The Signal: Spring '15 No. 3

Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net.

Vol. XLII, No. 3

February 11, 2015

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

Inside Campus Town apartments ‘Breathe In,

Breathe Out’ relieves stress

By Gabrielle Beacken News Assistant

brand-new apartments, living in the center of Campus Town with the convenience of being physically on campus can override the costly price tag.

“Not only will we be living right above or near Panera, Starbucks, a gym and other retail stores, but we will also be closer to Bliss and the Business building than the Townhouses or Apartments, which is where most of our classes are located,” said

At least once a day, one should be accountable for being appreciative of oneself and one’s life, said Jennie Sekanics, a junior English and women’s and gender studies double major.

According to Sekanics, gratitude is a beautiful notion that should be celebrated, embraced and encouraged.

“When my resident, Sarah (Sutherland), passed last semester due to suicide, I became attuned to the efforts on campus geared toward positivity and creating a safer, more inclusive space for those who struggle,” said Sekanics, a community advisor in Wolfe. “At the core of it, this is for her and those who have ever felt like their voice wasn’t worthy or couldn’t find the words or place to speak.”

This is precisely the mission of the TCNJ Gratitude Journal Facebook page, created by Sekanics.

The Gratitude Journal is a page that “keeps a record of moments, people, places and occurrences that essentially made one’s day worth living,” Sekanics said.

“I wanted to provide a place where someone could speak without saying, ‘Hey, listen to me,’” she said. “A place where someone could acknowledge and be acknowledged without asking, without much effort.”

Numerous clubs and organizations on campus

see CAMPUS TOWN page 4

see BREATHE page 3

Samantha Selikoff / Photo Editor

Campus Town apartments will be fully furnished and ready for move-in by the summer of 2015.

By Natalie Kouba Former Editor-in-Chief

As the retail spaces continue to fill and students await the much anticipated opening of Campus Town, both developers and the College have made recent changes to the project’s blueprints, accommodating for the students who signed up in hopes to be the first to live in the apartments in the heart of Campus Town.

All 446 available spots have been taken, leaving

just over 100 students on the waiting list. But the new construction will open up 74,000 sq. ft. of residential space for an additional 166 students to live in Campus Town in summer 2016, just one year after the rest of the project will open in August of this year.

According to the website, the cost of the extended development, funded by the PRC Group, is estimated at $30 million, bumping up the total cost of the Campus Town project to $120 million.

With slightly steeper rates

for Campus Town living than housing through the College, the cost of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Campus Town is $6,544 per semester, $6,003 for a twobedroom, two-bathroom and $5,462 for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom.

Omitting the cost of a required meal plan, the cost for a room for a semester on campus in any of the residential houses at the College — from the Towers to the Apartments — is $4,205.46. Despite the higher cost of living in the

Dean Rifkin to serve as provost at Ithaca

By Mylin Batipps Social Media Editor After almost six years of working for the College as a Russian professor and more visibly as the dean for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Benjamin Rifkin will be leaving permanently in May for a position at Ithaca College in New York.

Rifkin will be Ithaca’s provost and vice president for Educational Affairs.

“That’s a very unusual title,” Rifkin said.

“On most campuses, the title is ‘provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.’”

According to Rifkin, Ithaca decided to integrate Academic Affairs and Students Affairs in order to provide a learning experience for students wherever they go on the campus — not just in the classroom or on the athletic field.

“Ithaca made a strategic decision that it wanted one person to be the leader of these two divisions to integrate them,” Rifkin said. This would aim to revise the learning

INDEX: Nation & World / Page 5

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experience for students in a holistic experience that unfolds across campus, according to Rifkin.

And with a careful search process, Ithaca selected Rifkin to be the leader. According to Rifkin, most institutions hire a search firm to create a job ad announcement, which would usually be placed in the Chronicle for Higher Education — higher education’s leading journal. The search firm would then send a consultant to institutions to find suitable candidates.

