Digital edition 9 25

the rocket Safari park to open in Grove City

Friday September 25, 2015 • Volume 99, Issue Number 5 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper

www.theonlinerocket.com

By Chris Gordon Assisstant News Editor

A new, safari-themed park ark is set to open in the Grove City area e next summer, under the direction n of New Castle's Living Treasures Animal Park.

The park will be located d on 140 acres along Route 258 and will ill feature featu ure African and North American ican bus safaris, animal breeding programs, ograms, a ropes course and pavilions for or special events and weddings, reported ed Living the Grove, Grove City's lifestyle tyle blog.

Beth Black, the executivee director of the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, said she is looking forward to the new park.

"We think it will be a nice addition to the Grove City area and will offer families entertainment, ed education ducation and a unique opportunit opportunityy to see these animals up close," she s said.

"In addition, it will be a wonderful w destination for the millions of o visitors we get to our community each eaach year."

Adam Guither, the owner of Living Treasures and the new zoo, z told Living the Grove he expectss 200,000 to 300,000 guests to visit th thee park in its first season, bringing increased in ncreased profits to the Grove City area. area.

The park is to be of benefit to t wildlife as well, Living the Grove rep reported. ported.

"If Africa kills off their theiir native population of cheetahs or rhinos, r it may be places like Living Treasures T that help repopulate thos thosee areas," Guither said. "Not everyt everything thing has been decided because there’s theere’s a lot of approvals and permits perm mits you u ha h have ve

to get get first, but these prog programs gra rams m may very well well l save certain species."

However, Tom Guither, Adam Guither's father and the owner and director of the independent Living Treasures Animal Park in Donegal, Pennsylvania, was cited in August by a United States Department of Agriculture inspector for violations to the Animal Welfare Act, reported WTAE. Violations listed in the article consisted of possible malnutrition in a lion cub, repeated mite infestations in a wolf, improper follow-up care for a monkey with a fractured arm, arm failure to keep accurate acquisition and disposition records of animals and poor staff supervision of guests interacting with animals.

While, according to the Living Treasures website, the two zoos have no legal connections, both Living Treasures parks lack accreditation by the Zoological Association of America, despite the younger Guither's membership.

A full list of ZAA accredited facilities is available on the organization's

website and includes other nearby zoos, such as the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.

Ad d it i on a l l y, many people living in the Grove City area are displeased with plans for the park, citing concerns for traffic, traffic, safety, privacy and the contamination of the water table due to exotic animal waste, Trib Total Media reported.

However, Guither was issu issued ued a conditional use permit to op operate perate the 140 acre property, which means m he will be required to abide by all local and federal regulations, as a well as regulations by the Department Departm ment of Environmen Environmental nta t l Protection, the aarticle noted.

SEE STUDENT STUDENTS PAGE A-2 CHRIS GORDON/THE ROCKET

CHRIS GORDON/THE ROCKET

Women's Soccer Beats Mercyhurst Women's soccer defeats Mercyurst on the road 4-0 for their fifth win.

Page C-4

SGA pushes for more lighting, new sidewalks around The Grove

By Haley Barnes News Editor

The Student Government Association (SGA) at SRU is currently trying to make the area around Harmony Road safer for pedestrian and driving students by improving lighting and creating walkways.

Located at 145 Harmony Road, The Grove is one of the three large, off-campus apartment complexes that cater to SRU students' housing needs. The apartment complex opened to SRU students during the fall 2014 semester and is comprised of 201 units housing up to 603 students. Other smaller apartment complexes near The Grove include South Rock Apartments, Campus Side Apartments and Pine Glenn Apartments.

It was brought to SGA's attention that the area surrounding The Grove is unsafe for both pedestrians and drivers, especially at night, because of the insufficient lighting and lack of sidewalks. SGA

agreed that this is a huge concern in regards to student safety and turned to the township of Slippery Rock for a solution, as Harmony Road is off-campus and not under university jurisdiction.

Jessica Johnson, SGA vice president of student affairs, attended a Slippery Rock township meeting on Sept. 14, along with SGA president, Logan Steigerwalt and SGA faculty advisor, Christine Pease-Hernandez.

"The township's hands are basically tied by ordinances," Johnson said. "Unfortunately, we can't force them to build sidewalks."

David Neill, Slippery Rock Township engineer, said one of the main issues is that under the township's zoning ordinance, new apartment complexes like The Grove are require to have sidewalks and maintain them during the winter, but the other complexes were built before the ordinance was written.

Campuses Are Too Football Shuts Politically Correct Down Millersville An SRU student comments on how political correctness in college harms students.

Page B-2

Rock football defeated Millersville 75-0 after the game was delayed one hour due to rain.

Page C-1

SEE SEARCH PAGE A-3

Bread, Butter And Besciamella Kelsey Phillips recalls her trip to Italy and the food she experienced while there.

Page D-3

NEWS

A-2

September 25, 2015

Graduate admissions sees largest enrollment yet

P

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 every week!

INDEX Blotter.................A-3 S p o r t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C - 1 Opinion................B-1 Campus Life...........D-1 Comics...................B-3

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

220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Nationally recognized as one of the top 10 four-year weekly broadsheet newspapers by the Associated Collegiate Press.

This year brings in 1,045 students

By Alexandra Davies Rocket Contributor

SRU's graduate program enrolled over 1,000 students this year, bringing in a grand total of 1,045 students, which is the largest number of graduate students to date.

The rise is largely due to the demand by students for more higher education programs.

More and more jobs require a master's degree. Brandi Weber-Mortimer, Director of Graduate Admissions said that there is no such thing as being overqualified when it comes to searching for jobs.

