sru rocket 11-9-12

Sports B-2 Rock football continues winning streak against Lock Haven University

The Rocket www.theonlinerocket.com

Friday, November 9, 2012

Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper

Est. 1934

Volume 96, Number 9

Obama wins second term President will return to divided Congress Election results 5HVXOWV DV RI S P (7 1RY

Electoral votes

Presidential race Obama

Romney

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N.M.

Mich.

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Calif.

Ariz.

206

Maine Vt.

N.D.

Wyo.

Idaho

303

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Congressional, gubernatorial races

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS President Obama waves to the crowd before giving his victory speech following the announcement of the election results early Wednesday morning.

Republicans contemplate direction of party after close loss

By Catie Clark Assistant News Editor

President Barack Obama was reelected for another term Tuesday after a close popular vote.

Obama, a Democrat, beat out opponent Republican Mitt Romney by two percent in the popular vote.

Romney earned 48 percent, or 57,821,399, of the popular votes and Obama earned 50 percent with 60,662,601 total votes.

Obama garnered 303 Electoral College votes, while Romney had 206.

In Pennsylvania, the popular vote was at 52 percent for Obama and 46.8 percent for Romney.

Third party competitors Gary Johnson, Libertarian, and Jill Stein, Green Party, were also on the Pennsylvania ballot.

Johnson earned 0.9 percent of Pennsylvania’s votes, which is 48,458 individual votes.

Stein earned 0.4 percent of the votes in Pennsylvania, with 20,710 individual votes.

According to Heather Frederick, a professor of political science specializing in national politics, Romney lost the election because he couldn’t communicate clear solutions. “I don't think Obama's reelection was a mandate for his policies,�

Frederick said. “I think people

were concerned about Romney's inability to communicate clear solutions for the problems he continued to raise. I don't think he was the best candidate the Republicans could have chosen, and ultimately people's uncertainty about Romney's stances on everything from economic to social issues hurt his chances.�

Frederick said the Republicans are going to have to make changes to appeal to more voters to be successful in the future. “The Republican Party is going to have to do something to try to appeal to women, people of SEE ELECTION, PAGE A-2

Pennsylvania Congressional Results Senate Bob Casey 54% Tom Smith 45%

Jim Gerlach 57% Manan Trivedi 43%

Keith Rothfus 52% Mark Critz 48%

Patrick Meehan 59% George Badey 41%

Allyson Schwartz 69% Joseph Rooney 31%

Mike Fitzpatrick 57% Kathy Boockvar 43%

Mike Doyle 77% Hans Lessmann 23%

Chaka Fattah 89% Robert Mansfield 9%

Bill Shuster 62% Karen Ramsburg 38%

Charles Dent 57% Rick Daugherty 43%

Mike Kelly 55% Missa Eaton 41%

Thomas Marino 66% Philip Scollo 34%

Joseph Pitts 55% Aryanna Strader 39%

Scott Perry 60% Harry Perkinson 34%

Lou Barletta 58% Gene Stilp 42%

Matthew Cartwright 61% Laureen Cummings 39%

House of Representatives Robert Brady 85% John Featherman 15%

Glenn Thompson 63% Charles Dumas 37%

Tim Murphy 64% Larry Maggi 36%

Source: The New York Times

Study shows Pennsylvania universities struggling with liberal studies programs

By Jonathan Janasik Rocket News Editor

The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) gave SRU a ‘C’ on a report card released Monday that graded the quality of the liberal arts program.

ACTA describes themselves as, “an independent, non-profit organization committed to academic freedom, excellence, and accountability at America's colleges and universities.�

The group has rated about 1,070 institut ions bas e d on which classes students

are required to take. These key courses include English composition, literature, f o r e i g n l a n g u a g e , U. S . g ov e r n m e nt o r h i s t o r y, economics, mathematics, and science.

While the g r o u p’s requirements for English composition, literature, and science were fulfilled by SRU, points were taken off because foreign language classes are only required for students working on B.A. degrees.

ACTA also noted that SRU’s SEE EMPLOYERS, PAGE A-3

"What will they learn" review of liberal studies programs in local universities Grade Comprehension Literature Foreign Language U.S. History Economics Mathematics Science

Slippery Rock University

C

+

+

x

x

x

x

+

Clarion University

D

+

x

x

x

x

x

+

California University (Pa.)

D

+

x

x

x

x

x

+

Indiana University (Pa.)

B

+

+

x

x

x

+

+

Penn State University

D

+

x

x

x

x

+

x

University of Pittsburgh

D

+

x

x

x

x

x

+

Information from a study done by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. "+" = passing grade, "x" = failing grade.

News

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

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November 9, 2012

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The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

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

Friday HI LO W 54 41 pc 52 31 s 51 33 s 54 43 pc 52 43 pc 53 35 s 53 35 s 51 35 s 53 39 s 53 38 s 50 35 s 51 33 s 54 39 s 51 34 s 52 39 pc

Saturday HI LO W 64 46 pc 59 36 pc 62 40 s 62 48 pc 62 48 pc 60 38 s 62 44 s 60 47 s 60 43 s 64 43 s 54 39 pc 58 41 pc 66 47 s 58 36 pc 62 45 pc

Sunday HI LO W 66 50 s 66 43 s 65 42 s 66 51 s 65 52 s 67 43 s 64 46 s 62 46 s 64 49 s 67 48 s 64 43 s 63 42 s 68 50 s 68 41 s 66 49 s

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Tuesday HI LO W 46 32 pc 60 39 c 50 32 r 47 34 pc 52 37 r 60 39 r 55 31 r 51 31 r 64 42 c 52 32 r 60 37 r 55 34 r 50 32 c 58 34 r 50 33 r

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Wednesday HI LO W 44 31 pc 50 33 pc 44 30 pc 45 36 pc 46 36 c 50 35 pc 41 32 pc 37 31 pc 54 38 pc 43 34 pc 46 34 pc 43 33 pc 44 33 pc 46 33 pc 43 32 pc

Diaper and Clothes Drive The Slippery Rock University Pro Life Student Organization will be collecting diapers and clothing outside Giant Eagle Tuesday, November 13 from 12 to 5 p.m. All donations will be given to the Alpha Omega Center in Slippery Rock and distributed to local families with young children.

Upcoming Events at Ghost Riders 2 Every Friday night Ghost Riders 2 holds couples dance lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. and open dance from 8 to 10 p.m.

There is a $5.00 cover fee to get in. Every Saturday night they hold free line dance lessons from 8:30 to 9 p.m. On Saturday November 24, Ghost Riders 2 will be featuring "Tattoos on this Town" Tattoo Contest. On Friday November 30 Chippendale's from Vegas will be preforming live from 8 to 10 p.m. There will be a $13 pre sale, and it will cost $18 night of show.

Native American Celebration Day On Monday, 11/12, SRU and Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center present the 7th Annual Native American Celebration Day with traditional singing, dancing, drumming, storytelling by Joseph Bruchac and Miguel Sague, and a classical piano performance (inspired by Native American culture) by Dr. Glenn Utsch and accompanied by Native American poetry reading by Dr. Frederick White. 9:30-4:00 Smith Student Center Ballroom.

To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Jonathan Janasik at jtj9529@sru.edu or to rocket.news@sru.edu. The Rocket does not guarantee that all requests will be published in the paper.

Index Rock Notes...............A-2 Comics.....................A-7 Weather map...........A-2 Sports...................B-1 Blotter.................A-3 Campus Life.............C-1 Opinion...............A-4

contact us 220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

2011 Runner-up Most Outstanding Newspaper Society of Collegiate Journalists

Tue.

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index™ number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme.

Monday HI LO W 67 43 c 66 54 pc 63 43 pc 66 43 c 65 48 c 65 54 pc 69 50 pc 61 45 pc 67 54 s 69 48 pc 63 55 pc 62 53 pc 67 45 pc 63 55 pc 66 45 c

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ROCK NOTES

Newsroom: (724) 738-4438 Advertising: (724) 738-2643 Fax: (724) 738-4896 Email: rocket.letters@sru.edu

31°

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Thursday HI LO W 49 36 c 45 34 c 49 32 c 51 34 c 49 40 c 53 36 s 47 42 pc 44 37 pc 54 40 s 50 37 pc 48 34 pc 47 37 pc 50 39 pc 50 30 pc 48 37 c

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

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Rise 7:01 a.m.

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Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2012

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

PRECIPITATION

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: A strong low pressure system will move into the northern Plains Saturday, bringing blizzard conditions to North Dakota along with snow as far south as Utah. Some strong thunderstorms wil also roll through parts of the central Plains later in the day. Rain will spread from Minnesota to eastern Michigan. Some leftover snow will be around in Colorado and western Kansas as well as northern North Dakota and Minnesota Sunday. Strong thunderstorms will form in a line from Missouri to Texas. Rain showers will dot the Midwest. Thunderstorms will shift eastward from Detroit all the way to New Orleans Monday. Rain will fall in western Michigan while the Northeast remains dry.

