SRU Rocket 2-24-12

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The Rocket www.theonlinerocket.com

Friday, February 24, 2012

Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper

Est. 1934

Volume 95, Number 17

Presidential Candidates in Review Dr. Cheryl Norton •

•

Last professional position - April 2004 - May 2010 President at Southern Connecticut State University Degrees - 1980 - Doctor of Education in Applied Physiology Columbia University - 1977 - Master of Education in Applied Physiology Columbia University - 1976 - Master of Arts in Applied Physiology Columbia University

•

Strengths - Background in applied physiology goes well with SRU's large physical education and exercise science programs - Has experience working in public education

•

Weaknesses - Has been a finalist for president and chancellor at six other institutions - Has been out of presidential position for almost two years

Dr. Nicholas Neupauer •

Last professional position - August 2007 - Present President of Butler County Community College

•

Degrees - 1996 - Doctor of Education in Communication and Instruction West Virginia University - 1993 - Master of Science in Communication Training and Development Clarion University

•

Strengths - Lives and studied locally - Decent amount of academic research and presentations

•

Weaknesses - Only higer education leadership experience at a community college - Cannot offer outside experience

Dr. David Dauwalder •

Last professional position - Spring 2006 - Present Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs University of New Haven

•

Degrees - 1983 - Doctor of Philosophy in Secondary Education Arizona State University - 1979 - Master of Arts in Education Arizona State University

•

Strengths - 23-year administrative career - Business background - Charismatic - Can offer national perspective

•

Weaknesses - No local experience - Longest leadership position held for only six years

Dr. Jack Maynard •

Last professional position - July 2004 - Present Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Indiana State University

•

Degrees - 1976 - Doctor of Education in Education Administration and Higher Education West Virginia University - 1972 - Masters of Education in Educational Administration Marshall University

•

Strengths - Promotes international study abroad program - Has ample research and dissertation experience - Attended and has experience in public higher eduation - Puts emphasis on accreditation and the national reputation of an institution

•

Weaknesses - Less charismatic than other candidates

Dr. Kathy Humphrey •

Last professional position - June 2005 - Present Vice Provost and Dean of Students University of Pittsburgh

•

Degrees - Doctor of Philosophy in Education Leadership St. Louis University - Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration University of Missouri

•

Strengths - Holds current leadership position at a prestigious university

•

Weaknesses - No dissertations or peer-reviewed publications - Background more focused in student affairs than academics

Dr. Joe Bertolino •

E

Last professional position - 2004 - present Vice President for enrollment management and student affairs Queen's College/City University of New York

D R E E IR H H EW S L E •

Degrees - 2003 - Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership Development Columbia University - 1990 - Masters of Social Work Rutgers University

•

Strengths - Charismatic - Background working at a prestigious university

•

Weaknesses - Background more focused in student affairs than academics

News

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Showers of rain and snow

Colder with snow showers

Partly sunny

Mostly cloudy and breezy

A chance for snow showers

Rain

Cloudy and colder

45°

25°

34°

20°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE 39

33

42

40

Fri.

®

16

15

Sat.

Sun. Mon.

23

20

16

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

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

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

Friday HI LO W 42 23 sh 61 32 c 48 27 c 44 26 sn 42 26 sn 62 33 pc 50 26 sh 48 24 sh 66 37 c 45 26 sn 48 28 c 50 28 c 49 26 sn 52 29 c 44 25 sh

33°

43°

UV INDEX

23 24

28°

48°

Saturday HI LO W 35 20 sf 43 23 pc 35 22 sf 34 24 sf 33 23 sf 41 26 pc 35 19 sf 32 18 sf 46 29 pc 36 25 sf 38 20 sf 37 23 sf 37 23 sf 39 23 sf 33 21 sf

Sunday HI LO W 38 30 pc 41 26 s 39 28 s 38 32 pc 34 29 pc 43 27 s 37 26 pc 33 26 pc 44 32 s 40 28 pc 36 24 s 39 27 s 41 31 pc 40 24 s 37 29 pc

2

2

Fri.

Sat.

4

Sun

3

2

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

2

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 48 28 c 48 31 pc 44 30 pc 47 29 sh 47 30 sn 52 31 pc 51 27 c 47 30 pc 51 36 pc 51 31 c 48 30 c 50 30 pc 51 31 c 48 30 pc 49 30 c

51°

29°

37°

27°

IN THE SKY

41

18 11

27°

38°

Tuesday HI LO W 44 33 pc 46 33 pc 42 27 pc 42 35 pc 38 32 sf 51 35 pc 46 34 pc 44 34 pc 52 37 pc 46 36 pc 46 31 pc 44 32 pc 48 36 pc 47 30 pc 41 35 sf

Wednesday HI LO W 48 25 sh 44 36 r 46 28 r 49 27 sh 47 27 r 50 39 r 53 31 r 49 32 r 49 39 r 55 30 r 45 33 i 49 33 r 54 29 sh 46 34 r 52 27 sh

ROCK NOTES

Thursday HI LO W 39 28 c 44 32 s 39 30 c 39 24 c 34 28 c 46 29 pc 38 34 c 36 31 c 50 32 pc 39 30 c 39 32 c 37 28 c 40 34 c 42 30 c 36 28 c

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Rise 7:03 a.m.

7:02 a.m.

7:00 a.m.

6:59 a.m.

6:57 a.m.

6:56 a.m.

6:54 a.m.

Rise 7:56 a.m.

8:23 a.m.

8:52 a.m.

9:24 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:41 a.m.

11:29 a.m.

MOON PHASES

Set 6:05 p.m.

6:06 p.m.

6:07 p.m.

6:08 p.m.

6:09 p.m.

6:10 p.m.

6:12 p.m.

Set 9:10 p.m.

10:09 p.m.

11:08 p.m. none 12:05 a.m.

1:01 a.m.

1:54 a.m.

First

Full

Last

New

2/29

3/8

3/14

3/22

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2012

February 24, 2012 NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: As a storm leaves the Northeast, snow showers will linger across the Great Lakes and interior Northeast on Saturday. Drenching rain will wet parts of South Texas while a storm system moving through the Northwest delivers valley rain and mountain snow. Sunday, this system will move into the northern Plains to spread snow from Minnesota and Wisconsin to Idaho and Utah. A few showers will linger along the Washington and Oregon coastline. As a disturbance crosses the northern Gulf, showers will occur over parts of the Southeast Gulf Coast. Showers and some thunderstorms will be more prevalent across the Southeast on Monday while snow spreads across the Great Lakes and interior Northeast.

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 62 37 t 55 32 s 53 38 pc 60 46 pc 64 51 pc 70 43 t 62 48 s Boston 41 33 sn 42 24 pc 35 23 pc 43 33 c 47 33 pc 43 34 sn 44 28 sn Chicago 37 23 sf 34 22 c 41 29 c 38 25 sf 40 30 pc 42 24 sn 40 26 c Cincinnati 46 24 sn 41 24 c 48 34 s 52 34 pc 57 41 pc 54 31 sh 46 33 pc Dallas 62 38 s 63 41 s 63 47 pc 66 52 pc 71 41 c 59 40 s 61 55 c Denver 39 23 s 60 27 s 47 20 sf 39 23 pc 40 19 sn 50 25 s 50 18 pc Detroit 38 22 sf 35 19 sf 37 28 pc 44 25 sn 39 28 pc 43 23 sn 40 30 c Houston 64 41 pc 58 42 c 62 51 pc 70 56 c 72 54 c 68 52 pc 71 61 c Indianapolis 42 22 sf 39 26 c 47 33 pc 51 34 pc 51 39 pc 50 27 c 46 37 pc Kansas City 46 23 s 50 34 s 55 31 pc 54 38 pc 51 31 r 40 28 pc 50 38 s Los Angeles 78 54 s 69 51 pc 67 50 pc 65 47 pc 67 49 s 68 49 s 68 48 pc Miami 86 69 pc 79 66 pc 78 71 c 82 71 sh 82 71 sh 83 72 pc 82 71 s Nashville 52 31 pc 49 28 pc 58 36 s 60 40 pc 64 52 pc 67 37 pc 57 41 s New Orleans 66 46 c 60 47 pc 60 54 c 68 60 c 75 62 r 75 52 t 67 62 c New York City 56 39 r 46 30 pc 42 34 s 48 38 pc 49 34 pc 45 36 r 47 38 c Orlando 86 57 pc 69 51 pc 75 59 pc 82 63 pc 82 62 pc 82 63 t 81 62 sh Phoenix 78 52 s 78 50 s 76 48 s 76 49 s 74 49 s 72 50 s 75 46 s San Francisco 61 45 s 59 42 pc 55 41 pc 57 41 pc 57 45 s 57 45 pc 60 45 c Seattle 47 37 r 46 35 sh 45 30 sh 42 30 pc 46 33 pc 48 35 r 48 36 r Washington, DC 75 39 t 50 31 pc 47 32 s 56 39 pc 57 41 pc 60 45 r 51 37 pc Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Dauwalder stresses unity, cooperation

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 “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. Pre-registration is required. To register go to www.sru.edu and visit the SRU Career Services page.

