10-8-2021 Digital Edition

the rocket

Friday October 8, 2021 • Volume 105, Issue Number 2 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper

www.theonlinerocket.com

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GRAPHIC BY: BRANDON PIERCE

INTERACTIVE: Fall 2021 Enrollment Data

NEWS

Homecoming and underage booze

By Joe Wells News Editor

Emma Velesig Assistant News Editor

With the Slippery Rock area getting ready to host an increased volume of visitors for the university’s upcoming homecoming week, local law enforcement is preparing for more violations involving alcohol.

A look back at previous reporting in The Rocket and blotter reports found that since 2002, SRU Homecoming has resulted in 342 alcohol violations filed by university police. For this article, alcohol violations are defined as illegal possession, consumption and driving under the influence.

While the number of alcohol violations has risen and fallen from year to year, the last four years have only accounted for 6% of those homecoming violations. In comparison, the four-year period prior to 2017 accounted for nearly 22% of charges filed.

Throughout the same time period, reporting has covered the increased police presence on campus and in the surrounding community.

The Slippery Rock area covers four law enforcement jurisdictions, Slippery Rock University Police (SRUPD), Slippery Rock Borough Police (SRPD), the Pennsylvania State Police Butler Barracks and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) based out of Punxsutawney.

This year, all of the agencies will be coordinating the

entirety of homecoming weekend, with officers working out of a command center set up in the SRUPD police station, according to SRUPD Chief Kevin Sharkey.

Both Sharkey and his counterpart with SRPD, Terry Fedokovitz, said the biggest effort their agencies do is increase staffing, especially for bigger events like the parade and SRU football game. SRUPD will increase the number of officers on duty from that Thursday into Sunday morning.

The PLCB will be in the area to investigate any liquor license or other alcoholrelated violations. Tailgaters for Saturday’s game between JOE WELLS / THE ROCKET

"It always fills me with dread because there are so many ways for it to go wrong."

– Kristina Benkeser, director of student health and wellnes, on drinking and homecoming

Homecoming has seen alcohol-related violations rise and fall over the past 18 years, but the last four have been some of the quietest, according to data from the police blotter. This year, Slippery Rock university police are planning for a homecoming of prepandemic levels.

Rock Football and Indiana University of Pennsylvania are not permitted to sell alcohol.

Doing so is a violation of the Rock Athletics tailgating policy and state law.

Probably the biggest increase in police presence over the years has been with the PSP who have repeatedly deployed their Tactical Mounted Unit.

In the past, the horseback troopers have patrolled the offcampus housing areas around Slippery Rock Township.

The Rocket reached out to the PSP to see if the unit would be part of the state police patrol efforts but did not hear back prior to publication.

During 2017’s homecoming, one individual was arrested for taunting a police animal, a third-degree felony punishable

by up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. That charge was later dropped, and the man pled guilty to a summary offense of disorderly conduct.

Graduate student Zachary Rosenberger is of the legal drinking age and wasn’t worried about what the underage students got into but, wasn’t excited for the increased police presence.

“I don’t care if [underage students] drink, just so they don’t bother me,” Rosenberger said.

Another graduate student, Jianna Palladini, said police should know what to expect around homecoming.

The Rocket reached out to underage students to find out if they plan to drink and how

they plan to stay safe if they do, but they declined to comment.

With the increase in drinking, Director of Student Health and Wellness Kris Benkeser doesn’t want students to worry about a possible law enforcement interaction if someone needs medical care.

Pennsylvania’s Safe Harbor law provides immunity to individuals who are underage and seek medical care either for themselves or another person. For a person seeking medical help for another, that individual must contact 911 or emergency services, provide their name and stay with the person needing care until help arrives and they no longer need to be.

If anyone is concerned about

how much alcohol someone consumed, they should find a sober driver and call the nurse, Benkeser said. But, if someone is not conscious or breathing, call 911 immediately.

Benkeser said Student Health Services always prepares for big campus events and expects to see an increase in patients over the weekend. Still, with what she says is essentially two freshmen classes, with this year’s sophomore class finally back on campus, she is worried. “[Homecoming] always fills me with dread because there are so many ways for it to go wrong,” Benkeser said.

Benkeser added, “at the risk of sounding like their mom,” students should party smart and stay with friends.

SRU returns with less students

By Joe Wells News Editor

Despite a return to a more normal semester this fall, Slippery Rock University saw a decrease of more than 400 students compared to the previous year.

That drop was led by a 6% decrease in undergraduate students this year, 494 students, which was the biggest decrease in the past four years. While the university has seen continued decreases with its undergraduate students, none of the yearly decreases since 2017 have been more than 100 students.

Last year, despite a move to online courses and the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, SRU fell just 19 students shy of its 2017 enrollment record.

Still, administrators are confident fall 2022 will be a better year for enrollment numbers.

During a presentation to the university’s council of trustees in September, A m a n d a Ya l e , c h i e f enrollment management officer for the university, told members that even with a large drop in students, numbers for next fall look promising. “ We’re excited,” Yale said. “Our team feels very strong … par ticularly with the freshmen class, that we can gain back what we lost.”

Those numbers, provided by the university, show almost double the total number of future students

who have put down their deposit for fall 2022 compared to the previous year.

St i l l , t h e u n i v e r s i t y faces budget shortfalls with increase costs and a tuition rate that has been frozen for the past three years. Back in September, SRU President William Behre told trustees that every 100 students equate to roughly $1 million in revenue for the university.

This year, the university would have faced an $8 million deficit if it had not received federal money related to the pandemic.

If the university sees no increases to expenses or tuition next year, then it would have to add roughly 800 more students to the rolls, setting a new enrollment record.

Decreases in the number of students are not unique to SRU or Pennsylvania, h owe ve r. Jo h n R i n d y, assistant vice president for career and academic progress, warned trustees and university officials t h a t re p o r t s s h ow a n estimated loss of 500,000 traditional college students starting in 2024.

Estimates from the Hechinger Report expect regional four-year institutions like Slippery Rock will lose 11% of their students by 2029.

Even with the decline of undergraduate students, SRU has continued to increase its graduate rolls, setting a new university record with 1,503 students enrolled this fall.

The increases, although small over the past few

GRAPHIC BY: JOE WELLS

years, have helped offset revenue losses as fulltime graduate students pay over 50% more than their undergraduate counterparts.

Behre expects the number of students enrolled in those programs to continue to increase, especially with the physician assistants program which is artificially capped by the university while it works toward full accreditation.

The university has also hired Academic Partnerships, based in Texas, to promote master’s programs that can be completed fully online.

Academic Par tnerships will spend millions,

compared to the $800,000 the university has for all programs, to market select degree programs across the country, for a cut of the tuition the university receives. According to Behre, so long as the university can more than double enrollment within the targeted programs in the next three years, the contract will have paid for itself.

The programs include hospitality and event management, accountancy, health and information management, data analytics and master of business administration. If those enrollment numbers do not increase in three

years, then the university will have to look at a possible teach-out of the programs, Behre said.

One of the worst-hit programs is hospitality and event management, which has four students enrolled in the fall semester. The university’s headcount goal for the program is 25.

Whether the university will be able to rebound from the drop in enrollment remains unknown but the university also has one of the highest retention rates in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education at 83% and is one of eight state PASSHE schools to not

be merging in the coming year. Coupled with the increased enrollment of graduate students, the university remains optimistic. " We c o n t i n u e t o b e encouraged by our record number of graduate students and the persistence of all our students," Yale said. "The pandemic brings about many challenges for all colleges and universities as well as students and their families. Despite these challenges, people are recognizing the value of an SRU education and the caring, learning community that we provide to help students succeed."

NEWS

October 8, 2021

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SRU names Chief Diversity Officer

By Joe Wells News Editor

Slippery Rock University’s search for a chief diversity officer has come to a close after three months of searching and interviewing.

The university announced Thursday Anthony Jones would become the university’s first chief diversity officer, a newly formed position that be a part of the president’s cabinet.

Jones, the associate dean for diversity and inclusion at Thiel College, was one of three finalists that visited the SRU last month for interviews and presentations.

“Anthony brings a strong academic and professional track record to this new position,” said SRU President William Behre. “I firmly believe that a more diverse, open and inclusive environment creates a richer experience for our entire campus community.

“Adding this key position

"Anthony brings a strong academic and professional track record to this new position."

– William Behre, SRU president

to our management team reflects our commitment to fostering an academic and campus culture that lives up to our values of diversity and inclusion. And while there have been a lot of initiatives taken by people throughout the university, there is much more to do. It became clear to us that, although it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our campus is diverse and inclusive, we needed the full-time focus of an experienced and dedicated leader to elevate our efforts. I am delighted that Anthony is joining our team.”

In hiring a chief diversity officer, the university said it was looking for someone to act as an “orchestra conductor.”

As chief diversity officer, Jones will be responsible for working with multiple campus and community organizations to advance the university’s goals in global diversity and inclusion.

“I would characterize myself as a compassionate and motivated DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) leader,” said Jones. “My track record has extensive experience in student retention, advocacy, safeguarding culture and finding opportunities to build symbiotic relationships with advocacy groups to drive education and cultural diversity.

“My dedication and commitment to the success of the institutions with which I have worked have allowed me to approach my responsibilities with a focus in alignment with the strategic goals of the institution, the students that attend those institutions, and the communities surrounding them. Throughout my career, I have taken great pride in leading students from all backgrounds in celebrating the cultural differences of their counterparts and educating

campus communities on diversity issues through effective training and programs.”

In June, the university set up a search committee of 18 campus members for the position headed by Dennis Washington, vice president of university advancement. Washington said the committee included faculty, staff, a student and administration officials.

“The committee was intentionally inclusive,” Washington said. “We wanted to have as many constituencies represented as possible.”

Washington added that many of the members represented groups across the spectrum, including LGBTQ, veterans and persons with disabilities.

The committee received 40 applicants funneled through from an outside agency, RPA Associates. Of those 40, eight met the university’s criteria of what the categorize as “tier 1 candidates,” according to Washington.

Behre said for high-level positions like the chief diversity officer, they prefer to use an outside agency as it can better screen applicants, allows potential hires to ask questions about the position and shows the university is serious about the position.

All three finalist were moved from the committee to the president for selection last week.

Jones, who has spent the last three years at Thiel College, earned his Doctor of Educational Leadership and policy studies from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) this past May. Jones also earned his master’s in student personnel with a concentration in counseling EKU as well.

Prior to working at Thiel College, Jones served as the director of multicultural

Get vaccinated, ink the president

By Joe Wells News Editor

Looking to get more students vaccinated against COVID-19, Slippery Rock University (SRU) President William Behre is offering to let the campus community design a tattoo for him if vaccination rates increase.

The vaccination campaign, “Rock the Shot, Ink the President,” aims to offer incentives to undergraduate students who upload their proof of vaccination to the student health portal. If the student vaccination rate reaches 75% by Dec. 3, Behre will get an SRUthemed tattoo, the university announced in a Monday morning email to campus stakeholders.

“While I have to admit that getting a tattoo hasn’t exactly been a lifelong desire of mine, it would be a memorable – and permanent – way of making clear just how important I think it is for our students to get fully vaccinated,” Behre said in email statement. “If getting a tattoo needle in my arm will inspire others to get a vaccine needle in theirs, then it would be well worth it.”

The university will hold a contest to gather tattoo designs from students, faculty and staff with Behre choosing which design to ink his body with from the pool.

“Since it’s going to be on my body forever, I should at least have a say in the design, right?” Behre said.

The university will begin promoting the campaign and tattoo design contest on Monday with posters and other materials around campus. Along with inking the president, students will be eligible for other prizes if the vaccination rates reach

GRAPHIC BY: RAYNI SHIRING

different milestones by next month.

Five students will be selected to have their own assigned parking spot, in a lot of their choosing, for the spring 2022 semester if student vaccination rates reach 65%

by Nov. 1.

If 70% of the student population uploads their vaccination record by Nov. 17, SRU will hold a drawing to select one student to win free tuition for the spring 2022 semester.

All undergraduate students with an uploaded vaccination record showing proof of the final dose of their vaccine will be automatically entered into their drawing. All students who have previously uploaded their COVID-19 vaccination record are eligible as well.

According to Kris Be n k e s e r, d i re c t o r o f

student health and wellness, over 3,700 students have uploaded proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or 51% of students attending classes in-person. As part of Healthfest, the university will host another COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aebersold Student Recreation Center (ARC).

“The best way to remain in good health is to get vaccinated,” said Behre. “I cannot require our students to get vaccinated, but I can certainly urge everyone to do so.

