May 1, 2013

Red Mango for the Fall? pg. 3

MOVING ON

Ball in court pg. 3

Spring Fling pg. 4

FORMER DOUBLE J CLERK OPENS HIS OWN BUSINESS PG. 5 Photo courtesy of Isabel Rajabzadeh

Photo of the Week

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Directory

Managing Board XCI

Kieran Lynch, Editor-in-Chief Mitchell Petit-Frere, Managing Editor Jessica Lise, General Manager

Shannon Luibrand Features Editor

Samantha albanese Entertainment Editor marion gendron Diana Colapietro Co-Chief Copy Editor Co-Photo Editor Kyle Fitzgerald jim baumbach Online Editor Advisor

Christopher Brito News Editor Jon Perez Sports Editor diamond watts-walker Art Director

Advertising (718)-9906756 Business 990-6756 Editorial Board 990-6444

Features 990-6445 News 990-6444 Opinion 990-6445 Sports 990-6444

Special thanks to Richard Rex Thomas for assisting in the design of the Torch

Features Foundation for alumna A foundation made in memory of an STJ alumna who died of cancer.

Lifestyle Pg. 8

Torch STJ alumnus appears on “42” The Torch interviewed former Red Storm and MLB pitcher C.J. Nitkowski.

Lifestyle Pg. 9

Sports St. John’s beats Fairfield Red Storm cruises 10-5 victory over Stags.

Sports Pg. 22

Illustrator’s Corner

opinion pg. 7

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To contact The Torch by mail: The Torch, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439

The Torch is typically published on Wednesdays, approximately 20 issues throughout the academic year. Circulation per issue is 3,500 copies distributed free on campus.

This copy of The Torch is worth $ .75.

Torch Photo/Anthony O’Reilly

Junior Peter Long ‘Tebowing’ during an intramural softball game.

Think Outside...

News

STJ to scoop Red Mango?

More dining services for students coming this Fall

Christopher Brito News Editor Next fall, students could find themselves slurping from a Red Mango cup while using a new array of improved dining services, according to a University official.

The Director of Auxiliary Services Operations, Scott Lemperle, announced several new initiatives that will start in September during the organizational congress meeting on April 15, among them are various food service upgrades such as mobile ordering capabilities and premium swipes.

He also mentioned the possibility of bringing in Red Mango and an old-style diner to campus, though cautioned that talks regarding Red Mango are still in the early stages.

“We’re in contact, but nothing is imminent,” he said.

Red Mango spokeswoman Monica Feid confirmed Lemperle’s

characterization of the talks, saying the “project is being considered for next fall.”

If the deal works out, students say they would definitely welcome the yogurt and smoothie franchise.

“I think it’s awesome, I’m huge fan of Red Mango and so are a lot of people I know,” junior Tricia Murphy said.

“St. John’s needs a Red-Mango,” junior George Brisita added. “I need somewhere where I can get my frozen yogurt.”

In addition to the possibility of a Red Mango coming to campus, students will also see various improvements with their campus dining options beginning next Fall semester, including upgrades focusing on flexibility, value and faster service, according to Lemperle.

Premium swipes, Montgoris Hall staying open until 10 p.m. on Sundays and hosting a take-out option, mobile ordering capabilities at select locations and a food truck are among the changes Lemperle said are in the works.

TORCH PHOTO/ Christopher Brito

Red Mango could possibly inhabit St. Augustine Hall in September.

“We have a lot of new initiatives that we are working on,” he said. “We have new exciting initiatives that will increase flexibility and value to the meal plans.”

Students who have meal plans are eligible to use 10 premium swipes at designated venues throughout the semester to cover the cost of a meal that either doesn’t fall under the limited dining schedule or a place that doesn’t have a meal plan. It can also be used at a promotional food night, where a type of plate might be featured and the food truck.

The mobile ordering feature will give students the ability to order their food online at designated venues and avoid waiting lines by picking it up at the express checkout area. Subway is one of the places they are looking into adding this express option, according to Lemperle.

Sophomore Julian Vera is a commuter student who works outside of the school and is often on a tight time schedule. Hearing the implementation of this feature will make things easier for students like him.

“That’s actually a cool tool. It’s needed because not many people have much time to wait in between classes,” he said. “Now, people can just eat before classes without a problem.”

Lemperle also said a retro-style diner could be added to the law school, though that wasn’t finalized yet.

Karen Alvarez, who dorms at Henley and eats at Montgoris frequently, is excited about the prospect of having a diner and a Red Mango.

“I think it will be great because I’m tired of all the food they have,” she said. “I would love to have diner on campus.”

Ball court saga continues

ANTHONY O’REILLY News Editor, Emeritus

A Queens County Supreme Court judge ordered a former student’s permanent record cleaned of any misconduct, according to court papers obtained by the Torch.

Judge Roger Rosengarten ordered on April 18 that the University’s Conduct Board’s July 18, 2012 ruling that James Ball, then a sophomore at St. John’s, was guilty of misconduct be vacated because, “the decision of the panel does not articulate any basis for its finding of Misconduct.”

A St. John’s spokesman declined to comment on the ruling, saying the University has “no comment on pending litigation concerning the trial.

Rosengarten originally ruled in January that the University had acted in within the guidelines of the Student Code of Conduct.

Ball’s lawyer, and mother, Ann Ball

told the Torch then that she had planned to appeal because she thought “[the judge] may have overlooked a salient part of my papers on St. John’s burden of proof.”

Speaking to the Torch this week, Ball said, “the ruling is now favorable.”

Ball also is suing the University in a separate case, citing breach of contract and seeking an unspecified amount of money for damages.

The case stems from Ball’s offcampus arrest in April of last year.

At the time, Ball was of accused “very serious crimes,” by another University student, according to court papers obtained by the Torch.

The Queens District Attorney decided not to pursue the charges against Ball, dropped the charges and had the file sealed.

Calls to New York City Police and Queens District Attorney’s office back in October confirmed that Ball does not have an arrest record.

The Torch is not identifying the other

student named in the lawsuit because of the nature of the allegation.

According to Ball’s lawyer, James attended classes as usual on the first schoolday after the arrest.

However, he received an email at the end of that day informing him that he had been suspended for the remainder of the Spring 2012 semester.

Ball was then ordered to appear at a University disciplinary hearing on July 18 where a University panel ultimately found him in violation of misconduct — the ruling that was overturned by Judge Rosengarten— and suspended him for the Fall 2012 semester.

According to Ball’s lawyer, he is now attending a different school and has “no interest in coming back to St. John’s.”

The two sides will meet next in court on May 10.

The other student counter-sued Ball and, according to Ball, the lawyers are asking to have the cases consolidated.

Ball said she will oppose the motion.

3

Paris campus’ assoc. director passes away Sarah yu Chief Copy-Editor, Emeritus Dr. Tina Chen, the associate director of the Paris campus, passed away after fighting her fourth bout of cancer.

She was diagnosed with osteo sarcoma, a type of cancer that starts in the bones, at the tender age of nine and battled it until this year.

Prior to becoming the associate director of the campus in 2010, Chen taught French, literature and art history classes for several years.

According to her profile on the University’s website, she had enthusiasm that stemmed from her passion and appreciation for the culture of Paris, which consisted of its beauty, food and its people.

Her profile continues to say that her favorite part of being a professor was meeting new students and seeing their enthusiasm to learn of the country’s culture and everything that comes with it.

She was always excited because it gave her the opportunity to share her enthusiasm with her students.

Matthew Pucciarelli, the associate vice president of Global Studies, shared how Chen’s death was a complete shock to everyone, including the faculty.

“I think that it’s especially jarring to us because she was a young woman and I think that the number one emotion we all felt was shock,” he said.

“Someone we had worked with for so long and done so many cool things with suddenly wasn’t with us anymore.”

Dr. Zoe Petropoulou, the chair of the Language and Literature department, worked with Chen often and described Chen’s amorous personality.

“She has been a wonderful person and colleague to work with, very professional and caring towards the students,” she said.“She was the soul of the French program.”

Pucciarelli said that Chen was very dedicated to the students and when it came to discussing and initiating new ideas, she always focused it on how it would benefit the students.

“She was a key member of that team in the sense that she supported it and helped people become confident to initiate new ideas,” he said.

Students also felt the impact of her passion for the culture. Chen was able to make the learning experience both relatable and fun.

“Seeing that it was a mandatory class [Art and Architecture] she made it pretty easy to learn about art,” senior Estlin Link said. “ “She made it fun in a way that a lot of other teachers couldn’t do,” he said.“She always wanted us to enjoy ourselves.”

A memorial service was held in honor of Dr. Tina Chen at St. Thomas More’s Church yesterday afternoon.

4

Spring Fling brings in 3,000 students Annual carnival livens Great Lawn as semester draws to a close Jarrod Jenkins Assistant News Editor As a part of the University’s Spring Week, the annual Spring Fling Carnival gathered around 3,000 students to celebrate before finals.

The Spring Fling Carnival is one of the most anticipated events of Spring Week and is organized by the Student Programming Board and the department of campus activities. Both student groups organize the carnival in order to give students a chance at leisure time before the rigors of upcoming examinations and essays.

Torch Photo/ Diana ColaPietro

Spring Carnival brings students together for an afternoon of relaxation.

“Spring Fling is a signature tradition at St. John’s. Students really look forward to this — it serves as a finale for the academic year,” Mary Pelkowski, assistant dean for student engagement, said in a statement.

A total of over $100,000 was spent in this year’s spring carnival, according to University officials.

This year’s Spring Fling consisted of six main ride attractions accompanied by interactive games and customized giveaways where students could win prizes.

“Our carnival is very large scheme,” Mary Rizzo, president of the Student Programming Board said.“Many universities differ with their events and may not have a concert either and we do ours in the same day so I think St. John’s is definitely different in that respect.”

Rizzo said how their spring events such as the carnival has high attendance and varies from other universities because they incorporate the carnival before the concert.

Gemma Leggere, coordinator of student activities and Student Programming Board advisor said that the Spring Fling served as a time for students to unwind before finals and take advantage of the weather.