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.

EMILY HUNTER/THE ROCKET

Dr. David Dauwalder talks to SRU students and faculty at his open forum Friday afternoon at the newly renovated Weisenfluh dining hall.

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

Index Rock Notes...............A-2 Weather map...........A-2 Blotter.................A-3 Opinion...............A-4

Classifieds..........A-6 Comics................A-7 Sports...................B-1 Campus Life.............C-1

contact us 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.

PRECIPITATION

By Will Deshong Rocket Staff Reporter

Open public interviews of the final six candidates for the presidency of Slippery Rock University concluded on Friday when Dr. David Dauwalder addressed the campus at Weisenfluh Dinning Hall.

Dauwalder, who currently serves as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New Haven, a private school in Connecticut, stressed a vision of unity and cooperation at SRU, and used his background in both business and education as evidence that he can handle the tough financial situations facing the university.

“Certainly there are challenges faced by Slippery Rock University, as is true with all public institutions— particularly those in Pennsylvania right now living through last year’s 18 percent cut in state support and a proposed 20 percent cut this year,” Dauwalder said. “Those elements speak to the need to find other directions to pull revenue to the institution so the institution can continue to provide the kind of service to students and to the community that it does provide, and to achieve the goals it has identified in its strategic plan.”

Dauwalder, who has spent most of his 23-year administrative career at public universities prior to his six year term at UNH, called the budget cuts one of the toughest priorities he would have to face as president, but believes his background in business would help

him manage the aftermath effectively.

“I think the combination of my background in both business and education has been extremely valuable throughout my career,” Dauwalder said. “As I walk into situations I certainly understand the faculty side of issues – the learning side of the enterprise – but I also have some background in the business area as well.”

Typical of any businessman, Dauwalder approaches his decision making with a statistical approach, which is an important element to consider in candidates vying for a position holding much financial reliability.

“I use data – I make data informed decisions,” Dauwalder said. “And I see evidence of that at this institution. It can’t be all decided by formula by any means, however, you do want to make data informed decisions. You want to have a reason for the decisions you make.”

Dauwalder feels he brings more to the table than simply a business background, and heavily emphasized goals to bring both the campus and the community closer together as president during his roughly hourlong interview.

“Really what I try to do is build a team,” Dauwalder said of his leadership style. “Build a good team that works together and that addresses issues together.”

In part of having a close campus, Dauwalder would also hope to have a close relationship with students.

“I think it would be important to have an ‘open door’ policy,” Dauwalder said. “So if students have issues and want to address them, you could hear them. I think it’s important to work through the formal structures in the organization. The Student Government Association is an important group to work with.”

The close connections found in colleges and universities is one of the most important and most satisfying aspects of the job to Dauwalder.

“I like how college campuses work,” Dauwalder said. “I like the interaction on college campuses. I like the interaction of all the different groups in trying to determine the direction the institution goes. I think it’s a little bit different than a business organization which has much more of a hierarchical kind of relationship. I like the comradery that is developed and the teamwork that is developed in that time.”

Feeling that community relations is a vital part to the success of a university, Dauwalder addressed it as one of his top priorities in what would be his first year in office if elected.

“An important element is just getting around to meet people,” Dauwalder said. “To meet people on campus, to understand what the strengths are, where the challenges are on campus, and also to get out and meet people in the community – the connections that this institution has.”

Highlighting his business mindset, Dauwalder connected how having a close campus and community would help financial shortcomings in the future by means of fundraising.

“There’s going to be some challenges over the years building up sort of a fund raising system and a connection to alumni and to friends,” Dauwalder said. “So there’s going to be an effort to get out and meet with the business community and the industry of the area.”

Having spent the past six years at a private university, Dauwalder has knowledge in how to manage a budget not supported by the state.

He referenced fundraising at various times throughout his interview, but emphasized that fundraising is a long term project.

In the near future, Dauwalder hopes that connecting the campus will make it more efficient in terms of the budget.

Dauwalder completed his Ph. D. at Arizona State University. He taught business administration at Central Michigan University and California State University of Los Angeles, reaching the level of the acting dean in the School of Business and Economics at the latter school.

He served as provost at Central Washington University from 1996 until 2001 before eventually moving to his current role with UNH.

News

February 24, 2012

A-3

Police Blotter Campus Feb. 15- There was a report of harassing phone calls and texts at Building A. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 18- There was a report of theft of monies at the ARC. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 15- There was a report of physical assault at the Health Center. The victim did not want to press charges and no other action was taken.

Feb. 18- There was a report of criminal mischief at the Lower Stadium Lot. Vehicle damage was also reported.

The case is under investigation.

Feb. 16- There was a report of a possible drug violation at Building B. Contraband was found and a citation was issued.

Feb. 20- Mickyle Mitchell, 18, was cited for a drug violation after a report of suspicious activity at Building F.

Feb. 16- There was a report of harassing phone calls at Old Main. A notification was made and no other action was taken.

Feb. 16- Jake Puttick, 19, Alex Richter, 20, and Caleb Strok, 18, were cited for disorderly conduct after a report of suspicious activity at Building B.

Feb. 20- An officer responded to a report of theft at the ARC. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 21- An officer investigated a suspicious vehicle parked along Innovation Drive. The vehicle was towed from the location.

Feb. 21- An officer responded to a report of a suspicious male going through and checking lockers. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 20- An officer discovered damage to a parked vehicle at the Lower Stadium Lot. The case is under investigation.

Feb. 20- An officer responded to a two vehicle accident on Kiester Road. The accident report was referred to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Feb. 22- An officer responded to a report of broken glass at the racquetball courts at Morrow Field House.

Maintenance and Safety were notified.

Compiled by Stephanie Holsinger

SRU students' late night pays off for St. Jude

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

The "Up 'til two for St. Jude" event held at SRU in November was able to raise $71,552 to benefit cancer research. The event is a letter writing campaign where students write letters to local businesses, family, friends, and other potential donors asking them to donate money to cancer research. While the event fell a little short of the about $76,000 it was able to raise last year, the students involved with the event were still very proud of what they were able to accomplish, according to Jeremy Laird, 20-year-old exercise science and athletic training major and St. Jude executive board member.

Marcellus Shale employees earn $30,000 more than Pa. workers

By Jonathan Janasik Rocket News Contributor

SRU’s College of Business, Information and Social Sciences held an assembly in the ATS auditorium Tuesday at common hour, about the developing natural gas industry from the Marcellus Shale.

Joy Ruff, the economic development community outreach manager for the Marcellus Shale Coalition, came to SRU to give a presentation about the economics associated with shale gas development.

“When a rock gets on the cover of ‘Time’ magazine, you know it’s big business,” Ruff said. “America is starting to take notice.”

States all over North America have started extracting natural gases from shale. The shale industry is highly competitive, but Pennsylvania has a huge advantage. The states in the northeast are using the most natural gas, and because Pennsylvania has so much Marcellus Shale and is so close to the cities using the gas, many businesses are taking advantage of the shale.

The natural gases are cheap to produce and the cleanest fossil fuel to use, Ruff said.

Ruff stressed the difference between dry gas and wet gas. Dry

gas is the type of fuel that can be used straight out of the ground, while wet gas contains some liquid raw materials that must be removed before use. Many factories, such as those in the plastic industry, use these raw materials and will move close to locations that have a lot of wet gas.

Many dry gas companies are losing money from operating, while wet gas companies are making money just by selling their byproducts, Ruff said.

Marcellus Shale provides a wet gas.

Bradford, Susquehanna, and Butler counties are some of counties in Pa. with a leading number of drilling wells. The number of wells is quickly increasing. Ruff said that where CEOs decide to place the wells ultimately decides where workers will be moving.

The types of jobs required depend on the phase of the wells. Early on, geologists are required to find out where to place a well. Engineers are then needed to plan how to get the natural gas out of the shale.

Afterwards, environmental scientists double check the plans to see if they are safe for the environment.

Workers are then required to construct and maintain wells. After the gases are extracted, they must

be stored and shipped to their destinations. So many drivers are required that railroads are building new routes to help transport the gases. Desk jobs, such as those in management, marketing and law are also required.

“The natural gas industry allows students right out of high school to get a high paying job,” Ruff said. “And that’s some of the skilled positions.

The welders, the machinists, the electricians.”

Ruff stated that the Marcellus Shale industry has a much greater economic impact than just the jobs that are directly associated with it. The development of the shale industry brings more workers into one location. The higher amount of people benefits the communities that they move into. School districts, the entertainment industry, restaurants and real estate all get more revenue.

Ruff provided some statistics about the Marcellus Shale industry from the Pa. Department of Labor and Industry. There are currently 229,000 employees working in the shale industry. Every seven out of ten of those employees are native to Pa. The average core wage for an employee is $76,036, which is about $30,000 higher than the average wage for

someone who is not in the shale industry.

Companies spend around $5 million to produce every well, and $12.5 billion to operate them, Ruff said. Each well has over 400 employees directly working on one site.

SRU business professor John Buttermore was one of the professors who decided to invite Ruff to speak.