“With ‘Rock the Shot, Ink the President,’ I think we can have some fun and raise awareness while helping to protect those on our campus and in the surrounding communities by increasing our student vaccination rate.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY JONES

Anthony Jones was selected to be Slippery Rock University's first Chief Diversity Officer on Oct. 7. Jones will serve as an "orchestra conductor" for the university's numerous diversity initiatives, according to Dennis Washington, SRU vice president for university advancement.

student affairs at EKU. At Marietta (Ohio) College, Jones was the director of multicultural affairs.

In addition to those responsibilities, Jones has advised Black student unions, Latino student associations, international student associations and National Pan-Hellenic councils.

“Part of what I do is helping to mentor and guide students through successful college careers that transcend graduation,” Jones said. “As a first-generation college student, I understand the significance of potential and maximizing that potential to better one’s future. I’m always looking forward to

meeting and interacting with parents, faculty, and staff, but most importantly students. I believe, without question, that college students are the building blocks that will broaden many horizons domestically and internationally throughout the communities in which we learn and live.”

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NEWS

October 8, 2021

POLICE BLOTTER September 27 – A minor accident was called in from the Physical Therapy Building parking lot.

Pictures were taken and there didn’t appear to be any damage.

September 27 – Police received a smoke detector activation in Building F. The room was checked and found the cause to be burnt food.

September 27 – Police received a call for an injury in front of the East Gym where an object came off the door and hit them in the head. Police took the person to the Health Center and they were later transported to the hospital by ambulance.

September 27 – The Health Center called for an individual having an allergic reaction to peanuts in Building A. Police responded and the person was taken to the hospital by a friend.

September 28 – An intruder alarm was set off in the ski lodge. When police checked the area there were people on site that accidentally set it off and the panel was reset.

September 28 – Police received a smoke detector activation from Building E. The room was checked and it was found to be set off by burnt food. The system was reset.

September 28 – Police received a smoke detector activation in the Physical Therapy Building. A contractor accidentally tripped the detector and the panel was reset.

October 1 – A call was received for a bag sitting by an electrical box in the Quad. When officers arrived, the owner claimed the bag.

October 1 – SRUPD were called for a vehicle parked on Miller Tract. The owner of the vehicle was found and told police they eat lunch there every day.

October 1 – Borough police requested assistance with a warrant on Grove City Road. The individual was taken into custody.

October 2 – Borough police requested assistance with a disturbance on South Main Street. There was no disturbance upon their arrival but the person that called was advised to call back if the issue arose again.

October 2 – Borough police requested assistance with a mental health issue. The individual in need signed themselves into a hospital to be evaluated.

October 2 – Borough police requested assistance with a residential alarm on West Water Street. It was found that the homeowner set off the alarm and everyone was fine.

October 2 – Police received a complaint about harassment that took place in Building F. The case is currently under investigation.

October 2 – Police responded to an accident on Kiester Road. The vehicles were towed and a reportable accident report will be filed.

September 29 – An individual requested police check on a student in Watson Hall who hadn’t been answering their phone. The officer found the person and advised them to call home.

October 3 – While on patrol, police observed a person carrying a construction cone on Campus Drive. Ian Loop, 20, was cited with an alcohol violation as well as interfering with signs.

September 29 – Police received a smoke detection activation in Watson Hall. It was reported that a contractor tripped the alarm accidentally while working and the system was reset.

October 3 – Police received a fire alarm activation in Rhoads Hall. The building was evacuated and the cause was found to be burnt food. The panel was reset and residents were allowed back into building.

October 1 – Slippery Rock University Police Department (SRUPD) received a call to check on an individual in Building E. The person appeared fine to the officers, refused medical services and was advised of university resources available to them.

October 3 – Borough police requested assistance with a male breaking into an apartment on North Main Street. The individual was intoxicated and tried entering the wrong room. Borough Police handled the incident.

October 1 – Police were called for a medical emergency in Building E. The individual was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

October 3 – Borough police requested assistance with a male trespassing on Grove City Road. The person was combative with officers and one SRUPD officer suffered minor injuries. Joshua McDougall, 37, was taken into custody, transported to county jail and charged with felony trespassing, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

McDougall is being held at the Butler County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

October 1 – Police noticed a sign was missing from the McKay commuter parking lot. After investigating, the person who stole the sign was found and given a citation.

October 3 – Police received a call for a person who passed out in the Aebersold Recreation Center. The individual was evaluated and taken to the hospital by ambulance.

October 3 – A smoke detector activation was set off in Building F. Police checked the room and burnt food was found to have set it off. The panel was reset.

October 4 – Police received a call for an unknown person(s) defacing a drawing on the Physical Therapy Building. The case is under investigation.

October 4 – Police responded to a traffic accident in the Smith Commuter Lot. The person struck another vehicle while backing into a parking spot and both drivers exchanged information.

October 4 – University police assisted Slippery Rock and Harrisville police with a wanted vehicle on New Castle Street. University police stood by until Harrisville officers arrived on the scene.

October 4 – Police received a call from a CA in Building E for an odor of marijuana coming from a dorm room. The officer spoke to the individual and found they had a medical card. They were advised they cannot smoke inside the building and the case was referred to Student Standards.

October 4 – Police responded to a fire alarm activation in Watson Hall. The alarm was set off by burnt food and the system was reset.

October 5 – Police received a complaint for damage done to the elevator in Building D that happened on Oct. 3. The case is under investigation.

October 6 – An individual filed a report for harassment that occurred at Bailey Library. The case is under investigation.

October 6 – Police responded to a fire alarm activation in Rhoads Hall. No one was in the room upon the officer’s arrival and the reason for activation is unknown. Safety was notified.

October 6 – Slippery Rock EMS requested assistance with an individual that needed medical treatment at Vineyard Circle and PSP was not on scene. University police responded and all was okay. When PSP arrived, they took over the investigation.

October 6 – Police responded to a panic alarm activation at the Maltby Center. No one was in the building and the reason for activation is unknown. A message was left for Safety.

COMPILED BY EMMA VELESIG

NEWS

October 8, 2021

A-5

Trustees pass balanced budget

By Joe Wells News Editor

Slippery Rock University trustees approved a balanced budget totaling $197 million in expenditures at last month’s council of trustees meeting, held in the Smith Student Center.

Although balanced, the university is only seeing a possible $770,000 surplus at the end of the fiscal year, trustee Robert Taylor voted against it, saying it did not do enough to protect students from increased costs in the near future.

“If you vote for this budget today, you’re essentially saying, ‘Yes, I’m prepared to pass a tuition increase,’” Taylor said.

He added that someone needed to “say no to the default” of passing budget shortfalls onto students and their families with more fees and increased tuition.

In order to close the revenue gap next year, SRU President William Behre said he expects he will be asking to increase tuition by 2% in December.

That increase is based on enrollment projections for the next academic year.

Taylor said he didn’t blame Behre or the administration for the proposed budget because they are working with a limited scope to reduce costs. After the meeting, Behre said he agreed with Taylor when it comes to the university’s biggest expenditure – salaries.

“The challenge we have institutionally is that our primary obligations which, is our salaries, for the most part, are negotiated in Harrisburg,” Behre said.

“So, the only way that we can reduce our salary expense will be to reduce our number of employees.”

According to Behre, SRU is one of the more efficient state universities when

JOE WELLS / THE ROCKET

The Slippery Rock University Council of Trustees met over two days in September to vote on the fiscal year's budget and receive updates from its committees. The university reported it received $24 milllion in COVID-19 funding over the past year to keep its books in the black.

it comes to controlling costs and while there may be some room to reduce expenses on the university end, there isn’t much. For Behre, getting a handle on contract costs at the system level is needed.

For the past three years, the university has not raised tuition rates. This past spring, Behre and other university presidents were expecting a 1% increase in tuition rates, but the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors froze rates to ease the burden on students caused by the pandemic.

With rising costs, mainly in salary and wages, the university was able to balance this year’s budget with more than $8 million in COVID-19 relief funds provided by the federal government.

"If you vote for this budget today, you're essentially saying 'Yes, I'm prepared to pass a tuition increase."'

– Robert Taylor, SRU Trustee

Last year the university received almost $42 million in federal aid with $24 million going directly to the university to cover pandemicrelated expenses and revenue losses. That money was more than enough to cover losses and the university posted an $11 million surplus for the year.

The rest of the funding went directly to students with payouts over last year and the current academic year. In its last payment to students, over 6,700 undergraduate and graduate students received checks up to $1,500 that could be paid directly to this year’s fall tuition or given to the student to help with expenses.

As for fees, Behre said the university needs to start planning now for how the university will recoup continued pandemic-

related costs into the next few years.

So far, students have not been charged for any COVID-19 related testing on campus. However, according to Behre, that testing is costing the university more than $20,000 a week. Although he does not know how long COVID-19 will be something the university must worry about, and Behre said he is done trying, finding a balance of keeping the campus community safe and covering costs needs to be considered. He stressed, however, that there would be no new fees this academic year.

Along with approving the budget, the university also approved the naming of what was formally Miller Auditorium and Pearl K. Stoner Instructional

"The challenge we have ... is that our primary obligations which, is our salaries, for the most part, are negotiated in Harrisburg.

So, the only way that we can reduce our salary expense will be to reduce our number of employees."'

– William Behre, SRU President Complex or East Gym and West Gym. The former will now be known as the Performance Arts Center while the later will be named Stoner East and Stoner West.

The council of trustees will meet again on Dec. 9-10. There, Behre plans to propose next year’s tuition increase request along with reporting on the status of dining and the university’s contract with Aramark.

Food quality a concern for students ! " # $

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HANNAH SLOPE / THE ROCKET

Senators listened to student complaints of the dining options and potential food safety issues during open forum at the Slippery Rock Student Government Association formal meeting on Sept. 27. A perceived lower quality in service from the student body of new vendor Aramark has been a point of contention since the start of the semester.

By Emma Velesig Assistant News Editor

Slippery Rock Student Government (SRSGA) addressed the student body’s continued concern with food quality on campus at its formal meeting Monday.

“Patience is the word I’ll use,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Grant Warmbein during his committee report. “Please be patient.”

He also stated that along with himself and College of Education Senator Gabe Stiles are meeting with the general manager of Aramark, SRU’s new food vendor, to directly bring up the issues that have been brought to them.

Jerome Drew, a freshman computer science major and candidate for president of

house council in Building E, spoke during the open forum about his experience with the new dining service. He said that at breakfast on Sept. 26 around 9:15 a.m., there was a bee, as well as fruit flies, in the donut case in Boozel Dining Hall.

“While I understand that we need to have patience with the food that’s being served at Boozel, I don’t believe there is time for a lack of food safety,” said Drew. “I believe that this needs to be addressed immediately.”

Warmbein quickly sent an email to Christopher Cole, SRU’s director of auxiliary operations and student services, with who he has previously been in contact for issues such as this to keep a record of such instances.

Drew also talked about the continued struggle with

parking between commuter students and residents. Living in Building E, he mentioned how he has previously had to park in the East Lake parking lot and walk from there to his dorm due to commuters filling all spots closest to the residence halls.

“There would be plenty of parking for commuters at East Lake if we were to move residential parking into where commuter parking is right now at the bottom of the buildings,” said Drew.

SRSGA advisor Wendy Leitera praised Drew as being the first to present the issue of parking along with a solution as to how it can be mended.

Newly-elected senators were later sworn in by President Mia Graziani. Madison Fitzgerald, residence hall senator; Jenessa Hayward, freshman senator;

and Carly Roberts and Emma Kennedy, at large senators, all took their oaths and took their seats amongst the Senate.

The meeting proceeded smoothly into the new business of voting upon initiative requests.

The athletic department presented a request for $13,740, which passed, to be used on a new washing machine for sports teams and clubs, who had previously had to outsource their laundry.

The gymnastics club also requested $30 for a facility rental, which passed. The previous expense was approved by the Senate for a facility rental but was short in the amount needed to pay the vendor.

The motion that caused the most concern amongst the senate was for a request of $2,133.39 by the men’s rugby

club team. About $1500 would be used to cover the cost of EMS services for their games to ensure the safety of players and about $600 used towards the purchase of new equipment.

The club had previously been under investigation for hazing back in the fall of 2018 and into 2019, which was brought up during debate and discussion

by Warmbein.

Warmbein's concern was with individuals involved in the conduct investigation that are still associated with the team.

He asked if the team were to receive the money, would the club still be an organization after the investigation is concluded, and would SRSGA ultimately lose all that money.

The Me n’s Ru g b y investigation was closed two years ago by the university in April of 2019. According to the Hazing Report available on SRU’s website, Student Conduct “did not determine evidence to support these hazing allegations.”

Vice President of Finance Sydney Rezzetano responded that the finance committee was mainly concerned with whether or not the team had been fundraising on their own, outside of just requesting this amount from SRSGA. According to Rezzetano, the team was recognized as being number one in SRU’s Giving Day, which is an annual fundraiser whose mission is to support SRU students.