“The goal of spring fling is to bring the whole St John’s community together at the end of the semester to get people outside” she said.

“It’s like a celebration for the end of the year.”

Many students had a positive response to the carnival.

Senior Abraham Etuk explained how it was a generous gift to the students.

“As far as I know, other colleges don’t do things like this for their students,” he said. “It’s good to see that the university staff uses it funds to do something courteous for the students.”

Sophomore Kelsey Mcray, a transfer student, described how Spring Fling was not only distinctive to the University, but also encompassed a sense of community.

“At my old school we never had anything like this during our spring festival,” she said.

“This event is a great idea and it really gets everyone on campus together and involved.

Sophomore Julian Reefer explained how the attendance was so vast that it led to overwhelming lines.

“I waited in line for a snow cone and by the time I got it the carnival was closing,” he said.

“The lines could have been even longer if students didn’t have class.”

Gemma Leggere continued to say how the university organizations are already planning for next year’s Spring Fling Carnival with aims for improvement.

“It’s definitely one of the big signature events everyone looks forward and the end of the year,” she said. “We just keep trying to make it bigger and better.”

I have received from Public Safety that hasn’t made me feel safe on campus,” Catherine Koenderman, who’s a junior, said.

“I trust Public Safety and the men and women that work for them to keep

all the students —especially the female students— safe while we’re on campus,” she said.

Lawrence also recommends students remain alert and take caution while they are walking off campus.

Follow us for news updates on Twitter @STJTorch

Public Safety issues precautions Breeana Mulligan Contributing Writer

The University’s Public Safety has taken precautions in response to the three forcible touching incidents that occurred in April.

According to Thomas J. Lawrence, Vice President of the Department of Public Safety, late night shuttle bus service has been added on Saturdays and campus patrolmen have increased their presence since these incidents have occurred.

In order to stay safe while traveling off campus grounds, Lawrence recommends that students take advantage of the new Saturday shuttle service, which operates from Henley Road to campus from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. as well as the late night shuttle service, which operates from 11 p.m. until 3 a.m.

The most recently reported incidents occurred on April 21 when two female students informed Public Safety they were victims of two separate forcible touching incidents.

According to the email sent to the University community, the first incident happened while the victim was walking to Goethals Avenue and 162nd Street after midnight and the suspect grabbed her behind.

The second incident occurred later

during the afternoon where a different victim was walking along Homelawn Street and perpetrator grabbed her from behind claiming he thought the female was someone else.

The other forcible touching incident occurred a week before on April 14 when a female student was walking to Homelawn Street and 84th Road alone in the evening until a man grabbed her from behind.

The New York Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is currently handling these cases and is working closely with the University to find the person responsible, according to the e-mail.

Public Safety is also working with the 107th Precinct’s Detective Squad and the Special Victims Unit to apprehend the individual, according to the e-mail.

Though as of press time the perpetrators have yet to be caught, Public Safety assures students that they are taking the right steps to ensure students’ safety.

Despite these unfortunate incidents, students do believe they are safe at St. John’s.

“I do feel safe even though these disturbing incidents are taking place,” senior Brennan Johnson said.“My sympathy goes out to those who are affected directly.”

“There has never been anything that

TORCH PHOTO/Christopher Brito

Students should avoid walking and staying late outside of campus confines.

Think Outside...

Lifestyle

5

Eduardo Leaves Double J Deli ST. JOHN’S-FAMOUS DELI WORKER IS FOUND AFTER LEAVING UNEXPECTEDLY

TORCH PHOTO/ISABEL RAJABZADEH

Eduardo Vilchis, former Double J Deli worker, behind the counter at his new Deli at Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, Long Island.

ISABEL RAJABZADEH Contributing Writer

Over the last three years, late night conversations with Eduardo Vilchis, 43, made the wait for a desired Double J, or Double J’s as students refer to it as, sandwich much more tolerable.

St. John’s students know him better as Eddy, the cashier who greeted customers at Double J Deli on Union Turnpike with a big smile and well-equipped jokes.

But Double J’s suddenly is no longer filled with his personable and fun presence, leaving students to question where he went.

Eddy said he stopped working at Double J’s in late December and went on to start his own business, kicking off the new year with a fresh start.

On January 2, 2013, Eddy opened his own deli. Eddy’s Deli is located at 553 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, Long Island.

Since he only told a few people he was leaving, many St. John’s customers have been wondering what happened to their beloved Eddy. Junior Kevin Wolfring was one of them. He described Eddy’s leave of absence as a, “tragic disappearance.”

Since Double J’s workers were not aware of where Eddy is, he was hard to find. The only lead on his location was the Elmont address supplied by a former St. John’s student. After driving to the deli and seeing Eddy’s name plastered in white against the blue banner, he was found. He was ecstatic to see a St. John’s face and wishes for more students to come visit his new deli.

Eddy says he loves his new job. He makes more money and enjoys being his own boss. But, he still misses St. John’s.

“I miss St. John’s,” he said. “It’s part of my life, my heart.”

He hopes to open a deli near the

Queens St. John’s campus in the next three years. Nonetheless, he is upset that many of his former St. John’s customers will have already graduated by that time.

Eddy’s path to impacting the lives of St. John’s studens was a long and windy one. When Eddy was six years old, he said his father died in Mexico from a sugar problem. Once he turned eight years old, he said he jumped from house to house trying to move closer to the border. After about seven years, he obtained a green card and came to the U.S. in 1986.

At the age of 16, Eddy was all by himself in a new country. His older brothers had families and stayed in Mexico. He

said his first job in America was at the well-known deli called Cherry Valley, in Whitestone. He said he worked there for a couple of years and lived in the basement.

Eddy said he is forever grateful to the owner for giving him a place to live.

However, he is not in contact with him anymore since the man sold Cherry Valley about 10 years ago.

In 1991, Eddy said he opened his own deli in Flushing. It shut down after he had a stroke, which took three years to recover from. Doctors told him the stroke was caused from stress and being over worked. Eddy now goes to the doctor annually to get checked up, he said.

After his stroke, he worked at different delis and then finally started working at Double J’s. While working there, Eddy was set on opening his own deli one day. He said he worked seven days a week and never missed a single day of work.

“Three years straight,” he said. “No one day over, no one day less.”

Eddy said that St. John’s students helped him get through and made his work worthwhile.

“When I was feeling sick or whatever, St. John’s comes to me and makes me happy,” he said.

Students felt the same about him.

“He is a really friendly, down- to -earth guy who was more than a sandwich salesman; he was a friend,” Junior Chris Dare said.

In 2010, Dare showed Eddy a card trick and a couple of days later Eddy named the “Magic Man” sandwich after him.

While working at Double J’s, Eddy helped create the menu that many St. John’s students enjoy to this day.

He now sells the same sandwiches at his new deli in Elmont. His 22-yearold son helps make the sandwiches at his new shop. Eddy describes it as a family business which he hopes to keep for several years to come.

Eddy is no longer nocturnal. He said he works from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. instead of the night shift he worked at Double J’s. He said the atmosphere at his new deli is much different because of its clientele. He now gets more police officers as customers rather than college students.

Eddy said his favorite part of working is the conversations he has with different customers.

Dare believes Double J’s has lost some of its touch when Eddy left.

“Now Double J’s is only as good as the sandwiches are,” he said.

TORCH PHOTO/SABEL RAJABZADEH

Eddy’s Deli, the new deli Eduardo Vilchis opened after leaving Double J Deli in Queens, where he used to be a student favorite.

6

What happens to all of your ‘stuff’ after graduation?

NICOLE VALENTE

Laptop:

Student Financial Services:

Managing Editor, Emeritus

Spend your money! All dining dollars will expire on May 31st. Flex dollars do not expire but you can not cash them out so if you’re not planning on returning to St. John’s you won’t get to see it again after graduation.

After May 19th, your laptop officially belongs to you. So if your computer is acting up, get it into the laptop shop before you graduate because after graduation, you can only bring in your laptop once. This last time is to remove all administrator passwords, not to perform repairs. Any questions can be sent to sjcsupport@stjohns.edu.

If you want to receive your diploma, don’t forget to check UIS and make sure there are no holds on your account and your bill is paid in full. Also, make sure you schedule any necessary exit interviews for your loans.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Email:

MVP Points: Career Services Alumni can continue to meet with Career Services advisors for support during their job search, utilize job postings on CareerLink and other resources, and are also invited to participate in Career Services events (job fairs, networking events, etc.)

These most definitely expire. The MVP redemption period is May sixth - May tenth. In order to redeem your points, go to Campus Concierge (second Floor of the DAC) during business hours. Prizes include: RedZone t-shirts (25 points), gift cards, STJ Snuggie (150 points), STJ Jacket (200 points)

SENIOR WEEK: 2013

Fall 2011

-Welcome to campus -Maroon 5 concert

Spring 2010

-ISawYouStJohns -DAC opens for classes -Steve Lavin hired as Men’s Basketball coach

Fall 2010

-Cecilia Chang arrested, charged -Lavin’s first season as Men’s Basketball coach

Spring 2011

-St. John’s Men’s Basketball makes the NCAA tournament -5/2/2012 Osama Bin Laden killed, celebration on the strip

Alumni have access to their email as long as they keep it active, which means signing in every once in a while. Email can still be accessed through the St. John’s Central portal.

If you’re looking for some last minute points to bump you up a level, join a fitness class or two - each one is worth two MVP points!

HIGHLIGHTS: THE LAST FOUR YEARS Fall 2009

Are all your newsletters, coupons and emails from your European penpal going to your St. John’s email? Luckily for you, your email does not cease to exist after graduation.

