2/22 Digital Edition

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Friday February 22, 2019 • Volume 102, Issue Number 7 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper

Healing in the face of hate

Incidents of racial discrimination at SRU stretch beyond one act of vandalism

www.theonlinerocket.com

Between funk and foraging

By Megan Bush Campus Life Editor

By Adam Zook News Editor

When Kemoni Farmer, a junior psychology major and Slippery Rock Univeristy Chapter President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), heard about a flyer promoting Black History Month being defaced with racist comments, his intial reaction was one of frustration.

"I was just filled with anger," Farmer said. "I took the flyer and read over the comments and couldn't stop asking myself how someone could do this.

I said to myself immediately 'We're doing a blackout.'

I knew then that we had to pursue this incident peacefully, but in a way that showed unity.

Whoever did this had to know that we weren't just going to ignore it."

The blackout took place on Feb. 13, as a group of predominently black students wore all black clothing in solidarity. The protest, and the incident of racism that caused, caught the eye of Univeristy President Dr. William Behre, who announced the next day that an open discussion would be held in order to start the conversation surrounding racial tension at SRU.

SEE BUILDING PAGE A-3

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

After receiving a rock-solid education from Slippery Rock University, 1998 grad Sharif Bey went on to earn his master’s and doctorate while continuing to find time doing what he loves: creating art. Bey received his B.F.A. in ceramics from SRU, his M.F.A. in studio art from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and his Ph.D. in art education from Pennsylvania State University.

When Bey was young and living in inner-city Pittsburgh, he discovered he was something of an ‘artist,’ at least according to his friends who always asked him to draw things for them.

He really was artistically talented, though, and when he was around 10, he started being nominated for various art programs in the Pittsburgh area like the Carnegie Mellon University Saturday art classes for kids. Growing up in the 1980s is an experience Bey holds dearly because this was a time when people heavily supported the arts and artists themselves.

“I was fortunate to be part of the 1980s landscape in the arts, I was able to take advantage of half a dozen programs,” Bey said. “The benefit of that is that you don't have just one idea of what it means to be an artist; you have to remain open to possibilities of content and of trajectory.

Seeing all those possibilities made it easy for me to be more natural.”

A few years later, Bey got involved in SRU’s summer art academy series, run by nowretired professor of fine arts

Amir Hill-Davis reacts to statements made during the open discussion Monday night in the Robert M. Smith Student Center Ballroom in the wake of a Black History Month flyer being vandalized with racist language.

Richard Wukich, where he traveled up to The Rock to interact with professors and students. This familiarity with those in the art program made Bey’s transition from high school to college much easier, he said.

“I was in contact with some of the faculty and students I met all the way through high school, and thanks to them connecting with me before college, it wasn't a huge transition,” Bey said. “So, the choice [to attend SRU] was hands-down.”

During his time here at SRU, Bey spent a total of a year and a half in Bratislava, Slovakia as an exchange student through his program.

He mentioned that some of his decision to enroll at The Rock was due to the university’s prominence in international collaboration.

Later, when he was earning his doctorate at PSU, he traveled again to Bratislava, this time as a Fulbright Scholar conducting research that sprouted from his undergraduate trips to the capital city.

Bey said he is inspired by not only his experiences, which are diverse and interesting, but also by the African and Oceanic cultures and folklore as well as the functionality of pieces. Because he studied ceramics at SRU, he was familiar with how things like mugs and cups were designed to interact with human mouths and be drank out of; he emphasized the importance of remembering how intimate these objects and the creation of them can really be.

Even when he’s not necessarily creating functional pieces, he keeps this sensuality in mind.

SEE ALUMNUS PAGE D-3

Lueken looks to improve diversity

SRU ranks below the national average on diversity in athletics

By Oscar Matous Sports Editor

At a university where roughly 18-20 percent of athletes are black, Slippery Rock University athletic director Paul Lueken said that he believes the athletics on campus are, overall, fairly diverse.

"Some sports that are offered here are more diverse

than others and that's simply because of the nature of the sport," Lueken said. "We have the most diversity within football, basketball and track and field. Some sports just don't have a lot of minority participation, lacrosse being one of them."

Lueken said that a school like SRU's primary focus is to distribute the allotted scholarship money allowed

by the NCCA for Division II schools in such a way that allows them to form/keep competitive teams.

"Each sport has a limited amount of scholarship money that they are allowed to work with," Lueken explained. "No sport here has even close to the Division II maximums and so we're going to go out there and try to find the best athletes that

fit our profile that we need for student-athletes."

Division II schools follows a partial-scholarship model, according to the NCAA's website. Roughly 110,000 student-athletes compete in Division II athletic programs across the country and a small, undisclosed, amount actually receive a grant that covers the entirety of their college expenses. On average,

a D-II football program is allowed to give out 36 "full-grants" to players. The grants are then divided up between the players on the team, which result in partial scholarships, according to the NCAA. Lueken said it is typically up to the individual coach of each sport to determine who gets what scholarship and how much of the

allotted money will be spent on them.

"I sign every schoalrship," Lueken said. "Each sport gets a dollar amount of scholarship money and it is up to the individual coach to distribute that money how they see fit; I don't dictate that, but before the paper even gets to my desk, the athlete has already been vetted through by admissions."

SEE LUEKEN PAGE C-3

News

SJC: One Year Later

A-2 A-2

Opinion

The Rocket on Racism

B-1

Sports

Softball ready for season

C-2

Campus Life

Colorism panel at SRU

D-1

N

Watch students react to open forum on race relations at Slippery Rock At theonlinerocket.com

NEWS

Social justice committee's history begins long before first birthday

By Hannah Shumsky Assistant News Editor

GRAPHIC BY: HANNAH SHUMSKY

The Slippery Rock Student Government Association (SGA) social justice committee celebrated its first birthday as a standing committee on Feb. 12.

The history of the committee, led by Kennedy Moore, vice president of diversity and inclusion, began outside of SGA and served as a response to student concerns.

The social justice committee was originally called the student success committee and formed to organize student complaints in response to a controversial administrative proposal. In spring 2016, administration proposed to move several student groups, including the Office for Multicultural Development, Women's Center, Pride Center and Veteran's Center, from The Suite to a remodeled University Union. The Honors College would have then been moved to The Suite.

According to Keshia Booker, assistant director of multicultural development and a mentor during the formation of the student success committee, the initial problem with the move is that underrepresented groups would have been moved out of the Smith Student Center. The student success committee was tasked with representing students and sharing their concerns with administration.

"It was just sort of organizing our complaints and the reasons why we did not think this was a good idea," Booker said. "The social justice committee stems from a lot of the work that happened that semester in preventing the move from happening."

Yonshalae Powell and Gaby Lyons, who were responsible for gathering student concerns at the undergraduate and graduate levels, contributed heavily to the student success committee's establishment on SGA, according to Booker. The "Student Success Center" in University Union was never created.

Shortly after former SRU President Cheryl Norton hosted a town hall to discuss concerns over the proposed move, SGA adopted the student success committee as an ad-hoc committee.

"When it became an adhoc committee, it was giving SGA a formal role," Booker said. "That was needed because they wanted to solidify the student voice.

They wanted the student voice to have some legitimate

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Kennedy Moore (pictured far left) was elected as the first Vice Preisdent of Diversity and Inclusion and chair of the Social Justice Committee in April of 2018. Moore was a member of the OneSRU ticket.

weight to it, so they thought that making it an ad-hoc committee and saying that the Student Government Association cares about these issues as well as students of color and students from minoritized groups care about these issues was really what carried more weight when they took it to the president."

The updated name of social justice committee was established at the beginning of the 2016-17 academic year, maintaining its adhoc status. Throughout the 2017-18, Victoria Davis served as the chair of the social justice committee and sat with the SGA executive board and senate during meetings.

According to Davis, the committee members discovered that they would need to achieve a standing committee status and have a representative on the executive board to maintain a sustainable voice through SGA.

"As a small committee, we have the power to reach out," - Kennedy Moore

"After the SJC had been an ad-hoc committee of SGA for a few months, I think the committee realized that for the work we were doing to be sustainable, not only did we need to shift from an ad-hoc committee to a standing committee, we needed a chair who had real power in and of themselves, which is why in the end we advocated for a cabinet-level vice president position," Davis said.

This vision became a reality on Feb. 12, 2018, when SGA promoted the social justice to a standing committee and established the executive board position of vice president of diversity and inclusion.

Last spring, Moore first heard about the social justice committee through Black Action Society, advised

by Booker. She joined the committee that semester and ultimately was elected vice president of diversity and inclusion as part of the OneSRU ticket.

This past academic year, Moore made connections with representatives from various offices on campus, including the Office for Inclusive Excellence, Office for Global Engagement, Office of Disability Services, Women's Center and Pride Center. The committee also partnered with NextGen to attract more students to the polls during the midterm elections this past November.

"As a small committee, we have the power to reach out," Moore said.

The committee hosted a community cafe on Feb. 6 to discuss what SRU would look like as a more diverse campus, an event which 30 students, SRU President William Behre, Dr. Pease-Hernandez and Corinne Gibson, director of the Office for Inclusive Excellence, attended.

"If the future VP can hold something like that each year but on a different topic just to get students constantly talking and getting feedback and sharing stories to better the diversity and inclusion of campus I think would be very valuable," Moore said.

Moore also had the idea of organizing a tunnel of oppression, a project that will more than likely be a task for the upcoming vice president of diversity and inclusion, according to Moore.

Two days after the committee celebrated its first birthday as a standing committee, the SRU community received an email from Behre, who said that a Black History Month poster was vandalized in Rhoads Hall. In response, Behre hosted a town hall on Monday with Moore serving as the student moderator.

"Often times, we hear about these things and we see these things and we don't catch the attention of the media like this story has," Moore said. "I honestly do think that with [Behre] and the student support we have from SGA, from other clubs and organizations and just students in general, this won't be tolerated.

Hopefully, if it unfortunately does happen in the future, it doesn't become as much of an issue."

Davis said that, throughout her four years as a SRU student, she has seen student organizations—including Black Action Society, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, Student Organizations of Latinos/ Hispanic and Allies and Student Union for Multicultural Affairs— address hate on campus through education and outreach.

