SRU Rocket 12-9-11

Sports

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Men's Basketball: SRU splits PSAC crossover home games against East Stroudsburg and Kutztown, Bloomsburg next

The Rocket www.theonlinerocket.com

Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper

Friday, December 9, 2011

Est. 1934

Volume 94, Number 12

Smith bids adieu to SRU Provost Williams to retire after new president is acclimated

By Will Deshong Rocket Staff Reporter

Slippery Rock University’s search for the next school president is progressing as planned, as a narrowed down group of candidates are now being interviewed at off-campus locations.

The school’s Presidential Search Committee spent several months receiving applications from candidates seeking to replace President Robert Smith, who is set to retire in January.

The Committee concluded what was called “Phase I” of the process on Nov. 15 and began “Phase II” by reviewing the applications to pick out the most promising candidates to be interviewed.

Following the first round of inter views currently taking place, the field will again be narrowed down to about five candidates who will then be invited to Slippery Rock for a two-day interview session.

The Committee expects to hold the oncampus interviews in February.

While the process is moving along as planned, the new president likely won’t be in place until summer. With the gap between President Smith’s departure and the naming of a new president, the university is also seeking an interim president.

Dr. William Williams, SRU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, will likely be the man to fill that role.

Although the Board of Governors will make no official decision until December 16, Williams is the only candidate currently in consideration for the position.

President Smith has already spoken to Williams about the position, providing advice on the wide range of responsibilities of the president.

“We’ve talked about it at some length,”

Williams said. “I’m fully aware what happens in academic affairs, but he is helping me get up to speed in the other areas.”

The biggest challenge Williams thinks he’ll have to adjust to is the increased interaction with a broad academic community, but he is confident he can make the adjustment.

“I know people, I just haven’t had to work with them directly,” Williams said.

“It’ll be an adjustment.”

While Williams will likely serve a couple months in office, he isn’t looking to make any changes to the university, rather he hopes to maintain status quo. “ I t ’s an interesting p o s i t i o n ,” Williams said of being interim president. “The primar y job is to stabilize everything for the new president coming in, then help the new president move forward in the transition.

I don’t see myself changing anything, just try to keep everything stable as is.”

One of Williams’ most important duties will be to help the new president get situated.

“I’ll help the president understand how we’ve done things in the past, and get him or her up to speed,” Williams said. “I’ll try to give the person a better sense how to move forward.”

The opportunity will be one final career accomplishment for Williams, as he already has in mind what he wants to do after the experience.

“I’m going to retire,” Williams said.

“After the new president gets acclimated, I’m going to ask him or her to seek a new provost.”

Williams sees the job as a nice way to end his career in academics.

“It’s an opportunity,” Williams said. “It’s a good thing. I’m okay with it.”

“I’m going to retire,” Williams said. “After the new president gets acclimated I’m going to ask him or her to seek a new Provost.”

LEXI KOVSKI/THE ROCKET

Slippery Rock University President Robert Smith is retiring this January. President Smith has led SRU since Nov. 5 2004. See A-5 for photographs from President Smith's career.

Students given different options for selling textbooks by bookstore, vans

By Steph Holsinger Assistant News Editor

JOSHUA J. SEYBERT/THE ROCKET

Jessica Wallace, from penntext.com, is buying books from SRU students from her van that's set up in the parking lot near Subway.

As the end of the semester nears, many students start considering selling their textbooks in order to make some extra money. However, many students aren’t aware of the different options that are available when it comes to selling their books.

According to Joe Flynn, manager of the SGA Bookstore, the “Cash for Books” program is run by Follett Higher Education and will be available in four locations this year.

“The book has to be adopted again for next semester in order for us to buy it back,” Flynn said. “If the professor tells us that a particular book is going to be used again, the student will get at least half of the new book price.”

According to Flynn, if a book is not adopted by a professor for the upcoming semester, it will go back to the company. Flynn believes

that “Cash for Books” is the right way to go for several reasons that benefit the students.

“We have a stake in the university, and we are helping with the new student union and work with a lot of other student groups,” he said. “We also check I.D.s to make sure that the book isn’t stolen.”

“Cash for Books” will also be featuring a new offer this year. If a student puts their book buyback dollars onto an SGA Bookstore gift card, the student will earn 10 percent more.

“We are going to be very competitive this year,” Flynn said.

Flynn also believes that selling textbooks back to the bookstore is more convenient for students.

“Selling books back on campus is more convenient than going online or anywhere else because you don’t have to wait for the sale SEE VAN, PAGE A-4

News

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ROCK NOTES

SRU offers practice webcam interviews to better prepare students, alumni

By Johnathan Janasik Rocket Contributor

Study Abroad Informational Meetings Interested in traveling to new places, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures? Study Abroad is a great opportunity to do all of these things! To find out more information about Study Abroad come to an Informational Meeting, held weekly on Tuesdays 12:30pm – 1:30pm or Wednesdays 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Carruth Rizza Hall, Room 212.

Contact International Services Graduate Assistant Tess Crispin at tmc0451@sru.edu for any questions.

SEA Scholarship Offerings Woodmen of the World Financial Planning Fellowship, a financial planning and privately held insurance company, sponsored by the Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator at Slippery Rock University, is awarding five scholarships, worth $1,000 each. Students will also have the opportunity to work with Woodmen of the World representatives in developing their financial skills. To be eligible, students must have a current interest in financial-planning and/or insurance, or working on a financial-planning project. Students must be a junior, or senior academic standing, with a minimum of 3.0 QPA. Applications are available in the SEA office. For more information, contact Dr. John Golden, entrepreneur-in-residence, john.golden@sru.edu.

Heavy Rock Night at Ghost Riders 12 GA, Stratega and Souls of Aries Night of Heavy Metal Rock Doors open at 8 cover charge $8.00 11 and under are free BYOB (bring your own booze) Dance Club www.ghostriders2 1805 North main st Butler pa 16001

Climate Assessment Survey to be released to the campus community Results for the Slippery Rock University Climate Assessment Project have been compiled and show most respondents were either comfortable or very comfortable with the overall demographic climate of the university. 82 percent of respondents reported this in the survey that was issued last spring to students and faculty at the university. The survey was intended to measure the attitudes and feelings towards the current climate at SRU. The results have been gathered and the detailed findings are ready to be released throughout spring 2012.

Publicize your group's event with a Rock Note.

To submit a Rock Note to be considered for publication, please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Brian Brodeur at bdb5229@sru.edu or to rocket.news@sru.edu. The Rocket does not guarantee that all requests will be published in the paper, but the staff will try it's best.

Weather Chance of Rain/ Snow

High: 38 Low: 19

Slight chance of snow

The Office of Career Services has signed up for a new program that allows students, alumni and faculty of Slippery Rock University to practice for a popular new trend of conducting job interviews online through webcams.

Webcam interviews are becoming more popular among employers in this generation, Director of the Office of Career Services John Rindy said.

A growing number of companies have been using programs like Skype to conduct long-distance interviews rather than having applicants arrange a flight to physically meet.

Interviewing online benefits both the employer and the applicant by saving time and money by reducing the amount of travel required.

To practice for this type of interview, Slippery Rock University has subscribed to a new program known as InterviewStream. The s u b s c r ipt i on s t ar t e d i n l at e November, and the program is now available to use by all Slippery Rock students, faculty and alumni. To use the program, students must visit sru. interviewstream.com and sign up for an account. All that is required is a name, an e-mail address and a webcam. There has been a computer with a webcam set up in the Office of Career Services specifically for students to run InterviewStream.

The idea of the program is to provide students with an easy way to practice being interviewed. It is a skill that is necessary for getting a job, internship or getting into grad schools. Rindy believes it is one of the most important life skills that most people never properly practice.

“We practice for hours and hours for one sports match,” Rindy said.

“But we never practice for interviews, and we’ll be doing interviews for the rest of our lives.”

After signing up, the website takes you to the main menu. From there, you can click on “Expert Tips” to gain advice on how to answer specific questions, “Inter view Webinar” for general advice on interviews, “Tutorial” for instructions to use the website, “Conduct Interviews” for doing mock interviews, and “Watch Interview” to watch all of the interviews that have been previously completed.

When the program first starts, students will chose if they would like to have a general interview or one

Index

Forecast from National Weather Service Friday Saturday Sunday Sunny

High: 29; Low: 15 High: 37; Low: 23

December 9, 2011

Rock Notes..........A-2 Blotter.................A-3 Opinion.......A-4 Classifieds..........A-6 Comics................A-7

Sports...................B-1 Campus Life........C-1

based off of a major. Each interview s elec t ion has 10 c ustomized questions. As of now, the only majorrelated interview online is for public health, but Rindy promised more will be added as departments ask for them.

Students also have the option of customizing their own interview. If this selection is made, the student can create a list of 10 questions they want to be asked. There is a large and extensive selection of both general and major-specific questions. After choosing the questions, the interview will begin. A video will play showing an InterviewStream employee asking a question, and the student will have up to two minutes to respond. If the student finishes early, he or she can click on the screen and the next question will be asked. There is an option to re-record a response if the student is unsatisfied with the results.

After all questions are responded to, the interview is finished.

The process of creating an account, picking questions and answering them usually takes less than 30 minutes.

The entire inter view will be recorded and saved online. Then students will be able to watch themselves answering the questions.

Students will also be able to send the video to the staff in the Office of Career Services or any other faculty member in order to receive feedback and advice.

Rindy stated that students can expect to receive feedback within one to two days if the video is sent to the Career Services department.

InterviewStream also allows viewers to leave comments and rate the interviews on a five-star scale.

Students are encouraged to run the program multiple times so that they can compare their results and see how they have improved.

As of now, Slippery Rock University has only signed up for one year of the service to see how beneficial it is to students.

If the subscription goes unrenewed, InterviewStream will be available to use until November 2012.