-10 year anniversary of 9/11 - Occupy Wall Street - Trads shuts down

Spring 2012

- St. John’s Problems (memes) - Women’s Basketball makes the Sweet 16 -KBA leaves for Michigan - Trads Reopens

Fall 2012

- SuperStorm Sandy - Cecilia Chang dies - Obama reelected -Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting

Spring 2013

- Boston Bombings - Peter King Controversy -Announcement that Manhattan Campus is going to be sold -STJ Crushes - Relay for Life breaks $100,000 -New Pope elected

MAY 2013 10

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2013 A NIGHT AT GRADUATE AND THE LAST BBQ THE PARK FACULTY BRUNCH 12 pm - 2 pm 6 pm - 10 pm 10 am - 12 pm DAC Plaza and Lawn The Park Restaurant DAC 416

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SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE 10 am - 7 pm

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BACCALAUREATE MASS & FAMILY GRAD DINNER *4 pm & **5:30 pm

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* St. Thomas Moore Church ** Carnesecca Arena

TORCH GRAPHIC/MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE

7

SENIOR SPARKS: WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST ABOUT ST. JOHN’S?

Jeanna Dalvano

Kevin Hylton

Michael Bernard

“Greek life. Completely.”

“My friends. All the people I met here. All the relationships I built.

Camaraderie . Free time.”

“The Great Lawn.”

Christopher Callino “I think the thing I am going to miss the most about St. John’s is walking through campus and just knowing so many people...

Knowing so many diverse people and not being stuck to just one group...”

Ryan Garcia “The food. I’m really gonna miss the food. Monty’s. I liked the fact there was a lot to eat there.”

Sean Cooley

Aryel Newmark

“I miss studying abroad. I’m gonna miss the study abroad program.”

“Having no responsibilities besides doing school work, kind of like living in a bubble. Coming home to my roommates.”

Semester abroad in U.S. comes to an end

HARRY SAUNDERS Staff Writer

As I enter the closing stages of my time at St John’s, it is the perfect time to reflect upon my time here and all of the things that I have done on my year abroad. Given that this is the last issue of The Torch for the semester, I expect that the remainder of this issue will have a decidedly end-of-semester tone, but I hope that, given my slightly different status to most of the rest of the students on campus, I can provide something, at least something, a little unique.

When I think about all of the things that have happened while I have been at this University, there is certainly a large breadth of events to consider. Things such as the presidential election stick in my mind, given its huge importance and significance for the U.S. moving forward. The Boston Marathon attacks have a more negative undertone, but at the very least I can honestly say I will always be reminded of where I was when they occurred. On top of this, their magnitude is unquestionable.

But, even apart from momentous and devastating events such as these, there are things that will certainly not be leaving my memory any time soon. The controversy surrounding Mayor Bloomberg’s

soda ban is just one that comes to mind, and the insight into American society that was provided by the public response to it. Also, the media representations of the soda ban issue have been as effective as any American Studies lesson I ever could have ever asked for. Ultimately, at this point, I feel as though I have become a far more integrated member of American society than I ever could have hoped.

And, the experiences that I have had over the course of my time here have played a fundamental part in shaping that.

Beyond New York City, my travels over the course of my time here have been fantastic. Whether my recollections be coffee in Seattle, deep-dish pizza in Chicago, working on the presidential election in the freezing cold in Cleveland, or watching the sunrise on the beach in

the Hamptons, each one is as important a memory as the last, and all of them will remind me of the time I spent here on my year abroad.

Here at St. John’s specifically, the school has been everything I could have expected when I first arrived in August.

Great professors, the Red Storm, and the friends I have made for life has made the St. John’s campus an exciting and enriching place to live, and I am proud to have called myself part of the St. John’s community.

So in conclusion, all I can do is thank St. John’s for the wonderful time I’ve had here, and all of the fantastic memories that I take home with me. I’ve had experiences I’ll never forget, and my year abroad can only be described as an indisputable success. I would encourage every one of you to do study abroad if the chance so arises, as I promise you that you wont be disappointed.

Harry Saunders is an international student from London, England

PHOTO COURTESY OF IHARRY SAUNDERS

Harry Saunders, middle, with friends in Manhattan while studying abroad here.

It was a pleasure to have Harry as a loyal writer for the features section this year. He will be missed.

8

Allyson Whitney remembered FOUNDATION FOR RARE CANCER RAISES MONEY AND AWARENESS

SHANNON LUIBRAND Features Editor

When Allyson Whitney Strong graduated from St. John’s in 2008, she had plans to become a speech pathologist.

Ally, as she liked to be called, then went on to graduate school at C.W. Post to continue with her plan. She aspired to have a career where she could help others, her friends and family said.

What Allyson did not plan on, though, was being diagnosed with Small Cell Cervical Cancer (SCCC) at age 24, a cancer so rare it is difficult for doctors and scientists to even know how to properly treat it. Just months after completing her graduate degree, the plan Ally had for herself changed, but her plan to help others did not.

“Even while she was sick, she was still raising money for other people who were in her situation,” Lisa Manz, a friend of Ally’s, said.

Now, her friends and family are carrying on her cause in her memory.

Cancer took Ally’s life on Thanksgiving 2011, and her family and friends created a foundation that assists young adults facing the same challenges brought on by rare cancers.

Being a young adult when she was diagnosed, Ally’s struggles were unique.

She had worries such as paying bills, getting a job and student loans, on top of having cancer. But still, Ally wanted to make sure no young adult had to deal with the things she was dealing with.

“She had so many financial burdens herself during this time, but yet she still

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA MANZ

Team SJU at the Sullivan 5K race last year- they will compete again this year as well.

wanted to help others and make it so nobody would have to go through what she was going through,” Katy Strong, Ally’s older sister said. “This is really the best indicator of who Allyson was and I would say these ideals of hers, really, were the birth of the Allyson Whitney Foundation.”

The Allyson Whitney Foundation ultimately grew out of Ally’s dream.

“Our vision is to improve the quality of life, as well as provide emotional support for patients,” the Foundation explains. “Primarily, the foundation provides individuals with grants to ease their financial burden in order to focus their energy on healing.”

According to Ally’s sister, the St. John’s community and the friends she made during her time at college made a huge impact on her life.

“She loved the diversity of the school and was proud to be a student there,”

Young said. “She had the opportunity to attend the campus in Rome and travel all over Italy which was an amazing experience for her.”

This May, the Allyson Whitney Foundation will be hosting its second annual 5K run and walk in Sullivan County where Ally is from. According to Manz, this is the biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year, they raised more than $50,000 dollars. This year, Ally’s St. John’s friends will be some of the many participants.

“She absolutely loved St John’s,” Strong said. “It was one of the best decisions she ever made. She was fortunate enough to make really amazing friends.”

Ally always tried to remain positive during her illness, but it was not always easy.

“She made a decision early on that she wasn’t going to take this laying down and fought hard,” Strong said. “As with

anyone who is diagnosed with cancer, she had her dark days, but in reality she was very brave and tried her best to stay positive.”

Ally was only 25 when she died.

“My sister was absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. Kind, caring, giving,” Strong said. “She loved to dance and she loved the sun. You can’t find a more beautiful soul than her’s.”

To date, the Allyson Whitney Foundation has granted 17 “Life Interrupted” Grants to young adults who are fighting a rare cancer, according to Strong.

“Cancer is expensive. Between treatments, hospital bills and doctors, it seems almost never ending, and all while fighting for your life,” Strong said.

“Regardless, you still have to keep living - pay your rent, heat your house, pay your phone bills. With these grants, we hope that our young adults can concentrate their energy on healing rather than worrying about how to put food on their table.”

In addition, the Foundation has also granted money to the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Center now has set up a database of SCCC patients from around the world. The hope is that databases like this will help doctors find a way to treat and cure the cancer.

The Allyson Whitney Foundation has a quote from Ally they often reflect on, “This was an experience that I was going to learn a lot from,” Ally said.

“And, I am going to use this experience and help others.”

In Ally’s short life, she helped many people; the foundation vows to continue on her legacy.

To learn how to get involved in the Allyson Whitney Foundation or for information about future events, Email info@allysonwhitney.org.

Spring Week shines a spotlight on fashion

SHANTAVIA THOMAS Staff Writer

This year’s Spring Week was a blast, but the Fashion Club’s Fashion Show really stood out and was not an event to be missed. Thursday night, students, alumni and non-Johnnies poured into Carnesecca Arena to see unique designers share their lines and the beautiful models strut their stuff. As I sat in the press section I must say that the crowd looked as good as the models walking down the runway.

Two charismatic students hosted the show: Liane Robinson, the former president of Haraya and JaShaun Roebuck, the president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Robinson and Roebuck kept the flow of the event going smoothly while the models were equally impressive.

The models started the show off with a quick dance number that lead right into the fight line, MYM Collection. The next was the Creative Era which showcased a line of detailed bowties that were made of out fabric and wire.

The following designer, Megan Mullings, is a current St. John’s freshman who showcased her line, MeganAndre.

Her collection was filled with intricately cut dresses and swing skirts, a very flirty and sophisticated line.

Another collection, Overdose On Fame, was a memorable collection and one of my favorites. The garments in this collection were colorful and beautifully detailed. It was almost as though the models were wearing paintings instead of clothing or maybe a mixture of both. The Model Cocaine line featured a lot of cutouts and sheer coverings, showing a lot of skin.

One collection, Austin Paul, featured kaleidoscope-like prints. The line also featured designs that can only be described as “masculine florals” with pale hues but colorful all the same.

Fabric Twins closed the show with its “shimmery,” sequin-filled pieces that also featured a lot of cutouts, one being worn by Liane herself that caused a bit of an uproar in the best way possible.

Midway into the show, the E-board of the Fashion Club presented a check to Katharine Polk, the representative of a non-profit organization called Designers Against AIDS. The DAA is a project that was launched in 2004 to bring awareness to AIDS by elements from the media (music, fashion, design, arts, sports, film and celebrities, etc.). It was a touching moment for the E-board and it was obvious that they appreciate being rec-

ognized by the international organization and having a deserving designer there to accept the check.

“We have been trying to reach out to you guys for years,” President Dhajja Patten said to Polk, choking back tears.

The designers were so talented and

inspirational (I might snag myself a few pieces), but the models really stole the show. Those students really did an amazing job on organizing a great performance. Definitely a great way to bring Spring Week and the end of the semester to a close.

