The Rocket endorses candidate for POTUS
SRU Democrats ready for ‘off season’
The Rocket endorses Hillary Clinton for office because she is the most qualified candidate in the 2016 presidential election.
After a stressful political season, the SRU Democrats are ready to relax and look toward the next election season. See Page D-1
See Page B-1
NEWS
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N NEWS
November 4, 2016
INSIDE NEWS
SRU Professor Lectures in Italy
Changes Made to Transfer Policy The Pennsylvania Board of Governors approved policy revisions that affect credit transfers for students.
An SRU professor recently presented her research in a lecture at a university in Pavia, Italy.
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See theonlinerocket.com
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INDEX Blotter.................A-3 Opinion................B-1 Sports...................C-1 CampusLife.............D-1
GRAPHICS COURTESY OF MCT MC CAMPUS
SRU students share their thoughts on the 2016 presidential election and who they're voting for Twenty-four students at SRU were asked for their t houg hts on t he 2016 presidential election and whom they are voting for on Nov. 8. A reporting group of c om mu n i c at i on m aj or s interviewed the 24 students on Monday. Of the 24 students inter viewed, a slight majority of 11 students favored Republican candidate D o n a l d Tr u m p w h i l e nine favored Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Four students said they were not voting in the election. “I would vote for Trump because lately, we have been seeing on the news the real side of Hillary Clinton,” Jeremy Shybloski, junior, said. “I watched the last debate and I thought it was pretty awful. They both are constantly jumping down each other’s throats about what they believe in.” Todd Dimlin, accounting major, said he is also voting for Trump. “I personally don’t care for either of them,” Dimlin said. “I wish we had better candidates to choose from and we don’t. I don’t even know who Johnson and Stein are.” Michael C ostanzo, sophomore sports management major, said he is voting for Clinton in the
election. “Donald Trump is the most unqualified person to run for president,” Costanzo said. “He is a racist and has no viable plans for anything if he were to become president.” Costanzo said he was pre viously a supp or ter of B ernie Sanders but, after doing more research, switched to supporting Hillary Clinton. “She has the experience from being secretary of state, first lady and a senator,” Costanzo said. “She is the most qualified candidate in history.” Some students interviewed said they were not voting at all. Zack Dusch, forensic chemistry major, said he would not be voting because he believes both presidential candidates are liars. “Clinton lied about her emails and Trump basically lies about everything,” Dusch said. “I don’t feel comfortable voting for either of them.” Joe Mactavish, senior information systems manager, said that regardless of who wins the election, America is in trouble. He is not voting because he b elie ves the two main candidates have their own flaw. “Hillary is a traitor and should be thrown in jail,” he said. “Trump is a great
Election day voting information for SRU students
For students voting in Slippery Rock here is the information you'll need to know to cast your vote. Newsroom: 220 Eisenberg Building There are two voting locations for each (724) 738-4438 Slippery Rock side of the town of Slippery Rock to vote at. Students who live on the Weisenfluh side Advertising: University of campus (either in Rhoads or North Hall) (724) 738-2643 Slippery Rock, PA will vote at Slippery Rock Park. Slippery Fax: 16057 Rock Park is located along I-73 or North (724) 738-4896 Main Street heading towards the Grove City Outlets.The rest of the commuter students, Email: along with the town of Slippery Rock on that therocketnewspapersru@ side, will also vote at Slippery Rock Park. gmail.com Students who live in Buildings A, B, Watson, D, E and F will vote at the Slippery Awarded first place in Rock Township Building on the corner of Newspaper Overall Excellence Harmony and Branchton Roads, which is by The Society for Collegiate Journalists. across from the IM fields. NextGen Climate will have buses that will be offered to students for transportation to and from both locations. Residents and commuter students on this side of town will also vote at the Slippery Rock Township Building.
CONTACT US
businessman but he’s far too immature, plus his foreign policy is awful.” Although Mactavish is not voting, he doesn’t think it matters that his voice won’t be heard. “We live in a country that makes it seem like average people can easily bring about change,” he said. “Corporations control our politics, country and the whole world.” Krista Davis, senior social work major, said she is not looking forward to next week’s presidential election but will be voting for Clinton. “I will be voting for Hillary because I despise Trump,” Davis said. “I would really like to vote for a non-major party candidate but then my vote won’t be counted. I guess Hillary is the lesser of two evils.” Some students said they are still not sure whom they are voting for. Communication majors Stephen Cukovich, Douglas Gilghrist, Connor Himich, Jordan Robertson, Chase Voltz and Daniel DiFabio conducted the interviews Monday for the Feature Journalism class. The responses from the various i n te r v i e w s w e r e t h e n selected and combined for this story.
Students who have a voter registration card can check their card for the location they are supposed to vote at. If students do not possess a voter registration card, then they can go to www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us for more info on where they are registered at. Once on the website, go to the pages section and go to 'polling places info.' Once on that page, students can find out where they are registered to vote by typing in required information, which is their county, city, street, house number and zip code. If students simply want to know whether they are officially registered, they can go to www.co.butler.pa.us/bureau-of-electionsFAQs and click on the third choice. Here it will tell you how to find out if you are registered. Students should see theonlinerocket.com for NextGen Climate's full busing schedule for election day.
November 4, 2016
NEWS
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POLICE BLOTTER Campus
October 31- Police were called about a traffic October 29- Kaylie Troutman, 18, and Kimberly accident in the West Lake Lot. The caller did not October 29- Person reported unknown person(s) Seymour, 18, were cited for alcohol violations in obtain information from the other driver, and was keyed their car in the Founders Middle Lot. The case Building E. advised to contact their insurance carrier. is under investigation. October 29- Police were called to Building B for a October 31- Person reported to police that she was person passed out on the bench outside the building. assaulted by another female in the quad. The case is October 29- Nurse requested an ambulance for Person was transported to police station and was under investigation. an intoxicated person at the Health Center. An picked up by parents. ambulance was dispatched by SRUPD. October 31- Person reported to police that October 30- Police found a vehicle damaged and unknown person(s) took his bike. The case is under leaking fluids in the Union Commuter Lot, the vehicle investigation. October 29- Zachary Smith, 19, and Brendan was towed and police discovered property damage. Pfeuffer, 18, were cited for alcohol violations in Person will be cited for careless driving. October 31- James O'Brien, 19, was charged with a Building E. drug violation in North Hall for marijuana.