If enough students use the program, the Office of Career Services hopes to sign up for another year of the service.

The subscription for one year of InterviewStream costs the university $15,000. The first year was paid for together by four schools’ deans, Dr. Kurt Schimmel, Dr. Susan Hannam, Dr. Eva Tsuquiashi-Daddesio and Dr. Kathleen Strickland. Rindy said that

the Office of Career Services does not have the funding to pay for the subscription themselves.

Professional writing professor Dr. Jason Stewart has experience interviewing both students and applicants for a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. He believes that most students are not properly prepared for real job interviews.

“Unless you have really thought about what you’re going to say and have had plenty of experience doing job interviews, you’re probably not going to make the best impression,” Dr. Stuart said.

Stuart named two types of questions that are often used by employers.

The first type is literal, where the employer already knows the correct answers and is testing the applicant’s knowledge of the company. These types of questions are adaptive and are used to clarify the applicant’s cover letter or resume in order to learn more about the applicant’s level of experience.

The second type is an interpretive question. Dr. Stuart explained that an example of this would be, “why is a manhole cover round?” or, “where do you see yourself in five years?”

These types of questions are used to determine the applicant’s ability to think quickly, reason and justify their answers.

Interviews may not be composed like that for much longer, Rindy said.

Employers are starting to prefer a more structured interviewing style in order to prevent legal issues caused by discrimination. Asking from a list of predetermined questions is seen as a fairer way of conducting an interview.

Rindy says that it all comes back to a student’s personal desire to improve.

“Students have to be compelled to use it,” Rindy said, “They have to be compelled to use it to help them get hired after graduation. They have to be compelled to use it to help them get an internship. If it’s used as a requirement for class, they have to be compelled to use it to get a good grade.”

The Office of Career Services is located in Bailey Library room 124 and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays during the fall and spring semesters. Students and alumni can arrange appointments to get help on writing resumes, cover letters, and can even sign up for faceto-face mock interviews.

Contact us Newsroom: (724) 738-4438 Advertising: (724) 738-2643 Fax: (724) 738-4896

220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Email: rocket.letters@sru.edu

2011 Runner-up most Outstading Newspaper, Society of Collegiate Journalists.

News

December 9, 2011

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Police Blotter Magistrate Nov. 30 -Daniel Wilson Cummins, 28, of Pittsburgh, was seen for two counts of DUI. He was released on his own recognizance.

Nov. 30- Joshua Craig Robbins, 22, of Slippery Rock, was seen for two counts of DUI. He was released on his own recognizance.

Nov. 30- Dustan James Mibuck, 20, of Enon Valley, Pa., was seen for two counts of DUI. He was released on his own recognizance.

Nov. 30- Cur t is D onald Waugaman II, 43, of Saltsburg, Pa., was seen for two counts of DUI. He was released on his own recognizance.

Nov. 30- Gregory Mark Jergons, 20, of New Brighton, Pa., was seen for a DUI, purchasing alcoholic beverages by a minor, and driving without a license.

He was released on his own recognizance.

Nov. 30- Trenton William Knight, 21, of Harrisville, Pa., was seen for burglary, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property.

Nov. 30- Nikola Jon Skrak, 26, of Prospect, Pa., was seen for conspiracy and criminal mischief.

Nov. 30- Christopher A. Elliott, 20, of Greensburg, Pa., was seen for two counts of DUI. He was released on his own recognizance.

Nov. 30- Maureen Roche, 56, of Cranberry Township, Pa., was seen for two counts of DUI.

Nov. 30- Jos eph Rob er t Brandon, 24, of Butler, was seen for theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, 29 counts of criminal mischief, possession of a small amount of marijuana, intent to possess a controlled substance by a person not registered, and use and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dec. 1- There was a report of harassment at the police station.

The actors were separated and no further action was taken.

Nov. 30- Adam Joseph Harry, 22, of Slippery Rock, was seen for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Dec. 3- There was a report of an alcohol violation at Building A. The incident was handled by the CA staff.

Campus

Dec. 1- Brett Kyle, 20, was seen for underage consumption of alcohol after a report of vandalism at Building F. The case is still under investigation.

Dec. 4- Elston Vanstory, 19, was cited for underage consumption of alcohol after a traffic stop on Main St. Dec. 4- There was a report of criminal mischief and damage to parked vehicles in the East Lake parking lot. The case is still under investigation.

Dec. 5- There was a report of theft of football pads at MihalikThompson Stadium. The case is still under investigation.

Dec. 5- There was a report of disturbance at Eisenberg Classroom Building. The actor was identified and no other action was taken.

Compiled by Stephanie Holsinger

Slippery Rock University adopts new severe weather class schedule

By Catie Clark Rocket Contributor

Slippery Rock University has implemented a compressed class schedule to its updated severe weather policy, should weather dictate a late opening.

Under the new policy, there is a compressed schedule for classes that meet Mondays, Wednesdays and/or Fridays, one for classes that meet Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, and a third schedule for classes in the college of education, regardless of the meeting day.

The plan is based on a two-hour delay, which university officials believe will give facilities crews adequate time to clear roadways, sidewalks and parking lots on campus to accommodate those arriving for class.

A decision to implement the delay will be made as early as possible in order to inform the campus community of the delay and allow the new compressed class schedule to be implemented.

The plan ensures all classes scheduled for the day, especially those that meet early in the day, have an opportunity to meet.

“When the university announces it is implementing a two-hour delay, under the new severe weather policy, students and faculty will switch to the

new compressed class schedule, which reduces the number of minutes classes will meet for the day, but ensures all classes will meet,” said William Williams, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “ The plan was developed af ter extensive study and discussions among faculty and the administration,” he said.

“This plan gives every class the opportunity to meet to collect papers and reports or issue new assignments, as well as cover material planned for the session.”

Professor of English and president of the Association of Pennsylvania State, College and University Faculty (APSCUF) Jace Condravy thinks that the new policy is for the best.

“I think that the faculty committee that proposed the new policy did an excellent job in taking into consideration a shared primary concern – that the learning process be disrupted as little as possible by severe weather events – and the challenges faced by administration in their decisionmaking, and the grounds crews in preparing a campus that permits safe navigation,” she said.

“Slipper y Rock University is committed to fulfilling its i n s t r u c t i on a l o b l i g at i on s ,” Williams said. Nearly 2,000

students live on campus, and approximately 5,000 live within a 3-mile radius of campus.”

According to the severe weather policy, “It is the university’s intent to conduct classes as long as it can maintain reasonable conditions on campus and the roads in the immediate areas are reasonably passable. The university and its off-campus locations will remain open in all but the most extreme circumstances.”

Dr. James Hathaway, professor in the geography, geology, and environment department, was a member of the executive APSCUF committee that came to the decision to use the revised schedule. “[The schedule] was successfully implemented at other schools and has worked reasonably well,” Hathaway said.

“It is a reasonable solution to the problem,” he said. “I don’t like the shortened classes, but I dislike the alternative worse.”

Dr. Mark Shotwell, associate professor of biology, believes a condensed class can be a good thing.

“From the professor perspective, losing two or three 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. classes is never favorable, and this way the classes won’t get behind,” Shotwell said.

“However, that shortens the time the student will pay attention, as

well as dealing with attendance [issues].”

Casey Neiman, mathematics major, likes the condensed schedule.

“I like it because classes are only 35 minutes instead of 50,” Neiman said. “I also think it’s good that they're getting [the new schedule] out there because when it was delayed last year, nobody knew what to do, and it was just really confusing.”

Amber St. Clair, therapeutic recreation and pre-physical therapy major, didn’t think so highly of the new condensed schedule.

“A 35 minute class almost seems pointless, and if we have a two hour delay, the snow has to be pretty bad and considering a lot of professors don't live close, they usually end up canceling class anyways,” St. Clair said. “I definitely think they should have asked for the students’ opinions, especially since we are paying to go here.”

In the event of a weather emergency, the campus will be notified via e2Campus alerts and email. A weather message and link to the compressed class schedule will be posted on the university website. Local media will be advised and a message placed on the university newsline (724.738.2998).

According to a university press release, delay or cancellation of classes does not imply that the university is closed.

All non-faculty employees are required to repor t to work as scheduled. Any class cancellations will apply to all university locations unless otherwise specified.

Faculty members will be expected to make up time for canceled classes. Any university employee unable to reach campus is required to report off work and request leave, using established procedures.

Employees are expected to notify their supervisor of his/her leave status as soon as possible.

Faculty should not penalize students who miss class because of severe weather conditions.

However, students should notify their instructors as soon as possible of the weather related reason for their absence.

Even under “extreme weather conditions” the university expects to maintain essential operations such as the University Police, Bailey Library, Morrow Field House, the University Union, SRU Student Health Center, campus dining and residence halls, the SRU switchboard and the SRU Help Desk.

GRAPHIC BY LEXI KOVSKI/THE ROCKET

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News

Vans claim to offer more for students' used textbooks Continued from Page A-1

to clear,” he said. “Also, the money and the books stay on campus, so they are guaranteed to be used for the next year.”

“Cash for Books” will be available at the SGA Bookstore on Friday, December 9 from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, December 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, December 12 and Tuesday,

years, according to Thomas Wallace, who works for the company. Wallace has been with the company for about four years, which is how long they have been coming to Slippery Rock.

“At first, we got hassled by zoning officers and the bookstore, but it’s all about the competition and being here for the students,” he said.

According to Wallace, the company

GRAPHIC BY LEXI KOVSKI/THE ROCKET

December 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, December 14 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 15 and Friday, December 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, December 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The other locations will be at Watson Hall and North Hall on Friday, December 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and December 12 through the 16th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Cash for Books” will be available at University Village on Friday, December 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As an alternative option when it comes to selling textbooks, many students choose to go to the white van that is usually seen outside of Subway, but most people aren’t aware where the van comes from. Penn Text, who operates the book buyback service, is a company that is based out of Downingtown, Pa., and has been in operation for about 10

was originally founded by a student from West Chester University in order to help students who were looking for other options when it came to selling textbooks.