“We felt that they were deserving,” said Rezzetano, about the team’s request.

The motion was passed, with Warmbein, At-Large Senator Izzy Caruso, and College of Liberal Arts Senator Makenzie Shiller abstaining. Vice President of Outreach Aiden Donnelly, Senator Stiles and Vice President of Internal Affairs Liz Hood opposed.

College of Education Senator Rebekah Froehlich was named as the new co-

chair of rules and policies.

She will be working alongside Parliamentarian Nicolas Codon. Condon is not a voting member of SGA, so he said it was only fitting that someone else who was a voting member be the one to give the committee reports.

SRSGA also moved to recognize “Magic the Gathering at the Rock” as a student organization. The club is centered around the trading card game, Magic the Gathering.

It also recognized club softball at SRU as a student organization.

SRSGA will hold its next formal meeting i n t h e Sm i t h St u d e n t Center theater on October 18 at 5 p.m.

"While I understand that we need to have patience with the food that's being served at Boozel, I don''t believe there is time for a lack of food safety."

– Jerome Drew, freshman computer science major

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OPINION

Our View Preparing for the second half

OPINION

Volume 105, Issue Number 2

220 220Eisenberg EisenbergClassroom ClassroomBuilding Building Slippery SlipperyRock RockUniversity University Slippery SlipperyRock, Rock,Pennsylvania Pennsylvania16057 16057 Phone: Phone: (724) (724)738-4438 738-4438 Fax: Fax: (724) (724)738-4896 738-4896 E-mail: E-mail: therocketnewspapersru@gmail.com therocketnewspapersru@gmail.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Nina Cipriani

Editor-in-Chief

Joe Wells

News Editor

Madison Williams Sarah Anderson

Sports Editor Campus Life Editor

Ryanne Dougherty

Copy/Web Editor

Hannah Slope

Photo Editor

Brandon Pierce

Multimedia Editor

Emma Velesig

Assistant News Editor

Tyler Howe

Assistant Sports Editor

Morgan Miller

Assistant Campus Life Editor

Kaitlyn Myers

Assistant Copy/Web Editor

Rayni Shiring

Assistant Photo Editor

Dr. Brittany Fleming

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Brooke Miller

Advertising Manager

Sara McClintock

Assistant Advertising Manager

ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University five times per academic semester. Total weekly circulation is 1,000 (for fall 2021 semester only).

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GRAPHIC BY: RAYNI SHIRING

It's been 525 days, from March 16, 2020, to August 23, 2021, since Slippery Rock University announced that they were transitioning to "distance education models" in March 2020 during spring break. SRU has finally returned to campus for the fall 2021 semester on Aug. 23. After the university transitioned to online classes on March 30, 2020, students were forced to adapt to the new, strictly online class format. Since then, there have been no breaks over the course of the last two semesters.

To say we have a fall break this weekend is a bit strange.

It almost feels unnatural after the past year without any breaks at all. The last break at SRU was spring break in March 2020, when the world fell apart within a few weeks and college as we know it turned upside down.

Along with most things this semester, fall break has a new meaning to it.

As we approach midterms, students are balancing their classwork, group projects, studying for exams, work, extracurriculars, social lives, mental health and maintaining a regular sleep and meal schedule, all while still attempting to remain safe from COVID-19.

One aspect of this return to campus that students and staff seem to forget is how we are all witnessing the evolution of the "new normal." Everyone is adjusting. Everyone is overwhelmed. Everyone is feeling the same stress. In a way, it's comforting, but also even more incentive for a break that's well overdue.

Students learned the hard way that breaks are a necessity to take care of

themselves mentally, and we are relieved to finally be given that opportunity. Considering how students haven't had a break in the semester in over a year, student burnout has become a real issue.

Students are experiencing the in-person college experience either for the first time or for the first time in almost two years. It's incredibly overwhelming.

When SRU was still fully online, there was a certain relief associated with being able to escape the strain classes put on students by just closing the computer and leaning back in the chair. Now, that's no longer an option, and we just have to keep powering through.

Students are, understandably, counting down the days until fall break. If you look beyond the mask, everyone has exhaustion written on their face. Ever since students were invited back for the fall 2021 semester, the university and professors have jumped right back into the swing of studies, exams, homework, projects and more. Some of this, after listening to the optimism in the professor's voices, comes solely out of excitement to be back in the classroom and seeing all of us as students be able to work cooperatively together again.

In most classes, professors have implemented two-day absence policies, in which students are only allowed to miss two days before they begin to see their grades deteriorate. There's an influx of people who show up to class coughing and sneezing because of it. Even if the sicknesses currently going around campus aren't

COVID-related, in this new age of health consciousness, it feels almost wrong that there aren't more solutions being given so students don't have to come to class feeling ill.

But those students that are stressed, exhausted or not feeling good don't really have a choice. They either stay home for that one day before being forced to going back the next, or they suffer through it like the rest of us.

We understand why Zoom isn't being implemented, to encourage students to come to class, so it's important we find another solution to keep these viruses from spreading.

At the same time, we acknowledge the time, effort and patience that faculty and staff have invested in this semester. Professors are actively working to accommodate those who have contracted COVID-19 and are understanding of those who are having a difficult time adjusting. The Rocket is extremely thankful for the faculty who sanitize and disinfect classrooms and different areas on campus.

We're grateful for your efforts in keeping us safe and keeping the campus clean.

With that said, this break is for more than just the students.

Professors and other faculty need a break, too. Along with teaching hundreds of students fully in-person multiple times a day, grading assignments, answering countless emails and sanitizing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they need to balance taking care of themselves mentally and physically. It is important that the health of every member of the SRU community is considered as we head into fall break.

In the Quad

While we "return to normal," the university has begun to turn its attention to other things, such as new hires, new colleges and finding ways to make up for lost revenue. As students, it's frustrating to see curriculums turn from student-first-oriented learning to efficiencybased cramming. While it's understandable to look into the future, we hope that the mental health and fatigue of students and staff isn't an afterthought in the minds of the administration.

While students are eager to learn in-person again and have a "normal" college experience, a chance to set the pencils down and put the notebooks away will be a great reset. While we fully understood why the university could not grant extended breaks from classes during the heart of the pandemic to help prevent travel and the spread of COVID-19, the lack of time to regroup each semester has impacted the burnout we are all feeling now. This fall break means more than any break before, as it is a break from adapting to this "new normal."

Fall break is like the halftime of a sports game: We can all take time to sit down, drink some water and prepare for the second half, or in this case, the remaining weeks of the semester. In the coming weekend, we hope that our SRU community can catch their breath and come back with refreshed mindsets. Let's strive for a safe and healthy break that gives us the encouragement to come back together stronger than ever.

Question: What plans do you have for fall break?

By: Brandon Pierce

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.

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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.

Kayle Klingensmith Senior Geography Monroeville, PA "This fall break, I plan to be working, studying and hopefully relaxing."

Nicole Laborie Senior Early Childhood and Special Ed Butler, PA

Allyssa Creed Senior Geography Hermitage, PA

"I will be going home and getting caught up on work and hanging out with some friends."

"I will be visiting a few haunted houses. Then, I will be coming back to my dorm early to work at my oncampus job."

OPINION

October 8, 2021

Are homecomings as important as we make them?

Madeline Bundy Madeline is a junior converged journalism major. She is also a content creator for WSRU-TV News and a member of Jumpstart.

Every time fall rolls a ro u n d , m a n y p e o p l e on college campuses get excited and can’t seem to wait for homecoming week to come. Why is that? What is it about homecomings that make everyone super excited?

W h a t’s t h e p u r p o s e of homecoming? Is i t j u s t a n e xc u s e f o r everyone to get dressed u p, v o t e f o r r o y a l t y and get hyped up supporting their school and team? The purpose of homecomings is to welcome alumni back to the school to visit, if they want to. But alumni coming back isn’t the

only thing that happens on homecoming week(end). There tends to be a big football game that weekend.

In the days leading up to the game, the week is filled with different events. Sometimes, they may tie into a theme, but not always.

Some events that may happen during homecoming week include the following: Float building for clubs and organizations that participate in the homecoming parade, campus window wars, paint the town, spirit board painting, pep rallies, fire works and movie nights. There's usually a parade the day of the big homecoming game and a block party before the game kicks off. Then, the day after t h e g a m e , t h e Gre e k life on campus tends to clean up any mess that's left behind.

Bu t w h a t d o t h e s e events have to deal with alumni coming back to visit? They can’t partake in 90% of the events as they take place d u r i n g t h e we e k a n d are mainly for students who are enrolled at the school. Out of the list of events, the only things the alumni can partake in are watching

"So, what is homecoming really about?

Is it an excuse for students to let loose a little bit after working hard for half a semester? Is it a publicity stunt? Or is there no real reason behind it anymore?" t h e p a r a d e , e n j oy i n g the block party (if that’s something they like) and watching the game.

Why do all these events for the one day that is made for the alumni to come back, but they aren’t able to participate in them? It seems like the events are just for more publicity for the organizations or clubs that participate and the

SOL talks about Hispanic Heritage Month events

By SOL Student Organization

SOL stands for the Student Organization for Latinos, Hispanics and Allies. Our club ser ves as a tool and resources on campus to educate and inspire those of Hispanic and Latin cultures. This month is particularly important for SOL because it is Hispanic Heritage Month. This celebratory month runs from Sept.

15 to Oct. 15. We have hosted and collaborated on many different events throughout the month and will be ending this series of events with our Dia de los Muertos Showcase on Nov. 4.

We star ted off the school year with a Latinx

Panel and coffee house.

This panel was hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and opened the floor to Hispanic and Latin students to express h ow i m p o r t a n t t h e i r identity and experiences have impacted their time here on Slippery Rock’s campus.

Our second event of the month was on Oct. 1.

This Rock The Weekend event was a success! We had about 100 students attend. These students participated in crafts, ate some delicious food from Compadres and danced the night away listening to Gavas Latin Beat, a Latin band from Pittsburgh.

On Tuesday, we had 115 students attend.

Some students took home

school as a whole.

If homecoming is supposed to be about the alumni coming back, why aren’t there more events centered around and catered to the alumni?

Why is it all jammed into one day instead of spreading it out over two or maybe even three days? Some may argue that homecoming is also about the parents who may want to come see their kids, but even then, there isn’t anything really tailored for the parents on this weekend for them, besides the parade.

Some colleges have a completely separate weekend for family and friends to visit those who attend the college.

So, what is homecoming really about? Is it an excuse for students to let loose a little bit after working hard for half a semester?

Is it a publicity stunt?

Or is there no real reason behind it anymore? Did we change it so much from what it used to be that no one really knows what it's supposed to be anymore?

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From high school to college, anxiety and excitement

Sarah Anderson Sarah is a sophomore IMC and professional writing major. She is The Rocket's campus life editor and a member of Tri Sigma.

I was one of millions of students that graduated high school in 2020. I lost the second half of my senior year. No prom, which wasn't a huge deal for me, no final band concert and no "real" graduation.

Anxiety has always been something I have struggled with.

Between going out with friends, studying (or not so much) for an exam, even the thought of what I'm going to do at the end of the day. My senior year was when I felt this anixiety was lifting and becoming less of a day-today struggle and more of an "on occasion" thing.

The pandemic changed that.

I was hearing about things getting bad, places shutting down, and I remember my last day of high school: March 13th.

This was a Friday, we had an Art Club soup fundraiser. Students made ceramic bowls in classes for weeks. Teachers and faculty had made gallons upon gallons of soup to be sold that weekend.

The final bell of the day was about to ring, and we got the call on the overhead intercom. I was packing a few binders I needed for homework that weekend. We were told we would be out of school for two weeks, which for many was exciting, but a part of me knew that two weeks was going to be longer.

We were told we didn't need to pack everything up, and we were assured that in two week's time, we would be back. I had packed most of my things I knew would be crucial for the following month or so. I didn't expect it to go much longer, and obviously, I was wrong.

At first, being online wasn't so bad. The stress of being at home all of the time mixed with trying to navigate online school for the first time was catching up to me fast. I was a "busy bee:" I was in multiple bands, newspaper and had a part time job, while also taking an AP literature class.

SEE STAYING PAGE B-3

Homecoming in the days of old

prizes, but all students took home memories of a great night. The drag queens that were at the event include Calypso, from Pittsburgh, Alejandra and Calia, both from Akron, Ohio.

Kali They performed for and Davies-Anderson interacted with all the students.