"Part of the reason the committee was formed was because despite the resilience of these communities, hate still happens," Davis said.

"At this point, bigotry is institutionalized, which is part of the reason we fought so hard for antibigotry measures such as the committee to be institutionalized via student government."

According to Booker, along with the change in name, the social justice committee shifted focuses between 2016 and today.

For example, the ad-hoc committee and student success committee wanted a chief diversity officer on campus, a goal that Booker believes is still a desire of the committee but no longer a primary concern.

I think that becoming an actual committee and an actual part of SGA has been able to broaden the scope," Booker said. "They're not necessarily fighting for one issue anymore. They're fighting for all types of injustices on campus."

NEWS

February 22, 2019

Starting a dialogue

A-3

President Behre's town hall well-received by the student body

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Monday evening's town hall style discussion saw President Behre field questions and listen to the concerns of Slippery Rock students, staff and members of the community. The nearly two-hour long session allowed students to address their peers directly in an attempt to heal in the wake of a Black History Month flyer being defaced with racist comments by an unknown individual.

By Haley Potter Senior Rocket Contributor

Slippery Rock University President Dr. William Behre held a town hall-style discussion to address some of the concerns about discrimination and inclusion on SRU’s campus following the vandalization of the Black History Month poster found in Rhoads Hall last Saturday.

The event was held in the Robert M. Smith Student Center Ballroom on Monday night. The ballroom held approximately 600 people for this discussion, consisting of mostly white and black students, with a few professors and community members as well.

“This event meant a lot to me as an African American student on campus,” Morgan McDonald, an SRU student said. “It is pretty scary to see something like this happen and we need to take more action following this event.”

The town hall began with an open forum, where students had the opportunity to step up to the microphone to raise their concerns and voice their opinions. Some of the questions and concerned dealt with the conversation of “All Lives Matter,” "Black Lives Matter,” and how to come together across racial lines in a university setting.

Jermaine Wynn spoke to the audience about his concerns as an African American athlete at SRU. He said that he doesn’t understand how the person cheering for him at his football game could be the same one writing racist comments on flyers.

“As a black community right now, we are feeling pretty uncomfortable, so I really just wanted to come and hear everyone out,” Wynn said.

William Rouse, a community assistant in Rhoads Hall where the vandalized poster was initially discovered, spoke out during the

question and answer portion of the open forum.

“I came to this event because I was the person who found this poster in the building,” Rouse said.

“This event meant a lot to me because a lot of discrimination was pushed under the rug when nobody spoke up, so I believe this is a start and that it is important to address issues like this to better our campus.”

President Behre followed the open microphone with some responses and plans of his own.

“It is challenging to have uncomfortable conversations and the shame will be if this is the last time that a group of people this diverse sit around and talks about these types of issues,” Behre said.

He continued to point out throughout his discussion that groups of students who do not normally sit around together need to begin coming together and having these types of conversations.

Behre also recognized the issues on

campus and discussed some plans for the future to better address the underlying problems.

“The key is to understand your opinions and understand the assumptions that you walk in with,” Behre said.

He also said that it is his job, along with that of the entire administration, to figure out how to create the right forum for those types of conversations to occur on a regular basis so the university as a whole can work on that skill.

People in attendance were also given the ability to write their concerns on notecards to be read off and addressed by Behre. Some of the notecard topics included how to make the curriculum more diverse, how to become “allies” with people of other races, and how to get the conversation surrounding race started. Students noted some key takeaways following the event.

“I think that it was mandatory to come to this event, especially for

me because it is what I stand for,” SRU student Jasmine Williams said. “But the problem is that everyone in this room did not need to hear what was going on. It is the people outside of the room that needed to hear the problem.”

Other students also voiced their opinions on the town hall discussion. Adriaunna Chambers, an SRU student, said that what the president discussed really resonated with her.

“He’s actually trying and taking the steps,” Chambers said. “Even though it is a struggle, he said that he is willing to struggle with us, and I feel like some people want to be a part of the process just for show, but he isn’t and I think that was a good way for him to come off.”

At the end of the town hall, students were encouraged to continue voicing their concerns to President Behre and the university community as a whole by emailing diversitydiscussion@sru.edu.

Acts of racism like the vandalized poster are just the tip of the iceberg according to Farmer. He said that he has experienced a lot of what he called "indirect racism" during his tenure at SRU. "I understood when I came to Slippery Rock that it was a predominantly white institution," Farmer said. "Within my first semester here, I had my photo taken just walking through the quad and around areas on campus on several occasions. I realized that they were using my image to promote the university. This is not how Slippery Rock really is."

Despite these criticisms, both Farmer and Greggs were encouraged by the number of faculty who turned out on Monday night. Farmer said that he typically only sees administration and staff members turn out for the larger scale events, but seeing so many attend the open discussion filled him with some optimism moving forward.

Greggs said that she would tell incoming students that the vandalized poster does not represent everyone at Slippery Rock, and that going here will benefit you for when you enter the workforce.

"You can really start to appreciate and build an understanding of what others go through," Greggs said. "You can become an ally to those who are marginalized by showing them love and keeping an open mind. Just allow yourself to step back and realize what that person can add to your life in helping you grow."

Farmer said that he would still encourage black high school students who are considering to enroll at Slippery Rock, but to not expect the transition to be an easy one.

"You're not always going to feel as though you are welcome; that's just the truth," Farmer said. "It can be hard at times to feel like you belong.

If you really want to grow, I think that coming here is a great step towards meeting that goal."

President Behre remarked during the open discussion thartit would be a disservice to future students if that was the last conversation had about race relations at the university. Farmer and Greggs concurred with that sentiment, and said they will work within their respective organizations to keep the dialogue going in a positive direction.

Building towards an understanding CONTINUED FROM PAGE A-1

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Rondeea Moore asks a question during Monday's open forum discussion. Both Farmer and Greggs said that they were pleased to see so many non-students attend the discussion.

On Monday, an audience of nearly 600 students, staff and community members gathered in the Smith Student Center Ballroom for that discussion. Prominent groups like Black Action Society (BAS), NAACP and the Kings Organization all had representatives in attendance, including Farmer.

"It was a good beginning for a conversation that needs to be had on a more consistent basis," Farmer said.

"The first amendment is important, but we need to ensure that people are held accountable for their actions.

People need to evaluate how what they say and do affects other people."

Farmer offered praise towards Behre, commending his willingness to allow black students to answer questions that, as a white administrator, he

would not have the insight to address.

He was encouraged by the student engagement at the town hall, but fears the point of the discussion may have been lost on some in attendance.

"When I say that 'black lives matter,' that is in no way saying that white lives, or anyone else's life doesn't matter," Farmer said. "They're not understanding the purpose of what we're trying to accomplish. Even with the NAACP, I think many people are turned away by the word colored. But that just means we're for the advancement of people all colors. We want life to get better for everyone."

Lauryn Greggs is a second-year graduate student pursuing a degree in clinical mental counseling. Greggs also serves as the graduate assistant for BAS,

something that comes as a surprise to many because she is white.

"Whenever we give presentations during FYRST Seminar and I tell everyone who I am, I see some kids snicker and laugh initially," Greggs said. "A lot of students get confused, but you don't have to look like someone to be involved in helping them. It's okay to get in a room with people that don't look like you do."

Greggs shares Farmer's belief that while Monday's session was productive, Slippery Rock has a long road ahead in order to properly address racial issues on and off campus. She said she feels mad that the student who defaced the poster is lacking so much in their personal life that they would resort to attacking the black community.

"It was a good beginning for a conversation that needs to be had on a more consistent basis,"

- Kemoni Farmer

Farmer said that several black students he knows did not return for the spring semester because of racial discrimination they faced on and off campus. Greggs echoed this sentiment, criticizing the university for presenting a false image of a multicultural campus. "[Minority students] think that they are coming to a diverse campus," Greggs said. "When they arrive here, they end up not receiving the support that they need from administration.

I want to help students find a voice and treat other people with respect.

Part of the reason I came here was because of their counseling program, and I'm glad to be in that position now."

NEWS

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February 22, 2019

POLICE BLOTTER February 14 - A person went to the police station to file a theft report, stating that his jacket, sweatpants and wallet were taken from a locker in the Aebersold Recreation Building. The case is under investigation.

February 14 - Slippery Rock Borough Police requested assistance with a domestic dispute at Madison Grove. The suspect was seen walking on Grove City Road and taken into custody by university police. No further action was taken by university police.

February 15 - Health Center requested an ambulance for a highly-intoxicated female. Police dispatched an ambulance to the Health Center.

February 15 - Police received an intruder alarm activation at the Bookstore. The alarm was set off by a bookstore employee entering the building.

The alarm was reset.

February 15 - Police received a call of a suspicious individual at Bailey Library. Officers checked the area and the person was gone on arrival.

February 15 - Police received a fire alarm from Rhoads Hall. Upon arrival, officers observed that the building was evacuated. Burnt food was the cause of the alarm. The alarm was reset.

February 15 - Police conducted a traffic stop on Kiester Road. Seth Sturgeon, 18, was cited with an alcohol violation.

February 15 - Pennsylvania State Police were at the university police station with a possible driving under the influence using the data master unit.

ROCK NOTES

February 15 - Slippery Rock Borough Police were at the university police station with a possible driving under the influence using the data master unit.

February 16 - Police conducted a traffic stop on North Road for a vehicle violation. Alexander Caprara, 19, and Austin Omatick, 20, were cited with alcohol violations.

February 17 - Police conducted a traffic stop at Union Commuter Lot for a vehicle violation resulting in possible driving under the influence and criminal charges being filed. Aiden Eval, 19, was cited with driving under the influence, and Camoron Adams, 19, Sandra Crutchman, 18, Erin Merryman, 19 and Garrett Wertz, 18, were cited with alcohol violations.

February 18 - Police received a call from the Health Center to report that a person was assaulted on Feb. 15. The victim wished to remain anonymous at this time.

February 18 - Police received a fire alarm activation from Rock Apartments. Upon officer arrival, the building was evacuated. Maintenance was notified and responded. The reason for the alarm is unknown, and the alarm system was reset.

