SRU Rocket 2-17-12

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The Rocket www.theonlinerocket.com

Friday, February 17, 2012

Plan B vending problem in PA

Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper

Est. 1934

Volume 95, Number 16

Students, APSCUF plan rally against budget

JASON ELLWANGER/THE ROCKET

SRU students at last year's rally on March 22, 2011 protested cuts

By Will Deshong Rocket Staff Reporter

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LIANA PITTMAN/THE ROCKET

Shippensburg University has been receiving a lot of criticism for their vending machine that dispenses contraceptives including Plan B.

By Jonathan Janasik Rocket News Contributor

A machine that dispenses Plan B One-Step along with other forms of contraception at Shippensburg University of Pa. has faced recent criticism.

The President of Shippensburg University, Bill Ruud, made a statement on February 9 saying that there have been recent questions about the ethics of having a Plan B machine.

Ruud addressed these concerns by saying that a majority of universities in the nation also offer Plan B. He stressed the fact that students are encouraged to speak with the counseling staff of student services about the issue.

Ruud also stated that the machine is not funded by the state or by taxpayers’ dollars.

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as well as members of the campus and community are currently reevaluating the campus’s dispensing practices.

Until a decision is made, Shipp ensburg w i l l ke ep t he machine.

Executive Director for University Communications and Marketing at Shippensburg University, Dr. Peter

Gigliotti said that the machine was installed over two years ago.

The vending machine dispenses Plan B for $25, along with other forms of contraception, cough drops, and other general medications.

The records for the machine state that they have sold an estimated 350 to 400 Plan B pills per year.

While it is illegal to sell Plan B to anybody under the age of 17, Gigliotti states that identification is checked before students are allowed to enter the health center where the machine is located.

“In the two years that we’ve had the machine, I have never heard a single complaint about it,” said Gigliotti.

Slippery Rock University Health Promotion Coordinator, Renee Bateman, stated that SRU has not considered adding such a machine to the health center.

“The Slippery Rock Health Center is open 24 hours when classes are in session,” explained Bateman. “We do have ECP or ‘Plan B’ available to students, as well as other forms of contraception such as condoms and prescriptions to the pill, or the patch.”

If a student is in need of emergency contraception, Bateman recommends meeting with a nurse

at the health center right away.

Students at SRU seem to be split down the middle on this issue.

Students seem to be more concerned about the business and accessibility sides of the argument, rather than any moral implications.

Lisa C orrell, a sophomore a c c o u n t i n g m a j o r, d o e s n ' t understand why colleges and universities would consider adding one of these vending machines.

"It doesn't make sense to me business-wis e," C or rell s aid. " Ve n d i ng m a ch i n e s are for convenience and impulse buys.

I'm not going to buy the morning after pill from a vending machine because they're not your first line of defense regarding birth control choice. That's kind of their point to begin with, it's for when your other methods fail."

While Correll doesn't believe these machines are beneficial, Lauren Buckel, a junior political science and philosophy major, thinks these machines are a great idea for campuses.

"It's a good thing because it gives people more access than they would normally have if they had to go to a store and just keep looking for it," Buckel said. "You know that there's one place that you can go and find it."

Students at Slippery Rock University will have the opportunity to express concern about Governor Tom Corbett’s proposed budget cuts to higher education through a variety of events scheduled for this month.

Corbett is seeking to cut 20 percent, or $82.5 million, of funding to Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Republican governor already cut funding by a record 18 percent a year ago.

Students, faculty and administrators around all PASSHE schools are holding protests as the state budget hearings are set to begin next week.

The SRU Student Government Association is leading the protest amongst students on campus, with a series of events aimed to bring attention to the matter.

It’s something that SGA President Jordan Bailley feels is important to campus life.

“I believe it’s important to bring the issue of funding into discussion on our campus and around Pennsylvania,” Bailley said. “Not simply every February when the budget is discussed, but all year round. It’s been my goal since elected to have an engaged student body. An engaged student body can listen and respond when issues like higher education are discussed.”

SGA is teaming up with several organizations to accomplish the protests, most notably partnering with the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) to host a rally on Feb. 28 during common hour in the quad.

The rally will be centered on the release of balloons in a symbolic gesture. APSCUF is funding the event.

“This will be an environmentally friendly balloon release signifying our dissatisfaction with the proposed budget,” Bailley said. “The balloons signify the funding being cut from higher education in Pennsylvania.

Some people are looking into adding supplemental activities to this, including speakers on behalf of higher education.”

Jace Condravy, the SRU president of APSCUF, expects strong support from the student body during the assembly.

“Students will be directly affected by the governor’s proposal, so we expect that many students will want to have their voices heard,” Condravy said.

SGA plans to hold smaller events during the week as well in order to inform as many students as possible SEE SGA, PAGE A-3

News

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK

February 17, 2012

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Times of clouds and sun

Mostly cloudy

Colder with clouds and sun

Partial sunshine

Mainly cloudy

Cloudy with showers

Cloudy with spotty showers

39°

24°

45°

31°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

®

33 26 Fri.

43 23 Sat.

30

35

11

17

Sun. Mon.

37

42

27

25

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

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

Friday HI LO W 42 28 pc 49 28 s 42 26 pc 42 28 pc 39 28 pc 47 28 s 36 25 c 42 26 c 52 33 s 44 27 pc 45 28 pc 42 27 pc 44 28 pc 46 27 pc 40 26 pc

Saturday HI LO W 46 29 c 48 34 s 45 28 pc 45 27 sn 44 30 sf 49 35 s 47 32 c 42 30 pc 50 37 s 50 33 c 45 33 s 44 32 pc 50 32 c 47 33 s 46 28 c

23°

35°

32°

42°

UV INDEX

20

Sunday HI LO W 34 21 pc 37 28 sn 36 24 sn 34 23 pc 35 23 pc 37 27 sn 38 19 sn 34 19 sn 38 29 sn 35 21 sn 38 22 sn 36 23 sn 38 21 sn 35 24 sn 35 19 pc

3

2

Fri.

Sat.

2

Sun

3

2

Sun. Mon.

2

Tue.

1

Wed. Thu.

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

Monday HI LO W 36 25 pc 39 21 s 40 24 pc 36 28 pc 33 27 pc 41 23 s 33 22 pc 31 23 pc 42 26 s 38 24 pc 34 20 pc 38 25 pc 35 25 pc 38 22 pc 36 23 pc

46°

34°

45°

22°

IN THE SKY

35

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

REGIONAL CITIES

19°

37°

Tuesday HI LO W 44 31 sn 42 28 pc 46 32 c 42 35 sn 39 33 sn 43 30 pc 41 30 c 39 29 c 44 33 pc 43 31 c 43 27 pc 42 30 c 47 34 c 43 29 c 42 32 sn

ROCK NOTES

Wednesday HI LO W 46 33 sh 46 35 c 43 34 c 47 33 sh 47 33 sh 48 37 c 48 34 c 44 34 c 49 39 pc 48 35 sh 44 33 c 45 35 c 49 36 sh 45 33 c 47 34 sh

Thursday HI LO W 46 23 c 46 32 r 46 26 r 45 30 c 44 24 sh 54 30 c 48 29 sh 46 22 sh 56 37 pc 52 23 c 49 28 r 46 27 c 50 26 sh 49 30 c 46 23 sh

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Rise 7:13 a.m.

7:12 a.m.

7:10 a.m.

7:09 a.m.

7:08 a.m.

7:06 a.m.

7:05 a.m.

Rise 4:05 a.m.

4:51 a.m.

5:31 a.m.

6:05 a.m.

6:35 a.m.

7:03 a.m.

7:29 a.m.

MOON PHASES

Set 5:56 p.m.

5:57 p.m.

5:59 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

6:01 p.m.

6:02 p.m.

6:03 p.m.

Set 1:47 p.m.

2:52 p.m.

3:58 p.m.

5:04 p.m.

6:08 p.m.

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8:10 p.m.

New

First

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Last

2/21

2/29

3/8

3/14

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2012

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

NATIONAL CITIES

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W Atlanta 68 50 s 56 44 r 55 32 sh 58 37 s 61 45 pc 62 50 sh 63 42 sh Boston 49 31 r 45 32 s 38 28 c 39 24 pc 40 32 pc 44 36 c 49 38 pc Chicago 45 30 pc 36 25 c 36 23 pc 40 28 pc 42 34 sn 46 36 c 42 18 c Cincinnati 48 32 pc 51 30 c 39 23 pc 44 28 s 51 37 sh 53 40 r 50 29 c Dallas 58 44 c 54 35 r 59 40 s 61 51 c 66 50 sh 65 43 sh 68 39 s Denver 35 14 pc 46 24 s 51 24 pc 39 17 sn 47 23 s 56 28 c 56 14 c Detroit 41 29 pc 40 25 sf 33 22 pc 38 27 s 42 33 sn 46 31 sh 44 21 sh Houston 63 56 sh 65 43 r 65 45 s 67 54 c 70 51 t 66 54 pc 73 46 s Indianapolis 48 34 pc 48 26 pc 38 24 s 45 30 pc 49 38 sh 52 38 r 48 27 pc Kansas City 52 27 s 43 24 pc 46 26 s 51 35 c 53 34 pc 54 32 c 49 22 s Los Angeles 72 51 s 64 50 pc 64 49 pc 68 48 s 72 50 pc 74 53 s 73 57 pc Miami 81 69 pc 82 73 pc 82 63 t 76 65 pc 79 66 pc 81 72 c 80 70 sh Nashville 56 38 s 57 35 r 45 28 sn 52 35 pc 60 44 sh 62 45 r 57 33 pc New Orleans 66 58 sh 72 48 t 61 43 s 63 53 pc 71 62 sh 73 54 r 67 52 t New York City 53 34 pc 48 37 s 40 29 sn 40 31 s 47 36 pc 48 38 c 53 40 s Orlando 80 63 t 83 67 pc 78 51 t 72 53 s 75 55 pc 81 58 c 80 61 sh Phoenix 69 48 s 71 48 s 67 48 pc 67 48 s 67 47 s 71 51 s 77 54 s San Francisco 59 49 pc 56 41 c 56 45 pc 58 45 sh 61 48 pc 64 47 s 65 51 s Seattle 49 38 r 47 37 sh 45 35 c 48 41 sh 52 44 sh 53 41 sh 48 42 c Washington, DC 54 36 s 52 38 s 41 29 r 44 31 s 50 37 pc 53 43 c 62 36 pc Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Humphrey says it's all about the students

By Ekaterina Dimotrova Rocket Contributor

The Student Organization of Latinos, Hispanics and Allies collaborate with Slippery Rock University's one and only Michael Thornhill to present: Cien Fuegos Salsa Night!!