To w r a p u p t h e Kali is a senior public m o n t h , we a re g o i n g to go out with a bang! health major. She is a Our Dia de los Muertos non-traditional student Sh owc a s e i s t y p i c a l l y our biggest event of the and plans on applying ye a r. T h i s e ve n t w i l l to grad school when have performances from JamRock, RockTwirlers she graduates. She has and more. This night w i l l b e f i l l e d w i t h previously worked with storytelling, music, the New Castle News. f o o d a n d m o re ! S O L cannot wait to see you all Nov. 4 from 6 p.m.

I heard through the to 8 p.m. grapevine that it is officially homecoming 2021 here at SRU (or “Slip,” as you young folks tend to say).

As a 30-something, married, commuting mom of five, I'm not very wellversed in what homecoming in college actually means.

I know there is a big football game, possibly a couple of crowns awarded and lots of social activity, but aside from that, I will most likely be spending homecoming seated on my living room couch, eating peanut butter out of the jar with a spoon and watching the new Sopranos movie.

I do, however, recall my high school homecoming days. I recall them all too well.

My date for my first ever homecoming dance was a good friend of mine, who oddly enough is an SRU theater graduate. I was in ninth grade and he was in 10th.

We had become friends through classmates that

identified both his and my complete obsession with Celine Dion. In fact, our first encounter involved a show-down of Celine Dion trivia on a bus ride to a choir field trip. I think he won the showdown, which does not surprise me. I know what you’re thinking: “Can I be you, just for a day?”

So, anyway, my date, (for the sake of his privacy, we will call him “Jeff”) (side note: his real name is Jeff) for my very first ever homecoming was a theater loving, Celine Dion obsessed good friend of mine.

I was so excited to find my dress, but as the oldest in a family of five daughters, I was working on a limited budget. So, instead of going to a fancy department store or boutique, I went to a tiny, old fashioned dress shop owned by a sweet woman of Italian heritage that shared her home with her shop. I picked a long-skirted, maroon taffeta dress that was so stiff that when you took it

"We ended the night by going back to his mom's house and, you guessed it, doing a three-hour Celine Dion karaoke challenge, during which time I blew out my vocal cords and couldn't talk for four days."

off it kept it’s human-body shape.

I thought it was a decent choice, even though it smelled of spaghetti and meatballs for three years after I bought it.

I did not get my hair professionally done, my nails were “press-ons” (which really should be called “fall-offs”) and my make-up looked like something off of American Horror Story.

But I was getting flowers, we were riding in a convertible and I was going to get a nice dinner (chicken salad with ranch and a shirley temple) in a nice restaurant, which was the very place that I would work at several years down the road and develop a strong distaste for homecoming night.

I truly don’t remember much about the evening. I think the dance was fun? I don’t remember if we slowdanced, which is maximally awkward and uncomfortable in 9th grade, but I do know for certain there were snacks.

We also definitely took a photo together, in which my date-friend is an entire football field shorter than me in the photo.

He laments, to this day, about this traumatizing experience where he was made to appear miniature next to his gargantuan homecoming date, but overall, I believe we had a good time.

We ended the night by going back to his mom's house and, you guessed it, doing a three-hour Celine Dion karaoke challenge, during which time I blew out my vocal cords and couldn't talk for four days.

I am guessing that SRU Homecoming does not involve MOST of these qualities, but that it is equally enjoyable.

So, whatever you are doing this weekend, have fun, be safe and represent our school well. The mom in me needs to interject, sometimes.

Happy homecoming!

OPINION

October 8, 2021

Staying excited and avoiding burnout CONTINUED FROM PAGE B-2

I was no longer working, no longer playing music and no longer having to put in much effort other than logging on my computer throughout the day.

Like many others in high school, I was looking forward to my freshman year in college.

Decorating my dorm, making friends, eating at the dining halls and getting to be around a new group of people, it was all so exciting, but so far away at the same time.

I bought all of my supplies and everything for my dorm, and I was mentally prepared to leave home for the first time. I had roommates picked out, a building and room assignment, everything. I held onto this hope of my "college experience" until around July 2020.

Fast forward, here we are October 2021 and I'm in my sophomore year already.

Somehow, the past almost two years in the pandemic have dragged on and flew by. But everyone seems to say that.

Being on Zoom for over a year had caused so much burnout from technology. I had once loved hopping on my PC and play games for hours, it was my stress relief, but I haven't been able to sit and play a game since early 2020.

I had lost my passion and drive for so many things I once loved and I was so frustrated.

Being online even impeded on making friends. I was lucky enough to be able to truly connect with a few people over Snapchat and meeting them in person was surreal and emotional.

Being online stunted so many people, including myself, socially, academically and most importantly: mentally.

My freshman year at SRU feels like it never happened, being online as high school ended and as my college career began caused the lines to be blurred. Coming to campus at the end of August, I felt like a baby deer learning to walk for the first time.

I was navigating campus, finding classes, finding ways to engage with the friends I had met online and trying to get comfortable after being at home for so long.

I will say, I am lucky to say I was able to get involved despite the challenges of being online. I was longing for that human connection, and I was thankful enough to get started with contributing to The Rocket my first semester, which eventually led me to the amazing opportunity I have now, being the campus life editor. I also joined Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, and I am so thankful for the friendships I have with my sisters. These are two things that made the transition to in-person a little bit easier. I already had a place on campus.

Other students may not have that. They may not have been able to find a place where they feel they "belong" after being online for what felt like eternity. Navigating the multiple layers of college life is stressful, and I can't reiterate enough how thankful and glad I am to have the connections and friendships I have from The Rocket, Tri Sigma and even the Club Hockey team that I joined on impulse.

As I mentioned earlier, I am a self-proclaimed "busy bee," and anyone who knows me could agree I have always been. The semester began and I was fully thrusted into my in-person classes, managing two online classes, having my extracurriculars, while also navigating finding time for my friends. These priorities are a challenge to line up, after having so little over the last year and a half of being online.

Some days are harder than others. I feel weighed down by homework, or even by general anxiety from my incredibly packed and busy schedule. I almost miss the convenience of Zoom, where we could just hop onto our computers while still in bed or even moving to my desk.

Students, faculty and staff were all so excited to be back that I don't think any of us considered the impact it would have on our mental health, with such a sudden increase of social and academic obligation.

We all need a day to relax sometimes, and it feels we can't even have that now.

It's a tricky situation. We spent so long wishing for in-

person classes and activities, but we never realized how comfortable we were in our at-home routines. As the fall semester has gone on, there has been so much excitement, stress and overall mixed feelings. We should be thankful we are able to be close to back to "normal," but there's a natural feeling of missing the comfort of our homes and old routines.

I hope that soon we all recognize the impact of being so suddenly in-person has on our mental health.

I hope we can take care of ourselves and try and prevent the burnout that is quickly approaching.

Remember to take breaks, communicate with your professors on what you need and mental health days aren't a bad thing. We can do this.

"My freshman year at SRU feels like it never happened, being online as high school ended and as my college career began caused the lines to be blurred.

Coming to campus at the end of August, I felt like a baby deer learning to walk for the first time."

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S

VIDEO: A suprise engagement

SPORTS

A homecoming like no other

KEEGAN BEARD / THE ROCKET

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Slippery Rock was unable to host homecoming last fall. Two years ago, the Rock hosted Indiana (Pa.) and won a thriller 45-42, and this year they will host the Crimson Hawks once again at Milhalik-Thompson stadium in their first 1 pm kickoff of the season.

By Tyler Howe Assistant Sports Editor

By the time Oct. 16 comes, two years or 105 weeks, 735 days and 1,058,400 minutes will have passed since Slippery Rock last hosted homecoming. A lot has happened in between, from The Rock football team and women’s soccer team securing PSAC titles to the entire sports world being shut down for the better part of four months.

“Homecoming is exciting whether you’re new or not new, but this one is exciting because it’s our first time back after not having it for so long,” Athletic Director Roberta Page said.

Now the spectacle makes its return, but this year will be a little different. This will be Page’s first homecoming as Slippery Rock’s athletic director, no underclassman have experienced homecoming at SRU before, and no one has been able to

enjoy it for two years, so the anticipation of the event is through the roof.

How could it not be? The centerpiece of homecoming is going to be the Slippery Rock versus Indiana University of Pennsylvania game, which brings together one of the biggest rivalries in all of the PSAC. The disdain for one another matches that of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens or Ohio State University and the University of Michigan.

“Everyone keeps telling me that it’s going to be crazy, and I hope crazy is a good thing, meaning that both teams can come together, and fans can come together and enjoy a great rivalry game,” Page said. “Both teams are playing well, and we’re happy to be at home because if you’ve been to the games, we’ve had a really good following up to this point.”

Both sides can agree on one thing though, they’re

happy to be back on the field. Neither side is going to take the fact that they’re playing lightly. The hiatus of sports was enough to make even the biggest rivals miss one another.

While football may be the main attraction, they won’t be the only team playing.

Men’s soccer, women’s soccer and volleyball will all be playing as well. Men’s and women’s soccer will face Seton Hill University and volleyball will play Gannon University. Three different PSAC West schools will have teams on campus for The Rock’s homecoming.

“One of the things I think we have to remember is that homecoming is not just around a football game, there is a lot of things going on,” Page said.

Men’s soccer coach, Kevin Wilhelm, has experienced homecoming as both a player and a coach.

"It’s special because after the COVID-19 layoff, being

able to play at home on homecoming is fantastic,” Wilhelm said. “Going through it as player back in the 90’s and playing on homecoming was special, but now after a [two year] layoff and not having a homecoming last year makes it that much more incredible.”

The men’s soccer team is 4-2-2(1-0) after eight games and will look to continue that with what is likely to be a packed house.

Homecoming attracts more people than other event. Two years ago, when The Rock and The Crimson Hawks squared off during homecoming the game attracted nearly 10,000 people. That was while there were other games going on as well. This year the event is looking to attract even more. In The Rock’s first home game the crowd was about 8,000 deep.

With rival Indiana, Pennsylvania, coming to

town, Milhalik-Thompson stadium is sure to be buzzing.

The Rock sits at No. 6 in the nation right now and Indiana, Pennsylvania, has been receiving votes. By the third Saturday of October, it is very likely that the game will be a top 25 matchup.

The football team is not the only fall team that is currently ranked. The women’s soccer team was recently ranked No. 23 in the nation. The two reigning PSAC champions have seemed to pick up right where they left off.

“I think the students have been super excited to just be able to be out and go to activities on campus, so being that we missed all of last year and those students that were freshman didn’t get to experience, they’re really excited to come out and experience homecoming,” Page said. “I think it even ramps up the excitement.”

The biggest aspect may be that there are two full classes

of students that haven’t been able to experience the homecoming atmosphere.

Page feels that this year will show them what it’s all about.

“We can now set the stage for what homecoming should look like, and it’s really about school spirit and bringing people onto campus to really accentuate what we do well on campus,” Page said.

“Some of those kids haven’t seen that, [freshman, sophomores and some of the transfer students] can see what a great atmosphere it can be, so we’re going to show them.”

Homecoming is always an event that people look forward to.

It brings people home and lets them take in what their alma mater is all about. This year may be a little different, but it truly is shaping up to be a homecoming like no other.

SRU alumnus hits home run with proposal

By Madison Williams dedicated their time to Sports Editor

O n S a t u r d a y, O c t .

2, the Slippery Rock softball team held its annual alumni game, bringing together current players and older generations to face off on the field.

The game brings spectators and fundraising awareness to the team, who is currently looking to raise a large sum of money. Over the years many coaches have

"We were always playing right across the road from one another, it was so special."

– Adam Urbania, SRU baseball alum

the program, but Coach Jan Kasnevich was one who stood out to her players.

In honor of her and the dedication she has f o r S RU s o f t b a l l , t h e players would like to raise enough funds to rename the field after her. Players from her era shared stories and talked about how playing for Kasnevich was one of the best experiences of their softball careers.

Kasnevich was a coach for 33 years, and she was arguably the best softball program statistics have ever been. There was a conversation pre-game with lots of laughs and joy reminiscing o n m e m o r i e s ove r t h e decades between players and coaches. A Slippery Rock alum herself, Kasnevich played, taught and coached multiple sports at The Rock over the course of her career.

However, that wasn’t the only moment that had emotions r unning h i g h o n S a t u r d a y.

2018 alumni Emily Nagle was prepared to take her lead off at bat when coach Stacey

HANNAH SLOPE / THE ROCKET

Urbania and Nagle returned to their alma matter for alumni weekend to play ball, and little did Nagle know Urbania was planning to get on one knee prior to the game.

Rice said they needed a new softball. Out from the dugout came Adam Urbania, Slippery Rock All-American baseball alumna and Nagles' boyfriend.

With flowers in one hand and a softball ring h o l d e r i n t h e o t h e r, Adam got down on one knee and asked Emily to marr y him. Family, friends and teammates all

cheered with excitement as Emily said “yes."