"Companies are going for the more qualified employees,” Weber-Mortimer said.

SRU currently offers 30 graduate programs. The most popular degree programs are ones that give students a master's degree in education.

Other available programs are ones focusing criminal justice, counseling and environmental science.

Online classes are also available in a majority of programs.

On-campus classes involve mostly physical therapy and education.

A blended program is also offered, involving a combination of lecture and online classes, covering a variety of studies such as English, business and education.

Programs can be completed either part or full time. Most of the programs are completable within a year if taken full time, however some programs may take up to two years.

These programs are geared toward students who want to go straight from undergrad

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

An SRU student decorated her gradution cap to display her accomplishment of attending graduate school after graduation.

to graduate. Those who have accumulated 90 credits or more and hold at least a 2.75 GPA are able to apply to take graduate credits during their senior year of undergrad.

“We want students to feel successful,” said WeberMortimer.

She explained that it's better for students to graduate undergraduate and then go straight into graduate school, as this allows students to stay in the correct mindset.

SRU also offers graduate students the opportunity to be put into leadership

roles through a graduate assistantship (GA). GAs must work 17.5 hours per week for a department on campus in return for a $4,000 academic year stipend and a nine credit waiver.

T h e SRU G r a du at e Admissions Office held a fair on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for in the Smith Student Center Theater for students interested in learning more about graduate schools.

Several graduate schools like Westminster College, Edinboro University and Point Park University were present.

Students react to new safari Continued from Page A-1

Shane Schleifer, a senior health and physical education major, echoed Raines' thoughts.

Several Slippery Rock University students have "It'll give Slippery Rock students more to do in high hopes for the new park, including Angela the area other than just getting food or seeing a Barbaro, a senior safety management major. movie," he said.

"People hear 'Slippery Rock' and don't really The park is expected to have over 100 species know anything about it," she said. "A new of animals, including rare species such as the attraction might shed new light on this area." white rhino, Living the Grove reported. In later Paige Raines, a freshman public health major, stages, the site may also include a water park and thinks the safari will be a new way for students treetop hotels. to branch out off-campus, rather than "just going “This will be the perfect place for field trips," shopping."

Guither told Living The Grove. "I want kids and "If I could pet a tiger I would be really, really adults to fall in love with the environment when happy," she said. they come here.”

NEWS

September 25, 2015

A-3

POLICE BLOTTER September 21- Police were called for an September 19- Brenden Lafferty, 18, was unknown person removing an art department charged with an alcohol violation. flag from a pole in the Quad. The case is under investigation.

Campus September 18- Police called an ambulance to the Health Center for an intoxicated person.

September 20- Police were called for damages to a car in the East Lake Lot. The case is under September 22- Police were called for a person investigation. experiencing stomach pains in Building A. September 18- Police were called for damages The person was transported to the Butler to a car in the PT Lot. Hospital by ambulance.

September 20- Austin Setzer, 18, was charged with an alcohol violation after police September 18- Police cited an intoxicated transported him to the Health Center from September 23- Police were called for a person person they observed in the Lower Stadium Building A. He was then transported to the having a seizure in North Hall. An ambulance Lot. hospital by ambulance. was called to the scene.

Compiled by Chris Gordon

Search for long-term solution continues Continued from Page A-1

"The township is aware of the problem and doing the best they can," he said.

Pease-Hernandez said she is concerned not only as the SGA faculty advisor, but as a parent.

"I would be devastated if a student were to get hit over there," she said.

She explained that part of the problem is that if sidewalks were built on Harmony Road, there is no clear answer as to who would clean them during the winter.

Pease-Hernandez said it is very important that all parties involved work together to create a cohesive

solution.

She said everyone must be proactive about the situation and to not wait for an accident to happen.

Johnson said that she met with Rita Abent, executive director of public relations at SRU, to discuss a solution.

"The university shares the concerns of the Student Government Association about the safety risks faced by pedestrians on Harmony Road. We look forward to working with SGA and the Slippery Rock Township supervisors to explore all options for resolving these safety issues,� said Abent.

Johnson explained that SGA is currently looking into grant money to fund the project, as well as other possible solutions such as asking the township for lights and signs on Harmony Road. SGA is hoping that the township will repaint the lines on the road to define a clearer walking area for pedestrians too.

"We're kind of working with what we have to find a solution," Johnson said.

She said that SGA will be sending a petition for students to sign to remind the township that students care about this issue.

The long-term solution is still up for discussion, but the township has plans to make other areas

surrounding the campus safer.

Neill explained the township of Slippery Rock recently received a $760,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to improve vehicular and pedestrian needs between Keister Road and Harmony Road and the opening entrance to the campus by the Advanced Technology and Science Hall (ATS).

He said the grant will be used for crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting and drainage.

"There's a lot of open ditches through that area," he said.

The construction is projected to happen next year.

No security deposits!

4 different locations - South Rock Apts. on Keister Road or South Rock Drive, Stone Crest Apts., & Main Street Apts.

2, 3 or 4 bedroom floor-plans Over 180 apartments to choose from Cable, internet, water, & trash included Stove, microwave, dishwasher, disposal, fridge, washer & dyer included* BRAND NEW! On-site laundry facilities at Main St. location Sofa, love seat, coffee & end tables, TV stand, twin or full size beds, dresser, desk, & night stand included* BRAND NEW! Living room furniture at South Rock!