Rifkin’s consultant, Julie Tea, reached out to him and notified him that he was nominated multiple times for Ithaca’s position.

“She sent me the description of the job and I found it very interesting,” he said. “So I said, ‘Oh … OK, I’ll apply,’ and I did. And one thing led to another, and now I’m selling my house!”

Rifkin had never been on Ithaca’s campus before applying to the job. But he was drawn in by the city’s progressive environment that is caring and focused on environmental issues.

“So I had a positive sense of that, and Editorial / Page 7

Opinions / Page 8

Photo courtesy of Jillian Flint

Rifkin talks to students at Ithaca College about his plans for next year.

geographically, I’m just not willing in this stage of my life to relocate to a place where I would have to fly back to see my family,” Rifkin said. “So this is within driving range of my family and my wife’s family, and so that was still within a zone that we can consider.”

Features / Page 9

Rifkin has done more than what many students realize here at the College as dean for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Many tasks he has performed fall under leading both faculty and students of the school, see RIFKIN page 4

Arts & Entertainment / Page 13

Sports / Page 28

Sorority Noise Local emo band commands Rat stage

Wealth inequality Columbia Professor lectures on inequality

Swimming Season ends with win over the Pioneers

See A&E page 15

See Features page 9

See Sports page 17

page 2 The Signal February 11, 2015

Study abroad fair shows a whole new world

By Rose LoPiano Correspondent

Students had the opportunity to learn about study abroad programs in places varying from Florence, Italy to the subtropical rainforests of Australia during the Study Abroad Fair in the Social Sciences Building Atrium on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Hosted by the College’s Center for Global Engagement, the fair brought together various companies affiliated with the College, as well as peer advisors to speak about the many study abroad possibilities.

“Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to travel, appreciate other people’s perspectives and cultures and prepare for a life full of international adventure,” said John Stauff, Director of the Center for Global Engagement.

Stauff encouraged all students to study abroad, as it is “imperative for students to learn how to function in the global marketplace and to see things from afar.”

The different lengths and locations of study abroad options can

cater to a variety of students’ needs.

The Center for Global Engagement organization joins together students and faculty for either semester long programs or shorter spring, winter or summer programs.

Upperclassman who previously studied abroad through the Center for Global Engagement were there to provide prospective travelers with personal stories.

“I took classes with other TCNJ students along with students from other international schools,” said Neel Desai, senior management major and Center for Global Engagement peer advisor. Desai studied in Heidelberg during the fall 2013 semester.

“One of the highlights of the program was integrating myself into a different culture,” he said.

Students can either go abroad for a full semester, like Desai, or go for a three-week spring, winter or summer program, usually led by a faculty member from the College.

The College also works with affiliated study abroad companies that each boast individualized options and have connections with more International Institutions. Some of the organizations represented at

the fair were International Studies Abroad (ISA), the Atlantis Project, CIEE Abroad, American Business School of Paris, Charles University of Prague and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

International Studies Abroad peer advisor and junior communications major Emily Dever emphasized the benefits to traveling with the program, since, according to her, ISA truly facilitates cultural exploration inside and outside of the classroom.

“ISA made sure we were safe and having fun,” said Dever, who studied in Ceiba, Spain last semester. “For just one price, ISA provided us with tuition, housing, a meal plan, medical insurance, different excursions and laundry, as well as connecting us with seven native tour guides. I had the time of my life.”

Not only do study abroad programs offer opportunities to take courses, but they offer internship opportunities or research opportunities.

With the Atlantis Project, students studying medicine can get a taste of their prospective field while immersing themselves in

Jade Mannheim / Staff Photographer

The fair provides information on the different length of trips.

foreign culture.

“Our one to three week program gives students the opportunity to have a hospital internship and shadow doctors in hospitals located on the Asos Islands or on the Canary Islands,” an Atlantis Project representative said. “It is

important for medical students to have shadowing opportunities and useful to gain experience with the Spanish language.”

