them on the LGBT community, talking to them specifically about what it’s like to be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Although to some it seems like nothing is changing towards LGBT issues, Martin said the world is shifting rapidly. According to Martin, 78 percent of Pennsylvanians are in support of passing a law that will prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and
public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Martin said the challenge comes in when legislatures don’t have the courage or ability to go forward with the movement. “The good news is that we’re sitting here in Slippery Rock having conversations about LGBT issues. That is a remarkable and enormous thing. The world is moving very fast, but the challenge is simply this. SEE LGBT, PAGE A-3
Psychologist creates strategies for women to conquer bias She said women do anything for their best friend, but when it comes to them, they do not go and get News Editor what they want. She said with her strategies, women can combat bias in the workforce and help propel On average, for every dollar that a man makes in themselves forward. the professional world, a woman makes 22 cents less Elahee said that she believes that the workforce is than that, psychologist Dr. Rachel Elahee said. still biased for women and that this is proven through Elahee is a professional life coach from Cleveland, statistics. Ohio who currently works in Atlanta, Georgia in “It’s still biased because there are more men in the new field of science called the workplace and more women positive psychology. Positive have degrees,” Elahee said. “In "Your life is not a psychology is the study of what the workplace, we do not see that makes life most worth living. She same percentage reflected.” dedicates her life to motivating democracy. Other people Elahee said that part of the women and she sheds light on problem is that women are can offer their opinions, sometimes not bold enough and bias in the workforce. Elahee is the author of the that they are not willing to take but they do not get a book "Choose You!" which she risks. described as a book that has She said she feels that women vote in your life." 100 strategies for women to often feel discouraged when live by. Her strategies advocate applying for jobs because they feel -Dr. Rachel Elahee ideas that can help women gain they do not meet all the criteria confidence. for that specific job, while men “Your life is not a democracy,” apply for jobs on a gamble. Elahee said. “Other people can offer their opinions, “Part of that is that we don’t feel confidence in but they do not get a vote in your life.” ourselves,” Elahee said. Elahee said something that she feels more women need to indulge in is ‘best friend therapy.’ She explained best friend therapy as women need to SEE EDUCATION, PAGE A-2 treat themselves the way they treat their best friend.
By Haley Barnes
The Roxy Features 4 Groupwork Film Essays Student Types
Softball Wins Two AVI Lets Guests Try In Doubleheader New Food Options
The English Department releases a new student published book that analyzes movies. Page A-2
Rock softball ties its season high in runs scored in a 13-6 win over the Crimson Hawks. Page C-3
With group project season here, read about the students you'll be working with. Page B-2
AVI will introduce a Mexican Food s3ection after their Taco Tuesday success at Rocky's. Page D-3
NEWS
A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Rain at times; snow at night
Cooler; cloudy, then some sun
Cloudy
A few afternoon showers
Cloudy, rain possible; warmer
Low clouds
Cloudy, rain beginning; cooler
58°
32°
33°
43°
53°
REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE
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Sat.
Sun. Mon.
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Wed. Thu.
CITY Akron Allentown Altoona Cleveland Erie Harrisburg Indiana Johnstown Philadelphia Pittsburgh Scranton State College Wheeling Williamsport Youngstown
Friday HI LO W 59 31 r 65 45 c 65 40 r 54 31 r 51 30 r 67 44 r 61 33 r 61 33 r 70 50 c 62 35 r 62 41 c 62 39 r 62 34 r 62 41 r 59 30 r
Saturday HI LO W 47 37 pc 50 31 pc 46 35 sf 45 36 pc 38 31 c 52 34 pc 45 34 sf 42 33 sf 53 39 pc 47 34 pc 46 33 sf 47 35 sf 48 37 pc 48 33 c 44 34 pc
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UV INDEX
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Monday HI LO W 57 50 sh 57 45 pc 59 47 pc 56 47 sh 49 43 sh 63 48 pc 58 47 c 57 47 c 67 50 pc 58 47 c 58 44 pc 58 46 pc 59 51 c 60 44 pc 56 47 sh
Sun. Mon.
Tuesday HI LO W 65 41 r 60 46 r 66 51 r 58 37 r 52 35 r 68 52 r 64 47 r 63 49 r 65 53 r 66 49 r 58 46 r 62 45 r 68 48 r 60 43 r 62 38 r
57°
Sun
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The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme.
Sunday HI LO W 59 41 c 53 37 pc 57 38 c 53 41 c 43 36 sn 60 40 c 55 38 c 53 39 c 59 43 pc 57 42 c 51 36 sh 56 37 c 60 42 c 53 35 sh 56 38 c
45°
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Wednesday HI LO W 61 40 c 55 38 sh 62 38 r 59 37 c 53 34 c 60 40 r 61 39 r 60 41 r 60 44 r 59 38 c 53 36 r 52 36 sh 67 44 c 54 36 r 57 38 c
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INDEX Blotter.................A-3 S p o r t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 1 Opinion................B-1 Campus Life...........D-1 Comics...................B-3
TEMPERATURES
37°
48°
Thursday HI LO W 53 44 r 49 40 r 52 42 r 48 41 r 47 39 r 54 42 r 54 42 r 51 42 r 62 46 r 57 44 r 49 37 r 50 41 r 61 46 r 51 38 r 52 41 r
Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Moon
Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Rise 7:01 a.m. 6:59 a.m. 6:58 a.m. 6:56 a.m. 6:54 a.m. 6:53 a.m. 6:51 a.m. Rise 7:14 p.m. 8:11 p.m. 9:09 p.m. 10:07 p.m. 11:05 p.m. none 12:02 a.m.
Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal
MOON PHASES
Set 7:47 p.m. 7:48 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 7:50 p.m. 7:51 p.m. 7:52 p.m. 7:53 p.m. Set 6:35 a.m. 7:04 a.m. 7:35 a.m. 8:08 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 9:26 a.m. 10:12 a.m.
Full
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Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015
PRECIPITATION
Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal
National Summary: Chilly air will make a return to the Northeast and mid-Atlantic Saturday. The air will be cold enough to send snow showers into the interior portion of the Northeast. Some areas along the coast could get some rain to start, but a drying trend will be featured throughout the day. The front will kick up storms across Florida. Meanwhile, rain will fall in the Northwest. A weak disturbance will bring a damp day for some, mainly an area extending from Chicago to Boston, on Easter Sunday. An area of thunderstorms will bring downpours to parts of eastern Texas and Louisiana. As the new workweek rolls around on Monday, thunderstorms will rumble across the Mississippi Valley.
NATIONAL CITIES
Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W Atlanta 82 54 pc 68 47 s 69 55 s 73 62 t 81 66 c 83 66 c 82 66 c Boston 62 45 sh 50 33 r 48 34 s 45 37 pc 48 38 r 46 34 r 44 34 pc Chicago 52 27 sh 57 38 pc 63 41 pc 56 46 t 51 36 r 49 36 c 48 38 r Cincinnati 64 35 r 55 38 s 66 47 s 65 59 t 74 52 r 71 50 c 68 49 t Dallas 76 48 c 68 51 s 64 61 t 79 68 c 84 67 t 81 63 t 76 59 t Denver 47 28 pc 63 35 s 72 44 s 70 36 pc 62 36 c 57 33 r 58 37 t Detroit 57 28 r 50 32 pc 54 37 sh 55 45 sh 57 36 r 51 35 c 50 39 r Houston 82 59 pc 71 58 pc 81 67 t 83 70 t 88 72 c 86 71 r 86 66 t Indianapolis 56 31 r 55 38 s 64 48 s 64 57 t 70 48 r 66 48 c 64 46 r Kansas City 54 32 c 64 44 s 65 50 pc 78 51 c 65 43 c 64 44 c 65 44 c Los Angeles 87 58 s 79 55 s 67 53 pc 67 51 s 65 54 s 70 55 s 69 56 pc Miami 83 71 s 85 71 s 84 72 sh 84 73 s 86 73 pc 87 74 s 89 74 sh Nashville 75 42 t 64 36 s 70 51 pc 72 64 t 80 63 t 79 60 t 81 57 t New Orleans 85 66 s 72 64 pc 79 67 t 83 71 t 87 72 pc 86 72 sh 87 72 t New York City 65 48 c 52 38 pc 55 39 pc 62 46 pc 54 46 r 54 44 r 56 42 r Orlando 88 64 s 88 67 t 81 66 pc 87 68 pc 89 69 pc 90 70 s 92 72 pc Phoenix 88 61 s 90 62 pc 88 58 s 82 58 s 82 57 s 80 58 s 85 62 s San Francisco 66 49 s 63 50 pc 61 48 sh 61 53 sh 60 49 r 65 50 s 64 51 r Seattle 51 40 r 55 38 r 56 39 sh 56 41 sh 58 42 r 60 45 s 61 46 c Washington, DC 77 52 t 60 41 pc 67 50 s 71 57 pc 79 61 r 70 53 r 63 52 r Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.
