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INSIDE NEWS
SRU student voter turnout lower than national average
NEWS
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GRAPHIC BY ERIC DAVIES
In the 2014 midterm elections, 11.6 percent of SRU students voted compared to the national student voting rate of 19.1 percent. If the SRU voter turnout matched the national student turnout, then 1,597 students would have voted compared to 957.
By Hannah Shumsky Assistant News Editor
INDEX Blotter.................A-4 Opinion................B-1 Sports...................C-1 CampusLife.............D-1
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A report of SRU student voting rates reveals that 11.6 percent of students, or 957 out of 8,363 students, voted in the 2014 midterm election. Nationally, the 2014 voting rate for all academic institutions in the study was 19.1 percent. The data comes from the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement (NSLVE), which compares enrollment records from the National Student Clearinghouse with public voting files from Catalyst. NSLVE is an initiative from Tufts University's Institute for Democracy and Higher Education. David Kershaw, associate professor and chair of Slippery Rock University's political science department, first found the NSLVE data and expected a low turnout, but closer to 25 or 30 percent. “When I saw the 11 percent, that’s rock bottom,” Kershaw said. In the 2016 presidential election, 48.3 percent of students from universities that participated in NSLVE voted, reflecting the added attention toward national over local elections. “Growing up, everyone sees the president as the most important figure, so they get sort of worked up,” Kershaw said. “But for the most part, with midterms, it’s local people that you don’t know.” The NSLVE report states 58.6 percent of SRU students were registered to vote for the 2014 election. Of the SRU student population who was registered to vote, 19.8 percent cast a ballot for that midterm election. Kershaw believes that the higher registration rate reflects the multiple ways Pennsylvania residents can register to vote. “You can register when you get your driver's license, you have an online registration, so you just basically say, ‘Yes,’ but you forget about it,” Kershaw said. “It’s not like you’re registering with the intent of voting. You’re registering because it’s easy.” According to Kershaw, the low college student turnout during midterm elections leads to a lack of candidate visits to colleges. This semester, only one candidate on the ballot, John Fetterman for lieutenant governor, visited SRU. “If you’re part of the 11 percent, they’re not going to reach out to us,” Kershaw said. “This is one of the problems with having such lower turnout. Why do they need to?” The majority of students, 88.7 percent, voted in-person on Election Day in 2014 while 5.8 percent voted using an absentee ballot.
In order to get an absentee ballot, Pennsylvania residents must provide an excuse on their application. College students, people with physical disabilities or illnesses, military members and people working away from their municipality or celebrating a religious holiday may request an absentee ballot in Pennsylvania. Other states, including Ohio and Maryland, do not require an excuse. The added deadlines and steps in the process, such as buying stamps to mail an application pose more barriers to voting for college students. While SRU’s population has increased 5.5 percent since 2014, Kershaw doesn’t anticipate a large change in the turnout for this November’s midterms. “You don’t see radical shifts in people’s political behaviors without a major intervention,” Kershaw said. “We’re still drawing from the same population, so we’re not radically different than we were a couple years ago.” As part of their advocacy project this semester, the Slippery Rock Student Government Association (SRSGA) social justice committee is focusing on increasing student turnout for the midterm elections. So far, the committee held voter registration tables in the ARC, Smith Student Center and Bailey Library. “Regardless of your political party, your affiliations, your views, we just really feel that it’s important for students to understand that their vote matters and your vote expresses your voice and a change you want to see,” Kennedy Moore, SGA vice president of diversity and inclusion, said. SGA had absentee ballot applications available in their office in Smith Student Center Suite and offered to pay for the postage for both the application and absentee ballot. Absentee ballots for Pennsylvania residents are due to a voter’s county office by Oct. 30, and the completed ballot must be mailed back by Nov. 2. “It’s a very quick turnaround, which is why we’re emphasizing people to apply for the ballot now so that way it does get submitted and counted on time,” Moore said. According to Moore, NextGen will provide two vans to transport students to the polls on Nov. 6. At press time, SRSGA has not announced additional plans regarding transportation this Election Day. To see the full NSLVE report on SRU student voter turnout from 2014, visit theonlinerocket.com.
October 26, 2018
NEWS
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NEWS
A-4
October 26, 2018
POLICE BLOTTER October 18- Police received a smoke detector activation in Rock Apartments #2. The alarm was set off due to burnt food and the panel was then reset.
October 20- Police were called to Watson Hall for an odor of marijuana from a room. Police cited two people in the room.
October 18- A person filed a report for items stolen from the Aebersold Recreational Center (ARC). The case is under investigation.
October 20- Police were called to Building A to check on an individual. Police requested an ambulance for transport at the request of the person being checked on.
October 18- Police received a smoke detector activation in Rock Apartments #2. The alarm was set off due to burnt food and the panel was then reset.
October 20- Police were called to Building E to check on a loud noise complaint. Police discovered alcohol in the room and the case was referred to Student Conduct.
October 20- Police received a call for two males carrying signs in the University Police Staff Lot. Benjamin Sabljak, 21, and John Sommers, 21, were cited for Disorderly Conduct.
October 20- Jesse King, 21, was charged with sexual assault. October 21- Borough police requested assistance for a fight on Cross Street. Police assisted the person(s) getting back into the house.
October 21- Police received a smoke detector activation in Rock Apartments #6. The alarm was set off due to burnt food and the panel was then reset. October 21- Police were called to Building F for a fire alarm activation. The room was checked and it was determined that steam set off the detector. October 21- Police received a smoke detector activation in Rock Apartments #7. The detector was found to be malfunctioning and safety was notified to replace the detector. October 22- Police received a call for a person feeling ill in the Harrisville Building. An ambulance was also dispatched but the person refused transport.
October 22- Police received a metis alert in Eisenberg Classroom Building. The alarm was accidentally tripped and the panel was reset. October 22- Police received a call for a person feeling ill in the Spotts World Culture Building. An ambulance was also dispatched, and the person was taken to hospital by ambulance. October 23- Police received a call to the Boozel Staff Lot for a person wanting to report their car being hit. Both parties exchanged information. October 23- Police were called to Building F for a smoke detector activation. The room was checked but the cause of the alarm trip is unknown. Safety was notified to check the system. COMPILED BY OSCAR MATOUS
Slippery Rock Mayor encourages political literacy By Haley Potter Rocket Contributor
Students have started registering and planning for Election Day on Nov. 6 to ensure that they have a say in government. Students of Slippery Rock University can head home to their towns to vote, or they have the option to vote right here in Slippery Rock for their convenience. Slippery Rock Mayor, Jondavid Longo said that everyone should vote in this and every election. “It is your duty as a citizen of our great nation to go out and vote,” Longo said. He also said that many men and women have died to provide the right to vote, so we as citizens should preserve that right. Longo said that there are many people around the world that are not given a voice or a chance to promote changes in government. “Why so many Americans are not willing to vote is beyond me,” Longo said. Longo said that many young people do not understand the need to vote, especially in elections that are not presidential. “Decisions made by lawmakers today will affect us tomorrow, and young people need to realize that,” Longo said.