NATIONAL CITIES

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursda CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W Atlanta 66 43 s 70 47 s 71 55 s 71 46 pc 56 36 pc 59 40 s 60 40 Boston 53 40 pc 54 46 pc 64 51 s 69 56 pc 66 45 r 54 39 sh 51 36 Chicago 59 48 pc 66 53 c 66 42 sh 45 31 r 41 31 pc 47 36 pc 48 32 Cincinnati 60 43 s 68 50 s 68 56 pc 67 34 t 45 27 pc 47 33 s 52 40 p Dallas 82 68 pc 78 67 pc 80 46 t 58 34 pc 61 43 s 62 48 pc 67 53 Denver 67 37 pc 42 17 sn 34 18 pc 44 25 pc 53 25 s 49 28 pc 50 26 Detroit 55 45 pc 64 49 pc 65 51 pc 59 39 r 46 31 pc 46 35 pc 49 38 Houston 83 63 pc 83 69 pc 82 64 c 67 45 pc 67 45 s 68 52 pc 68 52 s Indianapolis 61 45 pc 68 50 pc 66 53 pc 57 31 r 41 27 s 48 35 s 52 40 p Kansas City 71 61 pc 74 51 c 60 28 t 40 24 pc 47 33 s 54 33 pc 52 31 s Los Angeles 65 49 c 63 46 c 70 49 s 75 51 s 74 54 s 66 52 sh 70 51 Miami 76 66 pc 76 68 pc 81 72 pc 82 69 pc 82 69 pc 82 70 pc 82 68 s Nashville 67 42 s 71 46 s 71 57 pc 70 35 t 49 30 s 51 37 s 60 42 p New Orleans 74 59 s 75 63 pc 78 68 pc 78 46 t 60 45 s 61 53 pc 69 63 New York City 53 42 s 58 47 pc 63 52 s 67 54 s 63 42 c 52 38 pc 52 41 Orlando 73 53 s 77 60 pc 79 63 pc 83 62 pc 82 58 pc 75 59 pc 78 58 p Phoenix 76 54 c 65 49 pc 64 45 s 68 53 s 73 53 s 70 51 c 69 49 s San Francisco 58 46 sh 57 45 pc 59 43 pc 61 47 pc 55 46 sh 60 49 pc 64 48 p Seattle 45 33 pc 43 34 pc 47 40 c 47 41 r 49 38 c 48 39 pc 50 41 p Washington, DC 56 41 s 64 46 s 68 50 s 70 59 pc 63 41 c 53 41 pc 56 42 Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Search for new SRU Provost continues

By Erica Kurvach

problem.”

In Fredeen’s letter to Dr. Amanda Yale, the Associate Provost for Enrollment Services, The Provost Search Committee has been Fredeen agrees with many of SRU’s commitments surveying five out of six provost finalists who in “Reaching for 2025 and Beyond.” have been visiting campus since October 18.

Dan Williams, a junior athletic training major Provost William Williams, who has held his and SGA representative, asked what Fredeen title since 2003, is retiring by the knew about the PASSHE end of this semester. system.

The Provost Search Committee “Very limited,” Fredeen consists of a total 11 staff, faculty said. and students. Each candidate However, Fredeen is spends two days going to familiar with the school interviews and meetings around system in Connecticut and is campus. The position description willing to learn more about is available on the Provost Search PASSHE. site.

Dr. Rajib N. Sanyal, the DonnaJean Fredeen, the dean dean at Ball State University, of School of Arts and Sciences Scan QR for a video about a SGA was the first finalist and was representative's opinion provost in Southern Connecticut finalist Dr. Fredeen. interviewed on October 18 State University, visited SRU and 19. Sanyal has been a dean Or see the video online at on Wednesday and Thursday. youtube.com/theSRURocket for a total of eight years and Starting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, has spent half of that time in Fredeen answered students’ questions in an open Northern Michigan University. session for candidate interview in room 321 in He got his Ph.D. from Georgia State Universitythe Smith Student Center.

Atlanta in business administration (Indust rial Jeff Isbell, a junior political science and Relations). Some of his notable accomplishments philosophy major, asked Fredeen what makes were designing and implementing an on-line her stand out from the rest of the finalists. undergraduate major in business administrations Fredeen shares one of her strategies for solving and creating a strategic plan. problems.

The second finalist, Dr. James H. Mike, the “Listen to the issue not the person,” Fredeen dean for the College of Arts and Sciences at said. “From there you can start to solve the Shippensburg University, was interviewed on Rocket Staff Reporter

October 29 and 30. In Mike’s letter to Dr. Yale, he mentioned that he would be a good candidate because he is already familiar with the PASSHE system. Mike earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry in the University of Cincinnati.

After Mike, Dr. Richard J. Helldobler came last Thursday and Friday for interviews. He has been the Dean of Liberal Arts in CalU and led Campus Compact for Shepard University of West Virginia. In his letter to the Search Committee members, he said that he has been an advocate for and successfully promoted diversity.

Helldobler received his Ph.D. in Philosophy in Theatre.

On Monday and Tuesday, Dr. Philip K. Way visited the campus for interviews. Way has been an Associate Provost at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Director of the University of Cincinnati Honors Scholars Program reporting to the Provost Office and a Senior Associate Dean in the new college of Arts and Sciences (including Education).

Way wrote to Dr. Yale and to the Members of the Search of the Search Committee saying that he is qualified because he is accustomed in leadership roles in public universities that attach importance to undergraduate education.

The student session for the sixth candidate, the name to be announced, will be on November 13 in room 323 in the Smith Student Center. Each candidate’s interview schedules and curriculum vitae are available on the provost search site as well as the online feedback form.

Election sees rise in women, diversity in Congress Casey maintains Pa. Senate seat; Gibbons tops See again in local race Continued from Page A-1

color, and young people,” Frederick said. “All the discussion by Republican Senate candidates about pregnancies that result from rape caused women to reject that party in a big way. If the Republican Party doesn't do something to broaden their base and change some of their platforms to be more inclusive, they are in big trouble.”

According to Frederick, this election was monumental in more ways than one.

“Tammy Baldwin won her Senate race in Wisconsin and becomes the first openly Lesbian woman to serve in the Senate,” Frederick said. “There will be more women representing states in the Senate than ever before. Women are still severely underrepresented in Congress, but this is a big step.”

Sharon Sykora, professor of political science, also noted the rise in women in the Senate.

“Women bring a different voice to the table and that they are more included in the past will make for positive change,” Sykora said. “There have been some annoying critics and commentators on TV in the last couple of days who have been mumbling on about this ‘very high’ number of women. Really? Do you mean to tell me that there is a problem with there being nineteen women in the Senate when women comprised 53 percent of voters in Tuesday's election and comprise over half of the population?

When the number of women in the

Senate, and in the House, approach 90 percent, then maybe they'll have a little something to crank about, especially given the lack of women in politics in these many years.”

Mar yland and Maine passed referendums on their ballots Tuesday that approved marriage equality.

“That is huge,” Frederick said. “This is the first time that voters have voted for marriage equality. States that have legalized before did so as a result of judicial interpretation or legislative directive.”

Colorado and Washington state also legalized marijuana through their ballots.

This included marijuana use for anyone over the age of 18.

“These are big wins for libertarians and liberals,” Frederick said, “and huge losses for conservatives.”

Local Pennsylvania Results Pennsylvania voters elected U.S. Senator Bob Casey for his second sixyear term Tuesday.

Casey beat his Republican Challenger Tom Smith, a conservative who used wealth from the coal-mining industry to pay for his campaign.

Third runner Rayburn Smith, a Libertarian, earned two percent of Pennsylvania’s votes, which amounted to 94, 362 individual votes.

The Casey win helped sway the Senate to be more Democratic in weight, while the House of Representatives continues to have more Republican

representatives.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly won re-election to a second term Tuesday, defeating his Democratic opponent, Missa Eaton.

According to New Castle News, the Butler Republican received 159,630 votes in the 3rd Congressional District that spreads over seven counties. Eaton, a Sharon resident, received 119,905 votes. Independent candidate Steven Porter had 12,308 votes.

Kelly won the Lawrence County portion of the district by approximately 2,500 votes. The northern three-fourths of the county was added to the 3rd District the past year as the result of redistricting to reflect the 2010 census.

Locally, State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, Democrat, won the 10th District which includes Slippery Rock’s portion of Butler County.

Gibbons was re-elected for his fourth term Tuesday, and beat opponent Republican Michael See for the second time in a row by more than 1,400 votes.

Gibbons earned 13,501 votes and See received 12,066 votes.

Gibbons defeated See in the Lawrence County and Butler County portions of the 10th District.

He won Lawrence County by nearly 2,000 votes and Butler by 39 votes.

See carried the Beaver County portion by nearly 600 votes.

Scott Hutchinson, who ran unopposed, won State Senator for District 21, where Slippery Rock resides. The Republican State Senator earned 100 percent of the votes, with about 73,413 unique voters.

News

November 9, 2012

A-3

Police Blotter Borough Nov. 1 – There was a report of theft from a motor vehicle. $10 was allegedly stolen from a wallet.

Nov. 4 – Alexandria Lagnese, 20, was cited with DUI. Nov. 5 – There was a report of criminal mischief. Damage was done to a car window.

Nov. 6 – There was an accident involving unattended damage to a bumper.

Oct. 25 – There was a report of a person urinating in their roommate's shampoo bottle in Building F. The case is under investigation.

Nov. 3 – George Zarzecki, 19, was cited with underage consumption of alcohol after an officer observed an intoxicated individual.