Come enjoy a wonderful night of non-stop dancing and fun!! Meet new people, blow off some steam and hang with friends! Enjoy amazing music provided by DJ Juan Diego, learn how to salsa or show off what you've got!! There is something to enjoy for everyone! February 24th, 2012 from 7-11 pm, with a free lesson in the first half hour! Only $5 admission at the door! Located in the MPR of the University Union. Hope to see you there! Any questions please contact Maddie Saldana, President of SOL, at MRS2673@sru.edu

Get Paid for Notetaking Online document marketplace Notehall.com is looking for diligent students who want to make money by simply taking notes in class. Notehall.com is hiring students of all majors to take notes in their classes and upload them to the site for future purposes. The position pays a flat rate for the semester, plus commission when another user buys the sellers' notes. For more information, contact Emilee Lafferty: ejl3317@sru.edu. To apply, visit this link exactly: http://www. notehall.com/app/champ2885

Dress for Success

Mardi Gras Bingo for Ty Mardi Gras Bingo for Ty is a fundraiser that will benefit the J. Tyler Stufflebeam Memorial Scholarship. It will be held at the Rock Catholic Center on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 7:309:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Green & White Society and Rock Catholic. Admission is $10 for presale tickets and $12 at the door. Tickets are available NOW from members of Rock Catholic and the Green & White Society, or at the Rock Catholic Center office (corner of Maltby/Normal Ave – next to McKay). Please spread the word and invite your friends to come! Maria Krafty will be selling tickets at the bench outside of 119 on Tuesday 2/14, 9:30-11:30 p.m., Thursday 2/16 9:30-11:00 & Common Hour, and Tuesday 2/21 Common Hour. For more information please email Maria at mek1087@sru.edu

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: Much-needed rain will make for a wet start to the weekend across the South Sunday.

Farther north, cold air streaming across the Great Lakes will trigger a few snow showers. High pressure will keep the Plains and Rockies dry. A new storm will spread rain and mountain snow showers across the Northwest. By Sunday, those snow showers will advance into the Rockies. Meanwhile, a coastal storm will take shape off the East Coast, bringing rain to the Southeast and possibly a heavy snow to a portion of the mid-Atlantic. Any precipitation from this storm will push offshore by Monday, while snow showers will emerge from the Rockies across the northern Plains, with some thunderstorms farther south.

Cien Fuegos Salsa Night

“Dress for Success”, a fashion show featuring Slippery Rock University students modeling professional attire will be held Wednesday, Feb. 29 at Slippery Rock University.

The event will be held at SRU’s Russell Wright Alumni House at 7 p.m. This is the second year for the event, which exemplifies how to dress in the business world. Grove City Prime Outlet gift cards will be given as door prizes. Preregistration is required. To register go to www.sru.edu and visit the SRU Career Services page.

EMILY HUNTER/THE ROCKET

Dr. Kathy Humphrey is the fifth candidate for SRU’s presidential position.

Dr. Kathy Humphrey, the fifth candidate for SRU’s presidency, is in her seventh year serving as Vice Provost and Dean of Students at the University of Pittsburgh.

Humphrey said her philosophy is that it’s all about the students. She spent her entire career building bridges for students to cross in order to build their future and she believes that she can continue doing that here.

SRU has already established a culture that is successfully preparing students, and that interests her.

The core business of this university is to really make a difference in the lives of its students during their education, during the process of being on this campus, and after they leave here, Humphrey said.

Humphrey believes that SRU is a strong institution for higher education with a new and well-defined identity.

It is accustomed to leaders who are outcome-driven and are interested in the success of the institution.

When she thinks about the identity and the mission of the university, she sees that she can connect with it.

Humphrey said that SRU provides students with a superior learning experience that intentionally combines academic instructions with applied learning opportunities that will help students in the increasingly complex world.

This tells Humphrey that SRU is a place that is building bridges to help students get to their futures.

Dr. Kathy Humphrey addresses questions from students and faculty at her open forum Wednesday afternoon at the Alumni House.

SEE HUMPHREY, PAGE A-4

BC3 President confident he's the best fit

By Steph Holsinger Assistant News Editor

Summer Job and Internship Fair What: Summer Job and Internship Fair presented by Career Services When: Tuesday, February 21 from 12:00-2:00 pm Where: University Union, Multi-Purpose Room Who: 75 Companies and Agencies, all majors and all students welcome Offering: Full-time jobs (over 40), Internships (over 50), Summer Jobs (dozens!) Walk-ins are welcome (but registration is encouraged to speed your entry to the event).

Business casual or business dress is encouraged. Gift card prizes will be awarded during the event.

Register at: http://www.collegecentral.com/slipperyrock/ View List of Companies: http://www.collegecentral.com/ srusummerfair/

Marjorie Stephenson Scholarship Marjorie Stephenson, a professor and librarian at Slippery Rock University, made provisions in her will for undergraduate scholarships at SRU. The amount of the scholarship depends on available funds as well as the number and qualifications of the applicants. The maximum award is $1,000; partial awards may be granted. March 15 is the deadline.

For more information, contact Judy Silva, chair, Marjorie Stephenson Scholarship, at judith.silva@sru.edu.

To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Brian Brodeur at bdb5229@sru.edu or to rocket.news@sru.edu. The Rocket

PRECIPITATION

EMILY HUNTER/THE ROCKET

Dr. Nicholas Neupauer speaks on his extensive experience in higher education at his open forum on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Alumni House.

Dr. Nicholas Neupauer, the fourth presidential candidate to visit Slippery Rock University, participated in his open forum interview Friday afternoon to address questions from both students and faculty.

Neupauer, who is the current president at Butler County Community College, believes that his experience in a wide range of areas is what most qualifies him for the position as the president of Slippery Rock University. Neupauer, who is originally from Ellwood City, Pa., is quite familiar with the Western Pennsylvania area as well as the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

“My wife Tammy and I both graduated from Clarion University, and I have an uncle, cousins, and friends who are all proud graduates of Slippery Rock,” he said. “I definitely have roots within the state system.”

Neupauer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in print journalism from Penn State University, a Master of Science in communication from Clarion University, and a Doctorate of Education in communication and instruction from West Virginia University. He acted as an assistant professor and chair of the communication department at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., from 1996 to 1999. Neupauer has also taught at West Virginia University from 1993 to 1996 and Bethany College from 1995 to SEE NEUPAUER, PAGE A-4

News

February 17, 2012

A-3

Police Blotter Magistrate

Feb. 15- Gene Paul Anderton, 23, of Franklin, Pa., was seen for disorderly conduct.

Index

Campus Feb. 13- There was a report of an accident at Gail Rose Lodge. There were no injuries reported.

Feb. 10- An off-campus fight was reported from Watson Hall. The incident was referred to judicial.

Feb. 15- Thomas R. Anderton, 24, of Franklin, Pa., was seen for giving false information and disorderly conduct.

Feb. 11- There was a report of a hit and run at the police station. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 15- Nikola Jon Skrak, 26, of Prospect, Pa., was seen for intent to possess a controlled substance by a person not registered, DUI, and driving with a suspended license.

Feb. 11- There was a report of damage to a gate at the Old Stone House. The case was referred to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Rock Notes...............A-2 Comics................A-7 Blotter.................A-3 Sports...................B-1 Opinion...............A-4 Campus Life.............C-1 Classifieds..........A-6

contact us Feb. 13- There was a report of theft of lunch trays at the Union.

The case is under investigation.

Feb. 14- Melvin Dibble, 19, was cited for theft and receiving stolen property from an incident that happened at North Hall on Feb. 2.

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

220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

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

Compiled by Stephanie Holsinger

SGA planning protest events against recent budget cuts Continued from Page A-1

SGA members in charge of organizing the events hope to have voter registration tables and letter writing stations in the University Union on an adjacent day to the rally in the quad.

They also plan to hand out informative flyers on the budget cuts to students all around campus.

SGA also hopes to get student interaction by having students write down things threatened by the budget cuts, which will be read off at the rally.

Organizers are also planning to utilize social media to protest the cuts with a Facebook page and YouTube videos showing student opposition to the cuts.

“We’re having events in the quad all week to make students more knowledgeable about

budget cuts,” Michael McCarter, an SGA member involved in organizing the events, said. “It’s important for students to know about this because parts of the university could completely go away if funding is cut.”

Bailley reiterated the point that it is important to reach all of the campus because all students would be affected by the budget cut.

“I hope to attract any and every student who can attend the rally and other events that are important to them,” Bailley said.

“This particular issue affects undergraduates, graduates and post-baccalaureate students.

This affects students who never step a foot on our campus because they take online classes.

It affects in-state students and out-of-state students.”

All students would be affected by the cuts, according to Condravy, because they would

lower the quality of education at PASSHE schools.