English department releases first issue of The Roxy and 10th issue of SLAB By Shelby Stearns Copy Editor
The SRU English Department hosted its annual Sound and Literary Art Book (SLAB) release party on Wednesday night at the Alumni House. This event was unique from other years because this is the 10th issue of SLAB and the first issue of 'The Roxy', a student-run film and media studies journal. SLAB is the student organization that puts together a book of the same name compiling creative works from published writers across the country. Every spring, they debut that year’s publication. 2015 marks 10 years since the first SLAB was released. This issue is bigger than any issue previous, containing 270 pages instead of 220. “The biggest thing we have in here is an interview with the very well-known poet Gerald Stern,” English professor and staff advisor for SLAB, Dr. Mark O’Connor said. “There are four new poems that no one’s ever seen that he gave to SLAB, which was hugely generous.” Stern has had work published in The New Yorker, and the transcript of excerpts of his interview with Dr. Barta-Smith can be found in SLAB, in addition to poems, creative nonfiction and fiction works from writers from all over the country who submitted to them. The cover art is a photo by Tom Little of John Peña’s piece called 'Word Balloons', which is on display at the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh. The first edition of 'The Roxy' is an important accomplishment for the English Department and was also celebrated at SLAB’s event. The journal is named after 'The Roxy', which was a movie theater on Main Street in Slippery Rock that opened on April 10, 1939. It burned down on April 27, 1978 during a showing of Saturday Night Fever. “We were very happy to have the SGA, the
Slippery Rock Film Society and the English department help us with funding for the first issue,” Dr. William Covey, English professor, director of the film and media studies minor and staff advisor for 'The Roxy' said. “We received extra help from Wendy Leitera, ex-mayor Dr. Ken Harris, Dr. Nancy Barta-Smith, Dr. Marnie Petray, Dr. Jason Stuart as well as from student Abbie Lahmers.” 'The Roxy' features 95 pages of SRU undergraduate student-written academic film essays, analyzing everything from superhero movies to Hitchcock to Spike Jonze’s 'Her'. “It's super cool in that it gives SRU students interested in publishing marketable skills like manuscript selection, editing, proofreading and layout skills,” junior creative writing major and editor-in-chief of 'The Roxy,' Kaisha Jantsch, said. “It's small right now, as this is the first edition, but we hope to grow and expand it in the future.” The event itself had a large turnout of English professors and English majors and minors. Copies of SLAB were given out to all in attendance, free of charge, and 'The Roxy' was distributed to staff members and contributors to the journal. SLAB creative nonfiction editor LaMorie Marsh operated a button-making machine that allowed those in attendance to cut a photo of their choice out of a magazine and have it made into a button. The event also had Lori Jakiela, a poet/author and professor at Pitt-Greensburg come in and read some of her work. “Lori Jakiela had the whole room laughing as she read poems about her time as a flight attendant,” Genna Walker, a senior creative writing and philosophy double major and managing editor for SLAB said. “She also read from her recently released memoir, Belief Is Its Own Kind of Truth, Maybe which explores her search for her biological mother.” Copies of SLAB can be obtained for free in the English Department office in Spotts.
Education is key to changing society, FMLA vice president says Continued from Page A-1
She said one thing that women need to not do is take no in a personal matter. “Don’t take 'no' personally,” Newsroom: 220 Eisenberg Building she said. “It means no for (724) 738-4438 Slippery Rock now. It doesn’t mean you are Advertising: University a bad person or if there is (724) 738-2643 Slippery Rock, PA something wrong with you.” She also added that women Fax: 16057 should not view work, like the (724) 738-4896 way they view relationships. Email: “If you wouldn’t do it in rocket.letters@sru.edu a relationship, don’t do it in the workforce,” she said. “Other wise the job will Nationally recognized as one of the top 10 four-year weekly end the exact way a bad broadsheet newspapers by the relationship does.” Associated Collegiate Press. She said college students can promote gender equality in various ways. “College students need to be critical,” she said. “If you find yourself declining an opportunity, you need to really figure out why that it is.”
CONTACT US
NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK
IN THE SKY
™
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.
REGIONAL CITIES
39°
April 3, 2015
Vi c e president of t h e Fe m i n i s t Maj or it y Leadership Alliance (FMLA) an d f re s h m an E n g l i s h education major, Victoria Davis for the most part agreed with Elahee’s insight. Davis said that she has no doubt that bias still exists in the workplace. “ Wo m e n are less comfortable with asking for raises in the workplace,” Davis said. Davis said that something she has read about lately is that when a man asks for a promotion, he is seen as ambitious and responsible, but that when women ask, they are seen as overbearing and problematic. She said that from birth, women are raised to believe that they are not made for certain jobs. Davis explained that this can be changed through education
on diversity. She said that students need to be aware of this topic. “You need to educate people before you can expect to change society,” she said. Elahee said that there plenty of resources available for women, including a free sur vey from www. viacharacter.org. She said that this survey can help women understand their character strengths. For students looking to get involved with gender equality on campus, FMLA meets Monday nights in the Women’s Center at 7 p.m. Students are also welcomed to visit the Women’s Center during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
NEWS
April 3, 2015
A-3
POLICE BLOTTER Campus March 26 – Police were called for a female feeling faint at the McKay Education Building. The female was transported to the health center to be checked out.
March 5 – Jayme Kerr was cited for into along Franklin Street where numerous disorderly house after police received a noise items were stolen. complaint at a residence along South Main Street. Brittany Rhoades and Craig Gillen were cited for disorderly house in lieu of underage consumption. March 20 – A resident along West Water Street reported their garbage can was stolen.
March 26 – There was a call for an unknown person(s) painting an asterix on the bulletin March 5 – A business along Grove City Road board at Spotts. The custodial staff was notified reported criminal mischief to their business March 21 – Challis Roberts was cited to clean it up. where a window was shot with a BB gun. for disorderly house in lieu of underage consumption. March 26 – Burnt food set off a fire alarm at the R.O.C.K Apartments. The panel was reset.
March 30 – Police were dispatched for a female who passed out at Patterson Hall. When an ambulance arrived to the scene, the patient refused medical treatment.
March 6 – Jamie Bennett was arrested for March 23 – Frederick Mozzocio was cited driving under the influence of alcohol after for disorderly conduct for possessing drug being stopped for a traffic violation on South paraphernalia after being stopped for a Main Street. speeding violation along North Main Street.
March 6 – John Price was arrested for retail March 23 – A resident along West Cooper theft at Sheetz. Street reported her car and house has been egged. Two juveniles were cited for this offense.
March 30 – Police received a call from custodians about individuals damaging March 7 – Levi Buck and Kelly Brown were restrooms at Eisenberg. The case is under cited for disorderly house after committing an March 27 – Ashley Adams was cited investigation. unlawful act in a parked vehicle along South for disorderly house in lieu of underage Main Street. consumption after being found in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation. March 30 – A metis alarm was accidently tripped at Eisenberg. Officers checked the area March 9 – There was a reported theft where and no one was around. The alarm was reset. an unknown actor collected an income tax March 27 – Dominique Jeremko was arrested return under the name of the victim. for driving under the influence of alcohol after being stopped along South Main Street for a traffic violation. March 30 – Burnt food set off a fire alarm at the R.O.C.K Apartments. The alarm was reset. March 10 – A resident along Franklin Street reported criminal mischief to their house where a window was shot with a BB gun. March 28 – Brooke Hammerstrom was cited for public drunkenness after being found Borough along Elm Street unable to stand or walk on March 12 – A business along South Main her own. March 2 – A resident along East Water Street Street reported criminal mischief where a reported criminal mischief to their house window was shot with a BB gun. where a window was shot with a BB gun. March 16 – A vehicle was reported broken Compiled by Amber Cannon
LGBT advocate urges students to get involved with movement
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Ted Martin speaks to students in the Smith Student Center about how legislatures in Pennsylvania tend to forget about the transgendered community.
