NEWS
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February 24, 2017
INSIDE NEWS
Data analytics ranks nationally The data analytics master's program recently ranked nationally through the site College Choice. See theonlinerocket.com
Live-In programs starts at fire department The Slippery Rock Fire Department has started a program to provide housing to students who volunteer. See A-4
NEWS
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Catch something exciting happening on campus? Want your Insta-photos to be featured in The Rocket? Just follow @SRURocket on Instagram and use # in the caption for your chance to be featured here!
Photo courtesy of Quiona Glover
Current members of Black Action Society with the organization's first secretary Dr. Edward A. Scott.
Black Action Society celebrates 45 years at SRU, hosts events for Black History Month By Daniel DiFabio News Editor
INDEX Blotter.................A-3 Opinion................B-1 Sports...................C-1 CampusLife.............D-1
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Black Action Society (BAS) is celebrating its 45-year anniversary as a recognized organization on campus, hosting events during Black History Month and the rest of the year to teach and discuss African American culture with others. O'dell Richardson, a senior public health major and current president of BAS, said the organization was founded in 1969 but was officially recognized in 1971. The organization hosted an event where the original treasurer of BAS in 1969, Dr. Reverend Edward A. Scott, spoke with current members. "It was definitely a great discussion with him, and an excellent presentation," Richardson said. "He touched on ways to strengthen our foundation and talked about how and why BAS got started." Quiona Glover, a sophomore sports management major and public relations chair for BAS, said that Scott was in awe of the progression the campus has made. "It's great to see them come back and see not only the progress campus has made but the progress the population has made, the progress BAS has made and the progress that we're going to continue," Glover said. While the organization started small, it now has 25 members and has a much bigger presence on campus. Richardson said that current relations between students are good, but recalled a time three years ago at a BAS hosted Black Arts festival, where people were offended, asking why there wasn't a white arts festival. "We don't want people to be afraid because of our name," Richardson said. "It just hurt us to the core. I'm happy today because those things are behind us. That was just one of the main things that affected us in a way because we were welcoming to all people but there wasn't a way to get them there and make them feel welcome." Richardson said that things have improved and that BAS is now more diverse, which is reflected in the makeup of students. The only issue now is that students are scared to talk and discuss issues. "We know the things that are going on, we're all human, we all bleed the same regardless of anything," Richardson said. "We're scared to push the envelope but we can be those liaisons so we can bridge those gaps. Nothing happens without talking."
ROCK NOTES
Glover said a lot of it has to deal with students being afraid to step out of their comfort zone. "Even though we are an African-American organization on campus, a lot of white students wouldn't feel welcome in an environment that is predominately African Americans. We are here for everyone and I feel like the name BAS throws a lot of people. That's why I'm glad this year we've had a lot of white students, mixed race students and foreign students come in and see what BAS is about." Richardson said that one main goal for the organization at the start of the year was to make sure that students were aware of what the organization does, and that the executive board made sure the community knew them as people and knew their faces, instead of just looking at their titles. Glover said that attendance at the BAS hosted poetry slam Monday night was high, with the room being almost filled. The group also ran out of food at their soul food event as well. "We get a lot of the general campus population coming out," Glove said. "We do have a very strong turnout to a lot of our events." Richardson and Glover said that there is also a lot of administrative support, with President Cheryl Norton, Philip Way, provost, and David Wilmes, associate provost for student success, coming to a lot of the BAS events. "When we call them, they're here," Richardson said. "That's the best relationship you can have with the administration." With Norton's retirement, Richardson is also making sure that BAS maintains communication with the search committee and administration during the selection process, so its understood where BAS comes from. Richardson will be graduating in the spring semester, but said that he hopes that BAS in the future keeps striving. "There will be times when they may feel defeated or they may feel like they haven't gotten anything accomplished, but I want them to keep striving to be great," Richardson said. "We believe that we're almost to that seal of breaking those stereotypes. That bridge is almost coming together." BAS will be celebrating its 45th anniversary on April 1 at 6 p.m. in the Smith Student Ballroom. The group is also hosting a Black Arts festival on April 20. Meetings are held every other Thursday in room 320 at the Smith Student Center at 5:15 p.m.
SGA FORMAL SENATE MEETING Everyone is welcome to attend SGA's meetings to learn about what is going on and around campus or to voice a concern or suggest. The meeting is on Feb. 27 in the Smith Student Center Theater from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
February 24, 2017
NEWS
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POLICE BLOTTER Campus February 20- Facilities notified police that a sign was February 16- Police received a call for a car that taken from the Central Loop over the weekend. The was stuck in the West Lake Commuter Lot. Police case is under investigation. assisted the person removing the car to get it back on the roadway. February 20- Police were called about damage to a printer in the first floor lounge in Eisenberg. The case February 16- Police transported a person from ATS is under investigation. to the Health Center to be treated. Person was later transported to the hospital for further evaluation. February 20- Person reported to police that their February 18- Tyler Loux, 20, was charged with theft car was damaged in the Spotts Staff Lot. The case is after stealing items from Boozel Dining Hall. under investigation.
February 22- Police received a call for a person in Building E who had vomited and was highly intoxicated; person was transported to the hospital by ambulance. February 22- A report of a hammock being stolen from behind Building F was taken by police. The case is under investigation.
February 23- Police received a call from Butler 911 of an individual that was in need of medical attention in the East Lake Parking Lot. Officers located the individual and then transported them by Slippery February 19- Police conducted a traffic stop along February 22- Police received a call from the borough Rock ambulance to Butler Memorial Hospital. Kiester Road, which resulted in citations being issued police to assist them on a disturbance call at Ginger via mail for underage consumption. Hill.