Longo mentioned that right now in America, there are some who believe in the dismantling of traditional American practices and values. “Many are calling for us to shift to a socialist or communist society,” Longo said. Longo said that he does not understand that desire because he does not want us to end up with failed systems similar to Russia, Cuba and Venezuela. Aside from those large government issues and ideals, Longo wants to make it known that local level elections and decisions are just as important. “These elements are what touch our everyday lives,” Longo said. He said that these decisions can lead to an increase or decrease in taxes and create a climate that is friendly to businesses or a climate that pushes them away. Longo said that these situations are what made him decide to get involved in politics. “I was unhappy as a homeowner, with how much I was paying in property taxes,” he said. Longo also said that he did not believe that Slippery Rock had adequate representation when it came to promoting the community’s name and interests. “I saw a town that was unfriendly to businesses and unfriendly to newcomers and decided I
wanted to make a change,” Longo said. Longo said that like himself, he encourages all young people to participate in our democracy. He said that it does not have to be through running for office or taking a big role. “It all starts with voting and being educated enough to vote with confidence,” Longo said. Longo also said that it is important for people to stay away from the ballot box if they are unprepared to vote. “Unfortunately so many are duped into voting for who they are told is the ‘right candidate’ and they never get a chance to think independently,” he said. He said that to avoid that type of voting, students should read from multiple sources, stay away from sources with too much bias and actually listen to what the candidates have to say. “Go to a rally or watch them debate, whatever it takes to make an educated decision,” Longo said. Longo reiterated that voting was never meant to be easy. He said that it is quite difficult because it is the duty and responsibility of all Americans to make this decision to lead our country down the right path. “The fact that it is hard and a privilege to vote is also what makes it all worthwhile,” Longo said.
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October 26, 2018
O OPINION Volume 102, Number 1
220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:
(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 therocketnewspapersru@gmail.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Eric Davies
Editor-In-Chief
Adam Zook
News Editor
Stephen Cukovich Megan Bush
Sports Editor Campus Life Editor
Heather Donat
Copy/ Web Editor
Paris Malone
Photo Editor
Thomas Fabian
Multimedia Editor
Hannah Shumsky
Assistant News Editor
Oscar Matous
Assistant Sports Editor
Hope Hoehler
Assistant Campus Life Editor
Sarah Allen
Assistant Copy/Web Editor
Jack Hopey
Assistant Photo Editor
Dr. Brittany Fleming
OPINION
Our View
Midterms Matter We at The Rocket believe that voting is not only your right as an American citizen, but your responsibility. We do not want this to be understated. This election is important. Your vote is important. Who you vote for is important. As we get closer to the election the calls to vote should still be recognized, but an idea of who you will be voting for should start to form. After weeks of hearing from political campaigns, campus officials, student organizations and non-profits about registering to vote, now is the time to exercise the right which you have secured. The differences between the candidates running for the top offices in our commonwealth are more pronounced this election, possibly moreso than any race before this. Recently, the Republican candidate for governor of our commonwealth threatened violence against his opponent, promising to “Stomp all over” Governor Tom Wolf ’s “face with golf spikes.” The Republican running for the U.S. Senate, Lou Barletta, was an early supporter of Donald Trump and an advocate for his agenda including the proposed wall that would stretch across the southern border, voted for the Republican tax plan, causing the deficit to skyrocket ,and consistently supports anti-choice legislation. For these reasons and many others, The Rocket staff encourages students registered in Pennsylvania to vote for Tom Wolf for governor, John Fetterman for lieutenant governor and Bob Casey for U.S. senator. Governor Wolf 's strong stances on voting rights, funding for education across the state and improving access to healthcare for Pennsylvanians make him a candidate The Rocket Staff is proud to have as governor. Wolf ’s runningmate John Fetterman is the only statewide candidate to visit our campus this year and made a lasting impression on the students he spoke to here. He is a friend to unions across the state and secured the endorsement of our faculty and staff through the APSCUF union. Bob Casey has faithfully served the people of Pennsylvania for years and will continue to keep our best interests at heart. Even though these statewide races are important, your local races are equally, if not more, important. We encourage voters to research all candidates who will appear on their ballot and make educated decisions about who should hold office at every level of government where they reside.
Faculty Adviser
ADVERTISING STAFF Lauren Ault
GRAPHIC BY: JACK HOPEY
Advertising Manager
ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. The Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its funding from the SGA Student Activity fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 738-2643 or by emailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.
CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Rocket are available. Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year. Inquiries should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief at the address listed here.
In the Quad By: Tom Fabian
This week’s question: Question: Are you registered to vote? KEY:
Grayscale = NO Color = YES
Out of 50 randomlyselected SRU students, 76 percent are registered to vote in the upcoming election.
EDITORIAL POLICY The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board. “Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.
LETTERS POLICY The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication. The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published. Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any. Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.
In 2016, there were 200 million registered voters in the United States, which was about 60 percent of the population.
OPINION
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October 26, 2018
Why Your Vote Matters
Cord McKenna Vice President, Young Progressives Cord McKenna is a member of Musical Theatre Society and is earning bachelor's degrees in history and political science.
As a Millennial, one of the things that makes me the angriest are older generations complaining that Millennials are killing everything. As much as I hate to admit that they are correct, when it comes to voting, only 51 percent of people aged 18-30 that were eligible voted in the 2016 election. A study done by the Pew Research Center shows that “as of November 2016, an estimated 62 million Millennials (adults ages 20 to 35 in 2016) were voting-age U.S. citizens, surpassing the 57 million Generation X members (ages 36 to 51) in the nation’s electorate and moving closer in number to the 70 million Baby Boomers (ages 52 to 70).” It is estimated that Millennial voter turnout will be low for the 2018 elections despite the lasting impact that this election cycle will have. The offices up for election this year are the ones that most actively affect your daily life and will have
an important influence on legislation for years to come. There are many important positions up for election this year and these elections will act as an important voice to the Trump Administration. The election for registered voters in Slippery Rock is for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senator, State Representative and P.A. House Representative. Voting is a chance as citizens to have our say in the function of our government. It is also the most important civic duty we have. Your voice will not be heard unless you voice your opinions. It is super easy to get the information you need about who is running and the stances they hold on the issues. You can’t complain if you don’t vote, and there’s currently a lot to complain about. Also, don’t forget about the free sticker!