Oct. 31 – Wayne Barry, 23, of Boyers, Pa., was seen for writing bad checks. He was released on his own recognizance.

Oct. 26 – There was a report of a bike being taken from outside East Gym.

Nov. 3 – Megan Frisco, 18; Emilee Hertweck, 18; and Alexander Pivik, 18, were cited with underage consumption of alcohol after a report of noise and alcohol violation at Building F.

Oct. 31 – Devon Lee Burkert, 24, of Harrisville, Pa., was seen for 31 counts of intent to possess controlled substance by a person a not registered, four counts of possession of small amount of marijuana for personal use, and three counts of use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Oct. 26 – There was a report of a student being harassed by letters and email at North Hall.

Oct. 27 – There was a report of a male grabbing a female and pushing her against the glass at the Watson Hall bus stop. Charges pending.

Campus Oct. 25 – There was a report of a student receiving unwanted text messages at Watson Hall. The case is under investigation.

Oct. 25 – Campus police received a call of a person on the Quad preaching, attracting a crowd in front of Bailey Library. No incident took place.

Oct. 30 – There was a report of a female receiving harassing phone calls over the past few days at Rhoads Hall. A police report was filed and the case is under investigation.

Oct. 30 – There was a report of theft from a women’s restroom in the Smith Student Center.

The case is under investigation.

Magistrate Oct. 31 – Ralph Erb Jr., of Harrisville, Pa., 72, was charged with manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture of deliver, possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use, use/possession of drug paraphernalia, corruption or minors, three counts of Intent to possess of controlled substance by a person not regulated, and to sell/ furnish liquor, etc. to a minor.

Oct. 31 – Cole Harvey, 21, of Butler, Pa., was seen for three counts of DUI, disorderly conduct, purchasing alcoholic beverages for a minor, and careless driving. He was released on his own recognizance.

Oct. 31 – Dylan Burkert, 21, of Harrisville, Pa., was seen for possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Oct. 31 – Jeffrey Ervin Sr., 44, of Greenville, Pa., was seen for six counts of theft by deception – false impression, and nine counts of writing bad checks.

Oct. 31 – John Brown, 46, of Butler, Pa., was seen for theft by deception – false impression and writing bad checks.

Compiled by Catie Clark

Employers seek graduates with broad experience in liberal arts

"Up 'til 2 for St. Jude" becomes an official campus organization

Continued from Page A-1

The Slippery Rock Student Government Association approved Up ‘til 2 for St. Jude as an official campus organization Monday night.

The organization was named Program of the Year by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital last year.

According to Jessica Buckholtz, the representative for the organization present at the SGA meeting, the event raised over $70,000 last year.

Buckholtz described Up ‘til 2 as a letterwriting event for students to write to their friends and families to ask for donations on behalf of St. Jude to go towards treatment of cancer in children.

Brad Kovaleski, SGA Advisor, said that it was an honor for Slippery Rock’s program to be chosen.

“It was chosen out of all the colleges and universities in the nation,” Kovaleski said.

“That’s a big deal.”

R o cky ’s R ai s e rs w a s anot h e r n e w

mathematics requirements can be completed by taking classes with small amounts of college-level math content, U.S. government or history courses could be completed by taking courses that are not in the history department, and no economic classes are required at all.

“Even as our students increasingly need broad-based skills and knowledge to succeed in the global marketplace, our colleges are failing to deliver,” the ACTA website states. “Topics like U.S. government or history, literature, mathematics, and economics have become mere options on far too many campuses. Not surprisingly, students are graduating with great gaps in their knowledge and employers are noticing. If not remedied, this will have significant consequences for

U.S. competitiveness and innovation.”

The ACTA website stated that the report cards are important to raise awareness in the communities in order to motivate trusties and alumni to demand higher standards to higher education institutions.

Jennifer Keller, Assistant Dean for the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts stated that she thinks SRU’s liberal arts program is good because it allows students to choose which classes they want to take.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Keller said.

“Particularly in the area of the enrichment classes. Those enrichment classes are allowing students to go outside their majors and have other experiences in other disciplines that compliment their degree courses.”

The website can be found at www. whatwilltheylearn.com.

By Catie Clark Assistant News Editor

organization approved by SGA Monday.

Hannah Lindsey, junior senator for Rocky’s Raisers, said that the organization is for student philanthropy and scholarship funds.

“It’s students helping students,” Lindsey said.

SGA will hold Social Media Week as an outreach event Nov. 12-17.

According to Vice President of Campus Outreach Christian McChesney, the week will feature the organizations Facebook and Twitter accounts.

“We’re planning Twitter giveaways and movie giveaways to get our followers up and to get our name out there,” McChesney said.

SGA also plans to make many constitutional amendments. An open forum will be held before the next meeting on Nov. 19 in the Student Center Theater that is open to all SRU students.

SGA events over the past week included the Campus Crawl Tuesday night and budgeting workshops for clubs Thursday.

Hope Springs is the next movie in the SGA series, and will be play at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Friday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The Rocket

OPINION

A-4

November 9, 2012

The Rocket

Our View

Volume 96, Number 9 220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: (724) 738-4438 Fax: (724) 738-4896 E-mail: rocket.letters@sru.edu

Editorial Board Will DeShong Editor-in-Chief Jon Janasik News Editor Andy Treese Campus Life Editor Madeline Williams Sports Editor Alex Mowrey Photo Editor Stephanie Holsinger Copy Editor James Intile Web Editor Catie Clark Assistant News Editor Courtney Tietje Assistant Campus Life Editor Kristin Karam Assistant Sports Editor Emily Schubert Assistant Photo Editor Erica Kurvach News Reporter Mark Zeltner Faculty Adviser

Advertising Staff Zach Dornisch Advertising Manager Karleigh Santry Advertising Manager

About Us The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000.

No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The first copy of The Rocket is provided free of charge. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents each.

The Rocket receives approximately five percent of its funding from the SGA General Service fee paid each semester by students.

All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 738-2643 or by e-mailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

Corrections If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.

Subscriptions Subscriptions to The Rocket are available.

Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year.

Inquiries should be directed to the Editorin-Chief at the address listed here.

GRAPHIC BY EMILY SCHUBERT

Liberal studies requirements enrich the quality of a degree It’s scheduling season again for students at Slippery Rock University, and the never-changing list of complaints from students once again seem to be filling the halls and dorms across campus.

While some grumbles are certainly warranted, one specific complaint many students often vent about is just wrong. The requirement to take liberal studies courses strikes a nerve with many students, but those courses allow for students to graduate with a diverse knowledge of the world, rather than just learning a specific trade.

English majors question why they need to take math courses, math majors

wonder why they need writing. Every major has the students who question the need of public speaking.

Not e ve r y c ou r s e necessarily relates to one’s academic degree, but that does not make them less valuable.

Adding a variety of subjects to a curriculum is the only way to broaden student’s knowledge of the world around them. SRU isn’t a technical school where students come to learn a trade. A university should provide an education across all subjects, including math, science, and writing.

Considering the lackluster standards and performance high schools require for graduation, a strong liberal

studies program is important to ensure students enter the “real world” with a solid understanding of general topics.

In fact, while SRU does a fairly decent job in its requirements of liberal studies courses, but the program can certainly be improved. It is not too difficult to make it through to graduation without ever taking a math class that requires even the simplest of addition and subtraction.

Actually, some would argue it is harder to enroll in a lower level math course than it is to find a way around taking one altogether. That needs to be changed.

The school does not need to necessarily increase the

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

number of liberal studies courses taken, as there is a fairly good balance in credit hours. But a better, more consistent, set of r e q u i r e m e nt s w o u l d ensure that every student leaves with at least a basic understanding of different fields of academics.

A foreign language requirement and a better emphasis on some sort of U.S. history class would improve the educational experience here.

But moving past any improvements the school could make, students need to realize that becoming more educated in areas outside of their major is vital to them being truly educated citizens.

C omplaining ab out having to take courses is ridiculous. To start with, most liberal studies courses students need to take are lower level, so any effort should easily result in a passing grade. Secondly, students should know before enrolling in the university that liberal studies programs are required, so there’s really no surprise to what is expected of them.

If you want a specialized focus in your main field of study, go to graduate school.

Until then, accept the fact that a four year liberal studies university is going to require you to take liberal studies courses. It’s for your own good, and will certainly be worth it in the end.

This week’s question: How do you feel about SRU’s liberal studies program?

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.

Bethany Ratkovich Senior political science major Hometown: Aliquippa, Pa.

Josh Weitzel Junior political science major Hometown: Prospect, Pa.

Gina Alfano Junior dance and communication major Hometown: Philadelphia

“I think one of the problems is that the goals aren’t explained to students. For instance, during intermission I’m going to take U.S. and Canada Geography because that’s all I could take. I would’ve picked something in my interest. Overall, the program is important to grow in critical skills.”

“I don’t think liberal studies should be required. It keeps students here longer than necessary. The liberal studies covers areas that you will not use in your lifetime. I think it should be a free market system where you can choose whatever classes you want.”

“I think the liberal studies remind me of high school and is not relevant to my major. I think there should be separate liberal studies programs for each major.