“Reduced state funding for state-owned universities has two major effects: raised tuition for students whom we know to be already struggling with a 7.5 percent tuition increase from last year in a weakened economy, and reductions in staffing and programs at the university, which lowers the quality of education that students and their parents are paying for,” Condravy said.

More expensive schooling would be particularly detrimental for lower-income students having an opportunity to get a higher education, according to Condravy.

“The reduced commitment from the state to support its public universities further exacerbates the growing inequality that exists between socio-economic classes,” Condravy said. “Excellent public higher

education is the only avenue for many, many middle and working class students to a better economic future, and the state is beginning to put that laudable goal out of reach for this generation.”

In order to ensure the quality of education at SRU, Bailley is hoping the planned events can have an impact on the continued budget talks at the state level.

"My main goal is for the taxpayers and voters of Pennsylvania, legislators in Harrisburg, our Governor and for all students all over Pennsylvania to hear and see the incredible achievements made by Slippery Rock students and the PASSHE system as a whole," Bailley said. "I want to stay as positive as can be, building positive relationships with the aforementioned groups so they can see the amazing return on their investment in our students."

A-4

News

February 17, 2012

Presidential search nears the end at SRU Neupauer worked his way up, climbed ladder at BC3

Humphrey not afraid of challenges facing SRU

Continued from Page A-1

Continued from Page A-1

1996. Upon joining the faculty at Butler County Community College in 1999, he was given the position of the dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.

He remained in the position until 2004. During his time as Dean of the college, he partnered with Slippery Rock University’s College of Education to create a Praxis preparation program.

From 2004 to 2007, Neupauer served as Vice President for Academic Affairs for Butler County Community College, becoming president of the institution in 2007.

All the while, he continued to serve as adjunct professor teaching communication courses at the college.

“I have served as a graduate assistant, teaching assistant, visiting assistant professor, assistant professor, chair, dean, vice president, and president all by the age of 40,” he said. “I understand the importance of working with elected officials and working with the commonwealth to help achieve its

goals.”

Neupauer believes that many students come to SRU for the positive academic reputation, and that the university is continuing to prosper, which is one of the main reasons why he is attracted to the position as president.

“I believe that the future possibilities of the university are limitless,” he said. “I understand the challenges and decisions that this position will bring and I intend to keep the university heading in a positive direction.”

Neupauer feels that living in the president’s residence would provide himself as well as his wife and daughters with a unique opportunity. Neupauer’s daughters, Paige, 17, and Meredith, 13, are both students in the Slippery Rock School District.

The last trait that Neupauer said qualified him for the position was his leadership ability.

“I plan on reaching out to students and generating revenue,” he said. “We’re all in this together.”

She shares the views that the university has on having a civil community, mutual respect, and pride in accomplishment. If chosen, she said she will be committed to continuing the values of this institution with the knowledge that she has gained about the region already.

Because she works in the region, she knows about the budget cuts and already has contacts in this region that she will be able to bring with her. The depth of her experience is in all aspects of the educational enterprise, she said.

She has worked on every side of the academic enterprise, including operational areas, academic areas and business areas. She has worked with all pieces of the institution and she has done that strategically in order to prepare for this position.

Humphrey mentioned that one of the biggest challenges the university may have is the threat of a 20 percent cut in state funding. She suggests that this can be prevented by aggressively creating new revenue streams and new ways of bringing funding into this institution.

She proposed a consideration for the renovation of the library, because this is the core of a university and it affects both the inside and outside of the classroom experience for students and faculty. It is the very nature of what a university stands for, she said.

Humphrey is excited about the opportunity to serve in a way that will be productive and helpful to this community, to form on the foundation that has already been established.

She is not afraid of the challenges that this institution is facing; she is energized by it, because if they are figured out, they can be changed. Humphrey said she doesn’t see the position as a job, but as a way of completing her life’s purpose, which means that her work in it will be very different; it will be passionate and committed.

Lastly she said, she won’t rest until SRU is one the best institutions for higher education in the world.

In relation to sustainability, Humphrey said that she has a commitment to it and believes in the goals that have been created in relation to that and she is interested to hear how we can do it well.

“Every opportunity that we have where we can engage in a real dialogue, create real theory to put in real practice, will help us to sustain ourselves and our great-great grandchildren,” Humphrey

said.

For Humphrey, the revenue streams that we must create are something that we need to sit down and talk about.

“We cannot allow cuts to happen without speaking. It is our responsibility to speak up on behalf of those people who cannot afford higher education, and it is our responsibility as citizens in Pennsylvania to say that we have a goal that education will be afforded to people in this state so that we can be better prepared and increase the life of the state through the educational system,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey’s philosophy of education includes providing an opportunity for students to advance themselves through education, which is also in the core of our existence as a successful country.

Her opinion on distance education is that it is potentially a way that we can start the community. She also believes it is another way to create revenue streams into the institution, if SRU does it well.

She is for distance education as long as it is used to support the core business of this institution and does not become the core business itself.

Dr. Humphrey believes that athletes are students first and foremost. The role that athletics plays is to give students the opportunity to hold one of their skills to the highest level and, in doing so, become not only a strong athlete but also a stronger person.

“Athletics has a way to help us with recruitment, it is a way .of raising funds and developing, it is a support system but it is also a main delivery system,” Humphrey said. “It also provides a structure for student retention because it provides some structure to students in order to be successful.”

Humphrey stressed how important every area in the university is and that we have to be prepared with the new programs and new resources that we decide have to be put in place in order for us to be competitive.

She thinks that nothing teaches you about who you are better than the student environment.

The greatest lesson she learned is that she can’t do everything without partners. If she doesn’t develop strong partnerships, she can’t be nearly as mighty or strong without the community or the people with her.

“It is not about being successful at any cause,” Humphrey said. “It is about being successful and everybody being proud of that.”

A-5

Febuary 17, 2012

OPINION

The Rocket

A-6

February 17, 2012

The Rocket

Our View

Volume 94, Number 16

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 Zane Barger 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

GRAPHIC BY LIANA PITTMAN

To vend Plan B or not to vend Plan B, that is the question

Emily Hunter It’s strange how a single Advertising Manager vending machine at one of Sarah Black our sister institutions can Assistant Advertising Manager cause so much controversy,

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.

even within our own newsroom.

In case you haven’t heard, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, a fellow PASSHE school, has a vending machine in their health center that dispenses condoms, decongestants, pregnancy tests and Plan B One-Step.

The last of those is the cause of the controversy.

P l a n B O n e - St e p, according to their website, is a one-pill emergency contraceptive that can reduce the chance of pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It can’t, however, do anything

if you’re already pregnant.

At our weekly meeting, the Rocket staff had a discussion about Plan B being sold out of a vending machine in preparation for this editorial.

We remain divided on the topic, so in order to accurately portray our opinions, we need to address both the pros and cons.

Pros: For those staff members that are for selling Plan B in vending machines, the main supporting factor is that having the machine in the health center is no different than selling it in a pharmacy.

Before this machine, Plan

B was only kept behind the counter at pharmacies, because you must be 17 or older to purchase it.

A spokesman from Shippensburg told the Associated Press that they checked school records to make sure all current students are of legal age.

Students and faculty also have to check in with their ID’s at a desk in the lobby before they can enter the health center where the vending machine is kept, so someone can’t just walk off the street and buy Plan B. To the pro-voting staff members, that’s the same as going to a pharmacy and getting the pill from behind the counter, so there’s no problem with selling Plan B out of the vending machine.

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.

Cons: The argument against the vending machine revolves around the same idea – comparing it to a pharmacy.

While it seems like no one under the legal age of 17 would be able to reach the vending machine and buy Plan B, they aren’t forced to consult a pharmacist, either.

When a woman is in a position to buy Plan B, she may not be fully aware of the risks or what it could do to her body.

That’s the point of a pharmacist, to explain the risks and answer any questions the woman may have. A vending machine can’t do that.

The ease of it may also lead to problems. Women could be more inclined to purchase Plan B from a vending machine when they don’t really need it.

Fear and paranoia can get the best of a person, and when it’s as easy as putting $25 into a machine and pushing a button, women could end up taking Plan B more often than they should.

Now that you’ve seen both sides of our internal argument, what do you think? Would you like to see Plan B sold in a vending machine at SRU? Send your opinion to rocket.letters@sru.edu, write on our Facebook page or tweet us and let us know.

This week’s question: What do you think of selling Plan B out of a vending machine?

Editorial Policy The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board.

“Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.

Letters Policy The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication.

The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published.

Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any. Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words.

Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

Rachelle Ryan Freshman mid-childhood math education major Hometown: Warren, Ohio

Samantha McCormick Sophomore chemistry major Hometown: Bradford, Pa.

“I guess it’s a good thing for some situations. Like if it was an emergency.”

“I think that is ridiculous. Something like that shouldn’t go through a vending machine.”

Ashley Carroll Freshman athletic training major Hometown: Geneva, Ohio

“I don’t think I’d think much of it if SRU did that. Just makes for another option.”

Opinion

February 17, 2012

Neupauer and Humphrey safe choices for SRU presidency, each has unique set of experiences Penn State main campus for his additional degrees. Ironically, former President Robert M. Smith also has his degree in communication.

Personally, even as an education major, I feel Neupauer’s degree in communication can lead to a competent presidency as a successful communicator. Currently as a president of BC3 Neupauer is making $159,000 after the Butler County Community College Emily Hunter Board of Trustees unanimously approved his reappointment in 2010, according to Commentary BC3’s website.