Not all units furnished at Main St. location 24-hour emergency maintenance Professional on-site management Close proximity to SRU campus Direct-wired smoke detectors Fire extinguishers in each unit Access to Clubhouse Handicap apartments available On-site parking Close to SGA bus stop

O

OPINION

Our View University should address lighting issue

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 99, Number 5

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 Shelby Stearns

Copy/ Web Editor

Chris Gordon

Assistant News Editor

Emma Pfeifer

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Cody Nespor

Assistant Sports Editor

Kendall Scott

Assistant Photo Editor

Victoria Davis

Assist. Copy/Web Editor

Emily Brown

Multimedia Reporter

Mark Zeltner

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

GRAPHIC BY REBECCA DIETRICH/ THE ROCKET

Photo Editor

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 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.

While SRU spares no expense making sure that its campus is adequately lit, there seems to be no incentive to provide additional lighting to the roads surrounding apartment complexes that house students.

Te c h n i c a l l y, S R U ’s administration has no way to increase lighting beyond campus grounds, because that falls under the borough of Slippery Rock’s jurisdiction.

This does not mean that they can’t be stronger advocates for the issue, however.

Many of SRU’s students live off campus, or travel to their friends’ apartments off campus. There are enough people who walk to and from campus to justify pushing for adequate walkways and lighting.

Apartment complexes that house a lot of students are mostly located within walking distance, or one or two miles away. Many students also choose to walk to class instead of driving because of the lack of readily available parking spaces.

Students also may choose to walk to and from the bar if they are going to be drinking They shouldn’t have to be punished for choosing to walk home by worrying whether or not they will have a sidewalk

or adequate lighting at night to make them feel safe.

Students being under the influence of alcohol also complicates things for drivers who might not be able to see if a student steps into the road, which wouldn’t be unheard of as there is a span where there is no designated walkway for students. It would be terrible if someone was injured just because a driver couldn’t see someone stepping onto the street.

Student drivers have complained that they can’t see students who are walking to or from The Grove or Campus Side, and there is also no sidewalk to guide people who are walking.

It would only be logical for SRU to be concerned about the safety of students walking to or from their apartments at night, especially because students have actively complained about this issue.

The dark spans of walking distance that are unlit make students more susceptible to being hit by drivers who can’t see them, or even make them more vulnerable to robbery or assault.

With as many students as there are who are put at risk due to inadequate lighting, one would think that SRU would

In the Quad

become a stronger advocate for increasing the amount of lighting off-campus.

Now that a professor who has a child who lives off campus and the vice president of student affairs has asked SGA for help increasing the amount of lighting, and SGA is creating a petition for the township to increase lighting, it would only follow that a representative of the university would step up and back up SGA so that the issue can be corrected.

Without the push from SGA, students and a professor, we doubt that anyone would have gotten around to trying to resolve the problem at all.

The staff at the university should be concerned with students’ well-b eing onc ampu s an d of f . T h e i r reach should not end where the campus does, and they should be going to any means necessary to ensure the safety of students. If someone got injured a mile or two offcampus, it still reflects poorly on the university.

Will it take someone being seriously injured for the township and SRU to come to an agreement on providing a d e qu ate ly l i g ht i ng and walkways for people travelling to and from campus?

This week’s question: How do you feel about the lighting on Keister and Harmony Road?

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

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.

Anthony Ruane Sophomore Safety Management Major Jeannette, Pennsylvania “On Harmony by The Grove, that whole road, there’s not enough lighting and I don’t see people walking there when I’m driving.”

Taylor Grimm Senior Exercise Science Major Scottsdale, Pennsylvania “It’s awful. I always feel like I’m going to hit someone.

The worst is on Harmony toward The Grove. People walk on the road, so I’m afraid I’m going to hit them.“

Austin Taszak Junior Hospitality Management Major Stoneridge, New York “There should be more lighting, especially at night, because people are always walking on them on weekends.”

OPINION

B-2

September 25, 2015

QUESTION OF

THE WEEK @SRURocket

Political correctness doesn’t prepare students for the real world

Jessica Johnson Commentary Jessica Johnson is a senior political science major As chair of the Slippery Rock College Republicans, I never thought I would see a day where President Obama spoke the thoughts that consistently run through my head. However, during his speech on September 14th in a Des Moines, Iowa, high school, Obama perfectly reflected my opinion on the obsession with political correctness that has taken over college campuses when he said: “I’ve heard of some college campuses where they don’t want to have a guest speaker who is too conservative, or they don’t want to read a book if it has language that is offensive to African Americans, or somehow sends a demeaning signal towards women. And I’ve got to tell you, I don’t agree with that either. I don’t agree that you, when you become students at colleges, you

have to be coddled and protected from different points of view.”

This protection is a new phenomenon on college campuses.

Universities are putting out lists of “trigger words” and are not allowing speakers who may “offend” certain students. For example, words such as “terrorism” or phrases like “America is the land of opportunity” and “I believe the most qualified person should get the job” are considered by some to be “offensive.” How is this preparing students to obtain jobs where they might have to, (gasp!) work with those they disagree with? I agree that there are certainly words and phrases that are offensive, but the rate at which we are currently moving is exponential.

Recently, Bernie Sanders, a Democratic candidate for President, spoke at Liberty University, a right-wing conservative college.

While attendance at his speech was essentially mandatory for students, he was still respected. There was no boycott. Time and time again, Republican speakers and ideas have been protested and boycotted at other universities. George W. Bush, while he was still President, received negative feedback about speaking at the Ohio State University. Showings of American Sniper were also canceled at the University of Michigan. In 2013, Ben Carson withdrew himself from speaking at Johns Hopkins University in face of protest. Many comedians are now refusing to perform at colleges, because they think college students cannot handle the real world or even hear jokes about it. College campuses used to be the breeding grounds of free speech and person opinion, but that time is quickly ending. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education found that in 2015, 55% of 437 universities had policies in place to limit speech.