He believes that the shale industry is very important to SRU students.

“It’s right under our feet,” Buttermore said. “It represents a real chance for long-term careers in a number of different fields.”

During the question and answer portion of the presentation, a student questioned the safety of the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) process. While Ruff admitted to not knowing the technical aspects of the fracking process, she did state that the Marcellus Shale Coalition complies with Pennsylvania’s strict laws, and treats safety as a prime concern. She also said that companies who don’t follow the Marcellus Shale Coalition’s rules are removed from the group.

Geology professor Dr. Michael Zieg states that there could potentially be environmental issues depending on how they handle their

fluids from fracking. With that being said, the environmental regulations have become stricter since natural gases were first extracted from the Marcellus Shale.

“Everything is a balance,” Zeig said. “There’s a cost to extracting coal, there’s a cost to extracting gas.

It’s not perfectly clean anytime we extract energy, and there will be some environmental cost. The question is how the environmental impact stacks up against the economic benefit from the resource.”

As this is part of a four part series, the Environmental Concerns will be covered in an assembly at a later date.

The next presentation in the series will be in late March and the speaker will be a representative of one of the drilling companies giving a viewpoint on shale from a business perspective.

The following two are most likely going to be panel discussions rather than speakers, Buttermore said. The first one will focus on the safety and environmental issues, and will be held early in the Fall 2012 semester.

The second panel discussion will be held late in the fall semester, and is going to focus on the supply community and the ripple effect of the Marcellus Shale industry.

OPINION

The Rocket

A-4

February 24, 2012

The Rocket

Our View

Volume 94, Number 17

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

Dauwalder is our choice for SRU’s 16th president

Emily Hunter Advertising Manager Sarah Black Searching for a new Assistant Advertising Manager president is a long and

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.

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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.

difficult task. It’s also extremely important.

Think about it. The man or woman that takes the position will be the leader of this university for years to come. It not only affects the campus community now, but the future of this institution.

After all six candidates visited SRU and held open-forum interviews, the Presidential Search C o m m i t t e e g at h e r e d together Wednesday to make their determination – which three candidates should be recommended to the PASSHE Board of Governors and the Chancellor, who will ultimately make the final decision.

Their choices narrowed a bit w hen Dr. Jo e Bertolino dropped out of SRU’s presidential race and accepted the

presidency at Lyndon State College in Vermont.

And then there were five.

Still, it isn’t an easy decision. All five candidates have their pros and cons, their strengths and weaknesses.

In order to make the job of the Chancellor a little easier, we’d like to offer our choice for SRU’s 16 th president.

After covering each of the open-forum interviews and doing some of our own research, The Rocket is choosing to endorse Dr. David Dauwalder, the last but certainly not least candidate to come to campus.

Now don’t get us wrong, any of the candidates is qualified to be our president, and none is without their faults.

Dr. Cheryl Norton has a strong background in applied physiology, which

compliments our thriving exercis e s cience and physical therapy majors well. However, she has been out of a leadership position in higher education for almost two years now.

Dr. Jack Maynard puts emphasis on accreditation and the national reputation of an institution, which is great for any university to have.

However, he doesn’t quite have the charisma of some of the other candidates.

Dr. Nicholas Neupauer has lived, studied and worked in the western Pennsylvania area, which can be seen as both a strength and a weakness for him.

While he is already familiar with the area and the PASSHE system, he doesn’t have any outside experience to offer.

Dr. Kathy Humphrey

holds the strongest position of any of the candidates, as she is currently the Vice Provost and Dean of Students at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh.

However, she has a striking lack of research experience.

She has authored no peer-reviewed publications, something the other candidates excelled in.

Dr. David Dauwalder is coming from a 23-year administrative care er in the western United States. He can bring his experience from Arizona and California to our small town in Pa. He also has a background in business, which in these uncertain economic times might be exactly what we need.

Our staff also thought he, along with his wife, was very personable and

would fit well into our campus community.

O verall, we believe we have a nice pool of candidates, especially considering the challenges the next president will be facing.

At the very least, we can be sure that any of these candidates know what they’re getting themselves into.

And we would also like to let our next president k n ow, w ho e ve r t he y may be, that they have extremely large shoes to fill.

C h o o s i ng t he n e x t president for a university i s m a d e e ve n m ore difficult when the retiring president was someone like Robert M. Smith.

We w i s h PA S S H E Chancellor John Cavanaugh luck with his decision and we hope he makes the best choice for everyone involved.

Dr. and Mrs. Dauwalder would make a good pair for SRU presidency

Emily Hunter Commentary Sadly, in my opinion, the quality of the candidate pool decreased as Uncle Joe (Dr. Joe Bertolino) took another presidential employment at a small state school in Vermont of 1,400 students. Bertolino will be the 15th President of Lyndon State College. Vermont State Colleges made the announcement February 19.

However, even though there are

only five candidates left, the last presidential candidate, Dr. David Dauwalder, is a quality option for SRU’s leadership position.

Dauwalder has an extensive national and inter nat ional background and has experience beyond the eastern United States. In the past, Dauwalder has had professional experience in California, Arizona, and Connecticut and helped develop new international connections in China, Japan, and Taiwan.

If I could hire the next president of SRU, I would hire Dr. David and Mrs. Dauwalder (Marty) as co-presidents of SRU. I believe they would approve of this plan as both seemed to work together as a team during the openforum interview Feb. 17. Mrs. Dauwalder even finished a phrase for Dr. Dauwalder when he forgot.

At the national level, Michelle Obama has a better approval rating than her significant other.

She even has taken a key role in the re-election fundraising process. I feel Mrs. Dauwalder’s personality and education will make her an ideal person to help lead the fundraising campaign at SRU. Dr. Dauwalder’s business and academic background will make a president that could lead during the budget cuts and continue to enhance the academic quality at SRU. However, if Dr. Dauwalder were to be the next president at SRU, my welcome gift to him would be a new green tie, as I was not a fan of his purple tie during his visit.

The next step in the hiring process will be nominating three candidates to the Chancellor’s office. However, with only five left, I look at this process as

simply cutting two and sending on the rest to the next step. At the Chancellor’s office, we can only speculate what he might be looking at for in the next president at SRU. Will PASSHE Chancellor John Cavanaugh look at what is best for the PASSHE system, or for SRU? Will he look at the 14 state institutions and what is needed to compliment the other presidents in PASSHE? I do not feel a strong attachment to any particular candidate. I feel every one of the candidates is qualified but no one is a stand out for the position. However, before we know it, one of these qualified leaders will be the next president at SRU. Emily Hunter is a graduate student majoring in adaptive physical activity and advertising manager for The Rocket.

February 24, 2012

Opinion

A-5

In response to Pa. Governor Tom Corbett’s proposed 20 percent budget cut to PASSHE schools for the 2012-13 fiscal year, the campus newspapers of several PASSHE institutions agreed to exchange editorials this week to show solidarity against the proposed cuts.

Below are the staff editorials from those institutions.

Education is not the place to trim the budget Education is a luxury.

It doesn’t come with expensive trinkets, catered dining services, or golden platters encrusted with rare jewels.

Education is quite the opposite, but its luxurious quality lays in the faculty who devote their lives to passing their immersive knowledge onto eager students.

Their passion for teaching allows their students to pursue their dreams, and someday attain their definition of luxury.

Yet this promise is fading with another strike to education’s funding by Governor Corbett’s latest proposed budget plan.

This plan will cut higher education by $1.4 billion – specifically for Millersville University and the other 13 PASSHE universities, a 20 percent cut.

Similar to last year’s budget cuts, students are expected to face increase in class sizes, lack of available classes, and a tuition hike.

In this rough economy, finances are scarce, and jobs are even scarcer.

A college degree will only get you so far; it doesn’t always guarantee that you will gain a foothold in your career.

What are students to do if they cannot return to Millersville or their respective university?

One option is to find a job and save the money to pay for college.

But for others, transferring to a community college is the best option to continue their education at a lower cost.

Regardless, Governor Corbett is also hitting community colleges, albeit at a lower percentage.

There are numerous other areas that could alleviate these cuts from education: taxing prisons, especially eliminating last meal requests for Death Row inmates, taxing Marcellus Shale, big companies, and the upper class or the 1 percent.

There are even more areas that can be hit and not suffer great consequences as education does.

The biggest consequence is the decreasing classes available to students, important for seniors seeking to graduate on time, and increasing class sizes that will imminently destroy a teacher and student’s personal experience.

But this change won’t matter if students

are transferring to out-of-state colleges, which are cheaper compared to the cuts.

Instead of losing valuable assets like alumni staying in the state, government officials, such as those in Governor Corbett’s cabinet could cut their salary.

It’s the purpose of the recent discussion to tax the rich, or the 1 percent, instead of heavily taxing the working class. At that rate, the public would know where the money is going that is being cut.

More than likely, majority of the public is not aware what their hard-earned money is spent on.

So, who better to regulate the budget plan than the people who are being impacted by these cuts?

Business people, faculty and administrators of c ol l e ge s , and e ve n students could possibly perform a better job.

