the rocket
Friday April 22, 2016 • Volume 99, Issue Number 24 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper
www.theonlinerocket.com
Fetty Wap electrifies a sold out crowd of 2,400
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Fetty Wap performs his hit song "Trap Queen" to a sold-out crowd on Monday in the Aebersold Recreation Center. Wap also performed his signature songs, "Again" and "679."
By Amber Cannon Campus Life Editor
UPB hosted spring concert artist Fetty Wap on Monday in the Aebersold Recreation Center (ARC) to a sold-out crowd of 2,400 students. Members of Fetty Wap’s record label, RGF Productions, hyped up the crowd before the rapper came on stage to perform some of his hit songs. Fetty Wap opened with “Boomin’,” a song from his self-titled album. He also performed some of his smash songs such as “RGF Island,” “Again,” “My Way,” “679" and “Trap Queen.” Fetty Wap’s right-hand man, Monty, also performed songs from his upcoming mixtape. S enior environment a l s cience and professional science major Santa Bell said the concert didn’t reach her expectations, but that she had a good time.
She said during the concert, it felt as though Monty was the only person performing. “I understand that since it’s a college tour and he (Monty) wants to put on so everybody knows who he is, but I expected more from Fetty Wap,” she said. Although Fetty Wap performed his top hits, Belle said she wished he would have performed “I’m Straight” and “Rewind.” Senior health science and health care administration major Mack Bean said the concert was purely something for him to do. Bean also said he was expecting a lot more out of Fetty Wap. “It seemed like it was more of everybody else, except for Fetty,” Bean said. “Whether I made it or not, I probably wouldn’t have been sad.”
SEE 'FETTY' PAGE D-1 REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Financing provided Title IX committee to discuss trans-inclusive policies for four projects states "no person in the United States shall, on By Chris Gordon the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to on campus discrimination under any education program or Assistant News Editor
By Daniel DiFabio Rocket Contributor
Slippery Rock University has received bond financing from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors, which will help fund four projects on campus. A m i r Mo h a m m a d i , v i c e pre s i d e nt of f i n an c e an d administration, said that the bond financing gives the university the money needed to start the construction, which will then be paid off in the years to come. “We have worked and received approval from the board of governors so all the financing is in place,” Mohammadi said. The project is currently in the design phase and Mohammadi hopes that construction will happen soon after commencement. SEE PROJECTS PAGE A-2
Policies accommodating transgender students may come to Slippery Rock University if legal precedent rooted in Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is accepted. Cindy LaCom, SRU's director of gender studies, said she decided to start the discussion about these policies after attending a presentation on how Title IX has been used to accommodate trans students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). "I'm on the Title IX committee and I've asked our Title IX coordinator to put this on the agenda for next Wednesday," she said. "I've spoken informally to to a couple members of GISO, the president's commission on gender inclusion and sexual orientation, about possibly working with Title IX in the fall to have policies go into place." Macy v. Holder (2012) is often referenced when trans-inclusive policies are enacted, LaCom said. In this case, the court ruled that discrimination of transgender individuals is discrimination based on sex, according to jacksonlewis.com. Macy v. Holder relates to SRU because Title IX
activity receiving federal financial assistance." "This is all very informal," LaCom said. "But I'm hoping this fall the conversation becomes much more formal." The conversation of trans-inclusion is often reduced to bathroom use, LaCom said, which is an issue she encountered secondhand when Atticus Ranck, a transgender alum, visited campus last week to discuss trans issues. "When Atticus was on campus, I asked him if he needed to go to the bathroom before we went to a dinner I had planned for him," she said. "He said 'no I'll just wait until we get to the restaurant.'" LaCom said she later asked Atticus why he hadn't used the bathroom earlier, to which he responded, "I don't feel entirely comfortable using the men's restroom on campus, especially when my picture has been posted everywhere. I just don't want to risk anyone harassing me." SEE PROFESSOR PAGE A-3
SRU Should Utilize Empty Buildings
Rock Rugby Hosts Weekend Games
Miller Auditorium and Krauss Hall remain unused and the university should address it. Page B-1
The SRU rugby club teams hosted the 35th Annual Rugby Fest Saturday.
Page C-1
Queens Make Their Way To Campus A new organization on campus hopes to inspire and appreciate women of color. Page D-3
NEWS
A-2
April 22, 2016
‘HotLips’ creator wins $5,000 prize P
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Tini plans for business expansion in the fall By Daniel DiFabio Rocket Contributor
‘HotLips’, a mouthpiece h e ate r i nve nte d by a Slippery Rock University student, won second place in the Student Business Plan Competition, taking home a cash prize of $5,000. David Tini, junior music education major, created ‘HotLips’, which is a mouthpiece heater for trumpets, a year ago and entered the creation in the competition. “You have to submit a bu s i n e s s p l a n a n d have all the supporting documentations that goes along with it,” Tini said. “It was good for me to try and organize my thoughts into a specific, coherent manner.” The Student Business Plan Competition is an event sponsored by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Tini said that there were over 200 applicants from across the state.
Tini said that the creation of his business has taught him a lot. “It’s been an experience learning how to operate a business, how to do the paperwork for running a business in Pennsylvania and being able to communicate and explain things to potential investors and people who want to buy the product,” Tini said. ‘ Ho t L i p s’ h a s b e e n successful so far, with a reserve of a hundred units for fall, which is the busiest time for the product. Tini currently has new products on the way for his ‘HotLips’ business, i n c l u d i n g m o u t hp i e c e heaters for the rest of the brass family, including trombone, french horn, tub a and mel lophone. These are the same concept as the original accessory for trumpets, but modified in size to attach to their respective instruments. Running a business has added a lot of work to Tini’s schedule, and he said that
he’ll work full-time over the summer on the business. Tini is currently doing his own assembly but is looking to grow the company by adding a few team members to work on things throughout the week while he focuses on schoolwork. “There’s only so much time you can put into anything,” Tini said. Tini said a lot of people in the music community have bought ‘HotLips’, including a member of the Pittsburgh symphony orchestra and a professor in north Texas who won a Grammy award for his trumpet playing. ‘HotLips’ has also found its way to high school and college students. “I’m looking for ward to next fall because a lot of people know about it. Before when you searched mouthpiece heaters nothing came up but now I’m the first thing on Google,” Tini said. "I think it’s going to expand rapidly and I’m very excited about it.”
Projects include updates to outdated facilties Continued from Page A-1
Spotts World Culture Building is one of the buildings undergoing construction. After an inspection, it was discovered that parts of the structure of the building were compromised. Sports...................C-1 “The paramount concern of the president and the provost and the rest of the senior Campus Life.............D-1 leadership is always safety and security for our students, faculty and staff,” Mohammadi said. “That was the impetus for Spotts.” The second project is for Strain Behavioral Science Building. Mohammadi said that there has not been much of an upgrade for Strain since 1938 and this project will address all the backlog updates. The project also includes an 220 Eisenberg Building addition near the building for students and faculty to manage equipment. Slippery Rock Bailey Library is also covered in the bond University and will receive renovations for fire safety
INDEX Blotter.................A-4 Opinion................B-1 Comics...................D-4
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needs and to modernize the building itself, creating an atmosphere that is not just for individual studying but also group work. “We wanted to make an environment that is conducive to meeting 21st century students’ thinking and collaboration. This modernization was really needed,” Mohammadi said. The fourth and final project will update IT across campus. Mohammadi said that a lot of the technology is outdated, so it will be updated and meeting the latest standards. Mohammadi said that the associate provost for information technology is to thank, saying that he has been proactive and working diligently to make sure the campus is in good hands. Mohammadi said that there has been great communication and collaboration between the provost office, academic units, finance and administration and the president in order to make sure the projects could get underway.