February 18 - Slippery Rock Borough Police requested backup for a person who struck a Pennsylvania State Police vehicle on Kiester Road and was in pursuit on Route 8. University Police was notified that state police had the vehicle boxed in and did not need assistance. No further action was taken by university police.

February 19 - Police received an intruder alarm at the Ski Lodge. An officer checked the area and found all doors to be secure with no one nearby.

The alarm appeared to be malfunctioning. The alarm panel was reset.

February 19 - Slippery Rock Borough Police requested assistance with a possible burglary in progress on East Cooper Street. The caller stated the front door was unlocked. Officers checked the home and discovered the person of the home in shower and all was OK. No further action was taken.

February 19 - Police received a call of a tweet that was perceived as threatening from Rhoads Hall.

It is unknown who posted the tweet or where the message came from. The incident is under investigation.

February 20 - Police assisted with traffic control on Kiester Road. A semi-truck was stuck due to poor road conditions. The township notified for additional treatment on the roadway.

February 20 - Police received panic alarm at the counseling center in Rhoads Hall. An officer checked the area. The alarm appeared to be malfunctioning. The alarm panel was reset.

February 20 - Police received a call of water leaking into a student's room in Building E. Maintenance was notified and responded. The leak appeared to be coming from the roof of the building.

COMPILED BY HANNAH SHUMSKY

Campus Feud Game Show

The Power of Gender Stereotypes

Students compete in an SRU version of the classic TV game show, Family Feud!

Dr. Christia Spears Brown, author of Parenting Beyond Pink and Blue: How to Raise Your Kids Free of Gender Stereotypes, will discuss how parents, peers and culture affect children's gender stereotypes, and how to counter these influences.

Smith Student Center Theater Saturday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m.

A Space of their Own A Space of their Own: History of gardening in the African American community and progression through history. This is a program collaboration between the Office of Inclusive Excellence, history department and Macoskey Center.

Macoskey Center Monday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m.

105 Vincent Science Center Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 12:30 p.m.

Ebony Ball Join Black Action Society to Celebrate Black History Month with Music, Entertainment, Food and more!

Smith Student Center Ballroom Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.

A-5

February 22, 2019

Black History at SRU

In the fall of 1951, Margie ByrdWalker became the first black student enrolled at Slippery Rock University. Byrd-Walker faced pressure from administration and the community not to enroll at SRU because of her race, but she persisted. She wanted an education and pushed back against racial discrimination on and off campus. Byrd-Walker, and other black college students were trailblazers, paving the way for future generations to pursue higher education. These students attended Slippery Rock in the 1970s, a time of great racial tension and social upheaval across the United States. In the wake of racist vandalism in a campus housing facility discovered just last week, we are reminded of the oppressive path former SRU students have faced during their time here.

Attending a predominently white university, as evidenced by the vandalism, is a challenge that persists for marginalized students in 2019. As implored

by President Behre, now more than ever, it's time to listen and appreciate our multicultural classmates.

Photos courtesy of University Archives in Bailey Library

O

OPINION

Our View

Stop and Listen

OPINION

Volume 102, Issue Number 7

220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:

(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 therocketnewspapersru@gmail.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Eric Davies

Editor-In-Chief

Adam Zook

News Editor

Oscar Matous

Sports Editor

Megan Bush

Campus Life Editor

Heather Donat

Copy/ Web Editor GRAPHIC BY JACK HOPEY

Paris Malone

Photo Editor

Thomas Fabian

Multimedia Editor

Hannah Shumsky Karl Ludwig

Assistant News Editor Assistant Sports Editor

Hope Hoehler

Assistant Campus Life Editor

Sarah Allen

Assistant Copy/Web Editor

Jack Hopey

Assistant Photo Editor

Dr. Brittany Fleming

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Lauren Ault

Advertising Manager

Nicole Tolliver

Assistant Advertising Manager

ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University five times per academic semester. Total weekly circulation is 2,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The Rocket receives funding from the SGA Student Activity fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

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

CORRECTIONS

At the beginning of the week, The Rocket staff discussed a proper response to the racist vandalism in Rhoads Hall. We each felt strongly about the incident and we knew we thought the vandalism was wrong, but we didn't know what to say. What could an almost entirely white editorial board say that would meaningfully add to the dialogue? After an hour-long discussion, our staff decided to wait until the town hall hosted by President Behre had concluded to clarify our thoughts, and listen to what the students, faculty, and staff of Slippery Rock University wanted and believed.

During the town hall, attendees had the opportunity to submit their feelings anonymously through note cards in order to promote a more open discussion. One student used the card to say they believed that as a white

student, they were not allowed to have an opinion.

Following the statement, The Rocket decided we had the correct message to send to our peers. We believe that sometimes it is appropriate for us, as white students, to not begin these types of discussions with our own opinion.

In response to one question Monday night, Dr. Behre stated that he believes that it is impossible to come to a conversation without personal opinions and biases, and largely he is right. Every student at this university has a unique set of values and experiences that shape the way they view the world around them.

However, when it comes to the issue of race, many of our students have very little experience interacting with people who don't look like they do. Our university is over 85 percent

white as of fall 2017, and approximately half of our students come from just five counties in Pennsylvania.

Anyone who is approaching a conversation about race with firm beliefs, without having experienced what it means to live as an oppressed person in America, is not fully prepared to offer a complete perspective.

When we as white students try to control the narrative, regardless of what position we take, we are taking the spotlight from black students who are most affected by events like the one that happened last week. As white students, the closest we can get to an accepting and diverse campus is to be diverse and welcoming to all students and staff.

Without truly understanding the effect racism has on a black student, we will only be able to create something close to the campus we all want to have.

In the Quad

With that being said, The Rocket staff lends its ear to all: We are listening. Rather than trying to solve racism, with 10 white undergrads in a small town in western Pennsylvania, we remind all marginalized communities of this university that we support you, we want to hear your opinions, learn from your experiences, and we seek to build a more inclusive campus at your lead.

We will work with the administration, SGA, and any other groups who should be involved in hosting more discussions like the one on Monday night. Our opinion section is open for anyone to share their views with those who need to hear them.

Moving forward if you ever feel afraid to have an opinion, stop and listen to your fellow students with perspectives different from your own before broadcasting it to the world.

Question: Have you attended any Black History Month events this semester?

By: Tom Fabian 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.

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

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 Editor-in-Chief at the address listed here.

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

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

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

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

Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any. Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

Alivia Alfredo Senior Exercise Science Burton, OH

Cameron Pasinski Junior Information Technologies North Huntingdon

Shyanne Toomer Junior Biology Pittsburgh

“I have not been yet. I wanted to go to that forum, but I didn’t have time. I didn’t know that Keke Palmer was coming."

“Yeah I got to go to Keke Palmer where she came and visited the school. It was pretty cool and informative.”

“I have not, but I hopefully plan on going to one. I haven’t made any official plans yet.

Someone had emailed my coach about events and they forwarded it to our team in hopes that we would attend.”

February 22, 2019

OPINION

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So you can tend to your garden How can we support diversity on our campus?

Josiah Cole Josiah is a senior biology major and the President of the Student Union of Multicultural affairs Like many other students, I attended the town hall meeting on Monday. While I was impressed by much of what I heard, I think that we need to remember the role each of us can play to promote diversity on our campus so that we do not become lost in a sea of good intentions and policy details.

I noticed that many people at the meeting were focused on the school doing a better job of educating students about diversity, and increasing attendance of students from diverse backgrounds.

While I agree that these are necessary and very important steps, I would argue that we need to look at this as more than a policy problem for administrators, and consider how each of us can help to make a difference. I believe that if we truly want to create a welcoming and inclusive campus, we must all work towards building individual, genuine, lasting, respectful relationships with people different than ourselves.

On a trip to Uganda in 2011, as part of a missionary

group, I was surprised and deeply disappointed to see how a group of people with mixed racial and cultural backgrounds could utterly fail to get along with or respect each other. What started off as minor misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions between whites and Africans gradually led to people permanently breaking up into their own groups and spending all of their time with people who looked like them. I still remember how people talked every day about wanting unity and understanding, but somehow nobody stepped up to make it happen. At the same time, myself and a few friends spent our time in a mixed group, and I learned one of the most important lessons of my entire life: I realized that someone who looks completely different than me, and has a completely different background than me, can still understand me and be an amazing friend. On the other hand, I may not have anything in common with, or really understand, someone who happens to look like me on the surface. Coming to this understanding has completely changed the course of my life, and has led me to opportunities for friendship and personal growth that I could never have imagined.

Since 2011, I have had many similar experiences over the years. I have known many well-intentioned people who wanted diversity and understanding on an abstract level, but because they never took the (too simple?) step

of spending time interacting with others as friends and equals, they were never able to accomplish this goal. It is much more impressive to say that you are championing diversity for oppressed people than it is to share an hour or two of your day with a friend who just happens to be black; and yet, when I look back at my own life, I can clearly see which of these choices has made the biggest difference. At the town hall, we heard a question on one of the notecards about how a white person can be an ally to minority students on our campus. My answer to this question is: by simply sharing enough of our lives with people, we naturally come to a better understanding of who they are and what we can do to help.

I hope and believe that Dr. Behre, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, and the SGA will continue their efforts to improve our school and make it a more welcoming place for minorities; I applaud the steps that have been taken so far. But at the end of the day, if we are to improve the everyday experience of minority students and show that we want them to be here, it will require the participation of every student and professor on this campus. In case this sounds painful, I would say: Moving outside of my comfort zone has allowed me to expand my life and share it with all kinds of incredible people. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of the same opportunity?

All students should get involved in Student Government

Dallas Kline Dallas is a senior sport managment major and the President of the Student Government Association If the beginning of your college career was anything like mine, my acceptance into Slippery Rock meant a celebration and committing as soon as possible and a bit of fear of the unknown. Upon my deposit, I became part of the Rock family, easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. Slippery Rock became my home. Once I pulled up to Watson Hall on move-in day, I realized my college experience was going to be challenged with this question: how am I going to make a difference at The Rock?

Slippery Rock is a campus bursting with opportunities to get involved. You can do this through volunteering, on-campus employment, and let’s not forget, over 250 student organizations ranging from SOL to the American Marketing Association, that focus on common interests, passions and identities that give students a chance to follow their passions and make a difference. Many of these organizations formed

with change in mind: whether through politics, identities, social views, or personal beliefs, we all want to make Slippery Rock as incredible as it can be for all students.