Student Health Advisory Board addresses alcohol and safety issues at SRU By Logan Campbell Assistant News Editor
The Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) held its meeting Tuesday afternoon in the Smith Student Center room 319. It was an open discussion for students about the health and safety of campus. The purpose of SHAB is to improve communication between students and the healthcare system around campus. The mission of SHAB is to focus on nutrition, physical well-being, wellness and drug and alcohol abuse. Kristina Benkeser, Student Health Services director, said it's always interesting to see the students' issues on campus. Benkeser is in charge of the Health Center and mentioned how students need to be aware that it is open 24/7. Benkeser assured students that their health is the top priority. "Our commitment to health of our students is very important to us," Benkeser said. "No matter who it is, or what happened, always bring a student who is too intoxicated to the Health Center. The Medical Amnesty Act prevents students from getting into trouble for bringing an intoxicated person to the Health Center." The Health Center has seen 89 cases over the last semester that have dealt with drug and alcohol issues. Benkeser said that the weekends are the busiest time at the Health Center, and over-consumption of
alcohol is the most common case seen. "Alcohol is the front from which bad decisions happen," Benkeser said. "People under the influence of alcohol can't give consent, and that's a case where they go to police. We don't want that to happen, so be safe if you do decide to drink and go out." Lt. Kevin Sharkey, of the SRU police department (SRUPD), was the next speaker on the guest panel. Sharkey assured everyone that the university police are here to care for the students and that students should not feel afraid when calling police. Sharkey touched on the amnesty law, as well as underage drinking and sexual violence on campus. "Everyone is usually afraid to call police--give us a call, we're here for all of you," Sharkey said. "The amnesty law is that whoever calls police about a crime will not have any info about them released. You will remain confidential to everyone else except for our department." SRUPD will look to continue the programs in the residence halls around campus to further help with student safety. The next speakers on the panel were Leigh Ann Gilmore, director for Office of Student Conduct, and Morgan Marshall, graduate assistant for Office of Student Conduct, who updated students on the number of incidents and extent of student conduct. Gilmore said the bulk of incidents involved are lowlevel residence hall cases. When a student is cited by police, the student is brought to student conduct for evaluation. Gilmore
said the majority of cases are referred to Title IX. Gilmore said that outside of Title IX, the majority of cases deal with alcohol and drug offenses. The violations students receive stay on file with the Office of Student Conduct for seven years, unless written consent is provided by the subject of the case to remove it. Gilmore said if more than one fine occurs, the student may want to look into what will happen. "If your finger is printed by police, you may want to look into that," Gilmore said. "If you need to get something expunged, there are a few things the student needs to do. You need to be honest and upfront about what occurred." Gilmore advised students to be as successful as they can be while at SRU and to try and stay out of trouble. Finally, Renee Bateman. health promotion coordinator, discussed a new platform for student health and safety coming soon to campus. Just In Case will be a new website with easier access to counseling center services and university police. Bateman said students need to be aware of the counseling center and use it if they need to, especially when alcohol is involved. "Just In Case will have a variety of services available to student such as suicide awareness, alcohol, drugs and emergency services," Bateman said. "We know students are going to drink, but we want to help prevent those risks. Students just need to make the best decisions and get help if they feel like they are harming themselves or others."
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NEWS
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February 24, 2017
Margie Byrd-Walker reflects on time as first black SRU student By Daniel DiFabio News Editor
In 1951 at the beginning of the civil rights movement and years before any nation-wide desegregation laws Margie ByrdWalker, then age 17, became the first black student to be enrolled at SRU. Byrd-Walker was born in Franklin, Georgia on August 18, 1933, moving to Aliquippa, Pa. when she was four years old. She went to high school in Aliquippa, and then went to SRU for a degree in education. Byrd-Walker was discouraged from attending Slippery Rock by future SRU president Dr. Norman Weisenfluh, who was a psychology professor at the time. Byrd-Walker said she had already made up her mind on attending.
"The state law said that AfricanAmericans could be educated in state schools, and Slippery Rock was a state school," Byrd-Walker said in an interview with The Rocket in 1999. Byrd-Walker, now 83 years old and living in Coreopolis, said that she was very upset when she found out that Weisenfluh dining hall had been named after Dr. Weisenfluh. "If I could get him (Weisenfluh) now I would choke him to death, I'll let you know that," ByrdWalker said. "He wasn't very nice to me." Byrd-Walker said she was at school to get an education, and wasn't interested in making waves. "I enjoyed the time that I was there, and the people that were with me most of the were all friends," Byrd-Walker said.
Byrd-Walker said she had a group of friends at the time who helped to protect her when going out to places like the local theater. "When I went to the theater they would make sure that one or two people were sitting on either side of me and one or two were behind us, because the people in the community didn't want black people there" Byrd-Walker said. Byrd-Walker was als o roommates with the first black student athlete Jennie KnoxBrown, who joined the university soon after Byrd-Walker. "They made us room together," Byrd-Walker said. "When I first came here I had my own room." Byrd-Walker was president and vice president of house council, a member of Gamma Theta Upsilon, Mu Kappa Gamma, Vesper Choir and a member of student government.
Yearbook Collection/University Archives Margie Byrd's senior headshot as it appeared in the 1954 Slippery Rock yearbook.
Slippery Rock Fire Department to start Live-In program By Stephen Cukovich Rocket Contributor
The Slippery Rock fire department is looking for volunteers to help with their night time fire and EMS calls, in exchange for housing in their fire hall, through their Live-In program. Volunteers would work in shifts from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and are responsible to receive and or respond to fire and EMS calls. Slippery Rock fire chief Ken Taggart said he feels the program will start to kick in once the word gets out. "This idea has been in the works for
a while now," Taggart said. "Now we are ready to get this going." Some volunteers would work in the office at night for potential emergency calls, while some would be responding to the calls. Taggart said the department is looking for anyone in the community to get involved and help. Even if someone doesn't need the housing, they can still volunteer their time. "It's an opportunity for anyone to help out," Taggart said. "With more help, we can provide quicker response times for the community." This is the first time the Slippery Rock Fire Department has tried an
idea like this, but that doesn't make them the first department to try something different. "We've seen how it has worked in other areas," said Taggart. "I view it as a win-win." Taggart is hoping that those who need the free housing will only need to work once a week, but he said he isn't sure because the program just started and he doesn't know how many volunteers he is going to get. The program officially started a few weeks ago and Taggart said he has had people call to ask about it, but no one has officially signed up. "The word just has to get out,"
Taggart said. "We are trying to spread the word through many different ways." The department is spreading the word through other newspapers, online resources like social media, and ads in public places in the the area. Pennsylvania is going through a shortage of volunteer firefighters, and according to an article by PennLive, in the 1970s there were 300,000 volunteer firefighters in the state, but now today that number has dropped to about 50,000. This has forced departments like Taggart's to find help by any way possible.
See more news stories at theonlinerocket.com
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February 24 , 2017
O
OPINION
Our View #Black87 educates campus about Black History
OPINION Volume 100, 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 Ryan Barlow
Editor-in-Chief
Daniel DiFabio Megan Bush
News Editor Campus Life Editor
Cody Nespor
Sports Editor
Rebecca Dietrich Victoria Davis
Photo Editor Copy/ Web Editor
Logan Campbell
Assistant News Editor
Megan Majercak
Assist. Campus Life Editor
Jordyn Bennett
Assistant Sports Editor
Kendall Scott
GRAPHIC BY KENDALL SCOTT/ THE ROCKET
Assistant Photo Editor
Amanda Salvia Eric Davies
Assist. Copy/Web Editor Multimedia Reporter
Mark Zeltner
Faculty Adviser
ADVERTISING STAFF Catharyn Burton
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.