"Voting is our chance as citizens to have a say in the function of our government."
QUESTION OF
THE WEEK
@SRURocket
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October 26, 2018
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INSIDE SPORTS Coach Lokash looks back on storied career
SPORTS
The milk jug comes home after 28-13 win
After 35 seasons with The Rock, coach Lokash still is going strong for the Green and White.
The Rock is now 8-1 in the alltime milk jug series.
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See Page C-3
Former Rock pitcher makes his MLB Playoff debut in Wild Card against the Yankees
Courtesy of Rock Athletics
Oakland Athletics releif pitcher Lou Trivino during his time at The Rock from 2011-13.
By Brendan Howe Rocket Contributor
Pitching in the big leagues is an accomplishment in itself. But being handed the baseball on the Yankee Stadium mound, under the floodlights, in a do-or-die contest in October? Now that is something else entirely. Earlier this month, former Slippery Rock University ace Lou Trivino had that remarkable experience. The 27-year-old righty entered the American League Wild Card game in the bottom of the second inning and was tasked with keeping his Oakland Athletics, already down a pair of runs, within reach. From the same hill that legendary closer Mariano Rivera once mowed down batters on, Trivino what he was asked, tossing three scoreless frames. “I don’t think anybody had the foresight to know he was going to be in the major leagues doing what he did this past year,” said Jeff Messer,
headed into his 34th season at The Rock as The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s (PSAC) all-time winningest head coach. Seven years ago, Messer was told of a 6’5”, 230-pound high school junior that was impressing a former player’s dad in American Legion ball. The physically impressive teen hadn’t drawn much attention playing at Upper Bucks Christian in Sellersville, Pa. The coach invited him to visit Slippery Rock that summer, unaware he was courting someone he would label today as the hardest working pitcher he’d ever coached. “He loved it [here], we liked him, and we had seen some video on him before that […] a couple of my former players had seen him throw on the eastern side because he’s six hours away. [He] came in and he committed verbally right away.” Despite larger schools taking notice in his senior year, Trivino stuck to his commitment to Coach Messer and The Rock’s program and arrived on campus after helping his Pennridge American Legion Post 255 finish as the state runner-up. In his freshman year wearing the Green and White, Trivino pitched over 53 innings and ranked second on the team by posting a 2.53 earned run average. For his efforts, he was named to the All-PSAC-West squad and was an honorable mention All-Atlantic Region performer. That summer, he pitched for the Quakertown Blazers of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League, throwing the team’s first complete-game no-hitter. After a sophomore campaign in which he started a dozen games, finishing with an 8-3 record, he was tagged with multiple honors. A 1.78 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 76 innings was
enough to crack the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-Atlantic Region’s first team. He also was an All-America honorable mention. A record-setting junior season saw Lou earn first-team All-PSAC Western Division and Daktronics All-Region honors. He broke The Rock’s single-season and career strikeouts records with 92 and 227, respectively, but it was an outing against Seton Hill that really caught the attention of professional scouts. Scouts there to see the Griffins’ starter that April afternoon took note of Trivino, who went seven innings, striking out just as many, and allowing only three runs to a top-25 team on the way to the win. Two months later, in the 11th round of the MLB’s amateur draft, Trivino was taken 341st overall by the A’s. Assigned to the minors, he developed physically and was converted from a starter to a relief pitcher. His pitch velocity jumped almost instantly with the decrease in workload, and strength training and specific workouts helped refine his abilities. At Matt Adams’ formal number retirement, Lou showed the confidence that helped him eventually reach the majors. “He was in Single-A at the time, I think, and I remember him telling the president and me that his number [37] would be the next number retired,” Messer said. He played five full seasons in Oakland’s farm system before he was invited to spring training for the first time this past year. Because of matters regarding the options major league franchises factor into player control, Trivino was left off of the Athletics’ opening day roster. Although he began 2018 in Triple-A, he was soon promoted, making his debut against the Chicago White Sox on April 17. He soon started
serving as the team’s setup man, but struggled in the season’s second half, putting up a 7.78 ERA over his last 23 appearances before the Wild Card. After Aaron Judge blasted a two-run homer in the first inning of the game, Trivino was called on in relief of Liam Hendriks. As if Messer was unaware of his former ace’s entrance, he was quickly notified. “I probably got, literally, 50, 60 texts as soon as he went in,” he said. Trivino was greeted by an infield single and then walked the next batter on four pitches. “He was amped up. Too emotional, being in Yankee Stadium and the whole nine yards,” his former coach said. “I was nervous for him. You could tell he was really overthrowing and their pitching coach actually came out, which was a really good thing, and just tried to slow him down a bit.” Following the visit from the pitching coach, Trivino got Gary Sanchez to ground into a double play and then proceeded to cut down the next batter on three strikes. “That first inning went by and I was like, ‘Oh, he got through. Let’s just finish it there. He had a great outing.’ And then they run him out again. Same thing, unbelievable,” said Messer. “So, each time he went out, I didn’t know he had that much more in him and, every inning, he did better and better and better. It was a great night for him.” All told, “Sweet Lou” retired the next six batters, with three more strikeouts. “The moment’s not too big for him. And he just feels like he should be there. And he maybe doesn’t know better that he should be nervous, but that’s why he’s successful.”