Nevertheless, change does not come without effort. It seems to be that the issues that affect us as students are often overlooked or forgotten. Part of our role as students is to fight for the ideas and opportunities that we care about; whether it is college affordability, inclusivity, or more parking.

We are in charge of the future of Slippery Rock and have to stand up for what we believe in.

For these reasons, the idea of one shared governing body to represent all students came about over 80 years ago. But the power of the Student Government Association fully depends on how active it is, and how many students participate in it. This election season is your chance to step up and be a voice for the student body. Joining the SRSGA will give you an opportunity to make campus life better for the Slippery Rock students of today and tomorrow. Here is a quote that we love to use, “Sometimes leadership is planting trees whose shade you’ll never sit under.”

If not for a desire to leave campus better than when you got here, I can offer three other reasons to get involved with the Student Government Association.

First, each student pays the student activity fee each semester that goes straight to SGA each year. If you want to have control over your money, come learn more about our finance policy and how we operate to help fund clubs, athletics, and events.

Second, although I would not put this as top priority, it is a great resume builder.

I have had many internship interviews recently and I can almost always relate the work I did in SGA to a professional setting. Many organizations are going to want experience in their candidates, and this is your chance to gain some!

You will be able to manage a $2 million budget, work with a diverse group of students, practice public speaking, and more.

Finally, this will be the best experience of your entire life. I can promise you that.

I have gained so much from this organization including countless professional and interpersonal skills, best friends, and lifelong memories that have consisted of late night meetings, national conferences and countless bonding events with the people I love.

Find an application packet on CORE today under the Election Booth and do not miss your chance to change your life and this campus. Packets are due March 22 on CORE. Reach out to me at drk1006@sru.edu with any questions.

Dr. Alan Levy Dr. Levy is a history professor who has taught at SRU for 30 years I attended the Monday night assembly at the Smith Center and listened to the students and President Behre discuss the campus’ situation regarding racial issues. Some may say there was nothing sequential about the evening’s proceedings, but there really did not need to be. I was impressed with the clearly heart-felt expressions that came from many good people. I offer here nothing that disputes any major points that people raised. I merely wish to raise a few matters that could have come forth, and which may be of use to some as they further contemplate and discuss matters among themselves as our community evolves.

In regard to the actual notes scribbled on the poster in Rhoads Hall, the scribblings that prompted the press coverage and the campus meeting in the first place, I may have actually relayed a “thank you” back to the person(s) who wrote on the poster.

After all, they cited the fact that African-American men comprise but 6.5 percent of the US population while they constitute 52 percent of those convicted of murder; this leads me to respond: Thank you; your statistics may indeed underscore how the criminal justice system appears to be strongly weighted against African-American men.

(Asian and White men and women accused of murder are certainly convicted at far lower rates.)

Similarly, when you point out that 35 percent of abortions are performed on African-American women, you do indeed underscore the sad fact that many poor women, especially in the inner cities, have little financial or logistical means of access to other forms of birth control and, amidst their poverty, have then to resort to means which can be both medically dangerous and, for some, ethically agonizing. So thank you for pointing this out.

Dishonor hostility With mental agility (And a mere mask of civility); ‘Specially when the hostility, By its clear anonymity, Shows itself to be cowardly And devoid of civility.

This puckish cast in such a comment links me to a point I would ask President Behre and others to consider as an augmentation to what they have already expressed on Monday evening.

In the context of seeking to nudge people toward open discussions of such important topics as race on campus, President Behre level-headedly urged that name-calling be kept to a minimum. In one sense, he is correct: discussions about such sensitive matters as race should not be regarded any some sort of debate or contest. But in another sense there is a matter with which many minorities have to contend and which cannot always be ignored. I’ve seen it here and I saw it quite starkly at a school where previously taught—a highly competitive

New England prep school called Exeter, where the students felt themselves to be in keen rivalry with one another, as so many were intent on getting into places such as Yale and Harvard. At the lunch tables, in the five minutes before class, and in so many other places, AfricanAmerican students found themselves repeatedly hit with such little barbs as: “you’re just here because of Affirmative Action” or “I’ll have a tougher time getting into Harvard, as your race gives you a leg up on me.” This happened, and happens, all the time. I have experienced some of the same little shots in my years here at SRU: Several times, when I’ve published books, I’ve encountered such smiling snips as: “You Jews certainly do overachieve don’t you?”

(And these came from faculty and administrators.) For me, because of age (and tenure), this has not prompted much of the emotional churning that I believe many young African Americans go through with any such daily naggings. The point here is, as no less than such a genius as the writer James Baldwin once commented: all such barbs seek to diminish the humanity of the targeted person. To Baldwin they were but milder versions of “N___!” The racial “snipers” shoot the little darts because they feel threatened, and they want to reduce the ferocity of what threatens them.

Students hit by such darts

President Behre and the rest of us— administration, faculty, and staff—are here to help you. That is our job, and we do it gladly. can feel their humanity diminished, and they want to get it back. It’s only natural.

It does not pay to fake it and say: “it doesn’t bother me.”

For if it really does hurt, the false denial only makes it worse. At the same time, any verbal responses can too easily waste valuable time. The dart throwers are obviously not in a mood for honest discussion anyway. The person(s) who “graffiti’ed” the poster in Rhoads is such a sniper. The solution is to figure a way to reclaim that snippet of humanity people like the Rhoads’ dart thrower took away, and to do so as deftly and quickly as possible.

We can’t pretend it did not happen; the question is what is the best recourse.

I propose a solution here, which I call a “tactful tactic,” is one that involves but a little more assertiveness than Pres.

Behre’s ideas suggest, but one that reclaims one’s humanity.

It takes virtually no energy or time to carry out, but it does take a lot of work in careful preparation. It is a solution that a student friend of mine at Exeter used to great effect every time she was hit by a darting reference to her allegedly privileged Aff. Act. status in getting into a place like Yale (which she did). Every time she felt such a verbal arrow shot at her, she smiled and took out a recently returned test or quiz in Math or Chemistry or English. She’d casually look at the dart thrower and say: “Look; I just got a 92 on this Math test; what did you get?”

This usually chilled their s___ right out.

Hey sucka’, You want to get in my face & put me “in my place?”

Well, I’m kickin’ it in Math; How you doin’, Ace?

The outer point here, of course, is not only that this student would never feel in any way degraded, or derailed from her work, when she has a recently aced Organic Chemistry test proudly at the ready. Any “dart” thus misses its target. The humanity of the “target” remains totally intact (and smiling broadly), while the “shooter” usually slinks away. President Behre is right when he says it’s not about winning, but retrieving and holding onto a diminished sense of one’s humanity is a matter that cannot be ignored either.

A second point here is more important. That student at Exeter had to involve herself in that totally liberating thing called hard work. This is the element I offer as an addition to the otherwise useful discussions of Monday night.

As a veteran of 35+ years of teaching, I can assert that if you are really focused on your work, any petty efforts to derail you will seldom have their desired de-humanizing effects. It may seem simple, but quality performances via hard work usually settle any discussions about who deserves an admission or a job or a promotion.

Students, you are here, fundamentally, not to form a community but to use an existing, evolving community (to which you certainly contribute) to propel yourselves towards satisfying and fulfilling careers and lives. President Behre and the rest of us— administration, faculty, and staff—are here to help you.

That is our job, and we do it gladly. Your job is to use us to further yourselves. We’re here to assist, and our hope is that with our assistance you’ll nail those top marks in Chem., Accounting, Calculus, English,…and become that PT, PA, MD, CPA, … From there many of you will then pursue careers, start families, and establish yourselves in communities of your own making and continue the processes of lending others your support.

From Monday night, I affirm that we are sincerely grateful to you students for helping SRU continue to hone and improve the quality of the community that we build in our efforts to help you rise in your various career and life goals.

Let the overwhelming majority of your time here then be spent on the body of work you need to master SO YOU CAN go forth from SRU and make your lives better and make the world a better place. Dwell on your work and, from time to time, let us know how we can make your environment better. Let us do our job SO YOU CAN best do yours. In such an environment of support and well-focused studying, nagging things like graffiti scrawled on a poster in a dorm will matter little (and can even be deftly turned into points of entertainment for the rest of us.)

Their lies the bargain: We’ll help furnish the tools While you attend to your garden.

--Alan Levy, History Dept.

February 22, 2019

B-3

S

ROCK BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW Watch the video interview at theonlinerocket.com

SPORTS

Ahead of their time Former coaches paved the way for future diversity

By Karl Ludwig Assistant Sports Editor

When walking around the campus of Slippery Rock University, most of the faces that pass by—85.4 percent to be exact—are going to be white.

When attending class across Slippery Rock's campus, 86.8 percent of the time, the face at the front of the classroom is going to be white.

Unfortunately, that trend also carries over to the gridiron, the courts and the pitch.

Since Paul Lueken took over as the Director of Athletics in 1994, there have been countless African-American assistant coaches but only three African-American head coaches at SRU. Lueken attributed part of the blame to the fact that, for the most part, the coaching tenures of SRU head coaches have been very stable over the last quarter century.

“I’ve been here 25 years,” explained Lueken. “Football?

We’ve only had two coaches.

Baseball? We’ve only had one coach. Track and field? Only one coach. Volleyball? Only one coach. Softball? We’ve had three and one of them was Vashion Johnson.”

With the hire of Vashion Johnson, Lueken said that Johnson was one of the most fun coaches that he has had the pleasure of working with during his time at The Rock.

Johnson was brought into the university to jumpstart the softball program, which had languished in the basement of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference standings for nearly two decades. Fourteen straight seasons of sub-.500 softball preceded Johnson’s tenure with the team.

“Vashion Johnson…we brought him in to get our softball program going and he did a great job,” stated Lueken. “He got us to NCAA postseason play and to be much more competitive in the conference. He got the opportunity to move onto the next level. He’s a Division I coach now.”

During Johnson’s eight years with the Green and White, he became the program’s most accomplished head coach by setting 42 school records.

