The Rocket 04-11-2014 by SRU Rocket

Zombie game ends in draw The Urban Gamer's Guild's Humans vs. Zombies game comes to a close as they deﬂect negativity. Page D-1

Friday April 11, 2014 • Volume 97, Issue Number 21 • Slippery Rock University's Student Newspaper

the rocket

www.theonlinerocket.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SGA voting accidents affect election results Computer problems resulted in appointing a new senator to SGA

NEWS

Open Forum To Discuss Co-Op Proposed Student Government Association changes would alter the Board of Cooperative Activities. Page A-2

OPINION

Students Should Vote for SGA Student Government Assocation is an important facet of student culture. Students should take the time to vote. Page B-1

SPORTS

Lacrosse Falls To Crimson Hawks Indiana University of Pa. defeated the Slippery Rock women's lacrosse team 15-6 Tuesday night. Page C-3

CAMPUS LIFE

Students Show Their Research SRU's annual Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Achievement showcases students' works. Page D-3

Rock Baseball Splits Series The Slippery Rock baseball team split a four-game series against Gannon University last weekend. SRU is currently ranked third in the PSAC-West.

By Kevin Squires Assistant News Editor

Multiple students were unable to run in this year's Student Government Association election due to insufficient signatures collected to be recognized as a candidate. Students wishing to be recognized must obtain a certain number of signatures depending on where they live. For Residence Hall candidates that means 55 signatures, for traditional dorms and R.O.C.K. Apartments candidates 35 signatures and for commuter candidates 65 signatures. One such student, freshman environmental science major Matthew Scott, accidentally only obtained 40 of the 55 signatures (40 is a full sheet of signatures on the form provided by SGA) and was left with the only option to win as a write-in candidate. Scott lost to Sophia Sarver of the COSTUME Party. Had his name appeared on the ballot, Scott may have had a better chance of getting more votes. This was the case for junior history major Dan Gladis who was not only elected as a commuter senator for next year but had more votes than any other student running for the seat with 366 votes. However, Gladis never turned in his signatures and his name should not have appeared on the ballot either. “It was a mistake and we couldn’t fix it,” said SGA President and chair of the elections committee, Buddy Clements. “When I went to remove the names that didn’t [collect enough signatures] his name didn’t get removed by accident. That was an error with Excel and when I sent it to Charlie I didn’t realize until the vote had started.” Gladis, who pulled out of the campaign before it began, was shocked when he found out he had been mistakenly elected to office. “I was naturally surprised and amused because this is the second year in a row that I have been accidentally elected to SGA,” he said. In last year’s election, Gladis split the win for Watson Hall senator with Timothy Ragan, both as write-in

GRAPHICS BY KARLEIGH SANTRY/THE ROCKET

candidates. Gladis informed SGA that he would not be serving as a senator and the seat was offered to Brandon Cannon, the commuter with the next highest number of votes. The elections issues didn’t end with the names on the ballot. They extended to conflicts with the constitution, advertising and getting an increase in voter turnout from the previous year’s election. “There were a lot of issues this year with elections,” Clements said, explaining that one of which was a restrictive timeline from the SGA Constitution. “We’re actually changing within our constitution. The timeline is really detrimental sometimes and last year they actually voted to not follow the timeline,” he explained. “If I wouldn’t have had the elections when we did, I could have been removed from office [based on the current timeline].” “We tried to do a new system of all online advertisements with paperless posts,” Clements said. SGA did tweet to let students know when forms were out for the upcoming election, but waited until the day of the debate to inform students and failed to regularly post once voting had begun. No announcements regarding elections could be found on the group's Facebook, with the exception of a post congratulating Katie Hill after having won the presidential seat. “[Online advertising] worked pretty well, but at the same time the advertisement really comes from the parties running,” he said. Even with these issues, there was only a 0.9 percent decrease in voter turnout from last year’s election which was a record high for voter turnout, according to Clements. “We were pretty close the same numbers last year, maybe about 60 less and I don’t know why that was, maybe it was just less people were interested this year and I think there was a little less campaigning from both sides,” Clements said. SEE DESPITE, PAGE A-4

Page C-1

Faculty respond to bill allowing SRU to leave PASSHE By Jonathan Janasik News Editor

With Pa. Senate Bill 1275 in discussion, Slipper y Rock University faculty share insight on how the bill could affect the university. The bill would allow Pa State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities to separate from the state system and become state-related institutions if they are able to prove that they can support themselves. In a March 11 press release, supp or t i ng s e nators R ob e r t Tomlinson and Andy Dinniman proposed the bill in order to give universities the option to become financially and educationally independent. Tomlinson stated the current structure of the state

system is not beneficial and that if nothing is done, some universities could become bankrupt.

SRU Director of Public Relations Rita Abent explained that the discussion about the bill is ongoing. “The devil is always in the details,” Abent said. “So until the university, the [state] system, and the Council of Trustees have had enough time to evaluate the details, we really don’t have any comment on it.” Although SRU administration has yet to decide if they support the

bill, SRU chapter of Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) president Dr. Patrick Burkhart said that he found the bill to be unfortunate. “Abraham Lincoln quoted the Bible when he said ‘a house divided cannot stand,’ and I find that measure to be divisive,” Burkhart said. “It appears to have intent to separate wealthier institutions from those of more meager financial needs and in that manner can further sap the strength of the state system. The ability to succeed is in conflict with the solidarity that I would prefer PASSHE embrace.” Aside from the unity of the state SEE POTENTIAL, PAGE A-2

NEWS

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

A shower in the a.m.; clearing

Mostly sunny and mild

Partly sunny, breezy and warm

Variable clouds with showers

Cooler with a chance of rain

Times of sun and clouds

Mostly cloudy

60°

38°

68°

49°

70°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

Fri.

Sat.

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

Fri.

CITY Akron Allentown Altoona Cleveland Erie Harrisburg Indiana Johnstown Philadelphia Pittsburgh Scranton State College Wheeling Williamsport Youngstown

Friday HI LO W 60 41 pc 65 45 sh 60 39 sh 57 41 pc 51 38 pc 65 43 sh 59 37 sh 56 41 sh 68 50 sh 62 42 sh 61 39 pc 61 40 sh 61 42 sh 64 38 pc 60 37 pc

Saturday HI LO W 69 52 pc 69 46 pc 69 48 s 68 53 pc 65 50 pc 72 49 pc 69 48 s 65 51 s 70 49 pc 71 49 s 69 47 pc 68 50 s 70 53 pc 68 46 s 69 52 pc

68°

39°

27°

47°

Sat.

Sun

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

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 71 53 sh 76 54 pc 76 52 pc 66 51 sh 63 50 sh 76 55 pc 72 54 pc 73 53 pc 74 55 s 76 53 pc 69 55 pc 76 57 pc 73 55 pc 70 52 pc 71 51 sh

Monday HI LO W 64 33 r 78 49 pc 74 45 sh 62 33 r 64 35 sh 78 49 pc 72 42 sh 70 41 sh 78 56 pc 72 41 sh 72 45 pc 76 46 pc 70 40 sh 72 47 pc 68 34 sh

Tuesday HI LO W 50 29 r 60 37 r 53 30 r 47 31 r 40 30 r 60 35 r 48 30 r 49 27 r 62 37 r 52 30 r 53 30 r 51 32 r 50 29 r 56 29 r 45 27 r

51°

30°

55°

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

40°

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

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

54°

UV INDEX

Wednesday HI LO W 51 32 pc 55 33 s 53 32 pc 49 32 pc 45 33 pc 53 35 s 52 33 pc 48 32 pc 57 35 s 54 34 pc 54 29 s 50 33 pc 55 36 pc 58 30 s 49 30 pc

Thursday HI LO W 54 44 c 54 32 s 52 38 s 49 39 c 48 47 c 58 43 s 54 45 pc 49 47 pc 59 48 s 56 45 c 52 39 s 52 40 s 56 45 c 54 35 s 53 41 c

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Rise 6:48 a.m. 6:46 a.m. 6:44 a.m. 6:43 a.m. 6:41 a.m. 6:40 a.m. 6:38 a.m. Rise 4:34 p.m. 5:33 p.m. 6:34 p.m. 7:37 p.m. 8:41 p.m. 9:45 p.m. 10:48 p.m.

MOON PHASES

Set 7:56 p.m. 7:57 p.m. 7:58 p.m. 7:59 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 8:01 p.m. 8:02 p.m. Set 4:44 a.m. 5:14 a.m. 5:44 a.m. 6:15 a.m. 6:49 a.m. 7:26 a.m. 8:09 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

4/15

4/22

4/29

5/6

April 11, 2014 PRECIPITATION

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: The Northeast will have an unseasonably warm day with only some morning rain in eastern New England Saturday. Dry conditions will continue into the Southeast with warm weather along with the south-central part of the nation. A low pressure system moving through North Dakota will spark afternoon thunderstorms in Iowa and Nebraska. The Southwest will remain hot and dry. The warm weather will continue in the East and Southwest Sunday. A cold front will bring rain from the Great Lakes down into northern Texas. The cold front will slide off to the east Monday, bringing the rain to the Ohio Valley. The northern Plains will experience unseasonably cold conditions.

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 75 56 s 78 57 s 78 59 pc 72 52 sh 66 48 r 71 49 s 69 46 pc Boston 60 43 c 62 47 r 60 50 pc 72 47 pc 58 38 r 51 34 s 48 43 pc Chicago 66 44 pc 72 45 pc 52 35 r 45 30 c 50 34 pc 52 36 r 55 46 c Cincinnati 66 45 t 73 55 pc 76 55 pc 64 36 r 54 35 sh 62 42 pc 61 48 pc Dallas 80 62 pc 83 66 pc 80 52 t 64 49 pc 68 50 s 73 58 r 79 58 c Denver 76 44 pc 71 36 pc 38 28 r 58 34 s 69 37 c 62 37 pc 61 34 r Detroit 63 41 pc 69 53 pc 61 44 r 54 32 r 50 31 sh 48 32 pc 52 44 c Houston 80 64 pc 80 67 pc 81 67 t 72 50 t 68 51 s 70 56 r 78 64 c Indianapolis 64 47 pc 72 56 pc 71 48 sh 58 33 r 53 37 sh 59 41 pc 58 48 pc Kansas City 73 54 pc 74 55 pc 61 37 r 55 36 pc 62 43 s 64 46 c 62 48 c Los Angeles 75 59 pc 68 55 pc 67 56 pc 75 56 pc 71 56 pc 72 54 pc 72 57 c Miami 81 72 pc 83 73 s 84 74 sh 86 74 pc 86 71 t 84 71 pc 84 69 pc Nashville 74 54 t 77 58 pc 79 58 pc 66 42 r 60 40 pc 68 48 pc 70 50 pc New Orleans 75 63 pc 78 64 pc 79 68 pc 83 57 r 70 55 s 74 60 pc 77 59 c New York City 67 48 sh 66 48 pc 64 51 pc 74 55 pc 60 38 r 56 38 s 58 46 s Orlando 80 61 pc 82 63 s 84 64 sh 87 66 sh 80 64 r 79 63 pc 83 60 pc Phoenix 95 70 pc 90 67 pc 90 67 s 91 70 s 94 66 s 86 63 s 86 66 pc San Francisco 64 49 pc 63 49 pc 64 49 pc 64 47 pc 61 47 pc 62 50 pc 64 51 c Seattle 61 42 c 62 43 pc 67 43 s 64 44 pc 57 42 pc 55 42 c 57 46 sh Washington, DC 73 54 t 73 55 pc 79 58 s 79 52 pc 65 42 r 60 44 s 61 50 s Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow ﬂurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Board of Directors proposed for SGA P

Catch something exciting happening on campus? Want your Insta-photos to be featured in The Rocket? Just follow @SRURocket on Instagram and use # in the caption for your chance to be featured here every week!