TORCH PHOTO/SHANTAVIA THOMAS

Fashion show hosts, Liane Robinson and JaShaun Roebuck, keep up their charisma.

9

STJ offers Alumnus appears in blockbuster film unique program FORMER RED STORM AND MLB PITCHER C.J. NITKOWSKI APPEARS IN ‘42’

JON PEREZ Sports Editor

MARION GENDRON Chief Copy Editor

Global Lending Opportunities for Budding Entrepreneurs, or GLOBE, is a student-managed class/organization hybrid that serves as a microfinance institution to impoverished countries such as Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Vietnam.

Dr. Linda Sama, a passionate philanthropist, founded GLOBE at St. John’s in Spring 2009 within the Tobin College of Business. Working with the Daughters of Charity, a Vincentian mission, the dedication to service and social justice is framed after Muhammad Yunus’ notion of giving small loans of approximately $100-$500 to the destitute and fostering the proper skill set of money management, responsibility, and self-reliance, to uplift themselves out of poverty with dignity.

In their ninth semester, the GLOBE family consists of about 200 Johnnies and has extended beyond Tobin. Currently, GLOBE has 66 borrowers and 38 loans, two of these loans are group loans of 15 people.

“We lend to the poorest of the poor; traditional microfinance institutions probably wouldn’t loan to them,” Dr. Sama who emphasized that the goal of GLOBE is social improvement, not profit, said.

GLOBE managers, Dr. Sama’s students, operate as social entrepreneurs in four committees: Enterprise Development, Finance and Risk Assessment, Information Technology, Marketing and Fundraising. The class has accomplished financing three new types of loans this year alone. A self-help group loan features a savings component, a crucial and difficult concept of alleviating poverty.

For the first time, GLOBE loaned money for a young adult who was supporting her family to purchase a motor scooter for her to get to and from work.

One recent client was seeking a loan to fund her general store, however, her request was alarming when considering a nearby client was loaned much less for the same exact business. When discovering the prospective client had leprosy and was most likely asking for the large expense to assist with her medical condition, GLOBE offered her a provisional health loan in addition to a business loan.

Liaison of the IT team, Nicollette Lygeris, originally applied to GLOBE because she had a friend in the previous class. As a business major, she believes that employers, “are looking for something different; GLOBE keeps me tech-savvy and looks good on a resume.”

Thanks to Professor John Clark, a major GLOBE donor, managers will be able to participate in fellowships, working directly with the Daughters of Charity and the borrowers abroad in the future. In addition to traveling to the lending sites, GLOBE hopes to expand.

The purpose of GLOBE more than aligns with the university’s Vincentian values, it resonates.

Not since the days of Field of Dreams and For the Love of the game have baseball enthusiasts had a story that they could watch and feel a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

These same enthusiasts feel their sense of entitlement when Billy Chapel completes his no-hitter or when Ray Kinsella plays catch with his father.

It’s these moments that fill the hearts of viewers with joy and excitement, they get closure.

Another movie that will give its viewers the same feeling is 42, a film about the life of Jackie Robinson. The motion picture chronicles Robinson’s

first year as a major league ball player in 1947. Robinson is played by Chadwick Boseman who has made cameo appearances on Fringe and Castle.

Another notable actor is Harrison Ford who plays Branch Rickey.

However, this next face is one that only true baseball enthusiasts would recognize: C.J. Nitkowski. Nitkowski, 40, played baseball at St. John’s from 1992 to 94 and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1995.

Nitkowski, now out of baseball, coaches his twelve year old son’s baseball team and was set up through one of his player’s mother, who was a casting agent for the film.

At first, Nitkowski was supposed to just be an extra but was asked to read a couple of lines and was given the role as

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZINAVENUE.COM

C.J. Nitkowski photographed on the field when he played for the New York Yankees.

Dutch Leonard, who was a right handed knuckleball pitcher. The only problem was that Nitkowski was a conventional left-handed pitcher.

“The topic never came up, nobody would really know,” Nitkowski said.

“The biggest thing was to find a guy who could fit the description of a 39 year old.”

When filming a sports movie, many actors face the challenge of having to play an athlete and could find it challenging to play a sport when they don’t have the skill set of a professional athlete like Charlie Sheen who played Rick Wild Thing Vaughn or Kevin Costner.

However, in Nitkowski’s situation, it was the athlete who had to don the cap of actor.

“It was just one line,” Nitkowski said.

“We shot it again a bunch of times, it wasn’t as hard as I thought.”

The set was at Engel Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee where Nitkowski took his first steps on the mound as a professional. The stadium isn’t used anymore and was two hours from Atlanta, where Nitkowski resides.

“It was pretty cool to go back and shoot there,” Nitkowski said Although the movie was shot in 2013, the screenwriters used a language more suitable for a typical day down south 66 years ago.

“Obviously it’s strong language, I didn’t have an issue with it though,” he said. “I understood the type of language that went on back then.”

When he’s not playing old time ball players, Nitkowski is taking the plunge into the broadcasting world as a freelance writer for espn.com, mlb.com, and some color analysis for college baseball.

Robinson remembered through ‘42’ DARNYCYA SMITH Staff Writer

Brian Helgeland took on a meaningful task of creating a film based on the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African American who played in the Major League Baseball.

42 came to theaters April 12 and hit $27,487,144 its first weekend and has grossed $30 million since.

With Helgeland selecting a non all-star cast, besides Harrison Ford who played Branch Rickey, the story of Jackie Robinson is the only thing that brought movie goers into the theaters.

The good marketing at Warner Bros.

Pictures also helped with the hint of Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn We Go Hard” being the background music of the trailer.

Chadwick Boseman, who played Robinson and Nicole Beharie, who played his wife, Rachel, had great chemistry allowing the audience to further fall further in love with the film.

Boseman and Beharie both conquered their roles and made the audience believe they were watching the actual Robinsons in action.

Boseman presented and made the viewers feel the emotions and stress Jackie went through while trying to overcome the racism that was trying to hold him back from playing in the major leagues. Beharie seized the role of Rachel and displayed the eagerness,

PHOTO COURTESY OF REVIEWTRAILERS.COM

Trailer photo for the new movie featuring actor Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson.

passion and strength she had to help Jackie pursue his dreams.

Helgeland starts the film by showing team executive, Branch Rickey, try to find a way to get more money out of the baseball business with the idea of hiring a man of color from the Negro leagues.

Going through many candidates, he finally picked Jackie Robinson from the Kansas City Monarchs.

He first appoints him to the minor league team, the Montreal Royals, to get a taste of playing in a league being the only man of color. After overcoming many obstacles, Jackie proved he was able to play for the Brooklyn

Dodgers in the major league.

42 adapts you to the history of the world of segregation of sports in a way a history text book could not. It is amazing how much the world changed with Alex Rodriguez being the highest paid player in the major leagues in 2013, while before the 1950s, it would have been impossible for him to even play in the major leagues.

Helgeland’s film wasn’t just meaningful but it also made one appreciate Jackie Robinson and the struggles he went through, which later resulted in being struggles that changed the world of baseball and influence of America.

15

Editorial Board XCI KIERAN LYNCH Editor-in-Chief

Illustrator’s Corner

MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE Managing Editor JESSICA LISE General Manager CHRISTOPHER BRITO News Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH

‘St. John’s Day’ could unite campus

Why can’t we have a day to celebrate being a part of the St. John’s family?

The spring carnival is fun and it’s a start, but the day should hold greater meaning. Comparable schools to St. John’s, like Georgetown, take the last Friday before finals to have an entire day to celebrate being a part of the University’s community.

Here, we have a carnival from 12p.m.

- 4 p.m. with long lines and some popcorn. (No disrespect to the Student Programming Board, who do as good a job as possible with it and with budget constraints).

Why is the carnival only four hours long during a time frame where a majority of students are in class? Maybe it’s time St. John’s backed away from the commuter mindset that defined the University until the turn of the century.

Thousands of students live on or near campus and would greatly appreciate a campus that caters to them on a schedule that doesn’t resemble a 9-5.

It would’ve been nice to see an even larger portion of the St. John’s community at the carnival past 4 p.m.

At ‘Georgetown Day,’ students have class, but the festival takes place throughout the entire day, giving every student a chance to celebrate with their fellow classmates. Here, a large portion of students were forced to merely hear stories of the carnival as they were stuck in class during the four hours it was made available to the undergraduate population.

What we want to see at St. John’s is an entire day filled with the joy that we all witnessed and experienced last weeks for those four hours the carnival lasted.

It may seem like the Torch is constantly trying to bring down the University, but the truth is, we just want to make this college experience better and more enjoyable for everyone. Probably one of the easiest ways of doing this would be to take a day for St. John’s to celebrate

St. John’s. A festival throughout the entire campus added onto the already existing carnival would be a great start, but it shouldn’t end there.

This ‘St. John’s Day’ should be spread throughout the entire campus. Here at the Torch, we’re thinking that only actual rides should be placed on the Great Lawn, while the games and food could be placed at other points on campus, as It would bring a festive atmosphere to the entire university rather than just one portion of it.

Yes, we’re aware that seniors are invited for an extra day of the carnival the Saturday following the undergraduate one, but shouldn’t the entire student population be granted more than four hours of rest, relaxation and fun?

We’re going to go bold here. Take away our study day, the day where really nothing gets accomplished, and give us St. John’s Day. You can get more organizations involved. Some possibilities could be live musical performances from students – both individuals and the choirs/bands on campus. Maybe a giant picnic on the residence hall quads? What about a bouncy castle outside Carnesecca? The possibilities are really endless. For us college students, this experience doesn’t last forever (as we can see with our predecessors writing their final columns), so why not have something that we’ll really think back on and smile while we have the chance?

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/ CHRISTOPHER BRITO

We would like to extend a big thank you to Michael E. Cunniff and Nicole Valente as they depart the Torch and St. John’s in a few weeks. They’ve helped us over countless hours, while making us better journalists than we ever thought we could be. Although they treated us as equals during out time together, they were truly two of the best role models that we’ll ever have at St. John’s.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the TORCH. Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of The TORCH. Opinions

Mail letters to: The TORCH, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439 Submit letters via e-mail at: torcheic@gmail.com

expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.