Continued from Page A-1
There are a lot of them [legislatures] that just simply don’t have the ability to move forward even though they want to and even though they know they’re protected. Pennsylvania remains the only state in the northeast where you can still fire someone for being gay. You can deny them public accommodation and service at a store.” Martin said it is important for students to go and talk to legislatures to connect with them about LGBT issues. He said it is important to get them to see the world differently by talking to them,
connecting with them and meeting with them. Martin also said among the LGBT community, legislatures often forget about the transgendered community. “Legislatures are more willing to throw those folks under the bus,” Martin said. “They can clearly look at me and say, ‘this legislation would move if we didn’t have to worry about transgendered people. We’ll come back to them, you know we’ll come back to them.’ The bottom line is, they will never ever come back to them.” Haley Crompton, sophomore English major and member of RockOUT, said the LGB rights have advanced very quickly in the past few years, but she also believes the
transgender community is left behind. “I think it has something to do with what [Martin] said, like transgendered people are kind of ignored in the community sometimes and it’s important to make sure that they are visible.” Crompton also said LGBT discrimination can be stopped on the national level. She said the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would provide basic protections against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, is in the process of trying of to get passed, but it hasn’t been passed yet. Kristopher Hawkins, fifth year psychology major and RockOUT president, said he believes we will see more and more strides towards equality as his generation begins to become more involved with politics and legislation. “Discrimination and inequality will diminish over time, but as Ted stated, we have a long way to go,” Hawkins said. “When people become more progressive and accepting, not tolerant, then the arc of equality leans towards Pennsylvania. When we are shrouded in that Arc, our commonwealth will be changed for good.” Hawkins said one thing that surprised him during Martin’s presentation was learning about a larger LGBT organization, The Equality Federation, which represents the interest of individual states. Hawkins said this is important because it ensures that the lives and experiences of LGBTQIA people are represented and not lost in the national spotlight. Hawkins advises that students ignore street preachers when the come to campus because the street preacher's mind set cannot be changed. Dr. Thomas Flynn, department chair and professor of communications, mentioned that there was a time in this country when homosexuality was against the law in all 50 states and the American Psychological Association considered it a mental disorder. “To me, it is remarkable the changes that we have seen. Don’t get the idea that it’s almost over, that at one point in time this summer the Supreme Court is going to make an announcement and everything will
be great. It’s because of people like Ted who have devoted their time and energy to this cause that we have seen the rapid change.” For students who wish to come out, but are afraid of being judged, Martin advises students to come out when they feel comfortable and safe. “I would advise people to come out when you feel comfortable, to live your truth, but do it in a way that you know you’re safe, you can gain acceptance and that you can be happy,” Martin said. “It’s not a casual thing. You don’t just come in on Monday morning or Tuesday morning and announce that you’re gay, it’s a process. Understand too that when people tell you of their status, they trust you. That’s a gift.” Martin said there are a number of different opportunities for students to get involved with the movement. He said signing up to get into the information database on www.equalitypa.org, talking to legislatures, registering to vote, running for office and donating to the movement are some of the ways for students to get involved. Martin said the LGBT movement is far from finished, but within time it will all be over. “Is it over? I’ll be 50 in two weeks. By the time you’re all 50, it will be long over, but we’re not quite there yet.”
Scan this QR code to watch an interview with Ted Martin or go to www.theonlinerocket.com
O
OPINION
Our View
125 Anniversary finally over
OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 98, Number 20
220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:
(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 rocket.letters@sru.edu
EDITORIAL BOARD Kevin Squires
Editor-in-Chief
Haley Barnes
News Editor
Katie Ellis
Campus Life Editor
Brian Hepfinger
Sports Editor
Alex Mowrey
Photo Editor
Andrew Conner
Web/Social Media Editor
Shelby Stearns
Copy Editor
Amber Cannon
Assistant News Editor
Janelle Wilson
Assist. Campus Life Editor
Ryan Barlow
Assistant Sports Editor
Rebecca Dietrich
Assistant Photo Editor
Emily Brown
Multimedia Reporter
Mark Zeltner
Faculty Adviser
ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry
Advertising Manager
ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. The first copy of The Rocket is provided free of charge. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents each. The Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its funding from the SGA Student Activity fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 7382643 or by emailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.
CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.
REBECCA DIETRICH / THE ROCKET
Slippery Rock University: allowing students to experience the difference since 1889. For over 125 years, SRU has served as a high quality institution, e d u c at i n g hu n d r e d s o f thousands of students and offering hundreds of different majors, which prepare students for their successful careers once they’ve graduated. It’s a tradition of excellence and one we are all proud of at The Rocket; however, it is also one that we are all very, very tired of hearing about. Before 2014 even started, everyone was already hearing about the big 125 anniversary. We get it, Slippery Rock as an educational institution has been around for a long time. By March of 2014 we were already looking forward to it being over. The year do esn’t e ven seem significant, as 125 isn’t anything worth celebrating. It was an excuse to celebrate a trivial point in history. Not that celebrating 50, 100 or any other typically celebrated anniversary is significant in the first place, but at least those years look more important, even if they aren’t. How
In the Quad
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Rocket are available. Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year. Inquiries should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief at the address listed here.
much can you really talk this? Apparently quite a lot. We witness e d mu lt iple birthday parties for the celebration. It was like a sweet 16 for a spoiled teenager on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16,” complete with banners, ribbons and glitter. A cardboard cutout of Dr. Norton, a parade and essentially every sport featuring a 125 special game...there was no escaping the 125 celebration this year, and we’re not even going to touch on the disaster of the Michigan game. The one thing we were actually looking forward to, breaking the world record for spooning, didn’t even happen. The big student engagement event: a lip dub to “Happy” that was not even executed properly. While we’re all for celebrating our unity as students and the greatness of Slippery Rock with events like these, it’s one thing to talk about them, and one thing to effectively pursue them. It just seemed like a whole lot of hot air that couldn’t fill the weight of the 125 balloon the university’s promise of events couldn’t even fill. Instead there
was just an excessive amount of advertising plastered over every item that came out of the university. There’s a time capsule, 125 logo and all, sitting in the Student Center that is apparently just going to remain there for years, a constant reminder of the torture we went through, seeing it advertised everywhere. Don’t get us wrong, we find the logo very visually appealing, but there is only so much that the eyes can take. But, with April came the end of the 125-year anniversary. It’s finally time to move past it. The celebration that seemed to drag on for 125 years is finally over. Now laid to waste is the 125 logo emblazoned on every banner, every street, and within every building from the quad to BSB. If we never see that 125 anniversary logo again, never see signs plastered across campus and flags hanging from poles, we will die happy. However, we will enjoy the sales sure to result of the surplus merchandise that no one wanted to purchase.
This week’s question: What’s your experience with group work?
In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.
EDITORIAL POLICY The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board. “Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.
LETTERS POLICY The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication. The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published. Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any. Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.
Ray Conner Senior, Criminology and Criminal Justice Major Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jordyn Bennett Sophomore, Public Relations Major Chester, Pennsylvania
Alyssa Belanger Junior, Criminology and Criminal Justice Major New Milford, Connecticut
“You need to bring good work ethic to be greater hold of the group. A lot of times, one person ends up doing all the work. It’s not a bad thing because it makes that person better.”
“My experience is, of course you want to give everyone an opportunity to do their work but be prepared that there is gonna be someone that isn’t going to do what they need to do.”
“I’m not a fan of group work. When you’re working on a group project, all the work ends up being pushed onto one person and it’s not fair. I also like doing work the way I’d like to do it.”