For example, I’m a dance major and English is relevant. Science and math are not relevant, but anatomy would be helpful not geology.”

November 9, 2012

Opinion

A-5

Election shows country is becoming Women will benefit from election results more accepting of diversity

Michael Santoro Observation Station

responsibilities, though. New legislation is going to have to be made regarding driving under the influence and public safety. In addition, the federal government still deems marijuana use illegal, so technically those indulging can still find legal trouble. Despite this, it’s a positive step for enthusiasts.

The public has shown its positive attitude on diversity with many other historical elections taking place. The representative elect for Texas, Mary Gonzalez, is the first openly pansexual official in our history. Our first Asian American senator elect, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, was also voted in. It doesn’t stop there, though. Tammy Duckworth, a disabled Iraq veteran from Illinois, is the first disabled woman veteran in the House of Representatives. In addition, our first openly gay person was elected to the senate: Tammy Baldwin, the senator-elect from Wisconsin.

Despite how you personally stand on their personal lives, it’s nice to see some diversity with regards to our representatives in the government. Not all of us fit into the same mold, yet we’re Americans. Why wouldn’t we want others to be represented in the same way we’ve been for years now?

I’m personally very happy with the results I’ve seen with our 2012 election. Finally we could see positive statuses on Facebook with regards to politics. Although it may have been a bit of a messy, negative campaign for both candidates, positive changes have been made without all that. Our nation is becoming more accepting of diversity, and why shouldn’t it? Why not afford others the same freedoms and comforts that the majority of Americans have?

I now look forward to future elections with excitement. I predict the turnouts will be even better due to this positive reinforcement.

People are seeing how much their votes really matter, and this trend is likely to continue.

There’s never a better time to say that you’re proud to be an American. Oh, and I forgot this: Puerto Rico for 51st state!

Is it just me, or isn’t it awesome finally hearing some positivity in news and politics?

Tuesday’s election was a big deal, yes. Barack Obama, our first African-American/mixedrace president, was elected for his second term.

This is s historical landmark for this country.

Despite how you feel about his politics, I feel proud to be a part of the generation that helped make history again. Yet, besides this, there are a number of changes that have been brought about through Tuesday’s huge voting turn-out.

Same-sex marriage rights were recognized in three different states, and one state opposed a ban on same-sex marriage. That may sound rather small, and to me it seems like it’s not nearly enough for how far we’ve come in recent years. I believe that however many years down the road, people are going to look back and wonder why it took this long. There’s still a lot of ground to be covered, but any start is a good one.

Women, young voters, and minorities showed out in droves in order to cast their ballots. These people made up a large part of the electorate, and it’s exciting news. Instead of being complacent and seeing their vote as “not meaning anything,” these groups are making a difference by going out and casting their opinion. It seems as though the tide is turning in terms of who’s making up the numbers at the polls, and for some it’s a long time coming.

Although I don’t see it as important as the previous issues, those in favor of the legalization of marijuana received a vote of confidence and a pat on the back. Both Colorado and Michael Santoro is a senior public relations major Washington voted to legalize the recreational from Pittsburgh and a regular contributor to the use of marijuana. With this comes some heavy Rocket.

Carly Masiroff FMLA For women, the past few weeks have consisted of being told what they can and cannot do, and how they should think about certain subjects. Well, as of very early Wednesday morning, we stood up together and shouted “a n ot h e r f ou r y e a r s forward!”

Throughout this election, it seemed to m e t h at R e pu b l i c an candidates and pundits have been putting women in a box that we haven’t seen in decades. Whether it was telling us that “rape is God intended” or we are “sluts” if we use contraceptives or that we are jumbled all together in binders, it has been a long haul.

I for one was getting sick of it.

I did what I could to engage p eople in conversations; I put a ton

of statistics and quotes up on my Facebook and Twitter accounts, and screamed “keep your vote out of my uterus.” But in the end, it seemed bleak. I was nervous we were going to lose all of our rights that we hold to be true and just.

Then, at 2 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, I was able to regain hope in our society because I found out that I was not the only one that was fed up with the system.

Women and men stood up together and re-elected a President that would keep issues that mean the most to us, front and center.

We not only re-elected the first African American President. We elected a record number of women to the U.S. Congress, the first openly gay senator, t h e f i r s t w om a n t o represent Massachusetts in the Senate, an all female delegation to represent New Hampshire, and we voted for four states to enact marriage equality!

In Pennsylvania alone, we voted for the first woman to be elected to serve as Pennsy lvania attor ne y general. These are HUGE strides.

I am not saying that we are done, or that the glass ceiling is shattered.

Women are still making

only 77 cents to a man’s dollar, and even with there being a record number of women in Congress, the number is only at 19, but these are concrete strides.

For those of you who are unhappy with the election results, I am sorry. But I think I speak for women everywhere when I say “wo oho o!” I promis e you that this world will be a better place because equality for all is gaining momentum. The more we all work together, regardless of political affiliation, and the more we all appreciate one another, the greater of a nation we will become.

I leave you with a quote that the President said in his acceptance speech last night.

“Whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you. I have learned from you. And you’ve made me a better president. And with your stories and your struggles, I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do and the future that lies ahead.”

Carly Masiroff is a graduate student studying student affairs from Erie, Pa. Carly is working as a GA for the Women’s Center, and is also a member of FMLA.

Famous Chicago bar offers great experience

Andy Treese "A Thirsty Ginger"

the country and made house slogans such as “Cheezborger, Cheezborger, Cheezborger” and “No fries, chips” (spoken in a Greek accent) famous.

So, what is it that makes this bar so great?

A lot of things, really.

Before you even walk into the bar, you can get a sense of just what you’re getting into - a wooden sign hanging overhead, goat paintings, and the immediate outward appearance of a dive bar. But when you take the chance and step inside, it becomes so much more. Walk inside the door of Billy Goat Tavern, and you’ll get an immediate sense of community and historical significance - something not a lot of bars truthfully have.

If you’re new to the joint, exiting locals will playfully try to trick you into ordering the fries as you’re entering - as if they somehow know you aren’t from around town. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t, but the sort of playful banter exchanged even if you fall for the trick establishes a sense of immediacy. If you know the SNL references and use them, the cashier will be guaranteed to bat a smile and nod of approval your way. But if not, come back the next night and you can expect similar friendliness.

For a town that is known for charging ungodly amounts of money for a drink ($6-$9 for a beer), prices at the Billy Goat are also amongst the best you’ll find in the city, with draft beer at $3.50 a pint. If you’re a gin and tonic fan like myself, you can also get a Tanqueray and tonic for $6, but with a highball glass half-filled with gin alone. You definitely don’t get ripped off on the alcohol here, and if you come back the following night, the bar tender is likely to remember you and get you your drink without question.

If you’re like me, though, the best thing about this bar is just the feeling that no matter where you sit at the bar, you know that at some point, Bill Murray or Dan Aykroyd sat on that very same stool. And that, dear reader, is a damn cool feeling.

Now, I’m not saying that you should go to Chicago just for the bar. But if you do visit Chicago, pay homage to the one and only Billy Goat by getting yourself a double “Cheezborger” and Billy Goat Lager, and take in the surroundings around you.

Maybe even spark conversation with an employee. You’ll be glad you did.

What if I told you the best bar in the world was located under a particular overpass in downtown Chicago - where you would also be unquestionably considered an idiot by your peers if you parked just outside the establishment? Would you believe me?

Chances are, you said no. And there’s also a chance that you, the reader, are not of legal age to drink, and therefore do not have an opinion on the subject matter worth the barely stomach-able bottom of a pitcher of warm Coors Light on a Tuesday night.

But if you are of age, then please, keep reading.

The establishment that I speak of is none other than the original Billy Goat Tavern, located under Michigan Ave., and not all that far from some building owned by pretentious schmuck extraordinaire Donald Trump. Enough insults [for now], let’s get down to brass tax.

According to their website, the Billy Goat Tavern was originally opened in 1937 by Greek immigrant William “Billy Goat” Sianis after he bought the Lincoln Tavern for the price of $205. Sianis bought the property with a bad check, but because the business became such a quick success among the locals, he was able to make good on the debt with the proceeds made from the sales made opening weekend.

The tavern became a local success and became famous throughout the greater Chicago area after its involvement with the “Cubs Curse,” in which Sianis was ejected

by Chicago Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley from Wrigley Field for bringing a pet goat into the box seats during Game 4 of the 1945 World Series against the Detroit Tigers.

Local lore states that upon ejection, Sianis allegedly placed a curse on the Cubs so that they would never win another pennant or take part in another World Series ever again.

While the “Cubs Curse” put them on the local radar, it was an early skit called “Olympia Cafe” on Saturday Night Live (SNL), featuring the likes of John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Laraine Newman and Bill Andy Treese is a senior journalism major and the Murray, that made the bar famous across Campus Life Editor for The Rocket

A-6

November 9, 2012

COMICS

The Rocket

A-7

November 9, 2012

MoreOn TV

By Jay Schiller and Greg Cravens

Best in Show

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

By Phil Juliano

That Monkey Tune Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Sudoku

By Michael Mepham

Horoscopes

By Nancy Black Tribune Media Services (MCT) To d ay ' s Bi r t h d ay (11/09/12). This is your year.