With only one presidential candidate left Neupauer made it very clear that he knew to visit campus it is reassuring to know that President Smith well. Smith served on BC3‘s the future leadership of Slippery Rock lies Board of Trustees. in the hands of one of the six accomplished However, during the open forum we were professionals, now that the presidential search all informed that he had breakfast with Smith committee is no longer keeping the final the day he became BC3 president. When candidate a secret. However, no particular asked how he was similar and different to candidate stands out as my future president. Smith, Neupauer couldn’t come up with a There isn’t one person running that I would response. approve of leading almost 10,000 students, Dr. Kathy Humphrey is the fifth presidential faculty and staff at SRU. candidate at SRU and has been employed at Either the fourth or fifth presidential the University of Pittsburgh for the past seven candidate would be a safe choice for Slippery years as vice president and dean of students.

Rock University. Both Dr. Nicholas Neupauer Humphrey is the first of the presidential and Dr. Kathy Humphrey are currently candidates to have her Ph. D. not from West employed in western Pennsylvania at The Virginia University or Columbia University.

University of Pittsburgh and Butler County Humphrey received her Ph. D. in educational Community College (BC3), respectively. leadership from Saint Louis University.

They should be able to handle our Snow One area where Humphrey’s Curriculum Rain University and make a long-term Vita and background is lacking is in research. commitment to a university with constantly Humphrey has no peer-reviewed changing unpleasant weather. Dr. Nicholas publications, chapters or books. There is not Neupauer would be the only candidate that even a dissertation stated in her Curriculum has previous experience in a presidential Vita. In order to be a quality faculty member position that has not been dismissed from at any university research is encouraged. their employment. However, Dr. Kathy What is the main purpose of a university, Humphrey could also be a safe choice because to develop scholarship or produce livingeven though she is currently a vice president, learning communities? she works at the largest and most prestigious I would personally like my university university of all the other candidates. president to have at least my research Dr. Nicholas Neupauer continued the experience that I have developed during my trend of a decrease in age as the presidential master’s study at SRU. candidates marched on. Neupauer is Previously, Humphrey was a finalist for the currently 45 years old and already has presidency position at Edinboro University. been the president at BC3 for five years. If Humphrey was the seventh and last candidate the decrease in age trend continued, I was in the Edinboro search. wondering if I was the sixth presidential During the open session for Humphrey, candidate and the search committees just the audience had a few questions, which forgot to tell me my application was accepted. lead to many odd periods of silence. Either Neupauer, the fourth presidential the audience was tired after four candidates candidate, is the only of the six candidates or her personality could have been too to have his degree in something other than overpowering. education.

If chosen to be president, Humphrey would Neupauer was the first in his family to be the first female and first minority president attend college and graduated from Lincoln at Slippery Rock University.

High School in Ellwood City in 1985.

Neupauer received his terminal degree from Emily Hunter is a graduate student majoring West Virginia University in communication in adaptive physical activity and advertising and attended Clarion, Penn State Beaver and manager for The Rocket.

Congress should heed their own advice

Jake Olson Introspection At this point in our country, it is almost taken as a fact that Congress and our elected lawmakers will end up doing something hypocritical.

The most recent of this multitude of infractions comes in the wake of all of the debates and rage surrounding the SOPA and PIPA acts, as well as the new ACTA act.

If you haven’t heard anything about these then you probably haven’t been on the Internet for a few months, and I suggest looking them up.

Working together to c o mp a r e b l o c k e d I P assignments with those known of Congress officials’ office IPs, TorrentFreak, Hurricane Electric and Yo u H a v e D o w n l o a d e d managed to track the habits of our officials. Surprise!

During this time of political banter, they have been pirating everything from self-help books and software to television shows and pornographic material.

Not only have they been using it for a wide range of materials, but they have also accumulated well over 800 hits in the search.

I realize that the idea of

Ciarra Karnes FMLA William P. Young said, “Pain has a way of clipping our wings so we cannot fly.”

That statement rings true for any person who has experienced a hardship.

One type of hardship t hat is b e coming an epidemic in our society is homelessness, but the face has been misconstrued.

The true face of homelessness is not how it is being portrayed by society.

In actuality, the true face is women and children.

The National Coalition for the Homeless did a national study and found that the fastest growing sector of people experiencing homelessness is women, children, and families comprising 40 percent, and rising.

Sixty-five percent of the families experiencing homelessness are females

None of these conditions are acceptable for any human being, but they do not have to stay this way if we all step up and make a difference.

The easiest and best way to help is by offering a helping hand, and donating time, clothing or funds to a shelter nearby.

Every person runs the chance of having their wings clipped so they cannot fly, but everyone can f ly and ever yone should fly no matter how old they are, where they are living, or their gender or ethnicity.

You can make a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness next week by coming to make fleece tie blankets that will be distributed in Lawrence, Butler, Mercer and Venango counties.

The blanket project will take place in the University Union in room 204 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

C ome and help to make the lives of people experiencing homelessness a little bit brighter, to give them the hope that they need to break the cycle, and to help them soar to the highest heights.

Ciarra Karnes is a junior phsychology major from New Castle, Pa.

piracy is rampant across many countries and needs to be stopped in some form.

However, when big name record companies are the ones complaining, it’s hard to see it as an honest and sympathetic appeal to the population to stop hurting artists when we download things.

Censorship is clearly not the way out, as shown by research that shows piracy has not slowed down despite the government shutdown of Megaupload and the voluntary closure of BT Junkie.

It’s interesting when bands, or independent companies, speak up for themselves on the issue because they seem to have a positive spin on what record companies play out as a dismal and worldending ordeal.

The publicity provided by multimedia sharing sites is invaluable, especially when it costs the band nothing outside of studio costs to create it.

The fan base does the rest of the work to get their name out.

Having a large enough fan base gets the attention of the record companies when they think they can make money, and as such, free publicity is essentially obtained.

This discovery just goes to show that even Congress i s n’t a b ov e u t i l i z i n g torrents and downloading despite pressing for our government to be able to shut down entire sites and IPs for both piracy and copyright infringement.

I feel that there is a d i s t i n c t d i f fe re n c e between pirating and just downloading things, where pirating would be the intentional downloading and reselling of material for an individual’s profit, and downloading itself would be for private use.

Having a tr y-beforeyou-buy mentality is nearly essential in American culture, and often times we have the previews, demonstrations, samples, and reviews from purchasing peers to aid this process.

Simply stated, downloading an album to see how it sounds makes perfect sense, especially when it spurs purchases through iTunes or CDs. Granted, the population that uses the luxury versus those that actually buy them first is relatively lopsided, but it definitely happens.

When it comes down to it, Congress is obviously worrying itself over this issue since debt problems, cutting government expenditure, and other problems are able to take a back seat when influence comes through in terms of big money.

However, since it is an issue here and now, I def initely re commend reading up on what has been happening if you don’t know, and then figuring out how to help in the cause.

Jake Olson is a junior secondary education English major from Grove City, Pa.

World economy depends on the euro

Face of homelessness is misconstrued in society with children, and the main reason they are now homeless is predominately because of abuse they were experiencing at home.

Nationally, 20 to 40 percent were being sexually abused, and 40 to 60 percent were being physically abused.

Their lives were already hard, but once homeless, they do not get any easier.

As many as half of the children are victimized sexually, or robbed.

Five thousand homeless children under the age of eighteen die each year from assaults, illness, or suicide, but it does not stop there.

Women and children are sometimes in such horrible situations that they have to resort to negotiating “survival sex” for a roof over their heads.

The places they can find to sleep are usually under a bridge, in a barn, a car, substandard or abandoned houses, in parks or literally just on the street in all types of weather.

To make matters worse, one of out of three of the children living in homeless conditions end up falling b ehind in s cho ol, or dropping out, and are never able to break the cycle of poverty for themselves or their families.

A-7

Dan Gladis Dr. Dan Often our college lives draws us in two directions.

We either become selfabsorbed, worried only of our own issues, or we are drawn outwards and take a wider view of the world than the environs of our childhood.

I know growing up in Aliquippa, Pa. gave me contact with lots of varying European ethnic groups du r i ng my for mat ive years, and so maybe I am speaking with an unfair head start.

But anyway, I digress.

The subject of this diatribe aimed at opening the worldview of the reader is the ongoing Eurozone crisis over debt and economic stagnation.

This crisis has lead to a serious question about Europe’s single currency: is the euro viable?

My answer is yes, because it has to be. Allow me to explain…

The Eurozone, although it weathered the initial 2008-2009 economic crisis in fairly good shape, has since been cast again into the rough seas of economic angst.

With several members of the 17-nation single currency unit on the verge of debt default (Greece being prime among them), it is commonly feared that if one country ‘goes’ so will ‘go’ the rest of the Eurozone and the entire European Union (which, for the uninitiated, is a larger body of which the Eurozone is a part).

This argument is based on two false assumptions: that the Eurozone members will allow the currency to collapse if one nation goes bankrupt and that Germany and the UK have more interest in letting such a collapse happen than pouring out money into “Eurobonds” in order to save the European project.

Both of these assumptions have the same underlying false premise - that one of the major players in EU politics has no interest in keeping the euro alive.

This is flatly, abjectly untrue.

In diplomacy, the status quo is looked for to be maintained.

In economics, a similar theory of “don’t rock the boat” coupled with steady growth is aimed for.

If the Germans were to let the euro collapse, their economy (which is doing quite well now) would immediately go into recession due to the fact that they are so interconnected with the Eurozone and European Union.

Wh i l e B r it a i n s t i l l uses the pound sterling and thus has a less keen interest in the Eurozone, e ven t he Euros ceptic (that is, anti-EU) Prime Minister David Cameron and his Exchequer George Osborne know full well the consequences of a Eurozone collapse which would still plunge their austerity-constricted economy back into deep recession again.

Just this past week, a deal was signed and bills passed in Greece which may provide a way out of this crises via austerity and help from other Eurozone countries, but the crisis is still far from over.

At the end of the day, when looking for future predictions to grave crises, it is always good to think of who has the most vested interest and where that interest is laid.

In this crisis, the interest of almost all the players involved is in keeping the euro alive at practically any (both literal and metaphorical) cost.