By Kevin Squires Assistant News Editor

The Student Government Association (SGA) immediately tabled c on s t itut i on a l c h a n g e s regarding an external Board of Directors Monday night during the general senate meeting. “ W h a t w e’r e t r y i n g to do is create an over arching umbrella Board of Directors above the SGA which would consist of students, professional staff and members of the other affiliated entities here on campus,” SGA President Buddy Clements said. The changes would result in the Board of CoOperative Activities being changed to the Financial Affairs Committee and in the President of SRSGA and the Vice President for Financial Affairs will be given voting rights on the external Board of Directors created under the changes. The board would consist of students, alumni, friends of the university, faculty and staff and would work with larger financial projects, though the specific responsibilities and powers have not yet been determined. Open forums

for further discussion will be held Monday at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., both in Room 321 of the Robert M. Smith Student Center. All students with questions or comments regarding the proposed changes are encouraged to attend. Clements said that specifically the SGA B ookstore and Daycare “don’t get the oversight they need from Student Government Association.” He felt that having a Board of Directors would be better for those kinds of things. “[The Board of Directors will] help protect the liability of the organization and the students on it and long term projects,” Clements said. “The issue is that Student Government Association has grown as big as we can. Besides the bookstore and the daycare, we can’t create any new forms of revenue.” He said that other SGAs run their school’s residence halls. “We were offered that [in the past] but we couldn’t manage it.” Clements also cited California University’s SGA which owns a farm and collects funds from natural gas. “Most SGA’s already have a

Board above them,” he said. “We’re going to be working on how much power they do have and what their role is with SGA.” These are topics that will be discussed in the open forums next week. Alex Merida was reinstated to senate after being removed for failure to complete required journals. SGA voted to accept the 2014-15 AVI Vending Service Agreement Commission Guarantee for $60,000. This was down $5,000 from the previous guarantee; however there will be no price increases and SGA is negotiating for more card readers for the fall. A motion encouraging students to register vote and participate in a nonpartisan voter registration drive in the fall was approved. The senate also approved proclamations recognizing the 125th Anniversary of Slippery Rock University, Earth Day 2014, and care breaks. “I’m very thankful for this,” Dr. Pease-Hernandez, SRU Faculty Advisor, said. “I think SRU does a wonderful job with care breaks. If you haven’t gone on a care break, I would strongly suggest that you go.”

Potential tuition increases center of debate over bill INDEX Blotter.................A-3 Comics...................B-4 Rock Notes...............A-4 Sports...................C-1 Opinion................B-1 Campus Life.............D-1

220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

2012 Mark of Excellence First Place Winner in Region 4 from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Continued from Page A-1

system, Burkhart also expressed concern in universities needing to raise tuition. “[The bill] is movement in the spirit of privatization,” Burkhart explained “I think that we would find that private schools are often several times more expensive than public schools, and therefore an outcome of succession would be an increase in the expense of education and therefore a diminished opportunity for students to access it, particularly citizens of lower financial means.” On an APSCUF press release it was predicted that a $6,622 annual tuition in PASSHE universities could increase to an excess of $17,000. SRU Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration Molly Mercer stated that it would be impossible to give a prediction about how tuition would change if SRU were to separate from PASSHE. Mercer explained that PASSHE funds universities in a few different ways. SRU is allocated approximately $32.6 million or 28 percent of the university’s Education and General Budget which pays for faculty salaries, benefits, non-personal expenses,

among other things. Through PASSHE, SRU also receives a share of a Realty Transfer Tax allocation from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation fund which provides from $750,000 to $1 million dollars annually towards deferred maintenance expenses. Another contribution that PASSHE contributes is $65 million in Commonwealth capital funding annually that is split up among the PASSHE universities to pay for the replacement or renovations of buildings and projects approved by the Board of Governors. There has been some concern about if APSCUF would still be able to function if some universities separated from PASSHE. Burkhart responded to those concerns. “At a minimum, it would require a change in by-laws, but it would open the door perhaps to those faculty losing their representation,” Burkhart said. “The future in that regard is uncertain, but I can could understand the apprehension that it might go that way.” The bill has not been yet been passed and is still being discussed. More information will be released as it becomes available.

April 11, 2014

NEWS

A-3

POLICE BLOTTER Borough March 3 - Taylor Alford of Washington, Pa. was cited for disorderly house after being stopped on Midway Alley for a oneway violation. March 3 - A resident of Fairview Drive reported her cell phone was stolen from her apartment. March 3 - Christopher Lee of Memphis, Tenn. was cited for harassment stemming from an incident that took place on Feb. 26 on Normal Avenue. March 4 - William D. Richards of Slippery Rock, Pa. was arrested for DUI after being stopped along Grove City Road for multiple traffic violations. March 5 - Amanda Ashbaugh of Parker, Pa. was arrested for retail theft after taking items from the Sheetz store without paying for them. March 5 - Steven McGinty of Boyers, Pa. was charged for theft after being observed stealing an employee’s coat from Giant Eagle. March 5 - Derek Walker of Pittsburgh, Pa. was charged for retail theft after store security observed him on video stealing items from the Kwik Fill store. March 5 - Casey Griffin of Grove City, Pa. was arrested for DUI after being stopped for driving the wrong way on a one-way street. March 13 - Johnathan Traver of Slippery Rock, Pa. was arrested and placed in the Butler County Prison for violating a protection from abuse order. March 14 - Nicklas Whalin of Slippery Rock, Pa. was cited for careless driving and possession of an open container after being stopped along West Cooper Street.

March 16 - Kurt Stephan of Haverhill, Mass. was arrested for DUI after being stopped for multiple traffic violations. Stephan was placed in the Butler County Prison. March 27 - Johnathan Traver of Slippery Rock, Pa. was charged with harassment and placed in the Butler County Prison for violation a protection from abuse order again.

April 4 - Asa Bennett of Grove City, Pa. was cited for disorderly house after being observed trying to open numerous car doors and vomiting along School Alley. April 4 - Thomas Kelly Jr. of Washington, Pa. was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after being seen failing to stop for a stop sign along West Cooper Street. Campus

March 27 - A female customer at Sheetz reported her purse was stolen from her vehicle while parked at the Sheetz store. It was later determined that she left it at home. March 28 - Luv Desai of Moon Twp., Pa. was arrested for DUI after being stopped for multiple traffic violations along Kiester Road. March 29- A resident along South Main Street reported that a white male, approximately six feet tall with spiked brown hair wearing dark clothing smashed a window out of his car. The victim also reported seeing a white female, approximately 4’8” tall, come out of some bushes and ran in the same direction of the actor. March 29 - Michael Mesinere of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Joshua Zivkovich of Gibsonia, Pa. were cited for an open container violation after being observed carrying open cans of beer along Maltby Ave. March 30 - Anthony Cillo of Glenshaw, PA was arrested for DUI after being stopped for a traffic violation along South Main Street. March 30 - Brian Fish of Glenshaw, PA, Zachary Guckert of West View, Pa., Zachary McCartan of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Griffin Mickail of Ross Twp., Pa. were passengers in a vehicle stopped for DUI and found to have been drinking. All four were cited for disorderly house.

April 3 – No one was hurt in a car accident in Lower Stadium Lot. Two cars were towed. April 3 – Police investigated a marijuana odor at Building D. No one was around the room and no further action was taken. April 3 – Police received a medical call for a passed out student at Spotts Classroom Building. An ambulance was dispached for treatment.

April 5 – A metis alarm was set off at McKay Education Building. Everything was okay and the panel was reset. April 5 – Cody Ammerman,18, Emma Pfeifer,18, Ausha Shaw, 18, and Tyler Woomer, 19, were issued underage citations for a drug violation in Building F. April 6 – Police were unable to reset the fire alarm when it was set off from an unknown cause at the R.O.C.K. Apartments. April 6 – Car damage was reported at the Lower Stadium Lot. The case is under investigation. April 7 – Police issued a citation to a driver at West Lake Lane at a traffic stop. April 8 – A door to Vincent Science Center was found to be improperly secured. Maintenance was notified to fix it.

April 3 – Police were unable to locate the cause of a marijuana odor in Building A.

April 8 – Police checked on a student who did not attend off campus teaching class. The student was okay. Police told the student to let everyone know he was okay.

April 3 – An elevator alarm went off at the Robert M. Smith Student Center. Officers checked and no one was present in the elevator.

April 8 – Burnt food set off the fire alarm at Building F.

April 4 – Police assisted the Borough with a traffic stop on Maltby. April 4 – Charges are pending for a drug violation in Building A. April 5 – Charges are pending for persons causing displacement of chairs at Morrow Field House for the Honors Convocation. April 5 – An emergency phone was activated on campus and checked but no one was around. April 5 – The Borough requested assistance for two intoxicated persons at a traffic stop off campus.