“We service hundreds of schools,” Wallace said. “Our books go back to multiple wholesalers, unlike the bookstore who only has one.”

Wallace’s sister, Jessica Wallace, has been with the company for about eight years.

“We’re all about making students more money and giving them more options,” she said. “It’s not necessarily the most convenient option, but we normally offer more money than they would at the bookstore.”

Penn Text’s van will be available to students all next week in the Subway parking lot.

December 9, 2011

December 9, 2011

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“...the most rewarding experience of my life.”

- Robert M. Smith President Smith poses with the Sliders’ mascot.

President Smith dances with his wife Ramona.

President Smith on April 22, 2010 with former SGA President Nick Barcio after the clock he donated for the students was placed in front of Watson.

President Smith helping the staff out in the the kitchen of Boozel Dining Hall.

Photos provided by Ramona Smith and The Rocket Photo page designed by Lexi Kovski, Photo Editor

OPINION

The Rocket

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December 9, 2011

The Rocket

Our View

Volume 94, Number 12

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 Courtney Nickle Editor-in-Chief Brian Brodeur News Editor Andy Treese Campus Life Editor Tim Durr Sports Editor Lexi Kovski Photo Editor Stephanie Martincsek Copy Editor James Intile Web Editor Stephanie Holsinger Assistant News Editor James Meyer Assistant Campus Life Editor Madeline Williams Assistant Sports Editor Liana Pittman Assistant Photo Editor Will Deshong News Reporter Mark Zeltner Faculty Adviser

Advertising Staff Emily Hunter 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 LIANA PITTMAN

New two-hour delay schedule puts us back in high school Yo u k n o w t h o s e wonderful winter days when you wake up to six feet of snow outside your door?

In that extreme case, chances are a twohour delay would be implemented for this university of ours. That used to mean any class b efore 10 a.m. was cancelled.

Not anymore.

Starting next semester, a new severe weather policy will be implemented for Slippery Rock University, one that contains a compressed class schedule in the event of a two-hour delay.

That’s right.

A compressed schedule.

No, you’re not in high school again. Calm down.

This is still college. But it’ll feel like high school.

Take a moment to remember all the way back to your high school days.

Whe n a t wo - h ou r delay was implemented and you were so excited because that meant you would do absolutely nothing in every single one of your classes. Why? Because there wasn’t enough time.

And now, here we are in college, doing the same exact thing that didn’t

work in high school.

Instead of just cancelling any classes that meet before 10 a.m., the new compressed schedule will allow for all classes to meet, but for a shorter amount of time.

For Mo n d ay, We d n e s d a y, F r i d a y classes, every period will last 35 minutes instead of the standard 50 minutes.

For Tuesday, Thursday classes, every period will last 60 minutes instead of 75 minutes.

Let’s be honest here. It takes almost 35 minutes to get everyone to pay attention and remember what’s going on in class.

Before you know it, 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.

class will be over. What exactly is the point of that?

We understand t h e a d m i n i s t r at i on’s sentiments that every class should get to meet.

But sometimes, that just isn’t the best solution.

We still believe the original two-hour delay system was better. Not perfect of course, no delay system ever will be. It’s a delay. It’s inconvenient.

That’s unavoidable.

But simply cancelling any class before 10 a.m. just makes more sense.

You miss that class, yes.

But it can always be made up.

That’s what D2L and

email is for. Professors can let students know what they need to do.

They can virtually assign readings or other homework.

This new compressed schedule system has one major flaw – it messes up all of your classes for the day, not just the ones before 10 a.m.

We appreciate that the administration wants to make a change and revamp the severe we at her p olic y, but perhaps they would’ve been better off to ask the students what we want.

After all, it’s our classes that they’re messing with.

This week’s question: What do you think of the new compressed schedule for two-hour delays?

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 Fall 2011 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.

Jen Kosko Senior history major Hometown: Plum, Pa.

Scott Rumberger Sophomore political science major Hometown: Butler, Pa.

“I think this new system is better so at least you can accomplish a little bit of what was originally planned for class time.”

“The new system seems even worse than the old because you’re only getting a little bit of each class and what’s a professor supposed to do for that short of time?”

Bonnie Burton Junior information technology major Hometown: Carlisle, Pa. “It would be better just to have classes cancelled. Freshmen especially get really confused with changed schedules. You can’t get much accomplished with shortened classes.”

Opinion More should be done to finance higher education in U.S. December 9, 2011

Spencer Cadden Silent Majority This is my final article for The Rocket and there is one issue that I absolutely feel the need to address before I bow out. College has become unreasonably expensive and something absolutely has to change.

I cannot speak for the rest of the students at SRU, but I know that on a personal level, I received virtually no financial aid to come to school. My parents were just wealthy enough that their estimated family contribution was all of my tuition besides Stafford loans. However, in reality, my parents are what is known as “house poor” and live paycheck to paycheck.

So I had to make up the difference with loans.

Being here completely on loans, which I, alone, will be expected to pay back, has made me rather bitter. I have plenty of friends whose parents pay for half or all of school and plenty of friends who come to SRU basically free on grant money and scholarships.

Was there more I could have done? Could I have secured more financial aid?

Possibly, but as it stands, I

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graduate in one week and it is too late for “what ifs.” Six months from next Saturday, I will owe $650 per month for the next ten years of my life.

I think it is also important to note that I have only been at SRU for two and half years, and nearly all of that debt was accrued in that short amount of time.

That is an absolute travesty.

As college graduates, we are expected to be the next wave of young professionals, yet we are saddled with the equivalent of a mortgage payment when we graduate.

Goodbye house, wife, car or, God forbid, kids. Instead, I will be paying for my undergrad degree.

This is the type of money I would have expected to pay at a major university, not at a small state school.

I know plenty of students who are echoing this exact same idea. A fair number of those recent grads are still Occupying various public places across the country and suffering attacks from mustachioed police officers with self esteem issues.

Do I blame Slippery Rock for my debt? Short answer: no. SRU has been abundantly helpful in every way possible. The financial aid officers are fantastic, and my professors have been exceedingly helpful. There are some things I disagreed with about SRU, but not the cost. I cannot blame this university for my $650 debt.

I blame the priorities of the U.S. government. I blame Congress and ultimately, I blame myself. Considering

that if I was to enroll in graduate school at the University of Munich, in Germany, tuition is a total of $700 a year and all of the classes are taught in English.

In fact, the absolute most expensive schools in all of Europe still are only about as much as SRU’s in-state tuition.

So why is it that if I take an eight hour plane ride to school I can save myself thousands of dollars? I think it’s a matter of priorities.

In the United States, we apparently could care less about education. No Child Left Behind may be the biggest joke ever to befall the American education system.

Its motto: “Here are a bunch of standards you have to meet, but we’re not going to tell you how to implement them, if they are effective or fund them,” has become a punch line.

The higher up you go, the worse the whole issue of funding gets. Remember earlier in the semester when our lovely governor proposed a 54 percent cut to state university funding?

Education is one of the first things to get cut in this country, and it makes absolutely no sense any way you look at it. By cutting funding for education, you accomplish two things.

First, you directly limit who can attend the university.

Second, you saddle students with outrageous debt which makes the supposed “class of young professionals” practically bankrupt from the get-go.

“Dead Week” is not so dead

Nicole Crevar Dare and Share It’s hectic weeks like this that make me ever so grateful that I have an opinion column. Thus, it is time to really let the fiery redhead out and stop biting my tongue.

I love finals week.

That’s right, you heard me correctly. We get an entire week to study, no class, no obligations, and plenty of time. But you know what I really hate? The week BEFORE finals week.

Professors incessantly shove information down your throat like a Ronald McDonald force-feeding you with McClogged arteries. Don’t even try to catch your breath, because it won’t happen.

In fact, I’m starting to believe that professors have formed some sort of alliance against the well being of college students.

Perhaps they enjoy the agonizing fear in students’ eyes when they hand in an exam. Or maybe they revel in the idea that students lock themselves

in the library, coffee and chewed pen in hand, to reread their notes for the seventh time.

But in all honesty, it’s not the workload, nor the hour-crunch that drives my head into a wall. It’s those few professors that, with every bone in their body, demonically and disrespectfully belittle students. Now don’t get me wrong, because I’m only speaking of the scant few professors that treat students like scum on the backside of a toilet.

As a high-honor student, I have experienced some ver y tough teachers.

Teachers that make you cry and bow down to their feet. And in the end, you learn to love and respect them for their intense desire to make you learn.

Those educators are the ones who teach you how to succeed.

I u n d e r s t a n d t h at professors expect a lot out of us, we are college students and all, but there is a fine line between respectfully encouraging students and degrading their self-worth. Case in point, I have witnessed a professor glare students down, roll eyes, scoff, etc. just because the students were late to class. I’m fully aware that this can be disruptive, but seriously, do they hate their job that much that you need to

take it out on students?

How is that even morally or ethically right? And the worst part about this whole thing, those professors are usually the ones that you never get an evaluation for. But we all have our horror stories about professors-- some sexist, some unwilling to help, some grade assignments to the death.

I guess what I’m trying to say here is that, from one student to another, you are not alone. Some people really do wake up on the wrong side of the bed, if not daily, and seek out to make your life a living nightmare.

But instead of obsessing over that one professor that rubs us the wrong way, maybe we should embrace the ones that don’t.

So go ahead, thank a professor.

L e t t h e m k n o w, regardless if you enjoy the class or not, that they have truly made a difference in your life. Besides, it’s the season of giving.

And although finals drive us more insane than usual, there’s no need to be a grump-frump Scrooge and focus on the negatives.

Nicole Crevar is a sophomore journalism major with a minor in Spanish from Mercer, Pa.