It's a time of transformation, a shift toward your higher purpose. Career and finances grow steadily. Exploration (through travel, study or training) beckons after June. Take on new wellbeing practices, and gain energy to take advantage of opportunities.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Let the love carry you away, and be pleasantly surprised.

You may encounter a dip in the learning curve, which becomes an educational experience in itself.

Appreciate your home.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Don't launch just yet (but soon).

Your family is there for you, and friends help make connections. Others are feeling generous. Eat well to support new responsibilities.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Postpone travel. Notice the beauty that

surrounds you. Light candles at dinner. Save and invest in home and family. Enjoy simple pleasures.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- There's more money coming in, but things don't add up. Question old assumptions, and improve working conditions. A loving friend makes an excellent suggestion. Then a miracle happens. Ask. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Pass the test and win a promotion.

Working at something you love brings abundance.

Listen for the ring of truth.

You don't have to control everything.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) -- Today is an 8 -- Your gold is on the rise ... add to reserves. Do the research on a home project. Past good deeds bring new benefit while you play with friends.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 5 -- Make your own luck (and pay cash).

Balance work and fun by rewarding progress with play.

A temporary setback could stall things. A generous offer requires thought. Question authority.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Take the roundabout route when necessary. Spend

By Michael A. Kandalafti

and invest later. Make sure you understand all of your options. Spend time with visiting friends. Feast and be merry!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Indulge in a treat. Don't entertain yet.

Take control of the details.

Expand your horizons. Your career path is filled with optimism, and the outlook is positive.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Your past work speaks well for you. It's not a good time to travel. A beautiful dream enchants; grab a constructive opportunity. Acknowledge your team's efforts.

Optimism increases. Let someone else set the agenda.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 5 -- Gather in what you need. Accomplish your dream by providing excellent service. Stay out of someone else's fuss. You could fall in love now, or discover hidden bounty.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -- You're energizing each other.

Don't worry about money.

Find treasures in your closets and trade. Restate each party's goals. Get a good recommendation from a friend. Reaffirm a commitment.

Solution

A-8

November 9, 2012

The Rocket

SPORTS

November 9, 2012

B-1

Rock captures PSAC title

By Nikolas Horniacek Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock women's soccer team claimed the 2012 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship on Sunday with a convincing shut-out defeat against 16thranked California University (Pa.) 3-0 at the Philipsburg Sports Complex.

“As the season went on, we overcame lots of challenges and became strong as a team,” head coach Noreen Herlihy said.

“We knew we were playing well. We felt we were on the rise, we knew it. [The coaches] just kept telling [the players] to believe. We had absolute confidence and Sunday was the epitome of all their hard work.”

The title is the third in the program’s history and first since 2005, where the Rock are 3-1 in conference championship games.

“We have worked so hard as a team this season,” senior captain Emer Flatley said.

“We had some ups and downs, but we stuck it out together and I guess hard work paid off in the end. It was such an amazing feeling.

Four years later, and myself and the other seniors finally have our PSAC trophy we wanted.”

Sophomore midfielder Lucy Hannon received the Most Valuable Player award at the tournament after scoring two goals and assisting the game-winner in the tourney final and picking up two assists in their semifinal victory over East Stroudsburg Slippery Rock, who advanced to 13-52 overall, are the first team to beat the Vulcans at their new complex, where they had 24 straight home wins dating back to last season.

“Everyone gave it their all and we believed in ourselves when we got in the playoffs,” Hannon said. “We knew we just needed to put our minds to it and put in tackles that were there to be won, work for each other and as a team. Nothing is better than winning a PSAC. It's an unreal feeling.”

Senior Shelby Ward picked up the first goal for the Rock. Hannon added two late goals and freshmen Caitlin Conner and Allison Harbart each picked up assists to round out the score sheet in Sunday’s title game.

Junior goalkeeper Dana O’Neil earned her ninth shutout of the year with five recorded saves. Junior defender Lauren Impey was also credited with a save in the first half to maintain the clean sheet.

Slippery Rock outshot their opponents 1815 and had a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Each team recorded six shots on goal.

“Our success on Sunday was all down to the heart and belief that this team has to go on and win!” Flatley said. “We wanted it so badly and worked together brilliantly all the way until the final whistle.”

The first half was a back and forth battle with both teams getting chances to take the lead. When the halftime whistle sounded,

the teams went to the locker rooms scoreless with the Rock posting a 6-5 edge in total shots.

Ward pulled through in the 63rd minute with what would become the game winner when she received the ball all alone in front of the goal off of Harbart’s pass from the end line.

Hannon banged home the Rock’s second notch after Conner stole the ball and sent it up the field to her.

The Green and White added the insurance mark in the 82nd minute when Hannon got loose on a breakaway, stuffing it into the back of the net and securing the PSAC title.

Cal U couldn’t seem to put anything together toward the tail end of the match as the Rock defense played rock-solid to secure the shutout.

“Our defense just stuck to our tasks which let the offense go and do what they do best,” Flatley said. “But overall it was a great team defense performance. I’m so proud of this team and we finally got what we deserved!”

Slippery Rock, who came into the playoffs as the seventh seed in the PSAC, stunned the No. 2 team (West Chester) and the No. 1 team (California), while also adding a dominant win against No. 6 seed (East Stroudsburg) in a four day stretch to claim the championship.

“We were underdogs coming into every game and we loved the challenge,” junior defender Stephanie Buckenheimer said.

“We came together and we fired on all cylinders this weekend. We were finally playing well.”

On Saturday, the Rock knocked off East Stroudsburg with a dominant 3-0 shut-out in the semifinals.

Ward, Connor, and Impey all tallied a goal for Slippery Rock, while Hannon recorded two assists and sophomore forward Nicole Krueger picked up an assist.

The Rock was completely forebearing from the get go of Saturday’s match finishing the game with a 25-9 advantage in total shots, 9-8 on goal, and 6-2 in corner kicks.

O’Neill grabbed the shutout with eight saves.

Ward was forceful Saturday creating chances all game. She rattled the post twice, was pulled down inside the box and was constantly pulling ESU’s goalie off her line.

The game opened up in the 24th minute when Impey drilled a shot into the lower left corner of the goal to take the 1-0 lead for the Green and White.

The teams went into the half with the Rock up 1-0 and posting a 10-3 advantage in shots and a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.

It wasn’t until the 82nd minute that Slippery Rock would put the game out of reach, adding the second goal when Ward dribbled around the goalie and tapped the ball into the empty net off of Hannon’s assist.

The Rock added the final goal in the 89th minute when Krueger found Conner alone

PHOTO COURTESY OF SRU SPORTS INFORMATION

Junior Dana O'Neill kicks the ball back into play during the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship game against California University of Pa. on Sunday. O'Neill recorded five saves during the title game to help shutout the Vulcans 3-0.

in front of goal to make it 3-0.

To make it to the semifinals, the Green and White had to face the Atlantic Region’s top seed West Chester, which they handily defeated 2-1 on Thursday.

Slippery Rock’s defense played rock solid only allowing one scoring chance the entire game against the Golden Rams, which came in the 90th minute as time was expiring.

Ward and Connor both picked up goals and Buckenheimer grabbed an assist.

O’Neill earned the win in goal for the Rock posting three saves.

The Rock finished the game with a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal, but West Chester managed a 3-2 edge in corner kicks.

The Rock's 13 wins gives them their 17th consecutive winning season with 10 or more victories, the eighth-best streak in Division II history.

Slippery Rock is outscoring opponents 4017 and outshooting the opposition 250-172.

Hannon leads the way with eight goals and eight assists, followed by Ward with eight goals and three assists.

Conner has five goals and one assist, while Impey has four goals and three assists, and

Buckenheimer has three goals and four assists to cap the top scorers.

“This championship came from a Rock solid defense,” Hannon said, “and we wouldn’t be able to score these goals without the defense starting back at Deo [O’Neil] in goal all the way to attacking midfielders.”

O'Neill is 12-5-2 with eight shutouts in goal. She has allowed 17 goals for a 0.88 goals against average and made 66 saves for a .795 save percentage.

“We also have to thank the coaches Noreen, Casey, Ali and Lisa,” Hannon said.

They have always believed in us as a team and our ability to go all the way.”

Herlihy is in her 18th season heading up the Slippery Rock program. She has led the team to 17 consecutive winning seasons with 10 or more wins and owns a career record of 223-102-26. The 17 consecutive winning seasons rank eighth all-time in Division II history.

The Rock were awarded the No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament and are set to face off against Edinboro in first-round action Friday at 2 p.m. at the Philipsburg Sports Complex.

Sports

B-2

November 9, 2012

Case qualifies for NCAA DII Nationals

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABBY MICHAELIAN

Senior Stephanie Case gets out with the leading pack at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional meet at Lock Haven University on Saturday.

Case placed fourth overall and earned a ticket to the NCAA Division II National meet on Nov. 17.

By Matthew Morgan

represent the school at the national meet since Jen Harpp in 2010.

Coach John Papa has been around for the duration of Case’s running career here at Slippery Rock and has been part of her triumphs as well as her drawbacks.

“Steph improved tremendously during her three years here at SRU," Papa said. "She made a commitment to become the best runner that she could be. Steph set a goal of making nationals and she made it happen by her efforts.”