Ad a m e ve n a r r a n g e d to have her best friend there to see it all unfold front row. “She’s been over the moon excited,” said Urbania. He added how she keeps saying it was the best day of her life.

The two met at The Ro c k t h r o u g h m u t u a l f r i e n d A l l i e Fi s c h e r,

also a member of the softball team. Urbania was a senior and Nagle a freshman, but the two connected and instantly s p a rk e d a c o n n e c t i o n .

After graduation the couple did long distance w i t h s c h o o l i n g b e f o re moving in together.

Both Nagle and Urbania had decorated careers at Slippery Rock, from Athlete of the Week to

breaking records in school histor y. Slipper y Rock held so much meaning to them both, which is why Adam knew it was where he wanted to propose.

“We were always playing right across the road from one another, it was so special,” said Urbania.

He added that Emily was very good at softball and he loved hearing about how she did in games.

Rice played a large part in the execution of the p ro p o s a l . Sh e c o a c h e d Nagle all four years and was over whelmed with happiness for the newlyengaged couple. Sports and softball specifically create an atmosphere much more complex than just a ball and bat.

It is a family that last longer than the four years here.

Urbania and Nagles' story is a testament to t h e f a c t t h a t Sl i p p e r y Rock is more than just a university in the middle of nowhere. It is a home that holds some of the best and brightest memories for all who pass through here, and if you’re fortunate enough, it's a place where you c o u l d e ve n m e e t yo u r soulmate.

SPORTS

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October 8, 2021

SPORTS

October 8, 2021

C-3

Far from home

By Tyler Howe Assistant Sports Editor

The air was cold and crisp, and there wasn’t a soul to bee seen on campus. It was winter break, and the large udents were majority of students at home celebrating brating the holidays. It was calm and quiet as Cinque Sweeting wass walking around campuss on a visit with the Slippery pery Rock football staff. He had just recently decided to transfer from Seton Hill University and d the chill hing that's here is something taken a while for him to get used to.

Being from Miami, it was always a lot ot warmer.

He had the chance me and to return home finish out his college football careerr there, as just but there was something about sylvania western Pennsylvania that he loved.. Maybe it was, as he’d put it, the hat people hospitality that have here. One thing is for sure. It wasn’t the weather.

The atmosphere here of the region was a lot ot different than what he was used to, even after two and a half years of being here. The city life is something mething he had grown accustomed to in the firstt 18 years of his life. He had the opportunity to return to it, since he was in the transfer portal and he had received ived some attention from m Florida International University, a Division I college whose campus is located in Miami-Dade. e.

Many thoughts ghts were running through ough his head. Was it worth it to return home? Especially considering he’d e’d have to lose a year off eligibility to play at a Division I school. The only nly reason he’d came here ere in the first place was as because his friend and teammate, Dennis Law, made the decision to come me to Seton Hill Universityy as well.

“I didn’t want to go somewhere soo far, and just not know w anyone,” Sweeting explained. ained.

Being a thousand miles from home and from his friends iends and family wasn’t something he was exactly ctly keen on. Sweetingg became homesick sometimes. etimes. To make matters worse, his true freshman n year he would have to redshirt due to an injury, ury, which made things even ven harder for him.

It was a setback, tback, but he’d had setbacks acks before and made it through hrough and came out better. ter. In the

end, that’s exactly what happened.

“I would say the experience [of being by myself my freshman year] shaped me into the man p I am today, it made me stronger, and it made me tougher,” Sweeting said. “Not having my family in person and not having those

t h i n g s like homecooked meals was definitely a tough experience, but I’m grateful because it shaped me to be the person I am today.”

His tour of the campus went on, and Sweeting was beginning to feel at home. He could tell Slippery Rock rallied around their team, just like the people in the Pittsburgh area did around the Steelers.

Before coming here, he had never seen people support their teams as much as the people here do. In Miami, no one roots for the Dolphins, or really anyone for that matter, not since the University of Miami fell apart nearly 15 years prior.

Sweeting still didn’t know if he wanted to go home or not. He wondered if he could be by himself again.

Going somewhere new for a second time in only three years was a daunting task.

Sweeting got through those 36 months despite all the challenges he faced. He was named Cinque, pronounced (sin-q), for a reason after all. The name comes from a book

that his father, Joseph Sweeting, had read called Amistad. In the book, Joseph Cinqué, a leader to the African Americans on a slave ship, p led an uprising and persevered through all the obstacles h e faced.

The book was made into a film and was released December 10, 1997. Only 13 days later, Cinque was born to Joseph and Nadine Hines.

That symbolism has seemed to always play a part in his life. In French, the name also means five, and Sweeting was the fifth born child in his family. Being the youngest brings an entirely different set of problems, but it also sharpens you and makes you more resilient.

That’s exactly what it did to Sweeting.

“Growing up as the youngest male in the house, that toughness I got from that, I feel it gave me a

competitive edge,” Sweeting said.

His drive was plain to see from a young age. He’s always had the desire to be first in everything.

Even as a kid, when they’d get home from the grocery store, he wanted to beat his siblings from the car to the house.

His visit of Slippery Rock continued, and the more he saw the more he fell for it.

The feeling was just so different.

It felt like family.

He had barely been on campus, but he could just tell that the program’s culture was familyoriented in the program and the dedication to the sport reminded him of his own.

Sweeting’s commitment was tested at Seton Hill University. His parents tried to convince him to play elsewhere coming out of high school because they knew Seton Hill University did not have a winning culture.

Sweeting’s response was always the same. “I know what I’m getting myself w into,” he would say.

His parents were right.

The team success just never came, and when you play on a team that had a record of 1-21 over two years, it can bring into question how much you love the game.

Through all the adversity, Sweeting found a way to stick with it, which he did up until w the day the coaches who brought him in got fired.

It was starting to become clear that, if he was going to stay in Division II, then he should join the team that beat him by a combined score of 126-64 in the two years they matched up. Besides, you know what they say: if you w can’t beat em, join 'em. It didn’t feel like that in this case, though.

The decision was a rough one, but Sweeting had made difficult decisions since high school. He had always taken risks. Like when he first decided he wanted to play football in high school.

That one choice set his football career into motion.

Before his freshman year at American Senior High A School, Sweeting wasn’t even sure if he wanted to play football. Then when the first day of school hit, he made the choice he wanted to play. He’d have to try out for the team, and at time he was on the smaller side. The tryout should have been nerve-wracking, but the winning mindset he’d w developed since he was young was always there, whether he knew it or w not.

How many other kids come from families as big as his and have parents who are split up?

The answer is simple, not many. He does feel lucky that his parents remain close, even to this day, although they aren’t together. They did so much for him and worked so hard to get him w where he is. Regardless, w Sweeting knew he’d have to work his way up after making the team. No one was going to take his background into consideration, so instead he’d have to use it to his advantage.

“In Miami, the mentality you have to have to make it out is just different,” Sweeting said. “Everyone is trying to compete to make it out, and you have to do something to make yourself stand out.”

Sweeting realized he could stand out when his team played Oxbridge Academy when he was a senior.

Oxbridge Academy, who shut down their football program in 2018, was one of those prep schools that has Division I prospects on its team, and in that game Cinque made his presence felt. Even though his team walked away with a seven-point loss, he knew that he could play the game of football at a high level.

The walk around Slippery Rock went on, and he got to meet some of the players who were still on campus.

There was only between 10 and 20 of them, but immediately Sweeting

"In Miami, the mentality you have to have to make it out is just different."

– Cinque Sweeting, Rock football player got the sense that he was right about the family culture that was in place here.

He had played against those same guys only months earlier, and on the sideline across from him was Coach Shawn Lutz. As soon as Lutz got wind that he was transferring, he jumped on it.

Sweeting’s phone would constantly buzz. When he’d pick it up to see who was calling, a lot of the time it was Lutz. No one else called him to just check up on how he was doing and what he was thinking, but Lutz made it a point to. Sweeting joked that he called him "like a maniac", but deep down he appreciated it.

Those calls played a big role in why he came here to Slippery Rock. The relationship he was able to build with Lutz was

something special, and Sweeting doesn’t take that lightly.

The visit came to a conclusion, and Sweeting was ready to go home and get back to the warmth.

The impact one simple trip here had on him can’t be measured. Even with no one on campus, the experience was like nothing Sweeting had ever felt before. He immediately knew that Slippery Rock was where he wanted to be. That’s something he wouldn’t tell Coach Lutz, however.

“I knew when I was on the plane back to Miami that deep down, yeah, this was the place for me,” Sweeting said.

“I didn’t even tell Coach Lutz that, I told him I got to go home and make a decision, but I knew all along that this was the place for me.”

Sweeting made it official soon after. He was now part of The Rock football team. Little did he know, Lutz and his staff already had a plan for him. They knew they wanted to move him to receiver. A position that was already loaded with the likes of Henry Litwin and Jermaine Wynn Jr. It was a move that would make a stacked offense even more explosive.

Litwin and Wynn Jr. are two of the players that Sweeting describes as “brothers.” From the first day he was there, Sweeting believes he fit in and they helped make his transition to receiver an easy one. The trio quickly became arguably the best receiving core in the country.

“They embraced me with open arms, and seeing guys like them having success would have other people wondering what their role would be,” Sweeting said. “Those are guys that just want to see everyone win, so they made the transition easy and that’s something I’m really grateful for.”

In the 2019 season, they would catch passes from the eventual Harlon Hill winner, Roland Rivers III. Of his 322 completions, 4,460 passing yards and 52 passing touchdowns, the trio accounted for 251 of the receptions, 3,687-yards and 45 touchdowns.

Sweeting himself had a breakout year in his first year as a receiver. He had 53 receptions, 839 yards receiving, and nine touchdowns.

The game that meant the most to Sweeting was the first game of the season and his first in a

Rock uniform, on the road in Detroit against Wayne State University.

In the game, he had five receptions for 86-yards and two touchdowns.

“At the time it was very emotional for me and looking back on the 2019 season the first game and scoring the first touchdown of the season was special and it helped kick off a magical run,” Sweeting said.

The season consisted of a ton of unprecedented events for not only Sweeting, but the entire team. The team made a run to the national semifinals, where their run eventually came to an end with their first loss of the season. In the run, the squad went 13-1 and brought home the PSAC championship.

It was Sweeting’s first conference championship in his life, and now no one can take that away from him.

“That was a very special season, it was great to see all of us have success because we know how special we are, and we know that no one in the country can stop [Henry, Jermaine, and I],” Sweeting said. “I was really proud for Henry, because hearing his story of how he went from a walk-on to an All-American was just special. I really love those guys and I wouldn’t change how that season went.”

After the season, his desire to win a national title grew at the same time COVID-19 started to make its way around the country. For spring break, Sweeting went home, and unbeknownst to him, he wouldn’t return for a while. In Miami, he saw tons of people because of spring break. Seeing so many people at same time was both frightening and a bit of a relief, because it felt like things would go back to normal quick. It didn’t and in a way, still hasn’t, but for Sweeting the shutdown felt like it spanned years.

“I just remember how long it lasted, and I didn’t know what the future held and that was the scariest part,” Sweeting said.

Thoughts of moving on were always there.

Sweeting, who majors in sports management, dreams of a future as a sports agent. During the pandemic, he stayed home and did school from there. His parents were supportive of him, and his dad even pushed him to work harder during that time and use it to his advantage.

“It was like a reset

button on life that made you think, you know, what exactly you wanted to do with your life,” Sweeting said. “My dad was always there for me to remind me that you’ve got to keep working and use this time to set yourself apart from everyone, because a lot of people are going to sit back and relax, but you can use this time to separate if football is something you’re serious about.”

The desire to win a championship and the fact that guys like Litwin and Wynn Jr. were returning helped draw him back.

Staying connected with them during the pandemic was a challenge, but Sweeting again mentioned Lutz and how important he was to making a decision.

“He made sure to keep the team connected, especially the seniors, and he would tell us that we had the chance to do something special,” Sweeting said. “Knowing he supported us no matter what decision we made and just knowing that, "oh yeah Coach Lutz has my back no matter what" was big.”

Eventually, he decided to come back. In the meantime, a major family milestone occurred. Sweeting became the first person in his family to graduate college. His mom constantly reminded him how big it was, and he always downplayed it.

He knows how important it was, but knows without family’s support and hard work, he wouldn’t have had a lot of the opportunities he has. His hard work in the classroom finally paid off and he was able to hold his diploma in his hand.

A lot has happened since then. Now that one of his

goals were completed, he had the opportunity to accomplish his others.

Fast forward to the present day and you’ll find a team that is in the midst of their season.

If you’re looking for Sweeting, you’ll find him in the weight room up at the stadium at around 5:45-6 a.m.

During those workouts, he has time to soak in everything, like the fact that so many seniors came back. They were really going to try to do this.