Though voters might not like it, all of Europe and the world economy depends on it, even China.

The European Union can be a confusing issue and if you have any questions about what I’ve written, I’m always up for a chat!

E-mail me at drg7594@sru. edu.

Dan Gladis is a freshman history major from Aliquippa, Pa.

CLASSIFIEDS January 27, 2012

The Rocket

A-8

COMICS

The Rocket

A-9

February 17, 2012

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 ay ' s Bi r t h d ay ( 0 2 / 1 7 / 1 2 ) .

Organizational structures, like calendars, schedules, to-do lists and budgets, keep you moving forward with ease and efficiency this year.

Take time to plan your moves before you make them, and stay focused.

Envision your dream life, and go for it.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Work definitely takes priority for the next few days. Lots more business coming in. You're attracting the attention of an important person. Good news from afar.

Taurus (April 20May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- There's a test ahead, so sharpen your pencils.

A respectful attitude and willing hands earn you new opportunities, and people are checking you out. Smile and wave.

Gemini (May 21-June

21) -- Today is a 6 -- You may be tempted to stir up trouble, but leave that to others. Meditation helps you stay positive and centered. It's so much better for your health.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -Find strength in numbers.

Take suggestions. Practice listening to someone as if you've paid them a million dollars. You can let another take the wheel.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- It's getting busy now (and profitable).

Stick to the high road, since anything lower has muddy pitfalls. A friend brings news. There's an amazing breakthrough in love.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) -- Today is an 8 -Nurture your creative side. Continue working on the things that make you happy. Make beauty. Cook with honey. It all could be very romantic.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Home has a strong pull on you now. Perhaps it's time to beautify your nest or throw a party with special friends. Poetry, anyone?

Say the magic words.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov.

21) -- Today is a 7 -- Take advantage of your great discussion skills today.

Pay special attention to successful friends ... they have a lot to teach you. Get a bonus.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- It's not necessary to purchase things you want but don't need to feel complete. You can find satisfaction in a job well done. Explore and discover.

Capricorn (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Being king or queen of the mountain comes with perks but also with responsibilities. Use your newly gained power wisely. Beware of tunnels that have no cheese.

Aquarius (Jan. 20Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- You can ponder perpetual motion or other impossible ideas now. Do the math. Listen to fresh ideas. Participate in the discussion. Procrastinate later.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -Your friends really come through for you for the next few days. Take all the help that's available. Your territory expands. Strange demands could arise.

Solution

A-10

Febuary 17,2012

SPORTS

The Rocket

B-1

February 17, 2012

Senior looks to go pro in Mixed Martial Arts Learning to fight, mixed martial arts

By Tim Durr Sports Editor

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Senior safety management major Rich Cantolina trains in the Aebersold Student Recreation Center in preparation for his February 25 fight, in which he will be donating all of the proceeds to the Special Olympics as a philanthropic donation for his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma.

MMA fighter will donate proceeds from fight

By Tim Durr Sports Editor

In the early 1900’s, the sport was called Pankration and was played at the Olympics in Greece.

The variation of that sport today is mixed martial arts (MMA).

If you’re in the Aebersold Student Recreation Center on weeknights, you might spot 22-yearold, senior safety management major Rich Cantolina training with the heavy bag, focus mitts and Thai pads next to the track above the basketball courts.

Cantolina started MMA fighting when he was a senior in high school and is 7-5 overall in official MMA fights.

“My dad boxed when he was younger and got me into wrestling,” Cantolina said. “I started training for MMA when I was 17 and had my first fight at age 18.”

Cantolina’s first official fight was in 2008 at the Yankee Lake Brawl Room 5, which he lost to Matt Swerden by way of a submission rear naked choke.

Cantolina then went on to win his next three matches and had an opportunity to fight for a title belt. Cantolina, who is sponsored

by Thick as Thieves Fight Co., lost the fight to Gary Taylor at the Yankee Lake Brawl Room 10 in the third round by a unanimous decision.

Cantolina said that growing up in a tough neighborhood in Ambridge, Pa. was a big factor of getting him involved in fighting.

“I wrestled in high school and wanted to have some fighting skills since I lived in a tough neighborhood,” Cantolina said. “My high school coach told me that I had too much aggression for wrestling in high school. He told me that I should look into boxing but then an MMA center opened near me and I got involved in that.”

In Cantolina’s next major fight, he’s planning on donating all of his proceeds to the Special Olympics as a philanthropic endeavor for his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma.

“I always like to help out the community and this is something that I thought would be a good way to help my fraternity and the community,” Cantolina said.

The fight, which will be on February 25, is a number one contender fight and is a rematch for Cantolina.

If he wins the fight he will have another shot at a title fight. Cantolina’s fighting style is

a stand up boxing style, in which he relies on quickness with his hands.

Cantolina's hands aren't the only thing he uses. His favorite grappling move that he uses is a triangle choke, which he used to win his last fight against Mark MacDonald on October 8 at the Combat Challenge 16.

Cantolina looks forward to eventually becoming a professional and believes that he will go pro after his next two or three fights.

He will also be competing in an Amateur National Tournament before going pro.

Cantolina said that he’s also had thoughts of following in his father’s footsteps and boxing, too.

“I’ve had thoughts of boxing and have looked for some amateur matches to get in,” he said. “Boxing is something that I can do along with MMA fighting so I definitely look forward to doing it someday.”

As a sport, MMA has expanded over the past several years with the popularity of UFC. In 2006, UFC 66 sold more than one million Pay Per View passes and in 2011 UFC on Fox pulled in over 8.8 million views.

With the success of the sport and Cantolina’s drive to become a professional, the sky is the limit for Cantolina.

Are you looking for a good workout?

I think I have an answer for you: mixed martial arts.

Recently, I met up with Rich Cantolina at the Aebersold Student Recreation Center to learn the ropes of some mixed martial arts training.

After watching Cantolina workout on the heavy bag, focus mitts and Thai pads, he put the focus mitts on himself and showed me some moves.

I put on Cantolina’s North American Allied Fight Series (NAASF) gloves, which he wears in his fights, and he got me into a fighting position.

Since I’m left handed, everything was backward from how Cantolina fights so he had to invert the stance for me. My right hand was assigned as my jab hand and my left hand was my power hand. He told me to bend my knees down some and hold my left hand up tight to my face and my right hand in a striking position.

He held the focus mitts up in front of me and had me swing my jab hand into his right glove and then bring my power hand into his left mitt.

After a few swings, I started to get the technique down. He said that making it into a fluid move made the combination more successful.

After showing me the first two strikes, he had me bring in a hook with my right hand followed by a hook with my left hand.

After working through the jabs and hooks, he brought in a fifth move, a kick. For the kick, I put my right foot forward and slightly pivoted it, then brought my left leg up for a kick to Cantolina’s thigh.

Cantolina said that this kick is a very successful move because it works at the nerves in the opponent’s thigh.

“This kick is a move that you want to land on your opponent’s front leg because it makes it harder for them to move,” Cantolina said. “I’ve seen instances where a guy lands two or three good kicks and it will knock the opponent out because it sends a shock up your spine.”

Cantolina said that when you’re working with a trainer, each of your strikes and kicks have specific numbers for you to work through. Your jab is one, your power is two, right jab is three and left jab is four.

After working through these combinations a few times with Cantolina, I don’t think I’m prepared to get in the ring with anyone, but it was definitely a good workout and I was definitely sore the morning after our workout.

Cantolina said that I grasped the basics but I don’t think I have a very bright future in MMA fighting. It looks like I’m heading back to Morrow Field House in attempts to become Emily Strickland’s baton twirling duet partner.

Rock extends win streak to four with wins against Vulcans and Fighting Scots

By Madeline Williams are ahead of the Rock in the of 12) from the three-point Assistant Sports Editor

Senior guard Devin Taylor scored 24 points and had seven rebounds on Wednesday night to lead the Slippery Rock University men's basketball team to a 57-51 victory over California University of Pa. The win marked the fourth consecutive for the Rock, who improved their record to 16-7 overall and 13-6 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. With three games left in the regular-season schedule, SRU now stands in third place in the PSACWest standings, with a twogame lead over California and Clarion. Only Indiana (16-3) and Mercyhurst (14-5)

region standings. The top four teams at the end of regularseason competition on Feb. 25 will earn berths in the conference tournament.

In addition to Taylor's efforts on Wednesday, junior guard Aubin Reeves scored 10 points and junior forward Tabari Perry grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Rock to a 50-38 rebounding advantage. Junior center Luiz Santos also added six points and eight rebounds in the win on Wednesday night.

The Green and White has now outrebounded their opponents in 20 of 23 games this season.

The Rock finished the game with a 33 percent (21-63) effort from the floor, 17 percent (two

range, and 65 percent (13-20) free throws.

SRU scored the first eight points of the game. The Rock had a large 14-point lead with two minutes left in the first half. They held a nine-point, 32-23, advantage over the Vulcans going into intermission.

The Rock opened the second half with a 10-3 run to take a 16-point lead with 14:45 left in the game. They held a 13-point, 48-35, lead with 6:45 remaining in the game.

Cal fought back and cut the Rock’s lead to four points, 5046, with 1:20 left in the game, however the Rock shut down SEE SRU, PAGE B-2

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior forward Tabari Perry dribbles in the lane against a California University of Pennsylvania defender on Wednesday night at Morrow Field House. Perry averages 9.7 points per game this season and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Sports

B-2

February 17, 2012

Freshman runner has early success

By Levi Lewis Rocket Contributor

It only took freshman distance runner Janine Powis three collegiate meets to break into the Slippery Rock University women's indoor track and field record book.