April 8 – A bike was stolen from Boozel Dining Hall. The case is under investigation. April 8 – Students were reported for running around on the roof of Watson. Police arrived but no one was around. Residence life will be having a follow up meeting for the incident. April 9 – Multiple unsecured doors were resecured at Eisenberg Classroom Building. April 9 – Maintenance was notified for external doors of Morrow Field House which could not be closed correctly. Compiled by Kevin Squires

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

A-4

NEWS

Despite multiple problems, voter turnout at record highs Continued from Page A-1

agreed with Clements that having more students active and involved with the elections is something According to the latest numbers for Spring to strive for. 2014, there are 8018 students eligible to vote in the “I think it would be bad if I said I was happy with elections. Katie Hill beat Maria Montero in a 695- those numbers,” Hill said. “I of course wish that more 391 vote, depicting that 1086 students voted in the students voted and I think that both the PRIDE elections, about 13.5 percent of the total student Party and the COSTUME Party tried to reach body. groups of people whether it was on campus or off.” While 13.5 percent may seem low, Clements said She felt one change to try for next year would be it was actually more than any of the other Pa. State rethinking the way the link to vote was distributed. System of Higher Education SGA elections see for “It’s hard when [the election email] comes from an SRU Communication when those are not always the most looked at email on campus,” Hill said. “I think it would be interesting to have the president send it out.” She also said she would like to see more of a presence on social media for the elections and emphasized how important it was for students to vote because of all that SGA can do for them. SGA serves as the governing body to most clubs and organizations at Slippery Rock University, oversees the bookstore, offers preschool and childcare services, legal services, runs the Happy Bus, manages homecoming, and functions as an independent corporation with a roughly two-million dollar budget. voter turnout, based on his information from a recent SGA conference. “I wish more students would be active and involved with our elections, but I’m not too displeased with the numbers." Jackie Bursic, Jamymie Macek, Jordan Bingman, Ben Ways, Carl Izzo III, Bryce Groh and Alexander Durham tied for Rhodes Hall Senator, each with only one vote. Another election will be held to determine a winner. SGA President Elect Katie Hill said Monday night on 88.1FM WSRU’s “The Jim Garrity Show” that she

Adagio Health Condom Palooza

ROCK NOTES

Adagio Health will be on campus April 29 during common hour in the quad helping to present Condom Palooza which will provide safe sex information, games, food, prizes and of course, condoms! Come out and help spread awareness on your campus!

Academic Records Evening Hours The Office of Academic Records and Summer School, 107 Old Main, will be open until 5 p.m. Thursday April 17 to assist students with registrations and adding or dropping classes for the summer and fall.

April 11, 2013

Computer science students develop cyber security fair By Kevin Squires Assistant News Editor

“What do you know about encryption, backing up your data, or staying safe online?” Dr. Stephen Larson, professor of Computer Science, asked when explaining the cyber security fair, being hosted by the Computer Science Department Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Robert M. Smith Student Center. Organized by students as part of the practical computing security class, the fair is being held to answer those and many other questions students have with regards to their electronics. It will include information booths, treats provided by the Grove and the opportunity for prizes. Questions about encryption and backing up data are just some of the things that the fair will address. It will also examine how to make sure you’re not giving away too much information on social media, securely deleting files off a computer’s hard disk before selling or giving away the computer, creating strong passwords, protecting against malware, and securing electronic devices. “[Students] need to know how to be safe online,” Dr. Stephen Larson, professor of Computer Science, said. “And they need the chance win the laptop.” The chance to win a Dell laptop, Kindle Fire HD or gift cards to various locations is available for students attending the event. They can take a prequiz beforehand to test cyber security awareness. Following the quiz, they will go from booth to booth getting stamps signifying that they visited each booth and can take a follow-up quiz and be entered to win the prizes. Students from high schools were originally going to have designated time earlier at the fair to visit Slippery Rock University, learn about the department, and tour campus. However, due to the high number of snow cancellations this winter, many were unable to attend. Those that were still interested in attending will participate in the fair without a morning program. The event is being sponsored by the SRU computer science department, Dell, Electronic Technology Center, Armstrong, Wal-Mart of Grove City, East Tec, and others.

A-5

April 11, 2014

• Courses available in Art, Business, Criminal Justice, Education, History, Psychology, Social Work and more

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SUMMER SESSION SCHEDULE First Session May 19–June 5, 2014

Second Session June 9–July 9, 2014

Third Session July 14–August 13, 2014

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@Edinboro

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Pre-session ......May 14 - May 30 Session I ........... June 2 - June 27 Session II ......... June 30 - July 28 Summer Term ... June 2 - July 28 Full Summer ... May 14 - July 28

Email: summer.school@sru.edu Phone: 724.738.2010

To view information on summer school and the summer class schedule: www.sru.edu/summer

QUESTIONS?

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• Choose from 250 courses! • Boost your grade-point average! • Lighten your fall course load! • Study abroad; earn credits! • Summer internships! • Pay 2013–2014 tuition rates! …and more

WHY NOT ENROLL IN ONE OF THESE SRU ONLINE LIBERAL STUDIES COURSES THIS SUMMER? • Earn credits and/or raise your SRU GPA to maintain your academic progress for ﬁnancial aid. • Take courses before tuition rates increase in the fall. • No room and board fees. • Online courses may be taken from your home allowing you to keep your summer job.

SUMMER 2014 ONLINE LIBERAL STUDIES COURSES* PRE-SESSION MAY 14 – MAY 30

Intro to Chemistry – CHEM 104 Public Speaking – COMM 200 Intercultural Communication – COMM 217 Mass Media and Society – COMM 362 College Writing – ENGL 102 Interpreting Literature – ENGL 210 World Literature – ENGL 263 Sel Top: Trickster Mythology – ENGL 298 Discover Geography – GES 100 International Health – HLTH 311 Wellness through Movement – PE342 Concepts of Science w/Lab – PHYS 101 American National Gov’t – POLS 101 The Political Film – POLS 333 Personal Financial Planning – PROF 100

SUMMER SESSION I JUNE 2 – JUNE 27 A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

WHY ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOL?

Intro to Chemistry I – CHEM 104 Communication Concepts – COMM 110 Public Speaking – COMM 200 Computer Concepts – CPSC 110 Productivity Software – CPSC 210 Intro to Criminology – CRIM 110 Crime, Justice & Society – CRIM 333 Principles of Macroeconomics – ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics – ECON202 College Writing – ENGL 102 Interpreting Literature – ENGL 210 Film Analysis – ENGL 214 Sel Top: Apocalyptic Literature – ENGL 298 Physical Geology – EGEO 101 Oceanography – EGEO 131 World Regional Geography – GES 105

Environ Problems – GES 135 U.S. and Canada – GES 202 International Health – HLTH 311 Human Sexuality – HLTH316 U.S. History Since 1920 – HIST 203 Medical/Hlth Care Ethics – PHIL 325 Business Ethics – PHIL 326 Personal Financial Planning – PROF 100 Race and Ethnic Diversity – PROF 106 Cult Area Studies – Samurai Film – PROF 310 Stats for Social Sciences – PROF 317 Fraud – PROF351 Law and Ethics in Workplace – PROF 352 Developmental Psychology – PSYC 344 Intro to Safety – SAFE 118 Human Diversity – SOWK 105 Intro to Theatre – THEA 141

SUMMER SESSION II JUNE 30 – JULY 28

Beginning Algebra – ACSD 110 Intro to Chemistry I- CHEM 104 Interpreting Literature – ENGL 210 Sel Top: Graphic Novel – ENGL 298 Environmental Geology – EGEO 100 Physical Geology – EGEO 101 Discover Geography – GES 100 United States 1815-1920 – HIST 202 Business Ethics – PHIL 326 Race and Ethnic Diversity – PROF 106 Fraud – PROF 351 Issues in Asia: Wmn in Asian Soc – PROF 360 Human Diversity – SOWK105 Frederick Douglass: Soc & Just Eq – SOWK 230 *Subject to change

THE COMPLETE SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE IS NOW AVAILABLE AT: WWW.SRU.EDU/MCS OR #8027 2-2014

Students should check their MySRU accounts for registration information and assigned registration dates and times.

OPINION

Our View

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 96, Number 21

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 Catie Clark

Editor-in-Chief

Jon Janasik

News Editor

Rebecca Marcucci

Campus Life Editor

Kristin Karam

Sports Editor

Alex Mowrey

Photo Editor

Todd Hart

Web/Social Media Editor

Mary Leach

Copy Editor

Kevin Squires

Assistant News Editor

Stephanie Cheek

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Matthew Morgan

Assistant Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich

Assistant Photo Editor

LaRae Ferguson Mark Zeltner

Multimedia Reporter 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 five percent of its funding from the SGA General Service 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 e-mailing 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.

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.

GRAPHIC BY REBECCA DIETRICH

SGA important facet of student life,

students should vote in elections The Student Government Association is an important facet of student life. They have many roles on campus, and represent the entire student body. SGA has senators from each Residence Hall, Commuter Senators, Freshman Senators, and an Executive Board. Currently, members of SGA are also on a Cooperative Activities board, which controls the funding of campus organizations. While Cooperatives Actives may be dissolved into a financial committee in the future, they still have that control for now. Many students participate in on campus organizations and activities which rely on funding. So why don’t they care more about who they vote to put in power in their Student Government Association? SGA also approves every organization that meets on campus, so if a student was

ever going to start a new club, they would have to go through them. Just by be being an informed voter, students could better understand who the members of SGA are, what they stand for, and how they are effecting life on campus. Every spring SGA holds an election, out of which several parties emerge. These parties have platforms and executive board candidates running with them, just like a presidential election, or any election for that matter, would have. While they might not be as black and white as Republican versus Democrat, SGA parties have unique views that students may or may not support. And just as in other elections, students should back the candidate whose platform they find most agreeable, and who they think should be best fitted for the competition.

In the Quad In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.

It isn’t a popularity contest, SGA does really make a big difference on campus, and we think students fail to see that. This year, only 13.5 percent of students voted in the SGA election. We don’t think that the needs of students can be truly voiced with such a low number of students voting in the election. Students need to become more proactive with the happenings of SGA on campus, and elections are a good place to start. More students need to take a stand on what is happening at the university around them, and get involved in the voting process. Thirteen percent of the entire student body is not a good representation, and we hope that more students will vote in the future to take advantage of one of the many opportunities available on campus.

This week’s question: Did you vote in the SGA elections this spring? Why or why not?

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.

Kaylyn Glenn Freshman Athletic Training Majorr Pittsburgh, Pa.

“No,

I didn’t know about it.”

Andy Ragusa Sophomore Marketing Major Philadelphia, Pa.

“No,

I’m pretty apathetic about it.”

Brock Birden Senior PR Major Baltimore, Md.

“No, because I was torn between two parties.”

OPINION

April 11, 2014

B-2

QUESTION OF

Shelbi Sternz @SometimesShelbs @TallGuyBill

THE WEEK

@SRURocket I don’t play because guns are terrifying, but I get annoyed when people make fun of them. They’re just having fun, gosh. #rude

The Rocket @SRURocket

#Opinion Q of the Week: Human vs. Zombies on campus - yea or nay? Respond with #opinion for your chance to be featured in The Rocket!

theREALslimStephy @slizzymcguire @SRURocket they shouldn’t be allowed to hide around campus after dark with nerf guns #creepy

Emily Minter @__Minty__

TWEET @SRURocket Need your voice to be heard? Want to be featured on The Rocket’s opinion pages? Tweet the @SRURocket and use #opinion for your chance to be featured weekly.