When our politicians cut education, they are proving just how out of touch they are with the American people. Forget the fact that a large portion of politicians are millionaires (nearly 50 percent are in that 1 percent), politicians grew up in a completely different system.

The average age for a person in either house of Congress is around 57, so these people attended college roughly 35-40 years ago. Well it’s funny to consider that the average cost for college has increased literally tenfold since 1975, and it can be easy to forget how much college is really costing us nowadays.

In 1975, it was actually possible to work full time over the summer and pay your tuition in full for the year. Honestly, that thought is laughable even at somewhere as relatively cheap as SRU. Yet, the United States government continues to fund unpopular wars, drones, and hefty security measures all in the name of fighting terrorism. So I suppose the idea is that we are forgoing education for the much more popular police state idea.

Just as a quick aside, they are also considering passing laws like the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), which everyone should look up and protest immediately.

Feel free to dismiss this entire article as the typical rant of a college socialist. If you do choose to dismiss me, know that this is not just the rant of a college socialist, but the rant of everyone who puts value on an education.

The days of leaving high school and getting a job at the steel mill are dead and gone.

Yet, we fail to recognize that our futures are in wellfunded educational programs when we vote for politicians who do not support these programs.

Instead, 24-hour news organizations scare us into actually being concerned about issues like gay marriage, which in most western nations is not an issue at all.

It seems like we only care to hear about education when schools stopped requiring the Pledge of Allegiance, because “if you are going to live in America you need to worship the Christian God.” Oh, and you need to learn English because apparently the constitution includes something about a national language. Who knew?

Who is my issue with?

Why am I bitter? What is the point?

I have an issue with our government and where they are placing funds. I have an issue with our government continually funding military campaigns instead of subsidizing education.

Why is education not a tax write-off? Honestly, I do not understand because ultimately, as a college graduate, I will statistically earn $25,000 more per year and thus pay more taxes.

Everyone benefits from me getting an education!

I am bitter because the news and the American public are not nearly as outraged as I am. Of course, they might

be. I heard something about an Occupy movement for the last few months, but I would rather not get beaten or pepper sprayed by those who are supposed to “protect and serve.”

The point is that the next ten years are going to be wonderful. There is honestly no sarcasm in that statement.

Despite all of my anger, I remain thankful to live in this country. I still maintain that we have the potential to be the greatest country on Earth. We could set the example. We could actually be the change and the hope that was promised.

So in six months, I am going to start paying the U.S. government $650 a month to help Governor Corbett increase his pension, and I am going to watch. I am going to get my news from the internet because the TV has become partisan and the newspapers are out of date in about two hours. I am going to try my best to figure out my life and my future, and I am going to try and do something meaningful.

Right now, I just want to vote out every single congressman regardless of party and maybe get some people who favor term limits and getting special interest money out of the pockets of public servants.

Oh, and I get to walk in the graduation ceremony next Saturday. Goodbye SRU, I appreciated all the beer.

Spencer Cadden is a senior history major from Erie, Pa.

End of the semester should be celebrated

Michael Santoro Observation Station So here it is again- the end of the semester. All of our blood, sweat and tears over the last three and a half months have brought us to the end. We’ve passed through the scenic fall break and more recently the stomach-stretching Thanksgiving break. Now the holiday season is upon us, and we couldn’t be any happier to take a much needed break and just relax. I don’t know about you, but this semester has completely flown by for me. Then again, it feels like every semester does that. One day I’m getting syllabi for my classes, and the next, I’m taking finals, getting projects done and planning what I’ll be doing over break.

While we’re on the subject, there’s one thing that kind of muddles the nostalgia and celebration of the end of the year.

That would be the deluge of work that seems to hit us about one or two weeks before finals week.

Now, I can’t say that

this is exclusively due to professors. The majority of the time, we are aware of the work we have to do several weeks in advance.

Heck, sometimes we even know that a project will be due at the end of the semester at the start of said semester. We just assume we’ll have time later or that it won’t be that bad.

Sometimes, this can be a pretty grave mistake.

Despite this, sometimes it can be due to professors.

We might not learn how to do a specific part to a project or even the entire project until about two weeks before finals week, when it’s due. Or we won’t get assigned a project until a few weeks before the end of the semester, although for obvious reasons, this is a bit rarer. This can put a serious damper on spending the last few days with the people you have journeyed through the last three and a half months with.

Hopefully these are group projects so you can work with others, brainstorm, and bounce ideas off each other. Whenever you have more heads together, work that might be viewed as difficult suddenly loses that stigma.

Nothing can take away from the feeling of accomplishment that accompanies turning in lengthy projects, though.

Same thing with showing up for a tough final and feeling as though you

CORRECTIONS: Dec. 2 - Jonathan Janasik was incorrectly listed in the byline of the story “SRU professors work without contract, talks continue” as the assistant news editor. Janasik is a Rocket contributor.

completely smashed ityou get that feeling like you are on top of the world. All the work over the semester culminates to that moment. All the time spent finally pays off as you think about all the things you will do over the month break- family, friends, food and mainly relaxation.

Luckily, we don’t get grades back the next day or some of those feelings would probably backfire.

For the most part they don’t though.

So as the semester comes to a close, take time to remember and think about all of the good times, all of the bad times and everything in between.

I mean, they all come together to make us who we are when it’s all said and done. Three and half months may not seem like a long time, but I’m almost positive that you probably aren’t the same person you were when we started classes on August 29.

Now, I have a message to all students, faculty, and anybody who might be reading this.

Celebrate your holiday, embrace your family, enjoy being with your friends, and return fresh and safe, ready for another life-defining semester at Slippery Rock University.

Michael Santoro is a junior public relations major from Pittsburgh, Pa.

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A-8

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COMICS

The Rocket

A-9

December 9, 2011

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

Life in Hell

That Monkey Tune Blundergrads

By Matt Groening

By Michael A. Kandalafti

By Phil Flickinger

Sudoku

By Michael Mepham

Horoscopes

By Nancy Black Tribune Media Services (MCT) To d a y ' s B i r t h d a y (12/09/11). This year, partnership plays a n i mp or t a nt ro l e .

Complete a job with attention to detail. Time spent on afternoon walks builds health and peace.

Enjoy a feisty argument or debate. Share love: It's the bottom line.

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 an 8 -Solve conflicts through careful communication.

Finish the job. If you don't know what you're doing, you can always l e a r n . Yo u a b s o r b knowledge like a sponge.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Be ready for change. You're right in the middle of the money river. You can block the flow, make it grow or direct it where you want it to go. Stay true.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 9 -Unleash your hidden talent and energy. You surprise ever yone.

You're inspiring and i n v i g o r a t i n g . Ta k e necessar y actions.

Keep quiet about status altogether.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -For the next couple of days, you're better at dealing with paperwork.

It may require special concentration and learning skills. You've got them.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Friends help you clear up the confusion. Feed your hunger for knowledge, and then pass on what you've learned. Adapt to a change in orders. Use intuition.

Vi r g o ( Au g . 2 3 Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- You'll be tested for the next few days, as new opportunities arise. Stay quiet and respectful, and do your best. Pay attention to communications. You could win.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 6 -Things may not be as you thought. You can't always be ready for change. Don't be too hasty. Tempers could be short, so take it easy, on yourself and on others.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov.

21) -- Today is a 7 -- A surprising development in business can be for the best. Be prepared to negotiate as if you're unattached to the results.

Don't fritter your money away.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- You may need to adapt to the situation. What are you most committed to: winning an argument or your relationship?

Winning can come at a cost. Keep cool.

Capricorn (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Do the research, and disagree persuasively (and with charm).

Freedom may sound delicious, but travel's impractical today. Relax with comfort food.

Aquarius (Jan. 20Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Friends mean well, but don't necessarily understand the situation.

Pay off debts first. Quiet time taking care of business gets you farther.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -Decline a public outing in favor of a private invit ation. Postp one the decision, if you can.

Something about it rubs you the wrong way. You could just stay home.

Solution

A-10

December 9, 2011

SPORTS

The Rocket

B-1

December 9, 2011

Men's basketball splits home stand

By Madeline Williams Assistant Sports Editor

Senior forward Devin Taylor scored a game-high 26 points and pulled down nine rebounds to lead the Slippery Rock men's basketball team past Kutztown University 8068 on Sunday afternoon at Morrow Field House.

The Rock (4-2 overall, 2-2 PSAC) was led by Taylor, who was only one rebound short of his fourth doubledouble of the season.

Sophomore forward Tabari Perry scored 14 points and had nine rebounds, while junior guard Aubin Reeves had 12 points.

Junior guard John Bayardelle added eight points, seven rebounds, and six assists to the winning effort.

The Rock made 55 percent (3462) of their shots from the field, 5-15 shots from 3-point range, and 7-14 free throws. Kutztown made 32 percent (19-60) of their fieldgoal attempts, 4-21 3-pointers, and 87 percent (26-30) from the foul line.

SRU had 23 fouls compared to Kutztown's 14 fouls. The Golden Bears had a 30-14 advantage in free throw opportunities. The Rock held a 41-33 advantage in rebounding, but also had more turnovers compared to Kutztown, 12-9.

The Rock scored the first four points of the first half and held the lead until Kutztown tied the score at 14-14 with 13 minutes left in the half.

Kutztown took their only lead of the game, 20-19, with 11 minutes left before halftime, only to have the lead stolen by SRU on a shot

by Bayerdelle only 15 seconds later, which put the home team back on top.

SRU scored the first six points of the half to put them up 48-34 within

ANDREW LACEY/THE ROCKET

Junior forward Tabari Perry drives the lane against Kutztown University of Pa. on Sunday in the Green and White's 80-68 victory. Perry scored 14 points against the Golden Bears and is averaging 8.2 points per game this season for the Rock.

the first two minutes. With 9:30 left in the game, SRU had their highest lead of the game with a 16 point, 64-48, advantage.