ROCK NOTES To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Haley Barnes at hmb1006@sru.edu or to rocket.news@sru.edu. The Rocket does not guarantee that all requests will be published in the paper.
NIGHTFALL WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE Experience the works of Edgar Allan Poe live on stage as the SRU Department of Theatre presents "Nightfall". The show is written by Eric Coble and directed by both Ellie Petro and Lawrence Karl. See Poe's most famous works come alive April 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Sheehy Theater in the basement of Maltby Center. BRAVE NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL Brave New Plays is an entirely student-run theatre production. The students wrote, directed, performed and produced this series of plays. The plays take place on April 25 and 26 at 7:30p.m. in the University Union MPR.
NEWS
April 22, 2016
A-3
POLICE BLOTTER Campus April 14- Police were called to Boozel Dining Hall for a person feeling faint. Police transported person to the Health Center. April 17- Police were called to Building B for a person having stomach pains. An ambulance transported the person to the hospital. April 18- Person reported his mirror was broken off after leaving the Fetty Wap concert. The case is under investigation. April 18- Police were called to check on an accident between two vehicles in the Union commuter lot. Both parties exchanged information. April 18- Police cited a driver for not having a driver's license and failure to stop at a posted stop sign by the Swope commuter lot. April 18- Colleen Laubach, 21, was charged with public drunkenness at the ARC during the Fetty Wap concert. April 18- Police were called for a disturbance in Building F. Charges are pending.
April 19- Person called police for medical attention to Building F. An ambulance was then called to transport them to the hospital.
April 7- Sometime overnight, another window was shot out at the Edward Jones Building with a BB gun.
April 19- Police were called for an intoxicated person in Building F. Police transported them to the Health Center, and an ambulance was dispatched to the Health Center.
April 8- Nicholas Elliot was cited for disorderly house in lieu of an alcohol violation after being stopped along Cornish Drive.
April 1- Jesse Kruczowy was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after being stopped for a traffic violation along South Main Street.
April 10- Lucas Powers was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after being stopped in the McKay lot. Demonte Cannady was cited for disorderly conduct for possessing a small amount of marijuana.
April 2- Daniel Adams and Patrick Miller were cited for disorderly house in lieu of an alcohol offense while walking along Center Street.
April 12- Sheetz reported an actor backed into the fence along their property, damaging it then fleeing.
April 2- Parker Nape was arrested for theft by unlawful taking, an underage and disorderly conduct after stealing a sign from a construction area near Old Main and then attempting to flee from police.
April 14- A hit and run was reported in the Giant Eagle parking lot.
Borough
April 5- An owner of a motorcycle parked along School Drive reported his back was tipped over onto its side overnight. On April 12 the same victim called back and stated his bike was tipped over again. Police were able to obtain video of the actor. This case was given to police as the actor continued onto campus, destroying other property.
April 18- Police told a person to leave the ARC. They then proceeded to return and charges have been filed for trespassing against police orders.
April 15- A resident of Stonecrest reported her vehicle was keyed sometime over the past two days while parked at her apartment. April 15- Another resident of Stonecrest reported her car was keyed sometime over the past two days while parked at her apartment. April 15- Dale Herman III was cited for disorderly house in lieu of an alcohol violation at the Giant Eagle Plaza.
Professor hopes to implement similar policies as IUP Continued from Page A-1
reporting transgender bathroom use. "If you're in the women's "Bathroom use is such a hyper- restroom, how am I to know, vigilant issue," LaCom said, unless I'm peeking through the referencing a Kansas bill that cracks, whether or not you have a would allow university students vagina." to seek monetar y reward for Effective policies accommodate
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not only bathroom use, but housing, athletics and Greek life too, she said. LaCom said she's optimistic trans policies will be accepted at SRU despite its geopolitical climate. "I think SRU is a lot more
progressive than many people give it credit for," she said. "If you look at IUP, which is in the middle of nowhere, they have what I believe are extremely effective policies for trans students."
O
OPINION
Our View SRU should repurpose abandoned buildings
OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 99, Number 24
220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:
(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 rocket.letters@sru.edu
EDITORIAL BOARD Janelle Wilson
Editor-in-Chief
Haley Barnes
News Editor
Amber Cannon
Campus Life Editor
Ryan Barlow
Sports Editor
Rebecca Dietrich Victoria Davis
Photo Editor Copy/ Web Editor
Chris Gordon
Assistant News Editor
Emma Pfeifer
Assist. Campus Life Editor
Cody Nespor
Assistant Sports Editor
Kendall Scott
Assistant Photo Editor
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Emily Brown
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Faculty Adviser
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Advertising Manager
ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. The Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its 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) 7382643 or by emailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.
CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
GRAPHIC BY KENDALL SCOTT / THE ROCKET
Slippery Rock University is home to a number of beautiful and useful buildings that each have a purpose on this campus. However, some buildings have been vacant for quite some time and have become nothing but eyesores, and SRU isn’t doing anything about them. With these buildings lying useless around campus, it’s strange that the university would use the bond financing from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors to renovate some other buildings on campus, such as Spotts World Culture Building and Strain Behavioral Science Building. Krauss Hall, formerly Riviera Hall, is a former SRU residence hall building located on Main Street right next to Subway. Most students have no idea that this building once housed Rock alumni, let alone that its is even part of the university. Today, Krauss Hall no longer serves any purpose at the university except that it is used for police training. Perhaps the board of trustees should consider a new purpose
for the abandoned building before deciding to renovate some other buildings that don’t require immediate attention. The least they could do is just knock it down and use the space for an extra commuter parking lot until they decide to fill it with something else. Another useless building on campus that hasn’t had classes in it for some time is the abandoned Miller Auditorium, which currently just serves as a painful reminder to both the theatre and dance departments that the university will not make it a priority to renovate it so each department has a proper space to perform and rehearse in. No one who has been on staff for the past four years has even seen a play in the building, even though promises of restoration were issued last year. Instead, the dance department has been stuck in West Gym for the past four years and is forced to perform in spaces such as Swope Recital Hall where the performers do not have proper technical equipment, proper lighting and no dressing room.
In the Quad
In Swope, the female dancers are forced to change in and out of their outfits in the Swope band room where music majors sometimes wander in to grab their musical equipment, compromising the privacy of the dancers. Meanwhile, all the male dancers are not permitted to change in the same room as the women and must change in the bathroom. Regarding the theatre department at SRU, the graduating seniors will now have gone all four years of their time here without performing on an actual stage. It seems pretty silly that students who are paying for a degree from Slippery Rock University have payed an annual $5,000 tuition to have performed inside the Multipurpose Room of the old University Union, rather than having performed in an actual theater. Of course, if that student were out-of-state, he or she would be paying roughly $10,000 annually. It is SRU’s duty to stop wasting the space they have, and make a commitment to utilizing buildings to accommodate the students.
This week’s question: What did you think of the Fetty Wap concert?
In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.
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.
Faelyn Casey Junior Physical Activity and Fitness Management Major Annapolis, Maryland
Christy Bender Sophomore Public Health Major Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Steve Rickard Senior Communication Major Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“I did like the concert but I wish it was longer because he was late. ”
“I liked Fetty and the “I wasn’t a big rap fan going first thirty minutes of in but I still thought it was Hardo’s act, but I wish terrible. “
OPINION
B-2
April 22, 2016
QUESTION OF
THE WEEK @SRURocket
Criticism isn’t the only way to make students better
Dylan Vamosi Commentary Dylan Vamosi is a senior secondary social studies education and anthropology major.