SGA Campus Crawl aims to improve campus safety By Logan Campbell Assistant News Editor
The Slipper y Rock Student Government Association held its annual Campus Crawl Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m., which allowed the SRU students to help find improvements that can be made to the campus safety. Students met outside of the suite office on the second floor of the Smith Student Center to begin the crawl. Abby Fugh, the SGA vice p re s i d e nt o f s t u d e nt a n d academic affairs, along with Claudia Hartmann, a SGA Rock Apartments senator, are in charge of the Campus Crawl and look forward to this event. "It's an opportunity for students to first get volunteer hours, but also give back to their campus and identify areas that can be improved," Fugh said. "The areas could be improved with an additional stop sign, a crosswalk, or some brighter colors in areas
if it needs more yellow paint or white paint. This is all to improve the accessibility and safety on campus." This event has been put on annually around the OctoberNovember time in the past, and has found some key safety issues on campus, Hartmann said. Lights and crosswalks are two of the major areas that are always addressed each Campus Crawl, Hartmann said. Students voice their concerns and those areas of concern are looked at first, Hartmann said. "Lighting is definitely the main issue," Hartmann said. "Certain lights around the campus are out and each light is identified with a number, so we write that number down in a log. People suggest certain crosswalk ideas and we try follow up on those as well." However, crosswalks aren't as easy to put in as some people may think, Fugh explained. Certain reasons may arise that prevent crosswalks from being put in, whether it be the angle of the
road or something else, Fugh said. If something can't be done then there must be a reason as to why it can't be done, so that awareness is brought to the public, Fugh said. Cracks in some of the sidewalks is always a big issue that is found during the crawl, Hartmann said. Students just need to be on the lookout for these kinds of things when going to class, so they can be fixed and improved, Hartmann said. "There is a lot more that goes into putting in crosswalks than any of us can imagine," Fugh said. "Especially from a maintenance perspective of the situation." Any student can participate in the Campus Crawl, and Hartmann encouraged students to help out. Everything students put into the logs will be addressed and looked at, Hartmann said. The logs are brought back to SGA and then taken to Scott Albert, assistant vice president of facilities & planning, for review, Hartmann said. "I meet back with Albert to make sure we see eye-to-eye
and if any discrepancies on the writing that people did in the logs," Hartmann said. "I'll invite other people to come with me just to see of they have anything to add at all. Contacting me is a good way for people to stay involved with things like this." Another incentive for students b esides community s er v ice a n d h av i n g t h e i r c a mpu s safety concerns answered were giveaways. AVI provided cookies that were given to students who came to the event, as well as hot apple cider and a free key-chain. The results from the Campus Crawl will be posted to SRSGA. org, as well as the goals that will look to be accomplished postCampus Crawl. This will be located under services on the SGA website. The turnout for this event has been around 50 students for this event, with around 50 students being the expected turnout this year, Hartmann said.
NEWS Panel of SRU professors hosts presidential roundtable discussion, answer student questions A-4
November 4, 2016
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
SRU political science professor Heather Rice speaks about the election
By Logan Campbell Assistant News Editor
Members of the SRU faculty hosted a roundtable discussion in Swope Auditorium Thursday night, which allowed students to ask questions about what worries them in the upcoming election. Dr. George Brown, Dr. David Kershaw, Dr. Heather Rice and Dr. Sharon Sykora, of the Political Science Department, led the roundtable discussion along with Dr. Cindy LaCom of the Gender Studies Program. The faculty developed their own set of questions for the discussion that they felt students would want answered, and let students ask their own questions to the group. The questions revolved around not only the presidential candidates but their views on current issues, the third party candidates, and the views of women and millennial voters. A big topic among students was
Donald Trump's idea that the election would be rigged to allow Hillary Clinton to win if he does in fact lose. Kershaw assured that the voting process being rigged would be difficult to be accomplished. People tend to know other people when they go to vote, so the use of a fake name or ID would be challenging, Kershaw said. If more and more people try to rig the election. it will catch on and they will get caught, Rice said. "Trump has claimed of these conspiracies to keep him from being elected ever since he got the nomination," Rice said. "There are three major ways someone could rig an election in his world. They could stuff the boxes with Clinton votes, use the media bias towards Trump to listen to them and the fact that the whole election is rigged against him. It will be interesting to see how Trump reacts if he does in fact lose." Another question arose about
whether people should vote solely for the candidate or stick to their party beliefs and vote for the party candidate. There are more undecided voters this year compared to 2008 and 2012, and that can be seen because of the drastic split in parties, LaCom said. "There is an extreme lack of power within the parties, and it seems like they're having an identity crisis," LaCom said. "What each party means and stands for is going to drastically change after this election." Gary Johnson has been named as a third-party candidate, but Rice said this shouldn't be looked at as serious. The electoral system consists of two major parties, and it was designed to be that way, Rice said. The third party candidates can be spoilers, but they will have a tough time winning, Brown said. Women and millennial voters have been an issue for this election because they make up a vast portion of voters, Brown said. The question remains
whether or not the millennial voters will come out on Election Day, LaCom said. LaCom mentioned how Clinton needs to win over these voters since most of them were in favor of Bernie Sanders. "Recent polls have shown that Clinton is winning over the millennial and women voters, but Trump could still sway their opinion," LaCom said. "Clinton is focusing more on education, which appeals to the millennials because it is their future." Each candidate has been involved in some sort of scandal or another, and this has been more of a focus than the pressing issues at hand, Rice said. It's been more about the e-mails and the comments about women than what matters to the American people, LaCom said. Another major question was how some of the candidate's views and ideas would be moved into action if elected. Brown discussed said that little changes would occur if Hillary were elected, but that things may change if Trump is. "If Trump is elected it will be interesting to see if he changes his views or tones it down a bit once in office," Brown said. "Each candidate is critical of one another's opposing views and proposed ideas, and some are more realistic than others. Trump's proposed wall plan to build in Mexico is unrealistic in my opinion." At the conclusion of the discussion, Sykora asked each panel member for their opinion on who they thought would win. Each member gave a response, with the majority saying Clinton would win, but it would be a close election. The common theme of each professor was to make sure that students are informed about the candidates before they vote. Students need to vote, but should go informed and well-read on each candidate, Sykora said. "This is a very important election, and everyone should go out and vote come Tuesday," Sykora said.
Local APSCUF members hold rally to say 'thank you' to students By Daniel DiFabio News Editor
Local members of APSCUF hosted a student appreciation rally Thursday during common hour in the quad gazebo, giving students food and drinks. All the food at the rally was donated, including root beer and cream soda from the North Country Brewery. Fifty faculty members helped to give out the items to students. Ben Shaevitz, president of the SRU chapter of APSCUF, said that the rally was a thank-you to the students that stood with APSCUF during the strike.
Shaevitz said that students expressed solidarity by joining APSCUF on the picket line and bringing food. He said the idea for an appreciation rally was talked about on the picket line during the strike. "It was really, really moving to be out there and know that those were Slippery Rock students," Shaevitz said. "It was such a moving thing to see that our students were actually paying attention enough and cared to come out and be visible with us. It gave me chills." Shaevitz said on the first evening of the strike that there was a conference
call between all chapter APSCUF presidents where every president said that they could not believe the support of the students at their respective campuses. "That's something very special," Shaevitz said. "Even though we didn't want to have a strike, there was ultimately a purpose for this." Shaevitz said there's momentum now and that he hopes faculty will pay more attention to what students are doing outside the classroom and vice versa. "We can continue to work together to make this place great," Shaevitz said.