SRU’s KINGS Org., a peer m e ntor i ng pro g r am on campus, unveiled a social media campaign centered around the hashtag #Black87 for Black History Month with the intent to educate students about black history, since there seems to be a lack of knowledge about the subject in public education. While members of the organization recognize that a lot of folks know names like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, many people are unaware of other black historic figures that played a substantial role in both American and world history. KINGS Org. recognizes that knowledge of black history is ever-growing, but the intent of the campaign is to squash ignorance regarding the topic. Despite unveiling the campaign and the hashtag #Black87 at the beginning of Black History Month, KINGS Org. intends to continue the campaign through at least the rest of the academic year, as the organization believes
it is essential to recognize and celebrate black history beyond a single month in the calendar year. KINGS Org.’s campaign is extremely important, especially at a public university such as Slippery Rock, because it brings attention to historical people and moments that led to the creation of our diverse country. As a whole, SRU is a pretty diverse campus, but in many ways, the university and its groups and organizations on campus could do a lot more recognize and celebrate the range of diversity. It is extremely important for KINGS Org. to keep this campaign running throughout the course of the semester and hopefully into the 2017-2018 academic year. It’s also essential that the organization finds new ways to get its message out there so more people are drawn to learning about the issue and can partake in the campaign. KINGS Org. has already expressed interest in connecting
with other organizations and groups on campus to get its message out to the entire campus, but since it’s Black History Month, why not make those connections now? The organization’s campaign is clever and can be immediately improved with the help and assistance of other groups throughout the university. KINGS Org. has an Instagram page dedicated to the #Black87 campaign and posts several different historical figures related to black history during the week. Some the group’s most recent posts range from Alexander Pushkin, a father of modern Russian literature, to Hosea Williams, MLK Jr.’s trusted officer during the Civil Rights Movement. KINGS Org. has done great work with their campaign thus far, but there’s always more room to expand, especially when you have a great cause and a great idea.
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
In the Quad
This week’s question: Does SRU do enough to recognize Black History Month?
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.
Julia Freed Junior Public Health Major Aspers, Pennsylvania “SRU could probably do more as a university, but the organizations on campus do an all right job of getting the word out.”
Brandon Quinn LaMorie Marsh Senior Senior Public Health Major English - Creative Writing Union Town, Pennsylvania Major Bronx, New York “Yes I do. Especially being in my position, I notice a lot of things happening in the suite promoting Black History Month. ”
“I want to say yes but I believe we try, but we’re not doing as much as we can. Outside the OIC and SUMA you don’t see other organizations participating.”
OPINION
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February 24, 2017
Diversity is an incredibly complex subject Joseph Szalinski Commentary Joseph Szalinski is a senior creative writing and professional writing major.
The one thing we all have in common is that we all have our differences. Differences are what make us beautiful and captivating people. Attempts to sincerely understand and respect said differences should be encouraged, but every situation should be approached with an open mind. Differences should be respected, but they don’t necessarily have to be agreed with, as long as said differences are permitted in a general sense. Blindly disagreeing, or even supporting something, no matter what it is, is strongly
ill-advised. Differences, and to a larger extent, diversity, is a complex subject. What people need to understand most of all is that diversity is not dissent. Just because another perspective is encouraged, or that, more traditional, primary options are being considered less and less, that doesn’t mean that striking out against norms is deliberate or malicious in nature. People feel threatened whenever another option is presented. Whether it’s the relatively recent widespread championing of trans individuals, or the rise of non-religious groups of people or even anyone with any sort of an alternative lifestyle or alternative perspective. Hell, even people of races other than white, are still seen as those who disrupt the social fabric, in some semblance, by a significant swath of the American populace. The world is an enormous place, both physically, and non-physically. It encompasses a myriad of habits, beliefs and the like. It is impossible to be a citizen without being a citizen of the world. The spread of information, art, commerce and everything else was inevitable with the rise of technology and business. We have to be, more aptly, citizens of the world! I know that in a world with such strong advocacy for acceptance and such, the pushback is stronger advocacy for sense of self and nationalism, but
that is because there is a misunderstanding of diversity. Now, I’m not arguing that people aren’t entitled to favor self-interests in certain circumstances, or at all, but I understand the appeal of the comfort of familiarity. That being said, as I stated earlier, many people feel as if diversity is an attack on what they hold dear, but that is due to the inability to properly comprehend the aim of diversity, in this capacity. And this is not meant to be disparaging, but rather, a testament to the work diversity requires: the necessary maintenance to allow it to be appropriate and effective. From my experience of being an outsider of sorts, I’ve come to realize creating a meaningful relationship, enabling harmonious cohabitation of inclinations and perspectives requires tremendous effort from everyone involved. Concessions need to be made, even on the part of those with the particular difference. Integrating said differences into a world relatively unaccustomed to them needs to be done carefully and appropriately. However, this does not excuse violent or negative reactions to differences; that’s uncalled for. People need to take into account of all perspectives, even those perceived as “backward,” in order to navigate the world in a safe and sensible way.
Political topics involving race and ethnicity are important to discuss
Dylan Vamosi Commentary Dylan Vamosi is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in education - social studies.
Within the context of Black History Month, thinking about race and ethnicity dynamically is not just important for the real-life implications of institutional and individual racism and ethnocentrism on minorities, but how applicable the historical and contemporary treatment of “others” can explain the issues that many voters prioritize over “race relations” such as the economy, immigration, and foreign policy. The politicization of groups of people is fundamental to our
understanding of popular political issues, and racial and ethnic relations cannot be dismissed in conversations about any of those topics. In a Pew Research Center poll, 63 percent of responders reported that treatment of racial and ethnic minorities was a very important issue to their vote in 2016. This percentage seems significant, but it should be higher because of how central racial and ethnic relations are. Other factors such as the economy and terrorism, for example, received 84 percent and 80 percent importance respectively. What is so interesting about race relations, however, is that it is not its own separate issue -- but rather a way of looking at every other political issue from varying perspectives. The economy is certainly an important factor, but the economy cannot be divorced from the United States’ treatment of particular racial and ethnic groups because our entire history is predicated on the partition of labor how groups can be politicized to fill labor needs. Terrorism is also relevant topic right now, and policies directly toward combatting terrorism will have a tremendous influence on how
politicians and individuals perceive ethnic groups within and without of the United States; an executive order banning seven predominantly Muslims countries from entering the United States will correlate with negative ethnic relations for years internally and externally. This may seem obvious, but relations between races and ethnicities cannot be separated from more popular issues right now, such as the economy and terrorism, because they are at the foundation of both of those topics. Unsurprisingly, the issue of race relations is an easy topic for many voters to dismiss by virtue of economic and social status. Disparities among races are extensive and encompass every facet of life, but are often only directly relevant to those on the losing end. Among many other factors, November’s election (as well as most elections) was particularly influenced by an ability for many voters to turn inward and primarily consider what suits their best interests: the macroscopic economy and macroscopic foreign relations. The racial and ethnic nuances of each topic are largely lost in the mix, which is why only
Black history should be celebrated year-round, not just for one month
Nathaniel Preisel Commentary Nathaniel Preisel is a senior Digital Media Production major. Black History Month typically sparks a conversation about diversity, but unfortunately, this seems to be the only time it’s a topic that should be talked about all year-round. Being more diverse is something everyone should be trying to accomplish. Diversity is key in creating a society in which all people feel that they matter. Being more diverse means shedding a light on others who do not fall under the label of the majority. Diversity has improved a lot in recent years but still needs work. One place that we need to see more diversity is the media. The media has been trying to create more opportunities for minorities and highlight their accomplishments. However, the media is still definitely dominated by white heterosexual male entertainers. Just this past year we have
seen a lot of people of color and members of the LGBT+ community gaining visibility in the media. It’s a great accomplishment that the film “Moonlight,” about and young black male struggling with his sexuality, won Best Motion Picture of the Year at the Golden Globes, along with multiple other awards. Not only did this movie shed a light of the gay community, but people of color too. Also the movie Hidden Figures highlighted the achievements of not only black actresses but prominent black women in the history of science. Another place that needs more diversity is government. The government of the United States is a government of the people. However, the politicians that make up government don’t really mirror the diversity of our country. We have people of the majority creating policies that affect minorities without any real insight. As representatives of the people of this country, politicians need to mirror and to protect all of the people of this country. We need to elect officials that all citizens can identify with and feel their best interests are in mind. Diversity is very important in all aspects of life. We need to work towards diversity especially in the media and in government since these are two things that affect everybody. Creating an environment where everyone feels heard and important is vital to building a cohesive society. We are in the beginning stages of diversity and it’s going to be a long ride. But if we all open our minds and learn about those not like ourselves we will put society even closer to being fully inclusive.