OPINION
B-2
When ‘sexist’ exes attack: Just an hour ago, I had the unfortunate experience of having someone I once “dated” threaten to post year-old pictures of me I once sent him in confidence. This morning, I had made the mistake of contacting him to tell him he was in one of my dreams. He apparently took this information as me “wanting him.” I told him I could offer him friendship and nothing more. He was angered by this, so I just said, “Girl, bye” and thought that it would be the end of everything. A few minutes later I received a picture of myself along with, “Guess I’ll have fun with these now… Thanks for showing me how much of a c*** you can be.” I was, of course, in complete shock. I knew he was awful, but never thought he would stoop so low. I thought a great deal on how to respond and replied with the following: “See, it’s people like you that undermine feminism. You think that just because a
April 3, 2015
‘It’s my body, I’m allowed to do what I want with it’
woman doesn’t want a relationship with you, you have the right to shame her. You think it will make you more powerful. Yes, I sent you pictures when I wanted something more than a friendship with you; that was clearly a mistake. It’s people like you that make women not trust any men. I’m tired of the sexism and ‘slut shaming.’ It’s ridiculous that I cannot do what I want with my body because of this fear. It’s sickening. So, before you go ahead and try to post or whatever you do with those pictures, just remember that you should be the one that’s ashamed of yourself for even thinking of doing such a thing.” His arguments continued with more BS that doesn’t really matter anymore. I don’t think he’ll actually post the images, but if he does I think I’ll be prepared. I will, of course, be embarrassed at first. However, I will not back down from arguing that it is not my fault
someone abused me. I sent those pictures in confidence and if he chooses to share them, it’s his conscience that will suffer. I’m not crying because some guy may or may not share private photos of me. I’m crying because I’m ashamed to live in a world where people think it’s okay to do these things. I refuse to let people control me in this way. I am a 21-year-old female. I am a college student. I am an aunt. I am a friend. I am a feminist. I will not let others define who I am based on pictures and social media. I will not let these pictures get to me or slow me down. I am proud of who I am and I accept all the mistakes I have made. I want to teach the world that this is not okay. No one deserves to be publicly shamed for old “mistakes.” It’s my body and I’m allowed to do what I want with it. Name withheld by request.
4 people determined to ruin your group project
Janelle Wilson Commentary Janelle Wilson is a junior journalism major from Emon Valley, Pennsylvania and the assistant campus life editor of The Rocket. Group projects: you either dislike them or abhor them with every fiber in your being. Whichever opinion you hold, it’s arguable that maintaining your patience throughout the entirety of a group project builds character in a way that no other assignment could. Years of group project labor can shape your character until it becomes a reflection of your groupproject persona, whether you sacrifice yourself to compensate for others’ lack of work, or have ridden coattails all the way to graduation day. These people have become irrevocably shaped by their group project persona. The Martyr While every group project always has one person who does the majority of the work, that person is not the martyr. The martyr is the person, who after receiving the rubric and assignment sheet for the project, then goes home and spearheads the entire thing, PowerPoint presentation and all, before the group can even set up their first meeting. The Martyr is most likely a failed group project veteran, and
is scarred from the long caffeine-induced nights salvaging the bits and pieces other people contributed into a passing presentation. ‘ During speaking presentations, you can pick out the Martyr because once another member begins reading directly off of the PowerPoint he or she slaved 12hours over, their eyes glaze and focus somewhere far off in the distance, most closely resembling the 1,000yard stare. Martyr won’t go out without a fight, though, and at the end, will give all other group members an “O” on their evaluations before going out in a blaze of glory. The Busy Bee Meeting at 11 a.m. Monday? Busy Bee has class. Group discussion on Wednesday at 8 p.m.? Busy Bee works, but don’t worry, he or she will let you know 10 minutes before you meet so that no one can reschedule. Common-hour on Tuesday? Ooh, Busy Bee’s cat is having a bad day. Can’t possibly make it. Busy Bees have so many prior obligations, that it’s a wonder they manage to fit in 15 hours of classes in a week between work, cat motivating, and other very important activities, all of which demand Busy Bee’s exclusive attention. If only Busy Bee would shift his or her imaginative nature from creating excuses, and into creating a dynamic project, alas, that would take time that Busy Bee simply does not have. During speaking presentations, wait, did Busy Bee have a prior obligation, because he or she definitely isn’t there. But don’t worry; Busy Bee emailed the professor before class to give them a head’s up that he or she will be late because of “extenuating circumstances.” Busy Bee failed to let the rest of the group know, though. Too busy. The No-Show If a professor ever announced group members, and you thought to yourself, “Is that person even in this
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class?,” chances are, you have a No-Show on your hands. There will be no correspondence between the group and No-Show at all throughout the duration of the project. No texts, no emails, no interaction, period. Only when group members are writing out their names on a paper, do they remember that No-Show ever existed at all. During speaking presentations, who is that ghostly figure standing beside me in khaki’s and a button-up shirt? It looks like, no it can’t be, No-Show disappeared months ago without a trace. To everyone’s surprise, No-Show arrives on time and has memorized his or her portion of the project, and delivers it flawlessly; however, once his or her part is done, No-Show disappears into the mist, never to be seen again. The BFF “OMG, group meeting today, can’t wait :)” Okay, that text was odd, but at least they’re eager, right? Wrong. While everyone else is slaving away doing research, or at least pretending to do research, BFF just found the most hilarious tweet, and laughs loudly about it until someone asks what’s so funny… big mistake, it’s all downhill from there. It’d be easier if I could just tag you, BFF explains; just give him or her your Twitter handle. After you leave the group meeting, BFF has also requested to follow you on Instagram, liked all of your photos, and invites to Candy Crush suddenly flood your Facebook inbox. During speaking presentations, BFF is giggling at the adorable way you mispronounced “quantitative,” and nudging your side when it’s your turn to read from the PowerPoint. BFF will text you afterward, too, which asserts that you’ll be getting texts from this person for the entirety of your life. “OMG, we did so good!! :) Gonna get an A for suresys!” Let him or her down easy, you’ll be awkwardly waving at them in passing in the quad for the rest of your college career, after all.
B-3
April 3, 2015
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COMICS
Poppy
By Brooke Griffin
COMICS
Horoscopes Today's Birthday (04/03/15). Fortune shadows you when you follow your heart this year. Get playful. Romance comes naturally. Share for collaborative renewal after 4/4. Roadblocks disappear after 6/14. Adventure, travel and education entice. A new professional opportunity arises after 10/13. Focus on physical, mental and spiritual health after 10/27. Explore your creativity. Do what you love.
Brooke Griffin is a sophomore communication major from Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Best in Show
By Phil Juliano
Brewster Rockit: Space Guy
By Tim Rickard
To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- You and a partner can stir things up the next couple of days. Practice improves your luck. Don't get too fascinated by yourself. Let others contribute, and share the glory. Strengthen the structure. Work together for a share goal. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- There's a heavy workload over the next two days. Profit from meticulous service. Follow a favorite recipe. Stay in close communication with loved ones. Your discipline is admired. Don't be afraid of words. Your studying pays off. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Have fun with friends over the next two days. Make sure your messages get through ... communication breakdowns could slow the action. Ignore kidding or teasing. Don't gossip about work. Remember what you were taught. Play nice. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Turn your attention toward home today and tomorrow. Replace something that's missing. Study your options, and then take on a beautification and organization project. Shrewd bargaining lands a treasure. Put your back into your efforts. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Enter a twoday voracious learning phase. The area between right and wrong could seem fuzzy. Study the situation. Pay a debt. Use what you've learned to keep costs down. There's a conflict of opinion now. Provide leadership. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Make money today and tomorrow. Postpone an outing until after chores are done. Power into productivity. Stash away the surplus. Hold enough to cover upcoming expenses. Frugality gives you the edge. An old friend provides a boost. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- You're stronger over the next two days, and empowered. Get busy, and avoid idle chatter. Take the traditional route. Consider the possibilities. Form an alliance with a female. Work together to get more done. Action trumps talk. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Begin a two-day retrospective phase. Pay attention to signs. Peace and quiet suit you fine... reflection and meditation find fertile ground. Solidify your situation. Coordinate your schedule to avoid conflicts. Choose a practical direction. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Fun with friends is the order of the day. Distractions and delays could slow the action, especially at work. So go play. Practice your manners and keep your objective in mind. Complications may arise. Take new territory. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -Anticipate changes. Don't talk about it ... just make your move. Guard against jealousies. Your fears are gone. Others wonder if you're ready for more responsibility. There may be a test. Listen and watch for hidden benefits. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -Conditions look good for travel and romance. A weekend escape delights. Make or re-state a commitment. Get into action. Keep track of the details. Wash everything in sight. Provide yourself with a few new creature comforts. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Make a financial commitment over the next two days. Review the budget thoroughly first. A supportive partner makes it easier. Try not to argue. You theory could get challenged. Practice leads to perfection. Stick to your guns. (c)2015 BY NANCY BLACK DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Bliss
By Harry Bliss
B-5
April 3, 2015
S SPORTS
INSIDE SPORTS
Online Exclusive The SRU lacrosse team loses to West Chester University and then bounces back to win against Shippensburg University. See theonlinerocket.com
Season-High The SRU softball team ties a season-high 13 runs in game two of a sweep against Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
See Page C-3
Baseball homers five times during sweep of Walsh
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Junior ďŹ rst baseman Kyle Vozar tries to secure an out on a California University of Pennsylvania runner on Monday. Vozar went 1-4 with one run and one RBI against Walsh University on Tuesday.