Advocacy is one way that Shaevitz said students and faculty can work together, with the two groups trying to figure out a way to lobby officials in Harrisburg to fund higher education more appropriately. Shaevitz has said in the past that faculty members would also work with students on service projects in the future. Shaevitz said that one idea to use the momentum from the strike positively is to form a student affiliate for APSCUF on campus but that the idea is still in the early stages.
SGA works to get lights on Harmony Road after lack of updates By Daniel DiFabio News Editor
SGA is increasing their efforts in the issue of a lack of lights on Harmony Road in Slippery Rock, with members going to township meetings to see the progress on the implementation of lights. Logan Steiger walt, SGA President, said that when SGA came back to school for the fall semester, members of the group went to the first township meeting where they were told that not a lot of progress had been made on the issue. Steigerwalt said that the township did say they would look into fronting the cost of the lights, which was something they did not want to do initially, but now they see a need for it.
"They said they were going to move forward with this and have them in by the end of the semester and have the complexes backpay what they [the township] put up," Steigerwalt said. He said that he will be attending the township's meeting next week to see how much progress has been made. SGA has plans to start a social media campaign about the issue. The group also plans to reach out to news organizations in the area and even Pittsburgh to get some coverage. Steigerwalt said one idea was to put a camera along the road on the weekends so people can see it in first person. "If nothing else moves forward we will talk to our legal attorney," Steiger walt said. "We're ver y serious about it."
Steiger walt s aid t hat t he university has helped SGA by providing contact information but has been largely hands-off, saying there's an awkward relationship because the township can't tell the university what to do and the university can't tell the township what to do. "This is something we want to see down by the end of the semester because it's dragged on for way too long than it should be," Steigerwalt said. He said that on the recent student life survey conducted by SGA, 92 percent of students said this is a somewhat to very important issue. Steigerwalt said SGA will use that data along with previous petitions to go to the township and show the amount of student concern. An anonymous concerned
parent of an SRU student emailed members of the administration and The Rocket in September about the issue, urging that the county and the township find a way to work with the complexes to install sidewalks and streetlights so students are visible and do not have to walk on the road. "Please do this as a proactive measure, do this before one of these young students is hit and killed by a vehicle," the concerned parent said. The parent sent another email in October, saying that they received two responses that said the issue was that someone else needs to something. The parent urged SRU administration, SGA, local government and the student apartment complexes to work together.
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November 4, 2016
O
OPINION
Our View Clinton is the most qualified candidate for POTUS
OPINION Volume 100, Number 3
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 Ryan Barlow
Editor-in-Chief
Daniel DiFabio Megan Bush
News Editor Campus Life Editor
Cody Nespor
Sports Editor
Rebecca Dietrich Victoria Davis
Photo Editor Copy/ Web Editor
Logan Campbell Nina Bracci
Assistant News Editor Assist. Campus Life Editor
Jordyn Bennett Kendall Scott
Assistant Sports Editor Assistant Photo Editor
Amanda Salvia Eric Davies
Assist. Copy/Web Editor Multimedia Reporter
Mark Zeltner
Faculty Adviser
ADVERTISING STAFF Catharyn Burton
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) 7382643 or by emailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.
CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
GRAPHIC BY KENDALL SCOTT/ THE ROCKET
For many college students, Nov. 8 will be the first time they cast a vote for the President of the United States. Who we elect will say a lot about this country’s values and a lot about where this country is headed. It is up to us to elect someone who reflects the positives of America, not the negatives. This is why The Rocket is endorsing Hillary Clinton this election cycle. Hillary Clinton has run her campaign focusing on what we believe makes America so special: diversity, freedom, strength in unity and the idea that if someone works hard enough, they can achieve anything they want. Donald Trump, in contrast, has run his campaign focusing on what he views as wrong with America as opposed to focusing on how to make it better. Anything which Trump deems un-American he wants to get rid of, whether it be diverse populations, rights of minoritized groups or bits in the Constitution he simply doesn’t really like. Hillary has been in public services for the better part of 30 years. She has served as a lawyer, the first lady of Arkansas, the first lady of the United States, a United States senator and the secretary of state under President Barack Obama. At each stop along the way, Hillary helped as many people as she could and left each position better than she found it. As the first lady of Arkansas, Hillary helped reform public schooling in Arkansas and cofounded a non-profit children and family advocacy organization. As first lady of the United States, she helped children across the country get health insurance, advocated to
improve adoption, family safety and foster care and emphatically stated at a United Nation summit that “human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights.” As the first female New York senator, she helped address the health issues of the 9/11 first responders and voted against George Bush tax cuts and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. While serving as secretary of state under President Obama, Hillary was faced with the complex issues in the Middle East and on several occasions helped to find diplomatic solutions to counteract aggression from countries like Iran and Libya. Now as the first female candidate for president of one of the two major parties, Hillary is running on a platform that focuses on making America a more fair and inclusive country for everyone. Her primary goals are making improvements to the Affordable Care Act so that healthcare in America can become a right for everyone, not a privilege for few; reforming the campaign finance system and Wall street; allowing pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants; expanding and protecting LGBTQ and women’s rights; supporting families through paid parental leave from work; and universal public schooling. Despite Hillary’s impressive resume, she, like anyone running for public office, is not a perfect candidate, nor does she have a perfect record. She has accepted large campaign donations from millionaires on Wall Street, she is seen as untrustworthy by some and her judgement has been
In the Quad
called into question on several different occasions. However, when compared to her opponent, Hillary is the clear choice for who should be the next president of the United States. For the last 18 months of his campaign, Donald Trump has called on the fears of the American people, isolated and vilified large groups of people both in America and around the world and has shown a grave disrespect for anyone that disagrees with him. On several occasions, Trump has belittled and attacked people based on their looks, abilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, skin color, religion, background and social standing. He has spent most of his life taking advantage of people he believes he is better than, and as president, there is little reason to believe this would change. Many high ranking members of his own party have stood against him (John McCain, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Mitt Romney) because they do not believe Trump’s America would be a good one. Hillary, on the other hand, has received support from virtually all Democrats in public office (Bernie Sanders, Barack and Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker) because they believe Hillary will lead America in the right direction as president. In the end, no matter who becomes President, The Rocket believes that your vote matters and just by taking part in the democratic process, you are making your voice heard and strengthening our country.
This week’s question: Who will you be voting for in next week’s Presidential election and why?
In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.
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.
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.
Stelio Chirgott Sophomore Accounting Major Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Jessica Funk Senior Communications and Creative Writing Dual Major
Dan Morgan Sophomore Finance Major Hampton, Pennsylvania
Clarion, Pennsylvania “I am voting for Trump because I can’t trust Hillary.”
“I will be voting for Hillary Clinton because she will do the most for woman’s rights.”
“I am voting for Trump based on his economic and foreign policy.”
