THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD
SPR ING 2015
STYLISH
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STYLISH
Insert Inspiration Quote here....
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LIFE AFTER COLLEGE interview with
GRADUATING SENIORS
Graduating seniors: Brittany Peck , Astrode Petit-Frere, Marieke Spresser, Ashley Garnier, Samantha Pulley, Corrie Ricketts, Moira D’Souza, & Ariella Torv, reflect on their time at the University of Hartford. By: Eboni Rhodes
Bittersweet Proud
N O S T A L G I C What is the most important thing you learned here at UHART? Being true to yourself. I realized that unlike high school, I loved being in the classroom and learning new things every day and having hands on experiences that I couldn’t find elsewhere. - Brittany Be proud of your work and community, and results show in things you truly care for and put your mind to it. - Astrode Take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you because you’ll never know what they can lead to. - Ashley Take advantage of all resources for optimal personal growth. I realized once I
began becoming actively involved in student life, it provided a great platform for growth. - Corrie You get what you work for. I also learned the importance of prioritizing and being able to keep a good balance between academic and social life. - Moira What is your best memory here at UHART? Definitely meeting my best friends that I know I will cherish over my lifetime and all the adventures I have had with them. Brittany My first year when the blizzard happened. My floor got together that night and had
a party. - Ashley Being on campus for a week before classes started my freshman year for the summer bridge program. I was able to learn more about the school and meet people who, four years later, I still consider my best friends. - Samantha Freshmen year. I met so many people and made awesome memories. - Corrie Moving into my dorm during my freshman year, becoming close friends with all my floor mates, and looking forward to an exciting four years of my life at the university. - Moira Apart from meeting some of my greatest friends for life, probably making Dean’s Lists for the first time sophomore year and then continuing that streak because I always struggled with grades before UHart. - Ariella Any regrets from your time here at UHART? I try to live life with no regrets, however… I would have put more thought into studying abroad and placed less stress on myself to achieve high grades in my classes. - Brittany I wish I had tried harder to get more financial aid, work study, and/or a small job on campus. It’s my last year, and I now have a job and work study but it would’ve helped to have during other years too. Marieke Not attending more Hartt school performances because they are actually really good. - Ashley
I regret not studying abroad for a semester and not living on campus for longer. - Moira It can be a challenge balancing both good grades and a social life. Sometimes I wish I went out on that weeknight with my friends instead of worrying about how many hours of sleep I’d get until my next class. - Ariella Word of advice to incoming freshmen? Utilize your time at UHart to the fulles. College is a great opportunity to figure out who you are and what you like to do. Before you blink, you’re graduating. - Brittany Take advantage of everything that’s given or advertised. Don’t let others persuade you that something won’t be cool or fun because that will just have you sitting in your room all day. Actually go out there and see for yourself with a positive mindset. - Astrode Don’t miss out on opportunities during college, and there is always a way to avoid all-nighters. - Marieke Remember who you are while still allowing yourself to become who you are meant to be. - Ashley College years are some of the best years of your life, so make the most of your time here. Don’t be afraid to meet new people and get involved in as many clubs and organizations as possible. - Moira Having a college degree is something that leaves you with a competitive advantage both in an academic sense and a character sense. - Ariella
Congratulations Class of 2015
Hartbeat Student Magazine
Push Yourself Believe in Self Hartbeat wishes well to all the seniors graduating this May. Goodluck with the rest of your journey
Plans After
GRADUATION?
ASTRODE PETITFRERE, Most likely I will head straight into the work force. Major: Mechanical Engineering
MARIEKE SPRESSER, Move back home and find a graphic design position in the Providence, RI area. Major:Visual Communication Design
BRITTANY PECK,
ASHLEY GARNIER,
I am attending Suffolk Law next year in Boston, Massachusetts.
I want to take some time off and gain some industry experience before I return to school to get my Master’s.
Major: American History Minors: Sociology and Gender Studies
Major: Public Relations and Advertising
Get Involved Get Involved Get Involved!