Being one of those seniors, Sweeting is one of the leaders on the team.

He made it a point to help the younger players when they got back for camp, because there are two full classes of players that have never experienced any of the college football lifestyle before. Sweeting remembers how hard it was on him, and if he could make it easier on his new teammates, that’s exactly what he was going to do.

Lutz immediately noticed how he was taking underclassmen under his wing. Players look up to Sweeting, and Lutz feels that players like him attract athletes to come here.

“Cinque is one of those guys where people look at him and think ‘he’s making it after what he’s been through, maybe I can do that,’ and it makes other people want to come here because he can relate to people,” Lutz said.

This season will also consist of a lot of firsts, but it will also feature a lot of lasts for Sweeting.

He experienced both in his return to Seton Hill University.

“It was bittersweet,” Sweeting said. “It made me realize that this is my last year playing college football.”

It was the final time he’d play on Offutt field.

This time he was able to play on it at night, something that they never did when he played for The Griffins.

The game didn’t go exactly as Sweeting envisioned it. He ended with only one reception for 13-yards. At one point, Sweeting had a touchdown in his hands, it was ruled incomplete.

It was the closest he got to scoring in the game.

Those moments just fueled his motivation even further.

The Monday after the 41-17 win, Cinque again found himself in the weight room at 5:45 a.m. When he feels like he didn’t play to the best of his abilities, the way he expresses it is through more work.

People tend to pick up on that, even scouts from the highest level of football.

Playing with Litwin and Wynn Jr. has also been able to bring some attention to Sweeting from NFL scouts. Lutz made it clear, that if there is a guy who deserves it, that it’s Sweeting.

“He might be the most underrated player in Division II,” Lutz said.

The NFL is a dream for him like so many others.

But he doesn’t let it get to him that he has scouts watching him. To him, it’s business as usual. If he did make it though, he would love to play for his hometown of Miami.

“A lot of my friends and family joke that if

"He might be the most underrated player in Division II." – Shawn Lutz, Rock football head coach

I made it to the league then I have to play for The Dolphins,” Sweeting said. “But, I think that just making it to that level and showing I belong would be a dream come true for me.”

Through it all, Sweeting remains focused on this year. To him, the goal is simple, and it’s the reason he gets up and immediately goes to workout before the sun rises.

“I know coach doesn’t like us saying it, but the goal is a national championship,” Sweeting said. “That’s the reason why we all came back and it’s heavy on our minds because we were one game away from playing in it.”

While this may be No. 3’s last year on the gridiron, he’s making a point to cherish every moment, and no matter what happens he knows that at Slippery Rock, he’s found another home far from his own.

HANNAH SLOPE / THE ROCKET

SPORTS

C-4

October 8, 2021

Rock seniors prepare for last home stand

By Madison Williams Sports Editor Th h e on ongo g in go ingg faa me m e o f the Sll ip ippe perr y

Rock football team shines on thro th rroo ug ugh h we w eek ek s ix ix.. Sii tt t in ingg at 5-0, th he tee am m r em e m em e m be b e rs t o re r ma m ain a in i n hum m bled a d ta an takke k e e ac ach h gaa me m e o ne n e w ee e ek e at a a time. ti Head He ad c oa oach h S h a wn n L ut utz taa lk lks ab b ou outt hi hiss te team am’s am ’ss e nd ndur u an ance an n d no note tess hoo w th h ey e c on onti tinu nuee to im m pr pres esss hii m. m E ac ach h pl play ayer er i mp m re ress sses es him hi m in v er e r y di d ff ffer eren er en n t wa ways ys.. No Nott to m nt me ntio ioo n, L ut u z says ys t he e nerg n e rg rgyy frr om m the fa th f nss g eett s be b tter err e acc h we w ek a nd d is a g re reat at m ot o iv ivat ator at or f or t he h tea eam m to t k eep p p la layi y i ng wel yi ell. l Over the course of the past mont mo n h He Hen nry L nry Lii tw twin in w ass a wa ward rded ed a no nomi mii nati m naa tii oon n f or o r t he W ill li l am V. Camp mpbe bee lll a w a rd d , a vvee ry r p ree stt ig i g ious ioo us u oppo op port rtun t un u n i tyy. R occ k naa ttii ve uni v e L itwi i t wi it win n is oon n e off 155 Di D v i si s i oon n I I pll ayy er erss wh who ho have ha vee b e en e n noo m i nat naa ttee d foo r th this h is i s a wa rd d in N CA A A s t and a n di an d i ngg s. L itwi ding iitt wi w i n is win isn’ n t th n’ thee onlly on l y s taa nd d ou o u t pl p l ay a y err t ho h o ugg h , a s th the he wh h ol ole l e ro r o stt er e r h aass c om o m e to toge geth ge th ther h er e to ensu en sure su re t hi h i s see ason o is ssu u ccc es essf sful sf ul.. Th ul Thee g o al as aall w ays a y iss too w iin n t he h PSA SAC C C h a m p i o n s h i p, p and nationally a tii tlee as titl a w ell. e l l.

Ever y game is exciting for the team, but some more than o t h e r s . Pa P a r t i c u l a r l y, y one of the m a nyy g aam m eess t h a t pll ay ayeeerr s an a n d fa fans ns a re r anticipating is homecoming weekend. Hot dogs are grilling in the parking lot, parents are tailgating in their green clothes a n d the whol oll e comm mm m un u it ityy comess together to cheer on The Rock.

The opponent, rivalry Indiana U n i ve r s i t y o f Pe n n s y l va n i a , w i l l head to The Rock for their yearl rlyy rl conference battle. It is projected d to be a big weekend, since the university has not celebrated a hoo m e coming since 2019 due to the p and pa n dem nd d e ic.

Fo r s e n i o r p l a y e r a n d c a p t a i n Fo C had Ch ad K uh u n this will be his final hoo me mecco c o mi com m ing i game. “I want to beat

them th em m h an n ds dsom o m el om ely, l y, and d I d on o n w an on’t a t t em th m t o sscc orr e a si s ng ngle p oi oint nt,”” K uh uhn n said sa id.. He H e ’ss c om omee a long n w ay f ro ng rom m b in be ingg qu q u ar a tee rrbbac b ac ackk in h igg h scc ho h oll to o ne o f th h e top too p raa nk nked ed d d eeffen f en e si sive ve e n d s i n t h e Pe n n s y l v a n i a S t a t e A thl At h et hl etic icc C onfe on n fe f ree nc nce. e. “A Ass a l ea eade derr de on t he h e t ea e m I caa n sa sayy we t ak a e ea each ch w eekk o ne g am we amee at a t im m e. e” K Ku u hn hn’s ’ss body dy f ra rame a nd h ei eigh ghtt m gh maa de h im a better bee fit o n the th h e de d fens fee ns n e in i n t hee eyy es o f Lu u tz tz.. Al Aloon o n gs gsid id d e Ku K u hn n , he he saa ys G ar arre rett De re D B e i n haa s stt ep eppe ped d up p b ig t im i mee an and d bee en n a t eam e a pl ea playy er th h at h as b eee n st s an a n dii n andi ngg s tr t ongg on o offe of fenss e. “ I h fe hoo ne nest stly ly p rree fe f e r it n ow a d thinkk itt w as t h an hee r igh i g h t choo icc e fo ig f orr me,” me , K uh uhn n sa said id.. As id A s m aan n y pl ny play ayer ers rs aree en ar n te teri ring ri ngg t hee ir i r las a s t se as s as a on o f elig el igib ib b il ilit ityy th h e st stak akes ak e a ree h ig es igh. h h.

The Th h e raa te t o f su s ccc es esss sh h ow w in n g oon n th h e fii el eld d ha hass a lo lott to d o w wii th h t he w ayy pr wa p r ac acti tice i cess ar aree ru run n at T h hee R oc ockk. k.

“E E ac a ch h we week ek t he s co cout o ut utin t in ingg re repo p o rt i s po port gone go ne o ve verr in i n g ree at d et e ai aill, l ,” Ku K u hn Kuhn hn said sa id d . Th Thee se nior i d ef efen f ense sema maa n wa wass r a nkk ed ra d p ree se seas e as ason on b y Li L ind ndyy sp nd spor o ts or and an d th thee CF CFB B Networ N e orkk , b ut u t o hi him m thos th osee ar a e ju just s motiv ivat iv att io i n. “ Itt f el eltt goo od t o bee r ecc og ogni n ze ni z d, d,” saa id K uh u n, n who Coach Lutz values. “The succ su ccess s of t he e nt ntir i ree team m i s wh what at real re all l ly l y m at atte terr th te thou ou u gh.” gh h .”

C acc h Lu Co Lutz m en enti tion ti onss th on thee be beas astt as mode mentality as the mindset g o i n g f o r w a r d . “ We We t r e a t e a c h prac pr acti tice lik ike it i s a game,” Lutz said sa id. Th Thee te t mp mpoo is h ig igh, h , a nd t he he roo st s t er e r i s be b in ingg ma m xi ximi mize zed d to t d ef efen end d th h e PSAC PSS AC A t itt le l .

“F F orr s ome oom m e ot oth t her h e r te team amss pl play ayin ingg us i s l ikk e pl is play ayy in ingg in i t he S up uper e bo bowl wl,” ,” Ku u hn s ai a id. d “ Ma d.

Many nyy t ea eams m s w it ms ithi t hi hin n th the he PSAC PS AC C a re u nd nder errrraa tee d an er a nd d we c an n’t sll eep e e p on ee o t he h e m. m .” Of m.”

O f t ho h o ssee t eeaa ms m , E in Ed i bo boro o ro r o U ni nive i ve v rsit r s it rs i t y an ity and d Ca C li l i fo forn r nia iaa Un i v e r s i t y o f Pe n n s l y v a n i a includ d ed ed.. Ho Home meco me c o mi comi co m ngg g am m e wii ll b e Sa t u rd d a y, O c t . 1 6 , b u t f i r s t The Rock n ee e dss t o ta take k e c ar ke a e ooff business with Ed Edin i bo in boro roo U ni nive i ve vers rsit rs ityy it this weekend.

RAYNI SHIRING / THE ROCKET

Home away from home

By Tyler Howe Assistant Sports Editor

Home is a tricky term. It can refer to the place where you grew up or where family is. For Kayla Swope, it can just be described as somewhere she feels the most comfortable, which happens to be Slippery Rock.

Swope's often thinks back to her greyish-blue sneakers that she wore during her first season of soccer at six years old. Her parents wouldn’t get her cleats because soccer was the third sport she had tried. Since gymnastics and softball didn’t end too well, it made since that why her parents didn’t want to invest in a sport that Swope could quickly lose interest in.

“My parents were like we’re not going to spend $30 or $40 on a pair of cleats, if you might not even continue to play,” Swope said with a smile. “Which was fair.”

It wouldn’t be long before her parents realized that she was going to stick with soccer though. Her family, who before she had started to play was never big into soccer, began to follow her in that love.

That includes her younger brother, Connor, who also plays soccer in the PSAC system at Lock Haven University.

“Since six or seven, soccer has pretty much been my life,” Swope said.

She began to develop an IQ of the game that not many people have. She played with Connor and his friends a lot growing up. Playing against boys, she always had to come up with strategies to beat them. She was able to do that quite often. She also watched a ton of soccer. From Major League Soccer to the Premier League to watching her favorite player, Lionel Messi.

If you ask Swope, he’s even the greatest of all time. She was always doing something that related to soccer.

Her passion for the game grew rapidly and as a result, Swope played a lot of soccer and turned into a very good player. She played all four years on varsity at Northern York High School, which earned

her attention from colleges. She also played a lot of club soccer, and as fate would have it, that led her to meet current Slippery Rock head coach Jessica Giegucz.

Swope played at the club level for Giegucz, and even today when the team is doing certain drills, she’ll remember them from when she was young. She joked that it’s sort of nostalgic. The crazy part is, Swope had never heard of Slippery Rock before she came to he summer before her a camp here the sophomore year.

“I wanted d to come to ID camp here because I knew [Giegucz], and just get it outt of the way because I had never heard eard of Slippery Rock before and I knew nothing about, nted to get it out of the but I just wanted way because ID camps are pretty wope said. “But then stressful,” Swope ere, I was like ‘oh okay when I got here, I actually kind nd of like this campus’ and just felt like ike home.” he biggest things that One of the stood out when hen Swope eventually made her decision on where ng to play colleg ge she was going college soccer, was her er observatio observation on of how much h everyone or each truly cared for other. Swopeehad had never felt that hat before.

It was an n easy decision e, to come here, but she could d er have never hat imagined that the 2019 season son would go the way it did. Itt all started before ore ven the team even stepped on the field. Before ore ven Swope even ame played a game forThe Rock, k, the team took a trip a. That to Costa Rica. trip is wheree Swope started to become close re team. with the entire “I felt likee I traveled to Costa Rica with strangers, but in a week, I grew w so close

with the team,” Swope said. “It’s a just a special bond traveling with people, and I think that definitely added to the success and the chemistry the team had.”