Johnson’s 184 career victories made him SRU’s winningest softball coach of all-time.

Johnson guided the squad to its first PSAC Tournament appearance in 2009 and the first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history during the 2008 season.

Following a 19-13 season in 2011, Johnson left for Division I program North Carolina Central University where he currently serves as the head coach.

"Whether it be people of color, different orientation, internationally and from around the country, we are as diverse as any group here," - Director Lueken

Lueken stressed that almost every coach he has hired has been a great person and, that was especially true with the hiring of men’s basketball coaches, Anthony Jones and Jamal Palmer in 1995 and 2006, respectively.

“Anthony was a great guy.

He was a strong family value guy; he had a big family.

In the end, he just couldn’t win enough games. We gave him a long haul here and he couldn’t quite get into the areas we needed to get into,” Lueken said.

One of the first coaches that Lueken hired as a second year Athletic Director at SRU, Jones inherited a difficult situation following the loss of scholarships under the leadership of the previous AD before Lueken.

For the first four years of Jones’ tenure, the basketball team operated under sanctions levied by the NCAA in 1993. Scholarship funds were slashed to a league-low sum of $58,000.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Jones, the current Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at Thiel College, coached the Green and White for seven seasons. The Rock went 57120 during his time coaching at Morrow Field House.

Unable to revive Rock basketball during his seven years with the team, Lueken felt that it was time to make a change.

“I think we gave him a fair shot and he gave us a great effort,” explained Lueken. “He was a good man, but it was just time to try somebody different.”

Fo l l ow i n g Jo n e s’ dismissal in 2002, SRU struggled mightily under the leadership of new Rock coach John Marhefka.

With just 25 wins in 106 contests, Rock assistant Jamal Palmer took over for Marhefka following the 2005 season. However, Palmer’s promotion may have been premature.

“Jamal was an assistant that we moved up to head coach, and he was here for two years,” Lueken said.

“He was another good guy but probably wasn’t quite ready yet to be a head coach.

We wanted to give him that opportunity.”

Palmer was hired to attempt to inject more youth into the stalled basketball program.

The experiment did not pan out as Palmer’s tenure ended two years later following a 12-42 run.

With Johnson, Jones and Palmer experiencing mixed results during their times with SRU, Lueken expressed his desire to maintain a diverse and inclusive athletic department but the opportunity to hire new head coaches has not always been present.

“I haven’t had to hire a volleyball coach or a track coach or a baseball coach,” Lueken said. “Football coach…that was Coach Lutz. He was groomed

by Coach Mihalik for the position, but we’ve had lots of African-American assistant coaches. One of our African-American grad assistants just took a position with Toledo. We’ve had former African-American assistants who are out there coaching at higher levels.

Keith Willis is an example of that with the Steelers.”

Despite the lack of African-American head coaches at SRU, Lueken emphasized how even with the lack of head coaches, the athletic department has continued to increase and strive for diversity with African-American associate and assistant ADs along with countless assistant

Courtesy of the SRU Archives Vashion Johnson during his time as SRU's softball coach. He left The Rock following the 2011 season where he hold the school record for wins with 184.

Courtesy of the SRU Archives Anthony Jones coached The Rock from 1995 to 2002 where he accumulated a 57-120 record. Jones came into the program during a turbulent time while The Rock was under sanction.

Courtesy of the SRU Archives Anthony Jones talked to his team during a game in 1995. Jones was one of the first coaches Paul Lueken hired after being appointed Athletic Director.

coaches across the varsity level.

“We definitely try. If there’s a qualified applicant, then we’re definitely going to bring them in and interview them,” Lueken explained. “I have an African-American associate athletic director, and I just had an African-American assistant athletic director that left for an associate AD job.

From that point of view, I think we’ve proven that if there’s a qualified candidate, we’re going to hire them.”

With the representation of African-American coaches rising at the assistant level, Lueken has expressed his desire to continue to promote assistants who wish to rise within the program.

While no AfricanAmerican head coach currently calls The Rock home, Lueken said that he feels as though SRU’s athletic department is as diverse as any on campus and that diversity is represented in many ways.

“Whether it be people of color, different orientation, be it sexual or other, internationally and from around the country, we are as diverse as any group here,” Lueken said. “We haven’t seen issues because they’re all working toward the same thing. They’re teammates.”

Whether having the success of Johnson or the difficult times of Palmer, each of the three AfricanAmerican coaches who have been at SRU have led the way

for future African-American head coaches and all those in the athletic department and working as assistant coaches.

While the diversity among coaches at The Rock appears to be lacking, promising AfricanAmerican assistant coaches and individuals of color in the athletic department have the future of Rock athletics heading in the right direction.

With the renewed success and prominence of varsity athletics across the board at SRU, Lueken has attributed the diversity among coaches, athletes and faculty in leading the university forward.

Trailblazers like Vashion Johnson, Anthony Jones and Jamal Palmer will be looked back upon as those who truly began the movement.

SPORTS

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PSAC WEST

February 22, 2019

Rock picked third in PSAC-West Rock looks to build off of strong 2018

STANDINGS Men's Basketball 1.

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Indiana (PA.) Slippery Rock Mercyhurst Pitt-johnstown Gannon Seton hill Edinboro California (Pa.)

22-2 (15-2) 18-7 (15-3) 17-5 (12-5) 14-11 (9-9) 9-16 (7-11) 8-16 (6-12) 8-14 (5-12) 7-16 (5-12)

Women's Basketball 1.

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Indiana (Pa.) California (Pa.) Edinboro Seton Hill Pitt-johnstown Slippery Rock Gannon Mercyhurst Clarion

21-1 (16-1) 20-3 (14-3) 17-6 (12-5) 15-10 (9-9) 12-13 (8-10) 10-14 (8-10) 11-15 (7-11) 9-15 (6-11) 8-15 (2-14) PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Senior Kailey Myers races down the first base line during a game last season. She won the PSAC-West Player of the Year last year, hitting .419 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs.

By Karl Ludwig

Baseball 1.

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Pitt-Johnstown Indiana (Pa.) Clarion California (Pa.) Gannon Mercyhurst seton hill Slippery Rock

AssistantSports Editor

4-2 (o-0) 2-3 (0-0) 1-2 (0-0) 0-0 (0-0) 0-0 (0-0) 0-0 (0-0) 0-0 (0-0) 0-0 (0-0)

Softball 1.

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Slippery Rock Mercyhurst edinboro gannon Seton Hill california (Pa.)

1-4 (0-0) 1-5 (0-0) 0-0 (0-0) 0-0 (0-0) 0-0 (0-0) 0-6 (0-0)

Tennis 1.

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Indiana (Pa.) Slippery rock California (Pa.) Seton Hill mercyhurst Clarion Edinboro

2-1 (0-0) 4-2 (0-0) 4-3 (0-0) 3-3 (0-0) 2-3 (0-0) 0-1 (0-0) 0-4 (0-0)

Selected to finish third in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-West division by coaches in the conference, Slippery Rock softball coach Stacey Rice acknowledged the respect but ultimately wrote off the preseason buzz for what it is.

“We have so much to prove to ourselves, and we haven’t reached our goals yet,” Rice laughed. “As much as it’s easy to get caught up in those things, it means absolutely nothing.”

Typically, preseason expectations and polls have virtually zero impact on the success of a sports team. What matters is the preparation put into the coming off a new season and Rice is happy to have had basically a year to reload from last season’s loss of six seniors.

“There’s always a transition period every year, you always lose seniors whether it’s two, three or six like we did. There was definitely an identity change, but the great thing is we have almost an entire year to figure that out,” Rice explained.

The Slippery Rock women’s softball team

experienced the greatest success of Rice’s tenure at The Rock last season and just narrowly missed out on the PSAC Tournament.

This season, Rice and her team look forward to their ultimate goal: winning the PSAC championship.

"Our vision was our expectation for what we want to do this season—it’s written on our board—it’s to win a championship,” sophomore pitcher Camie Shumaker said.

Despite losing some veteran senior leadership and production from players like Emily Nagle, Brooke Dawson and Lauren Hawley to graduation, junior PSACWest Player of the Year Kailey Myers and senior All-PSAC infielder Megan Brown headline a strong senior class.

Myers and Brown, along with junior outfielder Alexa Guglielmino, sophomore infielder Becca Roesch and senior outfielder Caitlyn MacKelvey return as position player starters for this season.

“Kailey Myers, Megan Brown... top performers coming back. They’re picking up where those other six left off. We have another strong six, they just look different,” Rice said.

On the mound, The Rock returns two sub-3.00 ERA

pitchers in Shumaker and senior Andria Copelli.

Shumaker looks to improve upon a stellar freshman season as the ace of the Green and White’s rotation. Copelli returns for her senior season after posting a team-low 2.75 ERA last season.

Despite the experience and leadership of the returners for this season’s squad, the young roster is comprised of mainly freshmen and sophomores.

“We’re a very young team. There are only six upperclassmen but the talent is the same or even better,” Myers said.

To begin the season, The Rock will play the first 20 games on the road. Series in South Carolina, Virginia, and spring break in Florida will provide a valuable learning experience for the entire squad.

“It’s being able to use these weekends as an opportunity to work on some things we can’t inside, get game pace ready and really challenge our pitchers,” Rice commented.

“They’re really only used to seeing our batters. There’s a lot to learn in these next couple weeks.”

Right off the bat, the Green and White began the season in South Carolina for the Myrtle Beach Softball

PSAC CHAMPIONSHIPS SAT. FEB. 23 & SUN. FEB. 24

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Rock softball comes together after a game last season. The team finished last season with a record of 24-19 and fourth in the PSAC-West.

Tournament over the weekend of Feb. 15-17.

“Meeting our goals for each individual tourney helps us build confidence and just start to get rolling,” Shumaker said.

While the tournament provided The Rock with their first taste of action this season, Rice expressed how it was not just her team having their first game but everyone in attendance.

“It’s really an opportunity for us to see how we match against some really good competition and see if we did the work we needed to do during the offseason,” said Rice.

With the official start to the softball season now underway, a couple of players have received votes of confidence from the coach and some of their peers. Rice mentioned that she assumes the players who have had breakout seasons will continue to produce at high levels and lesser-known players will take that leap to stardom.

