Breaking news, blogs, and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. XXXX, No. 2
January 29, 2014
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
‘Nors’ worthy of renovations
The Hecht agenda: new VP, new plan By Peter Fiorilla Sports Editor
said sophomore mathematics major and ’12-’13 Norsworthy resident Ben Castor. Some students found its location to be endearing as well. “We had a corner room so we had two huge windows overlooking the lake, which was really nice,” said Kristin Dell’Armo, a senior special education and psychology double major who lived in Norsworthy during the ’11-’12 academic year. While Norsworthy, which was built in the early 1930s, is “structurally sound,” “it is time to address some major needs in the building,” Muha said. The College will additionally be
New vice president of student affairs Amy Hecht doesn’t have a hint of an accent, even after spending a lifetime in Florida, Pennsylvania and Alabama. Instead, she’s bringing to the College a fresh voice and a platform focused on leadership development. The VP of student affairs holds responsibility over a budget of $53 million in a number of areas, from Greek life and risk management to health and wellness, and is looking forward to the various possibilities that come with it. “For me, there’s such opportunity at TCNJ,” Hecht said. “The students that I’ve met during my interview, I was just so impressed by (them), and there’s a real sense of this community, folks wanting to create that seamless learning experience. I wanted to work with really talented students and really talented staff and faculty, and I think TCNJ has all of those things.” Hecht isn’t wasting any time in putting her stamp on the College’s agenda. The Physical Enhancement Center, for example — a common source of criticism from students and a regular feature on Twitter (@TCNJProblems) — is getting new equipment as a short-term fix for students’ health needs before a new gym is built in Campus Town. Maybe the most important long-term impact Hecht wants to bring to the College, though, is improved leadership development, or a way of equipping students with leadership skills by bridging the gap
see NORS page 3
see HECHT page 2
Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor
A relic nearly 80 years old, Norsworthy Hall houses honors students and a few infrastructural hazards. By Natalie Kouba Staff Writer In the past few years, the College administration has been sweeping through campus, making renovations to dining locations, study areas and residence halls. During the 2014-2015 academic year, Norsworthy Hall will be renovated, costing approximately $10.25 million, according to David Muha, associate vice president for Communications, Marketing and Brand Management. The funds for the project will be drawn from the College’s Asset Renewal Plan reserve. “The major concerns are that the systems outlined are beyond their useful life
or nonexistent,” Muha said. Among these concerns, Muha explained, are hazardous materials remediation, repairs to the walls, roof and foundation, waterproofing the foundation and replacing the underground stormwater system. At the College, it is generally acknowledged that Norsworthy Hall is one of the least desirable buildings in which to live. Former residents of Norsworthy experienced the faults of the building, while others say it does not deserve the poor reputation it has widely received. “Other than having a really small room — I was one of the smallest because I was next to the trash room — I didn’t have many problems with the building itself,”
Professor delivers a miracle By Julie Kayzerman News Editor
Waking up to the sound of screams at 5:30 a.m., George Leader, an Archeology professor at the College, ran outside to tend to what looked like a fallen woman on her way to work. However, as he approached the scene, it was clear that what was actually occurring was much different. “I looked outside and saw a lady in the middle of the street (lying) on her back,” Leader said. “I quickly put on slippers and ran out there thinking, if this lady hurt her back, don’t move her. So I got out there, and it was quickly apparent what was happening ... That’s when I realized that the baby was coming.” With the help of Leader, Shirley Bonanni successfully gave birth to Bella Bonanni on a green sled atop an icy hill in Philadelphia.
INDEX: Nation & World / Page 5 The Signal @TCNJsignal
Leader explained that as a result of the big snow storms this year, four-wheel drive couldn’t climb the steep hill that leads to Bonanni’s house, among other local residents. “(Fabian Bonanni, the father), had parked his car there during the night of the storm, and that morning the mom ended up going into labor,” Leader said. “So he put her on a sled to try and get her down the hill in a controlled way to get to the car ... Our street was just snow and ice. He got her about halfway down the hill on the sled, which is right in front of my house, and that’s when I heard the screaming and went outside.” Leader, who has no experience in the medical field, never having kids or witnessing a live birth, called 911 and verbalized directions to the mother. “(I) only (knew) what you see in the movies,” see BABY page 3
Editorial / Page 7
Wrestling Junior Brian Broderick back in action. See Sports page 24 tcnj.edu
Opinions / Page 9
Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor
Twenty One Pilots puts on an electrifying show. Whether at festivals or the comfort of Kendall Hall, the pop duo continually surpasses their limits. See more on page 12.
Features / Page 10
Human trafficking How the Super Bowl spikes violations. See News page 2
Arts & Entertainment / Page 12
Sports / Page 24
‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ Inside the Coen Brothers’ satiric tragededy. See A&E page 12 AP Photo