“Everyone should go abroad,” Desai said. “The experience as a whole changed me in the best way possible.”

Are we out of the woods yet? Yes, and in the hospital

By Colleen Murphy News Editor

to be charged with disorderly persons, as well, according to Campus Police.

• A student was found standing in the woods at around 3 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. Upon walking toward the individual, the officer detected an odor of alcohol. The student said to the officer, “I'm sorry, I'm sorry.” As the student spoke, the officer could smell alcohol on the student’s breath.

The student was unable to answer what he was doing in the woods or if anyone was with him. The officer then saw a prescription container which contained a “green, leafy vegetation, believed to be marijuana.” The student was then placed under arrest. After further investigation, the officer found three cans of beer. Lions EMS evaluated the student and said that he should be transported to the hospital. Hearing this, the student became “combative and loud,” saying he didn’t want to go, leading him

• A student has been the recipient of multiple phone calls from a restricted/blocked number, according to Campus Police.

Between Monday, Dec. 1 and Tuesday, Dec. 9, a student received four phone calls at “inconvenient” hours from a person who disguised his or her voice. When the victim asked who the caller was, the caller said he or she was too afraid to answer due to having a crush on the victim.

• Between Tuesday, Dec. 2, and Friday, Dec. 12, a pencil case with pencils was taken from an unlocked cabinet in the Arts and Interactive Multimedia Building, Campus Police said. The case, which was valued at $10, had about 100 Artsnacks-brand colored

pencils in it which were valued at $200.

• Over winter break, there were three reports of theft that involved three TVs and one stereo, according to Campus Police. On Friday, Jan. 30, a student reported that a 32’’ Vizio TV valued at $219 and a Panasonic stereo valued at $250 were taken from his room between Tuesday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Jan. 25. The student told police that he had locked the door upon leaving campus.

On Wednesday, Jan. 28, it was reported that a TV and remote were stolen from a lounge sometime between Thursday, Dec. 18, and Saturday, Jan. 24.

A new 32’’ Samsung TV was stolen from a dorm room sometime between 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25. The victim said he locked the door before leaving his room.

• At 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, Campus Police found that a fire extinguisher had been used on the fourth level of lots 11 and 13. Three more empty extinguishers were found nearby, leaving behind a “yellow powder substance in the snow.”

• Campus Police found three acts of graffiti around campus over winter break. On Saturday, Dec. 13, the initials, “RG” were drawn in red paint and surrounded by a circle in parking Lot 18’s lower stairwell. With it, the initials “ED” with a face, a red skull and a blue symbol were found. The same day, a stick figure in black paint was seen on the green electrical box outside of the AIMM building.

Campus Police found a similar stick figure on the lower level of Travers Hall.

Then, on Thursday, Dec. 18, a stenciled house in green paint was found in the stairwell of Lots 1 and 2.

A safe place to dispose of medicine on campus

By Kelly Corbett Staff Writer

Colleen Murphy / News Editor

The box stands in the Administrative Building.

Last week, the College became a participant in Project Medicine Drop, an effort to end the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs. Located inside the Administrative Building lobby, a Project Medicine Drop box was installed, inviting students and other members of the community to dispose of their expired or unused prescriptions.

The Project Medicine Drop box accepts pills, capsules, patches and even pet medications. However, it does not accept liquids, needles, syringes or trash. The drop box is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Also, it provides not just students at the College a safe place to dispose of all their unwanted and unused medication, but is open to all those living in the area as well.

According to the Project Medicine Drop website, “every day, 40 Americans die from an overdose caused by prescription painkiller abuse.” Currently, overdoses of opioid prescription drugs kill more people in the U.S. than heroin and cocaine combined. Furthermore, in June 2011, the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation reported that a growing number of young people are abusing prescription drugs.

Although Project Medicine Drop will not necessarily put an end to prescription drug abuse, it will provide individuals with the opportunity to properly dispose of their medications.

Initially, Project Medicine Drop boxes were installed in law enforcement agencies for people to use. However, the College was fortunate enough to be asked to be a participant in the project.