“Bad behavior is punished, good behavior is expected.” The above quote is more or less the philosophy of many leaders. Essentially, its message is one that undermines compliments and praise and favors of rigor and expectations. It applies to many human interactions, but this piece specifically ties the quote to education and how teachers are to treat students. The quote has merit because it establishes clear expectations. Expecting a norm of “good” is beneficial because it stigmatizes anything that would be considered “bad.” Bad behavior, furthermore, will be punished because it has been established as unacceptable. This philosophy
is helpful because of how it manages people and their actions but it lacks in meaningful social development. What is problematic about this philosophy is that the absence of praise for meaningful behavior leaves people, particularly young people, feeling unappreciated and empty. Students need social collateral for the intellectual investments that they provide for their teachers. Ideally, this collateral would include a sense of belonging, community and personal relationships. Teachers must provide this because, for many students, it is uncertain who else will. Invariably, a considerable amount of home lives for students are undesirable for numerous reasons. What they need is an indicator that their dedication their work and participation is not simply meant to be criticized, but to be personally valued. They do not need to be managed further (they will inevitably get that elsewhere). What is important to young people is instilling in them a sense of meaning a relationship. If goodness is expected, it becomes stagnant, static, and meaningless. Make goodness meaningful and dynamic. Praise is a worthy investment because it is low cost for a high reward. Critics of additional praise might contend that being quick to compliment loosens the standards by which one is expected to perform, and thus lowers his or her level of performance. This could be true if the praise is used excessively. For example, if I told Bobby that he was excellent at discussion every day regardless of his daily performance, my positive reinforcement will lose meaning because it is expected. Furthermore, the standard that accompanies “good discussion” loses its meaning because there is nothing concrete to judge it by. I am not arguing for
positive reinforcement to an absurd degree. What I am contending is that criticisms are not the only way to develop students and push them to strive for greatness. Development and social collateral also come by way of praise, by way of positive reinforcement. To give students this social incentive is to instill in them personal value and reason to continue. Be sure to let Bobby know that his comments regarding the implications of globalization are valued and important not just for the purposes of class, but for the purposes of him. More than anything, this piece is a criticism of my own behavior. I student teach at Shenango Junior/ Senior high school just a few minutes outside of New Castle. My placement entails modeling how to be effective and respectful citizens to 7th and 12th grade students. What I do well academically is diminished by my deficiency in giving students reason to feel proud of their work. Seriously. How hard would it be to pull a kid aside after class and tell him or her that their work was outstanding? Furthermore, without explicitly stating a student’s desirable behavior, it is difficult to know how valuable their behavior is. Growth is more than just meeting expectations; it is about forming reciprocating relationships that mutually benefit each other. The times that I have pulled students aside to compliment their behavior has benefitted me tremendously because the students feel more inclined to participate because they realize the personal consequences that follow. More generally, interjecting praise into an otherwise hypercritical society can go a long way. As you go about your day, mention to your peer or friend something that they have done well , an ability or otherwise. If they are not receiving positive reinforcement from you, they could very likely be receiving it from nobody.
Changing faces on currency should not stop at Harriet Tubman
Joseph Szalinski Commentary Joseph Szalinski is a senior creative writing and professional writing major.
O n e of t h e m o s t re c e nt “controversies” to “plague the nation” is the decision to change the highly venerated twentydollar bill. Due to his infamous presidency, the current face of the banknote, Andrew Jackson, is being removed from the currency, and replaced by Harriet Tubman. To many, this is a step in the right direction, and
I happen to agree. Harriet Tubman is a much more positive face for the bill because she helped sneak slaves to the North on the Underground Railroad. Jackson, on the other hand, has genocide and straight up lunacy to his credit. While he may have been influential on politics and the history of our nation (he inspired making the donkey the mascot of the Democratic Party), but Tubman is equally as important, if not more, and she has a more respected historical rapport. Critics of this decision display s ome s or t ideological ze al towards paper currency, which is slightly disturbing. Our culture is extremely money-oriented as is, but we also consider corporations to be people, so worshipping money like we’re in some twisted Terry Southern novella is not to hard to believe. Other dissenters to progress argue that if we remove Jackson, what’s to stop us from removing
all of the presidents? And I ask the same question. I think that bills should change, across the board. In fact, all U.S. currency is due for a makeover. Why don’t we give other presidents a shot? Like Kennedy. Maybe it’s time for him to make the transition from coin to paper. Bills have undergone transformation(s) in the past; denominations have fallen out of favor and become endangered and later, extinct; pictures of faces have been updated and made to look better; counterfeit detecting measures have been taken; bills have even changed color and have had phrases put onto them like, “In God We Trust.” And to those citing the Harriet Tubman wasn’t a president and therefore, doesn’t belong on money, I ask you, what about Ben Franklin? Is he just a special exception? What about Thomas Paine, Frederick Douglass, Betsy Ross? There have been more
influential individuals who have positively impacted our country since the time of colonies and a young, f ledgling countr y. Influential people outside of politics, maybe scientists or generals, or famous thinkers for that matter. I find it really ironic how people defend keeping Jackson, a president who hated banks and the financial system, on U.S. currency. Perhaps when the government mints new bills, they exercise their license to change-up the bills: remove phrases, or replace them with something like, “E Pluribus Unum”; create new dominations; and put new and atypical historical figures on our currency. Our money shouldn’t be static, in any sense. In addition to being well-circulated, it should be revised every so often. Maybe it’ll even promote interest in people history tends to ignore in favor of more celebrated individuals.
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April 22, 2016
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C
COMICS Sharing Stalls
By Molly Huey
Best in Show
By Phil Juliano
COMICS
Today's Birthday (04/22/16). It's getting fun this year! Plan family play time for after 5/9. Apply financial discipline for higher returns, making moves after 8/13. Romance blossoms after 9/1. Your work enters a two-year boom after 9/9. A turning point in group efforts engages after 9/16. Speak your heart. To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 5 -- Be a strategist, rather than impulsive. This Scorpio Full Moon marks a turning point in shared finances. Stash away the surplus. Collaborative efforts bear fruit. Work together. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -Love grows in unexpected places. A Full Moon turning point arises in a partnership. Things could get hot. You're making a fabulous impression. Take an interested party out on the town. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- New opportunities open up in your work. Creative efforts pay off big. Provide great service while still serving yourself. Unexpected benefits fall like rain in the drought. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Everything seems possible. Complete and clean up the old game before making a new mess. A new direction beckons in a passion, romance or enthusiasm. The odds are in your favor now.
Brewster Rockit: Space Guy
By Tim Rickard
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Get into a new domestic phase with this Full Moon. Play with friends and family. Renovate, remodel and plant your garden. Romance flowers when least expected. Balance work with pleasure. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- An imaginative assignment pays well. Begin a new phase in communications and networking. Write, record or research. Craft a compelling promotion or case. Use your words. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- New opportunities arise after this Full Moon. Begin a profitable phase, and watch expenses. Breakdowns lead to breakthroughs. The impossible seems accessible. Explore new avenues. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -A new phase in your self-confidence blossoms under the Full Moon in your sign. You're especially persuasive. Romance kindles from a hot spark. Love sets you free. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 5 -- Finish old projects. Your dreams could seem prophetic. Ritual and symbolism provide comfort. The Full Moon reveals a new phase of introspection, deep thought and spiritual discovery. Provide beauty and goodness. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Begin a new phase in a group project with this Scorpio Full Moon. Acknowledge participation. Set high standards. You're gaining respect. Win more than expected. Fall in love at first sight. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Crazy dreams seem possible. Step into increased professional leadership. A new career phase arises with this Scorpio Full Moon. Listen to your heart. Beauty feeds your spirit. Accept a gift. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 6 -Discover unexpected beauty. The Scorpio Full Moon illuminates a new educational direction. Begin a new phase in an exploration. Love creeps in on little cat feet. Soak it in. (Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black's legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @lindablack. For more astrological interpretations visit Linda Black Horoscopes and www.nancyblack.com) (c)2016 bY NANCY BLACK. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Bliss
By Harry Bliss
B-5
April 22, 2016
Fetty Wap performs his hit songs in front of a sold out crowd at the Aebersold Recreation Center.