University should offer more than four graduation tickets to graduating senior students

Kelsey Reese Commentary Kelsey Reese is a senior Communication - Journalism major from Erie, Pa. Being the senior that I am, last Thursday I went to the student center to pick up all of the graduation necessities: cap, gown, and my FOUR graduation tickets. Four tickets… not even six. Maybe the thought is, “Student’s are in college four years, so they should pick the most important person from each year and that’s who deserves a ticket.” Maybe that idea is a little irrational, maybe not. We spend four years as undergraduates working as hard as possible while gaining immense support from many people in our lives helping us get through college and achieve our goals. Whether it’s family, friends, whomever, why should we have to pick and choose who is worthy of four graduation tickets? It’s a major accomplishment in our lives, not everyone graduates from college. For some students they might be the first person in their family to go to college, let alone graduate. If you have a family of more than four members that have never gone to college, and their son, daughter, nephew, niece, grandson or granddaughter is the first in the family to graduate, don’t you think this would be an extremely important event in their lives that they have the right to witness? Even if this isn’t the case, why can’t a student have as many people watch them graduate that they want? Okay, now there’s going to be that one person that might be thinking, “well if you open that door for a student then they’ll invite 100 people.” I’m not saying that it should be a ticket free for all where students should get as many tickets as they want for free. I do believe that there should be some

restrictions. In my opinion, I think that students should get anywhere between six and eight free tickets. Once a student reaches that limit there should be prices for tickets if students need to buy more. The more tickets you need to buy, the more the price increases. I do agree that even with this idea there should be some sort of limit to how many tickets a student gets, but it certainly should not be four. I decided to do some research just to cure my curiosity of how my tickets graduating seniors get at other colleges. Westminster students get six tickets, which isn’t many, but still better than for. Penn State Main, and Behrend are unlimited, yes Penn State Main students get an unlimited number of tickets. Youngstown State also has an unlimited amount. And I was informed that YSU students don’t even have tickets, whoever wants to go gets to go. Hmm, how interesting, now these are only four schools, but if you think about the size of Penn State’s student body, compared to Slippery Rock, it is pretty ridiculous we only get four measly tickets. Luckily for me, this four graduation ticket debacle is not a huge problem. Would I like to have a few more tickets so a few more family member could seem me graduate? Yes, of course, but I have a relatively small family, so it doesn’t impact me as much as those who have larger families. Now it may seem contradictory that I am complaining about this ticket situation and am not personally affected by the low amount of tickets we get to have. But the whole reason this is so bothersome to me is because I see how upset it makes other students. Students who can’t get their hands on other tickets will indeed have to pick and choose who they want at their graduation. One of the “suggested” problems with having a larger number of attendees is being able to fit them all in one place. Okay, how about the football stadium? The response: it could rain. How about the school invests in a tarp or cover that will cover the students? The University just spent 39 million dollars building the new student center, I think they can afford a covering to protect their accomplished graduates.

@SRURocket I honestly think it’s a fun game. It’s just taken too seriously here and shouldn’t run as long as it does. #opinion Matthew Steffey @Beef_Is_Here @SRURocket better question- Why? #Opinion

125 Anniversary events should be more inclusive for students

Jon Janasik Commentary Jonathan Janasik is a senior Professional Writing and Philosophy major from Mechanicsburg, Pa. This week I received an email from the office of the president telling me to fill out a survey. This is in itself is nothing surprising, if there’s one thing that I’ve learned from the constant bombardment of school related emails on RockMail, it’s that the office of the president has what some may consider to be a survey fetish. What struck me as odd about this one is that it said “Students have helped shape the future of Slippery Rock University throughout its 125-year history. Now it is your opportunity to do the same.” It’s worded in such a way that it sounds like our sole contribution to our university’s expansive history is filling in dots on this one questionnaire. I’m all for celebrating the anniversaries of things. Last year I celebrated Nintendo’s “Year of Luigi” which consisted of playing lots of Super Mario Bros. in honor of the greenhat wearing plumber existing for 30 years. It was fun, so needless to say I understand the appeal of a good anniversary. The problem I have with SRU’s 125 anniversary is that it is nothing like the “Year of Luigi”. Specifically, the Year of Luigi was all inclusive. I’ll give you a list of everyone I remember celebrating it with: my mum, my papa, my brother, my one friend, Mario, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Bowser, Daisy, Wario, Waluigi, Birdo, Boo, Koopa Troopa, and Donkey Kong. There are probably more people that I’m forgetting. The point is that there was something for everyone. On the other hand, although I’m apparently invited to join in celebration of Slippery Rock, I don’t really feel like I’m a part of the anniversary festivities.

I’ve gone to two events so far, including the opening ceremony. A few members of the administration gave speeches about how great the university is while communication majors who were desperate for news stories took notes. The other events on the celebration calendar just seem to be the same events that happen every year, like community trash pickups, sports events and the arts festival. At least that was what I thought before I saw an event that Greek Life was holding the week after spring break. They were planning to try to break the world record of the most people spooning at one time, from what I’ve heard you could pay money in an auction to prime spooning positioning next to President Norton or other members of the administration. Now, it’s always a test of strength going home from break while full of raging hormones. All the people that you usually spend time with are hours away, and the images on the computer monitor never seem to satisfy the need to be social like a human companion can. So, at the very least the timing of such an embracive event was perfect. This is the point of my column where we have to begin speaking like adults. Spooning is a little bit suggestive in nature. It’s something that’s usually reserved for Saturday nights with your special friend, after you know… the intimate time you spend together watching a Netflix marathon of My Cat From Hell. Something as racy as that should not be mixed with something as serious as the school’s administration. I mean, we’re already in Western Pennsylvania; we get a bad reputation for saying words like “yins”. What are the cool universities like Penn State and Carnegie Mellon going to think when they hear that our president spent three hours spooning with students on the freezing cold ground? I know what some of you are thinking. You’re saying “good golly, this spooning session wasn’t designed to be a scandalous affair.” To that I would reply, that you are completely wrong. Check the subtext. The poster clearly said “Greek Life” on it. I’m college educated, and

I’ve taken a philosophy class. If Plato’s taught me anything, it’s that wealth does not bring about excellence but excellence brings about wealth and all other private and public goods for men. On a more relevant note, he also taught me that Greeks really love wine, parties, and eroticism. Obviously, if Greeks make a suggestion, you should interpret it in the dirtiest way possible. Obviously this could be pushed too far in a few different ways. I could compare the exchange of money for a mildly sexual act as prostitution, or I could say that a large group of people partaking in the same mildly sexual act is similar to what is defined as an orgy. That just seems like I would be reaching for the lowest hanging fruit. I refuse to sink to such a level of immaturity. The event was canceled without a word explaining what went awry. The saddest part is nobody talked about it at all. Not the Rocket, not Greek Life, not SRU PR, and even the Rocket’s Parody doppelganger on Twitter, “THE Fake ROCKET” missed its opportunity to tell its first real joke. If I haven’t made my point clear, I think that the campus spooning was a silly idea. But I liked it because it was something that students could get involved with and would potentially lead to ridiculous stories. Imagine how popular you would be at parties when you tell everyone how you spent $50 to spoon President Norton. With that in mind, I think there’s room for improvement. A good anniversary event should celebrate both the past and the present. So I came up with a way that we can make this 125 anniversary thing work. SRU held a founder’s day picnic, in which family members of the original SRU graduates all had lunch together. We should invite those families back and spoon with them. The union between the past and present would be enjoyed by everyone, and would be recorded in the history books. The Guinness Book of World Records, to be exact. Wi t h a n e v e nt s o monumental, the SRU 130 anniversary celebration is going to have big metaphorical shoes to fill.

April 11, 2014

B-3

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888-232-3304 For Rent TWO AND FOUR BEDROOM apartments starting at $275 per person plus utilities. Within walking distance of SRU. Leases start June 2014. Call 724-679-4890 for more information.

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For Rent FOUR BEDROOM, TWO BATH house in SR Township. One mile from SRU. House is in quiet residential neighborhood. House sits on one acre. Plenty of parking. Rent is $1,300 or $325 per person per month. Rent includes water, sewer and garbage. All appliances including washer, dryer included. Available June 1 for one year lease. Call 724-698-5456.

Advertise with us! Email rocket.ads@sru.edu

(724) 738-2643 $5 fee plus seven cents per word.

COMICS Spaghett Kat COLOR

By Jack Johnehsick

COMICS

Horoscopes By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency (MCT)

Spaghett Kat is Back. In color. SPAGHETT KAT IS BACK! IN COLOR!

I‛M SO HAPPY THAT I DON‛T EVEN CARE ABOUT HEARING AN EXPLAINATION OF WHY HE‛S NOT DEAD!

It‛s beautiful. Truly an [undisclosed university] 125 anniversary miracle. I‛m crying blood.

This is the greatest day of my life.

Green and white blood.

Today's Birthday (04/11/14). This year's ripe for bold innovation and artistic creativity. Increase participation with projects that make a difference. Give in to your passions. Spring-cleaning sets the party stage. Launch and travel after May 20; plan summer vacations early and in detail. The fun takes off after August 1. Personal revelations open new doors this autumn. Express your love. 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 a 6 -- Sometimes you just need to manage boring details. You can delegate to someone else, but maintain responsibility for getting the job done. Avoid jealousies, and schedule carefully. A bond formed now lasts. Respectfully advance, assisted by friends and connections. Provide excellent service.

That's Socrates! Aristotle, your school, the Lyceum, is great! But why do we have to jog laps while studying logic?

Other philosophers sit around and drink wine all day. You don‛t want to be fat, ugly, and unloved like them do you?

Meanwhile

Guys, come on. I‛m trying to read here. Socrates! Want to stay the night? I have wine!

Logics Logics Logics

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- In a clash between fantasy and reality, a choice gets presented. Choose private over public venues. The more responsibility you take on, the greater results. Ignore doomsayers. Rigorously follow the rules. Check for changes before advancing. Spice it up with your secret sauce. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Home and family hold your focus today and tomorrow. Handle chores and repairs. An optimistic view provides a more powerful experience. Think about what you love. Share that, all around. Lay down your load for a while. Enjoy quiet peaceful moments, lost in beauty.

By Jack Johnehsick

No, don‛t go home with him, join me! Tis the season of Dionysus! Let‛s get dirty!