I found the recent opinion piece in The Rocket, “Pledge

of Allegiance isn’t representative of all Americans” almost laughably comical. The author wrote, “conservative values tightly grasp America.” Clearly this author has no idea what it is like to be a Republican on a college campus. Every time I feel the need to put my opinion on social media, I fear the attack of liberals.

When I speak up in class, I can feel the glares and eye rolls of my disrespectful peers. I have freedom of speech, but many times when I use it, I feel bombarded and have chosen to silence myself on many occasions. This is also coming from a female Republican who does not hold deeply conservative views (I am a pro-choice, pro-marriage equality Republican, we do exist). If you hold any type of conservative, Republican values, your views are seen as “offensive”, and they are not respected in America and especially not on a college campus. To make the world not offensive to one group, another group is squashed of their beliefs, and this is consistently happening to Republicans in America.

College is the time in our lives where we are able to come to terms with ourselves. You learn about the world beyond your parent’s houses and are exposed to other viewpoints.

Students should challenge their own perspective. If we never see what the other side is saying how do we truly know what we believe? College students need a wake up call. I was raised under the saying “life’s not fair and then you die.” Yes, it’s a little harsh but I am able to see the world realistically, unlike many of my peers. It’s time to wake up Slippery Rock, the world is not fair and you will not be protected from every little thing. Go outside your comfort zone and actually learn about the people and positions you so adamantly want to destroy. Stop being so thin-skinned or the real world will eat you alive when you graduate.

All Lives Matter is harmful to the Black Lives Matter movement

Dylan Vamosi Commentary Dylan Vamosi is a senior secondary social studies education and anthropology major.

Over the last year, it has become increasingly difficult to navigate social media without stumbling upon #AllLivesMatter.

We have also heard this gaffe from politicians on both sides of the spectrum.

Martin O’Malley, a Democratic presidential candidate, mistakenly used the phrase “all lives matter” at a conference. Ben Carson, a Republican contender, also used the phrase. Donald Trump agrees with “all lives matter” and that Black Lives Matter is a misinformed and misplaced movement. The opinions of politicians often reflect public opinion.

Indeed, many students at SRU agree that “all lives matter.”

This notion seems harmless. After all, are we not in this fight together? Is it not

essential to regard all life as precious? By acknowledging one group’s livelihood over another, are we not diminishing the value of others?

Of course all lives matter. The Black Lives Matter movement does not refute this point. However, by espousing this babble, we ignore genuine inequity. #AllLivesMatter indicates a commonly misunderstood principle: although “races” are considered equal legally, they are not equal in reality.

All lives matter has been used selectively. Indeed, the movement’s name is imprecise. Most individuals do not equally value life, let alone black life.

We routinely kill animals for food or pleasure, and the lives of bugs are widely considered insignificant. Accordingly, “life” becomes fickle in this context.

Atleast #blacklivesmatter is clear about its subject matter.

Black lives, in particular, were systemically segregated by public policy into ghettos from 1934-1968. After blacks had been consolidated via urban renewal and meaningful resources had been stripped from these neighborhoods, policing was heightened and used in an increasingly punitive fashion. This was largely because of fearful sentiments regarding perceived crime rates and drug use. As a result, police officers were given more discretion with how they policed certain neighborhoods.

“Stop and frisks,” for example, were

institutionalized to profile and target black people. These would lead to disparities in sentencing that we still observe today. The Sentencing Project found that 5 times as many whites are using drugs as African Americans, yet African Americans are sent to prison for drug offenses 10 times more often. Because of mandatory minimum sentencing laws, African Americans serve virtually as much time in prison for a drug offense (58.7 months) as whites do for a violent offense (61.7 months).

Collectively, blacks are incarcerated at a rate nearly six times that of whites.

These mass incarceration statistics are merely a sketch of a brutal reality.

Sure, black individuals can legally leave these neighborhoods, but what upward mobility exists without access to health care, meaningful public schooling, safe streets, or libraries? Black individuals are regularly exploited by their police officers because they have been subjected to these depreciated areas against their wills.

Violence results as a countermeasure amongst residents who seek any available local power. Ferguson and Baltimore do not occur spontaneously. They occur because of systemic racism black people have endured for the entirety of American history. We cannot consider #AllLivesMatter until we reconcile these travesties.

Slippery Rock University is a reflection of this disconnect between

#AllLivesMatter and #BlackLivesMatter.

Though our campus supports a considerable amount of diversity, much of our student body is prototypically white and middle class. We do not understand the plight of inner city, institutionalized death traps. This is apparent by our tweets and yaks. We love #AllLivesMatter because it is simple and accessible; we do not have to delve further into the problem because it reaffirms an obvious principle.

Though attractive, #AllLivesMatter is embarrassingly popular and ignorantly detrimental.

The best quote regarding this matter reads “If I show up to a doctor’s office with a broken leg, it is not helpful for him to tell me that all bones matter and that we should value them equally. What are you going to do about my leg?” Indeed, we fortify the whole by strengthening individual parts. Even if you do not support #BlackLivesMatter, acknowledge that it is a well-researched dilemma.

Approaching this topic involves nuance and detail. Do not fall into the “all lives matter” trap, for it is an enabler of passivity.

Disclaimer

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors on The Rocket opinion pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

B-3

September 25, 2015

classifieds For Rent

NEED A PLACE THAT IS COST FRIENDLY? Slippery Rock Rentals is the answer.