63 percent of voters reported racial relations as being very important to their vote. Racial and ethnic relations are dynamics issues which encompass every other perceived political problem. Mitigating racism and ethnocentrism is not so much about how nicely people act towards other as much as it is an intersection of economic and social factors which predispose certain groups of people toward living poor or good quality lives. Economic, foreign and all social issues become much more informed if the racial and ethnic dynamics issues involved are considered, though they are popularly thought to be separate. In the spirit Black History Month, this means not just considering the legacy of slavery, but how slavery translates to the status of our modern economy, or that foreign policy decisions right now will dictate how races and ethnicities coexist for years to come. Racial and ethnic relationships live at the foundation of many cornerstone issues in the United States, and cannot be overlooked as simply complementary pieces to a bigger picture.
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February 24 , 2017
INSIDE SPORTS
S SPORTS
Men's Basketball
Walk-on to career record holder
After clinching a spot in the conference tounament, the men's basketball team prepares to face Mercyhurst in round one.
Former football standout Shamar Greene reflects on his journey from football team walk-on to career rushing leader.
See Page C-2
See Page C-3
Jennie Knox: SRU's first black athlete YEARBOOK COLLECTION/UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES
Jennie Knox as freshman class treasurer in 1952.
YEARBOOK COLLECTION/UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES
Jennie Knox's profile in the 1956 Slippery Rock yearbook.
YEARBOOK COLLECTION/UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES
Jennie Knox in the 1956 hockey team yearbook picture.
Joining the "hockey" team in 1955, Knox broke Slippery Rock University athletics' color barrier By Cody Nespor
As student, Brown was very involved. She studied both health and physical education and social studies while also serving as her freshman 1952 was a much different time than today. The civil rights movement class treasurer, being a member of the Women's Athletic Association was just beginning to pick up steam and segregation was still very real Council (WAAC), the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and very dangerous problems. A decision had not even been reached in and being a member of the women's physical education club. Brown was Brown v. Board of Education and traditional white public schools were also a member of the press club, who were responsible for printing the just starting to accept black students. student newspaper back then, still called "The Rocket." Despite all of this, a young black women from Pittsburgh decided that As a member of WAAC, Brown tried to further female participation she wanted to pursue a higher education in athletics on campus. in physical education and she decided WAAC's slogan at the time was "A to go to, what was then called, Slippery sport for every girl, a girl for every sport." Rock State College. That young girl Articles from issues of The Rocket from was one Jennie Brown (nee Knox), now the 1950's depict Brown as a social leader passed, and she was determine to take on campus, participating in fraternity her outgoing personality and pursuit of and sorority events, organizing snow education into Slippery Rock and come balls fights on a campus snow day in out with a degree. 1954, taking part in setting up multiple While not Slippery Rock's first black dinner-dances for students; Brown did student, that would be Brown's roommate it all. Margie Walker (nee Byrd) in 1951, Brown Walker recalled that Brown played was the second back student to come to many sports on campus and said she Slippery Rock, joining the college in the would sometimes go to watch Brown fall of 1952. play. However for her first two years, Walker, now 83 years old, said that Brown play exclusively on intramural or back then the administration had forced club teams on campus until, in 1955, she COLLECTION/UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES her and Brown live together, thinking Knox on the hockey team picture in theYEARBOOK became Slippery Rock's first ever black 1955 school yearbook. they would be more comfortable living athlete joining the field hockey, then just with other African Americans. called the "hockey" team. "They made us room together," Walker said. "It was an interesting While no statistics arer available, Brown was included in team pictures situation. They assigned us together, we had no choice. We were in both the 1955 and 1956 hockey team pictures printed in the school automatically put together." yearbook. Being the first black student, Walker recalled that she faced quite a bit After graduating in 1956, Brown got a teaching job in a Pittsburgh of prejudice from students, faculty and the community. public school. She retired in 1996 and stayed in Pittsburgh until her However, in a 1999 interview with The Rocket, Knox said that she had death in March of 2014. always felt welcomed at The Rock. Perhaps without even knowing it, Brown had paved a way for inclusion "There was a tradition to speak to everybody on campus, so I felt in athletic at Slippery Rock. Now there are over 70 black student-athletes welcome," Brown said at the time. "I think that, at the time, Slippery Rock representing Slippery Rock University through sport perhaps none of State College was ahead of its time in terms of blatant racial attitude. I whom would have that opportunity today if it were not for one girl from will not deny that there was prejudice, but it was not blatant." Pittsburgh in the early 1950's who just wanted to get an education and Sports Editor
SPORTS
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February 24, 2017
SRU looks to settle the score with Mercyhurst in round one Men's Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Indiana (Pa.)* 25-2 (20-1) Gannon* 16-9 (14-7) Pitt-Johnstown* 17-10 (12-9) Mercyhurst* 13-12 (11-10) Slippery Rock* 14-13 (10-11) Seton Hill 11-15 (8-14) California (Pa.) 10-17 (7-14) Edinboro 7-18 (5-16) Clarion 7-20 (4-17) *Clinched PSAC tournament spot
Upcoming Games
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
Junior guard Khyree Wooten controls the ball against Mercyhurst on Wednesday. Wooten is averaging 9.1 points per game in his first year at The Rock.
By Jordyn Bennett Assistant Sports Editor
vs Sat. Feb. 25, Johnstown Sports Center, 3:00 p.m.
Women's Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
California (Pa.)* 25-2 (19-2) Indiana (PA)* 20-5 (18-3) Mercyhurst* 21-6 (16-5) Edinboro* 20-7 (16-5) Seton Hill* 16-12 (12-10) Clarion* 14-13 (11-10) Gannon 9-18 (9-12) Slippery Rock 9-18 (6-15) Pitt-Johnstown 7-20 (3-18) *Clinched PSAC tournament spot
Upcoming Games vs Sat. Feb. 25, Johnstown Sports Center, 3:00 p.m.
Indoor Track
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference 2016-17 Indoor Track and Field Championships Feb. 25 & 26 Edinboro University, Edinboro, Pa.
Standings as of Thurs. Dec. 1 at 12:23 p.m.