Rock football prepared for perhaps toughest opponent yet By Oscar Matous Assistant Sports Editor
Following last week’s 28-13 win against Clarion University, the Slippery Rock University football team will face perhaps their toughest opponent of the season this week. The Rock, coming off six consecutive wins, will take on the California University (Pa.) Vulcans on Saturday in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) showdown. The Rock enters Saturday's game in first place in the PSAC West Division with an overall record of 7-1 and 5-0 in the conference. They are currently the only team in the PSAC West who remain unbeaten in conference play. The Vulcans currently sit at a record of 5-3 (4-1) and in second place in the PSAC West. Rock head coach Shawn Lutz said he is confident in his team to be able to defeat the Vulcans. “I expect to beat [California] but that’s not saying we’re going to,” Lutz said. “I don’t think anyone would disagree in saying that we could beat anybody right now. But also, we have all those penalties and some of the other things we do to shoot ourselves in the foot, we could also lose to anybody.” Penalties have caused the some of the biggest problems for The Rock this year. They currently rank last (167th) in all of Division II in fewest penalty yards with 906 yards on 85 penalties, according to the NCAA. Despite the penalties, Slippery Rock has continued to put up strong offensive numbers. They currently lead the entire PSAC with 42 touchdowns and 323 total points, according to the PSAC. Leading that offense for the sixth consecutive game is quarterback Roland Rivers III. Rivers has rushed for 320 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry on 65 attempts. He has also thrown for 1,665 yards 19 touchdowns with 118 completions on 195 attempts for a pass rating of 60.51 percent. Rivers has been putting up some impressive numbers with redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jermaine Wynn Jr. Rivers has connected with Wynn Jr., a transfer from Alderson Broddus, for 214 yards and five touchdowns in the past two weeks. “They’ve been hitting it off these past few games,
haven’t they,” Lutz said. “I don’t know if they have been hanging out or what. He runs good routes but what I really like about [Jermaine] is that he’s such a positive, positive person when you talk to him; he’s a coach's dream.” In addition to Wynn Jr., Slippery Rock’s receiving core has found continuous success this season. Redshirt sophomore Henry Litwin leads all Rock receivers with 560 receiving yards and is tied with Wynn Jr. in touchdowns, with six. Redshirt junior Mike Merhaut and true junior Austin Scott have combined for 614 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 29 catches. Senior running back Wes Hills is PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET coming off arguably one of his strongest Running back Wes Hills runs the ball against Edinboro University on October 13 games of the season so far during in SRU's annual homecoming game. On the season, Hills has rushed for 658 yards, Saturday’s game against Clarion. On averaging 6.8 yards per carry, and five touchdowns. the season, Hills has rushed for 658 yards (averaging 6.8 yards per carry) on 97 attempts Lutz, enthusiastically. “Find me a better offensive with five touchdowns. He currently ranks fifth in line in the conference right now than ours.” Defensively, The Rock will look to their linemen the PSAC in rushing yards with 658. Since Hills has returned from an injury that he suffered in to help break through California’s offense. The duo week two’s loss to Shippensburg University, redshirt of redshirt sophomore Chad Kuhn and redshirt sophomore Braden Fochtman has seen a drop junior Trey Blandford have combined for 14.5 sacks in playing time, despite being one of Lutz’s go-to for 133 yards. Along with fellow linemen senior Tim Soave and redshirt sophomore Tim Vernick, Kuhn running backs in Hills’ absence. Lutz acknowledged the skills and talent that and Blandford make up one of the PSAC’s strongest Fochtman has brought to the team this season and defensive lines, Lutz said. “Our defensive line coach Joe Phillips does a said that he is very fortunate and confident in using great job with our line,” Lutz said. “They are just him when the situation calls for it. “With what you have seen in both the Clarion relentless and play hard. After last week’s game game and in the Edinboro game, would you use against Clarion, I definitely think we have the best anybody but Wes Hills right now,” Lutz said. [Hills] defensive line in the conference.” With the matchup with California just days away, is a better blocker simply because he is a much bigger guy and, I mean, try tackling the guy. Right Lutz acknowledged that this game will be one of now, we’re set with Hills but when [Hills] needs a the more interesting ones of the season so far in the breather we will put Fochtman in the game with no PSAC. “It’s semifinals on both sides with us and California hesitation.” Perhaps The Rock’s group of unsung heroes this and West Chester and Kutztown,” Lutz said. “It’s one season has been the offensive line, Lutz said. Prior of the most pivotal games in the season just because to the start of the season, Lutz said that the offensive of what it could lead to in the playoffs." Kickoff for Saturday’s game against the Vulcans is line was his team’s weakest link. “We have other team’s coaches talking about how slated for 1 p.m. at Adamson Stadium in California, good our offensive line has been this season,” said Pennsylvania.
SPORTS Coach Lokash reflects upon PSAC WEST her storied coaching career STANDINGS
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October 26, 2018
Football 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
7-1 (5-0) 5-3 (4-1) 6-2 (3-2) 5-3 (2-3) 4-4 (2-3) 2-6 (2-3) 2-6 (1-4) 1-7 (1-4)
Slippery Rock California (Pa.) Indiania (PA.) Edinboro Clarion Gannon Mercyhurst Seton Hill
PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET
Coach Lokash discusses strategy with sophomore defensive specialist Jalyn Willard during The Rock's 3-1 win over Lock Haven.
By Zach Bonnette Rocket Contributor
Men's Soccer 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
11-2-3 (7-1-2) 10-5-1 (7-2-1) 8-3-5 (6-2-2) 9-3-3 (5-2-3) 9-6 (6-4) 7-4-5 (4-2-4) 8-6-2 (4-4-2) 6-9-2 (4-5-1) 7-9-1 (4-6) 6-7-3 (3-5-2) 3-8-4 (1-8-1) 2-13 (0-10)
west Chester Gannon Millersville Shippensburg E. Stroudsburg Seton Hill Mercyhurst Slippery Rock Bloomsburg Lock Haven California (Pa.) Pitt-Johnstown
Women's Soccer 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
Millersville Bloomsburg Kutztown Seton Hill West Chester Lock Haven E. Stroudsburg Slippery Rock gannon Indiana (Pa.) Mercyhurst Shippensburg edinboro Pitt-Johnstown Clarion Mansfield California (Pa.)
13-3 (12-3) 12-2-2 (11-2-2) 13-3-1 (11-3-1) 12-4-1 (11-4-1) 11-4-1 (10-4-1) 10-4-1 (10-4-1) 10-5-1 (10-4-1) 11-4-2 (9-4-2) 8-6-2 (7-6-2) 9-7-1 (7-7-1) 7-9-1 (5-9-1) 7-9-1 (5-9-1) 6-10 (5-10) 5-12 (4-11) 3-13-1 (2-13) 1-14 (1-14) 1-13-2 (0-13-2)
Field Hockey 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
e. stroudsburg West Chester Shippensburg Mansfield kutztown Millersville bloomsburg mercyhurst Indiana (pa.) Slippery Rock Seton Hill
12-2 (7-0) 12-2 (6-1) 10-3 (4-2) 8-6 (4-2) 11-4 (4-3) 7-5 (3-3) 8-5 (2-4) 4-10 (2-4) 3-11 (2-5) 6-8 (1-5) 0-13 (0-6)
Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4.
Gannon Edinboro Slippery Rock mercyhurst
23-1 (12-1) 13-10 (6-7) 9-13 (6-7) 9-17 (4-9)
Standings as of Thurs. Oct. 25th at 2:08 p.m .