OPINION
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November 4, 2016
QUESTION OF
THE WEEK @SRURocket
Our view: Katie McGinty is a stronger choice for US Senate While most people have been closely following the upcoming presidential election, many Pennsylvanians are unaware of the implications of the tightening race for senate. The race for the Pennsylvania Senate seat may have just as much impact on our lives. The race between Republican incumbent Pat Toomey and Democratic challenger Katie McGinty has been close the entire election cycle and could end up having major implications in Washington. Since being elected as a senator in 2011, Pat Toomey, a Rhode Island native, has been ineffective and, in The Rocket’s opinion, has not accurately represented the people
of Pennsylvania. Toomey opposes increasing regulations to combat climate change, same-sex marriage, universal healthcare and abortion. He has advocated for things like forest thinning and fracking that take away from Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. The Rocket has chosen to endorse for U.S. Senate. Katie McGinty was born in Philadelphia; her father was a police officer and her mother was a waitress. She was the first person in her family to go to a four-year college directly out of high school, going on to study chemistry at Saint Joseph’s University. After graduating she went to Columbia Law School and went on to be a legislative assistant for Al Gore while he was a
senator from Tennessee. In 1995, McGinty was appointed as the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality under President Bill Clinton and then became the Pennsylvania Secretary of Environmental Protection under Governor Ed Rendell. Most recently, she has served as Governor Tom Wolf ’s chief of staff. Now, Katie McGinty is running to become Pennsylvania’s first ever female senator. She is pro-business, supports same-sex marriage, is a proponent for tighter gun control laws, supports the Affordable Care Act and is pro-choice. McGinty has a track record of environmental protection and clean energy promotion and fighting for
working-class families. McGinty has received endorsements from Pa. Governor Tom Wolf, President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Democratic nominee for president Hillary Clinton, Pa. Senator Bob Casey and noted mayors Jim Kenney (Philadelphia), Bill Peduto (Pittsburgh) and John Fetterman (Braddock). Pat Toomey has been wavering in his support of Republican nominee Donald Trump and has received little support from the Republican party as a whole. For these reasons, The Rocket staff believes Katie McGinty is the best choice to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate.
Gary Johnson is not fit to be president because he is not interested in cooperation
Dylan Vamosi Commentary Dylan Vamosi is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in education - social studies.
Most voters are reluctant to support either of the two major party candidates in our upcoming general election on Nov. 8. Understandably, one option people have chosen is to support third party candidates because they hope that doing so will show voters that we have better options than the two major candidates. Unfortunately, our third-party candidates in this election are not good. The most popular third party candidate, Gary Johnson, is especially unfit to be president. Johnson is a Libertarian whose party makes little effort to lay groundwork in local and statewide elections, which makes their bids in general elections difficult and laughable. The party is riddled with conspiracy theorists and anarchists (see: Libertarian Party Convention 2016 -- yikes), and it seems devoid
of any real function besides as a spoiler. Similarly, Johnson’s only real advantage is that his last name is not Trump or Clinton. Johnson’s most damning quality is his apparent disdain for nuance and compromise. Disregard his “what is Aleppo”moment or inability to name a foreign leader. His proposals -- the issues on which he should be the most confident -- are flimsy and unrealistic. Unfortunately, his ideas are simple solutions to complicated problems and they sound desirable, which is why they are popular. For example, a constitutional amendment to prohibit the federal government from running deficits even during recessions, banning federal bailouts and abolishing the federal income tax and Federal Reserve sound like interesting ideas, but are not responsible political decisions. These ideas run the severe risk of people losing their livelihoods, depreciating the macro economy and limiting the federal government from taking emergency actions in times of widespread distress just to live under the guise of laissez-faire economics. These are not good ideas -- and they are just a few of Johnson’s popular ideas. Gary Johnson was also a poor governor in New Mexico. Johnson’s tenure as New Mexico’s governor was filled with obstructionism. The Washington Post detailed Johnson’s obstinence in an article titled “Years before ‘Aleppo Moment,’ Gary Johnson Showed Little Interest in Details on Governing.” Essentially, Governor Johnson was a well-documented slouch who did not care to learn about the nuances of partisan compromise or policy. If Johnson did not want the state budget to grow, he would veto any measure which
would do so strictly on personal principle -- regardless of the bill’s merit or importance. In Johnson’s first year as governor, he vetoed 47 percent of the bills that his legislature passed. That is insane and unacceptable. To one peer, Johnson was a “know-it-all dictator” who “just [did not] listen.” Meetings with Johnson were difficult for all legislators because of Johnson’s willingness to reject any offer and remain ignorant of the proposed legislation. Obstinence is a natural feature of any democracy, but Johnson’s brand of obstinence is exceptional in the worst way. His “leadership” is not feasible for a person who would like to hold the highest elected office in the United States. Johnson’s most telling quote is one in which he described himself. He would hold “Open Door After Four” sessions -- five-minute office meetings with the public to address their personal and political concerns. Unfortunately, five minutes does not adequately address complex issues for an entire state. Addressing the five-minute limit, Johnson said: “I can figure things out; I have good instincts...I think I was born with an overdose of common sense.” Unfortunately, common sense is not sufficient for a president. Presidents need nuance. They need experience. They need expertise to a certain degree. And they need to delegate power when necessary. Gary Johnson’s tendency to obstruct and propose outrageous ideas is not what the United States needs right now. Perhaps our country does not deserve Hillary or Donald, but we certainly do not deserve a president like Gary Johnson, either.
The views expressed in this week’s edition of The Rocket do not reflect the opinions of the entire Rocket staff. Other editorials published in the edition are opinions of the author of the article.
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INSIDE SPORTS
S SPORTS
Men's Soccer Misses Playoffs, Ends Season
Women's XC Prepares for Regionals
SRU men's soccer finished the season with a 5-9-2 record and failed to defend its PSAC title from a season ago.
Women's cross-country prepares to compete at and host the Atlantic Regional Championships this weekend.