Back-to-back wins by Slippery Rock men’s basketball (14-13, 10-11) has guaranteed The Rock a spot in the PSAC tournament. Their next game determines whether or not they will be home or away. “We’re playing Mercyhurst either way,” Rock head coach Kevin Reynolds said. “A win on Saturday will give us a home game. A loss will put us away.” The Rock and the Lakers (13-12, 11-10) have created a rivalry this season and will have a chance to settle it on Monday in the firstround of the PSAC tournament. With nearly identical records, The Rock only has one less win than Mercyhurst. The teams have met twice this year, splitting the encounters. SRU took the first game in a close 49-46 win in Erie early in January, but the Lakers struck back and won the rematch 81-72 when they came to Morrow Field House. The Rock’s loss to the Lakers was more than just another loss on the season or a split between the series. That loss was the second of a three game losing streak that almost knocked The Rock out of post-season play. But, with The Rock winning its last two games, Reynolds and his team guaranteed themselves a spot. Reynolds said that he thinks it was senior day that really began their push back into the postseason hunt. “We needed to win,” Reynolds said. “Obviously both games were played in much win situations, but that first win against Gannon started it. On senior afternoon, our seniors didn’t want to go out with a loss in
potentially their last home game.” Reynolds said that the energy from the win against Gannon carried into their next game against Edinboro. He said he is hoping that the consistency remains the same against University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (17-10, 12-9) this Saturday. “We lost to them here,” Reynolds said. “They’re solidified with a home game, so we’re hoping they look past us.” If SRU wins and Mercyhurst loses its game to Gannon (16-9, 14-7) the two teams will trade places for the fourth and fifth spots in the conference. Despite an average season, Reynolds doesn’t fear playing in the post season against top teams. Reynolds said that since he has been coaching at SRU his teams have competed in the playoffs just as much as any other team outside of No. 2 IUP (25-2, 20-1). With one of the toughest schedules in the PSAC Reynolds said that his team is ready for the post season. “We’ve had the third hardest schedule in the conference,” Reynolds said. “We’ve played more games away from home than any other team.” For most teams, the postseason starts on Monday, but Reynolds said, that for him and his team, they have been playing playoff-like games for weeks. Reynolds said every game from this point out is a part of the post-season. “We just have to take it game-by-game, possession-by-possession,” Reynolds said. “We can’t look past Saturday or Monday.” Saturday’s game against UPJ will determine whether SRU’s postseason will begin at home or on the road.
SPORTS
February 24, 2017
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The Journey of a Lifetime
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET
KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET
PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATION
From walk-on to career rushing leader Shamar Green leaves his SRU legacy By Cody Nespor Sports Editor
Nobody comes into college expecting to become a role model. People like former Slippery Rock football standout Shamar Greene who come to college with a goal in mind and a drive to finish their goal are the ones that people inherently look up to. It is people like Shamar Greene that become role models. Greene went to West Mifflin high school, where several other future SRU players are from. Greene came to The Rock in 2012, originally as a walk-on, and redshirted as a freshman. Greene quickly showed that his determination and work ethic made him one of the most talented players on the SRU roster. He started nine of 11 games as a redshirtfreshman in 2013, leading the team with 129 carries and 727 rushing yards. Greene went on to tally 1,482 yards in
2014 and 1,545 yards in 2015, winning the conference championship both years. Entering his redshirt-senior season, Greene ranked second in school history in rushing yards, with the record within his grasp. 2016 did not go as he expected however. Greene was only able to play in five games due to injury, totaling a career-low 521 rushing yards on 92 attempts. Despite the disappointing 2016, Greene was still able to take over as the school's alltime career rushing leader with 4,275 career rushing yards. Greene did not allow his injury to affect his academics however, participating in SRU's commencement ceremony this past winter. From coming into the program as a redshirt walk-on in 2012 to leaving with a scholarship, a school record, a couple of championships rings and a degree makes Greene's story one of Slippery Rock's best. Slippery Rock associate athletic director, Torry Rollins, said that Shamar is a shining example of how athletes should handle
themselves, both on and off the field. "It's very important, because athletes are seen as role models whether they want to be it or not," Rollins said. "For someone like Shamar to do that is amazing. His role on campus goes beyond athletics. You hear terms like "dumb jocks," but her took academics very importantly." Senior accounting major Ronnie Johnson said that Shamar was a role model for him and other African-American students to look up to at The Rock. "It doesn't just affect us, but the community," Johnson said. "It gives kids watching something to look up to. It gives other African-Americans, like myself, something to look up to." Greene probably did not come to Slippery Rock expecting to become a role model for other African-American students around him but like Rollins said, athletes are role models, whether they want to or not, and there are not many better choices for role models other than Shamar Greene.
Rock softball loses four of five in South Carolina early season tournament By Oscar Matous Rocket Contributor
In their first action of the new season, the Slippery Rock University women’s softball team took part in the Snowbird Freeze Out in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina over the weekend. The Rock played in a total of five games over the course of Friday and Saturday, begining their 2017 campaign with a 1-4 record. The women opened their season with a 1-0 loss on Friday morning against West Virginia State University. On the mound in game one was senior Carly DeRose. DeRose, who recorded eight wins a season ago, gave up one unearned run and struck out two batters in three innings on the mound. Sophomore Megan Brown led Slippery Rock, who left six runners on base, with two hits in the contest. In the second of three that took place on Friday, Slippery Rock left three runners on base and lost 11-0 to fellow Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rival Kutztown University in five innings. Sophomore Andria Copelli was handed the loss, pitching 1.2 innings and giving up five earned runs in the process. Junior Brooke Dawson took over in relief going 2.1 innings and allowing six runs (two earned) and striking out two. The lone hit of the game for The Rock came from junior McKenzie Garland. Slippery Rock took on Southern New Hampshire University in the third and final game on Friday and ultimately lost with a score of 2-0. Junior Paige Flore got handed the loss, pitching six innings and allowing the two runs (both of which were earned) and also struck out two batters. Brown recorded another two hit ballgame as the Green and White left a total of 7 runners on base.
The Rocks woes continued into game four on Saturday with a 5-2 lost against New Haven University. Flore started on the mound for Slippery Rock, giving up two earned runs in 4.1 innings. Dawson would get the loss, however, by giving up three earned runs and walking four batters. Both runs for the Green and White were unearned, coming off fielding errors. Brown stole third in the opening frame and advanced home on an error and senior Caitlin Baxter was able to score off a throwing error in the fourth inning off a sacrifice bunt by junior Amanda Brush. New Haven would score two runs in the top of the seventh inning to take a 5-2 lead, earning the victory. Slippery Rock left a total of five runners on base in the game. Slippery Rock would finally get their first win of the season in the fifth and final game of the Snowbird Freeze Out, beating Shippensburg University 6-2. DeRose was able to come back and earn her first win and complete game of the season. She gave up two earned runs and struck out seven batters while walking two. Junior catcher Lauren Hawley went two for three with two doubles, a run batted in, and a walk. Baxter went two for three with three runs batted in and a walk. Brown recorded an run batted in and sophomore shortstop Kailey Myers registered two hits. Freshman Megan Ross recorded a pinch-hit RBI single in the sixth inning to give The Rock a 6-0 lead. Shippensburg would go on to score two runs in the sixth inning but would never threaten Slippery Rock’s lead. The Green and White will travel to Clermont, Florida to take park in the NTC tournament from March 11-17. The women will play in 12 games in this tournament, the first being on Saturday against New Jersey’s Caldwell University.