Kutztown never cut the deficit closer than nine points for the remainder of the game.

On Saturday, the visiting East Stroudsburg University men's basketball team stole the lead with 5:22 left in the first half and never looked back as they went on to beat Slippery Rock, 64-55 in PSAC action at Morrow Field House.

The Rock was led by the efforts of Taylor, who recorded his third double-double of the season, tallying 13 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort.

Reeves and junior center Luiz Santos each added 10 points

apiece for the Rock. Reeves also contributed six rebounds, while Santos pulled down an additional five boards.

Bayardelle dished out six assists and Perry snagged an additional five SEE AFTER, PAGE B-2

SRU football offensive coordinator resigns Campagna steps down after 41 years

By D.J. Vasil Rocket Contributor

ANDREW LACEY/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Paris Thomas dribbles down the court against Kutztown University of Pa. for a layup in Sunday's game at Morrow Field House.

Women lose in crossover home games

By D.J. Vasil Rocket Contributor

S l i p p e r y R o c k w o m e n’s basketball (1-5 overall, 0-4 PSAC) lost both games of its weekend doubleheader at Morrow Field House against the eastern half of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

The first loss came against East Stroudsburg University (3-2 overall, 1-2 PSAC), 60-50, and the second against Kutztown University (3-6, 2-2), by a 50-

47 final. Senior Danielle Smith led the way against Kutztown University and recorded a double-double with 18 points and 17 rebounds, 15 of the rebounds were on the defensive end.

“I feel like we just have to cut back on the mistakes,” Smith said. “We have to be able to play a strong 40 minutes.”

Rock head coach Tonya Longo saw an improvement over the previous day’s game against East Stroudsburg, but knows there still is work to be done on both ends of the court.

“I know my team has what it takes to win,” Longo said. “We play hard, but we have to put in a full 40 minutes of basketball in order to win. Right now, our prime issue is the offense and taking care of the ball. You can’t expect to win the game when you turn the ball over.”

Slippery Rock went on a 13-5 run to take the lead heading into half time, 23-15. The Rock would let the lead slip away in the beginning of the second half SEE WOMEN, PAGE B-2

After 13 years serving as Slippery Rock football’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Vic Campagna has decided to step down from his duties beginning January 1, 2012.

Campagna has spent the last 41 years coaching football and cited wanting to devote his attention other places as the reason he has decided to step down from coaching.

“I have enjoyed my years at the Rock,” Campagna said on rockathletics.com, “but, after spending the past 41 years coaching football, I’ve determined it’s time for me to devote my attention to other things in my life.”

He began coaching for the Rock in 1980 as a graduate assistant coach.

When he became the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach in 1988, he strung together an impressive resume with the Rock that includes 161 wins, five Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West division titles, and three appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Over the past 24 seasons, Campagna has served under head coach George Mihalik, who said Campagna has served as a great

assistant to him.

“Vic has been an important part of any and all success we have had the past 24 seasons at the Rock and has been my right-hand man since I became head coach,” Mihalik said on rockathletics.com, “and I am deeply indebted to him for his service, loyalty and friendship over the years.”

Mihalik added that it will be a rough gap to fill, and they won’t be able to replace what Campagna did for the program, only fill the spot he held.

“We are going to miss having Vic on the staff and cannot replace him, we can only fill the position he once held,” Mihalik said on rockathletics. com. “He not only coached our quarterbacks and coordinated our offense, he also served as our unofficial ‘associate head coach’ in terms of off-the-field administrative matters.”

Campagna said that he has worked with many great people in his time at SRU and is honored to have had the relationships with the people at the university.

“I leave The Rock with great memories of the outstanding men with whom I have had the honor to coach alongside and the equally outstanding young men I have had the privilege to coach. They have been and will continue to be like family to me.”

Sports Women take Golden Bears down to the wire B-2

December 9, 2011

ANDREW LACEY/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Paris Thomas directs teammates on offense to set up a play against Kutztown University of Pa. in Sunday's home game at Morrow Field House.

Thomas is averaging 6.3 points per game this season.

Continued from Page B-1

as the Golden Bears went on an 18-5 run to take the lead, 33-28.

“Kutztown came out more aggressive and attacked more in the second half,” Longo said. “We didn’t respond well to that.”

SRU was able to briefly take a fourpoint, 39-35, but couldn’t hold on as they gave up 15 points in the final 9:44 to lose by three points, 50-47.

Junior Paris Thomas finished with five assists and added 11 points to the Rock’s total.

“We stuck to our game plan,” Thomas said. “We had too many mental lapses.

We have to stay focused for 40 minutes instead of 20.”

Longo was pleased with Thomas’ play on Sunday.

“She was our lead point guard,” Longo said. “She is still new and learning the system, but she managed the game well.”

In the loss against East Stroudsburg University, Smith was the star for SRU and led the Rock with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists.

“I feel like we have to execute better as a team,” Smith said. “We have to play smarter as a team.”

With 4:30 left in the first half, the Rock went on a 7-0 run to grab the lead, 23-21.

The lead didn’t last long and it was the Warriors who went into halftime with a six-point lead.

Longo knew her team had to be more consistent going into the second half.

“I felt like we executed our game plan in the first half,” Longo said. “We talked about adjusting going into the second half.

We knew we had to be more consistent.”

Slippery Rock suffered from turnovers all game. The Rock finished the game with 25 turnovers, 13 coming in the first half alone, something Longo attributes to problems concerning chemistry and consistency.

“Unfortunately, that has plagued us through the first part of the season,” Longo said. “It’s a mix of chemistry and consistency. We have new players this year and getting everyone on the same page will take some time.”

Sophomore Jasmine Cooper led the Rock in rebounds with 10 on the day, eight of them being defensive rebounds.

She finished the day with nine points, as well.

“We didn’t execute good enough today,” Cooper said. “I think we could’ve done a lot better. The other team worked hard on both ends of the floor. I felt like we let this one slip away.”

Junior Erinne Cunningham scored 13 points and led the Rock in three pointers with two.

“As a team, we are just trying to get better,” Cunningham said. “Everybody was just focusing on our strength. I know we are all good players.”

The Rock would come within a point of tying the game at 41 halfway through the second half, but the Warriors would go on a 12-0 run to make the score 52-40 to put the Rock away for good.

Defensively, Slippery Rock recorded 11 steals and forced 17 turnovers.

Offensively, they had 19 turnovers, seven less than the previous day’s game against East Stroudsburg.

Slippery Rock will continue Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play as they travel to Bloomsburg University today and then to Mansfield University on Dec. 10.

Sophomore pole-vaulter wins at Youngstown State

By Kristin Karam Rocket Contributor

ANDREW LACEY/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Aubin Reeves looks over the Kutztown University of Pa. defense as he looks to set up the Rock offense on Sunday in SRU's 80-68 victory.

After loss to East Stroudsburg, men rebound against Kutztown University Continued from Page B-1

rebounds in the loss for SRU. The Rock finished the game shooting 36 percent (21-59) from the field, 4-16 3-pointers, and 79 percent (11-14) free throws. SRU held a 44-43 advantage over ESU in rebounding, and had nearly twice as many turnovers (19-10).

The score of the game was tied on three occasions and the lead was swapped three times in the first six and a half minutes of the first half.

SRU went on an 11-4 scoring run to set them up 18-11 with 8:30 left in the half.

The Warriors fought back with a 16-4 scoring run to

take a 27-22 lead with four minutes left until halftime.

ESU went into intermission with a 34-27, seven-point lead over the Rock.

Coming back from the half, East Stroudsburg took their first double-digit lead of the game with a 44-33 advantage with 15 minutes left of play. SRU battled back, though, and cut the lead to two points, 50-48, on a dunk from Taylor halfway through the final half.

However, SRU came up short as they fell to the Warriors, 64-55 at the final buzzer.

Taylor said that their loss on Saturday motivated them to play harder and get the win

on Sunday.

"Saturday's loss came because of our mental mistakes, turnovers and not being aggressive," Taylor said. "We were challenged by coach Reynolds and we responded well by playing better defense, making plays unselfishly and playing aggressive. Sunday's win gives us a lot of confidence going into this weekend's games."

The Rock will be back in action as they visit PSAC Eastern Division leader Bloomsburg (7-1, 4-0 PSAC) tonight at 7:30, and then travel to Mansfield University (2-3, 1-3 PSAC) for a 4 p.m. game tomorrow afternoon.

As the temperature outside begins to cool down with winter approaching, Slippery Rock’s men’s and women’s indoor track teams are starting to heat things up.

The season opener at Youngstown State University on Dec. 2 set high hopes for the rest of the season.

The meet brought together Slippery Rock University, Youngstown State, John Carroll, Buffalo State and Duquesne.

Keeping the tradition going, the Rock’s pole-vaulters had excellent performances.

For the women’s team, three vaulters hit NCAA provisional qualifying marks, sweeping the top three places in the event.

Sophomore Julia Cain won the event with a vault of 3.55 meters while junior Angela Schroder and senior Kelly Fischer placed second and third, both reaching marks of 3.50.

Cain is very impressed with the team’s performance at their first meet.

“Going into the meet, it was hard to gauge where the team would be at,” Cain said. “We didn’t expect to win first, second and third in the women’s pole vault. Around 15 girls qualified for the PSAC championship meet at our first competition of the season.”

Freshman Janine Powis captured the top spot in the mile in her first collegiate track and field race (5:14.02). Senior Caitlin Hancox (5:21.07) and sophomore Stephanie Turak (5:26.29) also qualified for the

PSAC meet.

Senior Kara Styles won the 3,000-meter run with a time of 10:35.57. Freshman Angie Bagwell placed second with a time of 10:46.64.

Freshman Katelyn Wetzel placed fourth in the 200-meter dash and ran a qualifying time of 26.26 seconds. Sophomore Christina Ransom also ran a PSAC qualifying time of 8.30 seconds in the 60-meter dash.