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR
CLASS OF 2015 SENIORS
SAMANTHA MOIRA PULLEY, D’SOUZA, I plan to obtain a Master’s in interactive media, and ultimately obtain my JD in contracts. Major: Communications (Media/Journalism, Advertising/ Public Relations)
CORRIE RICKETTS, I intend to seek an entry level management position in NYC, with intentions of gaining practical managerial skills. This is ideal preparation for my future enrollment in an MBA program in NYC Major: Health Sciences
Major: Accounting, Economics/ Finance
ARIELLA TORV, Right now I am deciding between attending graduate school at NYU in the fall, or going into the work field for a few years so that when I do attend graduate school, I’ll be able to apply concepts to real work experience. Major: Advertising and Public Relations.
THE BOX
AT PRATUSDA VOLUPTAS QUIA VENDAECEA IUMQUE DERO EXPLIQUI DOLES ENDAECTUR SUM NIS ERIBUS, CORUM EIC TE VOLUPTA DOLUPTATEM VID UT EATE REST.
building By: Shanetta Murray
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THE BOX
Over the summer while most of us were working at summer camp jobs or participating in various internships, two architecture graduates were given an opportunity. The opportunity was to design a 20,000-square-foot private home for a Billionaire in the Caribbean. Nate MacDonald 14’ and Ron Wassmer, Jr. 14’ are recent graduates of the University of Hartford’s Architectural Engineering Technology program. Hartbeat had the chance to talk to Ronald Wassmer and learn a little more about him and how important architecture is to him. SM. How did you feel when you got this opportunity? RW. Surprised, it was very unexpected for a job to just fall into my lap. The few years before, I would apply to firms and not even get a response back. It was a huge relief though.
SM. What has surprised you most about designing such a building? RW. You really have to get into a
it is an idealized version of what architecture can be, the financial aspect is extremely less limiting so all of the “cool” things you do in school but realized are unaffordable can actually be done. But as a counterpoint, not being in the lifestyle can make it hard to comprehend why some of the excessiveness is needed. After a while you start to push back on what your typical reality is and start to understand why certain decisions are being made.
different mindset, in some cases
a LEGACY... 29
PAGE SUBJECT TITLE
...DEFINING
ARCH TECTURE SM. What is architecture to you? RW. Architecture to me cannot be
seen as a single faceted object, it is both a profession and a passion, but in its essence, architecture is a lifestyle. If it is something you are really interested in, aspects of architecture will catch your eye all of the time. So I consider architecture a passion that I hope will be a constant aspect throughout my life and due to the continually evolving factors of the industry, keep me interested and learning the entire time.
SM. What should the role of an architect be in our society? RW. In society in the macro sense,
Architects should be artists, psychologists, builders and professors.
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architects should be jack of all trades, understanding many factors of life so we can reinterpret our knowledge and either simplify it for those who don’t understand, or be able to speak at the level of others conversing with us. In the romanticized version of society architects should be artists, psychologists, builders and professors. In the micro sense, we should be seen not as a mediator or voice of reason, because most architects are too egotistical for
that to be a realistic ideal. However, we can provide a unique rational to any situation and help solve problems in expected ways.
SM. Are there any goals that you are setting for yourself as far as your architectural career? RW. At some point I would really like to run a firm myself, where I can pick and choose the projects I want to do. I’ve also toyed with the idea of teaching part time. Ideally both would be great.
PAGE SUBJECT TITLE
SM. Do you feel the AET department has equipped you with enough knowledge of architecture to be successful? RW. This questions is very hard to
answer. If you looked at the classes we took, it is hard to argue we don’t have a well-rounded program that will set you up pretty well to work in a firm after school. But that’s not how school works. It’s all about what you put into it; the more you find interest in each class the more it will stick and the more you will get out of it. That being said, the classes I found interesting were enough of a starting point to make me want to continue on to graduate school.
SM. Any advice to aspiring young architects or designers? RW. Well since I’m still one, it
wouldn’t feel right to give any words of wisdom because I don’t really know them. But I would have to say that the most important thing is to not give up, and to find what you are truly interested and find a way to make it a profession. Architecture is comprised of so much more than just designing and building, so if you were interested in a different aspect, there is most certainly a job out there for it.