TO CONTRIBUTE

All are welcome to contribute to the Torch.

Please include your full name, year, and college (or department). Letters have a limit of 500 words and may be edited for content, grammar, or space. Unverifiable or anonymous letters will not be published.

All letters are subject to the approval of the Editorial Board of the TORCH.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/ MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE

CORRECTION: Last week’s issue included the incorrect spelling of head softball coach Amy Kvilhaug’s name in a story about her running in the Boston Marathon.

CLARIFICATION: The University Senate held on April 15 did not vote on a motion to release the Board of Trustees’ investigation, rather it was “shelved.” The previous information was incorrectly provided to the Torch.

16

College needs more of a career focus KIERAN LYNCH Editor-in-Chief

There are certain expectations that students have when they begin their college education. They expect to learn, to grow as people and to gain skills to help them perform in their chosen career field upon graduation.

From my experiences at St. John’s, the last expectation seems to be only partially fulfilled, and with one year remaining and almost all of my requirements completed, it doesn’t look like that’s going to change.

As I’m sure you’d assume, I’m a journalism major. If you took a look at a list of the courses I’ve taken at St. John’s, that fact might not seem so clear. Here’s the problem: I attend college in the U.S. where I, along with millions of other college students, basically attend the 13th grade - or an extension of high school and then take some courses pertaining to my career field sprinkled in.

Here I am as a second-semester junior trudging my way through Italian II and for what? I’m required to attend class, do conventional homework, online homework, attend tutoring sessions (you’d think if a class required tutoring it wouldn’t be a core requirement) and attend two extra-curricular events.

Right off the bat, before I get my final grade, I’ll be starting off with less that 100 percent. Why might you ask?

Because on a daily basis I have to choose between things that will help me get a

job (internships, the Torch and more) and doing unnecessary work for a class that won’t help me accomplish anything other than a grade mark.

I realize I choose to take on internships, to get myself involved with the Torch and involve myself further in the journalism field.

But I do these things because I think they’ll put me in a much better position to succeed in the future than anything that I learn in Italian or most other core classes for that matter.

All of this, quite frankly, leaves little time for me to concern myself with a class that I believe will make zero difference once I graduate.

Not to mention that I signed up to go to class, not learn about wine tasting.

And none of this is to say I don’t value a liberal arts education. I do. Enough so that I think approximately half of my college education should be dedicated to becoming a well-rounded individual in all subjects – but no more than that.

College isn’t cheap. You don’t need a degree to know that. A Bloomberg.com article from April 2012 states that college tuition and fees have risen 1,120 percent

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since records began in 1978.

That rise is quickly making college unaffordable to many young people. So much so that the question is seriously being asked, “Is this worth it?” I’d like to think so, but when I think back to the time I spent in classes like Italian, P s y c h o l o g y, Statistics, etc.

I understand where the argument comes from.

Yo u / y o u r parents are paying a lot for this education.

In my opinion, the universities in this country would be helping both their customers and themselves by offering programs that focused more on preparing students for their fields and less time on things that should have been taught long before this point. Newsflash: I know the difference between their, they’re and there. I didn’t go to school from the age of three to 18 for nothing.

This isn’t meant to be critical of Italian or journalism or St. John’s, but rather of the system we’re paying into. This system needs to be fixed; the schools need to rethink their philosophies or otherwise

This isn’t meant to be critical of Italian or journalism or St. John’s, but rather of the system we’re paying into.

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they’re going to see their enrollment numbers drop. But at the same time, if they did drop, maybe the schools would wake up and change the formats of the education system.

What’s the best way to fix that system? That would probably be to limit the amount of work needed for each subject. Instead of taking two foreign language courses, make it one. Instead of three philosophies, make it one. You see where I’m going with this. By having a sampling of each type of course, students get a chance to continue the learning process while not being bludgeoned over the head with courses just for the sake of credits.

Then, after going through the twoyear sampling, students can focus solely on their career choice. It’s not a perfect solution, but it definitely stretches those thousands of dollars a little further.

So for now, I go on, with Italian II and the rest of my classes. These issues won’t change during my educational tenure and probably not for some time, but as expenses increase and the value of higher education continues to be questioned, it’s time for universities to take the lead, reevaluate this system and put students’ needs first.

Kieran Lynch is a junior journalism major who needs to find a friend to come with him to #MCFC v. Chelsea in the Bronx.

He can be reached at torcheic@gmail.com or @Kieran_Lynch

If you do one thing, study abroad MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE Managing Editor

Most of us need both our hands and feet to count all the things we wish we could change at St. John’s. Whether it’s WiFi, sign-in policies, or the unavoidable shudder from stepping foot into Marillac, we all have our personal opinions concerning what needs to be reformed on campus.

But you know what? I want to dedicate this column – my first as Managing Editor – to something at St. John’s that I think is absolutely incredible – something that the Cunniff-Valente regime (aka Torch Editorial Board XC), discussed in small detail in a past issue of the Torch: the University’s study abroad program.

If you haven’t studied abroad, prepare for me to convince you to make the best decision of your life. If you have, pop a squat on the most comfortable couch you own, pour a glass of that five euro bottle of wine you bought from Carrefour (only if you’re 21, of course!) and let nostalgia take over.

If you study abroad through St. John’s during the fall or spring semesters, you have three choices: Discover France – an entire semester in Paris, Discover Italy – an entire semester in Rome, Discover

Spain – an entire semester in Seville, or Discover the World (DTW for short) – five weeks in each of the above cities.

I chose to enroll into the Discover France program for the Spring 2012 semester. It was the most incredibly impactful decision I ever made. I mean that from the absolute depths of my heart.

For those of you reading who are contemplating whether or not to study abroad, play close attention to what I’m about to articulate.

An average day in Paris for me was as followed: I wake up around 7:30 a.m. for class (interestingly enough, it was easier waking up for early classes there than it is here), go downstairs to breakfast where I have coffee out of a bowl because coffee mugs are too mainstream for Paris, a fresh baguette with apricot spread and some cereal. After I finish my breakfast, I head to class. After class, the day is all mine. And this fact, ladies and gentleman, is the beauty of studying abroad.

You are allotted a significant portion of each day to discover whatever city you’re in, on your own terms. There are excursions to prominent monuments, museums, etc, but you aren’t limited to them.

Think of it this way: you’re handed a blank slate and a marker. The slate is your European experience, while the

marker is you. You have the power to craft your experience abroad in whatever manner you choose. What can be more beautiful than that?

So, since I love soccer more than my cat loves tuna, I spent a majority of my days in Paris on a futsal court (futsal is soccer on a hard surface, for all of my non-footballing brethren) directly in front of the Eiffel Tower, playing the game that makes my heart sing.

But one of the most rewarding aspects about studying abroad is that you expand your horizons every time you wake up. I survived – actually, thrived, in a foreign country for three and half months on my own. That deserves a pat on the back, right?

And I guess it’s a bonus that I learned of my strong fondness for escargot, my unhealthy obsession for crepes and my knack for adopting insults into my French vernacular.

For those of you who are still contemplating whether or not to make that trek across the Atlantic, I wanted to give you a list of pros and cons to help you with your decision. But after a great deal of brainstorming, I realized that there’s no point.

Ask one of your friends that studied abroad and ask them what they thought of their experience. If you get even one person that tells you that it wasn’t one of

the best decisions they ever made, I’ll be shocked.

Do yourself a favor; get lost in Paris or go on a gelato binging spree in Rome.

And if that get’s you tired, you can take a siesta in Seville.

But be sure not to limit yourself to just Paris or Rome or Seville. Flight fares in Europe is affordable – even for a college student’s budget.

Take a weekend trip to London and discover the best fish and chips the UK has to offer. Or how about trekking down south to Morocco to ride a camel and spend the night in the Sahara? Or maybe you’re feeling adventurous and want to head towards the Swiss Alps. The opportunities are endless.

But above anything else, studying abroad gave me two things: a lifetime of memories and couple of friendships that will last forever.

So, when are you booking your ticket?

Mitchel Petit-Frere is a junior English and journalism major who is extremely upset that Cristiano Ronalod will not be lifting the Champions League trophy this season.

He is also willing to play anyone in FIFA 13 as long as the victor is rewarded a nutella crepe.

17

Harrington’s actions show lack of caring MICHAEL E. CUNNIFF Editor-in-Chief, Emeritus

I don’t think Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. President of the University saw me as he left Newman Hall at precisely 4:45 p.m. Monday afternoon. I happened to be passing by when he walked out, strolled to the line of cars parked across the street and climbed into a late-model Audi before zooming off.

Even if he had noticed me, and if he had recognized me, I wonder if he would have cared. I wonder if he grasps the hypocrisy – a priest, who has taken a so-called “vow of poverty,” driving a car that likely cost north of $40,000. I wonder what he thinks about when he reads about Pope Francis, and how as a cardinal he used to take the bus, like poor people actually do.

And on a different, but related, note, I wonder if he realizes just how problematic his relationship with Cecilia Chang was, and the collateral damage that came from accepting the perks she

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offered without bothering to question where they came from.

It’s gotten lost in this whole sordid scandal, but what caught the attention of media outlets across the nation when she was first arrested in 2010 was not the amount of money she took from the school, or her relationship with Harrington or his chief of staff Rob Wile. No, what caught the eyes of ABC News and the Huffington Post, among others, was that Chang was enslaving students. As Dean of Asian Studies, she had the power to award scholarships to students, who mostly came from Asia, in exchange for work study positions. “Work study” to those students came to mean doing Chang’s laundry, cooking dinner for her son and picking her up if she was in a bind after one of her notorious gambling benders.

These students’ college experiences were ruined by Chang even as she lavished Harrington and Wile with all of the watches, suits, vacation trips and

...and if he had recognized me, I wonder if he would have cared.

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expensive wine we’ve talked about ad nauseam all semester. While Chang’s fudged expense reports were rubber stamped by Wile, these students slaved away on her orders.