Senior Cassie Carrow, senior Sandy Kakraba, and freshman Brittany Christiansen all posted qualifying throws in the weight throw. Christiansen and Kakraba also threw PSAC qualifying standards in the shot put. Kakraba also qualified in the triple jump (10.79m) to end her banner night.

Also meeting an NCAA qualify mark, was junior pole-vaulter, Cameron Daugherty, clearing 4.90 meters, and carrying on his momentum from the previous season. Junior Ryan Camody and freshman Andrew Lovano placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

The 4x400m relay team, juniors Ethan Geisler and Mason McLaughlin, sophomore Trevor Foley, and senior Vanere Maynard won their first race of a season for the Green and White with a time of 3:20.52.

Geisler said his 4x4 team’s excellence comes from innerteam competition for positions on the relay team.

“The improvement on the 4x4 is mainly from the competition we have within the team,” Geisler said. “Practices have been very competitive and that has also helped us

to improve from last year.

We have a lot of talent on the team, the competition helps everyone.”

Junior Kevin Jewel claimed the victory in the 800-meter running a PSAC-qualifying time of 1:55.02.

Sophomore Morgan Elliott cruised to a victory in the 5,000-meter run (15:23.91), also qualifying for the regional meet.

Senior DJ Chisom ran two PSAC qualifying times in the 60-yard dash (7.00) and the 200-meter dash (22.85).

Freshman Monte Chapman had a great break-out performance, placing 11th in the 400-meter dash and running a qualifying time of 51.13.

This weekend both teams will compete at the Kent State Golden Flash Gala. The meet will bring a lot of competition for Slippery Rock.

Daugherty said this weekend will give SRU a lot of big-school competition.

“Kent State is a huge invitational with a lot of Division I teams, with schools like Ohio State, Kent State, Pitt and the Ashland throwers,” Daugherty said. “There is going to be a lot of competition in nearly every event.”

After the Kent State meet and finals week, the athletes will be on break until the spring semester begins on Jan. 23, 2012. Being at home and away from the schools facilities can be problematic for many sports teams. In order to be ready to excel during the rest of the season in the spring semester, everyone must continue to train during the winter break.

Sports YEAR IN REVIEW

December 9, 2011

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What happened in sports in 2011?

Tim Durr Sports Editor As this will be the final issue of 2011, I wanted to take a look back on some of the major things that happened in sports in the past year.

Even at Slippery Rock, many things have happened with sports over the past year.

In 2011, the Rock saw men’s basketball make an appearance in the NCAA Division II tournament back in March, and toward the end of 2011, women’s soccer made it to the NCAA Division II tournament after having one of the best runs in Division II history.

The women ran off 11 consecutive shutouts, which is the fifth longest streak in Division II history. They also finished the season with their best National Soccer Coaches Association of America rank at No. 14.

While women’s soccer was working on advancing into the national tournament, football won the PSAC West conference and made it to the PSAC title game where it lost to Kutztown University of Pa. Before women’s soccer and football played in title games and made the national tournament, outdoor track

was competing in the Division II national championships in California, and the women finished 12th, while the men finished 51st in the event.

Many SRU teams have had success on different levels in 2011, and many sports are gearing up for the 2012 seasons.

With SRU teams heading into national tournaments and having exceptional seasons, many major national stories happened, too.

On the sadder end of sports, breaking stories broke out about sexual misconduct scandals at major universities like the incidents with Jerry Sandusky at Penn State University and Bernie Fine at Syracuse University.

Along with the sexual misconduct scandals, college football was riveted with problems in players receiving gifts and money that they aren’t allowed to receive.

Specifically at the University of Miami (Fla.), Nevin Shapiro, a football booster, was charged with giving millions of dollars to former players while they were at the university.

At Ohio State University, many players like Terrelle Pryor left when rumors of a scandal were brought up, and head coach Jim Tressel stepped down due to the reports.

The NFL saw two of the most prestigious teams play each other in the Super Bowl in the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers. The Packers won the Super Bowl, and then the NFL saw a lockout that lasted

over 100 days. There was also the loss of one of the most notorious NFL owners in Al Davis of the Oakland Raiders.

The NBA would follow suit of the NFL with a lockout after having one of its most popular finals matchups where the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat.

The NBA’s lockout just recently ended, so basketball will start on Christmas day.

Also coming up during the Christmas season will be college bowl games. The most controversial part of college football, the BCS still hasn’t changed yet.

Maybe in 2012 something will change in college football, other than teams from the west coast moving to the Big East conference, but that’s doubtful.

With all of the conference changing in college football, you may have missed the conference changes that came in the NHL recently. With the Atlanta Hawks moving to Winnipeg and becoming the Jets, the NHL decided to move from two divisions and six conferences to only four conferences.

It looks like Major League Baseball will be making some adjustments with its divisions in the next few years with the selling of the Houston Astros, who will move out of the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals’ conference.

Overall, it was a wild year for sports in 2011, and I’m sure that 2012 will be just as crazy.

COURTESY OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Former SRU running back and Athletic Hall of Famer Joe Daniels lost his five year battle with Kidney cancer on Sunday. Daniels was an assistant coach in the professional and college ranks for over 40 years.

Former SRU running back loses battle with cancer

By Tim Durr Sports Editor

Joe Daniels, 69, received alldistrict honors as a running back, co-captained the 1963 Slippery Rock football team, and went on to have an illustrious coaching career in the college and professional ranks, but on Sunday, he lost his five-year battle with kidney cancer.

Daniels, who was inducted into the Slippery Rock Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004, was a four-year letter winner in football and two-year letter winner for gymnastics while at the university.

Daniels was an assistant football coach at Ohio State University from 2001 to 2009 and was diagnosed with his disease in 2006 after suffering a mild heart attack.

Gene Smith, Ohio State University athletic director,

said Daniels had a positive effect on everyone he met.

“There are hundreds of former and current football players who are blessed because of the relationship they had with Joe,” Smith said in a press release. “It was an honor to be in his presence and we thank him for what he gave Buckeye Nation while he was a coach and administrator.”

At the college level, Daniels coached at Boston College, West Virginia University, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Cincinnati.

While at the University of Pittsburgh, he mentored Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino.

Other big name players who Daniels mentored over the years included Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith from Ohio State, and Terrelle Pryor who was recently drafted in the NFL supplemental draft

by the Oakland Raiders.

Pryor said that he looked up to Daniels when he was at Ohio State because he knew he was battling cancer but he never showed he was having any problems.

“I just remember how quiet he was and just how strong he was," Pryor said. "I always knew he was fighting his cancer and I looked up to him because he was fighting cancer. He wouldn’t show he was hurting, but I could tell he was but he acted like nothing was wrong and that’s what I admire most about him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Daniels was also a quarterback’s coach of the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets in the NFL for a total of seven years.

He leaves behind a wife, Kathy, son Matt, and daughter Kaitlin.

Sports

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December 9, 2011

Men's program looks for success with unorthodox recruiting

By Tim Durr Sports Editor

Whenever you look into attending a college, I’m sure that the majority of you traveled to the college and looked at it. Well, that isn’t the case for many of the men’s basketball players who have played for Slippery Rock under head coach Kevin Reynolds over the past several years.

“It’s not a conventional approach that we take,” Reynolds said. “In the past, we’ve had situations where we bring in 10 guys and have only had one of them actually see the campus before coming.”

Why would a team recruit in a manner like that?

For Reynolds and the men’s basketball program, it’s the most successful way that they are able to get players.

With one of the lowest budgets of scholarship money in the conference, SRU has to come up with alternate ways of recruiting other than focusing on giving high school kids big scholarships to come to school.

“With high school kids, you need to visit them three or four times in a year to get them to play for you,” Reynolds said. “We don’t have the money to do that here. Our process is to get junior college players because that is the best route for us to take with the money we have.”

In the PSAC, Mercyhurst and Gannon receive the most scholarship money, both bringing in over $300,000 for men’s basketball scholarships.

California University of Pa. and Indiana University of Pa. (IUP) bring in $193,540 and $160,513, respectively.

Edinboro University comes in $40,000 behind IUP with $120,532.

Just ahead of SRU is Clarion University of Pa. with $89,159.

The Rock brings in $87,431 which is

well below the conference average of $170,087. Those numbers are slightly skewed because of the extremely low amount that Lock Haven University of Pa. receives at $4,500.

Without Lock Haven included, the conference average is $193,742. Over $100,000 more than the Rock receives in scholarship funds.

With this low amount of funding, the Green and White has to look at other options to stay competitive in the conference.

Due to this, the Rock looks to finding junior college players who have played a few years at a smaller university and can transfer to SRU with limited years of eligibility.

“I have to recruit who I can,” Reynolds said. “It’s who we can afford. It’s like when you want to buy a high-end car but you don’t have the money to afford it. You have to buy something you can afford. Now, that doesn’t mean the car you get won’t get you where you need it to. You just have to go about reaching your goals differently.”

Reynolds analogy about finding a car that gets you where you need to go is something that he has been able to do with the junior college recruits he has picked up over the past few years.

Under Reynolds, the Rock has been able to get some top-quality players who were non-traditional athletes, and he has put together a 61-33 record in his first four years as coach.

Maron Brown and Jabril Bailey, who were seniors on last year’s team, both came to Slippery Rock without seeing the campus and were extremely successful in their time here. Both players earned conference honors last season and Brown also received regional honors.

In Reynolds’ tenure, he has been satisfied with the recruits he has brought in and gives credit to his assistants for bringing in recruits

without them seeing the campus first.

“When you run an unconventional recruiting system like we do, you need to have good assistants who are able to talk a player into coming to our university without them seeing the campus,” Reynolds said.

Along with using his assistants to help recruit players, Reynolds relies on past connections that he has had as a coach to find junior college players who are looking to move up into the Division II level.