“I just have this feeling that Alexa Gugliamino is going to have a breakout year. She had a great sophomore year but that sophomore to junior year, we see time and time again that jump. She’s one that’s there at that jump.”

The trio of Shumaker, Myers and Brown pointed to sophomore catcher Leah Vith as someone who could make an impact now that she has the starting catcher position solidified.

“Leah being our main catcher and being able to hit all the time is going to do a lot for her, and it’s going to be a good year,” Shumaker said.

With the first home game not coming until March 25 against Lock Haven University and the PSAC-West play beginning soon thereafter, The Rock has a month and a half of softball to be played in warm weather against teams that will only be seen once this season. Shumaker said that working to grow as a team and not just individuals will be the biggest goal leading up to conference play.

The first test of adversity hit the team last weekend at the Myrtle Beach Softball Tournament when a four game skid followed a debut victory over South New Hampshire University.

Close losses to Georgian Court University, no. 4 Saint Anselm College and Merrimack College saw strong pitching from Shumaker and Copelli but an offensive drought from Rock batters.

The weekend culminated in a 14-1 routing at the hands of the University of New Haven, in which the Chargers used an 11-run second inning to defeat The Rock.

While a 1-4 start to the young season does not scream potential, The Rock will have a few weeks of unexpected training to iron out any early season struggles before the next tournament.

The Green and White will be back in action at the NTC Tournament in Clermont, Fl. over spring break.

Preseason expectations and early season adversity aside, Rice is just happy to finally get back on the softball field.

February 22, 2019

SPORTS

C-3

Messer confident in team heading into season Strong freshmen class and veteran leadership mitigate senior losses from last season

By Oscar Matous Sports Editor

Following a 30-19 (199) record last season, the Slippery Rock University baseball team has been ranked third in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)-West Division to begin the 2019 season, situated behind Mercyhurst University and defending conference champion Seton Hill University. Rock head coach Jeff Messer attributed the ranking to the youth of his team.

"We lost a lot of guys from last year," said Messer, who enters his 34th season leading The Rock. "Mercyhurst and Seton Hill definitely are the lead teams in the conference this year. Spots three through eight are going to be real tight.

Every game is going to count; so whether we're three or eight, we'll find out soon."

This season, The Rock is forced to replace five key starting position players from last year in Christian Porterfield, Luca Fuscardo, Kyle Wise, Mitchell Wood and All-American Tyler Walters. The trio of Walters, Porterfield and Fuscardo accounted for 148 of The Rock's 337 RBIs (44 percent), while Walters and Porterfield hit 45 percent of the team's 64 home runs (29). Messer acknowledged the losses and said his team is going to have a different philosophy heading into 2019.

"We could sit back and look for a three-run or a five-run inning last season with Walters, Porterfield and Mitch Wood," Messer said.

"This year we will probably be going back to a more traditional format to where we're going to play for a run each inning, whenever we get the opportunity. If that means bunting runners over, if that means running a little bit more or doing a hit and run, then we will do that."

The Rock is not completely out of offensive threats as seniors Joe Campagna and Frankie Jezioro, and sophomore Abraham Mow are all starters returning to the lineup, with the latter of the two winning the PSACWest Player of the Year. These three players combined for 114 RBIs, 23 home runs and a 1.707 slugging percentage in 2018.

Messer said his biggest expectation for his returning starters is for them to be able to duplicate the season they had last year.

"If these guys could have the season they had last year, I would be happy with that," Messer said. "We're going to rely on Campagna and Jezioro to have strong senior seasons and hope for Mow to continue right where he left off last year as a freshman."

The Rock pitching staff is likewise undergoing a change to their personnel. Alex Pantuso and Matt Gordon, The Rock's no. 1 and no.

Lueken CONTINUED FROM LUEKEN A-1

Lueken said the university has strategic goals they follow to promote diversity among their athletic programs. It's a goal of not only Slippery Rock, but of the NCAA to be as inclusive and diverse as possible, Lueken explained.

"Again, it's very sport specific because of the

2 starters last season, are both gone with the former of the two being drafted by the Oakland Athletics.

Senior Chris Anastas will be poised to be The Rock's no.

1 starter with fellow seniors Tanner Stanz and Ryan Tapp alternating between no. 2 and no. 3, Messer said.

"Anastas is our one, no question," Messer said. "And depending on who we are playing, either Stanz or Tapp will be our go-to no. 2."

Messer's starting pitching options don't end there as he has a number of players that are capable of filling that no. 4 starting pitcher position when needed. Freshman Ricky Mineo is likely to see time in that position as well as junior Jaret Peterson and redshirt freshman J.T. Wolke, who will likely be used in a bullpen role, but has the capability of being a starter when needed, Messer said.

The Rock's pitching depth goes further with freshmen Luke Truman and Collin Cain, both graduates from North Allegheny, expecting to see some time as well, Messer said. Seniors Alex Worthington and Zach Manasek , and Redshirt junior Jay Cortese are all expected to make appearances this season in either bullpen roles or in spot-starts, Messer said.

Anchoring The Rock's bullpen is senior Wyatt Daugherty. Daugherty made 21 appearances last season while serving as the Green and White's primary closer.

In 28.2 innings pitched, Daugherty went 3-5 with a 3.14 ERA that included 26 strikeouts and a PSAC-best nine saves. Messer said there was some thought among the coaching staff of shifting Daugherty's role this season.

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Sophomore Abraham Mow field the ball during a game against Seton Hill last season. Mow is slated to return as The Rock's leadoff hitter this season.

"There was thought even of maybe moving [Daugherty] into more of a starting role," Messer explained. "But I think his role with his arm and everything served him best and us best as a closer."

Messer said his team's bullpen is going to be the key to The Rock's success this season.

"We have the depth and if we can get our starters four, five innings, then we should be in pretty good shape relying on our bullpen," Messer said.

"We have a number of guys like Daugherty, Worthington and Wolke in that backside of the bullpen that can fill the role of closing out the game for us."

Besides the notable freshmen additions to the pitching staff, Messer highlighted the number of position players looking to

make a name for themselves during their rookie season.

Anthony Cinicola, Zach Mancz, Cal Rickert and Alex Robenolt headline a freshman class that Messer called one of the best he has seen during his time at The Rock.

Messer acknowledged that calling his team "young" is correct, in a sense.

"I say young, but it's more the freshmen class that we have this season," Messer explained. "I think we are going to be able to compete with anybody this season, particularly because of our pitching and our defense."

Taking over behind the plate for The Rock is junior Joe Sibeto. Sibeto, who played at both Gulf Coast State College and Harford Community College before coming to The Rock, is expected to make an immediate impact for The Rock this season, Messer said.

"Sibeto is a very good catch and throw guy," Messer said.

"With him behind the plate, defensively, we have a very good catcher that will be able to communicate well with the pitchers."

Despite the season just beginning, Messer said he has potential starting lineups in mind for the first couple of games. Mow is expected to leadoff for The Rock and play third base, a role he had last year and is comfortable with, Messer said. In the twohole, The Rock has multiple

options, but Jezioro is expected to fill that role while being the center fielder, due to his speed and the fact that he is a switch hitter. Like Mow, Campagna is guaranteed the third spot in the batting order and returns as the shortstop while the cleanup hitter is uncertain, Messer said. Redshirt freshman Mike Collins will probably fill that void for The Rock during the beginning of the season, Messer explained.

"Mike will probably primarily be used as a designated hitter for us," Messer said. "But we could see about using the (Zach) Mancz in that role because he is a left-handed hitter and provides some power for us."

Junior Tyler Merigliano split time last season at first base and will resume duties there again, ideally hitting fifth in the batting order.

Senior utility player Ray Scala will most likely hit sixth and play in left field. Scala has proven his versatility for Messer during his time at The Rock, playing each of the outfield positions, while also spending time at second base, third base and shortstop.

Batters seven through nine are still officially undecided, Messer said.

"Joe Sibeto will probably be batting seventh, but that is still subject to change," Messer said. "Eighth will probably be Bo Williams or Nick Reynosa, who will be

battling it out to be our right fielder. Rounding out the order will Jon Kozarian who will be our second baseman."

Messer said that although this lineup is feasible, that it is just one of the many he and the coaching staff have came up with.

"The top three [batters] of Mow, Jezioro and Campagna are for sure set to start the season," said Messer, confidently.

Campagna acknowledged that the team might not have the power that they had last year but remains confident that The Rock can put up runs this season.

"Last season, it was Walters and Porterfield putting up big offensive numbers for us," Campagna said. "This season, we are going to focus on situational hitting, but I wouldn't dismiss the idea of our team being a powerhitting team. We still have Abe [Mow], Frankie [Jezioro] and myself."

The 2019 season will be Messer's 34th as head coach of The Rock. The winningest coach in PSAC history, Messer enters the season with 994 career wins and six wins away from being the eighteenth coach in Division II to get 1,000 wins. Messer said the record is not something that keeps him up at night.

"I am not a numbers guy," said Messer, humbly. "If we could win the first six games

to get it out of the way, that would be a blessing. I don't think about it and I don't want the team to be out there worrying about it; so hopefully we'll have it done by the time the PSAC games start."

Messer said that once he does get to 1,000 wins, it will because of the players that he has coached throughout his time at The Rock.

"We have had some outstanding players to get to 1,000 wins over the years," Messer said. "It's a credit to the players that this program has had."

The Rock will have to delay the start of their season, as the four-game weekend Dinwiddie Invitational in Virginia has been canceled due to inclement weather. The Rock will begin a four-game series against West Virginia State University on March 2 and 3 before heading South again to North Carolina for a six-game series against four teams over the course of SRU's Spring Break (March 8-14).

Campagna said he is eager to go down South for a couple of games because it helps set the mood for the rest of the season.

"Those first couple of games will be important for our team because we can see where we are at as a team before PSAC play starts," Campagna said. "The warm weather hrlps because it helps us stay positive and get into a sort of rhythm."

availability of the student athletes out there that we are in the market to recruit," Lueken said. "There might be and have been great minority athletes in the Pittsburgh area, but if they are Division I level, we won't get them. We're making it a goal to recruit more and more athletes within highly populated urban areas to

help bring diversity to our athletics, so I think we are making some headway."