It seems clear that Harrington thinks he’s been misrepresented in this whole regard, that media outlets like the Torch and New York Magazine have taken things out of context, and that his continued trust in Chang despite obvious red flags was a sign of naïveté, not institutional corruption.

Whatever he thinks, his lack of control over one of his subordinates resulted in years of misery for some of his students. Harrington profited from Chang’s thievery, no doubt, but that’s not the only reason why he is unfit to remain as St. John’s president. He’s unfit because he put his own selfish desires over the well-being of his students, and it ended up with some of his students getting hurt. He didn’t intend for those students to be abused by Chang. But they were because he refused – for whatever reason – to stand up to her. He allowed

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Chang to play by her own rules, and she left a trail of destruction for which he is ultimately responsible.

If he understood that, he wouldn’t have been so defiant when we interviewed him in December.

If he understood that, he wouldn’t have reportedly threatened to go after us when we published a factually accurate editorial that cast him in a negative light. If he understood that, he would have already resigned.

Instead, he’s trying to wait it out. It might work. He knows how to network, and how to get people on his side. The Board of Trustees is full of people that have obvious and deep ties with him.

Harrington’s proven to be willing to put himself ahead of the school over which he presides. When the outside counsel reports its findings to the Trustees, we’ll see if they do the same.

Instead, he’s trying to wait it out. It might work.

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Michael E. Cunniff is a senior journalism major who can juggle barbeques and dates and still keep the charcoal burning.

He can be reached at michael.cunniff09@gmail.com.

A farewell to many memories at STJ NICOLE VALENTE

Managing Editor, Emeritus To whom it may concern, With all the things I have to get done in the next two weeks, I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than to reminisce on my last four years. I’ve decided there are some people I need to thank, some I need to apologize to and some I just want to give a shout out.

First things first, I would like to thank all of the well-meaning people of Donovan Hall freshman year who posted signs and inspirational quotes and “respect” blurbs all over the building. Our bathroom décor was definitely improved with all the pretty colors that you used.

I’d also like to thank a certain friend of mine for creating a collage that became our iconic piece of artwork for all our subsequent apartments. That 8.5” x 11” piece of paper has been the start of many a conversation and caused many a laugh.

Thank you to all those who have gone out to 7-11 for me over the years and a very special thank you to the ones who came back with a tube of chocolate chip cookie dough. There is no better feeling in the world than sitting on the couch with a tube of cookie dough and a season of trashy TV shows to watch. There’s also no better way to gain the sophomore 70.

Okay, maybe it was 17, but that wasn’t what it felt like…

I want to send my sincere apologies to all those on the strip we tossed water

balloons at from our second floor room.

Though you have to admit – it was pretty funny!

But to the person who retaliated by throwing eggs at us, screw you. The egg caked on our window and left a disgusting streak that I understand was still there when the girls moved into the room the next year.

To the cheerleading team, thank you for not openly laughing at me when I tried out for your team sophomore year.

Also, thank you for one of the worst days of my life. I have rarely felt as bad about myself as that day when I could do nothing right. I have a much larger respect for you and what you do on a weekly basis. Thank you also for suggesting that I could’ve improved and tried out again – we both know that wasn’t the case but it was still nice of you to say.

DJ Zeke… there are so many things I want to say to you, I don’t know where to begin. I guess I’ll just thank you for the ringing in my ears that told me I could wear shorts outside.

To the people who have lived below or above us for the last three years, I don’t know if you’ve realized this but

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we’ve been able to hear most of what you’re saying or doing. A sample of the priceless things we’ve heard over the years: a couple doing the dirty (over and over again), a full-on basketball dribbling contest, a rave, bowling, arguments with your roommates, working out to Tae Bo with Billy Blanks.

I’m sorry to every guy that has ever played against me in intramural sports and come up looking silly. I know it must suck when all your friends watch a girl catch a pass over you or hit the ball over your head. To the guy that accidentally grabbed my butt instead of the flag in football that one time, I forgive you. My teammates might not though.

I would like to request my letters (you know what I mean – the ones that spell NOLICE) and Snuggies back from my successors at the Torch. I’d also like to thank them for their patience with my long emails, their sense of humor and their love of pizza.

My predecessor deserves the ultimate shout-out. He has been nothing less than outstanding and I am truly lucky to have him as a mentor. Unluckily for him, I’m following him out to Texas so he’ll be

I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than resminsicing on my last four years.

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stuck with me again soon.

Thank you to the professors who took the time to get to know me. I can truly say that I’ve met professors here who I will stay in contact with for years to come.

They’ve not only taught me the subject material, but also how to be a successful person – personally and professionally. I will say, however, that I am very sorry for my penchant for tardiness and the occasional missed class.

To my friends, old and new, thank you for all the memories. You all hold special places in my heart and are the reason that I will look fondly on my time at St. John’s. Whether it was acting as the sorting hat or making our own sparkly team t-shirts, I never thought I’d find so many people as weird and fun as me.

My roommates are incredible people.

Thank you for your patience, your laughter and your willingness to have cupcake shaped furnishings all over the apartment. These four years would not have been the same without any one of you and I’m so glad that I can come home at the end of a day and rehash all the reasons the world’s population sucks without any judgment.

Michael – thanks. You’re not as vile as I thought you were.

Very sincerely yours, Nicole Valente Nicole Valente is a senior marketing major who deserves a big thank you for her clutch pizza performances over the year.

She can be reached at

18

Time for University to fix ‘The Strip’ SHANNON LUIBRAND Features Editor

Now that the warm weather of spring has finally arrived here at St. John’s, Lourdes Way - or “The Strip” as St. John’s students refer to it - instantly becomes a place I loathe. While scrolling through my Twitter feed, reading Facebook statuses and simply talking to students on campus over the last few weeks, I have come to realize I am not alone.

The Strip is the long walkway between the Residence Halls and Montgoris Dining Hall lined with blooming trees and flowers where students who live in the Residence Halls have to walk to get anywhere on campus. Now it’s not The Strip itself I have an issue with, it’s what goes on there.

When I first got to St. John’s three years ago (woah, I’m old), I loved The Strip. I spent early evenings sitting out there basking in the few rays of sunshine left from summer. I would people-watch, chat with friends and once and a while I’d listen to people play guitar, further fueling my craving for that hipster-ish college experience.

But, progressively, The Strip changed.

It no longer has an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Instead, it’s now a place for rowdy parties to take place alongside To the Editors: As a graduate of the Class of 2013, I would like to begin by making it explicitly clear that those individuals currently leading the protest against Congressman King as commencement speaker do not speak for me nor do they represent my views. I do not appreciate the language they have employed which makes it seem as though the entire student body is against this selection.

Many of the arguments and quotations used against Congressman King by the protestors and media have either been taken out of context or grossly misstated, leading me to believe that this petition is motivated more by politics than genuine concern. The hearings held on Islamic radicalization were just that—a serious and legitimate effort to discover why individuals such as Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Faisal Shahzad, Nidal Hassan, Najibullah Zazi, Farooque Ahmed and Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad are motivated to commit violent, terrorist attacks against their fellow Americans. Additionally, the hearings sought to uncover the role their faith played since they have all been found to have acted on behalf of their twisted interpretations of Islam. This is not an indictment of Islam as a religion, nor of the vast majority of its adherents.

Rather, it is an attempt to root out the cancer of fundamentalism that was the driving force behind the 9/11 attacks, the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers, the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya and the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole among other attacks against American targets.

What Congressman King has done with these hearings is strive to protect Americans of all creeds—Muslims, Christians, Jews, etc.—from the religious

bothersome catcalling and sensual dancing.

The transition began when I was a sophomore. I lived in Century Hall, the building closest to The Strip. I remember sitting on my floor, homework scattered everywhere, trying to cram for my last few finals. My bedroom walls shook and windows rattled as music blasted out speakers on The Strip. Out of complete annoyance, I often threw my papers in the air and looked out my window. The scene was always the same. A large group of students huddled around the DJ drinking out of red solo cups and dancing provocatively. I would immediately hit social media and vent my annoyance only to be reaffirmed in the fact a lot of St. John’s students felt the same.

At first, I was mostly frustrated that while my friends and I were pulling all-nighters, packing every last piece of information into our overtired and overworked brains, these students were outside blatantly partying on campus.

But I have gotten to the point where The Strip is almost intolerable.

First of all, the catcalling. It’s an epidemic. It does not matter who you are or what you look like, if you are a female on this campus you have probably been catcalled at least once.

I have to walk by The Strip at least once a day and in the springtime it is seriously disgusting. Guys calling out at fascism of these fanatics, whose beliefs not only reject but seek to exterminate the very “respect, tolerance and diversity” those protesting the congressman’s selection cite as the basis of their petition against him. If all of these attacks were carried out by Neo-Nazis or Klansmen, would authorities be looking in the Asian, Latino or African-American communities? No. Rather, they would have to track the offenders by following them into the communities where they could easily blend in and hide. For Neo-Nazis and Klansmen, that would be among white Americans, and for Islamic fundamentalists, that would be among the Muslim-American community.

Three years ago Senator Charles Schumer spoke at commencement. Now although I find the man and most of his policies to be abhorrent, I wasn’t actively trying to silence him from speaking to the graduates. Nor were there any mass movements to remove him as a speaker.

Just because significant numbers of people may have disagreed with him and his policies, they granted him the right of free speech that all American citizens share, a right which allows us to offer ideas and opinions, many contrary to our own, in an open forum of respect, civility and dignity that they would wish shown to them. Unfortunately, too many people these days would reserve those rights only for themselves and others of like mind, but viciously attack and attempt to silence any and all who offer a different perspective. With regard to graduation, the protestors have the right not to attend the commencement but should remain respectful of the congressman’s right to free speech if they do attend.

Matthew Trimboli Class of 2013 (Graduate) School of Ed

girls every sexual thing you can imagine.

Comments as simple as, “oh hey sexy,” to comments so illicit I cannot even put them in an editorial. Sometimes, I will see girls eat it up. On the other hand, I have heard from so many other girls and I myself can attest – who steer clear of The Strip as much as possible because of this.