Rock offense and strong pitching leads to victories By Ryan Barlow Assistant Sports Editor
The Slippery Rock University baseball team (13-12 overall, 4-8 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) completed a twogame sweep against Walsh University (12-10 overall, 5-3 Great Lakes Interollegiate Athletic Conference) Tuesday, winning game one of the doubleheader 9-4 and game two 7-6. The Rock got on the board in the first inning with back to back home runs by freshman Tyler Walters and senior Adam Urbania. The offense continued in the second when senior Jake Nogalo hit an RBI single to extend SRU's early lead. Junior Alex Bell hit the Rock's third solo home run of the game in the top half of the third, quickly followed by an RBI single by redshirt junior Kyle Vozar. Redshirt sophomore Logan
Brown homered for the Rock to lead off the fifth inning, and also homered again in the seventh. Brown finished with three RBIs. "For the most part, our offense hasn't been a problem," Rock head coach Jeff Messer said. "We were able to relax with it not being a conference game and the ball was able to carry well. Our guys were relaxed and able to put some good swings on the ball and it definitely worked out in our favor." S enior Anton C onstantino pitched a complete game for Slippery Rock in game one. He allowed four runs on 10 hits, three runs being earned. Constantino also struck out two while walking one, earning his first win of the season. Messer was pleased to see Constantino go for the complete game, as he had been looking for opportunities to get him some extended work. "Anton was really able to figure
it out and it was an ideal situation for him," Messer said. "He went the entire game and we really left it up to him to get the job done. The entire team was rooting for him since he's struggled early on this season, so it was nice to see him pitch a very good game against a very good team." The Rock scored in the top of the first inning of game two, thanks to Nogalo advancing home after a throwing error. In the top of the second, sophomore Preston Falascino crossed home plate after a sacrifice fly by sophomore Ty Zimmerman. Nogalo hit a two RBI double in the fourth inning, and later scored on an RBI single by freshman Matt Mandes. Sophomore Carson Kessler hit a two RBI double in the top of the fifth, giving SRU a big enough lead to close out the game with a win. The Rock used three pitchers in
game two, and freshman Stephen McKee was on the mound to start. McKee threw three innings, allowing three runs on six hits, striking out three and walking two. Redshirt junior Geoff Sanner entered the game in the fourth inning. Sanner pitched two complete innings, striking out two and allowing two runs on three hits. Sophomore James Divosevic came in to pitch the final two innings of the ball game. He threw two shutout innings and allowed just one hit. Sanner was credited with his first win of the season, while Divosevic earned his third save. The Rock's season continues with a four-game home and away series with PSAC rival Gannon University (10-16 overall, 2-10 PSAC)) on Friday. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Jack Critchfield Park.
SPORTS
C-2
April 3, 2015
Tennis loses to IUP, wins at Grove City Doug Gilghrist Rocket Contributor
The Slippery Rock University tennis team fell to 0-2 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play, losing 9-0 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Sunday before rebounding for a non-conference win versus Grove City on Monday. The IUP loss was the Rock's third straight. IUP (9-3, 3-0), ranked second in the Atlantic region and 32nd nationally, jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead after the doubles matches, losing only five games in the process. The best match of the day was at number one singles, where SRU freshman Carla Corrochano Moracho pushed the match to three sets, before losing in the third to drop the match. Head coach Matt Meredith likes the way the team is competing and showing effort. "We competed well against IUP," Meredith said. "They are number 32 in the country for a reason. They are very good." Meredith is also impressed with Corrochano Moracho's individual play.
"Carla is playing very well," Meredith said. "Her opponent was very good, and Carla almost beat her." SRU (6-7, 0-2) snapped their three-game losing streak with an 8-1 win over Grove City (8-6). The Green and White took a 2-1 lead after the doubles matches. All three matches were close and competitive. Corrochano Moracho and fellow freshman Nina Barbano won 8-4, while the team of junior Courtney Gallagher and freshman Ana Petrovic won 8-5. The only loss of the day came at number three doubles, as sophomore St e p h a n i e For t i e r and freshman Anna Carpenter dropped a close 9-7 decision. SRU dominated the singles matches. After Corrochano Moracho won at number one singles, when her opponent had to retire at 4-4 in the first set. The Rock only dropped five games over the last five matches of the day. Barbano and Fortier, at number two and four singles respectively, both won 6-0 and 6-0. In number three singles and number five singles, Petrovic and Gallagher lost one game
each. Sophomore Emily Munson rounded out the day with a 6-1, 6-2 victory. "It was good to get back on the winning side of things against Grove City," Meredith said. The road for Slippery Rock doesn't get any easier. Almost every team remaining on their schedule has a winning record. "Playing such a tough schedule is very beneficial for the team developmentally, regardless of wins and losses," Meredith said. "We have a winning tradition here that we are looking to continue." With a current record of 6-7, Meredith is trying to avoid his first losing season since 2004-05. T h at te am w a s comprised of a lot of freshmen, just like this year's squad. After that last losing season, SRU went on to win an average of over 20 wins per season for the next five years. If that is any indication, the future looks bright for Rock tennis. SRU's next set of matches is Tuesday against Seton Hill University in Latrobe, Pennsylvania to take on the Griffins in PSAC play.
ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET
SRU Junior Courtney Gallagher rallies with a Mercyhurst University player on March 24. Gallagher teamed with Ana Petrovic to win a doubles match against Grove City University on Monday.
Men's outdoor track earns 13 PSAC qualifiers By Brittany Fagan Rocket Contributor
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN PAPA
Junior Ryan Thompson tries to stay ahead of two competitors during the 4x800-meter relay race in the Adidas Raleigh Relays at North Carolina State University on March 27. Thompson and the relay team finished ninth.
The Slippery Rock Un ive rs it y m e n’s outdoor track team competed at the Adidas R aleig h Relays this past weekend and earned 13 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference qualifying marks. The two-day event was held by North Carolina State University, featuring a lot of Division I teams, including: Duke University, Wa k e Forest University, Coastal Carolina University, Rutgers University, Dartmouth College and many others. “It was a good experience to compete with great c omp e t it i on l i ke Division I schools,” junior distance runner Ryan T h o mp s o n s a i d . “D espite not s o favorable weather conditions, we still h a d s om e g re at performances.” The pole vault squad had an exceptional day of competition, with Jordan Pacheco leading with a fourth place finish. His vault measured 4.70 meters. Cody Colagrande and Michael Horrigan took 15th and 24th place with vaults of 4.55 and 4.40 meters respectively.
The throwers also had a great day in the field with David Reinhardt having top performances in all three events he competed in. Reinhardt took 15th place in the discus with a throw of 41.22 meters, 16th in the javelin with a 52 meter throw and 23rd in the hammer throw at 51.26 meters. Nick Garrucio placed 27th in the hammer throw with a throw of 49.19 meters. A lot of strong performances took place on the track. Mont e C h apm an and James Chandler competed in the 400-meter run and fi nished at times of 49.78 and 50.04. The men placed 30th and 38th out of 102 men. Jacob VanHouten and Andrew Schroder ran the 400 hurdles with times of 55.91 and 56.92. The 4x100 meter relay team consisted of Erik Record, Monte Chapman, Brandon Vanderbrook and Hunter Williams. T h e re l ay t e am finished 10th with a time of 42.54, their season best. Jacob VanHouten, James Chandler, Williams and Chapman made up the 4x400 meter relay. The squad f inished f irst in their heat and ninth overall with a time of 3:18.22.
The distance squad also had a good weekend, starting with Jaron Martin, who ran a personal best at the meet. Martin competed in the 5,000 meter run and clocked a 14:59.86 finish. This was Martin’s first time running under 15 minutes in the event. Tyler Melius and Thompson also had a solid performance in the 1,500 meter run with times of 3:58.46 and 3:58.70. The 4x800 meter relay consisted of Steve Shepard, Jeremy Parsons, Thompson and Melius. The relay finished ninth overall with a time of 7:52.30. “Despite the cold and rainy weather, we had some outstanding performances,” SRU head coach John Papa said. “Jaron Martin had a significant performance in the 5,000 meter run. Ryan Thompson won his section of the 1,5000 meter and ran an impressive 1:55 relay split in the 4x800 meter relay. I am confi dent that our men can focus and p e r for m i n almost any weather condition.” The Green and White's next competition is in Kut z tow n , Pennsylvania April 9 at the Mondshein Multi Day One event.