“When we were offered an opportunity to participate we felt that it would be a valuable service for the TCNJ community and, with the College’s approval, we signed up,” Campus Police Chief John Collins said.

He explained the importance of properly disposing medications and why the drop box is a significant addition to the community, saying, “if medicines are disposed of improperly, there is the potential that children or pets can accidentally ingest them, and that others can obtain and abuse them.”

Furthermore, Collins discussed flushing medications down the toilet, which at one time was viewed as an appropriate disposal option. He said that flushing “has the potential to harm the environment and contaminate water sources and the food chain.”

The drop box will be checked and emptied on a regular basis as part of the College’s agreement with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Even if the drop box collects a small amount of medication, Collins still believes that it would ultimately be a success because the medicine disposed of “will no longer have the potential to be accidentally ingested, abused or disposed in a manner that creates environmental hazards.”

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 3

Breathe / Campaign encourages healthy lifestyles continued from page 1 have been sponsoring positive mindfulness such as Circle of Compassion, Humanitarian Yoga and the College’s Counseling and Psychological Services, and now the Journal is prepared to join their ranks.

“I thought about the ‘Breathe In, Breathe Out’ campaign and how we could become an interconnected community and help each other be grateful and more positive,” Sekanics said.

Sponsored by the College’s Healthy Campus Program Council (HCPC), the “Breathe In, Breathe Out” campus-wide, month-long challenge asks students to shift off autopilot gear, become more aware of their surroundings and increase their mental health and mindfulness while dealing with the stress.

The “Breathe In, Breathe Out” campaign is part of a national initiative of the National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities, according to Carole Kenner, co-chair of the Healthy Campus Program Council and dean of the School of Nursing, Health and Exercise Science.

“I am proud to be part of this event,” Kenner said. “The ‘Breathe In, Breathe Out’ challenge will be fun, but also raise awareness of the need for physical and mental health and how to decrease stress.”

The HCPC consists of faculty, staff and students at the College “whose mission is to create a campus culture defined

by on-going holistic health-related programs, policies and practices, focused on enhancing the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of students, faculty and staff,” according to Ashley Borders, psychology professor and leader of the “Breathe In, Breathe Out” challenge.

The HCPC decided to draw emphasis to mindfulness strategies that decrease stress and increase positive state of mind, Borders said.

“Mindfulness is unique because, in addition to reducing stress, it can also promote self-awareness, self-regulation and kindness (to oneself and others),” Borders said.

Practicing meditation, yoga and breathing techniques that sharpen your mindfulness can allow the mind to clarify personal values and increase emotional self-control in distressing predicaments, according to Borders.

Another aspect of the “Breathe In, Breathe Out” campaign is the Team Challenge element. These teams host smaller competitions that are sponsored by various clubs and organizations on campus.

“Team Challenges are crucial for both informing and motivating students, faculty and staff,” Borders said. “Team challenges allow organizations and departments to create friendly internal competitions and to tailor the challenge to their specific members.”

Though the mindfulness challenge may seem daunting to students, faculty and staff who are constantly on the go, there

Brendan McGeehan / Staff Photographer

Students participate in yoga to improve physical and mental health.

are simple meditative exercises to practice that will reduce stress and normalize a fast heart pace.

“It is surprisingly hard to set aside our many responsibilities for even 15 minutes a day so that we can cultivate calmness and inner peace,” Borders said.

Borders recommends to students to start noticing their breathing while working or in class because a minute or two of noticing your breathing can reduce stress.

Students will still be able to pay attention to their professor, but “they may just slow down the clutter in their own minds a bit,” Borders said.

The Challenge’s website includes visualizations, guided meditations and breathing exercises that can be helpful

for students with trouble falling asleep.

“One of my favorites (audio clips) is called the Lake Meditation, a lovely, 10-minute, guided imagery meditation that promotes inner calm even in the midst of a busy life,” Borders said.