Slippery Rock Rentals is a family owned business with houses in New Castle, Plain Grove, Slippery Rock, and a mile and a half outside Slippery Rock University. Call today for a showing or check out our website.

CALL: 724-794-4314 VISIT: WWW.SLIPPERYROCKRENTALS.COM

Advertise with us! rocket.ads@sru.edu (724) 738-2643

13 LEVELS OF FEAR

GHOST LAKE at the

HAUNTED AMUSEMENT PARK at CONNEAUT LAKE PARK, PA 12382 Center St.

Sept. 18th thru Nov. 1st Fri. & Sat. 7 to midnight,

Sunday 7 to 11

LARGEST HALLOWEEN ATTRACTION IN PA

Takes over 2 hours to get through it all if you can!

ghostlake.net

$2.00 OFF with ad for each person in your entire group

C

COMICS Sharing Stalls

By Molly Huey

COMICS

Today's Birthday (09/25/15). Find your own north this year. True up your compass and your path.

Re-evaluate directions. Complete past projects for new collaborations, especially after 9/27. Social networks and communities open professional opportunities after 3/8. Discover new priorities after 3/23. Seek out passion.

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 an 8 -Mysteries resolve. It's easier to take new professional territory with Pluto direct. Your influence rises with your good work. Think and plan in a peaceful setting, especially today and tomorrow. Clarify your direction.

Molly Huey is a freshman dance and communication major from Warren, Pennsylvania

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -Friends help out today and tomorrow. Educational journeys surge forward now that Pluto is direct (in Capricorn). Keep the tone respectful. Express your gratitude for the ones who step forward. These are your angels.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Funds you had hidden begin to grow with Pluto direct.

Long-term financial plans bear fruit. Focus on career, especially today and tomorrow. Your status rises with help from someone who loves you. Grow your family finances.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Share the load. Collaborate for long-term benefit with Pluto direct. Raise your level of partnership. Travel and romance especially tempt over the next two days.

Consider your long-term itinerary. Steal away together.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Your work surges forward with new energy, now that Pluto is direct. Take advantage for long-term benefit.

Apply this to family finances today and tomorrow.

Stay sensitive to what others need. Avoid inciting jealousies. Keep your word.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Fun and romance spark easier, now that Pluto is direct.

Passion inspires your efforts. Take advantage, and push your game to the next level. Partnership unlocks previously stuck doors. Begin a new phase together.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Have your home reflect who you want to be and the future you're inventing. It's easier to make structural home improvements with Pluto direct. Work with your family. Profit from excellent service, today and tomorrow especially. Nurture your health and wellbeing.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Longterm creative goals are within reach, now that Pluto is direct. Your team aligns. Learning comes easier, and words flow. Enjoy the game and play full out today and tomorrow. Relax and enjoy the scenery.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 9 -Financial management reaps a larger reward.

Make long-term investments over the next two months, with Pluto direct. It's easier to make money. Prepare your home to support your vision today and tomorrow. Get your infrastructure in place for the big time.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -Personal breakthroughs lead to permanent, positive changes with Pluto direct in your sign. Go for longterm dreams. Take bigger ground now. Write your story today and tomorrow. Organize your thoughts.

Craft your vision and mission statement.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- It's easier to complete old projects when Pluto is direct.

Finish old business to make room for what's next.

Think about what you want. Today and tomorrow could get extra profitable. Keep the budget. Send invoices and gratitude.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Career dreams seem within reach, now that Pluto is direct.

Make huge advances. Assume leadership today and tomorrow. Take charge of your destiny. Create your vision, and launch into it. Boldly go for what you see possible.

(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)

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

C

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE

Viola Davis Delivers Emotional Speech

Professor's Horror Play Goes to Florida

During the 67th Annual Daytime Emmy's, Viola Davis, the first African-American woman to win for outstanding lead actress in a drama, gives a touching speech.

A horror play, written by David Skeele, professor of theatre, will be performedd in Florida at the Infinite Abyss Theatre Company during the month of October.

See Page D-2

See Page D-3

'Doubt' explores idea of faith

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Father Flynn, played by Tyler Hahn, junior theatre acting and public relations major, and Sister James, played by Kristina Streno, freshman theatre acting major, discuss how Sister James' classes are going and also whether Sister Aloysius is performing well as the princpal of St. Nicholas school.

By Amber Cannon Campus Life Editor

The Slippery Rock Department of Theatre will open their first show of the season, "Doubt" on Friday, Sept.

25 as a part of their Secrets and Seduction Series for the 2015-2016 season.

Written by John Patrick Shanley, "Doubt" takes place at St. Nicholas School, a Catholic school, in the Bronx of New York City.

Laura Smiley, associate professor of theatre and director of "Doubt", said without giving too much away, the play's theme refers right back to title: doubt.

"When you think about doubt in the bigger picture of life, we always have faith about what we're doing and then at times we have these feelings of doubt because really, what is certainty," Smiley said. "Nothing is certain. You have faith about things or people or happenings in your life and when things go wild a little bit, you begin to have to have your doubts and then you go expecting things to happen."

Kaitlin Cliber, senior theatre and fine arts major plays Sister Aloysius Beauvier in the play. Cliber said her

character is in her mid-50’s and early 60’s, which is fun for her to portray because she’s only 21 years old.

Aloysius Beauvier is the principAL at St. Nicholas School and Cliber said she’s very old-school Catholic.

“She comes off very hard and she cares so much about the kids and the school,” Cliber said. “She’s protective of that place [school] and she doesn’t really support change.”

Cliber said this play is very different from other plays that she has done in the past because she gets to play an older character.