SPORTS
April 3, 2015
C-3
Softball ties season-high runs in sweep of IUP By Brian Hepfinger Sports Editor
The Slippery Rock University softball team (7-11 overall, 4-4 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) outscored Indiana Un ive rs it y of Pennsylvania (4-12 overall, 2-4 PSAC) Sunday 22-14 in a sweep. The Rock won the first game 9-8 and the second game 13-6. The first game was much closer than the second, with sophomore pitcher Carly DeRose getting the start. DeRose pitched a complete game while allowing 11 hits, eight runs and striking out five IUP batters. DeRose earned her third win of the season, and has a record of 3-0 thus far. "She performed great in the freezing cold, so she had to fight the elements," SRU head coach Stacey Rice said. "Her hand was very cold, but she definitely rose above challenges you can’t control." SRU's offense was in full-form for both games, and was led by multiple players. "I’m an offensive coach; we’re gonna swing the bat and put the ball in play," Rice said. "We don’t average a lot of strikeouts. We have a team of starters
and non-starters that walk up and crush the ball." Junior shortstop Katie Kaiser went 3-6 with one RBI and one run. Junior left fielder Megan Maloney went 2-4 with one RBI and two runs, while freshman catcher Lauren Hawley went 3-5 with one RBI and one run. Senior right fielder Alaynna Beers (2-6) and sophomore center fielder Eliza Sykes (2-4) both had two hits, with Beers hitting two RBIs and Sykes scoring two runs. After a solid nineinning performance from the entire Rock team, SRU didn't let up in the second game. The Green and White's trend this year has been to win the first game and lose the second game. Rice said that's been the team's biggest issue. "The second game for every game we played, we kind of started off weak and were always behind in those games," Rice said. "We never really dominated in game two. That was something me and coach Carter reflected on after the UPJ game and knew we had to take a different approach on resting and what the mind-set is in between games." The second game featured another complete game for a
Rock pitcher. This time, it was freshman Brooke Dawson. Dawson pitched seven innings while allowing seven hits, six runs and striking out seven IUP batters. This was Dawson's third win of the season (3-4). "She has been working very hard, and she’s been doing a lot on her days off and I’m very proud of how she pitched," Rice said. "Letting her have confidence in herself and her pitches is part of being a freshman starter." Collectively, the Rock's offense played a great game two. Eight batters had at least one hit, and five had multiple hits. Junior designated hitter Stacey Herzog and senior second baseman Taylor Welch contributed the most, with Herzog scoring three runs and hitting two RBIs and Welch hitting four RBIs and scoring one run. Both players went 2-4. "What made me most proud was how they responded and the changes that they made in the second game," Rice said. The Green and White's next game is against Clarion University (2-12 overall, 1-7 PSAC) at home at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
GRAPHIC BY KARLEIGH SANTRY/THE ROCKET
Women's outdoor track wins one event at Raleigh Relays By Cody Nespor Rocket Contributor
The Slippery Rock University women’s outdoor track team was able to secure two NCAA qualifiers and 12 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference qualifiers at the Adidas Raleigh Relays last weekend. The event was held in Raleigh, North Carolina and was hosted by North Carolina State University. SRU was in competition with strong Division I schools, such as Duke University, the University of North Carolina, Rutgers University, George Mason University, Coastal Carolina University, Wake Forest University and Dartmouth College. Despite the strong competition, the Green and White still managed to win an event and notch two other top 10 finishes. In a field of strong D1 javelin throwers, junior Sam Taylor was able finish on top and pick up the event win. “Going to these bigger meets, I feel like it pushes me to be better,” Taylor said. “I just got into the meet telling myself that I am the underdog and that I need to just do everything right and show those girls that I deserve to be there.” Taylor showed that she belongs there with an event-winning 46.59 meter throw, currently the best throw by any PSAC athlete this season and the sixth best throw by any Division II athlete. In honor of her performance, Taylor was named the PSAC Field Athlete of the Week for the second consecutive time. “Samantha is one of the best javelin throwers in the region, Division I, II or III,” Papa said. “To throw 46.59 (152’10”) in those windy conditions is truly a significant performance. Samantha has worked hard to become one of the top throwers in Division II.” The other top 10 finishes for the Rock
came from senior thrower Brittany Christiansen and freshman Courtney McQuaide. Christiansen hit two PSAC qualifying marks, finishing seventh in the hammer throw with a 49.72 meter throw and ending the shot put event with an 11.46 meter throw. McQuaide cleared 3.5 meters in the invitational pole vault event, finishing in eighth place. “In many of the events, our athletes did not finish near the top, but many met the PSAC standard," Papa said. "For this time of the year, we believe that hitting the standards is more important than the place. Once the athletes have qualified, the focus turns to competing and beating competitors rather than hitting standards.” Junior Jenny Picot reached the NCAA provisional qualifying mark in the 10,000-meter run, crossing the finish line in 36:46.08. This was the first meet that graduate student Stephanie Beaudette donned a uniform for the Rock. The former Indiana University of Pennsylvania undergraduate student reached the PSAC standard in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 18:06.47. “Stephanie is a great addition to our team, and she has a great deal of experience and is a solid, consistent performer," Papa said. "Steph will make us a stronger team this year at the PSAC Championships.” Sophomore Kennedy Evans and juniors Bailey, Lexie Nowakowski and Emily Moroco ran the 4x100-meter relay for the Rock, coming in 12th place with a time of 48.51, their fastest time of the season. Nowakowski, Bailey, Teed and sophomore Lauren Harvey ran the 4x400-meter relay for the Green and White in 3:58.77 to come in 18th place. The Rock's next competition is on April 9 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania at the Mondshein Multi Day One event.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN PAPA
Junior Sam Taylor competes in the javelin toss event at the Adidas Raleigh Relays on March 27. Taylor was the only athlete to win an event for SRU, with a throwing distance of 46.59 meters.
C-4
April 3 , 2014
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CAMPUS LIFE
INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE
Lights Out On The 'Museum' Franchise
'Bread and Butters' Dines With Directors
'Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb' brought the franchise to a close last year. Did it go out on a high note, or did the magic run out? Harmony K. tells all in 'The Film Buff.'
Food critic Kelsey Phillips critiques AVI's new Carribean-style food options, and gives news about a new food station at Rocky's.
See Page D-2
See Page D-3
'Global Images of U.S. Women' opens conversation on international social issues
EMILY BROWN/THE ROCKET Students from different art classes enact a scene from Tavia LaFollette's workshop, which showed students how to create and adapt performance art to make a political statement.
By Janelle Wilson Asst. Campus Life Editor
The Global Images of U.S. Women showcase used art, a guest speaker and a workshop to convey discrepancies between the United States and other cultures’ views on women, and other social issues. Global Images of U.S. Women was hosted by the gender studies program, the Martha Gault Art Society, and the Know Art Society. The first part
of the showcase was an exhibition of international “postcard art,” which was done in multiple mediums on postcard-sized paper. The exhibit was hosted in the Smith Student Center Theater on Monday through Wednesday, and had over 200 submissions, including art featuring celebrities, clothing, and other things that international artists thought were inherently American. Dr. Cindy Lacom said that one of the most telling
things she saw from the art was the reoccurrence of shoes among the pieces. "Shoes are a big tell-tale of not only social classes," she said, "but also of cultures, like Chinese foot binding, and the fetishization of high heels in the U.S." SEE BORDER, PAGE D-3
VIP Sports program gives students that are visually impaired sports and recreation opportunities By Katie Ellis Campus Life Editor
Traveling, spending a week away from home and learning new skills is part of a student athlete’s life whether they’re in elementary or high school, and for those involved with Slippery Rock’s VIP Sports program, getting children physically active is part of their mission. As part of the adapted physical activity program (APA), VIP Sports serves children ages five through 18 with sport and recreational opportunities throughout the year including an annual ski trip, clinics held in the spring and fall and its most well-known program, the weeklong camp held on-and-off campus for a week during the summer. Student athletes from areas throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and as far away as Maryland have been accepted to participate in the summer camp that exclusively serves those who are blind or have visual impairments. Adapted physical activity faculty member and VIP Sports Director, Wendy Fagan, started the program a decade ago as a way to get students involved in athletics and to show just how many opportunities are available for those who are blind or visually impaired. SEE CAMP, PAGE D-3
PHOTO COURTESY OF WENDY FAGAN Student athletes and volunteers participate in the 2014 VIP Sports summer camp where individuals who are blind or have visual impairments particpate in sports like basketball, goalball, swimming and the track and field competition.