“We have to focus on getting guys off of connections,” Reynolds said. “I have to look at coaches and acquaintances I have from the past who can help us to find players because we don’t have the money that other programs have.”

Reynolds admits that this system isn’t the most optimal for success, but that he can’t make an excuse out of it. He says it really comes down to how hard the players work to get the job done.

“It’s not the ideal situation for us to have, but we are effective with it,” Reynolds said. “Our players are unselfish and committed to having good chemistry. We have recruited potential student-athletes here by unconventional means, but this has been the best avenue to be successful due to our financial situation.”

Even though the financial situation for SRU is not the best, Reynolds said that it doesn’t matter how much money you end up getting and you can’t make that an excuse because ultimately, it comes down to the performance of the players at the university.

“Good players are the key to any program,” Reynolds said. “The players deserve all the credit for our success here at SRU. They are the ones on the court winning the games for us and we have been fortunate that we have recruited the right players the past four years.”

December 9, 2011

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December 9, 2011

The Rocket

CAMPUS LIFE C-1 December 9, 2011

Serving the community

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLIPPERY ROCK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUE TEAM

Steve Rea, 19, a sophomore secondary education and social studies major, and Josh Puskar, 20, a sophomore parks and recreation major, participate in training for the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Team. Both men have been active fire department volunteers since their freshmen year.

University students volunteer as firefighters and medics

By James Meyer Assistant Campus Life Editor

On a snow y Wednes day afternoon, a group of friends sit around a table laughing and joking while standing by in case of an emergency. These are the men and women of the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Team.

“You can look at it as a bunch of highly educated, highly trained people sitting around a table laughing and joking, and just waiting for a fire or an emergency,” Mike Schmidt, a paramedic and firefighter, said.

Puddie Taggart, a medical officer, has been with the Slippery Rock Fire Department since 1980.

During her time with the department, Taggart said that she has seen a great number of Slippery Rock University students join the fire department and rescue team.

“Un for tu nately, we have a number of college students who come down here and they join, and then they don’t finish college,” Taggart said. “We have a great number of people who come down and they have more fun here. But, we’ve had a couple who’ve gone back after the fact and finished later in life.”

Taggart jokingly pointed out friends in the room who met that description.

One of the former Slippery Rock students is Skip Cohr, a paramedic and firefighter.

“I’m one of those college

students,” Cohr said. “After getting involved in the fire department, I got into E.M.S. That’s what I love doing, so I decided to go to school for prehospital care.”

In addition to working at the Slippery Rock Fire Department, C ohr works full time for Butler City Fire Department and continues to volunteer in Chicora, where he lives.

“That’s where I started my career, you could say,” Cohr said.

“And the nice thing about the scheduling is that it allows us to do that.”

James Peters, a fire department lieutenant, is also a former Slippery Rock University student.

“I was bored in college,” Peters said. “I really was. I had a bunch of extra time. I played lacrosse

for Slippery Rock, and I still had extra time, so I came down and walked in the door.”

Peters smiled and shook his head as he related a series of strange and humorous situations he has had to deal with during his five years with the fire department. He said some of his more interesting calls included a dead deer on the road, a live horse on the road, a 911 call for a paper cut, and a 911 call for hot sauce in the eye.

S ch m i dt s h are d anot h e r humorous, yet dangerous, call in Butler involving some drunk people who had a dangerous idea of fun.

“They climbed the high tension electrical tower,” Schmidt said.

“They fell and became injured at the top of it, and we had to go up

and retrieve them. They fell ten feet, but they were still maybe 70 feet up.”

In spite of the fun that they’ve had, the team was unanimous in saying that the everyday challenges of the job can be the most tedious of all.

“The worst part of the job is paperwork,” Schmidt said. “It’s just as important as going on the call, but it’s probably the most tedious. To get up at two in the morning to run a call, you probably won’t find anybody who has an issue with doing that, but then to come back and sit down and have to get on a computer.

And you get to the point you’re running four calls a night.”

Taggart mentioned that the SEE PARAMEDICS, PAGE C-3

Student performs on-stage with Broadway performers in Pittsburgh

By Rebecca Marcucci Rocket Contributor

What started off as a search for Christmas music on a Pittsburgh radio station turned into an unforgettable Broadway experience for SRU freshman early childhood education major Kayleigh Walsh.

Walsh, 18, explained how she was chosen to be part of composer and lyricist Neil Berg’s “Broadway Holiday,” held at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh.

“I called into Wish 99.7,” Walsh said. “I wanted to see if they were playing Christmas music. Then they said they were holding a contest and the prize was a walk-on Broadway role. So I just uploaded a video to their

website that I already had on YouTube of myself singing.”

Walsh explained how she impulsively decided to take part in the contest, not really expecting much as an outcome.

“I was sitting in my human development class when I got the call,” Walsh said. “And of course I couldn’t answer the phone. Shortly after that, I got an email sent to my iPhone saying I had won, and I was freaking out!”

Walsh said she has always been involved in the arts. She graduated from Lincoln Park Performing Acts Charter School in Midland, Pa. where she studied performing, among other fine arts.

Walsh said she has always had a spot in her heart for Broadway

music and explained that she was extremely grateful and ecstatic about her experience with the “Broadway Holiday” show.

“It was such a unique opportunity,” Walsh said about her Broadway experience. “I had no clue I would be picked for this!”

Walsh explained how she and five Broadway performers sang a collection of popular musical show tunes with a mixture of holiday favorites.

The concert was part of the “Cohen and Grigsby Trust Presents” series and was presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Songs from “My Fair Lady,” “South Pacific,” “Wicked” and “Jersey Boys” were among a few of the many numbers performed.

The show included established Broadway performers Lawrence Clayton, Rita Harvey, Grant Norman, Andrea Rivette and Danny Zolli, with director and pianist Eugene Gwozdz, and Jon Berger on drums, Abe Saenz on bass and Alex Wise on keyboard.

Walsh was part of a special appearance in the show where she walked on stage and sang popular holiday and musical numbers with the Broadway performers.

“I’m still in shock,” Walsh said. “It was an experience I’ll never forget!

I am so glad to have gotten this opportunity!”

Walsh explained how she was excited to be singing some of her favorite Broadway songs by her favorite Broadway composers. The

show included works from Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Walsh said she was humbled by the experience, and given the opportunity, she said she would gladly accept the opportunity to perform again with such talented individuals.

“Everyone was so awesome,” Walsh said. “I had a lot of fun performing with everyone. The performers were really nice and very talented! They made it easy for me to feel comfortable performing with them.”

Walsh explained how prior to her Broadway experience, she had taken SEE CONTEST, PAGE C-3

Campus Life

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December 9, 2011

Catherine Middleton, Taylor Swift among celebrities that impacted fashion in 2011

Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" This year has been filled with many memorable fashion moments, both good and bad. We’ve seen a commoner become a princess, a singing sensation push the boundaries of music to the edge, and a reality television star fall in and out of love in the blink of an eye.

2011 has been a great year for fashion and the ten women who have become its stars.

Style star number ten is “Vampire Diaries” starlet Nina Dobrev. She has become a rising star in Hollywood ever since her performance at last year’s Emmy Awards. This year, her television show became more popular, and she even landed a role in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.”

Dobrev’s most fashionable moment of 2011 was when she returned to the Emmy Awards and was named best dressed after donning a scarlet Donna Karan gown.

At number nine, Lea Michele has been on numerous best-dressed lists since she began playing Rachel Berry on “Glee,” and this year is no exception. Michele’s show-stopping moment of 2011 was at the Glamour Women of the Year awards where she showed up wearing an elegant beaded Jenny Packham gown.

“Twilight” star Ashley Greene is the eighth best dressed celebrity of 2011. With the end of the famous franchise drawing near, she has branched out and landed roles in the films “LOL” and “The Apparition.”

This year, she made sure that all eyes were on her as she walked down the black carpet at the “Breaking Dawn: Part 1” premiere in a custom candy apple red Donna Karan creation.

“Harry Potter” heroine Emma Watson deserves a spot at number seven on the style star of the year list after her jet-setting trip around the world this summer to promote the “Deathly Hallows: Part 1.” In addition to her immense “Potter” success, Watson has also landed the coveted role as the new face of Lancôme.

Her most stylish ensemble of 2011 was the stylish black Rafael Lopez mini dress she wore during a stop on her promotional tour in London.

The sixth most stylish star of 2011 is Katy Perry. With a series of quirky stage outfits and sparkling numbers on the red carpet, this is her brightest year yet.

Perry’s fashion moment of the year was at the Grammy Awards in February. Heads turned as she arrived wearing a flowing white skirt, sparkling bra and angel wings.

“Speak Now” singer Taylor Swift is no stranger to appearing on bestdressed lists. Her signature style is the always appropriate sparkly dress.

Recently, she attended the American Music Awards clad in a golden Reem Acra gown with emerald earrings. This glamorous ensemble lands her at the number

Ask Ana "Ana Graham"

Question: Dear Ana, Why do girls get upset that they lose respect for sleeping around? Shouldn’t it be the other way around, where guys are upset because they are never considered “cool” if they want to share sex with someone special?

A MAN

Answer: Dear MAN, It’s one of those issues where women look at it and see themselves trapped behind the bars of social constructs built by a society run by men. As a woman, I was raised, since I was in junior high school, to believe that in this culture, it’s a victory for men to sleep around and a disgrace for women to do the same. When girls come to college, they want to be equals and they want to have fun, but that’s when they first face the consequences of patriarchy by realizing that they’ve developed themselves a bad reputation.

I think this is the first proverbial punch in the face by a male-dominated society that many college women receive in their lives, and it can be very upsetting.

I’m not going to stereotype by saying that your point of view, where it’s un-cool if a man wants to sleep with someone

special, is rare. It is a general statement that many women, and even many men, abide to - that sex is sacred for women, but fun and games for men.