Hardo jumps into the pit to rap with the crowd.
Pip, a member of Hardo's crew, pumps up the crowd.
The DJ hypes up the audience before Hardo comes on stage.
One of Hardo's crew members joins him on the stage while Hardo peforms. Design and Photos by Rebecca Dietrich / Photo Editor
S SPORTS
INSIDE SPORTS
Football Down Under
Softball Upsets CalU
Rock football seniors Dante Nania and Teven Williams have signed pro contracts to play football in Australia.
Slippery Rock softball upset no. 10 ranked California (Pa.) in game one of a doubleheader Sunday afternoon.
See Page C-3
See Page C-3
Rock drowns at the hands of the Lakers By Cameron Bildhauer Rocket Contributor
KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET
Senior Kaytlin Callaghan gets bumped by Mercyhurst defender Emily Koestler Wednesday night. Callaghan is second on the team with 32 goals and leads the team with 17 assists this season.
The Slippery Rock University women’s lacrosse team took No. 8 Mercyhurst University to overtime, but could not pull off a win Wednesday night at MihalikThompson Stadium. The Rock scored two goals in the final five minutes of regulation to tie the game, but it was Mercyhurst scoring with 3:35 to play in overtime to seal the 10-9 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) victory. Slippery Rock was leading for most of the game and held a 7-4 advantage with 15:29 to play, but could not maintain the lead. This loss was the third one-goal defeat to a nationally ranked PSAC team this season and puts the Rock at 8-7 overall and 4-6 in conference play. The victory for Mercyhurst puts them at 14-2 overall and 10-1 in conference play this season. Slipper y Rock head coach Emily Hopkins said that this was a frustrating loss, as she thought the team played well despite taking the loss. "I was proud of the team because we had really worked on the gameplan and making sure we took the shots we were looking for," Hopkins said. "I thought they did really well with not forcing things. I think we had a season low in turnovers. So I was really proud of them but frustrated because I really thought we had a chance to win." The Rock dominated possession for the opening period and posted a 17-8 advantage in shots to lead 4-2 at halftime. SEE BACK-AND-FORTH , PAGE C-2
Rock rugby hosts 35th annual tournament By Cody Nespor Assistant Sports Editor
One of the most popular sports in the world outside of the United States, rugby, has captured the hearts of a group of Slippery Rock University students. Rugby is a contact sport originated in England in the first half of the 19th century. Rugby is close to American football where each team tries to advance the ball down the field in order to score. Rugby is played as a club sport at Slippery Rock, not recognized by the NCAA but still competing against other universities. The men and women's rugby teams formed over 30 years ago and compete competitively throughout the school year. The men's team plays as a party of the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference (MARC) and the women's team plays in the Allegheny Rugby Union. In the fall, the teams play in their regular season, playing a game every week and competing towards their conference playoffs. The spring is known as tournament season, which is a more casual setting when the teams get to experience new places and play against different teams. Sophomore communications major Piers Giles acts as the men's team's treasurer and said that the family atmosphere the team has is his favorite part. "For the most part, actually, we don't have people that have played before. We get a lot of people that are just interested in playing so their friends tell them to come out. It's difficult sometimes to get recruits, but it's such a fun sport, most people who come out and join us end up sticking around and have fun," Giles said. "Our tournament season is more of a learning curve, it's generally when we get more people to come out. It's all about learning and getting better for the next season. When we go to these tournaments it's about getting as much
experience as possible, playing a lot of games and playing a lot of different teams." On Sat. April 16th the Slippery Rock rugby teams hosted their own tournament, the 35th Annual Rugby Fest, at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. This was the 35th year for the men's tournament and the first women's tournament hosted by Slippery Rock in the last three years. Six men's and women's teams came to the event, as well as teams made up of SRU alums. Giles said the planning for hosting the tournaments started in January and it takes a lot of time and energy from everyone involved to make it work. Senior fitness management major Julian Randall said that the teams are completely self-managed and self-coached. "I help out every now and then, the captains preferably would like to be the younger guys and they are at this point. If I have any input I'll say something. I have a leadership role, but not in the sense that I'm the captain. I'm pretty much the old guy on the team," Randall said. "I love playing rugby. With rugby there's definitely a family aspect to it. We bleed together, we bleed together and sometimes we even cry together." Sophomore exercise science major Sarah Abraham is the women's team's match secretary and was in charge of getting in contact with and inviting other teams to participate. "Hosting a tournament was really cool. I was so excited to see everyone come out," Abraham said. "I tell people not to be scared of how brutal you think (rugby) is. It doesn't matter what size you are, there's a position for everyone." While rugby continues to be an unfamiliar sport to most people in the US, the rugby club teams have a long tradition at Slippery Rock University and continue to draw in with its family atmosphere and competitive nature.
KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET
Junior MarshĂŠ Barnes stiff arms an oncoming Syracuse University player during a rugby tournament in Washinton D.C. earlier this month.
SPORTS
C-2
April 22, 2016
Back-and-forth contest ends with Rock loss in overtime Baseball 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
mercyhurst seton hill California (PA.) Gannon indiana (pa.) pitt-johnstown slippery rock
28-9 (16-4) 30-11 (14-4) 21-15 (14-6) 25-12 (13-7) 17-23 (9-11) 15-22 (8-12) 9-32 (4-16)
Clarion
6-26 (2-18)
Softball 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
California (pa.)* 29-2 (16-1) gannon 18-16 (9-7) slippery rock 19-18 (8-8) seton hill 14-24 (7-9) edinbor0 11-19 (5-11) mercyhurst 12-20 (4-12)
Women's Lacrosse 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
West Chester* mercyhurst* indiana (pa.)* lock haven* east stroudsburg millersville seton hill slippery rock kutztown gannon edinboro bloomsburg shippensburg
15-1 (10-1) 14-2 (10-1) 11-5 (9-2) 13-3 (8-3) 12-4 (7-4) 10-6 (6-5) 6-9 (5-5) 8-7 (4-6) 7-9 (3-8) 6-10 (3-8) 7-9 (2-9) 4-10 (2-9) 4-10 (1-9)
Women's Tennis 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
california (pa.)* indiana (pa.)* mercyhurst* Slippery rock edinboro Seton Hill clarion
KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET
Senior Erin Wilcox looks to get past a Mercyhurst defender Wednesday night. Wilcox scored four goals in the game and leads the team with 46 goals and 49 points on the season.
Continued from Page C 1
Mercyhurst keeper Gabby Gravino made seven saves in the half to keep her team close. Mercyhurst’s Kristin Anderson was tough to handle for The Rock as she posted an 11-2 edge in draw controls in the final 30 minutes of regulation, while also scoring three second half goals to lead the comeback. Slippery Rock played a relatively clean second half with just six turnovers opposed to Mercyhurst’s 12 turnovers, including two late in the game which The Rock capitalized on. Sophomore Tia Torchia scored with 4:59 left in the game to make it 9-8 after a failed clear attempt by the Lakers. Junior Chynna Chan then tied the game at 9-9 with 2:39 remaining. The Rock won the opening draw in overtime but could not get any shots off before turning the ball over to Mercyhurst’s Carly Zimmerman, who found the back of the net for the 38th time this season to seal the victory. Slippery Rock finished the game with advantages of 28-24 in shots and 20-17 in ground balls. The Rock were 15-of-17 on clear attempts and finished with 11 turnovers. Mercyhurst posted a 14-7 edge in draw controls, was 13of-18 on clear attempts and finished with 18 turnovers. Senior Erin Wilcox paced Slippery Rock with four goals to mark her 10th game this season with at least a hat trick. She has scored multiple goals in 14-of-15
Rock ground Golden Eagles in PSAC-West finale
15-3 (6-0)
By Oscar Matous
16-3 (4-1) 12-4 (4-2) 13-9 (3-3) 13-7 (2-3) 7-10 (1-5) 4-10 (0-6)
Rocket Contributor
Outdoor track April 29 Ashland Open, Ashland Oh. May 6 SRU Last Chance, Slippery Rock, Pa. Standings as of Thurs.Apr. 21 at 5:23 p.m.