St y l e s’ 2 4 t h p l a c e finish will be her last in a collegiate cross country meet, but the relationships she has developed through her four years here, as well as the many lessons learned are equally as valuable to her.

“I couldn’t ask for better coaches or teammates, and I’m so proud to put on the Rock uniform and compete. I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible.”

Styles said. “Crossing the line at regionals was a really special thing for me, especially this year.

Coming down the final stretch, I had so many emotions running through my head and it was a very special moment to see my family and teammates there to congratulate me.”

Case will be making the trip to the NCAA Division II Nationals held at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo. on November 17th.

t he NC A A D iv i s i on II Atlantic Regionals last Saturday at Lock Rocket Contributor Haven University with her national-qualifying Senior Stephanie Case fourth place finish. led the Slippery Rock The top five overall University women's cross runners and the top three country team to a seventh teams earned the ticket place overall finish at the the NCAA Division II

Nationals.

After placing 12th at the Pennsylvania State At h l e t i c C o n f e r e n c e championships at Cooper's Lake Campground two weeks ago, Case improved her placing and time, finishing the 6,000-meter course in 21:07.

Five runners earn All-Region honors

Rock hands Lock Haven 52nd consecutive loss

By Cody Gray Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock men’s cross country team finished fourth place in a heartbreaking manner at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Championship at Lock Haven University last Saturday.

The Rock was neck and neck with East Stroudsburg University and the home squad of Lock Haven until the very end of the race. To decide the results of second through fourth place, officials had to use video replay.

The top five individual runners and top three teams earn a spot at the NCAA Division II National meet.

Edinboro University dominated the race, taking home first place with 34 points and placing five runners in the Top-10 .

After video review, officials declared that East Stroudsburg and Lock Haven tied for second with 95 points, and Slippery Rock finished fourth with 97 points.

“It was our best race of the season,” senior Eric Geddis said. "But to be the team on the border that doesn’t get to go to nationals is a horrible feeling.

We were pretty bummed out."

The determining factor in the results were the front runners of each team.

Slippery Rock’s top five runners all finished ahead of both East Stroudsburg’s

and Lock Haven’s fifth place runners.

Senior Alex Koksal was crushed when he heard the final results and that the Rock just barely missed qualifying for nationals.

“When the six of us crossed the line so close together, we thought we had it locked up,” Koksal said. “We were pumped. for a short time.”

Slippery Rock and Edinboro were the only two teams to have all five scorers earn All-Region honors, which requires a top-25 finish.

Sophomore Chris Grooms was the first SRU runner to cross the finish line, coming in 12th place, finishing the course in 31:45.

Geddis finished his final competition with one of his best races, crossing the finish line in second for the Rock, coming in 18th with a time of 31:59.

Finishing 21st for the Green and White with a strong finish was junior Morgan Elliott, running a time of 32:02.

Immediately after Elliott was junior Travis Arrigoni at 22nd and Koksal at 24th, both running 32:03.

Junior Michael Beegle just missed All-Region honors with his 27th place finish in 32:14.

The Rock’s distance runners will now begin to focus on the indoor track season, with their first meet on the first weekend of December.

S enior Kara Sty les finished her final race 24th overall, with a time of 22:04, earning AllRegion honors with Case and the rest of the top-25 finishers.

Both Case and Styles were on the All-Region team back to back years.

Placing third for the Rock and making her second appearance at the regional meet was sophomore Janine Powis in 59th place, with a time of 22:54.

Senior Abby Michaelian closely followed Powis in 63rd place, running her final 6,000-meter race in 23:00.

Sophomore Shannon Byerly rounded out the scoring for Slippery Rock with a 77th place finish and a time of 23:23.

Freshmen Karly Kne chte l and Je n ny Picot were the Green and White's sixth and seventh place finishers in 78th and 86th place, respectively.

With this possibility of Saturday being Case’s final race, there was a sense of uncertainty prior to the race. She knew what was at stake and it was all up to her to guarantee another few weeks of participation and a ticket to Nationals.

“Stepping over that finish line was the best moment of my life. I knew I would make it to nationals if I was in the top-five and when I finished I knew I was in fourth,” Case said. “All of the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made over the past three years was finally worth it and that feeling is indescribable.

Nationals will be my last cross country race and I’m going to leave everything out there.”

Case will be the first SRU women’s cross country runner from Rock to

By DJ Vasil Rocket Contributor

One thing is certain for the Slippery Rock University football team: they will finish with a winning record for the fourth consecutive season as they defeated Lock Haven University 35-7 last Saturday to stretch their season high winning streak to four games.

The loss marked Lock Haven's 52nd consecutive loss moving them to 0-10 on the year and 0-7 in West play. SRU now moves to 6-4 overall and 5-2 in West play.

Getting off to slow starts in games has plagued the Rock offense many times this season, but against Lock Haven, the Green and White scored touchdowns on its first four possessions of the game.

“Anytime you can start fast, it gives your team momentum,” head coach George Mihalik said.

“You don’t want to give an opponent like Lock Haven confidence or any kind of energy early in the game.

I thought it was a real plus for our entire team.”

Junior quarterback Nigel Barksdale was the catalyst for the Rock offense on the first four possessions, slinging four touchdowns passes to four different receivers. Barksdale would

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior quarterback Nigel Barksdale stiff-arms a Lock Haven University player during the 35-7 win on Saturday. Barksdale recorded four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown for the Rock.

finish the game 14-28 for 178 yards. He also rushed for 45 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown.

The Rock offense did slow down in the second half, as they were shut out by the Lock Haven defense.

Barksdale would throw two interceptions in the second half.

“Nigel had an outstanding game in the first half,” Mihalik said. “But in the

second half, he and the rest of the offense lost our focus and didn’t perform as well as we did in the first half.”

Redshirt freshman Brett Crenshaw would lead the Rock on the ground, finishing with 73 yards on 10 carries. Redshirt senior Akeem Satterfield ended the game with 55 yards on six carries.

“We know what Brett can do,” Mihalik said. "He

has been primarily a short yardage back for us and he got his chance to play in the open field on Saturday.

He took advantage of it and played very well.”

The Rock will finish out the 2012 season on Saturday against No. 12 Bloomsburg University Huskies. It is Senior Day at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.

Sports

November 9, 2012

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Men's soccer falls in championship game

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Sophomore forward Chris Davis advances the ball down the field during the 1-0 loss in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship game against Mercyhurst University on Sunday. Davis had one shot on goal in the title match.

Championship Game on Sunday.

Assistant Sports Editor Mercyhurst took the top seed in the PSACs, followed The Slippery Rock men’s by West Chester University, soccer team ended their G a n n o n Un i v e r s i t y, season on Monday after being Millersville University, denied a spot in the NCAA California University, and Division II tournament Slippery Rock. following a heartbreaking In his third season at 1-0 loss against Mercyhurst SRU, head coach Michael University in the PSAC Bonelli led the team into the

By Kristin Karam

PSAC playofs for the first time since their 2009 titlewinning season under Matt Thompson.

The Green and White’s road to the championship began in the quarterfinal matchup against Gannon last Thursday.

The Rock defeated Gannon 2-1 for the second time this season, this time in

Slippery Rock sinks U.S. Naval Academy in exhibition matchup game SRU prepares for preseason game against Division I University of Michigan

By Madeline Williams Sports Editor

The Slippery Rock University men’s basketball team kicked off the season by beating the United States Naval Academy 79-56 on Sunday afternoon in the first of two Division I exhibition action games.

The Green and White led the game from the beginning, going on a big 20-7 run right before intermission, taking a 41-20 lead at the half.

The largest lead of the game came with 13:21 to play, when the Rock led Navy by 30 points.

Leading Slippery Rock to the victory was junior forward Tabari Perry with 18 points and six rebounds.

Senior guard John Bayardelle scored 14 points, senior forward Devin Taylor had 13 points and 13 rebounds, and senior center Luiz Santos added 10 points, 10 boards, and two blocks to compliment Perry's efforts.

The Rock ended the game with a 52% shooting efficiency from the field, sinking 29% (5-17) from behind the arc, and making 62% (16-26) free throws.

Slippery Rock outrebounded Navy, hitting the boards 47-42, but had a higher turnover ratio, 16-13.

“It feels really awesome beating a Division I team,” Taylor said. “It always feels good to get a win against any team at any level though. There is a lot of experience on the team this year, and we go into each game with high

expectations for ourselves.”

Perry agrees with Taylor, and he looks forward to what the team will accomplish this season.

“It was a good win for us and I’m really exciting to see that we can compete at the Division I level,” Perry said. “I am eager to see how the rest of the season goes for us. I hope to lead the team to a PSAC Championship, and I will continue to work hard in games and practice each and every day.”

SRU travels to the University of Michigan today to take on the Wolverines at 8:30 p.m. in the second preseason game against Division I competition.

“I am so excited to play at Michigan today, but I get excited for every game on our schedule,” Taylor said.

“This is what college basketball is all about. I can’t wait! It should be a great experience for us, win or lose.”

Perry said he is thrilled to have the opportunity to play against two bigname schools.

"It's always been my dream to play against a Division I team in an exciting Division I environment," Perry said. "I expect it to be a nicely played, but hard and highly competitive game for us."