See theonlinerocket.com
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Football loses most games since 2012 Injuries and inconsistent play lead to frustrating season By Jordyn Bennett Assistant Sports Editor
Though g The The Rock has two ggames left to play p y this season, first year eason, the first y of the Shawn Lutz era has filled with heartbreak. as been filled In their worst season since ggoingg 6-5 in 2012, multiple p Rock football winningg streaks and traditions raditions have been ended, and some majorr players p y were lost in the process. p “Wee have high g expectations,” p Lutz said. “We have high g expectations. p I’ve been a part p of thee program for over 20 years, p g y and the standard dard is still the process of us playing like champions.” mpions.” p While ile the standard is to p playy as champions, p the outcome utcome will be far from it. Th Thee Rock will not play p y in the conference championship p p game or have the opportunity pp y to p playy in the national playoff first time since 2013. nal playoffs p y s for the first Whether ther it was the weaknesses of the Rock or an n increase in strength g of other teams, The Rock’s postseason hopes were stopped p by PSAC SAC West foes. All four of the Slippery pp y Rock’s losses came from conference opponents: California (PA), pp ( ) Indiana ana (PA), ( ) Edinboro, and Clarion. Th Thee last time ime SRU lost to that manyy conference teamss was 2010. Three Three of those came within the last ast three weeks. Th Thee Rock hasn’t seen a conference nference losingg streak that bad since 2009, which was also the last time they lost to Clarion. arion. Lutzz said that his team's rankingg is disappointing pointingbecausetheyhadopportunities p g because theyy had opportunities pp to win n their last two ggames against g Edinboro and Clarion, but he accepts p that the record showss how they rank in the conference and
he knew that he would gget some of the West teams’ best ggames. “We have a bigg bullseye y on our back,” Lutz said. “Everybody wants to beat you.” y This was not a senior class used This to beingg beat. Ironically, y 2013 was the year y that this season’s senior class came to be. The same ggroup p that had never lost a ggame at home, up p until Edinboro ruined their homecomingg two weeks ago, g witnessed the rise and fall of the longest g home winningg streak in division II football, the first homecomingg loss since losingg first to the Fighting g g Scots eight g seasons rst time the Milk JJugg ago, g and the fi first would not be comingg back to Slippery pp y Rock to sit in the football office in Morrow Field House. While manyy staff changes g were made, manyy involuntaryy p personnel changes g were made to the Slippery pp y Rock depth p is season the Rock was plagued chart. Th This byy injuries. j The Rock’s defense rarelyy had all of its The on the fi eld at the same time. keyy players p y field senior defensive lineman Joe All-region g J Phillips p was absent in the opening p g weeks of the season due to injury. j y Th Thee Rock would also miss the p presence of all-region g senior linebacker Bob Vernick and redshirt jjunior The Rock JJohn Conglose g later in the season. The defense’s most recent loss was redshirt senior safety Kevin Green. SEE INJURIES , PAGE C-3 CODY NESPOR/THE ROCKET
First year head football coach Shawn Lutz yells at officials during The Rock's loss to rival IUP this season. SRU football has lost four games so far this year and is having its worst season since 2012.
Rock upsets West Liberty in 'Dig for the Cure' game Tuesday By Stephen Cukovich Rocket Contributor
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Senior Leah Jones serves the ball against West Liberty Tuesday night. Jones racked up eight kills in the win.
Rock volleyball defeated the West Liberty University Hilltoppers (1912) 3-1 Tuesday night at Morrow Field House during The Rock's annual Dig for the Cure game. Leading the way on offense was junior Brooke Bostwick with 14 kills and with help from freshman teammate Zoe Rivet, who racked an individual season-high 44 assists. Sophomore Shayla Ray handled the defense up front with seven blocks while junior Courtney Oberlander led the team in digs with 26, with senior Leah Jones helping with 23. In the first set, neither team seemed to have the upper hand in the beginning, as the lead was exchanged multiple times. The Rock's blocking up front was a big part of their game plan as Ray led the way. When the set was tied at 18 late, The Rock scored seven straight points to win the set 25-18. "I think that we got into some ruts, but we fought our way back out," head coach Laurie Lokash said. "And we haven't been doing that all year." When the second set kicked off, The Rock continued their scoring ways as they grabbed an early 6-1 lead. West Liberty committed 10 attack errors in the set, helping the Green and White
grab a 21-13 lead late. The Rock's defense would hold up as they won the set 25-19. The third set had a lot of the same qualities as the first set in the beginning as both teams refused to give in. That was until the set was tied at 12 and West Liberty struck with five straight points. Once the Hilltoppers took control, they only began to build on that lead, eventually taking the set 25-16. "I thought toward the end of the second set that we were starting to teeter out," Lokash said. "We weren't communicating as well as we did early on." As the fourth set began, West Liberty continued their scoring ways as they snatched an early 7-3 lead. The Rock wasn't done, though, as they started to eat away at the Hilltoppers' lead and eventually tied the set at 13 after the Green and White racked up five straight points. After another streak of five points by The Rock, they were able to get out in front 18-14. Then, just when West Liberty got within two points of SRU, The Rock scored the final six points to win the set 25-17 and win the match 3-1. The Rock has now improved their record to 11-16 and look to keep doing so when they take on Kutztown University (5-19) at Morrow Field House Friday at 7 p.m.
SPORTS
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November 4, 2016
Rock football looking for positive end to the season Football 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
California (Pa.) Edinboro Indiana (Pa.) Seton Hill Slippery Rock Clarion Gannon Mercyhurst
8-0 (6-0) 8-1 (5-1) 7-1 (5-1) 5-4 (2-4) 5-4 (2-4) 3-6 (2-4) 4-5 (1-5) 2-7 (1-5)
Men's Soccer PSAC Championship Bracket
CODY NESPOR/THE ROCKET
Junior running back Isiah Neely runs throught a Clarion tackler last Saturday. Neely has 427 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns this season.
By Cody Nespor Sports Editor
Women's Soccer PSAC Championship Bracket
After losing their third consecutive game last week, the Slippery Rock University football team is hoping the end the season on a high note. Coming into town this Saturday will be the Seton Hill University Griffins, who will be trying to knock off the Green and White for a second straight year. With matching 5-4, 1-3 records, neither team has much to play for at this point other than pride. "It's all our own resume, we've got to have a winning record," Rock head coach Shawn Lutz said. "They don't like to lose and we've got to get that winning feeling back. That's what we're playing for." Seton Hill boasts the second-ranked passing offense in the country, led by their quarterback Christian Strong who has 3,299 passing yards on the season. The Rock has struggled against pass heavy offenses this year, with Edinboro and Clarion both attempting more than 40 passes against SRU and finding enough success to get victories. Edinboro quarterback Jake Sisson attempted 62 passes, completing 28 for 248 yards and Clarion quarterback Connor Simmons attempted 43 passes, completing 22 for 369 yards.
"We're going to have to play a little more coverage and give up a few more yards in the run game," Lutz said. "There's no secret, we've got to make plays. We've got our work cut out for us for sure." Leading the secondary of the Rock defense are cornerbacks Alfon Cook and Titus Howard. Cook, a senior, leads the team with three interceptions and 12 pass break-ups this year. Howard, a junior, has one interception and six pass break-ups. They will be covering Seton Hill receivers Ardell Brown and Norman Darden who both have over 40 catches and 500 yards this year. Brown is third in the conference with 931 receiving yards this year. Starting at quarterback for The Rock will be true freshman Augustus Necastro. Necastro started last week in the loss to Clarion and played in the loss to Edinboro two weeks ago. In limited action, he has completed 31 of 47 passes for 396 yards and five touchdowns. Necastro will be supported on offense by junior receiver Marcus Johnson and junior running back Isiah Neely. Johnson leads all Rock receivers with 583 yards and eight touchdowns this year, while Neely has 474 rushing yards with three touchdowns. For the first time in a long time, The Rock is searching for something to play for and they hope to find it for their last two games of the year.
Football scores around the PSAC-West at
23
Volleyball 1. 2. 3. 4.
Gannon Edinboro mercyhurst Slippery rock
22-3 (11-2) 19-6 (11-2) 13-11 (5-8) 11-16 (3-10)
Standings as of Thurs. Nov. 3 at 2:45 p.m.
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November 4, 2016
SPORTS
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Men's cross-country looks to run as a team on home course at regionals
REBECCA DIEtRICH/THE ROCKET
Junior Jeremy Parsons competes at the Mack Cooper Invitational at the Cooper's Lake Campground earlier this season. Parsons eanred first team All-PSAC honors for the second straight season.
