SCHOOL SPIRIT Football team needs support in order to improve on the field
see opinions, page 6
TESLA Renowned car company unveils new line of electric-powered Semi trucks
SPORTS Rutgers loses season finale to No. 16
SEE Sports, back
see TECH, page 8
Michigan State, 40-7, at home
WEATHER Sunny High: 56 Low: 41
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017
Death of U. student sparks dialogue on mental health Stephen Weiss Associate News Editor
Irisa Selfo, a School of Arts and Sciences junior at Rutgers, died by suicide earlier this month. In an email responding to the situation, University Chancellor Debasish Dutta reminded students about the services offered by Rutgers Student Counseling, ADAP and Psychiatric Services. GOFUNDME
Earlier this month, Irisa Selfo, a School of Arts and Sciences junior at Rutgers, died by suicide. In an interview with TapInto, Irisa’s older sister, Marinela Selfo, said that warning signs of Irisa’s depression were not overtly evident, and that she was generally a quiet person. Irisa seemed detached before passing, Marinela Selfo said. As a double major in biology and women’s and gender studies, Irisa Selfo had an extremely heavy course load, which her family partially attributed her level of stress and anxiety to, among other things like childhood bullying. Earlier today, Rutgers—New Brunswick Chancellor Debasish Dutta sent out an email to the Rutgers community regarding Irisa Selfo’s passing. “I am saddened by the news of Irisa’s death, and I hope you will join me in offering your thoughts and prayers to her family and friends,” he said. In the email, he highlighted the fact that students should know that counselors are available through Rutgers Student Counseling, ADAP and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) to any student seeking grief or general support. These issues are more prominent among students at Rutgers than is
openly discussed, according to a spokesperson for CAPS. The center offers a variety of counseling services to students that are tailored to address their most pressing concerns, including individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric services, crisis intervention and referrals to community specialists. As a community, students can help others by being aware of the warning signs of suicide and taking them seriously, CAPS officials said in a email. “A common myth is that if I talk about suicide I might give someone the idea. This is not true and we find that bringing up the topic is one of the most helpful things you can do,” the CAPS officials said. They said asking someone directly about thoughts of suicide can reduce shame, help them feel understood and assist with a connection to professional support. If members of the community as friends, peers, roommates and partners are aware that suicide occurs, they are more readily able to show their concerns and lead someone to help, which can save their life. Being able to pick out warning signs of suicidal thoughts or tendencies is the first step to preventing it. Some warning signs for suicide include talking about self harm or See HEALTH on Page 4
Old Bay Restaurant will close after 30 years Jacob Turchi Staff Writer
The Old Bay Restaurant, located at 61 Church St. in New Brunswick, is closing down after 30 years of serving New Orleans style seafood to city residents and students at Rutgers. The Blackthorn Irish Pub and Restaurant will replace the famous, local restaurant in March 2018. Anthony Tola, the owner of Old Bay and co-founder of Stuff Yer Face, is retiring after running the restaurant for 30 years. Tommy Brennan, the general manager of Old Bay, has worked closely with Tola over the years. He has been working at Old Bay for more than a decade and understands why it resonates with so many students, he said. “I feel like the Old Bay (has) been popular because it’s off the beaten path, and it’s kind of the more grown-up, fun bar,” Brennan said. “From the live entertainment, which we’re kind of
famous for I guess, to the great craft beers — there’s always something going on here from Tuesdays through Saturday as far as entertainment goes.” Brennan said the idea to star t a seafood restaurant came from the two owners joking about how there was never any good seafood in New Jersey. After the two spent time in Louisiana, they fell in love with the culture as well as the food. They decided they wanted to bring that same authenticity and energy back home with them and years later, Old Bay was created. He said that since the restaurant announced that it is closing, they have been receiving floods of phone calls from old students who want to visit one last time. From people who would drink there when they were in college, to people who had family dinners there, Old Bay has been special to many. See restaurant on Page 4
After 30 years of service, the Old Bay Restaurant will close its doors. In light of the announcement, the establishment has received a flood of calls from old students wanting to visit one final time before it closes on Dec. 23. ASHLEY FEARON
VOLUME 149, ISSUE 115 • University ... 3 • opinions ... 6 • TECH ... 8 • Diversions ... 9 • SPORTS ... BACK