When it comes to any sport, longevity is an integral piece of a successful program. There is not a better example of what it means to have longevity than looking at Slippery Rock University’s volleyball coach, Laurie Lokash. A hard working, determined and passionate coach, Lokash has laid the foundation for the Slippery Rock volleyball program that is seen today. Coach Lokash is not only one of the most decorated coaches in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), but in all of Division II. Compiling 634 wins over her illustrious career, Lokash has moved into 18th on the list for all-time winningest coaches in Division II history, while being the 8th winningest active coach across Division II. A feat that is certainly something to be proud of, Coach Lokash maintains a humble approach, crediting all the players who have come through the Slippery Rock volleyball program since 1984. To better appreciate and understand Coach Lokash’s career at SRU, just look back on how Slippery Rock’s coach got to where she is today, as she gives an indepth look at the birth of her coaching career. Laurie Lokash has been involved
with volleyball for virtually her entire life. In high school, she played on a Norwin team under Sheron Watson, that captured three consecutive Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state championships. Lokash would go on to begin her college career at West Virginia University, where she would play one season before transferring to Penn State to play under legendary volleyball coach Russ Rose. After her playing days ended, Lokash made the transition into coaching the sport she loves. “I love sports, especially volleyball,” Lokash said. “I had the opportunity to play for two of the greatest head coaches ever in Sheron Watson and Russ Rose and after the fact I had a job as athletic trainer, and Coach Rose called me and said, ‘If you want to get into college coaching, now is going to be your chance;' and the pieces just fell in place.” Things surely did fall in place for both Laurie Lokash and Slippery Rock, as the volleyball program was going through changes and did not have a head coach in place. The rest was history. Slippery Rock contacted Lokash and offered her the job, and at just 22 years old, she started down the path of coaching and has not wavered since. 35 years later, Slippery Rock now has the winningest coach in PSAC history and Coach Lokash has enjoyed every second of it. After racking up 635 career wins, Coach Lokash gave some insight to how playing for Sheron Watson and the winningest coach across all three college divisions, Russ Rose, partially influenced the way she coaches today. “One thing about Russ that I really liked is that we did not have a lot of rules per se, what he did was essentially instill a commitment to the team and what we were trying to achieve and Sharon was a bit more strict but she had a lot of really good cues as far as teaching fundamentals,” Lokash said. “She is one of the best fundamental coaches I know, and you try to take bits and pieces from each coach and make it your own style of coaching.”
The style of coaching that Lokash puts forward is certainly effective, given her impressive record of accomplishment. In her first season as head coach, she led a Slippery Rock team that is arguably the best the university has ever seen. The 1984 SRU squad put together a 33-6 record and captured The Rock’s first ever PSAC volleyball title. The accolades do not stop there, as she led Slippery Rock to a sweet sixteen appearance in 1993 and ended the season with a school record 40 wins, and tied a school record for the least losses in a single season with six. The very next year in 1994, The Rock put together a 30-15 record, earning PSAC runner-up honors and earned a berth into NCAA regional tournament. Coach Lokash would go on to lead her team to three more appearances in 2000, 2005, and 2006. Despite of all her accolades and coaching for over three decades, Coach Lokash maintains that winning is certainly not the most rewarding aspect of coaching, rather, watching her players grow and mature as women. “I absolutely think the most rewarding aspect of coaching is seeing a player develop as an adult. I always said to people that volleyball or athletics in general is an internship for life,” Lokash said. “In life, and in college athletics more specifically, working hard is an expectation. So I have used my experience to not only coach players in volleyball but teach them valuable lessons about life.” Coach Lokash’s commitment to her athletes and Slippery Rock is something that anybody must respect. But after 35 years of coaching, one may suspect that it becomes less enjoyable. When asked about her coaching future, Coach Lokash assured that the passion she has for volleyball is a strong as it ever was. “As long as you are enjoying something, I think that you should stick with it. But when it becomes a burden or an actual job, then it may be time to go,” Lokash said. “I love volleyball and I love working with these players, we’ll just have to see what the future holds.”
Women's soccer clinches early playoff birth By Karl Ludwig Rocket Contributor
Whether dashing down the sideline of James Egli Field in pursuit of a well-placed ball like senior forward Skye Kramer, charging through the heart of the opposing defense to fire off a long-rangeshot like senior forward Brooke Testa, or extending to full body length to deny a free kick like senior goalkeeper Kylie Downs, the seniors of the Slippery Rock women’s soccer team have been running through the conference for almost four years. Now they are running short on time to leave their mark. With Indiana University (Pa.) defeating Gannon University Tuesday afternoon, The Rock clinched a spot in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Tournament for the eighth consecutive season. Head Coach Jessica Griggs has been at the helm for four seasons now, leading the Green and White to a 44-24-6 record with this crop of seniors. Regular season success aside, the current Rock squad has not made an impact on the regional scale—and has not even qualified for the national competition. “They have been in this position before though, they’ve been in the playoffs every year since we have been here so hopefully that drive to go further in the PSAC playoffs is there because we haven’t gotten far since this class has been a part of the program and we haven’t gotten to the NCAAs. I do think there is a driving motivation,” Griggs said. Being the first group of players to develop completely from their freshmen seasons, Griggs holds this squad in high regard but always pushes them to live up to that billing and push beyond. “This is our first four-year class and we’ve developed and created a really good relationship with our six seniors,” Griggs said. “They’re well aware of the
expectations on the field and off the field so their ability to lead the group has been really great for us because it now means we have a full circuit of players within our program who really understand what we expect.” Having a squad of talented, accomplished seniors to coexist with the freshman revolution currently in effect for the Green and White really sets this team apart from others that Griggs has coached in the past few seasons. “There’s a lot of differences. Every year creates a whole new dynamic of players. Last year we had a really good dynamic in the program because we had enough players in the program who were well— versed in what the expectations were,” Griggs said. “This year is different because we have such a young crew, so I don’t think that I can compare the two.” Testa and Kramer lead this season’s squad with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Expecting senior leaders to produce big goals in crucial moments is easy to predict on paper but much harder to replicate on the pitch. The Rock has not had to worry about such a scenario. Freshman midfielder Jordyn Minda and freshman forward Rachel Edge round out the top four scorers with 12 and 8 points, respectively. Contributions—especially team leading contributions—from unexpected faces push this group above the expectations of their predecessors. With a balanced offensive attack led by the senior juggernauts and their freshmen counterparts, a sort of changing of the guard from Testa and Kramer to Minda and Edge, the defensive corps led by junior defender Madison Johnson and sophomore defender Elise Forry has stifled opponents all season to the tune of only 13 goals allowed at a clip of .76 per game. Ranking fourth in both aforementioned statistics in the PSAC has helped the goalkeeping duo of Downs and freshman
PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET
Freshman forward Rachel Edge sheds a defender during The Rock's 3-0 home win over California (Pa.).