They know better than anyone else the current situation of who needs to be cut and without much though, Marcellus Shale, the 1 percent, and other areas of society would immediately be hit.

Or perhaps they would see that education is too costly.

Maybe the best option would be to follow other countries that allow free education.

Even more pleasing is eliminating general education classes, allowing immediate hands-on experience for students who are certain of their career.

That would definitely reduce the amount of years in higher education and more time earning your luxury in your field.

Students need a proper, affordable education to succeed in today’s world.

It is ever-changing, ever-evolving yet is consistently producing the next leaders of the world.

Some of the people who make decisions on these cuts are the same people who attended higher education, attained their degrees, and made a difference.

Will we see this trend suddenly evaporate with these cuts or will we, the future leaders thrive through these tough times, and prosper? Stand up and let your voice be heard.

The Snapper, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Corbett suggests cutting “unnecessary” funds Whenever college students hear the words budget cuts, they automatically think: tuition increase.

This is a likely possibility since Gov. Tom Corbett said it last year. It happened this academic year.

The tuition increase at West Chester Un i v e r s i t y n e a r l y equaled how much an undergraduate student pays for two credits or how much a graduate student pays for one credit (both in-state tuition).

Criminal justice majors are learning ab out c r i m i n ol o g y, corrections and policing.

They are being educated in a classroom that has limited spots, despite the enrollment increase last semester.

They hear how budget cuts would affect their university while they learn that Gov. Corbett wants to spend that money on prisons instead.

It’s hard to hear this de-funding information in a classroom, only to wonder how the money could go to the prisons instead of to an environment that prepares students for their careers.

All departments are facing these repercussions.

This academic year, WCU has allowed a small amount of classes to exceed their enrollment limit.

However, some students had to fight for a spot in their classroom.

President Greg Weisenstein (WCU) has

said the proposed budget cuts could total approximately $9.5 million. Professors have been working without a contract since July 2011.

As one of our staff writers reported last week, our university is undergoing construction to build the new Recreation Center, which is not funded through the C ommonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Such projects are not affected by the proposed defunding.

Gov. Corbett suggests cutting the unnecessary funds at universities.

Can he clarify this?

There is nothing at our university, or any State System university, that is “unnecessary.”

WCU faculty has proven to make some noise and they say no to cutting our funds. Again.

Faculty members are encouraging students to have their voice heard by contacting Pa. legislator.

They are spreading the news of the rallies take will take place on-campus.

South Campus: Wednesday Feb. 29 at 11:45 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. in Sturzebecker 116A North Campus: Thursday March 1 at 12:15 p.m. at the Academic Quad (rain location Sykes Ballroom C) Stop by. Make some noise. Prove how important our education is to us.

The Quad, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Students need to speak out against budget cuts President Barack Obama, in his January State of the Union Address, laid out an ultimatum for the country’s colleges. “Higher education can’t be a luxury,” he said. “It is an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.”

Gov. Tom Corbett agreed with this sentiment in his Feb. 7 budget address: “I think he is right that we need to confront the problem. I think we need to talk about this honestly and without rancor and dramatics.”

Corbett clearly does agree with Obama’s s e nt i m e nt – w hat better way to convey that affordable higher education is a must than by hacking another 20 percent from state funding?

I suppose we should be thankful, right?

Last year Corbett’s proposed education cuts were a whopping 50 percent.

Wrong.

The state legislature approved an 18-percent cut, a blessing compared to the proposed 50 percent. But what was the result?

Your tuition went up more than $400 – arguably a direct result of that 18-percent cut. What would another 20-percent cut bring? Another $400? $500? That’s a nearly $1,000 increase in just two years.

IUP Interim President Werner has conveyed both dismay and uncertainty in response to the proposed cuts, saying that, should they come to pass, IUP will be left trying to reduce spending by

about $10 million.

“It would certainly have some very serious implications for our ability to deliver services that we currently deliver,” he said.

How, we should be asking Gov. Corbett, is that “agreeing” with the call for affordable higher education?

It’s not.

A 20-p ercent c ut would be detrimental to not only IUP, but also the other 13 schools in the State System. What’s more is that our own president has expressed that he doesn’t know how the school would deal with such cuts.

Does that make you angr y? Are you concerned about the quality of your education in the coming years?

Good. You should be.

And you should do something about it.

Don’t let your voice go unheard. Call state senators and representatives. Get involved in rallies. Heck, organize a rally. Find out what other schools are doing and get involved or bring their ideas here.

Get angry.

Get loud.

Let Gov. Corbett know that this is absolutely unacceptable.

It’s your education, and it’s up to you to defend it.

The Penn, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

CLASSIFIEDS

Important Info. Regarding Proposed Reduction in Public Higher Education Funding Paid For By APSCUF, the Faculty and Coaches Union.

The Morrill of the story: Public universities in Pennsylvania must be supported In July, Pennsylvania will observe, with little fanfare, the sesquicentennial of the Morrill Land Grant College Act. Introduced by Justin Smith Morrill, Republican senator from Vermont, and signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln, the legislation was designed to provide the “sons of toil” with a college education in the practical fields of agriculture, engineering, military science and the classical arts. The creation of public universities, Morrill argued, would facilitate economic prosperity and enhance American life.

Were Lincoln and Morrill alive today, they might marvel at how Pennsylvania’s public universities have successfully fulfilled that mission. According to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, Pennsylvania’s public universities rank among the nation’s best. Among all states, Pennsylvania ranks fourth in six-year graduation rates, second in student matriculation from 9th grade to college graduation, fourth in the number of degrees conferred and fifth in college retention rates.

In addition to student success, the positive impact of higher education on Pennsylvania’s economy is also cause for celebration. According to Phillip Trostel, professor of economics at the Margaret Chase Smith Center for Economic Policy, a bachelor’s degree holder generates, in current dollars, $471,000 more in income over the course of a lifetime than the average nondegree holder. This increase translates into a sizeable return on investment. For every dollar Pennsylvania invests in a student, the state recoups, in inflation-adjusted dollars, nearly six dollars in return.

While the financial advantages of public education are certainly impressive, the intangible benefits are perhaps most commendable. Aside from the obvious financial rewards, people who own college degrees tend to be good citizens. According to the College Board Advisory Center, university alumni live longer, vote more often and demand less from social services.

Well-educated people also possess an enlarged capacity for independent thought.

The ability to think, to develop belief systems that heed the higher callings of justice and empathy, serve as bulwarks against corrupt institutions that enforce blind obedience and destroy lives.

With such public good clearly evident to anyone who cares to look, one wonders why Gov. Tom Corbett persists in viewing public education as a private entitlement rather than a public investment. In only two years the governor will have slashed more money from higher education than all previous Pennsylvania governors combined since the Morrill Act was ratified.

Although Gov. Corbett has not stated his agenda explicitly, one can surmise from his actions that he would greatly reduce public support for higher education and transfer the state’s educational obligations to private or forprofit online schools.

Such a move would be a disaster for Pennsylvania. In the first place, for-profit online schools -- the kind Charles Zogby managed before he became Mr. Corbett’s budget director -- have a dismal record of achievement. Despite the copious influx of venture capital and student financial aid, forprofit universities such as Capella, Phoenix and Walden have an aggregate graduation rate of only 22 percent -- an astounding 43 percentage points below the Pennsylvania public college average. The student loan default rate for these online students is a whopping 25 percent.

While Pennsylvania’s private universities have an excellent track record, a different problem will ensue if the governor has his way. If the state were to close even a portion of Pennsylvania’s public universities, the costs of private education, in a new seller’s market,would increase substantially. The disparity in tuition costs is already alarming, with private college tuition fees averaging nearly $16,000 more per year than the public sector.

For the sons and daughters of those who “toil” for a living, a private education is already well beyond reach.

Unfortunately, rewarding the privileged elite has been the dominant trend in politics over the last 30 years, and Gov. Corbett proves no exception to this rule. A careful examination of his budget reveals that this year’s reduction in public higher education funding is less the result of fiscal necessity than a pronounced shift in ideological priorities.

It is no accident, for example, that the

January 27, 2012

$250 million Mr. Corbett takes from higher education is equivalent to the projected loss in revenue from his elimination of the business asset tax. In other words, the governor’s “lean” budget is nothing more than a clever sleight of hand. He has simply taken money from one pot and put it into another. As one constituency suffers less, the other suffers more. The end is little more than a zero sum game.

If the greatest economic advantages emerge from a synergy between public education and small business, a truly courageous budget would seek ways to increase public revenue to relieve the fiscal burdens on both. One obvious way to generate more revenue is to close the tax loopholes for Pennsylvania’s largest corporations.

Chesapeake Energy, for example, the darling of Mr. Corbett’s beloved natural gas industry, recently received $173 million in tax rebates on $8.3 billion in profit, for a cumulative effective tax rate of minus-2.1 percent. Other corporations such as Air Products, General Electric, Verizon and Comcast have similar dismal records in generating tax receipts over the last three years.

In addition to closing tax loopholes, legislators should also seek additional revenue streams. The creation of tuition reciprocation agreements, the solicitation of private sector sponsors who can advertise on university websites and an increase in funding to facilitate profitable research patents would help improve the university bottom line.