games and is the only player to record a goal in all 15 games this season. Chan’s game-tying goal pushed her current goal-scoring streak to 10 games. Torchia finished with two goals and a team-high three draw controls. Junior Jasey Sanders and senior Kaytlin Callaghan each added one goal to cap the scored for SRU. Callaghan’s goal brings her to 123 career goals and ties her with senior Paige Costantino for the fifth most in program history, 11 shy of Wilcox’s 134 in fourth place. Senior goalie Jordan Wagner finished the game with nine saves, including five in the second half for The Rock. Hopkins thought the play of Wilcox and Wagner really put the team in a position to win the game. "I think (Wilcox) played great last night. She had four of our nine goals and she's played tremendously all season long. She's a strong player with a lot of confidence so when she's shooting she's going to be scoring," Hopkins said. "I think (Wagner) played phenomenally. She did a great job in goal and she was huge on ground balls and causing turnovers." Slippery Rock’s only chance to make the playoffs now is to win its final two games and hope Gannon beats Millersville on Saturday. The Rock will be back in action on Saturday when Shippensburg visits Mihalik-Thompson Stadium for a 1 p.m. Senior Day game, in which seven SRU seniors will be honored before the game.
The Slippery Rock University women’s tennis team took on the Clarion University Golden Eagles this past Wednesday in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matchup. The women came out victorious with an 8-1 win over the Golden Eagles. With the win, the team climbs to a 13-9 overall record and moves to exactly to .500 (3-3) in the PSAC. Sophomore Nina Barbano and freshman Amanda Bruscemi improved their doubles record to 7-1 with a strong 8-1 win in the second flight over Sarah Robbins and Jessica Kennelly. In the third flight, juniors Stephanie Fortier and Kylee Woodman also continued their great season together improving their record to 6-1 while besting Michelle Petrilla and
Allison Probst 8-1. The sole loss of the evening for the ladies came at no.1 doubles with the pairing of junior Tiffany Kollah and sophomore Carla Corrochano Moracho dropping the match to Maria Snyder and Alivia Arnold 9-8 (7-5). In singles, Bruscemi beat Kennelly 6-1, 6-0 at no. 4 singles. Kollah triumphed Robbins in the third slot 6-0, 6-0 while Fortier was also able match scores of 6-0, 6-0 in the fifth flight beating Reddy. “We c omp e te d to d ay,” Bruscemi said. “Besides that one loss in doubles, we played a consistent and overall great match. Part of our success, I believe, is going into certain matches knowing we will come out and win as long as we work hard. Coach Meredith always talks about coming out strong in doubles and continuing that success into singles and that’s what we did.” A lt h ou g h v i c tor y w a s
already eminent for The Rock, freshman Allie Welch defeated Petrilla 6-2, 6-2 at no. 6 singles. At no. 1 singles, Corrochano handled Arnold with ease defeating her 6-2, 6-0. Barbano continued her strong season with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Snyder. “I am really excited for regionals,” Barbano said coming off her team-leading 16th win. “We are playing really well and we need to keep it going because regionals are always tough. However, all of our focus right now needs to be on Saturday. We have to be ready to compete and play hard.” With the season winding down, the ladies will look for one final regular season win against another form of Golden Eagles, this time the University of Charleston Golden Eagles. The match is this Saturday the 23rd at the University of Charleston. The match is set to start at 1 p.m.
SPORTS
April 22, 2016
C-3
Softball upsets no. 10 California in doubleheader split By Cody Nespor Assistant Sports Editor
The Slippery Rock softball team wrapped up its weekend road trip with an exclamation point on Sunday. The Rock upset number 10 ranked California University (Pa.) 1-0 in game one of the doubleheader, snapping the Vulcans' 27-game winning streak. Prior to the loss, CalU had not lost since Feb. 19 and was undefeated in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West division play. SRU sophomore Brooke Dawson (8-7, 2.92 ERA) started game one and collected her second complete game shutout in as many days, pitching the entire seven-inning game while giving up only five hits. Dawson defeated Cal U starter Alex Sagl, who has a 1.40 ERA and ranks fifth in the entire PSAC with 13 wins. SRU head coach Stacey Rice said she was not surprised that Dawson was able to compete with one of the best pitchers in the conference. "We have belief in our pitching staff. We believe that they can do anything," Rice said. "I believed that she (Dawson) was going to do a great job, she had done a great job last time out. We hit Sagl better than some of their other pitchers so I was more confident pitching her (Dawson) against one of the top pitchers in the nation, just because I knew it would make a great game." Junior Caitlin Baxter provided all the offense of the game, hitting the eventually gamewinning home run in the fourth inning to give Slippery Rock a 1-0 lead. The homer was Baxter's fourth of the season and her 21st RBI. Rice said Baxter is one of the most composed players when batting with runners in scoring position and that she has embraced batting in the clean-up spot in the lineup, to the point of becoming an "RBI-producing machine." The Vulcans seemed poised to tie or win the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when they had runners on first and second with only one out. California freshman Emilee Downing singled into the outfield, but sophomore center fielder Emily Nagle was able to throw out the Cal U runner who was trying to advance to third. Senior third baseman Ashley Samluk then threw the ball to senior shortstop Kaite Kaiser covering second base and Kaiser was able to tag out another Cal U runner to end the game.
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Sophomore pitcher Brooke Dawson pitches against Edinboro Unviersity during the team's 20-10 victory on April 14th. Dawson in 8-7 on the year with a 2.92 ERA.
"One of the things that we've been really trying to work on has been finishing games," Rice said. "We really seem to struggle in the seventh inning. We really need to eliminate the excitement at the end of games. Even though (California) still tried to make things interesting in the seventh inning, we stayed composed. We didn't panic when there were two runners on base. They played within themselves and stayed composed." Game two was not as close, as California scored five runs in the first inning off of Rock starter junior Carly DeRose (8-6, 3.52 ERA).
DeRose did not make it out of the first inning and the Vulcans won the game 8-0 in five innings. The doubleheader split puts Slippery Rock at 19-18 (8-8 PSAC) and Cal U at 28-2 (15-1 PSAC). California remains in first place in the PSAC-West and after its weekend of games the Green and White now sit in third place in the division. With 19 wins, Slippery Rock matches its highest win total since 2011. The team will have the week off before facing Edinboro University on the road on Saturday.
Rock duo continues their gridiron journey together By Jordyn Bennett Rocket Contributor
For most college athletes, if they transfer schools or move on to the next level, the possibility that they will play with anyone from their university ever again is not likely. For Slippery Rock football seniors, quarterback Dante Nania and linebacker Teven Williams, a love for the game and a five-year-old friendship have been the key contributions to them staying together on the collegiate and professional level. “When I think about Dante, I think blood can’t make us any closer,” Williams said. “That’s my bro. We’ve clicked since day one when we first came to Youngstown.” Though both athletes have two very different stories, they have been led down the same paths since their freshman year when they first entered Youngstown State University (YSU) as roommates. Nania, a Pennsylvania native, played three years at YSU where he received playing time as a sophomore and gained a starting spot during his junior season. Despite his success, his experience at YSU was not everything he wanted it to be, and when he first contemplated leaving, he said he thought about leaving football behind as well, until he talked to Williams who was looking to get back into the game. The All-American linebacker from Ohio had three successful years starting at Youngstown before leaving the university due to personal situations. He sat out an entire year of school and football before making the decision to come back. When he chose Slippery Rock he found out about his friend's situation soon after and called him immediately, Nania said. “Teven told me to come to SRU,” Nania said. “He told me we need one year to do it together, and after that the rest is history.” More specifically, it was Slippery Rock history. Nania and Williams helped lead SRU to one of its best seasons in history. Finishing with a 12-2 record, The Rock made it to the quarterfinals of the division II tournament. Nania was the MVP of the PSAC championship game and became second in program history for single-season passing yards (3,121) and total offense (3,438), while Williams, with 97 total tackles, five sacks, two interceptions that include one for an interception and two recovered fumbles helped get him named to the d2football.com and Don Hansen Football Gazette All-American teams, multiple AllRegion teams and first team All-Conference. With their collegiate careers being over, both individuals are focused on the next step.