Last year administrators sent an email to the student body addressing the issue of catcalling. Unfortunately, the issue still exists there, even if no one is speaking up. When I contacted Public Safety about this topic, I was told there have been no complaints about catcalling this semester.

“We continue to monitor,” Tom Lawrence, Vice President of Public Safety, said. “We continue to do patrols along Lourdes Way.” That’s a good start. But there needs to be more done to stop this issue. I still think it’s a problem and I know I’m not the only one. A campus that prides itself in being safe and secure for students has a high-traffic spot where females like myself walk by knowing there’s always the potential of feeling emotionally abused this time of year, and that’s not right.

On top of the catcalling, there oftentimes are often students performing sexually suggestive dancing that can be clearly seen from Montgoris Dining

Hall that has made me lose my appetite on more than one occasion. I’ve sat with friends in Montgoris observing the activities on The Strip literally in shock.

And the music can be so loud that ground in the general vicinity shakes. Don’t believe me? Walk by The Strip between the afternoon and early evening hours of 2 and 8 p.m. on any day and you’ll see.

Next year, I am moving off campus.

I will miss a lot of things about life on campus here, but I definitely will not miss my windows shaking during finals weeks because of the music or feeling infringed by comments and lingering eyes as I walk on my own campus. I also won’t miss the frustration that it continues to take place, that it’s not being stopped.

Shannon Luibrand is a junior journalism major who plays on a pretty overrated intramural softball team.

She can be reached at torchfeatures@gmail.com.

Keep up with the Torch over the summer: torchonline.com @STJTorch @TorchLifestyle @TorchSports

20

Think Outside...

Pro Sports

Time to drop the puck Back to the windy city

Rangers and Isles ready for playoffs STEphen Zitolo Staff Writer The Stanley Cup Playoffs are back for hockey fans. For the first time in a long time both the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders have both made the playoffs. The Islanders are the eighth seed and will be facing off against a team many consider to be the best in the NHL, the No. 1 seed Pittsburgh Penguins. The Rangers got the number No.6 seed and will be facing off against the No. 3 Washington Capitals team lead by superstar left winger Alexander Ovechkin.

The Rangers and the Capitals squared off in the regular season three times, with the Rangers winning the series, 2-0-1.

For the Rangers to win the series they are going to have to do something they haven’t done all season, be consistent in their play on the ice. The Washington Capitals have the best power play in the league, converting on an impressive 26.8 percent of their chances. While the Rangers are strong on killing the penalty 81.1 percent of the time. The Rangers will have to limit the offense production of Ovechkin as well and this can be done on large part with the play of goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

The Islanders and Penguins faced off five times in the regular season with the Penguins going 4-1. Many hockey fans expected the Islanders to finish at the

Nets hold off Bulls and force game six ANTHONY PARELLI Assistant Sports Editor

bottom of the Atlantic Division for the sixth straight year. They went 16-6-5 in the second half. The play John Tavares, a probable finalist for the Hart Trophy, will be crucial in this series if the Islanders are to have any chance at winning the series. Sidney Crosby, the Penguins superstar center, has a broken jaw and if he cannot play in this series it will be a big blow to the Penguins. The biggest mismatch in this series is the efficiency of the Penguins on the power play and the lack of efficiency on the Islanders part in killing the power play.

Playoff Schedule Game 1 NYR at WSH 5/2 7:30 p.m.

Game 1 NYI at PIT 5/3 7:00 p.m.

Game 2 NYR at WSH 5/4 12:30 p.m.

Game 3 NYI at PIT 5/5 12:00 p.m.

Game 3 WSH at NYR 5/6 7:30 p.m.

Game 4 PIT at NYI 5/7 7:00 p.m.

Game 4 WSH at NYR 5/8 7:30 p.m.

Game 5 NYI at PIT 5/9 7:00 p.m.* Game 5 NYR at WSH 7:30 p.m.* *if necessary

Photo courtesy of wikimedia commons

Brook Lopez had 28 points Monday.

Holding on for their playoff lives, the Nets defeated the Bulls Monday night by the score of 110-91.

The win at the Barclays Center brought the first round series to 3-2 in favor of Chicago, but gives the Nets new life headed into Wednesday night.

Deron Williams recorded a doubledouble for Brooklyn with 23 points and 10 assists. Pacing the Bulls was Nate Robinson who recorded 20 points and eight assists in the tilt. Robinson, fresh off his 23 point fourth quarter performance on Saturday, started in place of injured point guard Kirk Hinrich but was unable to overcome strong play in the paint by a desperate Nets team.

Brook Lopez led all scorers with 28 points and contributed 10 of the team’s 44 rebounds, 11 more than the Bulls.

Reggie Evans also made his presence felt on the boards recording 12 rebounds of his own while adding four points in the win.

The Brooklyn bench was key in the victory, outscoring their Chicago counterpart 32-22 led by Andre Blatche’s 13 points.

The Nets will try to force a game seven on Thursday night when they travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls for the first time since their three overtime debacle on saturday afternoon.

No blunders for bombers Not so Amazin’ for Mets Rivera has nine saves this year, and Steven INMAN saved three of the four wins against Staff Writer Toronto over the weekend. The Yankee closer is retiring after this season, and is The Yankees are finally clicking, showing no lapse in talent.

The Mets have lost six in a row and and despite their numerous amounts of enter Wednesday’s action at 10-15. After injuries, are holding their own in the losing 2-1 to the Marlins on Tuesday competitive AL East. night, the Mets needed a strong start At 15-9, the Yankees hold second from Jeremy Hefner who threw the ball place in the division, 2.5 games behind well by tossing eight plus innings of one the Red Sox. run ball before giving up a a hit and a After losing a series to the Rays last past ball in the ninth. week, the Yankees took all four games With runners in scoring position, against the Blue Jays over the weekend.

Brandon Lyon gave up a base hit and With two one-run wins and two wild pitch to give the Marlins the win. two-run wins in the series, the Yankee The Mets offense has become rotation showed that they could keep stagnant as Daniel Murphy has entered their team competitive in close games, a slump and David Wright is battling a allowing the decimated lineup to win stiff neck. Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada without scoring a large sum of runs. are still trying to get it going. John Buck In the past week, the Yankees have has nine homers and 25 runs batted in seen resurgence from Ichiro Suzuki, but he has gotten little help from the rest who started the season off cold, which of the lineup. can be The pitching struggled for the most worrisome for an older player. part other than Matt Harvey. The Mets But at age 39, the veteran outfielder are 5-13 when someone other than is still contributing, and has a .364 Harvey starts. The Mets bullpen hasn’t batting average over the past week. helped them out much either. The One of the few Yankees older than bullpen has the 29th best earned run Photo courtesy of wikimedia commons Ichiro is Mariano Rivera, who, at 43, average in baseball. is proving that he’s still as dominant as Robinson Cano has seven homers.

The Mets still have plenty of time ever. to turn things around but they’ll finish

MATT WOLFSON Assistant Sports Editor

April with a losing record despite a pair of great individual performances from Buck and Harvey.

Photo courtesy of wikimedia commons

Ike Davis is hitting a team low .159.

21

St. John’s gets back into win column KYLE FITZGERALD Online Editor

St. John’s rebounded from a three game weekend skid with a 10-5 win against Fairfield on Tuesday afternoon.

Despite a slow start and an even slower finish, the Red Storm (20-26) were able to hold off the Stags (12-25).

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Freshman Ryan McCormick was given the start on Monday, pitching five innings and allowing only three hits.

Fairfield made its way on the scoreboard early in the game with an RBI double that went over sophomore Dustin Breshears’s reach and dribbled into right field.

The Johnnies had an opportunity to take a commanding lead as early as the bottom of the first when they had the bases loaded with no outs and were only able to drive in one run.

“We played a little flat, a little asleep early in the game,” head Coach Ed Blankmeyer said. “We came here today with our pitchers a little out of fumes, so we used some guys who had to step up and do some things for us.”

McCormick continued to deliver for the Johnnies up until the fifth inning, when he was relieved in the top of the

fifth inning with one out.

St. John’s found its offense later that inning, driving in three runs to take a 6-2 advantage. Taking advantage of wild pitches, the runners were able to advance on base and junior Frank Schwindel popped up a sacrifice fly to drive in his first and only RBI of the game.

After adding two runs in the seventh inning and backed by a solid performance by the bullpen, the Johnnies again pounced on the Stags’ errors on the pitcher’s mound, scoring off a wild pitch to give them a seemingly-uncatchable 10-3 lead heading into the top of the ninth inning.

Senior Anthony Cervone was called to the mound to close the game out, but he struggled, allowing an RBI single up centerfield before he retired the next two batters. Once the game seemed over, Cervone loaded up the bases before walking in another runner and was pulled by coach Blankmeyer.

“I gave Anthony a chance,” Blankmeyer said. “He’s got a great arm but he’s got to throw strikes and the guys haven’t done it this year, so we need the help because they put a lot of pressure on some of the other guys.”

Blankmeyer then brought in Hackimer who closed out the game on two pitches and secured the Johnnies first victory in four days and 20th of the season.

St. John’s will play their next game when they host Iona on May 1 before heading to Miami to play the Hurricanes for a three game set.

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Anthony Cervone struggled late but the Johnnies held on to the lead.

Softball shuts out Fordham to end home schedule JALEN BISHOP Staff Writer The St. John’s softball team won its final home game of the season against Fordham (30-18), 3-0. The Red Storm continued their strong stretch of winning against non conference opponents, now winning four in a row against non league teams.

ST. JOHN’S FORDHAM

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Tori Free had a career high 14 strikeouts and only gave up three hits.

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The fourth inning was the turning point of the game for the Red Storm. The game was tied until the Johnnies drove in three runs and totaled five hits. Jackie Reed hit a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Idaho native, Yvonne Rericha for the first run of fourth. Sophomore MacKenna Neuroth hit an RBI single to open up the game 2-0. Freshman Carly Williams drove in Dominique Marcelino with an RBI double to give the Johnnies a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth.