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Discover a treasure. Consider your budget before purchasing. Don't touch savings, or go into debt. Study and research options for highest quality and greatest durability. Maybe someone else would like to go in on it with you. Talk to your network. You could get lucky. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Let things simmer today and tomorrow. Be gracious to detractors, despite temptation to argue. You can make, and lose, money. Watch the numbers. Move slowly and with care. Practice your skills with devotion. Experience pays, especially at home. Work now, and plan your next diversion. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- You could find yourself in the spotlight over the next two days. Stay true to yourself. Generate optimism, and aim for an inspiring future. Your assignment could seem convoluted. You're waiting to hear from someone. Keep your part of a bargain. Follow a hunch. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Your efforts swing toward the feminine side of the equation. Love insinuates itself into your life. Sign an agreement, or launch a new phase. Be careful not to double-book. You have what you need. Socialize. Stay objective. Think and make plans today and tomorrow. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Be patient with someone dear to you. Listen, even when you don't agree. Stop trying to fix them. Abandon an unstable supposition, and discover the underlying harmony. Friends bring you luck. It could be nice to enjoy music, a movie or game together. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 5 -- Consider new opportunities for the next few days. There could be a test involved. Compete for more responsibilities. Ignore your inner critic, and think like a beginner, fresh and willing. Assess measurements to gauge the situation and provide clarity. Cash flow improves. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Prepare taxes and paperwork. It could disrupt your schedule with unexpected situations. Count pennies, and ask for benefits. Study how to keep more money. Partners can assist. Ask someone else to help with chores. Pamper yourself with hot water. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- You can find the financing you need. Prepare documents. Seek help from a female teacher or expert. You can get institutional backing. Get your ducks in a row. Listen to your partner's unspoken communications, and provide support before they ask. Share something delicious. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Get farther with help from a partner and support from your family. Keep it practical. Do your homework, and handle details. Despite temporary confusion, you can get it done together. Make sure you understand what's requested. Go out for treats to celebrate completion. (c)2013 bY NANCY BLACK DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

April 11, 2014

B-5

S SPORTS

INSIDE SPORTS

SRU Hosts Invite Online Exclusive The men's and women's outdoor track and ﬁeld teams hosted the Dave Labor Invitational last weekend. The teams combined to reach 40 PSAC qualifying standards.

As the Pittsburgh Penguins move closer to their ﬁrst game of the playoﬀs, weekly columnist Steven Bartley shares his thoughts in "View from the Cheap Seats".

See pages C-2 and C-3.

Visit theonlinerocket.com.

Gannon salvages series split with Rock By Ryan Barlow Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock baseball team (20-10, 9-5 PSAC-West) was forced to settle with a series split against Gannon (9-21, 4-10 PSAC-West) on Sunday, both teams winning two games each. SRU lost the series opener on Saturday 6-11, but were able to bounce back in game two 7-6. They carried the momentum into Sunday to win game three 5-4, before dropping the final game 3-4. “It wasn’t a good weekend,” head coach Jeff Messer said. “No matter who you play, you don’t want to split the series. But we can’t make excuses about it, and in the end, we just didn’t get the job done.” Senior Garret Peterson was on the mound for Slippery Rock in game one. Peterson was replaced in the fifth inning after being unable to record an out, allowing five runs on five hits, only two runs being earned. Senior John Kovalik entered the game to replace Peterson, but was unable to get out of the inning after giving up three hits. Freshman James Divosevic then replaced Kovalik, and remained in for the rest of the game. Gannon totaled 10 runs in just the fifth inning. Divosevic went to throw one and two thirds innings, allowing three unearned runs on three hits, striking out two and walking one. Slipper y Rocks offense got going in the fourth inning when freshman Carson Kessler hit a REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Sophomore Jordan Faretta sets up to throw out the runner at ﬁrst at the doubleheader against Gannon University this past weekend. Faretta averages a .340 batting percentage.

SEE BASEBALL, PAGE C-2

Tennis serves up a shutout to Seton Hill Griffins By Brittany Fagan Rocket Contributor

The Slipper y Rock women's tennis team shut out Seton Hill University on their home courts Tuesday afternoon 9-0. The Rock improved their overall record to 11-10 while Seton Hill’s record dropped 2-11. They played two doubles and five singles matches. The Griffins didn’t play doubles three or singles six, giving Slippery Rock two automatic wins. Tuesday was Senior Day for SRU, marking the last home match for seniors Nikolina Grbac, Sarah Joumond and Lauren Coggins. “Watching the seniors play their last match on the home courts was very emotional for the whole team,” freshman Stephanie Fortier said. “The ladies played a great match to close their home season.” Grbac is completing her first and final season here at the Rock after transferring from Division I University of New Mexico. She currently holds a 13-2 record in her singles matches, where she is ranked fourth in the region.

Joumond is completing her second season with the team. Coggins, captain of the team, is currently tied for ninth on the All-Time Wins List at SRU with an overall score of 111-63. “It’s been a great four years with Lauren,” head coach Matt Meredith said. “She’s been a big help to both the team and myself in the office.” Last weekend, the Green and White faced West Virginia State University and Charleston University. The Yellow Jackets took the win on Saturday with a 6-3 score. O n Su n d ay, Sl ipp e r y Rock hosted region rivals Charleston University on the outdoor courts and won 6-3. At the conclusion of the weekend, the Rock had an overall record of 10-10 and an 8-7 mark within the Division II standings. In both matches, the teams played three doubles and six singles. The same doubles teams were played for both matches with Grbac and Joumond making up the first team. Coggins was paired with Kylee Woodman to make

up the second team while Courtney Gallagher joined Stephanie Fortier to round off the third doubles team. The Rock’s number three doubles team recorded wins in both matches. Slippery Rock played all six athletes in their singles teams against West Virginia State. Grbac and Coggins both scored wins in their singles matches marking the final two match points for the Rock. Nicole Sopcak saw her first appearance in a match this Spring when she played as the sixth singles player against Charleston University. SRU won all three doubles matches Sunday and added wins in the number one, three and four singles matches. The team faces Chestnut Hill College and Bloomsburg University on Saturday at Bloomsburg University and Bluefield State College on Sunday. Slipp er y Ro ck faced California University of Pa. Thursday April 10. Full story coverage can be found at theonlinerocket. com.

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Freshman Kylee Woodman sets up the serve during a singles game at Tuesday's match against Seton Hill. Woodman defeated Chelsea Penie.

SPORTS

C-2

April 11, 2014

Track shines through poor weather conditions By Kristin Karam Sports Editor

The Slippery Rock women’s outdoor track and field team found the silver lining in a dreary day, recording 21 PSAC qualifications, four NCAA provisional marks and breaking a school record at the Dave Labor Invitational last Friday night. “Since we practice in similar conditions, we’re accustomed to the rain, cold and wind,” head coach John Papa said. “Since we don’t have that many opportunities to compete and the weather could be just as bad at the next track meet, our athletes do their best to take advantage of every opportunity.” Junior Brittany Christiansen, who set the school record for the weight throw during the indoor season, set the record in the hammer throw with a toss of 51.07 meters. The events are similar but differ based on the object being thrown. The indoor weight is roughly 20 pounds and has a short handle. The hammer throw weights 8.8 pounds and is on a long wire. “Brittany is an outstanding leader for us," Papa said. "She continues to improve as a thrower and sets a good example for the other throwers.” The record of 49.39 meters was previously set by Erica Timmons in 1997. Christiansen’s throw earned her the 15th-best throw in all of Division II and first place at the meet. Christiansen's next goal is to get to nationals. "(Nationals) is something

I've been striving for all along," Christiansen said. "Getting the school record is just another step in the right direction. I've been working hard at practice with my coach, tweaking little mistakes and watching a lot of film." SRU swept the standings in the pole vault. Senior Julia Cain won the event with a NCAA provisional clearance of 3.86 meters. Cain was followed by sophomore Kaitlyn Clark, who also hit NCAA marks, in second with a clearance of 3.66 meters. Clark’s clearance is the 13th best in Division II. In third place with a clearance of 3.20 meters was freshman Megan Matrisciano. “Even with the poor weather conditions, we had several outstanding performances,” Papa said. “It’s a tribute to the athletes and coaches for not allowing poor conditions to become an excuse to perform poorly.” The Rock’s fourth NCAA mark came from sophomore Sam Taylor in the javelin throw. Taylor threw 40.16 meters, earning second place. Taylor has already secured an automatic NCAA mark with a previous throw of 46.68 meters, the fourth best in Division II. Freshman Ava Bonetti qualified for PSACs in both the discus and shot put. She finished second in the discus with a throw of 37.82 meters and second in the shot put at 12.19 meters. Freshman Caitlin Whalen also qualified in the shot put, finishing fourth with a throw of 11.83 meters. Sophomore Ashley West took third in the high jump with a clearance of 1.63 meters.

The Green and White met several PSAC marks on the track. “At this point in practice, most of the conditioning part of the work is done,” Papa said. “It’s time to refine technique in the vents and time to focus on the variables that will make a difference when it’s time to compete at the PSAC Championships.” In the 100-meter dash, sophomore Jasmine Bailey finished second with a time of 12.30 seconds, sophomore Emily Moroco came in fourth at 12.62 seconds and freshman Julie Galante placed fifth at 12.79 seconds. Bailey also finished second in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.12 seconds. Junior Katelyn Wetzel came in third at 25.25 seconds. Moroco placed fourth at 25.66 seconds. Junior Angelica Bagwell took third in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:21.65. Sophomore Creanna Martin placed fourth in 2:21.85. The team is focused on improving their skills and aiming at another PSAC Championship, Christiansen said. "I'm so proud of everything that I've seen being accomplished," Christiansen said. "Another PSAC Championship is definitely on everyone's mind and I think it's possible to bring another trophy home. The team, as a whole, has come so far." Slippery Rock will split their athletes up this weekend and send distance runners to Bucknell University for a twoday meet and other athletes to George Mason University on Saturday.

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Sophomore Emily Price leaps through the air in the long jump at the Dave Labor Invite last weekend. Price placed third at 5.02 meters.