SEE DIRECTOR, PAGE D-3

UPB announces Hunter Hayes for fall concert

By Amber Cannon Campus Life Editor

UPB revealed Hunter Hayes as their fall concert Tuesday during common hour, which put some students in an uproar over the decision.

Director of Concerts and Comedians for UPB, Ryan Hreczkosiej, said the organization chose Hunter Hayes as their fall concert based on the price and availability of the artist.

“Hunter Hayes was the best fit for Slippery Rock and the timing was just right for UPB as a group,” Hreczkosiej said. “Also, we do a survey over the summer. UPB doesn’t ultimately choose the artist that comes to Slippery Rock, the students do and Hunter Hayes was the most favorable artist on the survey, which is why we targeted him.”

Other artists that UPB was considering were Fetty Wap, Schoolboy Q, Jeremih, Parachute and Switchfoot. Hreczkosiej said there was a broad range of music genres because he wanted to provide a variety artists for students to choose from.

“There’s a lot of diversity on campus, so we want to students to have choices,” he said.

Sophomore athletic training major, Tiana Harper was one of the students upset that the concert wasn't Fetty Wap. She said said every student’s dreams were kind of shattered when they realized Fetty Wap wasn’t the fall concert choice. She said everyone on campus listens to Fetty Wap and there were rumors going around that he was the concert choice

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Director of concerts and comedians, Ryan Hreczkosiej, along with other members of Slippery Rock's University Program Board unveiled the fall concert Tuesday during common hour in the Robert M. Smith Student Center Lobby.

for the fall.

Ultimately, Harper said she feels as though UPB made the wrong choice for the concert.

She said she feels as though they didn’t base the concert choice off the student’s interest.

“We have a very diverse campus and I’ve heard every person you can think of listens to Fetty [Wap],” Harper said. “If they’re looking for a large amount of ticket sales, they’re not

going to find them here.”

In response to the students who were upset that Fetty Wap wasn't choosen as the concert choice, Hreczkosiej said selecting a performer for any concert is a strenuous process. When it came to this particular concert, he said after analyzing the concert survey that students were asked to take, the concerts committee settled on Hunter

Hayes. He encouraged students who are interested to join the concerts and comedians commitee of UPB. Hreczkosiej said UPB would like to sell 1,500 tickets for the concert. He said since UPB did a lot of marketing and advertising, hopefully the show will be attractive to students and the community as a whole and will bring in a nice crowd of people.

CAMPUS LIFE

D-2

Ask Andi

September 25, 2015

Viola Davis makes history at the 2015 Emmy's

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 the spring and I still haven't started looking into graduate schools. I'm scared that I won't get in.

My GPA is average, but just thinking about life after college scares the living daylights out of me. How can I overcome this fear of going into the real world?

Sincerely, I want to be two years old again

Answer:

Dear I want to be two years old again,

I think everyone is a little scared of life after college. In fact, a little fear is normal. Moving onto a life that is no longer classes, studying for tests and hours of homework is a total change from what we students are used to. Getting a real job and entering into the real world will definitely be an adjustment. If graduate school is something you're looking into, just take it one step at a time. Ask yourself if graduate school will be worth it for you and how to best further your career and better your future as a professional. Although it is never too early to start looking into grad school, it may not be too late either. Try to get your GPA up this semester and see what you can do. A little hard work never killed anybody.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Viola Davis holds her Emmy after winning for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Davis won for her role as Annalise Keating in Shonda Rhime's "How to Get Away with Murder."

Amber Cannon "Ambie's Rockin' Reviews"

Best Wishes!

Andi

Question: Dear Andi,

It's not that I don't like my roommate, but I've been planning on moving out of our dorm to have a room for myself. The roommate thing isn't working out for me and I just want some privacy. The thing is, I've noticed that she is kind of emotional. How do I tell her I want to move out without her taking it personally?

Sincerely, Private Pattie

Answer: Dear Private Pattie, Roommates, you can't live with them, you can't live without them. There isn't any reason you should be afraid to do what's best for you and just be honest with your roommate. Even though she seems like she might not take it all that great, just make sure you explain to her that she isn't the problem. It won't be as bad as what you're thinking.

Remember your feeling matter too, and you can still keep in touch without living together. If she seems to be emotional, she's probably understanding too. After all, she probably won't mind some privacy too.

Best Wishes!

Andi

Question:

Amber Cannon is a senior communications major and the Campus Life editor of The Rocket.

Viola Davis recently made history at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy's as the first African American woman to win an award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "How to Get Away With Murder."

During her acceptance speech, Davis used her time on stage to raise awareness on how underrepresented African American are in Hollywood.

During Davis’ speech, she said a few things that stuck out to me that should not only inspire African American women, but women of all race and ethnicities. During her speech, Davis said, “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.” Davis also said, “You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there."

These two lines stuck out to me because when "Scandal'' first premiered in 2012, people were was shocked to see an African American woman as a leading role on a television show. Kerry Washington, who plays Olivia Pope, became the first African American female lead in a network drama in almost 40 years. Since then, Washington has been nomincated for outstanding lead actress in a drama series in 2013 and 2014, but lost.

According to eonline.com, during "Scandal's" 2015 PaleyFest Panel, Washington wanted to reassure the audience that "Scandal" is a show about a woman who is not only black but also a lot of other things."