Emma Yoder to combine for 10 shutouts with a .74 goals against average and a .865 save percentage. Griggs knows the sky is the limit for this squad, and that keeping their momentum rolling will be the biggest challenge now. “Right now, we are just trying to create as much confidence as we can with our playing style. That’s what I think will catapult us pretty far, I think the biggest thing we need to do right now is continuing to ride the wave that we are on and do that with confidence,” Griggs said. With a game left to play against Shippensburg University, seeding in the PSAC Tournament will fluctuate as the final games of the season across the conference wind down. A win against the Raiders would help with PSAC seeding and the improve the possibility of making the NCAA Tournament. “I think it should help us, but I don’t know if it’s going to put is within the top six just yet. Top six in the region will go to the NCAA Tournament but unfortunately this year, the PSAC completely outdid the MEC so this year it’ll only be the top five in the region going to the tournament and the automatic qualifier from the MEC,” Griggs said. “So realistically we need to be in the top five to get to the NCAAs this year.”
SPORTS Rock brings home "Milk Jug Trophy" for eighth time in series history
October 26, 2018
"The way I've taken over, every game we just want to win." -Shawn Lutz SRU football head coach
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By Stephen Cukovich Sports Editor
"It's a friendly rivalry, that's all it is." -Paul Lueken SRU Athletic Director
Some rivalries ries in sports are me, due to history built over time, m's dominance over or one team's ut in Division II football, the other, but ade through creative and some are made ans between the two friendly means teams. "It's a friendly iendly rivalry, that's all it is," SRU Athletic etic Director Paul Lueken en said. "Clarion on and Slippery ery Rock have had a lot of good ood games overr the years and I think hink it's just a way to o signify that we have a good, friendly rivalry." lry." C l a r i o n University football and nd Slippery Rock ock University football have ave met a grand total of 81 times dating all the way back ack to 1910. The Rock stinct holds a distinct edge over the gles in Golden Eagles the all-time series d of 54with a record 24-3 in thatt time luding frame, including past 22 19 of the which meetings have gone thee Green and White's way. Ac c ord i n g t o Lueken, thee "Milk y" was Jug Trophy" introduced in 2010 after former Clarion Athletic Director Dave Katis is was approached d by a Clarion alumni mni with an idea. "[Katis] called alled me up one day and said, 'hey Paul we got this alum and booster donor thatt would like to bring ng some significancee to our game with Slippery Rock'," Lueken en said. The idea of a milk jug came from rom the fact that there here is a considerable amount of dairy farms ms in the area between en SRU and Clarion. Clarion geographically cally is the closestt team The Rock plays ays each season out of the Pennsylvania ia State Athletic Conference onference (PSAC) West. t. One may assume the idea of the Milk Jug may have been inspired by the rivalry trophy rophy between California University (Pa.)
and Indiana University Univ (Pa.) called the "Coal Miners Pail Trophy" which was iintroduced to the rivalry the year before befo the jug in 2009 due to the coal industry industr in that area. "I think it just adds a little bit b of neat stuff for the teams playing," Luek Lueken said. "It's bragging rights, that's what it is. And you know it's always nice to be on the winning side of those things." The rivalry trophy between b SRU and Clarion has bee been a one-sided affair affair since its int introduction in 2010. The Rock currently cu holds an 8-1 advantag advantage after their most recent battle bat last week when the Gree Green and White defeated the Golden G Eagles 28-13 at Clarion. Cla L o o k i n g at t h e history bo books, a more recogniza recognizable Slippery Rock rivalry riv might be the o one The Rock has w with IUP. The Gree Green and White was able to upset No. 14 IUP in week six this season, defeating the Crimson Hawks 330-27 at their house. According to SRU ffootball head coach Shawn S Lutz, the histo history with IUP goes back to a time well before he made his spot on the coaching coa staff. "People don't realize why it's a rivalry," Lutz said. "I "Its a rivalry because C Coach Mihalik, when he was a coach and first ggot hired, he could never neve beat IUP." That w would change shortly afteer coach Lutz arrived to the coaching staff in 1996 19 when The Rock went wen on to beat IUP four sstraight times early in his SSRU coaching career. How However, like any great football footb coach, he addressed th the bigger goal he wants his team to focus on each seas season. "The way I' I've taken over, every game we just want to win," Lutz said. "Don't get me wrong, wro I'm not trying to ta take away the rivalry, I just jus don't want every single year the only thing that matters m to us is did we beat IUP, it's gotta be about ev everybody on the schedule schedule." The Roc Rock currently sits in first place in the PSAC West Wes standings with a 7-1 o overall record and a perfect 5-0 record in Western Confe Conference action. A win this Satu Saturday at CalU, another so-ca so-called rival of The Rock, would indefinitely secure The Rock the top spot in the PSAC West and an be the host for the league title game gam on Nov. 10.
SPORTS
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October 26, 2018
Men's cross country looks to squad up in PSAC Championship at Edinboro next week
Palmieri and team want to show off talent at PSAC Championship for women's cross country
From psacsports.org
The new Slippery Rock University individualized Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) logo.
By Aaron Marrie Rocket Contributor
The Slippery Rock University women’s cross-country team are set for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship at Edinboro University on Saturday, Nov.3. The Rock women are coming off a 14th place performance in the Rock Pre-Nationals as enior Sabrina Palmieri finished a team high 28th place. The women look to continue their season success and maybe surprise some people. “Throughout this season all those ladies have shown some brilliance and if everybody puts it together on that same day, we are going to surprise a lot people I think,” Said head coach John Papa. “I think that we're gonna finish two or three spots ahead of where we're anticipated to finish.” After the PSAC Championships, the women will be heading back to the Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park as they will host the Regional
By Cal Rickert Rocket Contributor
The Green and White runners will take on the most important 8,000 meters of the season Nov. 3 for the PSAC Cross Country Championships at Edinboro University in which runners from all PSAC teams will be competing. The previous races this season have all led up to this one and the runners will be embracing the hype as they get into the right mindset going into the championships. This week, Head Coach John Papa says he has a desired plan for his runners this coming meet. “Teamwork and running for each other and all of the other little mental aspects of the [sport]," Papa said. Senior Josh Rader understands these mental aspects along with the rest of the team. “[Rader] is very consistent in practice, in races, [and] he comes through,” Papa said. Rader has displayed his consistency this season as he has led Green and
White runners in the last four races and is a great example to the less experienced runners. “You work hard year after year [like Josh], you’re going to get better and improve,” Papa said. In a sport that requires mental toughness to push through discomfort, other runners will definitely be feeding off of his determination and the energy he brings in order to give their best. In the weeks working up to the race, the Rock men will begin tapering in practice and cutting back on weight training so they are well rested and healthy come Nov. 3. “We've added some pieces of the puzzle so far this year, but have not really put it together,” Papa said. Using the previous races as a means of practice, Coach Papa is hoping all the pieces will fall into place next week at Edinboro. After placing tenth overall last season at the Championships and after coming off of a first place finish at the Bill Lennox Invitational as well as a 24thoverall finish at the Pre-Nationals, the Rock men will be looking to build and improve upon their previous performances.