Baseball faces top-seed Seton Hill for weekend series Continued from Page C 1

REBECCA DIETRICK/THE ROCKET

Junior Kyle Schneider winds up to pitch during last weekend's doubleheader against Gannon University. Schneider was credited with the win over the Golden Knights.

sacrifice fly in the fourth, scoring junior Adam Urbania. Senior Kevin Jovanovich added to the Rock’s offense with an RBI single in the fifth, giving Slippery Rock the 2-1 lead before Gannon scored 10 runs in fifth. Senior Graeme Zaparzynski hit a two RBI single in the sixth to cut Gannon’s lead to 11-4. Ur b a n i a scored in the seventh on an er ror by Gannon’s second baseman, followed by another run by Jovanovich after another Gannon error. The game ended when junior Jake Nogalo hit a fly ball to right field, stopping the Rock’s late attempt a rally. S l i p p e r y R o c k ’s offense was able to get going early in game two, as Jovanovich homered in the second to give the Rock the 1-0 lead. Senior Brandon Myers then hit and RBI triple, and later scored on an RBI single by redshirt sophomore Kyle Vozar. Senior Will Kengor was able to bring in Vozar with an RBI single through the right side before the early second inning rally came to an end. Myers tied the game up in the third with an RBI single to right, and the Rock took the lead in the seventh when Urbania drew a walk

with bases loaded. Jovanovich then fo l l owe d w it h h i s second RBI of the day, singling home Kengor from third. Junior Anton Constantino was the starting pitcher for Slippery in game two, but only pitched for three and two thirds innings. He was pulled in the fourth after allowing six runs on six hits, but did strike out four. Freshman Preston Falascino was then able to come in and earn his first collegiate win, allowing no runs and striking out four. Junior Kyle Schneider threw a complete game for the Rock in game three. He allowed four runs on five hits, walked one and struck out one. Schneider was able to improve his win loss record to 5-1 on the year. Ur b an i a got t h e offense rolling in the third with a two RBI single scoring both Kengor and senior Jake Weibley. Slippery then entered the seventh inning down 4-3, but with two outs Will Kengor was able to tie it up with a clutch RBI single. Jake Nogalo then came up with the big hit to win it, scoring Zaparzynski from third. Redshirt sophomore Jon Anderson hoped to give the Rock the series win in game four, but

was unable to do so. Anderson pitched a solid five innings, giving up four runs on seven hits, striking out one and walking three. He was replaced by Kovalik in the sixth, who threw the final two innings of the game without allowing a run. Kengor was able to score on an error in the third inning, and later hit an RBI single in the fourth inning to tie the game at two. Sophomore Alex Bell was credited with an RBI after grounding out to the shortstop in the seventh, cutting the Gannon lead to 4-3. Vozar later came up to the plate with the bases loaded with two outs, but popped up to right field to end the game. Slippery Rock will p l ay a f o u r- g a m e weekend series against S eton Hill, with a doubleheader in Greensburg April 11 and a doubleheader at home April 12. The Griffins currently lead the PSAC-West standings with a 13-1 conference record. The Green and White are four games behind Seton Hill and are in third place. Merc y hurst is in second with a 10-4 r e c o r d . S RU w a s originally scheduled to face Mercyhurst earlier in the week but the game was postponed to allow the Lakers to make schedule adjustments.

SPORTS Throwers pave way for men's outdoor track and field April 11, 2014

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By Christian Stangroom Rocket Contributor

Eleven out of the 19 PSAC qualifying marks achieved by the Slippery Rock men's outdoor track and field team were met by throwers at the Dave Labor Invitational. The Dave Lavor Invite is the first of two home meets that SRU holds throughout the season. The next home meet will be on April 17. Sophomore David Reinhardt won the discus and hammer throw with a 45.40 meter throw in discus, and a toss of 50.32 meters in the hammer throw. “Dave has been doing well in the throws," head coach John Papa said. " Coaches Meagan Shadeck and Bill Jordan have done an outstanding job managing his practice time and making all of his throwing events come together. To do well in hammer, discus, javelin and shot takes a great effort and commitment to the sport. Dave is to be commended for his outstanding effort.” Reinhardt was followed by four SRU hammer throwers who also reached the PSAC qualifying mark. Junior Trevor Miller took second place with a toss of 48.19 meters, senior Billy Martin took third with a toss of 47.52 meters, junior Nick Garuccio took fifth with a throw of 45.43 meters, and junior Nick Turk placed sixth with 44.77 meter toss. Martin also followed Reinhardt in the discus with a third place finish of 46.58 meters. Miller won the shot put event with a 14.59 meter throw to lead sophomore Kaleb Kingston who took second with a throw of 14.34 meters. Reinhardt took third in the event with an effort of 13.70 meters. Redshirt freshman Tyler Kachelries was the last SRU thrower to reach the PSAC standard. Kachelries took third place in javelin with a throw of 56.06 meters. “There were a lot of great competitors, which made for an interesting meet,” Kachelries said. “I was having some trouble with my form, so I am glad to place in the position I did.” The 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays picked up wins this weekend. Senior Trevor

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Sophomore Nate Zigler leaps over the high jump bar during the Dave Lavor Invitational at the Mihalik-Thompson Stadium last weekend. Zigler cleared 1.73 meters at the meet and tied for ﬁfth place.

Foley reached the PSAC standard in the 400 meter hurdles by running a 54.99 second race, winning the event. Foley was followed by senior Nathaniel Helfferich in third with a 56.00 second race. Junior Hunter Williams had a personal best time in the 100-meter dash with a 10.94 second sprint. Senior Morgan Elliot ran a 1:55.14 in the 800-meter run to take second and reach the PSAC standard. Junior Ryan Thompson took 2nd in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 3:59.77.

The high jump was won by senior Victor Santoyo with a leap of 1.93 meters. Santoyo later took third in the long jump with a jump of 6.59 meters. Both of these scores were PSAC qualifying marks. The final PSAC qualifying performance came from freshman Jordan Pacheco. Pacheco finished second in the pole vault with a clearance of 4.65 meters. The Green and White have two meets this weekend. Some athletes will attend Bucknell University for a two-day meet, while others attend George Mason University on Saturday.

Rock crumbles under IUP's offensive attack

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Sophomore Kaytlin Callaghan dodges Indiana University of Pa. defenders during Slippery Rock's 6-15 loss Tuesday night. The Crimson Hawks are undefeated in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division.

By Matthew Morgan Assistant Sports Editor

The No. 7 Indiana University (Pa.) lacrosse team (9-2, 7-0 PSAC) reaffirmed their position in the national rankings by defeating Slippery Rock (4-7, 1-5 PSAC) by a score of 15-6. “I think we started to get a little tired and that led to us making a few more mistakes than we did at the beginning of the game,” junior attacker Paige Costatino said. “If we play smarter and not make ourselves run back and forth we’ll be more successful.” IUP took an early lead on Tuesday night, scoring four minutes into the match and never trailing against the Rock. Costatino tied the game up with 18 minutes remaining in the half, but from there on the Crimson Hawks scoring would be too much for SRU.

The Crimson Hawks went on to score eight more goals in the half and SRU could only tally two more goals, both by senior attacker Morgan Pettit. “We couldn’t capitalize on our goalies saves that were rebounds and knock down any potential turnovers,” SRU head coach Emily Hopkins said. “Offensively we were holding the ball a little too long and panicked a little under the pressure.” IUP snagged the first goal of the second half, reminding SRU that they were not going to relax with the lead. SRU answered back with a goal from Costatino followed by another three goal run by the Crimson Hawks. Pettit got her third goal of the game for SRU in the 15th minute of the second half, sophomore midfielder Erin Wilcox got the final goal for the Rock in the 16th minute. IUP went on to score the final two

goals of the game, which brought the final score to 15-6 in favor of the Crimson Hawks. “We hope to improve our time of possession and winning the draw,” Costatino said. “I think our clears off of saves have been really great lately, (sophomore goalkeeper) Jordan (Wagner) has been doing a great job in net for us so we want to continue to be successful. The Crimson Hawks finished the game with a 43-18 advantage in shots, 30-23 in ground balls and 14-9 draw controls. Pettit, with her three goals, needs only eight more to have 100 in her career at SRU. Costatino had two goals and one assist, Wilcox had one goal. Junior attacker Jess Verbic and sophomore midfielder Kaytlin Callaghan each finished the game with

one assist. Wagner made 15 saves in the game. Sophomore midfielder Drew Hayden led IUP with eight points off of seven goals and one assist. Freshman midfielder Kim Hooven scored four goals for the Crimson Hawks. Sophomore midfielder Brittney Palardy and sophomore attacker Amy Weinberg contributed one goal and two assists each in the victory. With only six games remaining this season, SRU looks to make a push for the PSAC playoffs. “We need to capitalize on other teams mistakes and play hard for 60 minutes,” Hopkins said. “We need to trust ourselves under pressure.” Slippery Rock will visit the Warriors of East Stroudsburg University (6-5, 1-5 PSAC) on Saturday for the first of Slippery Rock’s final six games. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.

SPORTS

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April 11, 2014

SRU and Fighting Scots split doubleheader By Brian Hepﬁnger Rocket Contributor

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Sophomore Stacey Herzog takes a swing during Wednesday's doubleheader against Edinboro University. Herzog started at second base both games.

The Slipper y Rock Un i v e r s i t y s o f t b a l l te am ( 9 - 1 2 ove r a l l, 5 - 3 P S AC ) s p l it a doubleheader against E d i nb oro Un ive rs it y of Pennsy lvania (812 overall, 3-5 PSAC) Wednesday. SRU has now split a doublehe ader two times in a row. The Rock continues to win the first matchup of the doubleheader by a substantial amount, but then proceeds to lose the second game in the same fashion. SRU won the first game 3-0. The score was 0-0 until the fourth inning when sophomore third basemen Ashley Samluk got things going for the Rock. Wit h sophomore infielder Katie Kaiser already on base, Samluk hit a single, allowing Kaiser to advance to second base. Senior first basemen Breanna Tongel then reached first base off of a fielder’s choice, allowing Samluk and Kaiser to both advance. Freshman catcher McKenzie Popatak then walked. Junior outfielder Alaynna Beers singled, allowing Popatak and Tongel to advance, and Samluk to score.

Junior infielder Taylor Welch re ached f irst base off of an error by Edinboro’s second basemen, allowing Beers and Popatak to advance, and Tongel to score. The Rock continued to score in the fifth inning. Sophomore outfielder Megan Maloney kicked off the inning with a single. Kaiser hit a double, allowing Maloney to score. Senior pitcher Emily Lobdell pitched another complete game for the Green and White. She pitched a one-hit shutout. Like SRU’s second game against Indiana University of Pe n ns y lv an i a on Sunday, the Rock lost by a large amount in the second game of this doubleheader as well. The Fighting Scots won the game 8-0. “We’re definitely more focused during the first game, because it’s in our heads that we need to win that game; we play to our potential,” Beers said. “When the second game comes along, I feel like as a team we get more relaxed and lose some of that focus.” Lobdell got the start for SRU in game two, but was replaced by freshman pitcher Carly DeRose in the third inning after allowing three runs. Edinboro continued to

score in the third inning. There was a double by sophomore shortstop Ky lie Mas on, w hich allowed freshman catcher Shelby Proctor to score. A walk and a fielder’s choice allowed two more Edinb oro players to score, giving them a 6-0 lead. Edinboro scored two more runs in the sixth inning to finish the Rock. Lobdell was given the loss. In 3 2/3 innings, DeRose allowed five runs, four hits, five walks, and threw five strikeouts. Even though SRU’s pitchers allowed eight runs, the team does not attribute that to the reason why they lose games. “Our biggest issue has been situational hitting,” Beers said. “When we have runners in scoring position, we need to be able to hit them in and get those runs.” SRU fell in both games during a doubleheader against Gannon Un ive rs it y T hu rs d ay April 10. They are set to play another doubleheader against Merc y hurst University on Saturday April 12 at home with first pitch at 1:00 p.m. An online exclusive stor y cover ing e ach game will be available at theonlinerocket.com.