“We appreciate that starting a mindfulness practice is no small feat,” Borders said. “Despite the many benefits, it is much easier said than done.”

The “Breathe In, Breathe Out” challenge, along with the Gratitude Journal, has supplemented the campus’ practicing positive mindfulness opportunities.

Sekanics posts on the Journal’s page every day for her own health and self-love and to remind herself of what she is grateful for each day.

Shift toward blended learning and online courses

By Alyssa Sanford Staff Writer

The Student Government general body meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4, opened with a presentation about instructional design and technology.

Judi Cook, director of the College’s newly formed Task Force on Instructional Technology, transferred from Salem State University in Massachusetts and started her position as director in August of 2014. Cook, who was the chair of the Communications department, led faculty members at SSU in discussions about blended and online learning at the collegiate level.

“I realized that my colleagues were thirsty for an opportunity to share resources and to learn from each other,” Cook said.

The Task Force on Instructional Technology, formed by Jacqueline Taylor, the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, includes 28 faculty members and several students. The faculty members represent each of the schools within the College.

The task force aims to implement blended learning and online courses at the College. Because the College already uses online resources like Canvas to enrich the classroom experience, Cook is confident that students have “opportunities for improving active learning.”

Though Cook acknowledges the shift toward instructional technology is “not going to happen automatically,” the College is already

testing out blended courses and exclusively online courses during summer and winter academic sessions. The task force hopes to introduce these alternatives to a traditional classroom experience in fall and spring semesters.

Later in the meeting, Vice President of Advancement Sarah Drozd announced that a $25,000 scholarship fund for current general body members of Student Government is $3,000 short of its fundraising goal. The money raised will go into an endowment fund, and $500 per year will be awarded to a general body member in order to encourage participation in the organization.

Following, Vice President of Student Services Navid Radfar

announced that TCNJam, a dancea-thon held on Saturday, Jan. 31, raised over $50,000 to end childhood cancer.

Afterward, Vice President of Academic Affairs Adam Bonanno informed the general body that the Spring Activities Fair will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Brower Student Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and urged student organizations to set up tables to recruit new members.

Then, Vice President of Equity and Diversity Javier Nicasio unveiled “People of TCNJ,” an Instagram account modeled after the widely-followed “Humans of New York” social media account. Once a week, a student, faculty or staff member will be interviewed and profiled. Nicasio urged the general body to follow @PeopleofTCNJ

on Instagram.

Before the meeting ended, the junior class council announced it will tentatively hold auditions for TCNJ’s Got Talent on Thursday, Feb. 12, and Wednesday, Feb. 18. The show will be on Wednesday, March 11.

Sophomore class president Robert Kinloch announced that popular Eick worker Eve Cruz will be featured on T-shirts in a design generated by the class of 2017. The class is also selling quarter-zip sweatshirts.

Finally, the freshman class will be holding its freshman formal late this year. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the formal was delayed until a later date. It is tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 24, or Saturday, April 25.

Erard encourages students to learn new languages

By Elise Schoening Correspondent Linguistics specialist Michael Erard spoke about language super-learners from the past and present, as well as what we can learn from them, during a lecture on the “Myths and Realities of High Intensity Language Learners” on Monday, Feb. 2.

Erard holds a PhD in English language and linguistics and is the author of “Babel No More: The Search for the World’s Most Extraordinary Language Learners.” He has done extensive research into the history and behavior of multilingual individuals, often referred to as polyglots.

Anyone who speaks six or more languages is considered a hyperpolyglot. Erard, however, has expanded this definition to include fluency in at least 11 languages. Hyperpolyglots have

unparalleled linguistic abilities, Erard said. He spoke about numerous historical and contemporary hyperpolyglots from around the world that have learned to speak between 30 and 50 different languages.

Erard is a self-proclaimed “monolingual with benefits” since he is only fluent in English, but has also studied Chinese and Spanish.