Both have signed professional contracts to play football after they graduate. It just so happens that they will both be playing for the same team. Nania and Williams will report to Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia in late August to attend to their first camp as members of the North Coast Heat of the National Gridiron League. Nania signed his contract first in March. The favor of Williams influencing Nania to go to SRU was returned, as he said he talked about Williams to his new coaches and they immediately started scouting him. “The coach contacted me originally asking about any offensive lineman who went to Slippery Rock,” Nania said. “I told him about an All-American linebacker we had, and the next thing I know Tev (Williams) is signing a contract too.” They are a family, Williams said. He refers to Nania’s parents the way he would do his own. Even though both of their situations are very different, Williams said he believes there is purpose behind staying together and it will make their transition into new waters easier. “I believe everything happens for a reason,” Williams said. “God has us walking the same path and going through the same journey for a reason.” Rock football head coach Shawn Lutz has been watching their journey since they got in contact with The Rock. He said there are not two players that he is more impressed with and more deserving of the opportunity ahead of them. “They brought experience to the team,” Lutz said. “They both came in with one year of eligibility left. It’s tough being a transfer and gaining the trust of your teammates, but I think they both came here in the spring they let their play do the talking, and by the time the fall came they had the trust of their teammates. Both of those guys are lead by example guys.” Lutz said he always believed both athletes had the potential to play at the next level, but he is still in awe that they are landing on the same team again. “This is the third time,” Lutz said. “Tell me another pair or tandem that have played for the same three teams at the same time, and it’s in Australia. That’s pretty unique.” Lutz is just excited for them to travel as they are. All three know the opportunity that comes with this experience beyond football. Both Williams and Nania agree that getting to be in a new culture and new environment is going to be a good learning experience. That does not mean that takes away from the reason they are there. They are going there to play football. Neither knows what their future on the team will be, but both do know whether it by fate or by chance, they will be doing it together.
SPORTS
C-4
April 22, 2016
Women's track and field flying high
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Senior Kaitlyn Clark clears the bar in the pole vault Thursday at the SRU Open. Clark competed in the pole vault at the 2016 indoor track and field national competition. Her personal best in the pole vault is 3.88 meters.
Picot breaks school record, Rock women impress in split weekend By Andrew Miloser Rocket Contributor
With convenient scheduling and a wide range of course offerings, EU summer sessions are a great way to Catch Up, Keep Up and Get Ahead. Courses available in Art, Business, Criminal Justice, Education, History, Math, Psychology and more No application fee | Classes both on-campus and online
2016 SUMMER SESSION SCHEDULE First Session: May 16–June 2 Second Session: June 6–July 7 Third Session: July 11–August 10
TO REGISTER, CALL 814.732.3501, OR VISIT WWW.EDINBORO.EDU/SUMMER
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Over the weekend, the Slippery Rock women’s track and field team competed at both the Bucknell Outdoor Classic and the Westminster Invitational. Two different meets would not stop these athletes from excelling. The team would record a grand total of 27 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) qualifying marks and four NCAA provisional marks. They would take home 17 PSAC marks at Bucknell. At Westminster, they would tally 10 PSAC qualifiers. At each meet they earned two NCAA provisional markings. With the majority of the track athletes competing at Bucknell, the field athletes were left to compete at Westminster. Having a career day was senior distance runner Jenny Picot. She would show blazing speed with a personal best, NCAA provisional mark and a Slippery Rock record with a recorded time of 16:45.80, earning herself a fifth place finish in the 5,000-meter run. In the 400-meter hurdles, junior Kennedy Evans was able to place second with a time of 1:01.21, an NCAA provisional time. The Rock's relay teams would have a strong showing at Bucknell. The team of junior Sabrina Anderson, senior Jasmine Bailey, freshman Jaiah Williams and graduate student Katelyn Wetzel would compete and finish third in the 4 x 100 meter relay posting a time of 47.20. Earning a second place finish in the 4 x 400 meter relay was the team of Evans, senior Casaundra Swartzbaugh, sophomore Aerial Dukes and Anderson with a recorded time of 3:54.21. In the 4 x 800 meter relay, the team of sophomores Caitlyn Janeda and Melissa Rains, senior Jessica Bennett and junior Alexis Swiergol would take sixth place at 9:40.25.
SRU head coach John Papa thought there were several strong performers on the track. "Jenny Picot breaking the school record was very significant to us, as she had a very fast day which got us really excited," Papa said. "Kennedy Evans showing in the 400-meters was a personal best and key to our success in earning victories which then translated into points." In the 100-meter hurdles, sophomore Sophie Mazza would cruise to a fifth place finish at a time of 14.87. In the 400-meter dash, senior standout Jasmine Bailey would take third place at a time of 56.37. At Westminster, senior Sam Taylor would continue her first place dominance in the javelin. She would throw for a distance of 44.22 meters to win the event and earn an NCAA provisional mark. Taking care of business in the pole vault was senior Kaitlyn Clark, who launched herself to a clearing height of 3.80 meters, also an NCAA provisional clearance. "Sam Taylor is the best javelin thrower in Western Pa at any level, division one, division two, division three, she stays consistently good all around," Papa said. Dominating the high jump were seniors Paige Kassab and Ashley West. Kassab would take first place in the event with a leap of 1.66 meters. Falling right behind her in second place was West with her jump of 1.61 meters. Having strong throwing days for The Rock were sophomore Anna Frengel and junior Kelci Yale. Frengel would take home two second place finishes, with her throw of 41.88 meters in the hammer throw earning her one of them. In the shot put Frengel would have a toss of 12.91 meters. Yale's heave of 11.79 meters in the shot put would place her fourth in the event. After a strong weekend showing the women get back at it April 21 at home for the SRU Open.
C
CAMPUS LIFE
INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE #blackcatninja3 Takes Campus By Chalk
Director-Written Plays Debut at SRU
Move over, SRU Banksy. A new chalk artist by the name of #blackcatninja3 is in town and she is coloring the campus. She shares how she got her start in chalk art.
Supernatural horror plays "Dark North" and "Hungry Jane" took the stage last Friday. The plays, written by professor David Skeele, will travel to Scotland over the summer.
See Page D-3
See Page D-2
Fetty 'pulls out all his dough' Continued from Page A 1
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Fetty Wap raps "Trap Queen" at UPB's spring concert prior to throwing $100 bills out to the soldout crowd.