SRU has recently found itself amid controversy due to a flyer promoting Black History Month being found defaced in Rhoads Hall earlier this month. In response to a community discussion held

by Rock President William J. Behre on Feb. 18, Lueken

said that athletics are a strong way to help bring students on campus together.

"We have studentathletes working together to accomplish a common goal and that's to be successful for the team," Lueken said.

"I would say that a strong majority of our studentathletes, who are certainly not perfect, view their teammates

as teammates. The color of skin does not matter; and to my knowledge, we have never had any race related issues."

As a whole, SRU falls "in the middle of the pact" when it comes to diversity across campus, with 5.3 percent (403) of undergraduate students being reported as Black, according to College Factual. Lueken believes

we can use athletics to help increase those numbers.

"When people come to our games, whether it's football, basketball, soccer, whatever, they see how well our student-athletes work together," Lueken said. "We want to attract people to want to come here or to enroll their kids here; and I think we are doing a good job at that."

"I think we are going to be able to compete with anybody this season, particularly because of our pitching and defense,"- Coach Messer

February 22, 2019

SPORTS

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New coach, new pitchers, no problem Messer confident in new pitching coach “He brings a calming sense to the pitching staff, and they are all very comfortable with him. He knows Slippery Rock, he knows the expectations within our program, and we are very fortunate to have him here.”

A departure of any coach can certainly be tough to deal with, especially in the case of Kovalik, as four Rock pitchers earned PSAC West honors under only two years of his guidance. Holliday can make an impact in his own right, as he will use his experience not only as a former player, but from the perspective of someone who has been involved with coaching baseball for several years as well. Due to his experience, Coach Messer believes that the transition from Kovalik to Holliday has been seamless.

“He has been involved with baseball since he left here in 2011; he runs a baseball school with his

brother and we have seen him every year since then. He was the pitching coach for the last few years for North Allegheny, and we have a few pitchers on our team now who have played for him there or over the summer, so it’s not unfamiliar territory for a lot of our pitchers.”

Messer said.

In addition to Coach Holliday, The Rock also added seven new pitchers to the roster this season that consists of five freshmen: Ricky Mineo, Andy McClymonds, Luke Trueman, Colin Cain and Chad Neugebauer, with two Division I transfers in Corey Burkes and Joe Dombrowski.

A promising freshman class will certainly take notes from the senior quartet of Ryan Tapp, Tanner Stanz, Wyatt Daugherty and Chris Anastas. These men will be tasked with replacing the services of Alex Pantuso and

Matt Gordon. But with a new pitching coach and an assortment of young talent, Coach Messer believes that this freshmen class has uncapped potential.

“I think this is our best freshman pitching class that we have brought in in a very long time,” Messer said. “There are some very good arms in this freshmen class, and we have two talented transfers that came in as well. We have plenty of good arms, but they still have to go out there produce.”

Although The Rock lost their pitching coach who had experience playing for SRU along with a few big arms from last season’s squad, Coach Messer welcomes in another Rock alumni with several years of experience, along with multiple pitchers with powerful arms. Coach Holliday and his new found battalion will look to turn heads in 2019.

Tanner Stanz

Wyatt Daugherty

Chris Anstas

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Senior Ryan Tapp delivers a pitch against Seton Hill University last season. Tapp finished 2018 with a 6.84 ERA amd 54 strikeouts.

By Zack Bonnette Senior Rocket Contributor

Coming off a 2018 campaign in which head coach Jeff Messer led the Slippery Rock baseball team to a pristine 30-19 record, The Rock will look to replicate that success with a handful of new faces as the 2019 season approaches.

After the departure of their highly successful pitching coach John Kovalik, who accepted an offer this past year to work within the Houston Astros organization, Coach Messer was more than pleased to extend the job offer to another one of his alumni, Sean Holliday.

Holliday, a standout pitcher who served a variety of roles for the Green

and White from 20072010, whether it was relief or closing out games, was the perfect choice to take the job. When asked about what Holliday brings to the table for Slippery Rock, Messer was unwavering in his support of his new hire.

“I knew he would be an outstanding candidate for the position; Sean was our first choice,” Messer said.

2018 Statistics • 3-2 • 6.30 ERA • 30IP

2018 Statistics • 3-5 • 3.14 ERA • 28.2 IP

2018 Statistics • 5-1 • 3.91 ERA • 50.2 IP

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Check out our online exclusive coverage at theonlinerocket.com

CAMPUS LIFE

Keke Palmer connects with SRU The actress and author discussed her career, the stereotypes she defied and her uplifting book

By Tom Fabian Multimedia Editor

Representing black culture in media started at a young age for actress and author Keke Palmer, and this was a large part of her discussion with students during a question and answer session on Tuesday. The Slippery Rock University Program Board (UPB) hosted the event, held in the Smith Student Center ballroom, as part of a series of events celebrating Black History Month on campus.

You may recognize Palmer most from her role on the Nickelodeon

television show "True Ja c k s o n , V. P. , " b u t technically, her original acting debut was at the age of nine when she auditioned for a stage production of "The Lion King." She did not receive the part, but later, when Palmer's career did begin, it was definitely interesting.

Her parents, Larry and Sharon Palmer, were not strangers to the acting scene; they met in drama school and worked as professional actors.

According to Palmer, they "literally drove four days and three nights to California for me to pursue my dreams, and the rest is history." The Palmers lived

in Illinois at the time.

After her career took off with Nickelodeon, Palmer started to audition for and land more serious parts, including her role as Marty Maraschino in Grease Live! While at first apprehensive to the role, Palmer eventually took to the part.

"We all realized, at the end of those two months, we played a part in creating history and a moment for the younger generations to say, 'Yeah, they had all kinds of people in this show, and I can relate to it because I can see myself in it,'" she said.

Palmer went on to discuss her many other roles, such as her starring

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Keke Palmer discusses her career onstage and in television and movies with the audience in the Smith Student Center Ballroom Tuesday evening. The University Program Board hosted this event in celebration of Black History Month, and part of Palmer's discussion included her motivation to represent her community and defy stereotypes in entertainment media.

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Palmer greets the crowd at the beginning of her event in the ballroom. In addition to talking about her career as an actress, Keke Palmer also mentioned her book, "I Don’t Belong to You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice," and her fight with anxiety and depression while in the spotlight. She inspired the students in the audience, reminding them that they're not alone.

role in the Broadway musical "Cinderella" and her role as Wednesday in the 2018 film "Pimp."

"I do pride myself in definitely doing work that also shows me different worlds but definitely represents my community," she said.

After discussing her histor y in film and television, Palmer gave students in the audience some wise words relating to mental health and how to take care of yourself.

As Palmer discovered while writing her book "I Don’t Belong to You: Quiet

the Noise and Find Your Voice," it takes some time to realize that you’re not alone when dealing with anxiety and depression, and that we should all learn to forgive ourselves more — we’re just trying to figure everything out for ourselves.

Palmer closed the discussion with some inspirational words to students who would like to follow in her footsteps.

"You don’t have to fit anyone’s stereotypes," she said. "You don’t have to try to be what other people want you to be.

All you have to do is be true to you, and you can change the world by being an individual, not what people want you to be. We are not one-note as human beings, and definitely not one-note as a culture."

After the question and answer session, Palmer moved to the theater for a book signing.

UPB has more events coming up this semester, including the spring concert, among others. Keep up with the organization on social media @SRUPB or on CORE.

Students inspired to 'flex their complexions'

By Jack Konesky Junior Rocket Contributor

On Wednesday, Feb. 20, Slippery Rock University's Black Action Society (BAS) held an event titled "Flexin' My Complexion" in room 111 of the Eisenberg Classroom Building.

Featuring a panel comprised of members of the general body and staff of BAS, the organization hoped to foster an open discussion between the panel and attendees about racism, colorism, and the black experience.

"As the vice president, I have to conduct and construct the general body meetings, so this was originally going to be a general body meeting with topics to talk about and everything. Then we started to rethink how we wanted to structure it: how we wanted it to be a panel and a discussion, how we wanted to be deeper than [a general body meeting]," explained Danaya Jackson, a junior public health major and vice president of BAS. "A lot of times whenever you talk about racism and colorism, it's just going through the first list and it's like, 'Oh okay, so what is it, how does it affect you?'

We wanted it to be about deep-rooted issues and how we as the black community affect each other."

Colorism, as defined by a slide during the event,

is "prejudice and discrimination against individuals with a darker skin tone, particularly within the same ethnicity or racial group." Each of the panel members was asked to talk about their own experiences in life, how their own complexions affected their perception of the world growing up, and how these issues came to be in the first place.

Attendees were encouraged to ask questions and be part of the discussion themselves. Topics ranged from the meaning of certain terms such as "redbone" or "nappy" to whether or not it may be appropriate to ask someone what their cultural background was. Throughout the proceedings, the conversation was civil and lighthearted, with laughs being a common occurrence that helped to provide levity to the more serious issues on display. BAS, as a whole, hopes to do just that with the student body here at SRU. Through general body meetings and open discussion in and around campus, the goal is to create a sense of belonging and community while addressing and providing information pertaining to cultural concerns regarding race.

"My freshman year when I first came up here, I wasn't too social," Jackson said, recalling her history with the organization. "My friend who was here at the panel was a part of their e-Board

HUNTER CASILIO / THE ROCKET

A panel and audience of students gathered in the auditorium in Eisenberg Classroom Building to have a discussion about colorism, complexion, self love and black on black prejudice. The discussion, "Flexin' My Complexion," was sponsored by Black Action Society.

and she invited me out a couple of times, so it was pretty nice and it was really welcoming... by my junior year, this was something that I was involved in—I wanted to push these issues,

I wanted to help with these events, I wanted to help spread knowledge."

SEE BAS PAGE D-2

CAMPUS LIFE BAS provides sense of belonging D-2

February 22, 2019

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

Students laugh along with their peers and classmates during Black Action Society's "Wild 'N' Out" event in the Smith Student Center ballroom Monday evening. The event, based on the MTV television show, featured BAS members performing and joking onstage.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE D-1

The Black Action Society strives to help students to feel more at home in their campus— to feel like they belong where they've decided to go. The same topic itself was brought up during the discussion, even to the degree of not feeling a sense of belonging within one's own perceived group. "Where do I fit in?" is not only a core concern of BAS but one they make their mission to answer.