By Justin Kraus Rocket Contributor
Cross-country is typically not thought of as a team sport but that is not so for the Slippery Rock University men's cross country team, who put an emphasis on
running as a complete team and unit. "Everybody has the same responsibility, regardless of if they are the first runner or last runner." head coach John Papa said. Papa is now coaching The Rock
at regionals for the 30th year in a row. Papa has emphasized teamwork in all of his years here, and this year's team is no exception. "Ever ybody has to do what we call 'protecting your neighborhood.' When you get
to the midpoint of the race, you have to focus on beating the athletes in your vicinity. Everybody on the team has to trust that all of their teammates are doing the same thing." The Rock will look to first Team All-PSAC junior Jeremy Parsons for leadership in this event. "Nobody else has run yet at regionals but Jeremy, they only know the competition," Papa said on Parsons' past experience with high-level competition. Papa recalled the outstanding season Parsons had last year and looks forward on what it means for the star from Titusville. "Jeremy qualified for nationals last year as an individual. Hopefully, he will repeat that. At the conference meet he wasn't feeling well and was sick, now he's feeling great and had a great workout. He is as good as he has ever been. I am confident he is going to do very well. I'm excited about that" Besides Parsons, the Green and White are led by a quartet of freshmen. Joh n Mare n kov i c h a s been the standout, being The Rock's second-place runner all year, highlighted by his 35th place finish at the PSAC Championships two weeks ago. Jared Nelson, Keegan Beard and Daniel Janyska round out The Rock's top scorers this year, and all have blown away expectations as freshmen. Papa was very pleased with his team's workouts top-to-bottom leading up to the last race of the year. "Everybody has looked really good at our workouts," Papa said. "Everyone is excited about the last race of the season." Slippery Rock's lone senior, Stephen Shepherd, will miss what would have been his last ever race due to a late-season ankle injury. Shepherd hopes to continue his
career in the winter and spring for indoor and outdoor track with the rest of his teammates. Anybody who has ever run at Cooper's Lake Campground where the Regionals will be hosted knows that it is no ordinary course. "People that have never run our course contemplate how they can even do it. Our course gets people thinking," Papa said on the enormous hill that is just past the finish line at Slippery Rock's home course. "It's definitely an advantage for those who have run our course before. " The regionals also introduce a new concept that throws the competition for a loop: the 10,000-meter race. Regular season and PSAC championship races are all 8,000 meters. "The 10K is a different type of race, its an extra six or seven minutes of running," Papa said. "I think at this point that most guys are concerned with hanging on and maintaining focus." Slippery Rock looks to exact some sort of revenge at the Regional Championships, due to some close results from the PSAC Championships just two weeks ago. "We lost by a few points to Mercyhurst at the conference meet, so that is one team our guys are excited to get back at,"Papa said. "We're very excited about the challenge ahead. We're ranked ninth in the region. Our hope is to finish one or two spots ahead of that." The action kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at Cooper's Lake Campground in Slippery Rock, Pa. This is the last team race of the season, as only individuals who qualify for nationals have anything left after this weekend. "I'm confident that everyone is going to go out and give their best effort. I'm proud of the group and the work they have
Injuries to key players plague Rock all season long
CODY NESPOR/THE ROCKET
Rock head coach Shawn Lutz and offensive coordinator Justin Roper on the sideline during The Rock's loss to Clarion last week.
Continued from Page C 1
“We came in the season with an inexperienced offensive line, and While the defense suffered some Joe Loschiavo, the All-American losses, none were as crucial as what center, hasn’t played most of the SRU lost on offense. The Rock has season,” Lutz said. “Shamar got hurt been without three of their most in the California game, losing one of talented players for significant the best running backs ever to play portions of the season. college football. And then, Don King
will be out for his second game due to concussion.” The absence of Loschiavo, who may return in the last game of the season for senior day, to assist and lead an offensive line, who Lutz said struggled throughout the year, could have something to do with loss of two of the biggest components in the offense. On Monday, SRU announced that they would be ending the college career of Shamar Greene, the program’s all time leading rusher. Lutz said Greene, who finished a prolific career with 4,275 yards, will focus on rehabilitating his shoulder in hopes to better prepare him for a post collegiate career in football. Greene said it was one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make. If SRU would have made the playoffs,Greene said he would've returned, but is deciding to focus on himself since that chance is long gone. He is proud of the legacy he is leaving behind. "At the end of the day, I did what I came here to do," Greene said. "I have three rings and I'm the all time leading rusher in basically three years. In my opinion, I'm leaving here a legend." DK3, the graduate transfer from Sam Houston State, came into the program creating controversy. He won the starting quarterback job in a long, hard fought battle that resulted in the departure of veteran
quarterback Zack Newsock from the Rock in his senior year. Lutz said he has no regrets about the team's decision to start King. While being led by King, the Rock did lose to IUP and Cal, but has had a pretty efficient season ranking in the top ten in school history in completions and passing touchdowns in a season. "I hope to have him back in the last game," Lutz said. "Don's a great person and a great quarterback. We got to get him back and go forward with him." With so many key injuries and the absence of post-season play, Lutz and his team is playing for Rock pride. Lutz said he is still fighting for a winning season despite this year being a down year. Though he has not led his team to live up to the normal Rock football standard, he said he will not change the expectation of the team. The Rock has two games left to play this season. Though Lutz is still focusing on ending this season on a high note, he knows where he has to look to if he wants to attempt to get back to what Rock football has been known for. “We are going to continue to recruit quality young men and guys who love to play the game of football,” Lutz said. “We have to have good team chemistry and want to play relentless football. Every great program goes through this adversity, and we just need to get better.”
November 4, 2016
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SRU vs. Edinboro: Senior defensive lineman Tony Twillie II reacts after The Rock loses its homecoming game to Edinboro University. School Spirit: Ryan Neely waves a Slippery Rock Univeristy flag during the homecoming parade on Oct 22. Parade: Dr. Colleen Cooke walks with APSCUF members during the Homecoming Parade on Oct 22. King and Queen: Josh Strom and Tori Hill are crowned SRU King and Queen at the homecoming game. Pep Rally: An SRU student laughs with friends at the pep rally in the ARC.
Design and Photos by: Rebecca Dietrich / Photo Editor
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CAMPUS LIFE
INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE
SNA Spreads Awareness of Hunger
SGA Hosts Harvest Fest to Interact with Students
Student Nonprofit Alliance will increase awareness of hunger in the local community through events and activities.
Student Government Association had fall-themed activities, food and crafts in celebration of autumn.