Architecture is considered one of the most time-consuming majors, which helps you to understand why you may not have even known that we offer that major on campus. Located in the Harry Jack Gray Center, between the Joseloff Gallery and the bookstore, you probably are not aware of how often you pass by the architecture studio to get to your classes. Architectural Engineering Technology is one of the various majors in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. Of only one of six of its kind provided in the United States, Architectural Engineering is a major that gives its students options. With such a unique program, students can branch into fields like Construction Management, Interior Design, Furniture Design, and Sustainability - to name a few. 31
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E
ver since he was a young boy growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, Damien Lowe knew that he was going to play soccer. There was no question that he was going reach his goal, and that burning passion is what has led to his achievements. Lowe was born on May 5, 1993 in Kingston, and started playing soccer at a very young age. He looked up to his father, Onandi Lowe who was a professional soccer player that played all over the world. “As a kid I always wanted to play professional soccer,” Lowe explained, “My father played… and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps.” While Lowe was in high school, he played soccer for a Jamaican club, Harbour View F.C., and in 2011 Lowe began attending the University of Hartford. “… Being at UHart was the first time I was away from my family for a long period of time and also the first time working with different people from different backgrounds,” said Lowe. While playing for the University of Hartford, Lowe was named to the America East All-Tournament Team
4
By Rob Dozier
in his first season, which demonstrated the raw talent he possessed. In his final year at Hartford, he was named to the Second Team All-Northeast Region, First Team All-America East, and All-America East Tournament Team. In three years, Lowe played 44 games, scoring 8 goals and assisted 3 more according to the Hartford Hawks website. In 2013, Lowe was also chosen to represent the Jamaican National Team in the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, which is used to determine which CONCACAF teams would participate in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Unfortunately, the Jamaican team finished in 3rd place according to the CONCACAF website.
I
n January of 2014, Lowe was signed to the Seattle Sounders FC, a professional soccer club based in Seattle, Washington. “Being
signed was a dream that I had since I was kid so it was destined to come true,” Lowe explained, “I cried in my hotel room in joy because I couldn’t believe that it had actually happened. It was a great feeling and I would relive that moment everyday if I could.” Lowe approached his new team in Seattle with the lessons he learned playing for the Hartford Hawks. “There’s not much difference. The only difference is guys are getting paid to play,” Lowe explained. Unfortunately, Lowe’s first season was disrupted by a hip injury, but he is hopeful for this season and his future. “Right now for me is just always get better as a player every day,” Lowe offered, “I’m looking to start earning some quality minutes on the field and take it from there… Once you do well everything will fall into place.”
Being signed was a dream that I had since I was kid so it was zestined to come true. I cried in my hotel room in joy because I couldn’t believe that it had actually happened. It was a great feeling and I would relive that moment everyday if I could.
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ICE TO S V D A MY BOIST O G N YOU -LEVY R T N AND E CIANS IT SI O EL MU PEN T O Y A TO ST ILITIES B I S S O ALL P ATIVE E R C E AND B YOUR T ABOU MUSIC. IT LIFE IN BE VERY LD SHOU ING... FY SATIS
“There is more to the world than what we know of; there is color and personality to all these other cultures that we don’t even know about...”
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BY: Carline....
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IT BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER, IT GIVES YOU A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU...
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“There is more to the world than what we know of; there is color and personality to all these other cultures that we don’t even know about,” - Maria Khan.