That chemistry translated to the field during the 2019 season. After opening the season with a loss, the team won seven straight games.

In the fourth game of that stretch, Swope scored her first collegiate goal against Seton Hill University.

“Scoringg myy first PSAC ggoal Setoon Hll and Hi against Seton Hill havingg

everyone run up to me and jumping on Julia [Mascaro], was just a special moment for me,” Swope said.

It was the first of eight goals she scored that season. In her freshman year, Swope started all 22 games.

She found success early and often.

She was a crucial piece in the team that would win the PSAC. In their first season back together, Giegucz and Swope had a magical g run. A lot of that due to the culture that Giegucz and the players have created within the team. There were a few pivotal m ments in that season. From mo moments the come behind win against Edinboro University to secure the PSAC west weest secure C to hosting the PSAC tournament at home.

The Rock squared off with Edinboro University in the championship game on

home turf, and late in the game the score remained 1-1. Then Swope broke through and was able to put the game-winning goal in the back of the net.

“Honestly I didn’t consider it the winning goal until I looked at an article that said my name, because so many things had happened after that including Emma Yoder stopping penalty kick,” Swope said.

“When I’m playing, I just black out when I’m in the box and my bodyjust body just kind of takes ov over, I don’t remember the ball going in, but I do remember the big hug everyone shared after it.”

That game also mean meant a lot to Swope as she was able to help her old club coach earn her old fif rs rstt PSAC title. t After first the thegame game, Giegucz a d Swope an and em embraced and an nd were able to bask in th he moment. the T h a t ’s something som Swo Swope will never forget.

The season ended a few days later after a 4 loss 4-2 to West C Chester U University in the th NCAA tourn tournament.

That was the lastt ttime the team would a actual play an game until u Sept.

2021 2, 2021.

W h e n COVID-19 hit, Sw Swope, like many others, went home. ho The feeling of no soccer was an odd one.

Up to then, t her life had consisted of soccer on a daily basis. The Th entire PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE SCHNELLE

sports world was shut down in an instant, and no one knew when it was coming back.

That time allowed her to just work. She could get up and go for a run whenever she wanted, but that desire to get back on the field ate away at her. It drove her, but then her fall season was canceled.

Normal still seemed to be so far away.

COVID-19 protocols required the team to only meet in small groups, and they could shoot around on James Egli Field, but the competition wasn’t there.

Sports were slowly creeping back, but not any in the PSAC. Yet, Swope still held out hope for a spring season.

“I was really frustrated, because I was really hopeful, we would play in the fall and then that was canceled and then they said we might be able to play in the spring and that was also canceled,” Swope said. “I think that second time it really hit I was frustrated because my brother was a senior in high school at the time and he got to play, and it just felt like everyone else got to play and I was like why can’t we just play?”

The path to playing again was a long and grueling one for Swope. All she wanted was to be back out on the field playing.

It was a long time before that finally happened.

When she finally got back on the field to start the 2021 season, you could see her smile for miles.

“It was kind of weird, we got to play a little in the spring, but I was super excited,” Swope said. “I couldn’t stop smiling that game because I was so excited to be back out there playing a game.”

This season has served as a reminder to Swope that it could be gone at any moment.

Swope, like many others, has that athlete’s mentality. She gets frustrated when things don’t go her way, but this season she’s tried to change that up a little bit. It was gone for so long, and now that she has it back, she just wants to enjoy it.

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VIDEO: Second Annual Oktoberfest

CAMPUS LIFE

An 'Out of This World' homecoming

By Morgan Miller

worry about masks. Trying to follow the regulations Asst. Campus Life Editor the university has, has been difficult but our advisors are As Slipper y Rock really good about knowing University has transitioned the procedures.” back to in-person Anna Chiprean, classes and events the homecoming steering SRU Student Office of committee co-chair, assists Engagement and Leadership Gross in homecoming has worked to partner with duties and is responsible other offices, organizations for overseeing the royalty and clubs for an “out of this and communicating with world” 2021 homecoming. other organizations who are Homecoming 2021 involved in homecoming. events will occur from, Chiprean spoke on the Oct. 12 through Oct. 17. number of homecoming Throughout the planning nominations and students p r o c e s s , C OV I D - 1 9 running for royalty. precautions have been taken “A lot of people were into consideration as SRU super excited because we students and alumni plan are in person this year and for a full schedule of events, we were able to spread the parades, tailgates and more. word,” Chiprean said. “They Courtney G r o s s , are able to actually advertise homecoming steering who they are and come to committee chair, has the events. I would say it’s better main responsibility for that we are in person.” this year's homecoming: Voting for homecoming the parade. Gross said that royalty will begin on Tuesday, the office has had higher Oct. 12 at 9 a.m. on CORE. standards for the parade At this point, those who floats and has worked have been nominated for to make the parade more the homecoming royalty can enjoyable. begin advertising themselves The homecoming parade to gain awareness and votes. consists of fraternities The first homecoming and sororities, various activities are Tuesday, Oct. organizations, sports teams 12 between 10 a.m. - 12 on campus and community p.m. with Paint the Town members such as breweries and Campus Window Wars. and high school teams.

During Paint the Town, Gross spoke on some of Fraternity and Sorority the struggles of planning Life will paint windows of in-person homecoming this various businesses on Main year.

Street to match the theme “The biggest struggle we of homecoming and their have had to deal with is own individual themes. contacting people to come Campus Window Wars is participate,” Gross said. the same concept but for “Also trying to decide where organizations on campus. we want to host events On Tuesday, from 2 so that we can have more p.m. - 6 p.m., the Spirit people and not have to Board Painting event in The

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOMECOMING CORE WEBPAGE This years glow party will include a glow in the dark candy bar, glow mini golf and more. In 2017, SRU students took part in glow in the dark dancing and games, including mini golf.

Quad will offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and fraternities and sororities supplies to paint boards to present in The Quad during homecoming week.

Organizations and clubs will be able to check in and get supplies the day of.

On Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. in the Smith Student Center (SSC) Ballroom, students can attend the Silent Disco Glow Party. The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership has partnered with the Black Action Society to host a silent disco.

At this event, there will be a glow candy bar, glow mini golf and more.

On Thursday, Oct. 14 between 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.,

students are encouraged to stop by the SSC Bookstore Parking Lot for the Launching Into Homecoming event for giveaways, food, laser tag, live music, tie-dye and a dunk tank. Students who are running for royalty are also welcomed to help with the event and spread their name for votes. This event is partnered with University Program Board (SRUPB).

The Stride for Pride event will also occur Thursday at 12:30 p.m.

During this event students will walk together and place pride flags around campus and The Quad.

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, SRUPB has also partnered with the homecoming

committee for the Meteor Mile. During this event students will walk roughly a mile and then enjoy music outside the SSC. On Friday, Oct. 15 h o m e c o m i n g roy a l t y voting ends at 12 p.m. The homecoming Court will be announced at the Pep Rally starting at 8 p.m. After the Pep Rally, a Fireworks Watch Party will occur followed by the Movie on the Lawn: "Guardians of the Galaxy." Students are encouraged to bring their own blankets to enjoy the fireworks and movie.

On Saturday, Oct. 16 the homecoming parade will start at 10 a.m. on Main Street. Following the parade, the Rock the

Block Tailgate Festival will be outside the MihalikThompson Stadium. Rock Football will play Indiana University of Pennsylvania starting at 1 p.m. During halftime of the game, the homecoming royalty and parade winners will be announced.

As homecoming week comes to a close, Polish the Rock will be at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17. During this event, volunteers will meet at The Quad and walk around campus and downtown Slippery Rock, picking up trash.

Students can stay up to date with all homecoming events and activities through the Homecoming page on CORE.

SR kicks off fall with Oktoberfest

By Tyler Howe Assistant Sports Editor

This past weekend, Sl i p p e r y Ro c k h e l d its second annual Oktoberfest. The event was started last year to help give local breweries a little extra support in the midst of the COVID-19

"We like to give a reminder of our brand, obviously the more people that see you, the more attraction you get.”

– Joe Wetzl, general manager of North Country Brewing Company

shutdowns that were occurring. The event was hosted by Mayor Jondavid Longo, and it’s an event he hopes to continue having each October.

“This event was birthed out of a concern for our local businesses, last year when COVID restrictions on the state level made it nearly impossible for our businesses to conduct commerce inside their brick-andmortar restaurants and establishments, we decided to come up with Oktoberfest as an outside venue so more folks could conglomerate in a safer manner,” Longo said.

Last year, when the event first occurred the idea was to give businesses an extra stream of revenue so they could keep afloat.

Longo pointed out that they just wanted to help these businesses keep employees on the payroll. “[This year], naturally, things were a lot easier because we didn’t have to have anyone from the government breathing down our neck,” Longo said. “The most profound change this year though is that we have a lot less vendors, and sadly the vendors explained to me that they don't have the labor necessary to participate this year.”

The effects of COVID-19 are still being felt by many businesses

BRANDON PIERCE / THE ROCKET The second annual Oktoberfest had a variety of food, drinks and entertainment, including live music. One of the groups to perform was an acapella group that travels around the Pittsburgh area.

in the area, which is why Longo felt it was extremely important to have the event again. While some businesses couldn’t make it, the ones that did were able to make it a success.

Like most Oktoberfest events, it is centered around different types of alcoholic beverages. It gives people the opportunity to try different types of drinks.

The event consisted of 10 to 15 different breweries or distilleries.

Among them was North Country Brewing Company, who brought

their chef to make some food for people to have along with their drinks.

This is a strategy that they’ve used at a number of events to show that they not only have good beverages, but they also are a restaurant that makes good food.

“We love to be back out and everything that we’ve been doing with local events in the community,” said Joe Wetzl, general manager of North Country Brewing Company. “We like to give a reminder of our

brand, obviously the more people that see you, the more attraction you get.”

The event also consisted of live performances, including a band, an acapella group and dancers who preformed traditional German dances. The fire station and library also attended the event to try to raise money.

Trisha and Joe Flock are part of a group that goes around the Pittsburgh area preforming, and for the past two years they’ve been able to dance close to

home at the Slippery Rock rendition of Oktoberfest.

“We are here to dance for the Slippery Rock Oktoberfest, and we are Slippery Rock residents,” Trisha Flock said. “We came out for the first Oktoberfest, and we’re here for the second.”

The hope is to make this event a tradition and continue to grow each year. Oktoberfest helps highlight some of the restaurants around the Slippery Rock area a n d g i ve t h e m s o m e much needed support.

CAMPUS LIFE

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October 8, 2021

Finding community in culture

By Sarah Anderson Campus Life Editor

On Oct. 1, Student Organization of Latinos/ Hispanics and Allies (SOL) and Office for Inclusive Excellence came together and hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in The Quad.

Students and faculty gathered for Zumba, food, a salsa lesson, performances from the Dance Department and a live performance from a Pittsburgh-based Latin band, as well as many different craft tables.

The celebrations began Sept. 23 with a “Latinx Panel Discussion & Coffee House,” where the

campus community could enjoy coffee from native Latin countries and listen to experiences shared by the Latinx and Hispanic faculty and peers of SRU. “Latin Drag Bingo” was hosted on Oct. 5 in Eisenberg Classroom Building, where students played bingo with performances from local, Latin drag queens.

There is one final celebration coming Nov. 4 in the Smith Student Center (SCC) Ballroom. “Dia de los Muertos Showcase,” to celebrate Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday. There will be story telling, dance, music and culture that gives a chance for students to have fun and learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month.

Christine Pe a s e Hernandez, advisor of SOL, talks about the annual tradition. Due to COVID-19, last year was the first time in nearly a decade that they weren’t able to have a celebration.

“Every year it gets bigger and bigger. Day of the Dead is a celebration of our ancestors who have passed on,” Hernandez said. “It’s more of a Mexican tradition, but there are other countries that celebrate. SOL has made it into a showcase where they highlight d i f f e re n t l e g e n d s o r different stories. They t h e n c h o re o g r a p h a number to highlight the characters in those stories.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEG NASSIF The SRU Dance Department students performed at the celebration in The Quad on Oct. 1. Melissa Teodoro, a professor of dance, educates her students on ways to reconstuct historical dances.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEG NASSIF The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration included many different activities for the campus community to get involved in. Students and faculty lined up to dance around The Quad.

BOGA returns to The Rock

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By Sarah Anderson Campus Life Editor

BOGA workouts take place at the Aebersold Student Recreation Center (ARC) pool every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. Mary Zipfel, health and physical education major, and Sammy Dudley, parks and recreation management major tag-team the lessons. Both students are sophomores and have minors in aquatics.