Still, Erard firmly believes that, “hyperpolyglots make visible the myriad strands of our linguistic destinies, whether we speak only one language or many.”

There is a common misperception that a polyglot’s ability to learn and retain several languages is innate. Erard explained, however, that polyglots are largely ordinary people that emerge from unwavering dedication and relentless hard work.

“They are not born and they are not made, but they are born to be made,” Erard said. “So

they are special in that way, and they are ordinary in that way.”

According to Erard, what separates a polylgot from the average person is that polyglots are very confident language learners. They view challenges and difficulties as opportunities for growth and knowledge instead of as barriers. Erard says polyglots have fully embraced their status as language outsiders.

As such, the fear of imperfect grammar and pronunciation will not stop a polyglot from speaking or writing in another language. It is in fact through these mistakes that they learn and are therefore able to master any language.

Erard explained that language acquisition is often thought of in terms of an “all or nothing” model, where people tend to view their linguistic abilities as failures if they cannot speak like a native.

Hyperpolyglots, on the other hand, approach

language learning with a “something and something” model. No matter how many languages they learn, hyperpolyglots can only have between five and nine languages at their fingertips.

The rest require constant maintenance and must be warmed up before use. Hyperpolyglots recognize that they cannot master every language.

Nevertheless, they commit themselves to learning as much as possible.

During his lecture, Erard encouraged students to learn from the attitudes and approaches of hyperpolyglots. While everyone may not have the time and energy to become a polyglot, they can at least dedicate some time to learning a new language and embracing a new way of life.

He urged the audience to challenge their comfort zone and commit to learning new skills. Erard promised great reward and selfdiscovery for those up to the challenge.

page 4 The Signal February 11, 2015

Campus Town / More apartment buildings to come

Samantha Selikoff / Photo Editor

According to Lentine, furniture has recently been ordered.

continued from page 1

sophomore marketing major Brittany Mashel, who will be living with three other students in Campus Town.

“Additionally, we are allowed

to remain on campus during the fall, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, and so (we) do not have to clear off campus with the rest of the dorms.”

Rising senior elementary education and iStem double major

Emma Saporito will be living with her friends in a four-bedroom apartment.

“I’m from Massachusetts, so it is cheaper than living on campus and I like it because it is new,” she said.

The new housing will take up a section of what was previously reserved for student parking along the north side of the project along Metzger Drive — however, fewer students have signed up for reserved parking than expected, according to Greg Lentine, Campus Town’s director of campus development. But to keep the same amount of parking available as in the original housing plans, the developers have always planned to expand parking north. Plans to set up a “car share” program are also in the works, said Lentine, but details have not yet been released.

“We are not getting as many students getting cars as they

have in the past,” Lentine said.

“We are working right now on getting the car share program to support the environment as well as the parking.”

According to Niki deQuintal, one of Saporito’s roommates, she paid for a parking spot in Campus Town in two installments of $150 for the year, whereas a full year residential parking decal purchased through the College is $280.

“I enjoy living on campus and being able to access my friends and activities with a 10 minute walk at most,” said sophomore English and secondary education double major Jenna Burke, who will be living in a four-bedroom apartment in Campus Town. “I also do not have a car, so living off campus is currently not an option.”

The original housing construction will be completed with students ready to unpack their

bags at the beginning of the fall semester, although it is not yet certain if all of the retail space will be leased out. Once a retail space is leased out, it is up to the owners to decide when they will be ready to open up shop.

To date, retail spaces that have signed are Yummy Sushi, Red Berry Frozen Yogurt, Mexican Mariachi Grill, Starbucks, Spenser Savings Bank, a nail salon Panera Bread and Piccolo Trattoria Italian restaurant. Leases are currently being negotiated with a wireless phone company, sports bar and tanning salon, according to Lentine.

“Cost was a big disadvantage because it could have been cheaper to appeal to many parents who are paying. It is basically still on campus and having to follow campus rules,” deQuintal said.

“It is kind of scary to sign a lease without the finished product being done and able to view.”