See Page D-2
See Page D-2
Political group looks forward to 'off-season'
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton take the stage at the start of the second debate between the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
By Megan Bush Campus Life Editor
With the 2016 presidential election coming to a close, two groups on campus are preparing for either a celebration or the beginning of a new season: the SRU College Democrats and the SRU College Republicans. Both clubs have been significantly involved on Slippery Rock's campus this semester, especially during the debates and in the weeks leading up to Election Day on Tuesday Nov. 8. The groups held debate watch parties (the first of which was hosted by both groups), hung up posters and flyers to raise awareness of the presidential candidates and their stances and positions on popular issues and set up tables and booths encouraging students to exercise their right to vote. Senior criminology and criminal justice major and vice president of SRU College Democrats Billy Killmeyer said the dynamic within the SRU College Democrats has certainly been different than usual this past election season. "We wanted to create a sense of camaraderie within our club and with the SRU College Republicans as well," Killmeyer said. "Both groups are set on encouraging people to just get out and vote and to get involved politically."
SRU College Democrats and SRU College Republicans hosted a watch party for the first presidential debate at the end of September, and Killmeyer said the atmosphere
president of SRU College Democrats Caitlyn Kilmer said the club plans to remain as neutral as possible in hopes of future collaboration with SRU College Republicans.
"As a whole, we are all Democrats because we're all about equality, social justice, and coming together. We all have our own beliefs and we all have our own stories." - Caitlyn Kilmersophomore, philosophy major
was friendly and welcoming, and that people would not have even guessed that there were two different political parties in the room. Sophomore philosophy major and
Kilmer said the election season has increased the participation from students on campus, especially participation from freshmen, and that, in the past, election season
has always been a big time to bring people into the club. "As a whole, we are all Democrats because we're all about equality, social justice and coming together," Kilmer said. "We all have our own beliefs and we all have our own stories." Killmeyer said the SRU College Democrats work with many of the socially progressive groups on campus, including the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), RockOUT and NextGen, and they hope to work with other groups in the future. On Election Day, SRU College Democrats plan on working with NextGen in setting up buses and carpools to help students get to the polling places. After time is up, Killmeyer said SRU College Democrats and NextGen will host a gathering for people to sit down, eat pizza and watch the election results. When the election is over, the SRU College Democrats plan to stay involved on campus with the support and awareness of social issues. "I'm planning on relaxing, and hopefully celebrating, once this election is over," Kilmer said. "There's been too much hate and stress, and I'm glad that will be over." The Rocket made attempts at contacting the SRU College Republicans, but they did not respond.
CAMPUS LIFE Harvest Fest builds relationships with students November 4, 2016
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KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET Students traced their hands and painted with friends at Student Government Association's second Harvest Fest Tuesday in the quad outside ATS.
By Nina Bracci Asst. Campus Life Editor
The outreach committee of the Student Government Association (SGA) held its second annual Harvest Fest Tuesday in the quad and provided students with pumpkins to paint, snacks and a photo booth with a fall theme. Samantha Hovis, vice president of the outreach committee of SGA and junior integrated marketing and communications major, said that Harvest Fest is a fall-themed event for students to be able to come, relax and meet the members of SGA in an informal setting. Hovis said she reached out to organizations and collaborated with the Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS) for this year’s fest. In order to become a part of SGA, students must apply for the positions, but the committees of SGA are public and anyone is encouraged to join, Hovis said. Hovis said eight members of the committee came to set up for the event along with the partnering organizations. SGA provided paint to decorate miniature
pumpkins and a photo booth set up with pumpkins and a Slippery Rock backdrop with Rocky the mascot. Eight pizzas were donated from Domino's, but Hovis said they should have ordered more for the event because the large turnout caused them to run out. There was also an apple slice bar where SGA members sliced apples and placed them on a stick for the students to choose toppings of their choice such as chocolate, caramel, M&M’s, marshmallows and chocolate chips. ARHS was excited to work with the committee and provided cornhole for the attendees, Hovis said. They also supplied the paint for the event; SGA supplied the pumpkins. Hovis said it was a great teamwork experience for everyone involved. The event featured a project positivity table where people could pledge to be positive or put their handprint on the banner provided and write about what they are positive for, Hovis said. “I wanted to get a chance to meet face-to-face with students with a fun activity for them to do,” Hovis said. All students were able to attend the event and the
committee advertised through Twitter and other social media. Hovis explained that they had the event last year as well, but it was a tailgate before the Slippery Rock versus Clarion football game. She realized that a Saturday morning isn’t the best time to do this event because everyone likes to sleep in and relax on Saturdays, Hovis said. This year, the outreach committee of SGA reworked their time and who they asked to partner with to see what would work and what wouldn’t. They realized that the new time worked much better, Hovis said. “It’s an outreach event, so it’s really just getting face-to-face communication straight to the students instead of us going to them all the time,” Hovis said. Hovis said the organization wanted the students to have a chance to come to them and have fun while doing it. “I hope that they put a face to SGA to show that we want to meet you guys, hang out and see what we can do for you,” Hovis said. SGA’s main purpose for the event was to build a relationship with the student body and to let the students know they can go to them if they need anything, Hovis said.
Student Nonprofit Alliance tackles hunger By Megan Bush Campus Life Editor
Every semester, the Student Nonprofit Alliance (SNA) hosts a two-week program focused on raising awareness of social issues that exist within and around the Slippery Rock University community. This fall, SNA plans to present IZE on Hunger, a program set on helping students and community members "realize that hunger is not what it seems, empathize with those affected by hunger and mobilize to break the cycle," according to junior psychology and nonprofit management major and president of SNA Amanda Wemette. "People don't realize how close to home this issue is," Wemette said. "There are still serious hunger issues within Butler county, within the Slippery Rock area and even within the school. SNA is working to change that." Wemette said that, in the past, SNA has held panels, information booths, craftcentered events and larger events to help kick off the program and bring the issue into a bigger light. This time around, SNA plans on sticking to that basic procedure, and they are also working with multiple groups onand off-campus, including Greek Life, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculty (APSCUF) and a number of groups located in Butler. Specifically, junior professional Spanish major and nonprofit management major and on-campus coordinator of SNA Christina Leonard said SNA will be asking for student PHOTO COURTESY OF STUDENT NONPROFIT ALLIANCE volunteers to participate in Cooking Up a Difference, which will be sponsored by Student volunteers serve food at Boozel Dining Hall for IZE in the Kitchen in Spring APSCUF. Volunteers will cook food to 2016. bring to the Warming Shelter in Butler from
Thursday, Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 17 to serve to people without homes or food. Occurring during the same week-long period, SNA will be sponsoring a Food Drive in the residence halls here on campus, Wemette said. All proceeds from this food drive will go to Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard right here in Slippery Rock. Leonard said IZE on Hunger was planned around Thanksgiving on purpose, and that the IZE program is just one of SNA's attempts at tackling the issue of hunger. "Having this program around the same time as Thanksgiving, a holiday about food, will really make a big impact in really raising awareness and provoking thought and discussion about hunger," Leonard said. As the on-campus coordinator for SNA, Leonard is in charge of the Hunger Banquet, this semester's big kick-off event taking place on Monday, Nov. 14. This is the second time SNA has done a program based around hunger and the second time they have held the Hunger Banquet; in the spring semester of 2016, the group hosted IZE in the Kitchen. The Hunger Banquet is not a typical banquet, Leonard said. Those who purchase tickets and attend will be placed in a social class and given a background of a person within that social class, and they will take on the role of that person throughout the event. Leonard said that, after attending and participating in the Hunger Banquet last semester, it was a really impactful experience. "A lot of people will be affected, and it will really help students completely understand the point we're trying to get across," Leonard said. Tickets for the Hunger Banquet will be sold in the Smith Student Center on Tuesday, Nov. 8 and Thursday, Nov. 10.