BOGA is one the many fitness classes offered at the ARC, along with Yoga, RockSpin, Pilates and many more options for students, as well as members of the ARC. The exercise is referred to as “BOGA” because of the inflated mat that floats in the water while exercising.

There are different types of workouts done on these mats, primarily yoga and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts. Currently, Zipfel and Dudley are only offering HIIT BOGA classes.

Many people are intimidated by HIIT workouts, especially in the water, but Zipfel and Dudley have put a large emphasis on the class being for everyone, no matter skill level.

“It’s always really fun . . . everyone’s falling off, everyone’s having a good time,” Dudley said.

“Ever yone’s laughing, music’s going. It’s nice to be able to say that it’s a safe environment.”

They previously had jobs as lifeguards at the ARC and were given the opportunity to teach a class, and they chose BOGA. The choice lined up with their interests and wanting to get more experience for their minor in aquatics.

Zipfel, who is going into a health and physical education career, was looking forward to having the opportunity to teach. The whole experience has been new, and, with her being a former competitive swimmer, recreational swimming and workouts that aren’t endurance training

have led her into a whole new atmosphere.

With her previous experience, she wasn’t sure where to even begin. To amend that, during their time as lifeguards at the ARC, they were able to take advice from regular swimmers they interacted with.

“We took some advice from the elderly that swim at the ARC,” Zipfel said. “We were like, how does this event work? And they were like ‘You guys put it in and then you teach.'”

The advice has paid off, as the classes sell out within minutes every Tuesday.

Participants often line up for tickets an hour before the class starts to ensure they get a spot. Zipfel mentions that they have regular participants that keep coming back every week.

Dudley would like to implement BOGA Yoga in the future. They both encourage students to give their BOGA classes a try, it may become something you keep coming back for!

HANNAH SLOPE / THE ROCKET Sammy Dudley and Mary Zipfel have been working hard to put together workouts for BOGA Fit classes.

The workout class has been a hit across campus and many students come back weekly to participate.

Celebrating Day of the Dead at SRU is a collaborative effort, involving many different student organizations across campus. There’s students painting faces, dancing, backstage crew and people to set up.

The events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month go beyond educating the campus community. It gives a chance for students to express themselves and explore their connection to their culture.

Roger Solano, another advisor for SOL, explains the importance of giving students a safe space to explore their culture.

“Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to display that cultural

connection. Hispanic and Latino students are the second largest minority on campus, but everybody here has that connection to Hispanic culture one way or another.”

Hernandez explains the struggle of being on a predominately white campus, where students may not feel comfortable to explore their connection and sometimes they may feel it is easier to stay hidden. Solano talks more about breaking down this barrier.

“Hispanic students have necessarily one physical trait that identifies them,” Solano said. “We come in all varieties of colors, in all varieties of shapes, so the

connection that we have is cultural. Our objective is to help them feel safe and at home in Slippery Rock.”

Students are not only encouraged to educate themselves on other cultures, but to also explore their own cultures they may be tied to. Hernandez urges students to come to cultural events and allow themselves to be exposed to something new.

“I would encourage students to get out of their comfort zone and to really embrace them. As students you don’t get these opportunities so close in proximity, so you’re really losing out as students when you don’t take advantage of these wonder ful opportunities.”

CAMPUS LIFE Fall semester brings growth to OIE October 8, 2021

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By Morgan Miller Asst. Campus Life Editor

The Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) has hosted Diversity Dialogues for several years at Slippery Rock University. Due t o C OV I D - 1 9 , t h e Diversity Dialogues have had to be adjusted after going virtual and now, back in-person. This semester, the Diversity

"One of our main goals for the program is to create a more inclusive SRU campus."

– Keisha Booker, assistant director of multicultural development for the OIE

Dialogues are fully in person, allowing for growth within the event.

When the Diversity Dialogues were hosted online, the event would average 20 to 25 participants per session. Now that the Diversity Dialogues have transitioned back in-person, the sessions average about 40 students. At that rate, participation has doubled after transitioning to inperson sessions. Although the Diversity Dialogues were meant for small group discussion, the office is excited to see more engagement in these sessions and plan to adjust as needed.

Keisha Booker, assistant director of multicultural development for the OIE, spoke on some of the goals for their office and Diversity Dialogues.

“It is great to see people getting involved in campus conversations around diversity,” she said. “One of our main goals for the program is to create a more inclusive SRU campus.

This is a primary goal not necessarily just for the program, but a large-scale goal for our office.”

Booker said the energy in the sessions is different since being in-person a g a i n . St u d e n t s a r e genuinely excited during the conversations, and it has been easier in person than on Zoom. The OIE

RAYNI SHIRING / THE ROCKET The Office of Inclusive Excellence hosts discussions about a variety of topics in their "Diversity Dialogues" throughout the semester. There has been an increase in participation as the campus community has resumed in-person routines.

has also decided to focus on some areas of growth and added new ways of planning and conducting these discussions.

This s e m e s t e r, student writers have been incorporated into the program. This allows for the Diversity Dialogues to move towards a studentfocused peer model.

With this new aspect, the dialogues are taken over by students who write and plan the

focus of the sessions.

This will be used more in the spring session, with the support of the OIE graduate assistant Kemani Farmer.

“Providing a safe space to have those challenging conversations is one of the goals for Diversity Dialogues,” Farmer said.

“These are conversations that are already being had but not necessarily in a diverse group or in areas that are providing different perspectives.

This is basically a format to not only educate from your own perspective but also gain knowledge from other perspectives.”

At the end of each session, the students are asked to complete an assessment to collect feedback regarding topics of future discussions, activities or other adjustments to consider.

In the future, the office will be adding Diversity Dialogue panels. This is

expected to take place between November and the end of the fall semester.

For students who are interested in specific information about the Diversity Dialogues such as topics, location, time, etc., all sessions will be posted on CORE. To never miss an event, follow @sruoie on Instagram and Twitter a n d S RU - O f f i c e o f Inclusive Excellence-OIE on Facebook.

WEEKLY ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT Office for Alumni Engagement

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By Morgan Miller Asst. Campus Life Editor

The Office for Alumni Engagement has worked for over 100 years to keep Slippery Rock University alumni connected through n e t w o rk s , p ro g r a m s , homecoming, ceremonies, reunions and more. The Office for Alumni Engagement provides opportunities, events and activities at the university

"It is meant to make sure that the next generation of students understand that the alumni association is their helper."

– Kelly Bailey, director of alumni engagement

to guarantee that students return to SRU again after walking across the graduation stage.

There are over 70,000 SRU alumni who are offered a variety of networks to stay connected. These networks include: Black Alumni network, LGBTQ+ network, a regional network, an international SRU alumni network and the soon to come Marching Band network. There are four main purposes for these alumni networks; connection to other alumni, connection to current students, career and mentoring advice as well as philanthropy opportunities.

Director of Alumni Engagement, Kelly Bailey spoke on the networks provided to SRU alumni.

“History and tradition,” Bailey said. “It is meant to make sure that the next generation of students understand that the alumni association is their helper.

Also, that everyone is there to help teach tradition on campus.”

One of the traditions of the Office for Alumni Engagement is the fiftieth reunions. The next Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 10-12, 2022.

During the 2022 Alumni Weekend, participants will celebrate the Fiftieth Reunion of the Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972. This reunion had been rescheduled to keep alumni safe and healthy.

Si n c e C OV I D - 1 9 , the Office for Alumni Engagement has

planned and improvised other ceremonies and events for when the university would open again to inperson events. During Homecoming this semester, many events are occurring that were canceled due to the pandemic. Because of this, the 2021 Homecoming weekend has more events planned than in past years.

The Alumni Ho m e c o m i n g t h e m e for 2021 is “Out of This World”. Students contributed to the idea of the 2021 theme.

The outer space theme relates to the COVID-19 guidelines of keeping “space” from each other and staying 6-feet apart.

On Friday, Oct. 15 at noon, the Class of 2020 Commencement will be held at the Robert N. Aebersold Student Rec Center. This is a unique event to the list of Homecoming activities due to COVID-19. It is expected that 100 students who graduated in 2020 will be participating in the commencement.

Other events happening that day will be the SRU Communication and Media Hall of Fame Ceremony, Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner, SRSGA Alumni Open House, the Pep Rally and Fireworks and Movie “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

On Saturday, Oct. 16 at 8:30 a.m., alumni are invited to attend Muffins and Mimosas at the Alumni House. Th e Ho m e c o m i n g Pa r a d e will follow, then the

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY BAILEY There will be multiple events throughout homecoming week to welcome and celebrate SRU alumni. Many of the events in 2020, hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement, were put on hold due to COVID-19.

SRU Alumni Association Tailgate Tent, the Alumni Band performance during halftime of the football game, and the Music Alumni Tailgate.

Saturday will end with the Rock Solid 10 Under 1 0 C e re m o n y. T h i s ceremony will recognize ten alumni who graduated within ten years for their professional and personal achievements. Th e Rock Solid 10 Under 10 Ceremony usually occurs in April, but due to COVID-19, the ceremony has been rescheduled several times.

Although the Office for Alumni Engagement

is hosting many events and activities during the 2021 Homecoming weekend, COVID-19 protocols are taken into consideration.

Express registration for the SRU Alumni Association Tailgate Tent is available for participants.

This is meant to collect data in advance as a COVID-19 precaution. Alumni do not have to register in advance to attend the event, but it is encouraged by the office.

“This will be a great we e k e n d c e l e b r a t i n g who our alumni have become and the great accomplishments they have made in our community,”

Bailey said. “Including all the fun stuff like the tailgate tents, the parade and the pep rally.”

To stay connected with the Office for Alumni Engagement, follow @RockAlumni on Twitter, Slipper y Rock University Alumni Association on Facebook and connect with Slippery Rock University Alumni Networking Group on LinkedIn. Alumni can check out www. rockalumni.com to read more information about events, activities and oppor tunities within the Office for Alumni Engagement.

October 8, 2021

THE ROCKET

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Movie Review: "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"

By Dereck Majors Review Columnist

Biopics are not a new concept, yet they strive to tell the story of a significant individual’s contributions to the world through the film medium. Just simply telling their story is never enough.

“The Eyes of Tammy Faye” gives the highlights of the life of televangelist Ta m m y Fa y e Ba k k e r ( Jessica Chastain) who helped build a television empire with her husband Jim (Andrew Garfield).

By scamming millions of dollars out of their daily viewers, the Bakkers were able to live luxuriously until everything came crumbling down.

Scandal after scandal, the Bakkers were removed from their pedestal as Jim served his 45-year prison sentence (This sentence was eventually reduced and saw Bakker walk out of prison and right back into primetime television where he still resides today. Lesson learned!)

In a classic motif for the biopic genre, director Michael Showalter first examines the beginnings of both Tammy Faye and Jim meeting at a Bible college in Minneapolis as they struggle to find their purpose in life. Slowly but surely, they make the right connections which

leads them to discovering an opportunity: Rather than travel the country in their car spreading the sermons of their ministry, why not broadcast their message to nearly every home in America through television?

By marketing through such a new technology, the Bakkers were able t o c a p i t a l i ze o n t h e m o m e n t a n d c re a t e d an almost cult-like following through their PTL Satellite Network, becoming one of the largest networks in the United States. By exaggerating stories and striking fear in their audience, PTL was able to collect millions of dollars from their donors by persuading them that their donations were to help support the church.

This money, however, was simply used to pad the pockets of the Bakkers.

The film for some reason decides not to take a firm stance on the story. Showalter simply allows the audience to watch the events unfold without ever providing any commentar y. We never truly see life from Tammy Faye’s eyes as the title suggests. Instead, the script just merely goes through the motions of a conventional biopic to bring to life many of the highlights in the absurd life of Tammy

Faye. It almost feels like the script was written using Wikipedia.

We never get a deep dive in Tammy Faye’s psyche or understand w h a t m o t i v a t e s h e r.

Chastain tries her hardest to go all out, but with such a weak script her character is only explored through the ridiculous amount of makeup and cosmetics.

The audience never u n d e r s t a n d s Ta m m y Faye, they only see her.

The 2000 documentary of the same name is the basis for this film and provides a more in-depth character study throughout all the ups and downs of her celebrity life.

Narrated by RuPaul, the documentary prides itself in Tammy Faye’s campyn e s s a n d a l l ow s t h e audience to understand her thoughts, emotions and actions throughout every major moment in her life.

“The Eyes of Tammy Faye” was clearly made as an awards contender for Chastain to finally achieve Oscar gold, but a performance is only as good as the story behind it. While Chastain is electric in the role, she is given such a dull, unmotivated script that may have her fighting just to simply receive a nomination come awards season.