Brandon Cannon, senior public relations major and director of concerts and comedians for UPB, said he thinks overall, the event went extremely well. He said the UPB staff was well prepared and organized beforehand. He also said from the performance standpoint, he thinks Fetty Wap did really well. “I thought the crowd was really into it,” Cannon said. After several students voiced their opinions last semester after Hunter Hayes was announced as the fall concert, Cannon said UPB definitely heard the students' voices and they were able to work out a date that worked with Fetty Wap and his management, as well as a day that worked with the ARC. Cannon also said Fetty Wap fell perfectly within UPB’s budget. Although UPB set a date for the concert in advance, the date for the anticipated concert was switched from the original date, April 11 to April 18. Cannon said the reason for the date change was the routing of Fetty Wap’s tour. “Sometimes with these tours, they’re routed,” Cannon said. “Especially for smaller colleges shows, they’ll try to do what’s called one-off shows. Right now, Fetty is in the middle of his ‘Monster Energy Tour’ and through that process, they’ll do one-off shows there they break away from the tour and if they’re near a college, they’ll try to get those colleges to have them on campus so they can make some money between their actual tour dates.” Cannon said where Fetty Wap was initially going to be the day before, the show didn’t match up with the direction that Fetty Wap was heading, so UPB had to change the date. Hardo, a Pittsburgh-based rap artist,
opened for Fetty Wap. Cannon said UPB came across the rapper when Fetty Wap’s agents sent them a list of approved openers, and Hardo was on the list. Cannon said UPB made the decision to bring Hardo because he was a local artist. Cannon said he expected Fetty Wap to be a big show for UPB. He said UPB projected Fetty Wap tickets to sell out a little bit faster than they did. “We expected for tickets to sell out in three days, but they sold out in 92 hours, which is still great,” Cannon said. Cannon said UPB’s main goal was to sell tickets to students, and that tickets were sold out before they could even go out to the general public. Cannon said that is the fastest show that has ever sold out since he’s been the director of concerts and comedians for UPB. Overall, Belle said she got her money’s worth because $33 for a Fetty Wap ticket is an amazing price, but she also said that she doesn’t think Fetty Wap stayed on the stage long enough. Towards the end of the concert, Fetty Wap threw out $100 bills to the crowd, causing students to push and shove in hopes of grabbing one. Belle said the most memorable part of the concert for her was when she actually caught a $100 bill that Fetty Wap threw out. “I’m 5’1" and everyone else was super tall, so I just reached my hand out and hoped for the best, and I caught one,” Belle said. “I’m thinking it’s a five or a one, and I saw Ben Franklin, and I was like, ‘okay.’ That came in handy because I was broke.” Bean said he disliked how the show ended. According to Bean, Fetty Wap just walked off the stage, without a final song or goodbye. “I’ve been to my fair share of concerts and I can see that he needs more experience in performing in front of people,” Bean said.
Gender Studies classes reveal issues through presentations By Nina Bracci Rocket Contributor
On Tuesday, the Introduction to Gender Studies class gathered on the second floor of the Smith Student Center for their student poster presentations. The posters focused on the history of the women’s, men’s and LGBTQ movements along with Title IX and sexual assault issues. The event began four years ago as a requirement for Cindy LaCom’s Introduction to Gender Studies class. The students are given the option to complete an individual in-class presentation or to create their own posters and present them along with handouts that they make to a larger audience. “I think that people learn differently and this is an incredible opportunity to learn in a different way than students usually get to and to professionalize themselves,” said Director of the Gender Studies Program, Cindy LaCom. The initial posters four years ago were shown during common hour in a classroom in Spotts World Culture building where LaCom was teaching the class. Since there was very little turnout besides the students themselves, LaCom decided that the presentations were so good and needed to be exposed in a public venue. S i n c e t h e n , t h e l a s t t h re e
KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET Dr. Cindy LaCom and President Cheryl J. Norton listen to sophomore Emily Merhaut as she discusses her Gender Studies Poster Presentation about the ACT UP organization which is an AIDS coalition.
presentations have been held in the Smith Student Center and have received great turnouts ever since. LaCom said that since it is a public venue, the students must be both visually creative and prepared to talk about the person or issue on which they are presenting. She feels as though it allows them a chance to professionalize themselves and even the ability to add a line to their resume.
“The purpose is multifold; it is to educate the campus community about the history of the women’s, men’s and LGBTQ movements and issues, but it’s also really to educate us about Title IX and sexual assault,” said LaCom. The students made posters on a wide variety of topics ranging from NFL sexual assaults and consent and sexual assault on college campuses to the reality of rape and social justice
activists. “I think the posters that aren’t people, but big ideologies, like abortion or living in a transphobic world, are the most powerful because these topics have come to light only recently,” said sophomore theatre and psychology major, Alex Sharo. SEE POWERFUL, PAGE D-3
CAMPUS LIFE Supernatural horror plays make their debut at SRU April 22, 2016
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Ask Andi
Andi is a senior at SRU giving advice to those who seek it and occassionally to those who don't.
Question: Dear Andi, I'm graduating in May, but I have one big problem. I haven't found an internship yet. I'm worried that I won't be able to find one with only two weeks left. I don't know if I can change my major, so I'm starting to freak out. What should I do? Sincerely, Internship-less
AMBER CANNON/THE ROCKET SRU Theatre Department leaves spray-painted footprints and ominous messages around campus leading to the University Union in advertisement for the plays "Dark North" and "Hungry Jane."
By Sam Delauter
Answer: Dear Internship-less There is usually a way around the system to get things worked out in your favor. Usually internships should be decided by the beginning of April. But considering your internship isn't until the summer, you might be able to buy some time. Technically you won't receive your official diploma until you complete your internship anyways, but you can still walk. Make finding an internship your first priority this week. You might have to settle for something that didn't seem so appealing, but at least you can say you will officially graduate by the end of summer. Talk to your advisor and they might be able to work something out. Best Wishes! Andi
Question: Dear Andi, I am having trouble coping with the fact that my roommate, who I've had all year, will be transferring from the university. He/she is one of the true friends that I've made all year. It's even more upsetting because I'm going to have a random roommate next year. How can I get more involved on campus so that I don't feel so lonely? Sincerely, Afraid of Being Alone
Answer: Dear Afraid of Being Alone, Ending your first year and leaving your roommate is always emotional. Even through the ups and downs of the unforgettable freshman year, it's always sad to see them go. It's even more upsetting to know you'll have to go through the whole awkward-introduction phase with a new random roomie. The first few weeks might be weird and uncomfortable, but I'm sure they are just as self-conscious. But not to fret. Roommates often become lifelong friends, or the complete opposite. But who knows, maybe the new roomie will be your maid-of-honor one day. But if she isn't as honorable as you had hoped, don't be afraid to shy away. Get involved in things that interest you. Sometimes it's best to be roommate and just roommates.
Rocket Contributor
The Slippery Rock Theatre Department debuted two connecting director-written horror plays, "Dark North" and "Hungry Jane" this past week to SRU students, faculty and staff before the play goes to Scotland for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The two plays, which were performed back to back, encompassed aspects of ghost hunting and ritual to portray themes of guilt, greed and deceit. "Hungry Jane" was the opening performance and focused on the bizarre occurrences encountered by a recent homebuyer. While settling into her new home, owner Shirley is disturbed by a slew of paranormal incidents and calls in the help of a familiar ghost hunter, her ex-boyfriend Kyle. Upon his arrival, the two attempt to summon the ghost while battling out the kinks of their previous relationship. Lasting roughly 15 minutes, "Hungry Jane" ends leaving the audience questioning the psychological aspects of the metaphysical world. A dimming of the lights and a quick set change lead into the showing of "Dark North," a play that follows the fraudulent works of celebrity medium Daniel Dark North. Driven by an offer of $20,000, Dark North, who internally doubts his own ability, attempts to reach out to a deceased family member of the Zelthasuen family. Nervously arriving at the Connecticut home, Dark North and his assistant attempt to trick the family into believing contact has been made. The Zelthausens are not easily fooled and Dark North soon suspects the family may have ulterior motives. Both plays were written and directed by Dr. David Skeele, who says the inspiration came from the controversy surrounding television medium John Edward.