SPORTS Women's indoor track and Men's indoor track field looks to defend title lands 11 event wins C-4
Fenbruary 24, 2017
By Jeffrey Cupp Rocket Contributor
Over the weekend, the Slippery Rock University's women's indoor track team competed at the Edinboro Last Chance Meet, where they recorded 20 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) marks and three NCAA marks. This was the final meet before the PSAC championships this coming weekend. In the 60-meter dash, senior Julia Galante set a season-high and met a PSAC mark with a time of 8.09 seconds and freshman Emily Horstman also set a season-high with a time of 7.79 seconds, winning the event. In the 400-meter dash, freshman Courtney Nunley recorded a PSAC mark with a time of 1:00.83, which won the event. In the 800-meter run, sophomore Madison Przicina recorded a mark with a time of 2:19.80, and placing first in front of her was junior Caitlyn Janeda with a time of 2:19.45. Placing first in the 60-meter hurdles was senior Kennedy Evans with a time of 8.90, behind her were freshman Kadin Hinish with a time of 9.11, and junior Sophie Mazza with a time of 9.70. In the high-jump, senior Sabrina Anderson recorded a mark with a distance of 1.55 meters. In the Pole Vault, three SRU women met NCAA provisional marks, with junior Courtney McQuaide, who head coach John Papa calls the "most surprising performer" after coming off an injury that kept out of last year's season, recording a distance of 3.71 meters which won the event. Behind her were junior Maria Darling and freshman Madeline Marshall with distances of 3.61 meters, both an NCAA
provisional mark. Also meeting PSAC marks were senior Megan Matrisciano with a distance of 3.45 meters and freshman Erika Thomas with a distance of 3.30 meters. In the triple-jump, freshman Asia Broaddus recorded a mark with a distance of 10.45 meters. In the Shot Put, junior Abby Frengel recorded a mark with a distance of 12.11 meters and senior Kelci Yale recorded a mark with a distance of 11.50 meters. In the weight throw, Yale also recorded a mark with a distance of 13.89 meters, freshman Abby Way recorded a mark with a distance of 13.34 meters and Frengel also recorded a mark with a distance of 12.80 meters. This weekend, the team will head back to Edinboro to compete in the PSAC championships. The women's team is the defending conference champions from last year, but according to the pre-championship rankings, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team is expected to finish in fourth place. Papa believes they can move up a couple spots, but for The Rock to repeat, he says that "to move up to first, a lot will have to go wrong for Shippensburg team and a lot will have to go right with us. We can rely on ourselves to do well, but we can't really rely on Shippensburg to do poorly." Papa said, "We'll get a good idea of what we're up against as we get to see some of the top performers heading into the outdoor season, and we will be able to prepare over the next couple months to reach our ultimate goal, which is to bring home the PSAC outdoor championship." The Rock women are seemingly the underdogs heading into this weekend at the PSAC championships.
By Stephen Cukovich Rocket Contributor
SRU men's indoor track landed 11 event wins this past weekend when the team traveled to Edinboro, PA for the Edinboro Last Chance Meet, which was the last meet before the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships this weekend back in Edinboro. The Rock hit 18 PSAC qualifying marks, along with three NCAA qualifying marks, while also hitting 11 personal bests this past weekend. Graduate student David Reinhardt continued to improve on his season best in the weight throw for the fifth consecutive meet, when he threw 18.10 meters, taking first place in the event and notching another NCAA mark. "It's pretty amazing what he's (Reinhardt) been able to do," head coach John Papa said. "He gets better every week, only problem is we're running out of weeks." This weekend is the PSAC Championships, followed by the NCAA Nationals on March 10. Papa says he feels the group is coming together at the perfect time of the season. "At my estimation, most of our team is at it's best right now," Papa said. "I think we're ready to compete." The two other NCAA qualifying marks came from juniors Jordan Pacheco and Caleb Smithco. Pacheco placed first in the pole vault with a height of 4.90 meters, while Smithco placed first in the triple jump with a distance of 14.74 meters. In the 60-meter dash, three Rock athletes took top five finishes, including senior Brandon Vanderbrook, who took
first place with a time of 6.97. Sophomore Jeff Bailey took third place with a time of 7.11, and freshman Liam Okal took fourth place with a time of 7.22. All three athletes broke their season bests, while also hitting the PSAC mark. Sophomore Collin Darby took first place in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.32, with Vanderbrook behind him in third place with a time of 22.72. Okal also joined the race placing fourth, notching a time of 22.82, his season best. Darby, Vanderbrook, and Okal all broke the PSAC mark in the event. Junior James Chandler placed first in the 400-meter dash, with a time of 50.42, notching his season best and a PSAC mark as well. "He (Chandler) looked great out there the other day," Papa said. "We're happy to have him back because he was hurt all outdoor last year." In the mile, senior Tyler Palenchak took first place with a time of 4:26.31, hitting the PSAC mark. Freshman Ian Nieves took first place in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.35 with senior Savon Salter right behind him in second place with a time of 8.72, both hitting the PSAC mark. The high jump event brought three top five finishes as well as sophomore Lance Thornton took first place with a jump of 1.95 meters. Senior Seth Armstrong tied Thornton and took second, while freshman Josiah Davis landed fifth with a jump of 1.85 meters. Senior JJ Ollio took first place in shot put with a toss of 15.30 meters. All four hit the PSAC mark in their event. This coming weekend The Rock will travel back to Edinboro for the PSAC Championships on Saturday and Sunday.
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CAMPUS LIFE
INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE SRU senior finds success in unfamiliar territory
Condom Fashion Show spreads awareness about safe sex
Senior journalism and philosophy major Jordyn Bennett rediscovered himself and looks forward to a bright future in the media.
HOPE hosted their second annual Condom Fashion Show, complete with condom couture, trivia and condom races.
See Page D-2
See Page D-3
KINGS Org. unveils campaign New organization on campus aims to educate and inspire about black culture
GRAPHIC BY REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET
By Megan Bush Campus Life Editor
KINGS Org. is a new organization on Slippery Rock's campus that, according to senior liberal studies major and vice president Malcolm Roberson, is beneficial to all aspects of college life for young black men. "It's been challenging, being a new club for young black men on a predominantly white campus," Roberson said. "But I have a strong executive board backing me, and you know what they say: 'strong hands make light work.'" Roberson said KINGS Org. is primarily a mentoring program, helping freshmen learn the ins and outs of college life by sponsoring events about black history and advocacy, as well as teaching life skills in a supportive environment. "We hope to become a beacon in these young men's lives, and help mold them," Roberson said. KINGS Org. uses the game of chess to represent the development and growth of these young men as they experience their first year of college. Roberson said the young men who join begin as pawns, and through the year, they make their way through the ranks: rooks, bishops and finally kings. As they progress and develop, they observe other 'chess pieces' and the 'directions' they take, similar to the various directions the different chess pieces take in the game. Graduate assistant in Academic Services and one of the founders of KINGS Org. Dewayne Anderson said that while the primary purpose of KINGS Org. is a mentoring program, the group also advocates for awareness and education of black history and culture. Anderson attended Clarion University as an undergraduate student, and while he was there, there were 40 other black men in his
freshman class. By the time he graduated, that number dropped to four. When he started looking at graduate schools, Anderson saw that Slippery Rock University had significantly fewer opportunities for young black men. "There was a lack of faculty and campus leadership for young black men," Anderson said. "I knew I had an obligation to create a safe haven and an organization to provide that leadership."