In my opinion, I am personally proud of Davis and all that she has accomplished to get to this point. I remember back in 2012 during a Newsweek Oscar Roundtable, Charlize Theron, most known for her roles in “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Snow White and the Huntsman,” interrupted Davis while she was speaking on what it feels like to be unnoticed in Hollywood. Also, in 2014, The New York Times wrote an article about Shona Rhimes, creator of hit television shows, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How To Get Away With Murder.” In the article, written

by Alessandra Stanley, it addressed Davis’ character, Annalise, as “sexual and even sexy, in a slightly menacing way,” on “How to Get Away With Murder”, but said the actress, Davis, “doesn’t look at all like the typical star of a network drama.” The article went on to describe Davis as “older, darker-skinned and less classically beautiful.”

Still today, African American actresses are underrepresented in Hollywood. For example, Taraji P. Henson who now plays Cookie Lyon on "Empire," has played wonderful roles in movies such as "Baby Boy" and "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," but just recently was "discovered" as Cookie. We have been seeing some strides recently, though. According to a 2013 Nielsen report, African Americans watch 37 percent more television than any other race. Because of this, major networks have responded by renewing seasons of television shows with African American women as lead roles. For example, the season one finale of "Empire," featuring Taraji P. Henson as Cookie, had the highest first season ratings than any new series on a broadcast network since Shonda Rhimes' "Grey's Anatomy." In the future, I would love to see African American women casted in more movies and television shows other than those directed by Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes and Oprah Winfrey.

Because of Davis' speech, I believe the world will start to recognize that African American woman are finally making strides in becoming more prominent on television.

SRh"U"mans

Dear Andi,

I'm in a class with my best friend's boyfriend and I overheard him saying that he was planning to break up with her. I don't think he notices that I'm in the class because I sit in the back. I usually don't like to get into other people's business, so should I tell her? Should I approach him and tell him not to break up with her?

Sincerely, Stuck between being a good friend and a hard place

Answer: Dear Stuck between a good friend and a hard place, Girl code is almost always a little bit of a sticky situation.

I'm sure your friend would be upset to hear what her boyfriend said, but also, she might be more angry to find out you knew and didn't tell her. If she is your best friend, I would tell her what you know. Your best friend probably wouldn't be too happy to hear that her best friend is begging her boyfriend not to break up with her anyways. Play it safe and tell your bestie what he said so she can prepare for the worst.

Best Wishes!

Andi

In this spinoff of 'Humans of New York' a reporter talks to members of the SRU community to find out what's interesting about them.

"I am extremely glad my major is exercise science. Although the course work is difficult, it has taught me so mny valuable life skills and helped me grow as an individual. Exercise science will benefit me no matter what I choose to do in the future.

I plann to find a job as a wellness coach or in the corporate wellness field. Ultimately, I just want to help others be the healthiest and happiest person they can be.

I joined AOII during the spring semester of 2014. AOII has introduced me to some of the most incredible and inspirational women that I know. These girls have helped me tremendously with everything that college throws your way. It has taught me time management as well as given me so many opportunities to help others."

Our SRh"U"man, left, with her friend on a bench outside of Weisenfluh.

CAMPUS LIFE 'Bread and Butters' experiences authentic Italian cooking during study abroad trip September 25, 2015

Kelsey Phillips "Bread and Butters" Kelsey Phillips is a senior public relations major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

This past summer I was fortunate to be one of 29 students taken by the SRU English Department to study abroad in Italy where we walked through the ancient Roman ruins, read the literature of Dante Alighieri and, of course, ate some of the freshest, most delicious food one can ever dream of.

On a particular day in Florence, we had a cooking demo and lecture in our apartment from Chef Marcello of Bologna

D-3

and one of his good friends. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, also known as the heart of Northern Italian food. The Emilia-Romagna region is known for its parmigiano-reggiano, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, and, of course, Chef Marcello’s restaurants.

Chef Marcello was exactly what I had pictured in my mind as an Italian chef – white hat and apron, checkered pants like a chess-board, steady hands, eyes in the back of his head and a guiding voice.

He described the pace of cooking like a steady drum rhythm and the serving period like a drum and a bass. “Boomba-da-boom-boom, Boom-ba-da-boomboom,” he sang.

“The most useful tool in the kitchen is your hands,” he said, “just remember to wash them.” And that we did, helping Chef Marcello to pinch the edges of homemade ravioli and tortelloni, and bake rosemary focaccia bread.

Chef Marcello taught us about standard sauces in cuisine, including the French béchamel sauce, or besciamella in Italian, which I have included a recipe for below.

The sauce is a classic because it is based off of three simple ingredients: butter, flour and milk. But the real signature is in the seasoning. I don’t think I’ve ever had nutmeg in anything other than a pie before. In a pasta sauce? I was skeptical.

But this spice entirely changes the sauce.

Nutmeg is not one of those ingredients that can stand on its own. Take eggs, for example. I can eat eggs without anything added to them and they taste delicious.

Nutmeg does not taste nor smell good by itself, but mixes well with other flavors.

While besciamella sauce may *slightly* resemble alfredo sauce, it’s not. This is one of those instances where you can’t mix up your pocket-dictionary translations or pop culture references like Ratatouille (French not Italian) and Pizza Rat (undoubtedly American. In Italy, pepperocini will get you red chilis, peperoni will get you bell peppers, and salame picante will get you spicy cured sausage – the closest to American pepperoni slices. Or, after practicing the pronunciations in your head for five minutes, cave and say “I’ll have the margherita pizza, per favore.”

Béchamel (Besciamella) Sauce Ingredients: 5 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons flour 4 cups milk 2 teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Directions: 1.

In a sauce pan, heat butter over medium-low heat until melted.

2.

Stir in flour until smooth and golden in color, about 6-7 seven minutes.

3.

Meanwhile, heat milk in a separate pan until it is just about to boil.