CAMPUS LIFE
November 4, 2016
Despite promising cast and trailers, 'Keeping Up with the Joneses' falls flat
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Ask Andi
Andi is a senior at SRU giving advice to those who seek it and occassionally to those who don't.
Dear Andi,
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Karen Gaffney, played by Isla Fisher, and husband Jeff Gaffney, played by Zach Galifianakis, in a scene from the film 'Keeping Up With The Joneses.'
Cassandra Thompson Cassandra Thompson is a senior anthropology major with a minor in film and media studies and is a regular contributor to The Despite a stellar cast and a series of fairly promising trailers, 'Keeping Up with the Joneses' once again fell into the realm of comedies with potential but little delivery. Of course, nowadays, to even get people into a theater, trailers have to include some of the best oneliners and zingy clapbacks from the film. However, there is a major problem if those included are some of the only funny parts of a film branded ‘comedy’. Fortunately, Zach Galifianakis is able to pull off his boring HR guy Jeff Gaffney perfectly, and the result is
funny moments – not from dialogue or even the scenario necessarily – that are completely the result of great acting. Roles like these come effortlessly to Galifianakis, and it pays off. The same cannot be said for Isla Fisher. Although she is also a great actress, the realm of comedy seems foreign to her throughout the film. She has some funny moments as Jeff ’s wife Karen, but most of the time she appears to be trying much too hard for very little comedic payoff. As the title characters Tim and Natalie Jones, played by Jon Hamm and Gal Gadot, are exactly what you would expect, and perhaps more! Not only do they completely pull off the over-accomplished, enviable perfect couple, but they also balance the sense of discomfort that makes Karen suspicious enough to look into them with such intrigue that the audience cannot help but assume their lies and wrongdoings have to have some kind of reasonable explanation. They are just a couple you love to hate and hate to love. The story itself was not very original – sort of a 'Date Night' meets 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' kind of vibe – but played out fairly well (although just as
most people would have suspected). Jeff ’s position in HR did make for unexpectedly personal moments with different characters; some were funny and others were touching, but it was a great choice of occupation for our main character, so kudos to the creative team on that. It was great to see Jeff and Karen learn that there is more to life than what they experience in their cul-desac, but it was even better to see Tim and Natalie learn a little bit about each other and that communication and some of the less-exciting parts of life are necessary to have a truly happy marriage. It was nice to see that kind of believable growth in these characters. It is a bit hard to believe that anyone could be as truly oblivious as the Gaffneys are, and that is something that does not change at all throughout the film. Of course, that was part of the comedy of it all, but even in the final few frames of the film, my dad turned to me in the theater and said, “Wow. They are as dumb as bricks.” He was not wrong about that. But for a moderately funny and fairly predictable film, it could have been much worse. You won’t regret seeing it, but you also won't regret not.
Auction raises money for breast cancer foundation By Nina Bracci Asst. Campus Life Editor
Sister to Sister held its annual Breast Cancer Auction Wednesday in the Spotts World Culture auditorium which auctioned off 19 people in order to raise money and awareness for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Sister to Sister is a student organization on campus that provides an opportunity for all women to express themselves through positive influence. President of Sister to Sister and senior hospitality event management and tourism major, Dymond Scott, said that the auction is a fun way to raise publicity for a wonderful cause. Scott reached out to SPARK, a club that strengthens positivity and reinforces kindness around campus, to be a part of the event. She also set up a table in the student center which informed people about the event and had a sign-up sheet for anyone interested. Nineteen people were auctioned off at the event including SPARK members, Sister to Sister members, Delta Zeta members and people who didn't sign up beforehand. SPARK President, Kaylee Kilmer, and SPARK Public Relations Chair, Carolyn Ferrick, were both asked to be auctioned off, Kilmer said. Each person being auctioned off walked in front of the audience and had information about themselves shared. The bids would then start, and once the highest was called out, the person was bought for that amount. No date was required at the end of the auction. A picture was taken and the fundraiser went on. Sophomore resort, recreation and hospitality management major, Kennedy Moore, is a general
body member for Sister to Sister and was auctioned off at the event. “I was nervous at first, but the crowd was very supporting and I had friends in the audience keeping my nerves down,” Moore said. Senior integrated marketing communication major, Catharyn Burton, attended the event and said it’s good to be a part of a cause that supports breast cancer awareness. “It’s a great way to bring people together in support of breast cancer awareness,” Burton said. Scott wanted to get the crowd interacted in an entertaining way by having a segment of multiple choice questions which allowed the attendees to learn more about breast cancer, Scott said. Scott said there was a great turnout and almost $500 was raised at the event that went to support breast cancer awareness. The highest bidder at the event spent $140 to buy his girlfriend for the night. “It was a huge accomplishment because the event usually makes $100 or $200,” Scott said. Scott said this event is important because everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer and once students showed up, they were almost forced to learn more about it with everything that the event provided. Scott said it was an awareness session because people want to see who goes through these struggles and it's exciting and important for people to learn, Scott said. “I think it’s important because people know about it, but I don’t believe they take the time to sit down and know the specifics and actually realize how many people it affects,” Scott said. Scott said that there are commercials and billboards, but it is seldom that people take time out of their day to seek knowledge.
With the recent election going on, my friend and I have been getting into more arguments because I am in favor of one party and she is in favor of the other. Every time we watch debates together, we get mad at each other for not agreeing on the same viewpoints. It's starting to take a toll on our friendship. How should I fix the problem? Sincerely, Election Overload
Dear Election Overload, First of all, there is a lot of controversy over this year’s election, so don’t be upset that it’s interfering with your friendship. The best thing you can do is sit down with your friend and listen to why each other has their specific viewpoints. Don’t criticize the other’s thoughts and both accept that not everybody will be voting for the same person. If you can both agree to disagree, then I think you will both be able to move forward through this election and continue on with your old ways. Wishing you both luck! Sincerely, Andi ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Andi, I am a freshman and scheduling is right around the corner. I have heard from people that it is very hard to get into the classes you want and need and I am starting to get stressed since I am the last group to schedule. Is there anything I can do to make sure I get the classes I need? Sincerely, Freshman Friday
Dear Freshman Friday, Scheduling can be a very scary time for everyone on campus. My advice would be to find several classes you need and make a few different mock schedules for when you finally sit down to enter in your classes. If one option is full, try the next one and eventually you will fill your schedule. Also, make sure you schedule a meeting with your adviser beforehand to go through the classes you picked out to make sure they will count for what you need. Lastly, stay calm while at the computer the morning of scheduling! Everything will work out and people will be dropping and adding classes, so there is always time to pick one up! Sincerely, Andi
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