"Knowledge [of black history] is ever-growing, and this campaign is a step toward preventing ignorance." -Malcolm Roberson senior, vice president of KINGS Org.
KINGS Org.'s overall purpose is to increase retention of black men at SRU, as well as to provide educational programs like discussions about black history and informal life skills classes. Anderson said he and the other founding members spent most of the spring of 2016 formulating a formal plan for beginning the club officially, and now that it's established, he is honored and proud to have started the group.
"It's really great seeing the development of the young men in the program," Anderson said. "It's self-fulfilling." During one of KINGS Org.'s monthly meetings, Roberson said the group was discussing a new campaign to bring awareness to the lack of education about black history in public education. Public relations major Kwame Vinson and treasurer Charles Bradley brought up the fact that, statistically, students are only taught about 13 percent of black history, and this campaign would bring attention to the other 87 percent. The club decided on #Black87 to represent the campaign. "A majority of people have only learned about Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., sit-ins and slavery," Roberson said. "Knowledge [of black history] is ever-growing, and this campaign is a step toward preventing ignorance." Roberson said the executive board has been attending meetings for other clubs like Black Action Society (BAS) and the Student Organization for Latinos, Hispanics and Allies (SOL) to educate their members about the #Black87 campaign and encourage them to participate. "We post [an unknown] historical figure every day on Instagram with the hashtag," Anderson said. "We want to let those figures get the recognition they deserve." One of the most recent figures KINGS Org. posted to their Instagram, @kingsorg, was Eugene Bullard, the world's first black combat aviator who flew in French squadrons during the first World War. While #Black87 was unveiled for Black History Month, Roberson said the group wants it to be an ongoing, continuous campaign to keep providing awareness and education of black history. In the future, Anderson and Roberson agreed that KINGS Org. hopes to become more inclusive and make more connections with people and groups on campus, which will make for a stronger future.
Black Action Society hosts Soul Food Tuesday By Oscar Matous Rocket Contributor
The Slippery University Black Action Society (BAS) sponsored and hosted an event called Soul Food Tuesday on Tuesday evening in the Smith Student Center ballroom. The event, which gave Slippery Rock students a chance to taste homemade and traditional southern soul food, had been in the works since last semester, BAS president O’Dell Richardson said.
“This is our second year doing [the event],” Richardson explained. “We have been planning this event since last semester but it really came into full effect within the last month. This last week we have been planning it all, making sure everything was ordered and made sure everybody was doing something.” The event was something everyone could connect on and it helped bring everyone that goes to Slippery Rock closer together, freshmen Elena
Schaffin and Jameela Johnson both explained. Freshman Kemoni Farmer said the whole purpose of Black Action Society is to get the whole campus to know their culture and heritage, part of which was the food that was being eaten. The food that was served to the students was all homemade, with the exception of a few small food items that were donated by AVI Foodsystems, Richardson said. The homemade food included fried chicken, catfish, yams, peach cobblers
(a favorite of Richardson’s), macaroni and cheese and much more. “Soul food is all about the love you share with your friends and family over a nice home-cooked meal,” Richardson said. “When you think of soul food you think of going to grandmom’s house on a Sunday after church for homemade food and being able to sit down with your family to have a nice conversation, and that is all we are trying to do here.” SEE STUDENTS DISCUSS, PAGE D-3
CAMPUS LIFE
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February 24, 2017
Assistant sports editor rises above unexpected challenges to succeed By Demetrius Ricks Rocket Contributor
Jordyn Bennett is a student at Slippery Rock University who is the current assistant sports editor for The Rocket, on the Board of Directors of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, an FYTS Peer Mentor and double majoring in Journalism and Philosophy. Originally coming here as a football student, Bennett went through an unfortunate series of difficulties that ultimately led up to his departure from the football team. Despite his many setbacks, Bennett persevered through his hardships; he learned from them, got over his doubts and turned his lemons into lemonade. Coming from Chester, Pa. to further his education here at Slippery Rock University was a decision he wasn’t ready to commit to because of its difference from the city life. “Life in general was different," Bennett said about being from the eastern side of the state. "I'm from Chester, Pa., which is one of the worst cities in the state, but I was fortunately blessed with a mom who was able to get me away from the city and in more positive environments despite being a single parent." By the time his sister was born and he was in high school, Bennett and his family moved out of the city and he attended Garnet Valley High School, where he was wellknown as a football player by his junior year. Bennett's best friend, who he said is like his brother, came to live with his family during his senior year. "Our house got pretty crazy after that," Bennett said. "I was a well-known football player, and he was one of the top track athletes in the country. We just were the house that should've never been as successful as we were, but my mom never let us do anything inside or outside of the classroom that wasn't great.”
REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Senior Jordyn Bennett smiles through the rain in a convertible during Slippery Rock University's Homecoming Parade in October 2016. Bennett represented his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, as their Homecoming King nominee.
Bennett said that, if it wasn't for football, he never would have come to SRU. "I hate the cold," Bennett said. "Absolutely hate it, and I'm a city kid. I love loud noises and bright lights, so this is the opposite for me. But my life at home wasn't in our best years and I felt this was the best place for me to help my family out at the time.” Bennett's primary reason for attending SRU, was playing football, but during practice one day, he broke his forearm cut blocking another player. He said the shock went through his arm to his wrist, breaking part of his wrist as well, and he had a pin put into his wrist and a metal plate into his arm; Bennett still has the plate. “While my arm was the last thing that set me over the top from leaving football, it wasn't the main reason," Bennett said. "I was battling mental issues and a lot of other things going on in my life where I just wasn't happy to find me.” Bennett said he left the team without saying anything to anyone besides Coach Mihalik, and that he didn't know what he was going to do; he said, in that time, he felt lower than he'd ever felt, his grades were slacking and he wasn't making good decisions. Bennett said he didn't want to be at school or anywhere in general, and he debated transferring or dropping out. "It was probably the scariest time of my life," Bennett said. "I debated a lot of bad, scary things that would've made my story a lot different." Bennett credits a few select people for helping him become who he is now. He said Ms. Corrine Gibson talked him through his academics to get him back on course as a student, and Lorraine Craven helped him through his personal issues and pointed him in REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET the right direction to get the help he needed. Bennett mentioned Dr. Mark Zeltner, adviser to The Rocket and Senior and Homecoming King nominee Jordyn Bennett escorts junior and Homecoming Queen nominee Madison Busse during the professor of Bennett's junior year sports journalism class, who helped him as well. Homecoming football game in October 2016.