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Ask Andi
April 3, 2015
'Night at the Museum' wraps up trilogy with final film Gives tribute to two late stars
Andi is a senior at SRU giving advice to those who seek it and occassionally to those who don't.
Question: Dear Andi,
I've been to the bar a few times with my friends, and I keep running into this guy, who I think I've actually hit it off with. He's the exboyfriend of one of my high school classmates, and while I wasn't friends with her, I feel a little weird talking to him, but maybe that's because I wasn't her biggest fan. My friends said that the next time we run into each other that I should ask him out, but I keep going back to the high school connection. Do you think that I should let bygones be bygones and ask him out? Sincerely, High School Romance
Answer:
Dear High School Romance,
In my opinion there is no reason you shouldn't talk to this kid. There's no sense living in the past, worrying about what has already happened and how that can affect your present situation because it really shouldn't. Leave what's in the past in the past, and focus on the present. A lot of things change in the years from high school to college so there's no reason you can't at least ask him out and see where it goes, right? Let bygones be bygones and ask him out!
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE The 'Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb' reunited the casts from the previous two films including franchise stars Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams. Williams played Teddy Roosevelt in 'Secret of the Tomb,' which was his last motion picture before his death.
I hope it all works out! Andi
Question: Dear Andi,
I can't wait for this semester to be over. I have to say that this has been my hardest one yet, with one project and test after the other with little to no break in between everything. I'm stressed out all the time too, which isn't something that I'm used to. Do you have any suggestions for surviving the rest of this semester? Maybe something that I can do to relieve my stress or a good way to get organized for the last few weeks would be really helpful. Sincerely, Stressed Out Student
Answer: Dear Stressed Out Student, Oh boy, do I feel you there! This is been one of my busiest and most stressful semester's as well. Here's a couple things that I do when I'm feeling overwhelmed: 1. Make a to-do list for the day. If you take it one day at a time it's a little less stressful because there's not as much to worry about. I typically wake up in the morning, look at my planner and essentially plan my schedule for the day. 2. When scheduling for the day, work in some down time. Personally, I can't go straight through the day without a break, so I like to schedule half hour time slots to give my brain some rest time. I need that time to reboot, but if you're not a person that needs down time, then don't worry about this step! 3. Be realistic about what you could get done. Don't schedule 800 meetings for one day and then get stressed out when you can't make them all. Small and realistic goals will create less stress. 4. The biggest thing I've learned this year is to remember that no matter how much just you face in one day you will survive. You will wake up tomorrow. And even if you don't get everything done, life will go on. If you're anything like me, you will make sure things get done before the deadline, so instead of wasting your feelings on stress, use that anxiety to push towards finishing your to do list. I hope these tips will help you be less stressed for the last couple weeks of classes! We're almost there so just keep pushing through. I have faith that you'll get everything done that you need to do! Good Luck (not that you need it), Andi
Harmony Kasper "The Film Buff" Harmony Kasper is a senior journalism and creative writing major and film and media studies minor and a regular contributor to The Rocket.
I feel like our generation grew up with the “Night at the Museum” films. The first one came out in 2006, when I was just 13 years old. I can still remember being in the theater with my brother and father, mesmerized at how all the museums artifacts came to life. The second film came out three years later. Now, the final installment of the trilogy, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb" (2014) is out on DVD and ready to be seen by all fans as the series comes to a close. This movie is packed with big named actors. Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Ricky Gervais all return to their well-known roles as Larry Daley, Theodore Roosevelt and Dr. McPhee, respectively. Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan return as the dynamic duo of Jedediah and Octavius. Some new characters are introduced, like Dan Stevens as Sir Lancelot and Rebel Wilson as Tilly, the security guard at the British Museum. As a fan of these movies, I was super excited to see the third and last film, because the other two were so good. The movie began how you would expect; Larry Daley is enjoying his time as a night guard with the museum artifacts alive. They put on a show for the new planetarium, but something goes wrong. All of the artifacts start to act weird, saying and doing things they don't mean. The event ends in chaos, with Dr.
McPhee being fired. Larry and the others soon realize that they are all essentially "dying" because the tablet is corroding and losing its magic. The gang of Larry, his son Nicky, Teddy, Ankmenrah, Sacagawea, Attila the Hun, Octavius and Jedediah make their way to the British Museum to find Ankmenrah's parents and ask his father about the secret of the tablet. While there, they meet new allies and fight their way through some tough obstacles to arrive at the Egyptian section. D e x t e r, t h e c apu c h i n monkey, also comes along and shows a lot more affection towards Larry than he had in the past two films. I can't seem to recall Dexter slapping him even once. After a squall with Sir Lancelot and him stealing the tablet because he thinks it's the Holy Grail, Larry is finally able to save his friends. By putting the tablet in the moon light, the corrosion is gone and the tablet is recharged with power. It's decided that Ankmenrah and the tablet, stay at the British Museum with his parents. This would mean that the British Museum will come alive at night, but not the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where they are all from. This is where the film gets sentimental, because you realize there will be no more nights at the museum. One aspect of this film that I didn't like was Rebel Wilson as Tilly. Also the relationship that she has with Larry's Ne a n d e r t h a l l o o k a l i k e , Laaa. Wilson is hilarious in “Bridesmaids” and “Pitch Perfect,” but her comedy did not belong in this film. She was almost too funny on an inappropriate level. The chemistry between her and Larry when they first meet is very off. What's even worse is that she falls in love with Laaa, who isn't even real. I just felt like they ran out of ideas for this film and some of the scenes did not match the
dynamic they had going with the first two films. The best part of the movie was the very end, when Tilly and some of the British Mus eum ar tifac ts make their way to New York on temporar y display at the American Museum of Natural Histor y. Tilly shows Dr. McPhee, who got his job back because Larry took the blame for the planetarium chaos, just how magical the tablet is. The whole museum is having a dance party to "B oogie Wonderland" by Earth Wind & Fire. Tilly and Laaa see each other again and do the iconic lift scene from “Dirty Dancing,” which looks ridiculous. The best part is when the camera goes outside the museum, showing all the lights through the windows and the music booming from the building. Larry, who is now a teacher, stops in front of the museum, looks up, and smiles. The film ends. Another important part of this film was the real life conversations between Larry and his son, Nicky, who is about to graduate high school. Nicky doesn't know if he wants to go to college and would rather DJ on some exotic island. Larry obviously thinks this is a bad idea and is constantly trying to get him to see that college is more important. I couldn't help but think how relevant their struggles were today, with my own brother unsure of what he wants to do with his future. The film did do a good job of wrapping up the storyline. With Larry no longer being the night guard and the tablet permanently being at the British Museum, there is no possibility of another movie being made. The film also lost two of its actors before the release, Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney, to whom the film was dedicated. Teddy's final words and the last lines spoken by Robin Williams on camera were to Larry, "Smile, my boy. It's sunrise." I hope that made you smile.