Happy Spring!

*Data from ACHA-NCHA survey, April 2013: 1,140 students participated*

Remember: It is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages under the age of 21 in the state of PA

For full details on how the medical Amnesty Act works, please visit:

www.sru.edu/healthservices

Funded by a grant through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

April 11, 2014

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SRU Earth Days 2014

CSIL Global Wealth Film Festival

Green Cities The Island President

Monday, April 14 Advanced Technology and Science Hall Auditorium 7:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 p.m.

Monday, April 21. Advanced Technology and Science Hall Auditorium, 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Dr. Julie Snow 2nd SHOWING: Thursday, April 24 Smith Student Center Theater* 7:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30 p.m.

Biophilic Design: The Architecture of Life* Tuesday, April 15 Smith Student Center Theater 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 p.m. Speaker: Christopher Leininger THE WISDOM TO SURVIVE

Future Food Series: Big or Small?

Blue Gold: World Water Wars*

Monday, April 21. Advanced Technology and Science Hall Auditorium, 7:45 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:45 p.m. Speaker: Dr. John Golden

Tuesday, April 15 Smith Student Center Theater 7:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 p.m. Speaker: Dr. David Culp

Home Place: Exploring Human Ecology

Dirt: The Movie*

Wisdom to Survive

Monday, April 21. Advanced Technology and Science Hall Auditorium, 8:45 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:15 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22. Advanced Technology and Science Hall Auditorium, 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 p.m. Speaker: Dr. Jack Livingston 2nd SHOWING: Thursday, April 24 Smith Student Center Theater* 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 Smith Student Center Theater Speaker: Dr. Nancy Barta-Smith 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 p.m.

HOMEPLACE: EXPLORING HUMAN ECOLOGY

major EVENTS

Revenge of the Electric Car

Thursday, April 17 Smith Student Center Theater 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30 p.m.

students only; all other events open to the general public.

Earth Day Carnival on the Quad

Community E-Waste Collection Days

April 22, 2014 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SRU Stores II Building Kiester Road, Slippery Rock, PA April 25 - 26, 2014 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Kaleidoscope's earth day celebration at the macoskey center Macoskey Center 247 Harmony Road Slippery Rock, PA April 26, 2014 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wait, There Is MORE ! GET ALL THE LATE-BREAKING DETAILS ON ALL EVENTS and PRIZES

at www.sru.edu/sustainability FOR A CHANCE TO WIN COOL PRIZES go to

www.facebook.com/SRUsustainability 8061 3-2014

Show up to win FOOD COUPONS, WATER BOTTLES, T-SHIRTS and More

SRU Sustainability Website www.sru.edu/sustainability

www.SRU.edu A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE Eco-friendly fashions on a budget ROCK'n Fashion's Katie Ellis shares designers eco-friendly fashions that meet a daily budget that's affordable for college students. See Page D-2

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" Jimmy G takes a look at Wes Anderson's visually stimulating new film, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" in this week's Rock Reviews . See Page D-2

Humans vs. zombies

GRAPHIC BY KARLIEGH SANTRY

Humans vs. Zombies game ends in a draw By Rebecca Marcucci Campus Life Editor

Their bandanas are tied, their foam Nerf dart blasters are loaded and their sock bombs are ready to stun. The Walking Dead of SRU have infected vigilant students. But who will become limping zombie food as the dawn of the dead rise? It’s zombie killing time. SRU’s an nu a l c ampu s - w i d e Hu m ans vs. Zombies live action roleplaying game commenced April 1, and it was no joke. The game is a moderated version of the traditional game ‘tag’ where one individual is selected as the zombie to infect the remaining human players. The game can end one of two ways. The zombies win if all of the human players have been tagged and turned into zombies. The humans win if they survive long enough to starve a zombie, or they win their final mission. Senior secondary education English major and president of the Gamer’s Guild, Brandon Riggs, 24, said he loves playing and moderating Humans vs. Zombies but isn’t a fan of the heckling from the SRU Twitter community on SEE URBAN, PAGE D-3

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET A hoard of zombies runs to attack the few humans left in the games as a they defend themselves with their Nerf blasters weapons. The game ended Wednesday night with a draw between the two teams.

CAMPUS LIFE

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April 11, 2014

Eco-friendly fashions appeal to college student affordability

Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" Katie Ellis is a junior journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Taking care of the environment doesn’t have to stop with the simple act of recycling water bottles and used newspapers, thanks to fashion brands they are making it easier for the fashion obsessed to help the planet. A number of companies including growing brands and established retailers offer products made from recycled materials and services that help customers donate unwanted items to benefit new green initiatives. Alex and Ani, H&M, and Patagonia are committed to using fashion as a platform to make the world a better place, one piece at a time. Alex and Ani was established in 2004 by Carolyn Rafaelian in order to produce quality jewelry including everything from earrings to bangles made entirely in the United States. This homegrown brand relies on recycled scrap metal, mainly brass, which is obtained by environmentally- friendly means to make their eye-catching products. Among their best-sellers are their bangles adorned with charms inspired by the beach, flowers, friendship, and professional sports teams. Every piece produced by Alex and Ani is made in Rhode Island with love

and positive energy, one of the company’s mantras. These bangles simply slide to open and adjust to fit the size of the wearer’s wrist unlike normal bracelets which have tricky clasps, which means they won’t come unhooked and fall off unexpectedly. The cost of a single bracelet starts at $24, and sets of five sell for nearly $190. H&M is well-known for their efforts to produce eco-friendly clothing and their commitment to avoiding waste of any kind. Their Conscious Exclusive Collection, now in its third year of production, consists of pieces made from organic cotton and hemp. The collection has gotten rave reviews and the seal of approval from celebrity spokeswomen Amber Valletta and Vanessa Paradis. This line features accessories, shoes, and clothing, which range in price from $12.95 to $595. While the prices may appear steep, the items at the latter end of the price range are gowns that feature heavy embroidery work and intricate lace detailing, more suited for a formal affair. The brand also offers a more affordable label, the Conscious Collection, that doesn’t lack in design or style, and is better suited for the budget of a college

student. Printed tunics, bright satin pants, and leather sandals are just three standouts from the modern collection that is sure to appeal to women of all ages. With styles starting at just $12.95 and extending to $100, there’s no doubt that H&M stores will be sold out of these items in no time. H&M’s Garment Collecting initiative is a service offered at all of their retail locations, which allows customers to donate their unwanted clothing. Items are then separated into three categories, rewear, reuse, and recycle, and are then given to those in need or turned into new products. Outdoor clothing brand, Patagonia, is one of the nation’s foremost leaders in environmental activism. Ever since the foundation of the brand in 1973, helping the environment has been an important part of the brand’s identity, and by 1985 they had committed to donating 10% of their profit to organizations that are making a difference with their eco-friendly programs. The popular brand has a program in place where customers can return to the Patagonia store where they purchased their clothing from, and if it is in good condition, can be bought back through the Worn Wear program and sold to people looking for deals on the company’s merchandise. Well-worn clothing can be returned to the store after it has seen its last days, and can be recycled and turned into fabric that will be used to manufacture new goods. Winner of the “Eco Brand of the Year” award in 2008, they have donated upwards of $55 million to thousands of eco-friendly organizations across the world. As each of these companies continues to expand their efforts to help the environment, there’s no doubt that more businesses will begin to follow suit. Shopping has become a truly rewarding experience thanks to these brands that are dedicated to selling items that will make the world a better place.

Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" features excellent casting decisions

Jimmy Graner "Jimmy G's Rock Reviews"

4.5 Stars Jimmy Graner is a junior journalism major and film and media studies minor and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

Wes Anderson isn’t your ordinary, everyday director being when it comes to working in the movie industry. Known primarily for having a unique writing and directing style, the finishing product can leave anyone feeling bewildered, but at the same time serene. Anders on puts time and effort into every last detail to present not just a film, but an understanding. Whether you’re a fan or not, pretending not to be astounded by his images would be a lie to yourself. “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, opens in the present with a teenage girl who calmly makes her way to a gravesite where a tall, kooky tombstone sits. With her, she carries a book written by a character known only as “The Author”. The book entails the happenings of what took place at the Grand Budapest Hotel in the year 1968. Zero Mustafa (F. Murray Abraham), now old man and owner of the Grand Budapest Hotel, begins a reminiscence of how his ownership came to be. This is where the overall film takes its form. A man by the name of M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) is the acting concierge at the Grand Budapest Hotel

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS Willem Dafoe (left) and Adrien Brody star in "The Grand Budapest Hotel." Together Brody and Dafoe's characters team up to gain an inheritance they believe should be rightfully theirs.

in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, a European state. With the difficult job of making sure all employees are on task, he must also take personal care of all the pampered upper-class guests. For him though, his taste in elegant older women is what drives his ability to work well. After bidding farewell to Madame D. (Tilda Swinton), the most beloved of all his guests, he picks up where he left off with the help of his lobby boy Zero (Tony Revoiori), whom at this time is only in his younger teenage years. While showing him the ways, Gustave becomes saddened when he learns that Madame D. has been killed under strange circumstances. Racing to be by her side, he quickly learns that unbeknownst to his knowledge, she has left

everything to him, rather than to her family. Infuriated with anger, Dmitri, (Adrian Brody) a family member of Madame D., hires an associate of his Jopling (William Dafoe) to frame Gustave with a crime in order for Dmitri and his family to sustain full custody of all of her belongings. However, with the help of Zero and additional characters, Gustave’s reputation is quickly brought to justice. Similar to many of Anderson’s movies, the well-generated cast produces an amazing tale. It’s as if every character is picked out accordingly to play the role they’re prescribed. Because most of them are previously witnessed, the audience is already familiar with the sense of stability the actors bring to the table. While the characters try to

persuade you into the plot, the perfectly placed camera angles and movements will have your eyes smiling like it’s picture day at school. The key is to keep us focused on the center of the screen so we can interpret every character, color, object and voice when it appears. To concentrate on everything in the shot is what gets us thinking. Our eyes sway away from the screen with everything else, because we’re used to seeing the same old routine. Perspective heightens our mindset and proves to be the essence of what we find thought-provoking. With a little bit of comedy and a little bit of romance, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” will have you checking back in way before it's time to check out.