An emphasis is placed on fostering a healthy relationship, not just within the black

community, but across the many cultures present at Slippery Rock. "... it's a predominantly white institution, so as an African American student, you tend to feel out of place," Jackson remarked. "You tend to run into people who are not like you, so we don't have a way to fit in; Black Action Society is a way for you to feel welcome here and wanted here. It's not just only for black people, it's for us to unite the community as a whole so that we all can coexist happily."

For students interested in joining, Danaya recommended they come and see what BAS

was all about for themselves and see if it was where they fit.

"If you wanna do it, do it. Just push yourself to go do it because it's gonna turn out great," Jackson said. "I would say to come out to a few general body meetings, get a feel for it, see how it goes. Once you get a feel for it, it really does start to feel like home; everyone comes and it feels like family no matter what you look like, color, size, anything. Everybody feels very comfortable."

Going forward, BAS has a number of events scheduled in celebration of Black History Month. Some, such as a visit from a

motivational speaker on Sunday, a spin-off of MTV's show "Wild 'N' Out" on Monday and a question-and-answer sesson with actress and author Keke Palmer on Tuesday, have already come and gone. Others, like the organization's trip to Memphis that's occurring from Thursday to Sunday, are still in full swing.

To top it all off, on Tuesday, Feb. 26, BAS is holding the "Ebony Ball" in the Smith Student Center Ballroom as one final celebration of a week of cultural events. They welcome anyone in the student body to come, enjoy themselves, and find their place at Slippery Rock University.

Development, scholarship, achievement NPHC chapters on campus encourage success, community service

By Hope Hoehler Asst. Campus Life Editor

Slippery Rock University has three National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities and sororities on campus; Alpha Phi Alpa Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. was the fi rst intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men.

The chapter originated under a different name before moving to Edinboro University where it picked up the name Row-Pi back in August of 1990. From that point, Row-Pi became a city-wide chapter.

Kemoni Farmer, a junior psychology major and criminology minor, is President of Alpha Phi Alpa Inc. He was initiated October 2018 and has been president ever since.

Farmer says that schools in between Slippery Rock and Erie, Pennsylvania are under the compass Alpa Phi Alpha Inc. branch of Slippery Rock.

"If a school in between Slippery Rock and Erie would like to have Alphas on their campus, they usually contact me or my advisor," Farmer said. "We will try to work with their campus on a national level and try to get Alphas on their campus."

Alpha Phi Alpa Inc. follows three crucial areas on how time and resources are spent: special initiatives, national programs, and alpha foundations.

Some special initiatives that Alpha Phi Alpa Inc. takes part of are the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of American, World Policy Council and many more.

National programs that the chapter has implemented are Brother's Keeper, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Project Alpha, among others.

The Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation is the non-profit branch of the fraternity that focuses scholarship, programs and training and membership development.

"The difference between Pan-Hellenic

and the Interfraternity Council (IFC), is they have bid parties and stuff like that," Farmer said. "What NPHC organizations do is hold events and see who comes out to our events and expresses personal interest, shares connections and has qualities that we're looking for."

Currently, Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. has held study tables but are planning more events towards the end of March.

"I'm the only one in my chapter," Farmer said. "It's a big challenge trying to do everything by myself, but I have faith that we are going to bring in more people so we can grow."

Amir Hill-Davis, a junior homeland security major and writing minor, is the President of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. and has been since he was initiated in the spring of 2018.

The fraternity was founded in Bloomington, Indiana in 1911 on Indiana's campus.

"As far as Slippery Rock, the charter that is here is shared by Slippery Rock and Clarion," Hill-Davis said. "The original charter was in 1986 in Clarion and was extended to Slippery Rock in 1997."

The Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. chapter promotes achievement in every field of human endeavor.

Hill-Davis said that Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. tends to work with St. Jude's and has programs that help youth in low income communities find their way.

Currently, Hill-Davis is the only member, but Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. has a number of events coming in March and April during Kappa week.

Zeta Phi Beta Inc. is the women's NPHC affiliated sorority on campus. They follow the ideals of service, scholarship, sisterhood and finer womanhood. The Lambda Sigmas chapter was chartered at Slippery Rock University in 2005.

Programs that Zeta Phi Beta Inc. has implemented are the Elder Care Initiative which strives to provide awareness and education about preparing for your senior years, Stork's Nest which is a 46-year-old partnership between Zeta Phi Beta and

PARIS MALONE / THE ROCKET

President of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. Amir Hill-Davis laughs onstage during Black Action Society's 'Wild 'N' Out' event Monday evening. The homeland security major is currently the only member of the fraternity but hopes to grow the organization in the future.

March of Dimes to promote a health program designed to encourage prenatal care participation and healthy behaviors during pregnancy and many more.

In 2008, Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE) was approved as

the National Service Program of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. This program is an outreach designed to cultivate, enhance and empower participants to develop health promoting lifestyle choices across their lifespan.

February 22, 2019

CAMPUS LIFE

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Alumnus shares artistic journey, inspirations but it’s worth it as long as art really means that much—and to Bey, it does.

He was brought to Syracuse as an art educator, meaning he teaches art teachers, and he finds many of his students experience a “rude awakening” because they become burnt out, jaded and uninspired. These students of his believe that art is all or nothing, that once they start doing something else, like teaching, art is no longer a part of their lives.

Bey works to stifl e that idea, promoting the concept through his own work that it is possible if you try hard enough.

“I want people to say, ‘Is this the same Sharif Bey who’s grading and publishing papers

and critiquing journals? He’s doing all that and making art and exhibiting?’ Bey said. “Am I doing it all at the same time?

No, but I’m finding the time. I want people to be inspired by the possibility and potential to find time in their life to continue their quest.”

Bey said he believes his future has exciting experiences in store for him, and if things continue the way they have been, or even better, “it’s like dreaming.”

“I can say I’ve exceeded every professional aspiration I’ve ever had,” Bey said. “I mean, there’s always more to aspire to, but as far as the future, if things continue this way, it would be lovely.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM

Image of Sharif Bey in his studio. Bey, a 1997 graduate, currently has work featured in the Renwick Invitational at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The exhibition, "Disrupting Craft," will be open in Renwick Gallery until May 5.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A-1

“There is something sensual and intimate that can’t be discounted [in pieces like that],” Bey said. “A lot of my objects are made in conjunction with the body.”

His own personal history also motivates some of what he does. Growing up, and even into adulthood, Bey experienced a number of cultures and events, giving him a very unique perspective of the world. He cited the beginning of hip hop culture as well as his love for nature and the outdoors as being one particular intersection that inspired his later art.

“What makes me unique is that intersection, between funk and foraging, and between Pittsburgh and Bratislava,” Bey said. “And what’s the

relationship between inner-city Pittsburgh and Bratislava? Well, I am.”

His most recent exhibition is still on display in the Renfield Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum; the exhibition is called “Disrupting Craft” and Bey has 25 pieces in the show. Each piece represents a different chapter, beginning with his time at SRU. In fact, there’s one piece he used in his senior presentation while earning his B.F.A. Much of his work in this show involves the body, whether the pieces are inspired by jewelry, other adornments, functionality or biomorphic objects. This exhibition also shows how often he works with more unconventional materials like glass, clay and metal.

His work has also been showcased by the United States Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan

and Jakarta, Indonesia, and he was awarded the 2017 New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship in the crafts and sculpture category and was the 2018 recipient of the PollockKrasner Grant. Bey has also served as a resident artist at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, the McColl Center for Visual Art at Hunter College in New York, the John Michael Kohler Art Center in Wisconsin and the Pittsburgh Glass Center.

Now, Bey works at Syracuse University as a professor of art education and lives with his wife of 18 years and three children.

Th ough his life may be busy with his career and family, he still makes the time to keep art in his life, whether it be 20 minutes in the morning or an hour on the weekends. The balance may be difficult to find,

PHOTO BY DEVON HARPER GELHAR

Sharif Bey, Louie Bones—Omega, 2017, earthenware, vitreous china and mixed media. Collection of the artist.

Making history, one Grammy award at a time Rock Around The Rock

GRAPHIC BY JACK HOPEY

By Mallory Angelucci Senior Rocket Contributor

Black History Month made a grand entrance earlier this month through the golden doors of the Grammys. On Feb. 10 of this year, numerous records were broken, and even more bars were set by African American artists involved. Adding to the list of winners containing artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin, music continues to benefit from great artists.

“This Is America” by Childish

Gambino has been successful from the moment it was released. It won Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Rap Song/ Performance this year, being the first rap song to win both song and record of the year. It is no surprise that the track accomplished this because it exhibits a lot of awardwinning traits. It gives a different perspective of America that demands to be heard.

The theme of the song is expressed in the line, “Don’t catch you slippin’ up,” saying that mistakes today are dangerous when they occur. The song begins

by discussing ideas of partying and money, the stereotypical American issues. It eventually evolves into serious issues of gun violence and poor quality of life. Paired with its music video, “This Is America” is powerful across the board. This kind of honesty is the kind of thing that wins awards and changes the game that awards shows revolve around.

It comes as no surprise that Cardi B marched in this year to set a record of her own. With a reputation for empowering, kickdown-the-door songs, she moved quickly to the top. Her album,

“Invasion of Privacy” took the prize of Best Rap Album. As if this wasn’t already impressive, she also became the first female solo artist to do so, which only adds to the list of accomplishments this year.

A new artist took the stage at the awards show and on the charts recently, becoming another awardwinning artist. African American singer, H.E.R., won Best R&B Album and Performance all while keeping her face a mystery to her growing fan base. The song that won, “Best Part,” is another winner. Its slow beat, coupled

with stunning vocals from H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar, brings classic clichés like “you’re the coffee that I need in the morning” and other lyrics involving eyes and sunshine and stars into a new light. The brand-new feeling captures the love the artists sing of and make it sound fresh.

In light of recent hurtful and negative events on our campus, a lot of importance should be stressed on successes like these.

Let them remind us that powerful history and accomplishments are stronger than any hate thrown into the mix.

February 22, 2019

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