The season will officially open up for the Green and White on November 13 on the road at Ohio Valley University, in West Virginia.

Their first home game will be on November 19 against La Roche College.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

double overtime.

Sophomore midfielder Josh Brake found the net first at the 76th minute mark of the game with a header assisted by junior defender Joshua Gray.

Gannon tied the game a few minutes later, pushing the match into overtime.

With just 39 seconds left in play, freshman midfielder

Ryan Lutke tallied the game-winning goal for SRU, sending them to back to Erie to face West Chester last Saturday.

Slippery Rock advanced to the title game with a 1-0 win over the Golden Rams thanks to a goal from sophomore forward Stephen Donnelly in the final minutes of the game.

The win gave seniors Clayton Master, Drew Donoghue, Blake McChesney, and Michael Ramirez one final shot at the PSAC title.

“These four seniors have given their lives to Rock soccer,” Bonelli said. “They will all be missed [next season], but not forgotten.

They have helped develop our team culture into what it is today.”

The championship game took place at Mercyhurst University at noon on Sunday.

Although the Green and White held the momentum for most of the first half, neither team was able to find the net.

Mercyhurst was awarded a penalty kick in the 67th minute of the game.

Master made a diving save to deny the Lakers the goal and keep the game scoreless.

Wit h six minutes remaining in the game, Ryan Lund scored the gamewinning goal for Mercyhurst.

Despite the pressure building of the time clock winding down, Bonelli felt the team held together very well.

“Our team did a great job of keeping our composure and working hard until the

final whistle,” Bonelli said.

The Lakers’ Nate Stern received a red card in the 87th minute of the game, but SRU was still unable to get past Merychurst’s Diego Gustin.

The loss dropped the Green and White to an 114-6 record this season.

This season’s record tied for the 2nd highest winning percentage since 1982, tied for first in least losses in a season since 1982 at the Rock, and set the school record for most ties in a season.

The season officially concluded Monday night when Slippery Rock was denied a bid to the NCAA Division II tournament.

Bonelli strongly felt that the team was robbed of this opportunity.

“The 2012 Slippery Rock University men’s soccer team earned the right to compete in this year’s national tournament,” Bonelli stated.

“I believe the committee made a huge mistake. This decision is inexcusable and a disgrace, but we, as a program, will take the positives and learn from it.”

The NCAA decision will push the Rock to work hard in the weight room and take advantage of every hour on the field that is allowed, Bonelli said.

“Not being picked for the national tournament will sting for a few weeks,” Bonelli admitted, “but it will be great motivation for our program throughout the winter and spring.”

Slippery Rock will look to make another championship run in 2013.

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November 9, 2012

The Rocket

CAMPUS LIFE C-1 November 9, 2012

PHOTO COURTESY OF BUTLER COUNTY FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE

By Courtney Tietje Assistant Campus Life Editor

Fame and fortune can easily change an individual. But after having sold over 18 million albums and having 36 hit singles throughout his career since his first hit in 1992, renowned country musician John Michael Montgomery said he still holds community close to his heart.

“I still live at home where I was raised at and everything and I’m a big community guy,” Montgomery said.

As one of the stops of a tour fundraising for Firefighters and the Fraternal Order of Police, Montgomery took the stage for two separate concerts in the Morrow Field House on Sunday to play for the Butler County Fraternal Order of Police’s First Annual Country Music Show. During the 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. shows, Montgomery played for the crowd some of his most well known hits, like “I Love the Way You Love Me,” “I Swear,” “Sold” and “Be My Baby Tonight.”

Montgomery said he enjoys the cause the national tour is fundraising for, because of the importance of local firefighters and police officers.

“I think anytime you can help out your local police and firemen, you’re a huge part of keeping a community together,” he said.

As he talked about his accomplishments in between concerts, Montgomery reminisced on his past.

“In the music world, most of my accomplishments were back in the ‘90s,” he said. “Coming where I came from—I lived in trailer parks and old farm homes in a musical family, we lived like

gypsies—and being able to get a record deal was something that somebody in my position back then never dreamed of happening. But that’s what this great country does is it allows you to dream, and sometimes those dreams come true, and it happened for me, and twenty years later I’m still on the road living like a gypsy.”

Yet with all of his accomplishments, Montgomery said his main priority at heart, first and foremost, is being a family man.

“I think my biggest accomplishment obviously is, I’ve got a couple of teenagers and they’re going to be in college here just in a [bit],” he said. “My daughter’s a sophomore, and my son is getting ready to be a freshman, and I think trying to be a successful parent is still out to be debated obviously, which as any parent would tell you, you raise kids, and you just try to raise them in a wonderful country and raise them to be successful in whatever they do and to be good persons and appreciate this great country they’re in, and you want to be a successful parent. And right now, that’s probably my greatest accomplishment is just I’m hoping I’m being a very good dad.”

Opening for Montgomery was Pittsburgh-based band North of Mason-Dixon (NOMaD). Before Montgomery played, NOMaD, a self-described hard rock and modern country act, played a 40-minute 12-song set that included hits off both their old and new albums.

Although many of the audience members had little or no familiarity with the band, which recently won $25,000 in the Mello Yello One Track Find Contest, NOMaD had most spectators dancing in their seats.

“We do our best to come out and entertain

the crowd,” said David August, lead singer of NOMaD, “We’re all about high energy. We’re big on writing our own material and promoting our own material.”

In addition to their current album, the band is looking to release a new acoustic album, which will contain both their own work, as well as a mix of Christmas songs. And of course, like most bands, NOMaD is hoping to be signed sometime in the near future.

“Obviously we would love to be signed to a record deal, which we’re constantly striving for, but we also enjoy being an independent band as well. It’s something we have total control over and we always have, so it’s always generally just improving. You know the next plateau. [Asking] what can we do next to make it better? And that’s kind of what we focus on.”

As for Montgomery, the future may also mean a new album.

“I hope to cut another album maybe this winter, go in and write some songs with my brother, Eddie Montgomery, who’s the other half of the Montgomery Gentry duo,” he said. “We haven’t done anything together, played on stage together since we played in the bars and honky tonks back in the ‘80s, so we’re hoping maybe to get together now that we’ve got the Nashville red tape out of the way. Maybe get together and do some writing and maybe even get in the studio and sing our songs together and release it and see what happens with that.”

Whatever the outcome of the future, one thing is for sure—many country music fans worldwide regard John Michael Montgomery as a country legend—someone who will not soon be forgotten.

Campus Life

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November 9, 2012

Pinterest sparks fashion trends of 2012 Sum 41’s “Does This Look Infected?”

Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" Fashion isn’t just about the clothes and accessories that you wear, it’s also about how you finish your look. Your nails, hair, and makeup are important parts of your look that shouldn’t be passed over when you’re putting together an outfit. The internet has the largest selection of information available, for getting inspiration to put the finishing touches on your look.

Pinterest is 2012’s latest and greatest social media obsession that lets users create pin boards where they can pin a variety of images based on their hobbies, favorite movies, or even beauty. There are over 30 categories that users can search, such as “Celebrities”, “Hair & Beauty,” and “Women’s Fashion”.

In order to find the best tips for styling your nails, hair, and makeup, simply choose the “Hair & Beauty” category, and prepare to be amazed. There are hundreds of pictures available at your disposal that showcase “pin” worthy styles that are great for any occasion.

Many pictures feature tutorials with step-by-step instructions on how to

recreate the waterfall braid you’ve been dying to try and tips for creating the perfect cat-eye look. You can even pin pictures from your favorite magazine or celebrity’s page, and follow them to stay up to date with the looks that they are favoring.

If you haven’t jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon yet, now is the perfect time to sign up.

The Beauty Department is a website founded by Lauren Conrad and her hair and makeup stylists Kristin Ess and Amy Nadine that showcases a number of hair and makeup tips, as well as their latest fashion obsessions. This site is beautifully designed and features easy navigation features that make searching the site a breeze. All of the styles featured on their website are created by professional stylists, yet are simple enough to recreate at home.

The pros at “TBD” also highlight all of the tools and products they use, which takes the guessing game out of buying the products you need to create your desired look. There are also a number of cost saving DIY projects on their site that are available to help you replicate designer headpieces and jewelry for much less than you would pay at your favorite store.

Be sure to follow Lauren and the rest of the Beauty Department on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest to stay on top of

the latest beauty scoop.

If neither Pinterest nor the Beauty Department features styles that appeal to you, head to the internet in search of tips from your favorite magazine. Whenever the latest issue of your favorite glossy comes in the mail each month, only a selection of the dozens of styles created for the magazine are featured. This means that there are a lot of styles on their site just waiting to be discovered, and tried by you at home.

Many of your favorite sites also feature games and quizzes that make the process of picking out a hairstyle or a nail polish color even more fun. Step out of your comfort zone and search a site that you aren’t familiar with in order to learn new tips and tricks from different industry insiders.

Searching the internet for tips and tricks for all things beauty will help you to keep your look fresh every day of the week. Although styling your nails, hair, and makeup may seem like insignificant tasks, they are the parts of your look that people are most likely to notice first.

Using these sites will surely save you the hassle of trying to think of an innovative style to try, and keep you from referring to the same magazines over and over again.