Even as we search for immediate solutions, it is important for the Legislature and the governor’s newly appointed education panel to recognize that the Morrill Act, like the G.I. Bill, is one of the most proven pieces of legislation in the history of this country.

Greater access to higher education is not a private entitlement but a public investment that provides the intellectual capital necessary to ensure Pennsylvania’s fiscal health.

Above all, public education at all levels creates a moral citizenry whose members respect and value the contributions of all who dedicate themselves to the commonwealth of this great state.

Robert Bernard Hass is professor of English at Edinboro University (rhass@edinboro.edu).

The Rocket

A-6

February 24, 2012

A-7

February 24

Slippery Rock Apartments 724-794-8704 Now renting for 2012-13 www.SlipperyRockApartments.com

A-8

Febuary 24,2012

SPORTS

The Rocket

B-1

February 24, 2012

Rock tournament hopes in jeopardy

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Aubin Reeves drives baseline against Gannon University of Pennsylvnania on Wednesday night at Morrow Field House. Reeves averages 9.7 points per game for the Rock this season, which is second on the team.

By Madeline Williams

Assistant Sports Editor

T h e S l ipp e r y R o c k University men’s basketball team put their trip to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament in jeopardy when they fell to Gannon University, 80-73, on Wednesday night in Morrow Field House.

The Golden Knights

outscored The Rock 14-3 in the remaining six minutes of the first half and went on an 18-3 run midway through the second half to earn the PSAC-West win.

The Rock dropped to 16-9 overall and 13-8 in the PSAC, losing their second consecutive game and moving into a tie with California (16-11, 138) for third place in the region standings.

A win for the Green and White tomorrow against Clarion would assure a spot for SRU in the conference tournament.

The only condition that would deny the Rock a postseason appearance would be a loss to Clarion, along with a California victor y over Edinboro and a Gannon win over Indiana.

The Rock will celebrate

Senior Day as they play Clarion in their final regular-s eas on game tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Morrow Field House.

Senior guard John Bossle is amazed by how quickly his collegiate basketball career has gone, but he isn’t ready for it to be over quite yet.

“I can’t believe how fast the time has flown over the years, but I’m going

to enjoy this last game to the fullest,” Bossle said.

“More importantly we have to approach tomorrow’s game like it’s a playoff game because we need a win to ensure our place in the PSAC tournament.”

Freshman for ward Chaquille Pratt led the Rock with 19 points on Wednesday.

Pratt has now scored 67 points in the last five

games, averaging 13.4 per game.

Ju n i o r g u a rd Jo h n Bayardelle contributed 12 points and junior guard Aubin Reeves added an a d d it i on a l 1 0 p oi nt s and nine rebounds on Wednesday night.

S enior guard Jon Va l e r i a n o h a d t h re e 3-pointers to score nine points and junior forward Tabari Perry added eight points and six boards for The Rock.

The Green and White shot 42 percent (27-65) from the field, 43 percent (12-28) f rom 3-p oint range, and made 78 percent (7-9) of their free throw attempts.

The Golden Knights became only the fourth team to outrebound The Rock this season by a 3731 rebounding advantage.

B oth teams had 16 turnovers each.

Gannon took an early lead and led for the first four and a half minutes before Valeriano nailed two back-to-back 3-pointers to give The Rock a 14-9 lead with 15 minutes remaining in the first half.

The Rock had a 10-point, 35-25, lead with 6:15 left in the first half, before the Golden Knights went on a 14-3 run to take a 39-38 lead heading into the half.

Coming back from the inter mission, Gannon outscored SRU by an 18-3 margin to hold a 6351 advantage with 9:15 remaining in the second half.

With a minute left in the game, the Green and White fought back to within five points of the Golden Knights, but not quite enough to overcome their PSAC-West rival.

Last Saturday, SRU fell to defending PSAC champion Indiana University, 66-63.

S enior guard De vin Taylor finished the game with 14 points and seven rebounds for The Rock.

Pratt contributed 12 points and five rebounds, Perr y added 10 points and nine rebounds, junior center Luiz Santos finished the game with eight points and Bayardelle added SEE GREEN, PAGE B-2

Women's hockey makes tournament in first year of eligibility

By D.J. Vasil Rocket Contributor

In just its first year of eligibility for the American Collegiate Hockey A s s o c i at i o n Nat i o n a l Championship, Slippery Rock University women’s ice hockey team finished second in the Ashly Moyer Memorial division with a regular season record of 10-2-1 and earned the number two ranking in the east to qualify for the National Championship.

The Rock is coached by 2011 SRU Alumnus Matt Ligman, who is in his first

year as head coach.

“We have had a lot of ups and downs this season,” Ligman said. “It took a while for us to get together earlier in the season and we’ve had situations where we’ve lost players and had to have players fill in, and they’ve done a nice job.”

The Rock is led by junior Christy Paschutca with 31 points, 27 goals and four assists.

“We did pretty well this season,” Paschutca said.

“We ended up beating Cal. U for the first time in our history. It’s pretty awesome to be the first team in SRU history going to nationals.

It’s a once in a lifetime kind

of deal. If luck is on your side, and you’re a good team, you will make it.”

Joining Paschutca as a leader on the ice is senior captain Katie Sines.

Despite finishing the year with seven points, three goals and four assists, Sines finished the year second on the team in plus minus, with +10.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Sines said on making the n at i on a l t o u r n a m e nt .

“From when I first came here, the team wasn’t even in a league, but we have developed. We have a lot more talent than we had four years ago.”

Freshman goalie Tori

Sheffel started all 13 games for the Rock, finishing with a save percentage of .916% while recording two shutouts. “ Tor i Shef fel’s b een awesome this year,” Ligman said. “She’s made a lot of really big saves. She’s 4’11, but she plays like she’s six feet tall. She’s fast and has good positioning.”

Even though it was their first year of eligibility for the tournament, Ligman had high expectations for the team.

“Last year we were not eligible for the tournament,” Ligman said. “Nobody expected us to be as good as we were, but I expected

us to be. I knew we had a lot of talent and could surprise some people. It’s really exciting to make the national tournament in our first season of eligibility.

I came into this season expecting excellence and to win our conference.

Unfortunately, we didn’t and all three teams from the east came out of our conference and finishing second shows a lot. I think a lot of people expected an average season.”

Since this is The Rock’s first year in the tournament, the level of preparation will be higher because the competition is so strong in the tournamnent.

“ We j u s t h a d o u r conference tournament and lost both games we played,” Ligman said. “The focus level wasn’t there. We definitely have to take it to the next level. You have to leave it all on the ice, every shift, every second. Last year we went undefeated in conference play. This year, it’s different. Games are closer and tighter. The teams out west play faster and make less mistakes.

Teams out west have won the last six championships.”

The Rock will begin the tournament March 10th at 8:30 p.m. against the University of Wisconsin Stoutt.

Sports

B-2

February 24, 2012

Indoor track breaks record in 4x400

By Kristin Karam Rocket Contributor

Slippery Rock’s indoor track and field team competed at the Kent State Tune-Up Saturday and came home with high confidence and two school records broken.

The men’s 4x400 meter relay team made up of junior Ethan Geisler, sophomore Trevor Foley, j u n i o r Ke v i n Je w e l and freshman Hunter Williams ran a time of 3:17.94 to place third. The previous record of 3:20.60 was set by Auntiko Cook, Tom Wise, Ryan Salem and Devin Crosby in 1995.

This time also met NCAA qualifying standards, as well as being the third fastest time in the PSAC this season.

“I feel honored to be part of the record breaking team," Geisler said. "We feel great going into this weekend. Our plans are to win a PSAC Championship as a team and to break the 4x4 record again, no matter who’s on the relay."

Geisler placed 13th in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.70 seconds.

Wi l l i a m s r a n t h e 200-meter dash at a time of 22.45 seconds, which placed him in seventh.

Junior Cameron

Daugherty cleared 4.85 meters to place second in the pole vault.

Sophomore David Caldwell placed eighth in the pole vault clearing 4.40 meters.

In the 400-meter dash, freshman Monte Chapman ran a time of 50.66 seconds, his fastest of the season, to place 14th.

Sophomore Nathaniel Heifferich ran his personal best time of 51.04 seconds to place 17th in the 400.

For the women’s team, senior thrower Sandy Kakraba broke the school record in the weight throw, hitting a mark of 15.41 meters.

The previous record was set in 2010 by Rachel Weber, who threw for 15.29 meters. Kakraba earned 10th place in the event.

“It felt so great to a c c ompl i s h my go a l of breaking the school record my senior ye ar, " Ka k r ab a s ai d.

It was great to know that all my hard work and dedication into track and field paid off this year.

This wouldn’t have been p ossible wit hout my coach or my teammates."

Senior Kim Stitt took second place in the triple jump with a mark of 11.18 meters.

Stitt also had her season’s best throw of 12.65 meters in the shot put to earn a ninth place finish.

In the pole vault, junior Angela Schroeder cleared 3.54 meters to finish sixth place in the seeded event.