"Dr. Zeltner really pushed me to make the moves I've made in my career as a journalist," Bennett said. "He told the [sports journalism] class how to get involved with The Rocket and I went for it and have been making moves to be a better journalist ever since." As assistant sports editor, Bennett covered many of the football games for The Rocket, which, he said, helped him see football in a different light. He said he's glad that he's done covering it because now he can go back to being a fan and supporting the team. “I'm kind of happy I can just support this year because this season would have been my last," Bennett said. "The guys I redshirted with and spent the most time with are going to be in their last season, so it's like the last bit of me that I left out there is in them.” One of the biggest things that kept Bennett at SRU was his desire to make a difference. As a black student, an ex-athlete, a member of a Greek organization and someone who had a troubling past at SRU, he felt as if there were many people he could help. Bennett became pole march of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a FYTS mentor, helped to start the organization KINGS Org. and started working at George Junior Republic, where he got to help coach the high school basketball team this year. "I don't always have the care to worry about what happens to me, but I definitely found my care for the betterment of everyone else and how much I could potentially impact someone," Bennett said. Bennett hopes to throw himself into his profession by working for a television station or writing for a newspaper, or pursue graduate school in California in order to put himself in a bigger media market. Outside of his career, he also wants to continue to inspire people to make better decisions and to be themselves. "If I do nothing else for the rest of my life, I want to make sure that I inspire someone to be better than me," Bennett said.
HOPE celebrates Safer Sex Month with Condom Fashion Show By Rachel Jackson Rocket Contributor
The HOPE Peer Educators held their second annual Condom Fashion Show on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Smith Student Center ballroom. HOPE stands for Healthy Outreach through Peer Education, and the HOPE Peer Educators teach students about health topics, senior recreational therapy major and HOPE Peer Educator Karlie Gaydos said. The idea for the condom fashion show came from another school at a conference, Gaydos said. For the fashion show, students make up teams, which vary from two to six people, with one model who walks the runway to the song of their choice. The teams are also given several hundred colored condoms and other supplies to create their designs for the show, sophomore public health major and HOPE Peer Educator Amy Kayser said. During the event, the contestants showcase their designs and are then asked three health trivia questions. Between contestants, the crowd was also asked trivia questions. At intermission, people in the crowd were invited to participate in condom races. The winner of the fashion show received a trophy and a gift card. The HOPE Peers aim to have bigger events on campus, such as the Condom Fashion Show, so students, particularly freshmen, can become familiar with HOPE and be aware of what is available on campus, Gaydos said.
“This is the second year we are doing the Condom Fashion Show,” Gaydos said. “Last year, we had a really good turnout, and we are hoping this year’s event will be even better.” Kayser said six teams competed in this year's show, represented by various campus organizations such as Greek Life, Black Action Society and residence hall students. Sophomore safety management major Matt Rickard, the winning model from last year’s show, said he initially became involved as a model for the fun of it. “It’s a goofy event at its heart and it seemed like a fun time," Rickard said. "I know the entire group from Rhoads [Hall] is stoked about the event, and we wish the other groups the best of luck!” Rickard, who was the only male model, and his team from Rhoads Hall “The Rubber Bandits” came in second place this year. The winning team “The Latex Ladies” was a group from the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. Kenzie Wagner is a freshman secondary education major and the model for “The Latex Ladies” team. “We participated in the event because we thought it would be a fun sister bonding activity for us to do within the sorority,” Wagner said. Julia Rismiller is a freshman art education major and is credited with creating the winning design. Rismiller said the outfit started as a skirt that was made to look more couture, and that it was really a shirt that they cut to make the outfit. Read full story on theonlinerocket.com
ERIC DAVIES/THE ROCKET Freshman Kenzie Wagner models condom couture at HOPE's second annual Condom Fashion Show Wednesday night. Wagner was the model for the winning team, Alpha Sigma Tau's "The Latex Ladies."
CAMPUS LIFE BAS hosts second Students discuss soul annual poetry slam food and culture February 24, 2017
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By Megan Majercak
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Asst. Campus Life Editor
In celebration of Black History Month, Black Action Society (BAS) hosted a poetry slam in Sheehy Theater in Maltby Monday night. Students expressed their ideas through spoken word, dance or song. One performer was Slippery Rock graduate student Ashley Craig. For Ashley, her performance was a way to educate the demographic of college students about something she felt strongly about. Craig performed a poem by Tanesha Martin titled ‘Silent Kilah.’ The poem was about HIV and AIDS, and Craig was inspired to perform to educate students about the disease. “I knew I wanted to send a positive and educational message to the crowd in a way that would catch their interest,” Craig said. “I would like for people who engage in risky behaviors to get tested and take care of themselves.” Craig said the poetry slam was a positive environment for everyone in attendance. “The poetry slam was not only just your average event, but it was also entertainment for the students by the students in an open and nonjudgmental environment,” Craig said. For freshman Homeland Security major Amir Hill-Davis, his inspiration came from his girlfriend, Nicole. Hill-Davis chose to share an original love poem. “My inspiration came from my girlfriend Nicole. The poem served as two things. One, a declaration of my love to her. Two, it serves as a warning for all those that hurt her,” Hill-Davis said. Hill-Davis enjoyed seeing all different people come together to understand each other through poetry. “Everyone showed love to everyone and everyone was respectful,” HillDavis said. O’Dell Richardson, BAS president, said his favorite aspect of the poetry slam was everyone showing support for one another. “One thing I hope that people got out of the poetry slam is that we all have a different story, we all have a different talent, yet we are one,” Richardson said. “Black History Month is an opportunity to promote and educate the campus on the African-American culture and to be proud of our heritage and remember those who have come before us and appreciate what they have done,” Richardson said. Richardson said their theme for this year's Black History Month is Before & Beyond: Strengthening our Foundation. “This was the second year for BAS to hold the poetry slam and we definitely plan on having it again. We are looking forward to planning it again in the semesters to come,” Richardson said.
Graduate student Brittany Terry said one of the biggest issues on Slippery Rock’s predominately white campus is that there is a lack of effort to listen about other’s cultures. There needs to be more of a push to be diverse. If there is an unwillingness to be diverse then there is no way to move forward, she explained. Richardson said he believes that we, as a university, are scared to get in contact with one another. We are scared to talk to one another because of the stereotypes that have come before us and we are the generation to change that, he said. Richardson said that as a campus we all need to start seeing
things for ourselves and we also need to be able to just get away from the stereotypes. “People are scared to talk,” he said. “We are all human. We all bleed the same way, we all have the same beatin’ heart, even if it is a different rhythm." The rest of the semester will feature a multitude of events put on by BAS, Richardson explained. One of those events is the annual Ebony Ball, where Richardson said all of the accomplishments that the BAS has had over the month of February and last semester will be celebrated.
KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET Students eat various southern soul foods during Black Action Society's Soul Food Tuesday in the Smith Student Center Ballroom.
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February 24, 2016