Powis, a native of Telford, Pa., had a decorated high school career, lettering four times in both track and cross country at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. She earned all-league honors in cross country four times and was a cross country state qualifier in 2008 and 2009. As a senior, she won two medals at the state championships in track, placing third in the 800-meter and second as part of the 4x800-meter relay team.

A strong runner, Powis felt like Slippery Rock University was the perfect fit for her.

“I decided to come to SRU because they have a strong running program,” Powis said. “They are also well known for their athletic training program, which is my major.”

Powis began her career at the SRU-Alaska Anchorage dual meet, where she placed 12th with a time of 19:53.3 and later earned the first top10 finish of her collegiate career at the Mack Cooper Classic, placing ninth with a time of 24:01.5.

She also gave a top-25 performance at both the Lock Haven Invite, placing 22nd with a time of 23:55.70, and the SRU Invite, placing 20th with a time of 24:15.1.

“I would say my season is going pretty well so far,” Powis said. “I’ve been really happy with my races and my times are improving, and the team has been doing well,

too. I keep focusing on improving and continuing to get better. So, it’s definitely good sign of a strong team.”

Over the past several weeks, her times have been improving and so have her results.

Powis set the SRU indoor record in the 800-meter race after running a time of 2:14.91 at the YSU Invite, a record which she states she didn’t even know she had achieved until after the race.

“I didn’t even know I broke it until like 10 minutes after the race when Pap [Coach John Papa] came up to me telling me that I did,” Powis said.” “I was really happy because when I finished the race, I wasn’t expecting my time to be anywhere around the record time.”

After setting the indoor record and getting her first collegiate win, Powis went out and won the mile race, her second win in as many meets, and obtained an NCAA provisional qualifying time of 5:01.00.

“It felt good, I felt strong for the first few laps but with like 3 laps to go my mind kind of wondered off a little bit,” Powis said. “With about 400 meters left I came back and I was able to catch up to the girl in front and pass her. I was also not expecting my time to be that fast.”

The season is still far from over, and with Janine Powis strong on the scene, only time will tell how her future shapes up at SRU. “I hope to continue to improve on my times,” Powis said. “I’m really excited to see how our relays are going to do too, and I’m really excited about the future.”

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Senior forward Devin Taylor is tightly defended by a California University of Pennsylvania defender on Wednesday at Morrow Field House.

Taylor leads SRU with an average of 13.5 points per game.

SRU prepares to face IUP this weekend Continued from Page B-1

the comeback attempt for the Vulcans and held on to earn the victory.

Senior guard Jon Valeriano says that communication on the court for the team is greatly improving.

“We have been emphasizing and focusing on our communication during practice and I can tell that it’s improved throughout the last few games,” Valeriano said.

“It’s not quite where it needs to be, but we will continue to work.”

Last Saturday, freshman Chaquille Pratt scored 20 points to lead the Rock to a 76-68 win over Edinboro

University and was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference “Freshman of the Week.”

Pratt made five of six shots from the field, his only 3-point shot attempt, and nine of 10 free throws.

Reeves and Taylor both scored 16 points each. Taylor had 14 rebounds to earn his 10th “double-double” of the season. Reeves added five rebounds and four assists.

Perry and Santos each added nine points apiece. The Rock had a 48-30 rebounding advantage over the Fighting Scots.

The Rock shot 44 percent (29-66) from the field, four of 12 on 3-point shots, and 74 percent (14-19) of their free

throws.

The Green and White took an early lead, 14-2, with 14 minutes left in the half.

Edinboro fought back and cut the deficit to six points, 22-16, with 8:15 remaining in the half. The Rock then went on a 10-3 run to extend the lead. They took a 10-point lead, 36-26, going into the intermission.

The Rock scored seven of the first 10 second half points to take a 14-point lead, 4329 with less than 18 minutes to go in the game. Edinboro never came closer than seven points for the rest of the game.

SRU will look to earn another PSAC victory as they travel to play division-leading IUP tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.

Taylor says that the IUP game tomorrow is huge for the team and would greatly help their record and their confidence.

“A win over IUP would be huge for us,” Taylor said.

“I’m 0-4 against them in my career, so I’m looking forward to our match up against them.

I know all the guys are excited as well.”

The Rock will host its annual “White Out” at next Wednesday’s doubleheader against Gannon University.

The women’s game is at 6 p.m. and the men’s game will tip off at 8 p.m. Special White Out t-shirts are available at the SGA Bookstore for $5. All fans are encouraged to wear white and support the team.

Indoor Track dominates at Baldwin-Wallace meet, prepares for Kent State next

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY EMILY SCHUBERT

Junior Cameron Daugherty plants for a big jump at the Kent State Golden Flash Gala on Dec. 10. He currently has the highest jump in the PSAC and fourth-best in the nation.

By Kristin Karam Rocket Contributor

Slippery Rock’s indoor track and field team dominated the Baldwin-Wallace midFebruary meet last Friday night in Berea, Ohio.

The men’s team brought home seven wins and 31 top-10 finishes. Top events included the shot put, sprints,

and distance runs.

Slippery Rock took the top three spots in the shot put.

Junior Kyle Toms won the event with a throw of 15.15 meters, senior Chad Noce came in second place with a throw of 14.75 meters, and freshman Trevor Miller in third with 13.52 meters.

The Rock swept the top four spots in the 55-meter

hurdles with senior Dan Hedglin leading the event with a time of 7.85 seconds.

In second place was junior Ethan Geisler at 7.98 seconds, sophomore Jonathan Boyd in third at 8.14 seconds, and senior Joe Spears in fourth at 8.15 seconds.

In the 200-meter dash, SRU claimed the top five spots.

Senior Vanere Maynard

clocked in a time of 22.59 seconds to win the event.

Losing by tenths of a second was freshman Hunter Williams. Senior DJ Chisom came in third with a time of 22.90 seconds, sophomore Trevor Foley in fourth at 23.04 seconds, and junior Mason McLaughlin in fifth at 23.05 seconds.

Williams went on to win the 400-meter dash clocking in at 50.81 seconds. Foley came in second at 51.46 seconds, Geisler in fourth at 52.38 seconds, Hedglin in sixth at 52.71 seconds, Maynard in seventh at 52.71 seconds and sophomore Nate Helfferich in eighth place at 52.83 seconds.

Chisom took the win in the 55-meter dash with a time of 6.56 seconds. McLaughlin placed seventh in the event at 6.75 seconds.

D i s t anc e r u n n e rs , sophomore Michael Beegle and junior Eric Geddis took the top two spots in the mile run. Beegle came in first with a time of 4:32.63, and Geddis at 4:33.04.

The Rock’s 4x200-meter relay team of freshman Monte Chapman, Foley, Maynard, and Helfferich won their event by over two seconds with a time of 1:33.33.

The women’s team brought home 23 top-10 finishes, with top performances in the pole vault and weight throw.

SRU swept the pole vault, with junior Angela Schroeder

and senior Kelly Fischer both clearing 3.50 meters and tying for first place. Junior Emily Vaughn placed third with a clearance of 3.20 meters and freshman Emily Schubert placed fourth at 3.05 meters.

Senior Sandy Kakraba won the weight throw with a career-high throw of 15 meters. Freshman Brittany Christiansen fell short and placed second with a throw of 14.97 meters. Senior Cassie Carrow threw for 13.75 meters, coming in fourth place.

Christiansen won the shot put for the Rock with a throw of 12.92 meters.

“All of us have put a large amount of time and effort into our training, and to have this much success two weeks before the PSAC Championship shows that we are ready," Christiansen said. "We push each other by being the competitive people that we all are. It’s a great atmosphere during practice that lets each of us compete well at meets."

Junior Abby Michaelian came in second for the 3,000-meter run with a PSAC qualifying time of 10:51.74.

Freshmen Katelyn Wetzel and Samantha Zampetti were Slippery Rock’s top sprinters at the meet. In the 55-meter dash, Wetzel came in fourth at 7.49 seconds and Zampetti in seventh at 7.74 seconds. In the 200-meter dash, Wetzel placed second with a time of

26.73 meters and Zampetti came in ninth at 28.01 seconds.

Slippery Rock sent a few athletes to compete at the Akron Invitational on Saturday. Representing the university were freshman Janine Powis, senior Caitlin Hancox, and junior Kevin Jewel.

Hancox placed sixth in the Blue Division 800-meter race with a season-best run of 2:18.17. The mark is also the fourth-fastest time ran by an 800-meter athlete in the PSAC this year. The time was just short of meeting NCAA provisional qualifying standards.

Powis competed in the Gold Division 800-meter race and placed 11th with a time of 2:15.59. Her mark is the third-best time for a PSAC athlete in the 800-meter run this season.

Also competing in an 800-meter run, Jewel ran for a time of 1:53.50 and placed sixth in the Gold Division race. His time is the fastest in the PSAC this season.

“It helps knowing that I am capable of the top spot, but you never really know," Jewel said. "Just because you have the fastest time in the past doesn’t mean you will on that day."

Slippery Rock heads to the Kent State Tune-Up tomorrow to compete in their last meet before the PSAC Championships.

Sports

February 17, 2012

B-3

Rock has lost nine consecutive games

By P.J. Shipe Rocket Contributor

Slippery Rock women’s b a s ke t b a l l ' s s t r u g g l e s cont inued We dnes day night against California University of Pennsylvania as they fell by a final of 72-64.

The loss drops the Rock to 5-18 overall and 2-17 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play.

Slippery Rock was led by D’asia Chambers with 16 points and six rebounds which tied her career high.

Jasmine Cooper added 14 points while Sherita Stanley chipped in 11 points. Emily Vitez contributed a career high 10 rebounds off the bench. Cal. U was led by Amy Johns with 21 points while Danielle Luckett chipped in 13 points and six rebounds.

The Vulcans came out buzzing to start the game by scoring the first 13 points of the game. SRU didn’t manage to make a field goal until 14 minutes left in the first half.