“This game is about timely hitting and we were able to string five hits and bring three across. That ended being the difference in the game for us” said head coach Amy Kvilhaug. “We got a couple of hits from the bottom of our lineup and they have been doing great for us the last

five games.”

Freshman pitcher Tori Free was in command of Fordham batters for all seven innings. She allowed just three hits and finished with a career high 14 strikeouts.

“They weren’t on today and I took advantage.” Free said.

“Tori’s has shown a lot of growth and maturity the past few weeks and she’s closing out games with authority.” said Head coach Amy Kvilhaug.

The Johnnies are looking to finish the season strong with a three game series against Big East rival Villanova.

“Its about having fun, our focus over the past four games we played relaxed”said Kvilhaug. “We have won three of our last four playing that way. Its no fun to play with pressure. That’s how we’ll play against a good Villanova team.”

Free named to Big East weekly honor roll It was a good week for freshman Tori Free who was named to the Big East weekly honor roll on Monday. This week’s honor is the first of the pitcher’s career.

Free’s great week consisted of 27 strikeouts over her three starts which included a five no hit innings against Rutgers.

WNBA-bound Johnnies look back

22

KYLE FITZGERALD Online Editor

Torch: What was the reaction when you and your family found out you got drafted?

Seniors Nadirah McKenith and Shenneika Smith made history for the women’s basketball program this year as they became the first two players from St. John’s to get selected in the WNBA draft.

The Torch sat down with both players and discussed their time at St. John’s and the legacy they will leave behind.

Shenneika Smith: I was shocked. I was projected to be drafted but no one really knows what’s going to happen. So when my name was called I was shocked and my mom cried, my dad cried, and everyone was just really happy for me.

Torch: What was the reaction when you and your family found out you were drafted?

TORCH PHOTOS/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Nadirah McKenith: It was just joy and excitement. I mean we were very blessed to watch it together and hearing my name, everybody was just excited jumping up and down; screaming and hugging me. It was a wonderful moment.

T: What’s it like to be the first player in the women’s basketball program to get drafted?

NM: It’s a great accomplishment, I mean it feels great. It means a lot for the program and specifically say that St. John’s is definitely back on the map and we’re getting a lot of recognition now that there are two players are drafted. So it means a lot.

T: What do you think was the defining moment or game of your college career?

NM: I would definitely say when we played Baylor, they were the number one team in the country. Despite me being hurt late in the game, I got there and showed everyone I can go out there and compete against the top guard in the country and we had the number one/number two point guards in the country compete.

T: What kind of a legacy do you think you’ll leave behind after you graduate?

NM: I think it’ll be a great legacy. I hope everyone will remember me as though we’ve went to the NCAA Tournament four times in a row, being the all-time assists leader [at St. John’s], beating some of the top teams in the country. I think I left a great legacy here.

Q: Did you ever think you would be playing for the WNBA when you were in high school?

SS: Nope. I didn’t really think that until my sophomore year in college. That maybe I have a shot at playing for the next level. In high school my coach said I’ll be good enough to play one day but everyone says everything. So one day I knew it was going to happen but when it happened I was like ‘Wow.’ Q: What do you think is the best part about your game that you’re excited to showcase in the WNBA? SS: That I can play really good defense and that I can probably defend anyone. They might go score but it’s going to be really hard, I’m going to make it really difficult [for them]. I’m just going to try to bother them, my versatility.

Q: What do you think was the defining moment of your college career?

SS: I don’t know. I know that every year we made the tournament; that defines a lot. I mean we went in as underdogs and come out not what people were expecting of us.

Q: What are you going to miss most about the women’s basketball program here?

SS: Everything, just the teachers make you successful and I’ll definitely miss Coach T. I’ve known him for four years and he recruited me so I’m probably going to miss him a lot. But, everything, St. John’s has done so much for me. I’m really going to miss this school. But I’m close to school so I’m going to get to see them sometimes.

Despite victory, no tournament for lax MATT WOLFSON Assistant Editor Although Saturday afternoon was Senior Day for the St. John’s lacrosse team, it was the juniors who did the damage against Marquette, capping off their regular season with a 15-10 win.

ST. JOHN’S

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Junior attackman Kieran McArdle and junior midfielder Keith Switzer

each added four goals to the Red Storm victory.

“We’ve basically been playing with each other for the past three years and each game we’re just getting closer and closer,” Switzer said of the team’s underclassmen. “And it all comes together with the senior class—they’re great leaders.”

For head coach Jason Miller, senior day also meant making history, as the team had its first nine-win season since 1992, the only other year the team won as many games.

“It’s huge for us, that was the ninth win that we’ve had,” Miller said. “So for the ability for us to come out here and do something that hasn’t been done in 30

TORCH PHOTOS/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The Johnnies fall just short of reaching the their goal of the Big East Tourey.

years I think was really important and really fitting for this class. ” Marquette, as a first year program, was impressive in battling a seasoned St. John’s team.

“Anybody that thought this was going to be easy because they’re a first year program was delusional,” Coach Miller said. “They’ve won three games straight, they’ve got some offensive guys who are anybody in the country, they’re very scrappy defensively and their goalie played well today.”

St. John’s was happy with Saturday’s win, but won’t be joining the Big East Tournament, as Georgetown defeated Rutgers later that night, 15-7, to claim the fourth and final spot.

The most important thing to Miller was making sure that his team didn’t let the implications of the night game at Rutgers affect his team’s play that afternoon.

“We work on the things we can control more than anything,” Miller said. “And what happens at Rutgers tonight, we have no impact on that. And so to not come out today and play well because we’re thinking about Rutgers would be a shame.”

The team won’t be advancing, but McArdle, an All-American, is looking on the bright side and isn’t letting the Red Storm’s absence from the post season take away from their success.

“We had a lot of success this season, nine wins, which is the most since the team has been reinstated,” McArdle said.

“There’s a lot of positives this season, so making the playoffs isn’t going to define the season.”

McKenith and Smith should leave legacy JON PEREZ

Sports Editor There are many awards that athletes always strive for, player of the year, most valuable player, and of course the championship trophy. It’s these pieces of hardware that can cause a player to be immortalized. It’s one of the highest honors any athlete could achieve.

Many believe that the hall of fame is the highest honor and you won’t find an argument from me. However in this case, I think it’s a little different.

Over the past two seasons, the women’s basketball team has achieved two honors that no other prior team has managed to achieve, reaching the sweet sixteen and having two players taken in the WNBA draft.

At St. John’s media day, first year head coach Joe Tartamella said that his team’s goal was to win the Big East, surely a tough task when there are two teams that have made the Final Four in the past three years (UConn and Notre Dame).

Instead, the team took a step backwards in year one of the Tartamella era by losing in the first round after a Sweet Sixteen run a year prior, but what Tartamella’s two stars achieved were something special.

With Nadirah McKenith and Shenneikah Smith in the WNBA, the brand of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams being restored.

The basketball program now has three professional players two seasons

(Moe Harkless 2012).

The Athletics program has never retired the number of any studentathlete in any sport. According to Senior Assosiate Athletics Director for Communications Mark Fratto “St. John’s Athletics established the Legacy Honors program in 2006 and has to date honored a group of ten members from the men’s basketball student-athletes and coaches.

Fratto said. “The protocol includes a five-year time period before consideration can occur, so that would take us to 2018 before Nadirah and Shenneika would be eligible.”

The right thing to do for St. John’s is to honor McKenith and Smith on the legacy banner. These two players have been the best players of the four years they donned a St. John’s uniform but also achieved a goal that women before dreamed of living.

Smith and McKenith were both four year players. Smith was the top two scorers for the ball club with the exception of their freshman year, Da’Shena Stevens; even then Smith was number two.

Smith played in all but five games during her career, McKenith played in all but four. These two women not only were the top two players in their four years but were the faces of women’s basketball. You could always count on Smith and McKenith giving their best effort for forty minutes and it’s about time that St. John’s to recognize that these types of players don’t come around that often.

St. John’s current legacy numbers on display at Carnesecca Arena are 13 Mark Jackson, 20 Chris Mullin, 33 Alan Seiden, and 55 Sonny Dove.

Torch Sports

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Cast

Leavin’ their Mark Pat Wilson: low man on day three

It was a good week for the men’s golf team, of the Big East Championship Tuesday Night.

Senior Pat Wilson was the low man on the afternoon for the Red Storm.

“I played really well today, even though I felt like I left a few out there, it was a good day for both me and the team.” Wilson said in a press release. “Like I said earlier in the week, we are in a great spot to win this and although we are a few strokes back, playing with the leaders tomorrow we’ll be able to go toe-to-toe with them and put the pressure on if we play like we did today.”

Ryan Gay, Ryan McCormick and Dylan Crowley all shot one under par in the final round.

Gay is the highest on the leader board after his secondstraight under-par round to keep himself three strokes back in third after two rounds. He carded nine straight pars on the front and three birdies on the back for 71.

Keep up-to-date with St. John’s Athletics by following @TorchSports on Twitter.

Blowin’ in the Wind “I’m going to do the same exact thing that I did and hope I get an email at 9:30 saying we’re in. (the Big East tournament)” -Jason Miller

Lacrosse Head Coach

Headin’ this Way Remaining Schedule

Baseball: May 1 May 3 May 4 May 5 May 11 May 12

Softball: TORCH PHOTOS/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The legacy banners in Carnesecca Arena.

Iona @Miami @Miami @Miami Notre Dame Notre Dame

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

12 p.m.

1 p.m.

@Villanova* 2:30 p.m. @Villanova 12:00 p.m. *indicates doubleheader

May 4 May 5

SPORTS MAY 1 2013 | VOLUME 91, ISSUE 3 | TORCHONLINE.COM

BACK ON TRACK

BASEBALL TEAM BEATS FAIRFIELD 10-5 TO SNAP LOSING STREAK PG. 22

PHOTO COURTESY DIANA COLAPIETRO

Nadirah McKenith and Shenneikah Smith sit down for a Q&A.

The Lacrosse team falls just short of making the Big East tournament.

Pg. 22

Pg. 23