April 3, 2015
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Students and faculty give AVI feedback during Dining with Directors
Kelsey Phillips "Bread and Butters" Kelsey Phillips is a junior public relations major and a regular contributor to The Rocket. Fried rice, fried chicken, fried…okra? “Yamahn!” says Chef Joshua Miller, catering chef for AVI Fresh Dining Services and the main culinary voice for the Caribbeanthemed “Dining with the Directors” event Wednesday, April 1. Every semester, directors and staff of AVI Fresh Dining Services at Slippery Rock invite students and faculty to discuss the university dining system over dinner. In my experience attending these dinners, invitations are typically sent out to program directors of the university who invite their students, namely the Student Government Association, Orientation Ambassadors, Residence Life, Green and White Society, FLSP Peer Mentors and so on. The themed dinners showcase the talents of AVI chefs and are a fun way to get feedback from students and test out new recipes for the dining facilities. The night’s theme? Tastes of the Caribbean! Allow me to set the scene: Walking into the ballroom, the tables are decorated with multicolored, flower-shaped cloth napkins and a lei flower necklace rests on each chair. To the right are frozen drink machines churning away beside an assortment of tiny drink umbrellas. The perimeter of the room is lined with buffet tables and hot serving dishes, golden speckled plates and welcoming chefs in white hats and chef coats. Above everyone’s chatter plays tropical mood music. For Chef Josh, the theme had to be fun, not
only in terms of the food but the decorations, music and overall atmosphere, he said. Joe Balaban, Resident Director of AVI Fresh Dining Services, introduced the chefs and staff members presiding over Slippery Rock’s dining facilities and welcomed feedback on all aspects of campus dining by providing comment cards at each table. Then, it was on to the question on everyone’s mind: What’s for dinner? The answers came from Chef Josh, who explained each station's purpose (protein, salad, grains, dessert) and the Caribbeaninspired flavors in each of them. Among the stations were rum-marinated shrimp, jerk chicken meatballs, rice and “peas” – the Jamaican name for a rice and red beans dish, fried okra, pineapple chow, coconut polenta, pina colada frozen drinks, pina colada cupcakes, rum cakes and much more. Chef Josh encouraged everyone to try a little bit of everything, even if they had never heard of or tried it. The plates were small enough that you could try a little scoop of everything without getting too full or wasting anything you didn’t care for, and then you could go back for seconds of your favorites. The fried okra was the one I was hesitant to try, but it turned out to be delicious. It looks like a fried jalapeño pepper, but it isn’t spicy at all. I also commented on how good the sticky white rice and “peas” were, but my absolute favorite was the jerk chicken meatballs. They were spicy but not overwhelming and had barbeque sauce on them to compliment KELSEY PHILLIPS/THE ROCKET the sweet-spicy taste. For dessert I tried the The menu for the Caribbean-themed Dining with Directors dinner featured jerk chicken meatballs, rum cake and a lime, crème-filled cookie fried okra and rum cakes. Traditional Jamaican rice and "peas" were also part of the menu. sandwich with green sugar placed inside a margarita glass. I like sweet desserts so the rum cake was a hit for me. extending the hours of Flatz Express in additional dining facility there would most As people continued to try the various Watson and adjusting the meal swipe likely be similar to the existing ones now, and dishes, the staff announced the live allotment. Managers did announce that adding in another corporate chain similar to entertainment portion of the evening – starting this fall, a Mexican concept will be the partnership with Quaker Steak & Lube limbo! The winner of the contest received a established in Rocky’s due to the success of or Starbucks brings in other large issues, the dinner for two catered by Chef Josh. Taco Tuesdays. managers said. However, new concepts are AVI managers walked around to each Other students questioned if anything being developed to implement at Wisenfluh table collecting comment cards from the would be put into the old union building, and T&B Naturally in the future, expanding guests and asking if they had any questions where the old Rocky’s used to be, but the both the size of the locations and the food or suggestions about the dining facilities. response was “no.” While there is still a selections. Several students had questions about kitchen facility in the old union, any Until next time, Butter Lovers.
"Border X-ing" workshop shows Camp provides opportunities how changing minor aspects of art for athletes with disabilities can shift its entire message. the program for the last two years, and Continued from Page D 1
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Senior emerging technology major, Nicole Doran, 22, said that she thought the subtractive nature of some of the art told a story. "It's as though it represents how society chips away at women until it gets what it wants from them," Doran said. Lacom also said that how predominant portraits of figures such as Hilary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey showed how predominant mass media is not only within the U.S., but also within other countries' perceptions of the U.S. Another predominant theme was portraits of women with a negative body image, and especially of women draped in flags. Lacom said that that could be taken to mean that American womens' bodies are marked by capitalism. "I think it's interesting that we condemn things like female circumcision, but don't open that conversation to things like breast augmentation," she said. "It's very telling of the kind of society we live in." The Gender Studies program also invited performance artist, Tavia Lafollette, to talk about crossing borders Tuesday not only with regard to gender, but also to talk about crossing borders between other cultures, which was called "Border X-ing," and involved a supplementary workshop that showed art students how to create their own performance art. Lafollette is the executive director of "Art Up," which is a nonprofit gallery and performance space that teams with Pittburgh's The Mattress Factory art museum, to showcase international art, which specifically focuses on political issues and anti-violence. She also said that prejudgement of people and stereotyping negatively affect people everyday.
"Even growing up in a liberal household, I still come equipped with prejudgement," she said. "It's how the human brain categorizes things, but even though some people can say they hate another group of people, you can't hate them when you sit at a dinner table with them, sleep in the same household as them, and talk about things with them." Lafollette has participated in performance art in Egypt, and was there in the aftermath of the revolution. She said that it's important for U.S. artists to recognize artists from other countries because their work takes on a different lens than American art does. "When I was done with my work in Egypt, I got to leave," Lafollette said. "If anything happened in Egypt, its citizens would have no where to go." The subsequent workshop, titled "Performance Box: Making Metaphors," which focused on how to change the context of performance art by switching props and adjusting lighting. Lafollette asked students to volunteer to demonstrate how changing small parts of a piece can affect its interpretation. Senior fine arts major, Emily Smith, 22, said that the workshop helped her understand how important it is to interact with other artists. "During the workshop, we bounced ideas off of each other the whole time," Smith said. "It was interesting to see what other students brought to the table." After the demonstration, Lafollette said that the point she was trying to make was that people can utilize art to advocate for social change. "With performance art, you get to take the voice away from politicians with their watered-down rhetoric, and give that voice back to the people," she said.
No sport is off limits for the students and volunteers to try, with judo, track and field and archery being among the list of the students’ favorite sports that are offered annually at the summer camp. “Most people don’t understand how much a person that’s blind can do, and so they often limit them when it comes to physical activity,” Fagan said. “Our mission is to get the word out and educate people that are in the school systems that don’t know that, and get these kids physically active.” The camp and clinics run by the students from the disability sports class aren’t restricted to help from a certain major or from the university as Fagan encourages anyone that has a desire to help others to get involved with VIP Sports. Volunteers help the athletes learn new skills and they also participate in sporting events with the athletes to assist those with greater degrees of visual impairments. “If someone comes to me and says that they really want to do this, then I make sure they understand exactly what is expected of them,” Fagan said. “I will give any kid a chance because I don’t think there’s anyone that couldn’t do it if they’re open to trying something different and have a heart for working with other people.” The Pennsylvania Lions Club District 14N, a division of the Lions Club International, which is a service organization best known for helping individuals with visual impairments, has helped to fund VIP Sports for the last seven years. Without their involvement, and additional support from the SRU Lions Club and the Slippery Rock club, the program’s summer camp might not have been possible. “If a kid calls and says that they want to come to camp, but they don’t have the money, then we help them find their local Lions Club and then we give them information so that they can go to them and ask for help,” Fagan said. Graduate adapted physical activity major Dana O’Neill, 23, has been involved with
is interning with VIP Sports during the summer, where her main focus will be the summer camp being held from June 8-12. O’Neill became involved with the program after talking with its former intern and her former soccer teammate, Lauren Impey, who asked her to become involved. O’Neill works with Fagan to choose the sports that the athletes will participate in, and also takes into consideration feedback from the athletes themselves on what sports they enjoy and would like to continue doing, and ones that they’d like to see implemented into the program. In addition to the athletes’ standby favorite sports, this summer, golf, rowing at Three Rivers Rowing Association and a trip to Flight Trampoline Park have been added to the camp to give students new opportunities. “When it came to the trampoline park, for people with visual impairments, that is the perfect opportunity for them,” O’Neill said. “The other sports we have are track and field competitions, I’ve coached archery, and we’ve had horseback riding at the equestrian center. What matters is the students’ ability as opposed to their disability.” In the future, O’Neill hopes to see VIP Sports continue to grow as they spread the word for people that are blind and have visual impairments, and welcome athletes from greater distances. She’s seen athletes as young as five participate in the program and has had former volunteers come back to participate in the program as athletes. “We had five year olds come in last year, which shows that parents trust us,” O’Neill said. I just hope that we can continue to get more athletes and advocate for people with visual impairments because they aren’t as limited as people might think. We had a girl volunteer and now she’s an athlete, and she always talks to her doctors who spread the word themselves about the program.” For students that are interested in volunteering their time, VIP Sports will be having a sports night on Friday, April 24 in the Aebersold Recreation Center (ARC), and is looking for volunteers for their summer camp in June.
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April 3, 2015