30th
Annual INTERNATIONAL
FESTIVAL
Maria Khan, Undergraduate Administrative Intern has been a revolving force to execute the 30th annual International Festival that was held Saturday, March 7th in GSU. Gengras opened its doors to all UHart students, faculty, staff and local community members to join the International Center for an evening of fun. When you entered the room, you were welcomed by the delicious aromas of foods from twelve different countries, and your eyes were greeted by traditional clothing of many cultures which added more excitement to the evening. In addition to the delightful cuisine and clothing, attention-grabbing performances from UHart students graced the stage. The International Center was also proud to present two exciting features from New York City; The New York Irish Dance Company and the Calpullli Mexican Dance Company. This night, which took you around the world, was Richard Lazzerini’s idea and he brought it to life 30 years ago. An event like the annual International Festival takes months to prepare. October is when the International Center looks for groups to perform, and November is when they look for restaurants to order food. “December is when we start cracking down, January is generally when we start getting our checks and begin to put in our orders. Mid-February we strive to have everything done,” says Maria Khan. The United States is the third largest country in the world with a population of about 321 million according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That being said, America is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. People come from all over 21
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the world and leave their mark. Americans can drive down their main streets and see various restaurants from many different cultures. The International Festival is an evening to celebrate and learn about various cultures. Hajar Altamimi, international student, was a lively and entertaining host of the event. Hajar say, “It brings the community together, it gives you a better understanding of the person in front of you. Like what their background is. And then for me, to learn about the cultures.� Do not be afraid to explore the world, for that is what the world asks of you. Get out your comfort zone and try a new cuisine, spark a conversation with someone new and travel. A new adventure awaits you. 23
THE ISSUE ON RACE
PAGE SUBJECT TITLE
ROB
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ace plays a huge role in how we view the world, and in turn how we are viewed in the world. In the United States, the role of race and ethnicity in our lives has taken center stage following tragedies like the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and the death of Eric Garner in Staten Island, New York. These events have triggered outrage that has permeated all throughout the country over the current state of race relations, but this complex issue has no clear solution, and the problem itself is hard to deconstruct.
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In order to fully understand the tragic deaths of unarmed black youth like 17 year old Trayvon Martin and 12 year old Tamir Rice at the hands of police and why they are issues of race, one must understand the American Criminal Justice System, and the criminalization of black people in the United States. According to the NAACP five times as many white people use drugs in the United States, but black people
are sent to prison 10 times more for drug offenses. If the trend continues one in three black men born today can expect to be incarcerated in their lifetime. Incarceration is not a deterrent for crime. Approximately, two thirds of convicted felons re-offend and end up in prison again. The criminal justice system is broken, and unfortunately, young black men get the brunt force of its inadequacies.
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lack people face challenges, in education, the workplace, just as much as they do in the criminal justice system. According to the US Department of Education, less than 60% of black students in public schools have access to a full range of math and science courses. This directly affect black students’ ability to access higher education and various careers. A 2002 study conducted by MIT University at Chicago found that people applying to jobs with “white sounding names” like Elizabeth or John were 50% more likely to receive interviews than people with “black sounding names” like Jamal or Lakisha.
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Students on college campuses like University of Hartford, across the country participated in peaceful protests. A “Die-in” was held in the Student Union and students 25
In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. - Martin Luther King, Jr
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ecent atrocities like the shooting of Tony Robinson in Madison, Wisconsin have sparked a social movement populated largely by young people. Phrases like “Hands up, don’t shoot”, “I can’t breathe”, and “Black Lives Matter”, have become part of the rhetoric of the movement to show solidarity with Michael Brown, Eric Garner and other victims of police brutality. The use of social media has been instrumental in how protestors communicate, and has given them a platform.
marched around campus carrying signs using the same rhetoric that has been used in demonstrations all over the country. Protests and demonstrations are very useful tools in any social movement, but they need to be backed by some sort of change in policy and procedure. Much of the discrimination people of color face is at the systemic level, so in order to make change, revision of the systems we interact with is necessary. There are several organizations in the Hartford area that are committed to this mission. The National Conference for Community and Justice or NCCJ has an office in Windsor, Connecticut. Their mission is to, “promote inclusion and acceptance by providing education and advocacy while building communities that are respectful and just for all.” According to their website, they work with with students, teachers, clergy, corporate and civic leaders to facilitate workshops, develop curriculum, convene race relations and inter-religious dialogues, and provide consulting on challenges related to bias, bigotry and racism. More information about participating in a workshop or program can be found at www.nccj.org. The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut or ACLUCT is located in Hartford. They are a, “non-profit membership organization that defends, promotes and preserves individual rights and liberties under the U.S. and Connecticut constitutions…” They primarily work in the legal system on
PAGE SUBJECT TITLE
Demonstrators march in the streets of Ferguson and several other cities across the United
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FROM ANOTHER PAGE SUBJECT TITLE
POINT OF VIEW
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COMING TO AMERICA DO PEACH FLAWLESS OUT O DENIM D.I.V.A PIN UP DO MAN OF THE YEAR HARLE
O IT YOURSELF GEORGIA OF THE BOX HOLLYWOOD OLLS LOVE PEACE & SOUL EM INTERNATIONAL LOVE
Made in
AMERIC BSU’s 22n
FASHION We are proud of our diversity and that we had many different races and ethnicities represented in our scenes speaks to the fact that we are all in this together. Everyone worked together for the greater good, and isn’t that the way it should be?