They contributed to struggle throughout the rest of first half and missed 11 straight 3-point attempts and trailed 33-16 at the half.

The Vulcans continued their dominance in the second half and pushed the 22 points on four separate occasions.

The Rock brought the deficit to single digits in the final six minutes of the game but failed to pull any closer than the eight point final gap.

Slippery Rock shot 43 percent from the field, 20 percent from behind the arc, and 64 percent from the free throw line. SRU out rebounded Cal. U by a 43-30 margin.

Cal. U shot 44 percent from the field, 9 percent from behind the arc, and 61 percent from the free throw line.

Sherita Stanley said that the size advantage helped Cal. U to be very productive over SRU in the first half.

“Their tall post players were productive with their big size advantage,” she said. “Cal. U was more productive in the first half.

They came out quick and we started slow.”

Erinne Cunningham said that the Rock focused on being more aggressive in the second half and that allowed SRU to close the gap. “ We were more aggressive in the second half on defense and took care of the basketball,” she said. “Their post play was really evident in the second half and the deficit was too big to overcome.”

Prior to the loss against Cal. U, SRU lost to Edinboro, 62-39 on Saturday. Edinboro is undefeated this season with 22 wins overall and 18 PSAC wins.

D an i e l l e Sm it h l e d Slippery Rock with 12 points and six rebounds, but was the only player in double figures. Sherita Stanley chipped in eight points

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Erinne Cunningham backs down against a California University of Pennsylvania defender Wednesday night at Morrow Field House. Cunningham averages 9.0 points per game this season for the Rock.

while D’asia Chambers and Jasmine Cooper added five points each. Edinboro was led by Samantha Blazetic who recorded a doubledouble with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Renee Brown was also in double figures with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Edinboro never looked back as they extended the lead to 18-6 with 12 minutes remaining before halftime.

The lead continued to increase as Edinboro finished the first half on a 14-5 run and took a 42-21 lead into halftime.

Edinboro continued to maintain a double-digit lead as Slipper y Rock failed to get any closer than a 19-point deficit in the second half.

The Green and White were held to 13 field goals throughout the game and committed 29 turnovers

c omp are d t o 2 5 by Edinboro.

They were also outplayed on the glass as Edinboro held a 49-32 advantage.

Slippery Rock shot 27 percent from the field, 33 percent from behind the arc, and 50 percent from the free throw line.

In contrast, Edinboro shot 38 percent from the field, 60 percent from behind the arc, and 73 percent from the free throw line.

He a d c o a c h Ta ny a Longo commented on not converting on Edinboro’s mistakes, “It is ver y frustrating,” She also commented on how big a win against Cal. U would be by saying, “In our league, wins are hard to come by. A win over a quality opponent such as Cal. U would be a boost of confidence as we continue to work to build our program.”

Sports

B-4

February 17, 2012

MMA FIGHTER Slippery Rock student trains for chance at title match

In photos clockwise from top, Mitchell Killeen holds the Thai Pads for Rich Cantolina as he runs through a combination of kicks and punches.

In center right photo, Cantolina shows sports editor Tim Durr a combination of jabs and hooks.

Photo Credit: Alex Mowrey / Page Design: Lexi Kovski

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The Rocket

CAMPUS LIFE C-1 February 17, 2012

Legacy of a dream Civil rights, equality still a public matter Role of state and federal government in civil rights still a matter of debate

By James Meyer Assistant Campus Life Editor

segregated,” he said. “It’s within the history of education for the United States. It’s why we have Brown vs. the Board of Education–to desegregate schools. Most people, when they hear that, they think [segregation was] just something that happened in the south, but it wasn’t. It also happened in the north.”

Dr. Watson said he sees the greatest achievements in the sharing of lifestyle and cultural activities that African Americans and students of African descent have brought to Slippery Rock.

“I think one major contribution provided by students of color on the SRU campus has been the ability to develop an understanding of individuals from a different culture from what students were used to,” he said.

Walker said he believes the single greatest achievement of students

Dr. Robert Watson, retired SRU administrator and historian, recalled his upbringing in Slippery Rock as being sheltered from some of the turmoil going on in the nation during the 1960s.

“Having been born and raised in Slippery Rock, you could count on one hand the students of color,” Watson said. “We were somewhat sheltered from the dynamic of what was going on in more urban schools. The middle to late 1960s was certainly some of the more dramatic years.

It was a tumultuous time in our nation, with people of color lacking rights, and also Vietnam.”

Watson described his friendship with retired SRU biology professor Thomas Gaither as a relationship that left a lasting impression on him.

“Gaither was one of the very first teachers of color I had the opportunity to get to know,” he said. “Tom Gaither was a Freedom Rider and first hand in the civil rights movement.”

The Freedom Riders were civil rights activists during the 1960s who rode public transportation throughout the south to test newly formed anti-segregation laws.

“I think a real significant tipping point in the whole civil rights movement is the presence of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King,” Watson said. “He certainly espoused the non-violent, non-physical approach and that really raised the bar.”

Though Martin Luther King was a significant voice for civil rights, the movement goes much farther back in our nation’s history.

Dr. Alan Levy, a professor of history, mentioned Frederick Douglass as one of the major starters of the civil rights movement.

“Leaders like Frederick Douglass, as far back as the 1850’s, began the national conversation about notions of civil rights for people regardless of their race,” Levy said. “A major step forward occurred in reconstruction. Frederick Douglass was part of it, but various reconstruction leaders, Charles Sumner, Thaddeus Stevens … Stevens was a senator from Pennsylvania, who among other things helped pass the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which was a major change in the federalization of civil rights.”

Dr. Levy said that federalization of civil rights was a major change in the role of the government, a change deemed necessary to secure equal treatment for former slaves in the southern states.

“It became a very debatable issue, because states’ rights advocates, of course, said the country was founded on the principle of states’ rights,” he said. “Well, the whole issue

SEE BLACK HISTORY, PAGE C-3

SEE PASSING, PAGE C-3

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LEXI KOVSKI

Faculty reflects on campus diversity

By Courtney Tietje Rocket Contributor

Had staff members not made any progress in diversifying SRU since it’s opening in the 1880s, the school would be populated mostly with young women of Caucasian descent studying to be school teachers, according to Dr. Robert Watson, university historian and author of “Slippery Rock University: The Legend Behind the Name.”

Presently, SRU boasts that it is diverse in many aspects—ethnically, culturally, religiously, and the university could not have progressed in many of the ways that it has without the influence of students from different cultures, according to Watson.

“Our earlier students of color came to us in the 1950s and 1960s, and we never at that time celebrated the contributions of diverse races and religions and cultures like we

do today,” Watson said. “African American Histor y Month was something that was not celebrated all that long ago on our campus.

It’s only been in the last couple of decades that we’ve focused more on the background of our students and the contributions the races they represented brought to our society and thus to our campus.”

Assistant Professor of Public Health and Social Work, Dr. Christophas Walker, said it is his hope that students and staff can become especially aware of the contributions of students of African descent at Slippery Rock in the month of February, while African American History Month is celebrated nationally.

Walker said many students don’t realize the culture and diversity that they experience today is unique to our time period.

It was common for all the schools to, at some point in time, have been

Building personal relationships, friendships key to learning about diverse cultures

By Rebecca Marcucci Rocket Contributor

A man once told our nation that his children would be raised to judge an individual not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. This man, of course, was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a proud advocate of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

Many people across the nation are currently celebrating Black History Month, which is a remembrance for those who have strived for equal rights and also as a celebration of diverse culture in the African American community.

According to senior health services administration major and president of Building Bridges, Mychael Lee, 23, the U.S., including Slippery Rock, is diverse and thriving in everyday racial interactions.

“I like to see people coming together,” Lee said. “I like walking into Boozel and seeing a blending and mixing of cultural interactions.

The Slippery Rock environment has changed a lot since I first came here as a freshman. I’m now starting to notice a greater melting pot among students.”

Lee explained how Building Bridges aims at tearing down the walls of racial hindrances and how it also can help to aid students with acceptance of diversity while stepping out of everyday interactions. He said these interactions would help in teaching students something new along the way.

Often times students may find themselves wanting to know more about a certain culture or race, according to Lee. He added that ignorance or a fear of insulting someone’s cultural identity can sometimes hinder individuals.

“I would just say not to worry about it and instead get to know the person first,” he said. “Then once you build that trust and understanding with them, there will be more of a willingness to share their culture with you.”

Lee explained how to go about getting to know someone better on campus through social interactions and experiences.

“I wouldn’t meet you and immediately be inclined to ask you, ‘So what is Caucasian culture like?’” he said. “People aren’t usually comfortable in disclosing that information in the first meeting. I would instead ask, ‘How are you?’ and get to know you for your personality and work toward building that friendship with you.”

Lee explained what brings people to Building Bridges specifically and curiosities he’s noticed on campus with student interactions.

“Most people may or may not know about other races when they come to Building Bridges,” he said. “But they show a desire to learn more. And the relationships between club members and students on campus can turn out to be pretty strong.”

Senior criminal justice major and member of the Theta Delta Sigma co-ed fraternity and multicultural society on campus, Justin McQueen,

21, said he has noticed many racial interactions and blending of cultures, especially in his fraternity.

“We are a co-ed fraternity and we accept everyone of different cultures,” McQueen said. “We strive for a diverse group.”

McQueen explained how Slippery Rock, as well as the rest of the nation, is making advances toward a more culturally sound environment.

“We just need to keep an open mind,” McQueen said. “We’re not all brought up in the same culture, but I think we’re making a lot of strides toward ethnicity and unity.

Sometimes our differences and beliefs can be the things that set us apart, but from it we can learn to respect one another and unite together.”