4.

Add the milk to the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, whisking vigorously until smooth and all of the milk is added. Cook for about 10 minutes.

5.

Remove from heat and season with salt and nutmeg.

6.

Serve over pasta of choice or use as the sauce in your lasagna.

SRU professor Director hopes to challenge students' takes self-written thoughts about certainty and doubt play to Florida

By Emma Pfeifer Asst. Campus Life Editor

A new horror play written by a Slippery Rock Univeristy theatre professor will debut in Florida during the month of October.

"Starla", written by professor of theatre, David Skeele, will be performed in Florida by the Infinite Abyss Theatre Company on Oct. 9 through Oct. 24 on Fridays and Saturdays. The show will be called “Urban Legends” and has six plays, including Skeele’s “Starla” being performed that night.

Skeele said the play only requires two actors throughout the entire theatrical work. The plot of "Starla" focuses around a college professor named Trevor and a student, Elizabeth, in an abandoned theater. The play starts off by the professor intentionally leading his student to a haunted theater. While there, they were supposed to work on an audition piece from a Shakespearian monologue where Lady Macbeth is trying to kill the king, but, Trevor had a different mindset and was hoping for something more intimate between he and Elizabeth in the end.

As time progresses and the story of Starla, the ghost, is told, Starla possesses Elizabeth and it does not end well for Trevor.

"Starla" was founded by the Director of Infinite Abyss Productions, Erynn Dalton. The company was looking for horror plays to perform at their theatre and contacted Dr. Skeele because of the high interest in this particular play.

Skeele said "Starla" was inspired by a trip to Scotland that professor of theatre, Laura Smiley, went on.

Smiley went on the trip to research how to bring an SRU play to Scotland to be performed. From that trip, Skeele was inspired to write the play in hopes of taking it somewhere. Because "Starla" is a play of only two characters, Skeele decided not to take that play and instead write two others that had more characters.

Skeele started writing horror films in 2005. He started out as an actor, then headed towards directing, decided to be a theatre scholar, then finally ended up as a play writer.

Skeele said he enjoys writing horror plays for many reasons but one of the bigger purposes is that students appreciate horror. There are downsides to writing horror though, including not being taken seriously in the theatre realm, he said.

"Starla" will not be performed at Slippery Rock, Skeele said.

Skeele has written a total of 16 plays since he first started writing in 1993. He is in process of writing another play that is going to be about 80 to 90 pages long and it has taken him a year so far and he is halfway done.

A number of his plays have been shown and studied all over the world including Nigeria, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore and more, Skeele said. Each time a play of his is shown interest, he explained that he feels very proud and it is one of the most rewarding feelings.

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Father Flynn, Sister James and Sister Aloysius Beauvier, played by Kaitlin Cliber, discuss the agenda for the upcoming Christmas pageant in the play "Doubt."

Continued from Page D-1

Since Cliber is Catholic, she has done a lot of research about the religion and she often thinks about her grandparents when playing her character. She also said she thinks back on how her mother was raised and she tries to channel that in her character.

Sister James is played by freshman theatre acting major, Kristina Streno. Sister James is a 20-year-old teacher at St. Nicholas School and the most positive character of the cast. Streno said she wants to be accepted by Sister Aloysius and she just wants everything be good. Sister James seems to have a close connection with the pastor at St. Nicholas School, Father Flynn, played by Tyler Hahn, junior theatre acting and public relations major.

During the play, Father Flynn is accused of inappropriate behavior with another student at the school.

Hahn said the callback process for ‘Doubt’ was a little different than other casting processes.

In an original audition process, the student would come in and read a monologue, then based on their performance, the student would come back for to read another monologue, also know as a callback. When doing callbacks, all the other actors auditioning for that role are in the room as well as the student reads the monologue.

Hahn said callbacks were closed during this audition, meaning the other people up for the role do not see the auditioning actor in callbacks, which Hahn said gives the advantage of the actor not having to see everybody before they read the monologue.

“It allows you to be the actor that you want to be,” he said.

Junior public relations major, Tajionna AndersonClinton, plays Mrs. Muller, the mother of the only African American student at the Catholic school, Donald Muller. Although Donald’s name is brought up several

times during the play, there is no character for him.

Being her first play, Clinton said the director, Smiley, made her want to audition for ‘Doubt.’ Clinton said she had Smiley during her freshman year for her fundamentals of acting class and she told her about a role for the play ‘Doubt’ and told her to audition. When Clinton did, she got the role.

Smiley said she enjoyed directing this play because the ending is rather ambiguous. She likes the challenge of doing plays with ambiguous endings because she said she believes plays don't always have to come full circle and provide the audience with a set and dry answer.

"This [play] absolutely falls in line with that because at the end of it, in a literal sense, you wonder who's telling the truth and in a larger sense, I hope you walk away thinking about your faith and doubts and what is certain and are there any things you feel completely certain about that maybe aren't so certain anymore."

Smiley said this play will relate to college students because during their years in college, students often have faith, doubt and certainty because they are all contemplating about where to go and what to do after graduation and their career path.

"All those questions are going through your mind and you have ideas about where you're going to go, only you have doubts about where you're going to go and life takes you on a particular path, and you don't know what that path is, even if you think you do," she said.

'Doubt’ opens on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Old University Union Multipurpose Room and will run through Oct. 1. Tickets are $7 with an SRU ID and $12 for the general public.

Following the play on Monday, Sept. 28 and Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Slippery Rock Department of Theatre with the Gender Studies Program will have post show discussions about the questions of doubt and issues of race and gender.

D-4

September 25, 2015