CA nd Annual
N SHOW This year, the University of Hartford’s Brothers and Sisters United organization held it’s 22nd fashion show entitled: Made in America. The show’s purpose was to raise money for the Book Fund, sponsored by the Brothers and Sisters United, which not only helps University of Hartford students have access to books they may not be able to afford, but it also helps underprivileged children get books for school. The fashion show also serves other purposes for its participants.
BEING DIFFERENT…
BY DESIREE ROBERTS
A NEW VISION
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SU advisor, DeLois “Mama Lois” Lindsey thoroughly enjoyed the show and is proud of all the participants. She advises, provides funding, and participates with scene selections and Lincoln Theater maintenance for the show. She stated, “I love all the scenes and I think they all speak to different aspects of student mindsets and cultural creativity. Although I will admit that having my four year old granddaughter Olivia in a scene with me was special, especially since she has been to every show since she was three months old.” Being deeply involved in the fashion show tests ones ability to stay faithful and focused. “Every Sunday are joint practices, Fridays and Saturdays have individual practices,” Kevin Miller, junior stated. Also, a first year coordinator, Shadrick Lester stated “It’s definitely not as easy as it looks…but 36
if you love what you do, then it’s worth it at the end of the day.” Also, another coordinator Caresse Howell stated that she had to take time “working with characters and seeing what they can bring to the scene and their many different personalities” The show also incorporated talent during its intermission, making it almost impossible to move from your seat. Senior, Sam Riddick and also an active member of the Q’s had to hop with his fraternity. They hopped three pieces with the song “Atomic Dog” at the end. Hopping takes much precision and practice. One of the hosts of the show, and BSU participant for six years, alumni Amar Gamble stated, “I like the theme, t’s innovative, it’s hard to come up with things that have not already been done.” The show had faithful guests as well. Lindsey stated, “…this was the first time we had a snowstorm, but parents, families, staff, and friends still came out to support our students. I made it a point to thank them for that.”
BEING DIFFERENT… “This is the best one I’ve been to, very diverse, I think the clothes were amazing.” - Dana Thomas
T
he show had many great reviews as well. Senior Dana Thomas stated, “This is the best one I’ve been to, very diverse, I think the clothes were amazing.” Kahree Spence, one of the coordinators also concurred with Dana but his favorite part was the behind the scenes work of “…getting ready and watching everyone get ready.” Presume also stated “The day we worked hard for finally came, and everyone got their opportunity to shine…I’m also going to miss the people that I did the show with and the memories we made along the way, can’t wait for next year.” Lindsey stated “We are proud of our diversity and that we had many different races and ethnicities represented in our scenes speaks to the fact that we are all in this together. Everyone worked together for the greater good, and isn’t that the way it should be? For next year’s show, BSU hopes to have even more participants. People are welcome to help out backstage with outfit changes, different companies are welcome to donate clothing, and makeup artists are always welcome. If you are interested in participating in next year’s show or helping out, go to the Multicultural Office for more details.