In the unseeded event, freshman Keriann Hill cleared 3.09 meters to take second place.

S enior Kara Styles placed second in the mile run with a seasonbest time of 5:12.75.

S o p h o m o r e Ja m i e Rylands and freshman Amelia Wren both placed in the top ten in the high jump, both clearing 1.55 meters.

The Rock heads to E d i n b o r o, PA t h i s weekend in hopes of cl ai m i ng c on fe re n c e t it l e s at t he P S AC Championship.

Chapman expects the team to do very well this weekend at PSACs. “I think that the team will do very well this we e ke n d, " C h apm an said. "We have several individuals that are ranked pretty high on the PSAC Performance list. This season we have had several records broken so I expect to see these people perform exceptionally well."

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEAGAN COOK

Senior Kara Styles competes in the mile run at the Kent State Tune-Up on Dec. 18. Styles will be competing in the 3,000 meter run and running on the distance medley relay team this weekend at PSACs.

Baseball splits double headers to start year, picked second in PSAC

By Mike Hurlimann Rocket Contributor

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Senior guard Jon Valeriano mans the helm of the offense as he looks to find an open teammate against Gannon University of Pennsylvania. Valeriano's 2.5 assists per game leads the team.

Green and White need win against Clarion to secure tournament berth Continued from Page B-1

seven points off the bench for The Rock.

The Green and White finished the game with a 3128 rebounding advantage over the Crimson Hawks.

During the first six and a half minutes of the game, IUP and SRU swapped lead changes four times and had the score tied on three occasions.

Indiana scored 10 unanswered points to take a 24-14 lead with less than eight minutes in the first half, but cut the Crimson Hawks’ lead to 32-23 as they headed into intermission.

In the second half, SRU went on a 17-4 run to cut

the deficit and take a 4443 lead with 11 points remaining in the game.

The Green and White took their final lead of the game with 8:30, 46-45, on a shot by Perry.

Indiana held three fourpoint leads in the final minutes until Bayardelle hit a three that tied the score 61-61 with 1:01 left on the clock.

IUP scored a 3-pointer with 0:31 left and made two free throws to take a 66-61 lead.

Perry scored with 0:12 for the final points of the game. On one final shot attempt, Taylor missed a game-tying 3-point shot with 0:05.

The Green and White

finished the game with a 42 percent (25-59) efficiency on their field-goal attempts, shot 29 percent (5-17) from behind the arc, and made 89 percent (8-9) of their free throws.

Saturday’s away game at IUP was the last road trip of the regular season for SRU. Bayardelle said that the closely played IUP game gave t he te am the confidence and momentum going into the later part of the season.

"We started slow in the first half, but we grew much stronger," Bayardelle said. "In the second half, I think we played the best basketball we've played all season."

The 2012 season began for the Slippery Rock University baseball team at VA Memorial Park with back to back doubleheaders against Ohio Valley University of West Virginia and Wheeling Jesuit University.

The Rock started their season on Saturday by sweeping their first doubleheader against Ohio Valley University with a 5-2 victory in the first game and a 5-4 victory in the second.

Sophomore starting pitcher Lou Trivino pitched all seven innings, recorded eight strikeouts, and earned the win in the first game.

On the batting side, sophomore right fielder Brandon Myers hit a tworun homer in the sixth inning to clinch the first victory of the season. In game two of Saturday’s doubleheader, senior pitcher Zach Jeney earned the victory by pitching four strikeouts in four shutout innings of relief work. After trailing 4-2, The Rock came up big once again in the sixth inning, rallying to tie the game at four runs each.

Sophomore Will Kengor drove in the game-winning run in the seventh inning.

On Sunday The Rock was not as successful against regional rival Wheeling Jesuit University, losing both games of the doubleheader. In game one, The Rock had offensive struggles by only producing three hits and two runs in a 3-2 loss. Game two of the doubleheader went into extra innings, where The Rock gave up five unearned runs in the top of the ninth due to four errors.

Despite scoring two runs in the bottom of the ninth, the lead built by WJU was too much for Slippery Rock to overcome, and the game ended with a final score of 6-3. Senior catcher Matt Accardi had two hits in game two, driving in all three runs for The Rock.

According to Trivino, the team looked strong over the first four games, despite losing the two games on Sunday.

"We struggled defensively and at the plate on Sunday, but we have a solid team," Trivino said. "We'll perform better defensively and offensively as the year goes on, so I'm looking forward to seeing the improvement throughout the season."

According to preseason polls, Slippery Rock was picked to finish number two in the PSAC-West Division behind reigning PSAC champion Mercyhurst University, which was picked to finish in first. SRU received one number one vote, and Mercyhurst received the others. Coach Jeff Messer said that Mercyhurst gets an edge because of their pitching staff, but overall the top four teams in each division of the PSAC all have a legitimate chance to compete for the PSAC title.

"I think we'll see more parody in the conference than ever before," Messer said.

"It's going to be extremely competitive this season. It's nice to be considered by our peers as a top team in the PSAC, but when it comes down to it, we need to get the job done."

After the weekend games, the Rock is off to a 2-2 start. Senior left fielder and captain Carter Haponski is leading the team in batting

average with six hits in 13 at bats. Accardi and Myers are leading the team in RBIs with three each. The Rock has seven returning pitchers including Jeney, Trivino, and sophomore Ryan Oglesby.

Oglesby was last year's PSACWest Freshman of the Year and earned first-team all PSAC honors while Jeney and Trivino both earned secondteam all PSAC honors.

According to senior pitcher Jason Steen, the pitching staff is "extremely strong from starters, to relievers, to closers."

"There's a lot of talent and a lot of potential for this season.

If we can come together as a team, we can put together a strong season in the PSAC," Steen said.

According to both Messer and Steen, there are a lot of new faces on the team this season, which puts an emphasis on team chemistry.

"We have new junior college guys, transfers, and a number of new faces," Messer said. "It takes time to mesh. We have 18 games before PSAC play begins, which should give us time to mesh and figure out who our weekend starters will be and what our lineup will look like."

Expectations are high for Slippery Rock to compete for a PSAC championship after finishing last season with a 27-19 record. This weekend, the Rock has a four game series against Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Two games will be played on Saturday, Feb. 25 at The Ripken Baseball Academy in Aberdeen, Maryland, and two games will be played on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Shippensburg University’s field.

Sports

February 24, 2012

B-3

Losing streak continues for Rock

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Sophomore forward Jasmine Cooper looks for a teammate to pass the ball to as a Gannon University of Pennsylvania defender drapes over her. Cooper averages 11.6 points per game for SRU, which is second on the team.

By P.J. Shipe Rocket Contributor

Disappointment continued for Slipper y Rock women’s basketball as they fell to No. 18 Gannon University, 7559, Wednesday at Morrow Field House.

The loss drops SRU’s

record to 5-20 overall and 2-19 in PSAC play.

The Rock has lost 11 consecutive games, going back to Jan. 6 when they defeated Cheyney University.

One of the bright spots for SRU was Jasmine Cooper’s play. Cooper contributed 20 points and six rebounds

in the loss, while teammate Paris Thomas also reached double figures with 14 points. Danielle Smith led the team in rebounds with eight and also added nine points of her own.

The game remained close in the early action until Gannon took control with a 17-5 run to make the

score 22-10.

Gannon continued to push the pace and moved the lead to 16 points, 4327, at halftime.

Gannon kept its momentum going in the second half and opened the lead up to 21 points in the second half and held that lead at the 11 minute mark

when SRU started a run to get back into the game.

After putting together a 12-4 run, SRU closed the gap to 13, 69-56, with four minutes remaining in the game.

Gannon slowed the SRU run and only allowed the Rock to score three points in the final four minutes of play as the Lady Knights went on to victory.

SRU shot 39 percent from the floor, 30 percent from 3-point range and 66 percent at the free throw line, while Gannon shot 44 percent from the floor, 41 percent from 3-point range, and 80 percent from the free throw line.

Rock head coach Tanya Longo said that the team worked on attacking more in the second half but weren’t able to close the gap. “ We h a d a m o r e deliberate offensive attack, put the ball in the basket, and put together back-to-back stops on the defensive end,” Longo said.

“Our effort was there, but we need to improve our basketball IQ and focus.”

Prior to its loss to Gannon, the Rock faced No. 21 Indiana University of Pennsylvania and took a tough loss, 70-45.

D’Asia Chambers led Slippery Rock with 14 points for the second game in a row. Jasmine Cooper chipped in six points and five rebounds while Danielle Smith added six points. Sarah Pastorek led IUP with 12 points while

teammate Amy Fairman added 10 points.

IUP wasted little time as they scored the first five points of the game and built a 10-2 lead. SRU battled back and cut the deficit to five points with 12 minutes left in the first half.

The L ady Hawks answered back with a 9-0 run to bring the score to 26-12 with six minutes left in the first.

SRU tried to close the gap, but IUP continued to score bucket after bucket and pulled away with a double-digit lead through the remainder of the game.

Slippery Rock shot 42 percent from the field, 35 percent from behind the arc, and 50 percent from the free throw line. They were also outrebounded by IUP by a wide margin of 45 to 23. IUP shot 37 percent from the field, 16 percent from behind the arc, and 71 percent from the free throw line.