For many men, this is true, but this is also the case for many women and because they are treated differently, the women are upset.

There are two sides to the coin of sex, and you’re on the flipside. I’ve never considered it un-cool for a man to want to be intimate with a special someone – I find that a great quality because I’m the kind of person who prefers a special someone and not some guy in front of the Brewery some random pitcher night.

You’re not going to get those people on the other side of the coin to think more of you, never ever. But why should you care about their opinions? It’s not like they are the kind of people you’d want to have a relationship with, or even sleep with, anyways.

There are plenty like-minded men and women as you, and if you’re only around the kind who lose respect for a man for wanting to be committed, then you are hanging around the wrong side of campus.

Question: Dear Ana, How should one develop a sense of humor?

Someone With The Sense of Humor To Send This Question

Answer: Dear Someone, An excellent question! I think the answer lies, in part, with uptightness. Some people really do have their bras on too tight of a hook or their pants too tight, and when they

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Catherine Middleton, in her Alexander McQueen gown on her wedding day, takes her place among the top ten best dressed female celebrities of 2011.

five spot on the 2011 style star list.

At the VMAs, Beyoncé let the world know that she is expecting her first child, much to the surprise of her fans. As she walked down the carpet, people were abuzz with the news, but all eyes were on the baby bump showing under her Lanvin dress.

This ensemble earned her the title of best dressed celebrity at the show, and the number four spot.

The third best dressed celebrity of 2011 is reality star Kim Kardashian.

This year Kim married Kris Humphries in a lavish ceremony in August. Although her fairytale marriage didn’t last, the pictures of that day will last forever.

Her most picturesque ensemble of 2011 was the custom Vera Wang

loosen these shackles against nude freedom, they also loosen up themselves.

Once one unhooks or unbuttons, there are a couple ways they can go. First, assuming you have friends, you should actually take the time to relax and listen to one’s friends joke around. Once your sphincters gradually loosen up, you can even try joking around with them.

Another option, assuming that you do not have friends (most people who can’t take a joke do not), is to go on the Internet. The Internet is a plethora of humor-building mechanisms, ranging from the international inside jokes that are memes, to funny videos of stupid people and comedians.

Mitch Hedburg may no longer be with us, but with the power of the Internet you can learn why people like him still (hint: his sense of humor).

But if somehow the Internet fails, then there are at least lots of videos of cats doing cute things online for all you poor humorless souls to entertain yourselves with, for if you can’t develop a sense of humor, you’re going to end up alone with cats anyway.

Question: Dear Ana, How can I get my boyfriend to kiss me when I have the flu?

An Evil Girl

Answer: Dear Evil Girl, Just get as close as he’ll let you, then grab him like he’s the last slice of pizza at Boozel, and kiss him. Afterwards, he will have no choice but to let you kiss him, because he has already been contaminated.

"Ana Graham" is a senior public relations major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

creation she wore while walking down the aisle to greet her groom on her wedding day.

Lady Gaga always pushes the limits on fashion, and this year was no exception. After arriving at the Grammys encased in an egg and the VMAs as Joe Calderone, she has made numerous fashion statements.

Her most stylish moment of 2011 was at the Bambi Awards in Germany. She arrived at the show in an Alexander McQueen gown, with a golden bodice and a cream colored bottom of cascading rosettes, earning her second best in style star of the year.

The crown of style star of the year goes to Catherine Middleton, after donning an Alexander McQueen gown on the day of her wedding to

Prince William. In that moment, she made fashion history.

Because of her impeccable and affordable fashion sense, the world now follows every fashionable footstep she makes.

With her worldwide appeal, she has even surpassed Princess Diana in popularity in only a matter of months.

These women have had a tremendous impact on fashion in 2011 and will be remembered for their style long into next year.

Only time will tell what great things the future holds for fashion in 2012.

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

Campus Life

December 9, 2011

C-3

Christmas Elf Project provides presents for struggling families

By Courtney Tietje Rocket Contributor

‘Tis the season of giving, and while Christmas isn’t all about presents, it’s always nice to have one or two under the tree.

With help from the 22nd annual Christmas Elf Project at SRU, 75 local kids from financially struggling families will have presents of their own this Christmas.

The event, which the university first participated in during 1989, is through the Butler County Salvation Army.

According to Henry Thibault, head of the Butler County Salvation Army unit, the project, referred to as Treasure for Children, has been continued for over 40 years now.

“We start in September or early October and try to get different businesses to take a number of our angel tags,” Thibault said. “They’ll take anywhere from 10 to 100, and then they’ll ask their employees if they want to sponsor a child.”

The Salvation Army will also ask banks and stores, like Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, to put up a tree on which they can hang angel

tags for members of the community to pick up. The program is mostly aimed at children whose families are struggling financially, from newborns to age 12, but according to Thibault, people can also sponsor senior citizens in need.

Jena Hazlett, 24, who is a second-year student pursuing her master’s degree in community counseling and is a graduate assistant in the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL) office, was in charge of organizing the program at SRU this school year. Jena said she enjoys helping out with the project.

“I love the whole entire thing—knowing that I’m helping make a difference in a kid’s holiday,” Hazlett said. “It’s very rewarding, personally, to know that you can do something. If everyone decided to try to help and do one thing out there, I think the world would be a better place.”

Hazlett said for this season, SRU requested 75 angel tags from the Salvation Army. The Christmas Elf Project involves getting all of these tags assigned to individuals, groups, associations and clubs.

Once someone, or a group of people, decides they want to sponsor a child, they receive an

angel tag with the child’s first name, gender, age, clothing size and their toy wish list.

According to Hazlett, kids often wish for a toy and some type of clothing, such as winter coats, hats and gloves.

Sponsors then purchase appropriate gifts for the child. They are asked to spend at least $100 on each child that they choose to sponsor and to return their unwrapped gifts to the University Union by today.

Andrew Dadig, 21, a senior social work major and president of the Social Work Association on campus, sponsored two children, a five-year-old and a nine-year-old girl, with the association.

“We had first gotten a five-year-old girl, and we had such a good response [from our members] that we came back to the office a few days later and got the nine-year-old, too,” he said.

The Social Work Association chose a wide range of gifts for the girls, according to Dadig.

“We had some members go shopping, and we’ve gotten everything from clothes to Cabbage Patch Kids to Squeakies to Hannah Montana stuff,” said Dadig.

Hazlett said she is amazed by the enthusiasm

of SRU students, groups and faculty who are volunteering to help out with the Christmas Elf Project.

“Usually, I get people asking if they can help even towards the end when all of the children are sponsored,” she said.

According to Thibault, the project is thriving.

“The result has been very good; the people in Butler County and the surrounding areas are very wonderful. They have big, big hearts,” he said.

Thibault said his favorite part of the Treasure for Children project is seeing how much everyone’s efforts have helped. “[I love when] the parents come in and get the toys for the children,” he said. “The gratitude that they show is unbelievable!”

As for Hazlett, she is simply thankful for all of the sponsors at SRU. “[Some people don’t realize that] if people did not sponsor these children, they would not get anything for Christmas,” she said. “I thank the sponsors very much because the Christmas Elf Project wouldn’t exist without the people who sponsor the children.”

Paramedics recall humor and tragedy on the job Contest leads to walk-on role Continued from Page C-1

Slipper y Rock location presents a unique challenge for her job.

“The challenge of our location, so to speak, is that we sit so far from hospitals.”

Taggart said. “So, when we transport, our patient care time is greater because of the distance we are from hospitals. So for us to have two or three calls, it takes the bigger part of the day.”

The most common calls for the Slipper y Rock Volunteer Fire Department are for patients having difficulty breathing or injuries resulting from falling. However, this

small town fire department has also seen its share of tragedy.

“The worst call for me was a traffic accident on Route 8 and Branchton Road,” Taggart said. “The truck driver ran the stop sign and a family of five was killed. That was probably the worst one I’ve ever been on.”

Cohr said that for him, the most difficult part of the job is when the best is simply not good enough.

“The worst part is the skills that we hold when we get called for that cardiac arrest,” Cohr said.

“You’re doing everything you possibly can, and we

know that chances are slim for sur vival. And you have to deal with the family members - the mental and emotional anguish that they’re going through, because they’re losing a loved one. We’re trying everything that we possibly can, and it’s not good enough.”

On the flip side of tragedy, however, Schmidt said that those dire emergencies that are not routine are the ones that carry the greatest opportunity to make a difference.

“You get a medical call that somebody’s really sick and you can turn it around,” Schmidt said. “You get to

use your skills and your toolbox of equipment and medications to turn them around to where they’re no longer deathly sick.”

Taggart said that the depar tment is always looking for volunteers, and they welcome college students who may have some extra time on their hands.

“We’re a family,” Taggart said. “And we’re going to have squabbles, but when the chips are down, and there’s a fire or an ambulance call, all that stuff is tossed aside. We all come back and it’s like everyone’s back to that brotherhood.”

in "Broadway Holiday" show

Continued from Page C-1

part in performances around her local school community. The “Broadway Holiday” performance was new and unexpected for her, but it was very much appreciated, she said.

“I’m still shaking,” Walsh said. “It’s still sometimes a little hard to believe that this happened, but I’m so glad it did!”

Walsh said she wanted to remember her performance for a lifetime and thanked everyone involved in helping to make it happen.

“I can’t begin to thank everyone enough for giving me this opportunity!” Walsh said. “I’m so grateful that the people at Wish helped one of my dreams come true and I’m so glad that everyone involved with the ‘Broadway Holiday’ show worked with me to make this happen. I’m forever thankful!”

Walsh encouraged anyone who wants a chance to perform to just take a chance.

“You could end up just wanting to hear Christmas music and then be completely taken by surprise, like I was,” Walsh said.

“Anything is possible.”

C-4

December 9, 2011