Katie Ellis is a sophomore journalism major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

anniversary tour solid, highly energetic

Will DeShong Editor commentary Sum 41 was probably one of your favorite bands as you began to enter your teenageangst years, but the Canadian punk rockers have lost a lot of their relevance over the past half-decade.

So now, as either a celebratory look back to the heights of their success or a timely effort to try to rekindle some of their former glory, the band has embarked on a 26-stop tenth anniversary tour for their widely successful sophomore album, “Does This Look Infected?”.

The band opened their tour in Chicago at the House of Blues this past weekend with a surprisingly solid performance wrapped in all the punk rock aesthetics that made the band famous a decade ago.

I admittedly entered the concert with relatively low expectations, anticipating a performance similar to what I witnessed last year when I saw Blink-182, a band Sum 41 toured with at the start of their mainstream careers and are perhaps most widely associated with. To be frank, I was expecting a concert where the band would simply fumble around three power chords and struggle to carry the same notes of the catchy hits that made them famous a decade ago, drowning out the lackluster performance with heavy distortion and distractingly high levels of nostalgia from onlookers.

But I was wrong. Sum 41 delivered with a well-executed,

energetic punk show from start to finish that left me deafened with a slight case of vertigo.

Lead singer Deryck Whibley sang as well as you would expect him to and kept the restless fans that packed the floor of the House of Blues fully energized for the entire set as the band played through almost all of their sophomore album and several other fan favorites from the rest of their discography, including “In Too Deep,” “Motivation,” “We’re All to Blame” and “Underclass Hero.”

The band followed the main set with an encore that began with a cliché inclusion of Queen's crowd pleasing classic “We Will Rock You.” Though Whibley naturally falling into the long list of singers whom fall flat while attempting to cover one of the greatest singers in the history of recorded music, the band followed with a much more suitable cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage,” before abruptly cutting short midsong to begin their own most notable hit, “Fat Lip.” The night concluded with a hilarious rendition of “Pain for Pleasure” – a song sung by drummer Steve Jocz as part of the group’s alter ego 1980s heavy metal band.

As good as the band’s performance was, the set list did falter in some regards.

For some reason they decided to just skip over “Thanks for Nothing” – the ninth track on “Does This Look Infected?”

– and while it was not a hit single, it was a noticeable miss for anyone familiar with the album. The band also didn’t play a fan -- and personal -- favorite being “Makes No Difference,” their first ever single off their debut EP, “Half Hour of Power.” The popular singles “Pieces” and “With Me” were also excluded from

the show, but fittingly so as the slow-paced ballads had no place in the forceful set.

Regardless of whether the set could’ve benefited with the addition of a few songs, the tracks they did perform were exceptionally executed by each member. And as solid as their performance was, what really took the show to another level was the way Whibley interacted with the energetic crowd throughout the night, ranging from chanting contests to pulling about half a dozen fans up on stage to “party” with them for the duration of the show.

The intimate venue certainly helped maintain the energy throughout the show, but anyone looking to see the band and not get knocked around a little bit by mosh pits or crowd surfers would be best reserving a seat in the upper deck – assuming the venue offers it. Otherwise, brace yourself as the band still can draw a rowdy crowd of 20-somethings moshing their way down memory lane.

Sum 41 continued the tour in Cleveland and Buffalo earlier this week, and will make four stops to Pennsylvania throughout the month. They will be playing at the Theater of the Living Arts in Philadelphia on Nov. 15, the Chameleon Club in Lancaster on Nov. 17, Crocodile Rock in Allentown on Nov. 23, and finally at the Altar Bar in Pittsburgh on Nov. 28.

Based on their performance opening night in Chicago, the band more than warrants the $20 ticket. If you grew up listening to Sum 41, and assuming you did since you made it this far into the review, this is an anniversary tour you do not want to miss.

Will DeShong is a senior journalism major, and the Editor in Chief for The Rocket.

November 9, 2012

Campus Life

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New theatre production to debut in MPR tonight

By Stephanie Cheek Rocket Contributor

All around campus floral posters are hung up advertising the theatre department’s new production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which is different from the department’s usual productions, according to play director Dr. David Skeele. “‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ was written as a melodrama, to make fun of plays performed [back] in the day,” Skeele said.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a Victorian romantic comedy written by Oscar Wilde, who was a part of high society, but understood that there was another side to the parties and properness,

according to Skeele.

The play is about two men who carry on secret lives with the name Earnest, and how the girls they love believe that they are to marry someone named Earnest, causing confusion to ensue. This comedy is different than past productions because the style of acting is completely different.

“Oscar Wilde was deliriously in love with words, so the actors need to be in love with words,” Skeele said.

This production is tied completely to a particular time and place, making also the humor drier, rather than outright hilarious, according to Skeele. One of the classic pieces of humor used is when the actors lead the audience to a certain outcome, Skeele explained, and at the last

second take a complete detour and mean the exact opposite.

Along with the change of style with their latest production, the theatre department is going through a change of location from Miller Auditorium to the University Union’s Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) due to the ongoing renovation of the Auditorium.

This change created some obstacles for different aspects of theatrical production such as the lighting, according to the lighting director, Zachary Burler.

“In the Union we had to create our own lighting positions,” Burler explained.

New equipment needed to be rented to create the desire effect to create the play atmosphere, according to Burler. In this

production there are about three different locations that all require different sets of lighting, Burler said, a study-like area, a garden, and a library.

“We worked hard to create simple lighting that is realistic but not dull and boring,” Burler said.

One of the more vibrant and comedic characters in “The Importance of Being Earnest” is Lady Bracknell, played by Nick Benninger.

Lady Bracknell is the mother of Gwendolyn, the young girl that is in love with Jack or Earnest.

Lady Bracknell does not approve of the relationship and is often portrayed as a more masculine figure, according to Skeele, hence why a male actor often plays the character.

“I watched period films to get my accent,” Benninger said, “and I wore women’s undergarments and heels, so I can rehearse how I would carry myself, since I would play a woman.”

Skeele said “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a play that is meant to be fun and humorous, and that he hopes the audience leaves laughing and roots for the younger generation and for young love.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” opens tonight in the MPR at 7:30 p.m., and will continue November 11 through November 15 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee show will also be held on November 11 at 2:00 p.m.

For tickets, visit the Robert Smith Student Center information desk, or call the SRU Theatre box office at 724-738-2645.

International students share experiences about adjusting to life in America

By Alyssa Cirincione Rocket Contributor

Many people from different countries travel to the U.S. for many different reasons, one being freedom, but for senior marketing major Naoko Hata and senior business management major Veronika Kusnirova, the reasons were more expansive.

“Since I was little, it has been my dream to come to the U.S. to study,” Hata said. “You have a lot of freedom and a lot of people are friendly,” Kusnirova, 21, of Bratislava, Slovakia, had the same dreams as Hata of coming to the U.S. “I wanted to learn English and gain new experiences,” Kusnirova said. “I wanted to see how it is out there in the big world.”

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Hata, 24, said she started learning

English at a young age, but still struggled with it when she first came to America.

“I started learning English when I was 10,” Hata said. “At first, making friends was hard because I couldn’t speak English well when I first came here and I’m really shy, so I’m not good at talking to people.”

Sp ending much time in America, Hata said she had to leave a few family members behind ever since coming to the U.S. about five years ago. Her parents and older sister still live in Tokyo.

She said even though she has lived here for five years, she still has the opportunity to see her family in Japan.

“Once a year I go back home in the summertime,” Hata giggled.

“We also keep in touch through Skype about once a week.”

Kusnirova said she left behind some family at home as well, but some relatives also live in the U.S. “My brother is living in the states too, but he didn’t come here with me,” Kusnirova said.

“He is living in Montana. I also have an aunt that lives in NYC. She kind of ran away during the communism with her family.”

Even though Kusnirova has family all over the world, she manages to still keep in touch with everyone in similar ways that Hata keeps in touch with her family.

“I check with them on Skype and email with friends, “Kusnirova smiled. “I have only been here for three months, since August, and I will be traveling back home in December.”

One of the major differences between America and Japan, Hata pointed out, is the way young

adults speak to authority.

“Relationships between professors and students are very different in the American culture,” Hata explained. “They are very friendly to each other and they can talk about many things.

But in my country, we need to show respect for our professors by using different words when talking to authority.”

Having a different experience than Hata, Kusnirova said that when she first came to the U.S., the sights and food were what caught her eye.

“The cities are very different looking than mine,” Kusnirova said. “Slovakia has a historical feeling to it, especially in the city. We have a lot of castles, which are all over the country.

One difference that I struggled with was the food. I had no idea what to eat. I would think, ‘I’m

not going to eat this because it’s too unhealthy, but it’s all I have.’

American food does tend to be a little more unhealthy.”

When she returns home to Bratislava, Kusnirova plans to graduate in May, but doesn’t know of her plans yet for her future after college.

“I don’t have such plans of staying in the U.S. after college, maybe if an opportunity arises, we’ll have to see,” Kusnirova said.

“I probably wouldn’t want to live in the U.S. forever.”

Like Kusnirova, Hata also plans to graduate from SRU in May. She, too, is not entirely certain of what she will do upon graduation and leaving the university.

“I might stay in the U.S. because I’m planning to get a job here,” Hata said. “It really was a great decision to come here. Whatever happens, happens.”

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November 9, 2012