Longo said that IUP had a quick start that gave them control of the game.

“IUP turned our turnovers into quick points to build an early lead,” she said. “Balanced scoring is always a goal for our offensive production along with bench contribution.”

Slippery Rock will finish their regular season with a matchup against Clarion tomorrow at Morrow Field House. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. with a pregame ceremony honoring seniors Danielle Smith, Shannon Lee, and Sherita Stanley.

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Febuary 24,2012

The Rocket

CAMPUS LIFE C-1 February 24, 2012

SRU meme page is an instant hit online

Teen Mom at SRU

Memes are to culture as genes are to biology, according to term

By James Meyer Assistant Campus Life Editor

The Slippery Rock Meme page on Facebook quickly became popular for students and alumni.

However, it just as quickly became fertile ground for heated disputes over the definition of a meme and hostility from individuals who had become the subject of humor on the site.

The word was actually coined in 1976 by the biologist Richard Dawkins in his book “The Selfish Gene.”

Dawkins defined a meme as, “a unit of cultural transmission, or a unit of imitation.”

Dawkins writes, “Examples of memes are tunes, ideas, catch-phrases, clothes, fashions, ways of making pots or of building arches.” In Dawkins’s definition, memes are to culture what genes are to biology.

Dr. Amy Walters, an assistant professor of communication, further simplifies the definition as an idea that spreads virally.

“It doesn’t’ necessarily have to be online,” Walters said. “It can spread from person to person. It can start from an individual who has a particular way of expressing him or herself that catches on. It can be something from television or film that catches on. But the whole governing metaphor for a meme is that it infects like a virus. You can’t force it, and I think the problem with the website is that they’re trying to force it.”

With the rise of the internet, memes spread faster than ever, giving rise to a new category known as internet memes.

Internet memes have become so popular that people often use the word “meme” to refer specifically to humorous or provocative one-liners that circulate online.

“Even some of the ones that are humorous that do get around aren’t really memes because they don’t have the longevity that a meme actually has,” Walters said. “It only circulates in certain groups.

That’s not really a meme. A meme is much broader than that and usually is recognizable by almost anybody in a culture. So a lot of those things that they’re calling memes aren’t really memes at all.”

Walters explained that memes are similar to viruses in that they replicate and transmit throughout cultures with little to no intentionality on the part of humans, who are seen as carriers.

Mitchell Nemitz, a 19-year-old senior computer science major, expanded on the development of the internet meme.

“Some of the first were ‘Bachelor Frog’ and ‘Socially Awkward Penguin,’” Nemitz said. “It’s basically an image macro, one solid image that has some sort of awkward stance to it, normally on a multi-colored spiral background. And you attach SEE SLIPPERY ROCK, PAGE C-3

LIANA PITTMAN/THE ROCKET

Star of MTV's "Teen Mom" Maci Bookout shares both the trials and joys of teen motherhood during her presentation at the Student Union Wednesday night.

"Teen Mom" star shares her story

By Madeline Williams Assistant Sports Editor

As she spoke to her three-year-old son Bentley on the phone, MTV “Teen Mom” star Maci Bookout brought tears to the eyes of many from the packed audience of supporters in the MPR Wednesday evening.

Hearing little Bentley’s sweet southern voice tell his mom “I love you” pulled on the heart strings of the SRU community, including many teenage mothers who came to get tips and advice from the inspiring and mature 20 year old.

Approximately twenty-five minutes before she took the stage and told SRU her story, Maci sat relaxed in a comfy chair backstage and reflected on her journey as a teen mom.

“It’s really been the most amazing experience ever,” she said. “It’s insane how

much I love Bentley. I really don’t think anyone knows what true love is until they have a child.”

At the start of 2008, Bookout said she was just a normal 16 year old. She played softball and was a cheerleader for Ooltewah High School in Tennessee.

When she met her boyfriend Ryan during the summer after her sophomore year of high school, she was still a virgin.

After four months of dating, they had sex and they didn’t use protection. After about a month of having sex with Ryan, Maci woke up one morning, got sick in the shower, and in the back of her mind was the burning thought that she might be pregnant. She took a birth control test and it came up positive.

MTV asked Maci to be on their upcoming show “16 and Pregnant” after her mother found a Craigslist ad for pregnant teens to film their pregnancy

and show other girls what it was like to be in their situation.

In September of 2008, camera crews came to Maci’s home in Chattanooga, TN to start filming her day-to-day life. She gave birth to Bentley that October and her episode of “16 and Pregnant” aired on MTV in June 2009.

As a young mother, Maci missed out on many things including prom, sports, and graduation, but she realized that she made a decision and was going to handle the outcome like a mature adult.

“While I was pregnant, I missed out on a lot of the fun stuff you do as a junior and senior in high school,” she said. “At the time, it didn’t really bother me, because I accepted the fact that I needed to become an adult. Unfortunately, there were a lot of things that I missed out on, all because SEE MACI, PAGE C-3

Wildlife Rescue among employers at SRU job fair

By Rebecca Marcucci Rocket Contributor

LIANA PITTMAN/THE ROCKET

Barry Lavery, a representative of the American Rescue League Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, spoke at Tuesday's job fair about career opportunities in wildlife rescue.

Employers, such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, spoke to students during Tuesday's common hour about skills employees seek and learning experiences on the job.

For most students, college applications and acceptance were part of high school. The process of filling out numerous college applications may be over for some, but for most SRU students looking for a job, the application process itself has only begun.

Whether it is a summer job, an internship, or a career right out of college, most SRU students are looking for experience in their major, or are interested in networking and getting involved.

The Summer Job and Internship Fair, sponsored by the SRU Office of Career Services, held Tuesday afternoon in the University Union MPR (Multi-purpose room), aided in helping students find what interested them.

The event showcased many employers and businesses looking to speak with students about employment opportunities. Students stopping at any one of the 75 booths featured at the event could obtain

information about employment and also some promotional items along the way.

Employers Jenn Bell and Ben Shopland from American Pool Management, centered in Pittsburgh, shared much of what their company was looking for with potential employees and explained some of the things an individual might see on the job.

“We’re looking for anyone who is interested in working with lots of people,” Bell said. “And anyone who is interested in working outside and might be good at working with kids.”

Shopland said many different positions are offered with their business.

“We’re really looking for people who are self-driven and motivated,” Shopland said. “A lot of our pools are part of apartment complexes that require a single lifeguard, so we look for people who are able to work independently and be the face of our company.”

Employers from the American Rescue League Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Emily

Leghart and Barry Lavery, said that a career in wildlife rescue provides many learning opportunities for those more scientifically inclined.

“It’s a very hands-on medical center,” Leghart said. “We typically look for biology and environmental science majors, so we’re looking for interns. It’s about a 20-hour-a-week summer internship. And we’re also looking for someone who is very hard-working and who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty.”

Lavery agreed, saying that students must be aware while on the job.

“An employee should be focused with the task at hand and what is needed of them in a given situation,” Lavery said. “Paying attention to what’s going on around you is very important.”

Career Services director John Rindy helped to bring employers like these, and put together this year’s Summer Job and Internship Fair.

Rindy said he was impressed with SEE EMPLOYERS, PAGE C-3

Campus Life

C-2

Fall 2012 fashion showcased in New York

Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" Calling all fashion fans!

As February comes to an end, designers have begun to debut their fall 2012 collections during New York Fashion Week to rave reviews.

Collections from Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan are showing impeccably tailored menswear pieces, while Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors are showing bold prints and bright hues. This fall, don’t expect to see anything demure in your favorite stores – anticipate head-turning hats, bold blazers, and chic furs.

Iconic designer Ralph Lauren brought classic elegance to his fall collection with a wide variety of looks from tailored blazers to silk fuchsia evening gowns. The opening look in his collection took on an androgynous feel with a beautifully tailored tweed blazer, brown plaid pants, and a blue and white oxford shirt. To further play up the menswear feel, it was accessorized with a plaid tie and argyle socks, in addition to a feminine 1920s style hat.

As his collection progressed, Lauren introduced ocelot shearling coats into the mix, and paired them with sweater vests and wide-leg trousers.

He even managed to make his leather pieces look structured yet soft when paired with

golden sweaters and bold chokers. To close his collection he showcased sleek fuchsia, black, and gold evening gowns that will be perfect for awards show season this fall.

Marc Jacobs stayed true to tradition with over the top looks, and his runway show left onlookers wanting more. The most dominant accessories on the Jacobs runway were the outrageous fur hats and pilgrim pumps in a number of colors from red to black. Although both were extreme, expect to see understated versions of these chic accessories in your favorite stores this fall.

Black was the dominant hue in his collection, but it was brightened by deep fuchsia pea coats, green sweaters and purple scarves. His runway show also featured a number of frocks in geometric patterns, and feather embellishments.

By far the most elegant look of his show was the sparkling, tea length, deep fuchsia dress accessorized with a fur hat in a matching hue and black fur shawl. This dress defines what fashion is supposed to be. It has a simple silhouette while the neckline of the dress boasts a dramatic flower detail that every woman will want this fall.