CAMPUS LIFE

April 11, 2014

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Students display research at symposium By Kelsey Reese Rocket Contributor

Students from various majors at Slippery Rock participated in the 2014 Research Symposium on Thursday, April 10. The annual symposium is an opportunity for students from several departments to present research projects they have created at SRU. For the event, students can present their work in poster form, give a presentation, exhibit their work, or give a performance. Faculty members from each of the departments participating are also in attendance to support their students. Phillip Tramdack, the Director of Library Services, is also the director of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symposium. Tramdack said this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research symposium had more presentations than ever. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the fourteenth year we are having the symposium,â&#x20AC;? Tramdack said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are 74 presentations total. We are looking forward to a great event.â&#x20AC;? Senior public relations major Michele Sneddon, 22, participated in the symposium. She explained why this is beneficial for students of all class levels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This event was specifically set up at the time when professors participating would be normally teaching a class, so their students could attend,â&#x20AC;? Sneddon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes it beneficial for both those participating in the event, and for underclassmen. If students attend they can get an outlook on what the future has in store and the work they will be doing.â&#x20AC;? Sneddon, one of the many students participating in this event, explained why sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking part and what research she is presenting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reason I chose to participate in this event is because I enjoyed a research project I did for my case studies class,â&#x20AC;? Sneddon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I figured that presenting my work in this symposium would be a great experience and help me add more to my resume. The research project Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m presenting is about media relations practices of the National Park Foundation. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m presenting

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Erica Burke, sophomore dance major, performs a traditional Hawaiian Hula dance for this year's Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Achievement.

my project in the form of a poster opposed to a presentation. I thought it would be a good way to exhibit my design skills as well. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very proud of.â&#x20AC;? Another student participating in the symposium is 22-year-old Amber Beason. Beason, like Sneddon, is also a senior public relations major who is presenting a research project she produced for her Public Relations Case Studies class. Beason decided to go a different route with the presentation of her material. B e a s on w a s on e of t h e m a ny undergraduate students that chose to do an oral presentation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For my research project I analyzed

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employee relations of Chipotle Mexican Grille,â&#x20AC;? Beason said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reason I chose to do an oral presentation rather than use a poster is because I am usually on Chipotleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s careers page on their website [when discussing my research].â&#x20AC;? Beason said her presentation would last about 10 minutes, with five minutes for questions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We get a 15 minute window for presentations so I plan to talk for 10 minutes,â&#x20AC;? Beason said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that giving this presentation will help with my public speaking skills.â&#x20AC;? While Beason and Sneddon decided to choose an oral presentation and a poster to show the work theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done, some students took a more artistic path. Freshman theatre major Cole Vecchio, 19, and five other students will be reenacting Act I Scene II from Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hamlet. Vecchio, who is the creator of the project, explained why he wanted to present it in the symposium. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My research project is all about the invention and reinvention of Hamlet,â&#x20AC;? Vecchio said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For this project I first analyzed the original 1600s version, and then compared it to the 1996 film version produced by Kenneth Branagh. I then compared these two films to the Richard Burton stage reenactment in 2012.â&#x20AC;? Vecchio said that the whole concept behind this project is that no matter how many times a play is reproduced, there is always something different about it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I decided to perform this scene to just reiterate the idea that as we perform it, it will not be the same as the original.â&#x20AC;? Vecchio also explained how presenting this scene at the symposium will be beneficial to him, and also to those viewing the project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This performance will show credibility and that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m learning something here at Slippery Rock,â&#x20AC;? Vecchio said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for my resume, practice, and the academic side of things. The arts are struggling in this day and age. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not just playing dress up. There is a cultural and educational purpose to what we do.â&#x20AC;?

Urban Gamer's Guild deflects negative controversy and comments on Twitter Continued from Page D 1

SRUProblemz. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have seen our players tagged in pictures on Twitter countless times,â&#x20AC;? Riggs said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish the stigma from the outside wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so heavy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots of fun and contrary to popular belief itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots of exercise.â&#x20AC;? Su re e n ou g h a p o s t on SRUProblemz from March 3 said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We allllll knew that once the sun came back the Nerf guns would come with it, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take the sun any day.â&#x20AC;? Another more recent post came while the game was underway on April 3. An anonymous student on SRUProblemz tweeted â&#x20AC;&#x153;At least this snow is keeping the humans vs. zombies shit at bay.â&#x20AC;? Riggs said he tries to shrug off the haters and enjoy the game with friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Try it for one semester and see if you like it before you knock it,â&#x20AC;? Riggs said. He said he would like to see the Gamerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild play more live action games in the future such as By the Light of the Moon, a game involving students pretending to morph into werewolves. Senior literature major John Groom, 21, president of the Urban Gamerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild, the Gamerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild sister group which hosts the Humans vs. Zombies game, said he was excited to moderate this semesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magic-based Humans vs. Zombies game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Normally during missions we tell players there are parts of campus that have been bombed because we had military themes in the past,â&#x20AC;? Groom said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But now we could say places were magically shielded and people had to use their imagination, so that was fun.â&#x20AC;? Groom said the game

demonstrated playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; good sportsmanship and there were creations of new friendships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like watching people coming together,â&#x20AC;? Groom said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re running around and getting exercise. People also get pretty competitive.â&#x20AC;? Groom said he remembers a time playing Humans vs. Zombies with his roommate and watching him run into a pole. So players can tend to get very into the game, he added. Junior creative writing major and vice president of the Urban Gamerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild, Carrie Mae Hanrahan, 20, said this year was unprecedented when it came to how the game played out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the first year, there was a draw declared,â&#x20AC;? Hanrahan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Normally the humans eradicate the whole zombie horde, or the zombies successfully turn all remaining humans. This year, two zombies eluded the Nerf blasters of the remaining humans. By the time the final mission ended, it was clear that neither side had met the conditions traditionally used for winning. Everyone had fun and played their hearts out, so the moderators called this game a draw!â&#x20AC;? The games came to a close Wednesday night but Hanrahan said she enjoyed playing this year along with a few laughs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A human player threw a cup of fresh coffee on the ground to battle the horde,â&#x20AC;? Hanrahan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was still caught and tagged. But he did not buy another cup.â&#x20AC;? The groups assured before laughing at the game, students should consider gathering up some Nerf ammo and clean, balled up socks and joining in on the zombie action.

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CAMPUS LIFE

April 11, 2014

Studying Abroad in Ireland SRU student enriched through cultural experience

Harmony Kasper Harmony Kasper is a junior journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket. I always try to live my days to the fullest. That's why my favorite phrase is "carpe diem". I believe in and love this Latin saying that means "seize the day" so much that I am about to get it tattooed on me (surprise mom and dad!). When I think about only having one life to live on this planet, it scares me. What if I don't get to do everything I want to do before I die? Like attend the Coachella music festival in California or skydive or ride in a hot air balloon. There are so many more things to do and see in the world. Although, I am happy to say that I have successfully checked one item off this mental list of crazy and worthwhile experiences; studying abroad. I knew since I started college that I wanted to study abroad. I also knew that I wanted it to happen in Ireland. I have five different ethnicities; and one of them being Irish. My grandmother has been a driving force in my

interest of the Irish culture. It's a special connection that we share. The opportunity arose through the Study Abroad office at Slippery Rock. All of my friends and family were excited for me. I knew this would be an experience I would never forget. Whe n I re c e ive d my acceptance letter in the mail, I couldn't believe it. This was really happening. I would be living and going to school in a European country for four months. Immediately, I started planning and making lists. I bought an Ireland guide book from Barnes & Noble so I could learn even more about this beautiful green island. Yes, Ireland is an island. It was funny because so many people didn't realize that. It took me about a week to pack. I must say that was the most stressful time of my life. Do you know how hard it is to pack just two suitcases clothes to last four months? Finally, the morning had come to go to the airport. I was not going to Ireland alone. Ali Gilson, a student at Slippery Rock and now one of my closest friends, was also studying abroad at the same university with me. We met up at the airport and said our goodbyes to our families. I wasn't scared, maybe a little nervous. I didn't think I was going to cry until my mom did. After, Ali and I headed through the airport security and to our terminal where in less than 24 hours, a new adventure awaited us.

The University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland is a large school. Statistics show that there are around 11,000 students attending, with 1,000 of them being international students. I mean I thought this was insane? Was I going to be with international students, Irish students, or both? Also, I didn't know what to expect with the classes. I was hoping it would be easier, since I killed myself last semester. The classes are completely different from America's set up. Instead of having the same class two or three days a week, they have one lecture and one tutorial for each module (course). Lectures are... well, you know lectures. Tutorials are smaller groups where you work on projects and they are taught by graduate students. The classes aren't overloaded with work, which was good because I planned on doing a lot of travelling. Not only did I explore Limerick, but most of Ireland and other parts of Europe, as well. Travelling has become a passion of mine. I don't think I can just go home from here and never come back. There is so much still to see. While in Ireland, I have seen numerous sites like the beautiful Cliffs of Moher and the "eighth wonder of the world," the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. I have also kissed the famous Blarney Stone in the Blarney Castle and visited the historic city of Belfast where the Titanic museum is built right

GRAPHIC BY KARLIEGH SANTRY Follow these QR codes to check out Harmony's personal video blogs about her trip and the places that she has visited throughout the semester.

where the ship was crafted. Of course, I have made frequent trips to the capital of Ireland. Dublin has so much to offer and is to me, the best place to take first timers to Ireland. I have also had the opportunity to travel outside of Ireland to: Poland, France, Italy, London and Scotland. This has been a whirlwind experience. I am lucky that I never once felt homesick. I mean how could I? I have been having such great craic! (Irish slang word used for "fun"). I am excited to go home, but I am nervous how much I will miss it all. Ireland is truly remarkable. I knew coming here that the sheer landscape would blow me away, and it has. I will never forget when it really hit me that I was here doing this. We got into the Dublin airport on January 21 around 5 a.m. Everyone was exhausted and just wanted to get to our new living places to sleep. We got on a bus that was taking us to

Limerick. After a little over two hours of being asleep, I awoke with the sun shining bright in my eyes. Looking out the window, I immediately saw picture perfect Ireland. Rolling green hills... and I mean really green. Ireland's grass is unlike anywhere else. Then I saw some sheep. Then I saw a sign that said "Limerick" and the distance in kilometers. Right then, I knew that I had made it. I accomplished something that many told me they could never do. I was following a dream. If you were ever thinking about studying abroad while in college, or even travelling at all, please do it. I know you won't regret it. It has been the best decision of my life so far. I have taken so much from this experience and I know I will never forget it. Just keep on carpe diem-ing! â&#x20AC;&#x153;The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.â&#x20AC;?

April 11, 2014

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