Junior accounting and finance major David Vrazia, 23, explained his findings of diversity at SRU and how his interactions have affected his way of life.

“I’m from the Congo,” Vrazia said.

“I’m an international student, so I don’t know much about Black History

Month. But I am willing to learn about it and I find it to be very enriching toward our many cultural differences.”

Vrazia described what he noticed around campus in his interactions with others in the Slippery Rock community.

“There’s only 2 percent diversity here at Slippery Rock,” Vrazia said.

“I didn’t know that until I became a CA here. But I think we work well with what we have. We find ourselves having more in common than we think with someone who might look different than us.”

While he wasn’t alive in the time of Dr. Martin Luther King, Vrazia said watching and listening to King talk during his peaceful civil rights protests personally left an impact on his life.

“I saw movies with Martin Luther King talking about segregation,” Vrazia said. “We may have skin color differences, but I think we can still find similarities in our hearts and I think that’s what Martin Luther King was talking about.”

Campus Life

C-2

"Chronicle" explores power and corruption

Jimmy Graner "Jimmy G's Rock Reviews" Film: "Chronicle"

4 Stars Just when you think it’s not possible to gain superpowers the easy way, “Chronicle” explains how you can find them in your own backyard.

One may not know how they work or how much power they can offer, but learning how to use them is the most important aspect of having them. If one can’t handle them, then they lose the ability to control themselves and that’s when things can get out of hand.

The plot is introduced really early in the story. The main character Andrew (Dane Dehaan) opens the scene with the shot of a white door.

Then comes a knock from his drunken father (Michael Kelly) asking him to open it.

Andrew decides he wants to record the remaining story of his life with a video camera he bought online.

Throughout the film, this is the only camera used in basically every shot. Every other angle is shot with

some sort of mobile camera, whether that is a news camera, cell phone, or police dashboard cam. Although some critics say it would be better off with the usual style, I thought the idea was unique and really stood out from being normal.

Andrew leads this dull and boring life with only one friend who just happens to be his cousin. Along with them, there’s the nice looked-up-to student Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan). The three join up at a local rave and stumble upon this deep dark hole with pulsating vibrations within. After deciding to explore and discover where this sound is coming from, they soon find a bright glowing crystal.

Not much is known about what exactly happens in the hole, but they all emerge in the next scene with powers they later document on Andrew’s camera.

As the story progresses, the teens mess with their powers in some mysterious ways to make people think that ghosts probably do exist. With basic powers like telekinesis and the ability to fly, the boys begin to think about their true potential.

The story takes kind of a downfall when Andrew takes his powers a little too far and seriously injures an innocent pedestrian. The story likes to focus on Andrew due to significant circumstances and relationships with his parents along with why his life is so difficult.

As a surprising turn of events take place towards the

middle of the movie, you begin to wonder how one would use their superpowers. As Matt drifts away from his cousin, due to his new girlfriend, who also happens to like filming things and blogging about them online, Andrew begins to think about what he’s done and if he should continue what he’s doing.

With the untimely death of Andrew’s mother, the climax really kicks in and the action of what a maniac can do with superpowers really comes into play.

Overall, the movie is designed to enhance one’s views on how some things can overtake people and even when you don’t think something can happen, it does.

Josh Trank, the director, talked a lot about how the film reflects on philosophy. Did he take a long time looking at other superhero films?

Along with writer Max Landis, they combine relationships of the teens with this unlikely ability to be like God, and seeing that being in control – especially with oneself – is a tough thing to do. The ending of the film brings excitement and amazement and mixes it with one last blow to one’s heart to make you go from being excited to shedding a tear.

The movie is rated PG13 for some violence, mild language and teen drinking.

Jimmy Graner is a sophomore journalism major, a film and media studies minor and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

February 17, 2012

Ask Ana "Ana Graham"

up of something that is healthy and sweet, and something that is unhealthy and sweet. It is a delicious fruit dessert, something which fruit cake could sadly not achieve.

Just like every meat tastes better covered in a layer of fried batter, every fruit tastes better covered in chocolate.

Dear Ana, What do you think would be the coolest Valentine’s Day gift ever?

Too Late, Bro

Dear Ana, Why doesn’t the city of Pittsburgh like to hire theater majors from Pennsylvania?

Distressed Theater Major

Dear Too Late, The possible answers for this vary wildly. My roommate’s boyfriend’s dream gift is one of those $100-something light sabers you can apparently buy at Toys “R” Us now.

A former dream Valentine’s Day gift of mine was for my Valentine to dress up as Jack McCoy from "Law & Order," and pretend to take me to court for being so sexy that it’s against the law. But what I think is the coolest Valentine’s Day gift is something that is small, simple and possible. My answer is chocolate-covered strawberries, and here’s why.

Chocolate-covered strawberries, like McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes, are a special treat in that they are typically only around once a year.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Just as I crave kind-ofgross mint flavored ice cream every St. Patrick’s Day, around every Valentine’s Day I crave chocolate-covered strawberries.

Also, chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect mash

Dear Distressed, I’m not qualified to answer this question as I have absolutely no knowledge about the Pittsburgh theater scene.

I do, however, know from experience within the department, as well as from actively attending plays, that the theater majors at this institution are extremely talented in every facet of the theater: acting, writing, directing, and makeup and costumes. Our students have won awards for their work on these shows and for good reason.

There are two possibilities I can think of when you ask such a question. The first one is that you are basing this on personal experience – that is, you personally have not had success in Pittsburgh. Just because you may not have, doesn’t mean that they discriminate.

The second possibility is that they may simply be trying, as a metropolitan area, to expand their theater scene to something bigger, like a mini-Broadway.

People travel from the Midwest

and all other areas of the country to try to make it big in New York City.

By being more diverse, Pittsburgh may be attempting to create something similar.

Dear Ana, My friend keeps dating a girl who isn’t healthy for him.

She controls his every move, belittles him, and threatens him whenever he tries to leave her.

He doesn’t have many friends here, and I think that is why he keeps trying to work things out. I can’t handle the drama anymore and I don’t want to continue seeing my friend hurt like this. I’d like some advice.

Worried Friend Dear Worried, You cannot make the final decision, which I know can be frustrating to handle. He must be the one to cut it off. If he knows that she isn’t good for him, then he’ll have some willingness to break up, but he’ll need coaxing.

I don’t mean threatening him or making him feel stressed about it. However, take him out to make new friends. This way he won’t be stuck with just her to talk to, which will cause this vicious cycle to continue.

Helping him get as far from the situation as possible will help him get a better perspective, and helping him feel happy will help him to realize that his unhappiness is unwarranted.

Talk to him about it earnestly.

Show your concern for his safety and his happiness, and tell him that not only can he do better but that he can be happier even if he’s alone, too.

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

Campus Life

February 17, 2012

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Black History Month brings opportunity for understanding Continued from Page C-1

of African descent at SRU has been their ability to share their viewpoint and perspectives, as well as their culture.

Walker listed examples of inf luence of students and staff, including new university policies, new viewpoints and the examination of social justice issues, a sensitivity to change and people with different backgrounds, African American influence on poetry and writing, science, mathematics, and other academics, and the introduction and incorporation of new and

various cultural experiences.

“You might have somebody that came here to Slippery Rock from the Philadelphia area,” he said. “And they listen to a certain kind of music. They would be introducing that music to their roommates or the people on their floor who probably have never heard that music.”

According to Watson, the ability to gain learning and understanding from those different than us is important.

“What Black History Month brings to our campus today is a wealth of opportunity for understanding,” he said.

A s s o c i at e P r o f e s s o r o f Special Education, Dr. Michelle McCollin, shared a similar opinion.

“No one likes to eat bland potatoes,” she said. “A diverse campus helps you to develop your character. When you come into my presence, your life is going to be changed. When I come into your presence, my life is going to be changed. If we all were the same, diverse didactic critical thinking will not take place.”

Ensuring diversity on campus is important, but in order to do so, we must let go of ourselves

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as individuals and realize the power that we hold when we work together, according to Dr. McCollin. “[In order to ensure diversity], we can look at hiring practices, active recruitment, supportive students and faculty, and the release of this whole idea that one person is better than another,” she said. “Release it.

Understand that when I link with you, I empower you. You empower me. We are both better for it.”

Walker believes that we must step up, rising to the challenge of greatness.

“Before there was somebody like Barack Obama, there was somebody like Frederick Douglass, and he did extensive things,” he said.

Looking at the progress and achievements of students of African descent on our campus in past and present years, McCollin acknowledges that the university has a long way to go before we meet total equality and unity on campus.

“For me, African American History Month is about all of us coming together and standing in the middle of the fire and not yielding back,” she said.

Passing of Fourteenth Amendment changed role of federal government Continued from Page C-1

of rights for former slaves and for African-Americans ennobled the notion that it is indeed fitting and proper to federalize some of these issues. Because states were clearly, through much of the time of the 1860s, states were not always following through as they should. It’s very clear.”

The Fourteenth Amendment, adopted in 1868, prohibits state and local governments from depriving American citizens of their rights without due process of law. It also overruled the 1857 Supreme Court decision that blacks could not be considered citizens of the United States.

“The reason for the Fourteenth Amendment was, could the federal government, in regard to the status of former slaves, could they depend on a state like Mississippi or Alabama to carry out in good faith, the notions that there are equal rights here for everybody regardless of race or prior conditions of servitude,” Levy said. “And so what did they do? They federalized. They changed the Constitution, and they federalized the issue of rights.”

Dr. Levy concluded that the debate and discussion of civil rights continues to this day, and rightly so.

“Civil rights has a controversiality to it when you get into the issue of what is the proper venue of the federal government versus what is the proper venue of the states,” he said. “It becomes an appropriate and legitimate matter of debate. How well we have succeeded in that regard, still remains a matter of debate.”

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February 17, 2012