“It was discovered that he was scamming the people on the show,” Skeele said. “I started thinking about what would happen if a television medium got himself into hot water for that.” Skeele says the plays were specifically written to be performed in Scotland at the theatre Fringe Festival, where Slippery Rock’s Theatre Department is known for putting on horror plays. The department has traveled to the festival a total of six times and has developed an audience who expects and loves the horror genre for which the university is popular for. Production and planning for the two shows began as early as last semester as the students began to develop their characters while set and costume teams started working on scenery and outfits. Lawrence "Joe" Karl, who portrayed Daniel Dark North in the play, said a lot went into finding Daniel as a character. Karl says he spent a considerable amount of time watching television psychic mediums in order to realistically depict his role. Karl also said that while on stage it helps to imagine scenes of blood and gore to further sell the part. "Imagining these gory murder scenes is kind of weird, but it's somewhere you have to go," Karl said. Head costume designer Alyssa Valentino said that while planning, her staff utilized the kamikaze costume design method where articles are selected from previous productions by various staff members. “We wanted the costumes to be modern, but we also wanted you to look at the family and know something was off,” Valentino said while she spoke of dressing the Zelthausen family for "Dark North." The team only made minor changes to the costumes they had on hand, such as throwing shirts in the dirt or rubbing articles on concrete to create a realistic distressed look.
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Best Wishes! Andi
submit your questions.
April 22, 2016
CAMPUS LIFE
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Student creates chalk portraits around campus By Ryan Barlow Sports Editor
Over the last few weeks, an anonymous artist who goes by the title Morwen Hall (M.H.) has created extravagant chalk drawings that have appeared all over campus and has grasped the attention of several students. M.H. first began her journey in chalk art during the fall of 2015 while taking a drawing class taught by Professor Kay Mickle who assigned her a chalk drawing activity. Her first drawing, which was of a hibiscus leaf, drew a lot of attention by fellow students and she said the popularity of her drawing freaked her out. However, she did enjoy watching it get walked on, worn out and washed away. "It's really therapeutic to me to watch something you've worked so hard on slowly vanish from existence, only to remain in memories and on camera cards," M.H. said. Earlier this semester, an adviser encouraged M.H. to do a personal project where she had full control to help cope with her anxiety. As a result, M.H. turned to chalk drawing as her personal therapy. Found written next to each of M.H.'s chalk drawings is the hashtag #blackcatninja3, a personal reference to her black cat Baxter. She chose to honor her drawings with his persona because she feels she is able to relate to Baxter very well because, like her, he has anxiety and other obsessive-compulsive disorders. M.H. believes her chalk art is a great way for her to escape from the pressures of being a college student, especially since she is very busy with a major and three minors. She also has plans to pursue a master's degree in the future. "I want to pursue a master's in sculpture and illustration
RYAN BARLOW/THE ROCKET An SRU student demonstrates the illusion of Morwen Hall's 3-D chalk portrait that makes people who walk over it think they will fall off the rocky pillars.
and ultimately earn a Ph.D. in Renaissance and Baroque art history," M.H. said. "I want to be a professor of fine arts at a college or university someday, as well as a free-lance illustrator and wedding dress designer. I would also like to write and illustrate my own manga
series." M.H. insists she would never have gotten as far as she has with art if it weren't for a former high school art teacher Mr. Jensen and current art professor at Slippery Rock Thomas Como. According to M.H., Como encouraged her to expand out her
comfort zone to study art abroad. "He (Como) is the one who encouraged me to travel to Italy twice to study art and who has told me to 'go big or go home' with my sculptures and drawings," M.H. said. "He loves seeing my work and I look up to him as a second father."
New organization on campus encourages Powerful ideologies reach audience women to embrace their inner Queen By Megan Bush Rocket Contributor
On April 11, a new organization focused on appreciating, illuminating and inspiring women of color was officially founded here at Slippery Rock University. "QUEENS Org. is here to empower, encourage, and enrich the educational experience for women of color on our campus," says the group's official mission statement. Makaela Blakeman, junior early childhood and special education major and president of QUEENS Org. at Slippery Rock University, said the organization got its start at Clarion University. The founder of the organization at Clarion succeeded in reaching out to Slippery Rock students to establish QUEENS Org. as a group on this campus as well. Clarion University's website says QUEENS Org. stands to "help bring selfawareness of educational, professional, and personal skills and talents that may be hidden or not revealed at this time. All will be done while uplifting and supporting women on the Clarion University campus." "There aren't really many groups here on campus that focus solely on women of color," Blakeman said. "We believe QUEENS Org. is going to change that." Although QUEENS is more concerned with women of color, Blakeman said that anyone who has the desire to join the group and participate in the programs is welcome. Ma l i k a F i e l d s , s oph om ore communication and Spanish dual major, said the group hopes to get the support of the students and of Slippery Rock. "We want to make QUEENS Org. a prominent organization here on campus," Fields said. QUEENS plans to meet biweekly on Wednesdays on the third floor of Robert
M. Smith Student Center, Blakeman said. Jasmine Thompson, sophomore early education major and vice president of QUEENS Org., mentioned that, at the biweekly meetings, the group plans on recognizing a “Queen of the Week.” This accolade will be awarded to a member of the organization who has done something worth recognizing during the week, such as doing well on a test, finishing an important project or even simply resetting a sleep schedule. Fields said QUEENS stands to promote confidence, to bring women together as one and to be sure that every woman is appreciated for her accomplishments, especially those small triumphs that typically go unnoticed, like salvaging a scrambled sleep schedule, for instance. Blakeman said the first event held by QUEENS took place on April 20; the group hosted a celebration and a mini workshop with the theme "What is your definition of a Queen?" "It was a great turnout," Blakeman said. "We had an open discussion allowing everyone to share their definition of a Queen, and after the discussion, everyone decorated their own crowns." In the future, QUEENS hopes to work with a future organization, KINGS, and the group plans on hosting programs and events to uplift women, develop their skills and applaud them for things they have accomplished. Blakeman said these programs and events will be held in the form of workshops concerning various topics such as Crown Check: Natural Hair Vs. Weave, Love the Skin You're In and Make Up and Dress Up Seminars, to name a few. "Through QUEENS Org.," Blakeman said, "we want to help every woman get in touch with her inner Queen. Our overall goal is to uplift and inspire more confidence in the women here on campus."
KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET Sophomore Alex Sharo presents his poster on social justice activist Angela Davis to two students in attendance of the presentation event in the Robert M. Smith Student Center.
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Sharo completed his poster on social justice activist Angela Davis which he stated was enlightening for him because he was aware of her ideologies, but after researching Davis he realized that he agreed with a plethora of her ideas as well. LaCom stated that she feels that these presentations are really meant to educate and advocate. “I heard a number of the students say that they didn’t know who this person was when they signed up to do their poster, and now they really are a convert,” said LaCom. Sophomore social work major Emily Merhaut said that her favorite presentation was the sexual
assault on college campuses poster, because she feels that there is not enough information spread and the topic is not talked about enough. “I just hope people take away more knowledge on sexual assault and the LGBT movement and the history behind it,” said Merhaut. LaCom said that in the best case scenario, the event can be empowering and even life-changing because it spreads the message that these are not just women’s issues, but men’s as well because they are also victims of rape and assault. Sharo said that he hopes people see the posters and leave the event being glad that it exists because there are many ideas in the world and he feels that these
notions are very interesting. “I want them to be a little bit upset and I want them to see the debates, get angry and leave maybe knowing a little bit more and feeling like they can do something about it,” said Sharo, Both Merhaut and Sharo agreed that attending this event is imperative because it gives people the opportunity who don’t feel interested in taking the class to go and learn about necessary topics. “If you can walk away and understand what we can do as allies, whether you are white, straight, able-bodied or male, what an opportunity that is to change our campus, said LaCom. “That’s truly what I want to do is make this campus the best place it can be.”
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April 22, 2016