Fashion maven Donna Karan knows how to design beautiful clothes for women, and her latest line is no exception. Karan also kept with the menswear theme shown in Lauren’s collection, but while his looks were adorned with patterns, hers were kept minimalist in solid black and red.

Each piece in this collection was a true work of art. Every

possible detail from the sleek pleating in the pants to the structure of the shoulders in the blazers was taken into account. Her show had by far one of the most cohesive design schemes in all of the collections shown at Fashion Week.

One look cannot be deemed the best, because each and every piece showed Karan’s genius design capabilities that will be truly appreciated by millions of women everywhere during the fall 2012 season.

Michael Kors’ fall line was inspired by the book, “American Beauty,” and a trip to a log cabin in the Adirondack Mountains. This is evidenced by the comfortable looking plaid ensembles and voluminous fur coats.

Although the looks in his collection look comfortable, they by no means sacrifice on style. His show was marked by the elegance of black and red plaid jackets and skirts as well as the structured silhouettes on several of his dresses.

By far the most amazing part of his show was the beautiful furs worn with a number of his ensembles. They took each look over the top without making them unwearable.

This fall, fashion is going to be dramatic, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Pick up a structured blazer or a geometric print dress to wear to class or to parties on the weekend.

You definitely won’t regret trying these bold fashion trends.

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

February 24, 2012

Ask Ana "Ana Graham" Dear Ana, I am friends with many different kinds of crowds – some old, some new, some crazy and wild, and others mild and, for lack of a better word, boring. Most of the time when I try to balance my schedule and free time, these sets of friends clash!

It’s crazy and fun, and I love all my friends, and so far I don’t regret anything, but it’s so hard sometimes to balance them all out, and make sure that I see everyone equally.

I never had this problem ‘til I started college (because I never had friends ‘til now). I know it’s a first world problem, but what do you recommend to do so that I make sure to never hurt anyone’s feelings in the future?

Feeling So Loved Dear Feeling, Your question makes me a bit angry because I am jealous of what you consider a problem because the toilet in my apartment just broke and our maintenance people are very unreliable.

That said, I can see where you may have issues, especially if your friends clash. It is too much for one person to figure out how to perfectly balance your time with them all, so

don’t stress yourself out over it.

I can see that you are happy with your situation. Crazy and fun are two words that should describe a good use of free time. I don’t think you’ll find yourself hurting your friends because you don’t see them enough, simply because you seem like a loving person.

I do have one tip for you, and that is to make a little test to determine if you should hang out with one group of friends before the other. When the situation arises, ask yourself how long ago it has been since you last hung out with them compared to the other group and if you miss them. But other than that advice, just enjoy yourself!

Dear Ana, When you are a college student with a chaotic schedule, what’s the best way to go about fixing a broken give a darn?

Doesn’t Care Dear Doesn’t Care, As long as you are getting all of your work done, I don’t see why you’d need to fix your give a darn. In fact, it’s a good quality to have when you have work, school, activities and responsibilities to an overwhelming degree.

If you did in fact give a darn you would only cause yourself too much anxiety. The best way to manage life sometimes is with a shoulder shrug.

Dear Ana, I live in an apartment with three other roommates, and two of the girls I don’t get along with. They leave

passive aggressive notes on our white board, on sticky notes, through text messages and other actions. They’ve moved my laundry from the dryer to a dirty table, and I’ve also had the garbage from the bathroom put in front of my door because I didn’t put the garbage out when they wanted it done.

My other roommate and I can’t seem to do anything right in their eyes and its getting more and more frustrating to live with them.

Is there anything possible I can do?

Suffering Dear Suffering, It sounds like you have the typical nightmare female roommates. Passive aggression is their specialty, and they can use such strategies to break a rational person down. The first thing I feel like I must tell you, as it is that time of year again to re-sign leases, is to not re-sign your lease – at all, whatsoever.

Living in an apartment, you are on your own when it comes to negotiating problems. I feel that you have two options: try to sit down with them all at once and discuss it, or ignore it and ride it out until the end of the semester.

Sitting down with them is the best choice – although it may get bloody to let all of those feelings out, it will help in the long run because it will release the tension that the roommates have been slowly releasing.

Ignoring it may be best if they refuse to negotiate. Do not retaliate – it will only make it worse.

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

Campus Life

February 24, 2012

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Maci Bookout to young mothers: "Do what makes you happy" Continued from Page C-1

we were too stupid to use protection when we should have.”

In the summer of 2009, MTV asked Maci to be part of their upcoming spin-off series, “Teen Mom,” which would be a series that focused on the lives of four teenagers during the first few years of motherhood. Of course, the film crew was in her house constantly watching every move she made as they filmed the show.

“At first, it was extremely awkward

having people constantly hanging around the house,” she said. “I’ve been getting more and more used to it. In the beginning, I didn’t understand what the big deal was, because I’m just Maci. I never thought I was that interesting.”

According to Maci, the show is very real and not exaggerated much at all, and that’s the reason she keeps doing it with MTV. “The show does a really good job of documenting my day to day life and what actually goes on,” she

said. “They do, however, want us to talk about what is going on in our relationship and how Bentley is doing more than I would if they weren’t there filming.”

After they split up two years ago, Ryan and Maci have been getting along much better.

“We’re still just kids,” she said. “It’s like we’re two children that have to get along with each other and raise a child. We both had to give up a lot, and we ended up resenting each other and blaming each other

for the situation we got ourselves into. We obviously still have our disagreements but we have grown up a lot and realized that if we don’t respect each other, it’s going to hurt Bentley.”

The most difficult part of raising Bentley is splitting his time with Ryan, she said.

“The older Bentley gets, the more I realize that I’m only around him half of the time,” she said. “The biggest struggle is definitely having to share your child with someone else.”

Many supporters in the audience had the opportunity to ask Maci questions, including numerous young mothers who asked for any advice she had.

“Just remember what is important in your life,” she said. “Do what makes you happy, because if you aren’t happy, your kids won’t be happy. You really do want the best for your kids, and you’re not going to be able to give that to them if you’re not in a stable relationship or stable with yourself first.”

Slippery Rock Meme page upsetting to some Employers offer tips on job seeking and skill improvement Continued from Page C-1

some words that have some relevance to it. It’s like a punch line that can be adapted over and over. But the trick is writing the right punch line.”

Nemitz attributes the banter on Slippery Rock Meme to the misuse of internet memes for personal attacks on individuals or groups.

“A lot of the memes that have popped up recently on Slippery Rock Meme have been strictly dedicated to another person,” Nemitz said. “Not all of them are malicious, but there are a few that are specifically meant to demean a set of people. It’s almost an offense to the spirit of it, because it’s supposed to be this thing that everybody can share in, But when you’re just outright attacking somebody with some generic copy-and-paste joke, it just gets a little old.”

According to Nemitz, two groups that have been targeted on the Slippery Rock Meme page are players of the live action game “Humans vs. Zombies” and the Gamer’s Guild, a gaming group that meets in Rocky’s Den on Wednesday nights.

“It was connotated in such a way that it was just nasty,” Nemitz said. “I had to laugh because, yeah, that’s kind of true. There are gaming people that meet down in Rocky’s Den. There are just vulgar comments posted right after the images by the people who posted the images.”

“It’d be one thing if there were any sense of defense, but then the people who moderate the SRU memes board think that they can just delete things randomly when they want,” he said. “They just seem to be

Continued from Page C-1

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION FROM SLIPPERY ROCK MEME

An example of an internet meme circulated on the Slippery Rock Meme Facebook page. The page incorporates common internet memes with one-liners referencing life on the SRU campus.

deleting things that don’t agree with their viewpoint.”

The current description on the Slippery Rock Meme page discourages vulgarity and personal attacks.

The administrators of Slippery Rock Meme were unavailable for comment.

student response to the event, and very pleased with the showcased businesses.

Rindy offered tips for students seeking employment that might give them an extra edge, such as strengthening one’s verbal communication skills.

“In a recent study this has been proven as the number one most effective quality employers are looking for in potential job candidates,” Rindy said.

He also said strong work ethic, ability to analyze, problem solving, taking initiative, working well with others, adaptability, and strong written communication skills were all very important in the job market.

According to Rindy, many of the tools employers are using to recruit new people are social media-centered websites such as Monster, Linked-In, and company websites.

“Networking is so important,” he said. “A lot of the jobs I earned came from people I already knew and kept in touch with. Some employers are even generous enough to say, ‘We really like you, but we’re not looking for any new people. But here’s a company like ours who is.’ And they can get you in contact with other employers.”

Rindy said the key to finding employment is keeping an open mind.

“Have an idea of what you’re looking for,” he said. “Some students don’t know what they’re looking for and other times students get stuck on one specific job only. Don’t just think this way.”

He said students confused with their occupational futures can stop

by Career Services located in room 124 of Bailey Library and speak with a career services team representative.

“We’ll help you set up your résumé and conduct mock interviews with you to help get you ready for that job you want,” he said.

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Febuary 24,2012