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CAMPUS LIFE
INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE SRU alum reflects on journey to campaign manager's seat Bobby Maggio graduated in 2015, quit his job and is now working for Lieutenant Governor hopeful John Fetterman. See Page D-2
School of Business to host Cyber Security Fair In the ever-changing technological world we live in, students must keep themselves safe and secure on the internet. See Page D-3
Young Progressives stay prominent and informed By Eric Davies Editor-in-Chief
The Democratic Party is currently struggling with its identity across the country: it is having a dissuasion about the kinds of issues that led to the dispersion of the College Democrats here at Slippery Rock University last year. After working on Hillary The College Republicans Clinton’s 2016 Presidential campaign, the were restarted in the spring semester executive board of the College Democrats of 2017 by current President senior found themselves at a crossroads as many and political science pre-law major, Brian other party members did after the election. McLaughlin. The organization officially received Throughout the campaign, a divide funding this semester and are now seen as an b egan to form in the official organization on campus after restarting executive the program about a year and a half ago. b o a r d “I came here and saw all these left-leaning between the institutions. I wanted to have some kind of moderate and representation for right-wing students and to have progressive that to counterbalance the left wing,” McLaughlin members. said. “I feel like those people needed a voice and When it came time to determine the next group people to talk with that think like them.” of leaders for the organization, the more centrist candidate was elected Most of the College Republicans believe in the same to the position of vice president despite a lack of experience and little support from longstanding conservative principles such as small government, members of the organization. With the help of voters who had never previously attended a meeting for the free market, lower taxes, and an overall patriotic and organization, the moderate Democrats had succeeded in denying a progressive the vice president position. nationalist feeling. Not everyone in the organization After this shift in values, Catlin Kilmer and Lindsay Newton decided that their beliefs were no longer classifies as straight conservative. The College Republicans accurately reflected in the College Democrats and set out to create their own organization. also consist of many Libertarians which also falls on the “Me and the other co-founder, Lindsay Newton, realized that we were maybe a little more right side of the political spectrum. progressive than just Democrats and we kind of decided to just stray away and begin our own “We don’t all think the same way, there are some people that organization,” Kilmer said. love Trump and there are some people that are more Cruz After guidance from a founding member of the University of Pittsburgh chapter of Young conservatives, more socially conservative and that’s their main Progressives, the two decided to bring a chapter to SRU. thing,” McLaughlin said. “Generally, we agree on most things when Following the formal recognition by the Student Government Association at the it comes to politics.” beginning of the 2018 spring semester, the newly-formed organization immediately This semester the College Republicans held a mini voter registration and set to work sponsoring events and supporting progressive causes. candidate awareness in order to raise awareness for the upcoming midterm “We realized that we needed to be really outspoken on campus,” Kilmer said. elections. Previously, the organization has held various informative tables and The group began by hosting a panel discussion on the legalization of panels. Last year there was a debate held between the College Republicans and marijuana with professors and speakers from every angle of the issue to College Democrats. provide multiple viewpoints. In addition to sponsoring their own events, On Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. in ATS 132, the College Republicans the Young Progressives also take pride in co-sponsoring events with will be showing Death of a Nation directed by Dinesh D’Souza. other advocacy groups like the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance’s “Hopefully [Death of a Nation] is a way that we can spark Take Back the Night and pride events hosted by SRU’s LGBTQ group political debate about the scope of American politics now," RockOUT. The members of Young Progressives also keep their McLaughlin said. presence on campus and issues in the public eye with public displays In o r d e r t o p r e p a r e and and information tables. r a i s e aw a r e n e s s f o r The organization is preparing for the midterm elections by the upcoming midterm hosting candidates and educating local voters about the elections, the College progressive candidates on the ballot. The group hosted Republicans the only statewide candidate to visit campus, John put out a few pieces of Fetterman, during his primary run for the Democratic information that show Lieutenant Governor nomination. In the coming what candidates support. In weeks, they will host Lisa Boeving, a candidate meetings, they have also discussed for the Pennsylvania state congress, and will specific candidates running. be advocating for other local candidates like The College Republicans meet the first Darcelle Slappy and Ron DiNicola. and third Thursday of each month from The Young Progressives meet every 12:30 to 1:30 in Spotts 113. other Wednesday at 8 p.m. in 113 To le ar n more ab out t he Spotts. The next meeting will College Republicans, follow them take place on Oct. 31. on Twitter @SRUGOP and on Instagram @ sru_gop.
College Republicans offer representation, balance By Hope Hoehler Asst. Campus Life Editor
CAMPUS LIFE
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October 26, 2018
Bobby Maggio: From general manager to campaign manager By Megan Bush Campus Life Editor
In 2 0 1 5 , S l i p p e r y R o c k University alum Bobby Maggio quit his job at Dunkin' Donuts to become a volunteer for Braddock Mayor John Fetterman's U.S. Senate campaign. Just three years later, Maggio is now Fetterman's campaign manager working on his race for Lieutenant Governor. A But l e r n at ive, Mag g i o graduated from SRU with a degree in political science in May 2015 and continued work at the Butler Dunkin' Donuts as the general manager. His tune changed when John Fetterman, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate at the time, traveled to SRU to speak to the student body. Friends of Maggio told him that, as a political science graduate, he should come to see Fetterman speak at the Ski Lodge on campus. "I fell in love with his message, with his position," Maggio said. "He has such a genuine, everyday kind of attitude, and the fact that he was up there simply talking about his position and not trying to sell the audience anything like other politicians really spoke to me." Maggio quit his job at Dunkin' Donuts and started volunteering, without a paycheck, for Fetterman's campaign. He was hired as the political director of the campaign early in 2016. Fetterman lost the election, but because he pulled 20 percent of the vote, Maggio said
the team had high hopes for his next race. Before the November election in 2016, Maggio began work at NextGen, planning and organizing registration and information events on SRU's campus. He and the NextGen team registered over 2,000 students to vote in that election. "Western Pennsylvania is just this sea of red, but there was a little speck of blue there, and that was SRU," Maggio said. Maggio moved easily from his position as political director to campaign manager in the weeks after the presidential election, and in 2017, Fetterman's team started working on his next race: Lieutenant Governor. While the team was very small, Fetterman made history by winning the Democratic primar y in May and upsetting the incumbent Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack. As part of the strategy for Fetterman's Lieutenant Governor campaign, Maggio implemented a 67-county tour strateg y : Fetterman would visit every single county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania before the 2018 election. Maggio suggested this strategy because when Hillary Clinton was running for President in 2016, she made the mistake of only appearing in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and making a short stop in Johnstown. This made those in most of the Commonwealth feel ignored by her, and some of the Democratic voters cast their ballots the other way. Donald Trump, the Republican nominee
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOBBY MAGGIO
SRU alum Bobby Maggio (left) stands for a photo with Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman. Maggio is Fetterman's campaign manager and started his political career with Fetterman's U.S. Senate campaign in 2015.