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PAGE SUBJECT TITLE
The Life of an Educator‌
J
oyce Ashuntantang is a powerful woman who takes pride in teaching her students. Born in Cameroon, a country in central Africa, she has experience in a variety of professions including acting, film producing, and of course teaching. Aspiration and intelligence run in her blood. Her five siblings are all highly educated and have amazing careers. Both of her parents were educators as well, despite the illiteracy of their parents. Ashuntantang has always been inspired by her heritage and strived to do as well as them, which has greatly contributed to the drive that led her success. As an undergraduate, Ashuntantang attended the University of Yaounde where she majored in English and minored in Theater Arts. During her three years at the university, she was known as a star actress with the 44
Yaounde University Theater. She was even a founding member of Flame Players, a semi-professional troupe in Yaounde. After graduating, she received a scholarship and went to the University of Wales, Aberstwyth where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Librarianship. Ashuntantang decided to pursue her love of literature after earning her degree and went on to the City University of New York to attain her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Philosophy, with a focus on African-American literature. She began teaching in 1996 and has been at the University of Hartford since 2009. At the University of Hartford, professor Ashuntantang teaches classes in Literature across Non-Western Cultures and African-American Literature. She enjoys bringing innovation to her teaching. For example, she creates collaborative assignments for students where they use social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to explore different aspects of a novel they are studying.
PAGE SUBJECT TITLE
A
long with her advanced teaching method inside the classroom, Ashuntantang makes sure to keep her students active outside those four walls. In addition, each year her African-American Literature class puts on an event called Words Like Trees, in honor of Black History Month. Ashuntantang believes that words, like trees, are important and should be planted in the minds of people so they energize them to be better human beings. Students performed poems and speeches from some of the greatest individuals who had an impact on African-American history, and they inspired many who attended. Ashuntantang’s belief of learning beyond the classroom is not an ambition she holds solely for students. She aims to take learning back to the community to share it with others as well. Outside the classroom, Ashuntantang has written many poems. She has compiled a large number of them into a book and has her own website (www.joyceash.com) where people can take a look into her world. Ashuntantang considers herself a teacher scholar. Her goal is not just to impact the students’ brains but their whole being. She is inspired by history; her family history, continent history, and especially her Black history. She looks deeply into the past and present plights of oppressed groups and triumphs with those who have overcome their trials and tribulations. Ashuntantang looks at the legacies of others and that of her own background and idolizes all that they have achieved. She lives by the principle that if these people were able to survive in such conditions, we have no choice but to strive today.
Joyce Ashuntantang’s story was featured on the University’s
front page in 2014, with the title: Joyce Ashuntantang: Using Poetry to Help Save Cultural Treasures
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H a
DRIVE FOR EAG
a w k s
GLES
AD A AT H S A GRE RD H O F F O T RS, HAR ITION E D Y A A L R P T LONG EAMS AND ROUP T G MEN’S S PRESENT ECL L I O H C BUT T THE BEST AT R E E V B MAY ENT E L A T OF TION RD. O F T R HA
S I M A N I N A T T A
“Hartford has had a long tradition of great men’s teams and players, but this present group may be the best collection of talent ever at Hartford. This really says something because we had three future PGA Tour players on the team when I played here,” says Pete Stankevich, coach of the women’s and the men’s golf team. The men’s golf team has 12 talented members, but it seems that many people may not really know that there even is a golf team on campus. Stankevich speaks highly of the team he coaches and their amazing track record. The team has been one of the strongest teams in the northeast over the past three years running, with seven team wins and many high finishes, including individual titles. Even with this track record, the golf team is looking to get better with each tournament this semester.
So far, they placed first or second in each tournament. They have their sights set on winning the Big Sky Conference Championship at the end of April, which would give them an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Big Sky Conference Championship is the biggest event this semester, but there are other important tournaments like the Bandon Dunes Championship and the FAU Slomin Autism Invitational.
Golf at the collegiate level usually has 54hole tournaments with 12 to 18 teams over the course of two to three days. There may be smaller tournaments hosted like the one recently held in Florida, but Stankevich says “it’s a great way for more players to get the collegiate tournament experience.” When teams compete, they usually bring five players per team and are sometimes allowed to bring an extra player or two so they can practice without affecting the overall team score. This experience allows them to be less nervous when they actually do compete with the team. With such a supportive coach and strong team, extra support from fellow Hawks could motivate this team to help them reach their full potential. Even though it’s unlikely we’ll get a bus to take a trip to Florida with the gold team, a live feed in Hawk’s Nest seems like a reasonable goal.
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IN RECENT NEWS: Men’s Golf Finished Fifth among 20 Teams at FAU Slomin Autism Invite -Hartford Sports Information , i or n e S
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