and current President, made visits to more areas and didn't "ignore" them. "Those voters really rolled the dice by voting for [Trump], but they felt ignored and that they weren't being paid attention to by their own party, especially those in the rural counties of
Pennsylvania," Maggio said. Fortunately for Maggio and the Fetterman campaign, Maggio had made numerous connections within the rural areas, and when they began this 67-county tour, he utilized those connections. SEE FETTERMAN PAGE D-3
Take Back the Night JACK HOPEY/THE ROCKET
The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance led Take Back the Night, in collaboration with eight additional campus organizations, Tuesday evening. Starting in the Quad, the event featured guest speakers, a march around campus and a candlelight vigil. The goal of Take Back the Night is to raise awareness of sexual violence and honor survivors as well as those who have lost their lives.
October 26, 2018
CAMPUS LIFE
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School of Business to host annual Cyber Security Fair
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHEN LARSON
Presenters at last year's Cyber Security Fair inform SRU students of different aspects of cyber security such as social media, email security and data encryption. This year's fair, hosted by the school of business, will be held Nov. 1 from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
By Kayla Kuppertz
The fair will give students the opportunity to learn about different components of cyber safety from presenters at various booths. Students will receive a card upon entry to The Slippery Rock University School of track each booth they visit, which they can use Business will host the 2018 Cyber Security Fair to enter to win an HP Stream Notebook and Thursday, Nov. 1 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in other tech prizes. the Smith Student Center ballroom to teach “The fair will cover an array of topics about students about online safety and cybersecurity online safety, including email security, social measures. media, smartphones, Internet privacy and Rocket Contributor
passwords,” said Dr. Stephen Larson, associate professor in the school of business and the event’s organizer. Students can also learn from instructional components, which will include demonstrating how to secure personal Wi-Fi and personal computers and how to backup, encrypt and safely delete data. Teams of students from the practical computer security class will cover nearly a dozen topics for attendees. Other vendors and presenters will include the Better Business Bureau, SRU’s Information and Administrative Technology Services, the local smartphone repair service provider and PNC Bank. The event offers students much to learn about online risks, device encryption and how to counteract potential cyber threats. Spotting malware, generating strong passwords and deleting sensitive files safely are just a few skills students can gain from attending. In a constantly innovating technological world, it is important to understand how to protect devices and personal information from dangers on and offline. Students can receive cyber security tips and learn more about the event by following the cybersecurity fair on Twitter @CyberFairSR. SRU's school of business achieves its mission and learning goals through a business education program with a strong focus on globalization, sustainability, internships, leadership, development of interpersonal skills, experiential learning opportunities and entrepreneurship student engagement within and beyond the classroom. As part of the college of business, information and social science, the school of business strives to help students build the foundation for a successful career.
'Rock solid' education helped alum succeed in political career CONTINUED FROM PAGE D-2
Even in the more "red" counties, voters were coming out to meet with Fetterman and learn about his messages and positions. "It's really exciting, and it proves how successful the idea of reaching out to every county in the commonwealth can be," Maggio said. On Sunday, Oct. 28, Fetterman will complete the 67-county tour before embarking on another trip around the Commonwealth in the week before Election Day. Maggio noted that, while Fetterman stopped by each county at least once, there's a large number of them that he has visited more than seven times during this period. Maggio hopes this will encourage high voter participation and bring large numbers out to the polls next Tuesday. "We won't stop until the polls close," Maggio said. "We really want to get the message across that we're out there fighting for the everyday person." Maggio has been a key factor in Fetterman's success so far, and he stressed that his time here at The Rock is really what got him to where he is now. Professors in the political science department, like Dr. Sharon Sykora, Dr. Heather Rice and Dr. David Kershaw, helped Maggio prepare well for life after college. "They were really supportive during my time at SRU, and they've been just as supportive after graduation," Maggio said. Additionally, the small-school setting aided the Butler native in understanding life in more rural areas, which helped him build such strong professional relationships later in his career. He also said he cherishes having attended a state school because now, he regularly interacts with politicians who determine the fate of publicly-funded education and having that experience bolsters his interactions with them. "SRU students may feel like going to a small school hasn't prepared them as well as other schools, but the truth of the matter is, they're just as prepared if not better-prepared because they'll have a great PHOTO COURTESY OF BOBBY MAGGIO education coming out of SRU," Maggio said. Maggio (middle) poses with young voters and a Tom Wolf/John Fetterman campaign sign. Everything connects back to Slippery Rock University, Maggio said, Bobby During Fetterman's campaign for Lieutenant Governor, Maggio developed a strategy involving and if John Fetterman hadn't decided to come to speak at the Ski Lodge Fetterman visiting all 67 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's counties and simply speaking about in 2015, Maggio doesn't know where he would be. his position and messages. Maggio graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2015 with a degree in Maggio advises SRU students to take the opportunities that may political science. come their way, even if it may seem like a bad move. After all, he quit his stable job for a volunteer position, and taking that chance led to Right now, Maggio is focused on helping Fetterman win the the opportunity of a lifetime. upcoming election. As for the future, he's excited to see where his "There's gonna be a lot of people saying, 'You can't do this,' 'You career will take him. shouldn't do that,'" Maggio said. "I say you gotta just take those "I feel like I've had a very successful career and I've only just started," opportunities when they come your way. Just go for it. It can be hard Maggio said. and scary when you first graduate but you have to take those chances when they come."
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October 26, 2018