Rifkin / Dean to leave College at end of year continued from page 1 which consists of 10 departments, 14 programs and one graduate program.

“One (task) is to ensure that the terms of employment for all of our faculty and staff are equitable,” he said. “Now I’m not the one negotiating a contract, but I could be the one saying, ‘Your workload far exceeds his or her workload. We have to redistribute here.’”

Although he doesn’t negotiate the contracts, Rifkin does play a large role in hiring tenure-stream faculty and reappointing them. The review process for reappointment starts with him before it reaches to the provost, followed by President R. Barbara Gitenstein and the Board of Trustees.

Rifkin has also worked closely with

faculty to make sure their curricula reflect students’ best interests.

“For instance, students are going to have a public speaking requirement that’s going to be embedded in their classes in their major,” Rifkin said. “So these are things that I help with leading the discussion to move it forward by saying, ‘Should we be doing this?’ And the answer was yes.”

At the end of the day, Rifkin’s job as dean is always about the students’ best interests. This is seen at the start of every week, when students receive an email addressed from Rifkin that informs them about future opportunities like study abroad sessions, in addition to congratulating students for their various accomplishments.

Along with the weekly emails, Rifkin has also sent many emails inviting students to sit down and have coffee, lunch

or dinner with him.

“I just feel that in a lot of the things I need to do, I need to prioritize the needs and experiences of our students.” he said.

“I wasn’t having enough contact with them,” he said. “And so, I was trying to figure out how to make myself available, and I decided, ‘Well … I’m going to have lunch in the dining hall.’”

Many students have asked Rifkin whether he will continue his beloved traditions at Ithaca.

“I’m not sure,” Rifkin said. “Those things are things that are appropriate for my role at (the College), and I’m going to have a different role at Ithaca.”

Senior English and women’s and gender studies double major Amy Chen said that although she has never attended one of his lunch or coffee sessions, she plans

on doing so in the near future.

“One thing I’ll miss is his Puppypalooza and him bringing Webster to campus, because that’s always really fun,” Chen said. “And he just seems like a really fun and entertaining guy.” Webster was Rifkin’s beloved golden retriever who passed away last year.

There are many things that Rifkin will miss about the College, he said, a key one being its academic priority.

“I think one of the things that I really cherish about this place is that the number one priority at (the College) is student education,” Rifkin said. “In every meeting I’m in, every decision being made is based on the question, ‘What is the impact on our student education?’ And trust me … that’s not the case everywhere else in higher education.”

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February 11, 2015 The Signal page 5

Nation & W rld

Jordanian pilot slain by ISIS terrorists

Family unites together to mourn death of son

AP Photo

While the family mourns, King Abdullah supports campain against ISIS.

By Candace Kellner Staff Writer In Karak, Jordan, Jordanians have united to mourn the death of Moath-al

Kasasbeh, the Jordanian pilot burned to death by the terrorist group known as ISIS. He is mourned as a martyr by the country, but by his family, he is remembered

as a son, cousin and husband. According to CNN, al-Kasasbeh’s mother was just released from the hospital and was too frail and distraught to speak.

“He always wanted to be a pilot.

He was a really smart guy and everyone loved him,” his cousin, Layla alKasasbeh, told CNN. “And he was well-known and he was that guy who was so popular.”

Just six months before, Al-Kasasbeh married his newly widowed wife, and on Thursday, Feb. 5, on the spot of his wedding ceremony, the men of the family gathered in a tent.

Abdullah II, King of Jordan, joined mourners from all over the nation to express their condolences and outrage. The crowd arch’s cause of annihilating ISIS, chanting, The country recognizes al-Kasasbeh as a

national hero, and he has become their new rallying point.

King Abdullah sat down with the slain pilot’s father to discuss a campaign of vengeance for his son’s murder.

CNN that the King had heard him out, saying, “He promised us a good promise that he will bombard ISIS’s strongholds until he avenges Moath’s death and destroys them.”

According to CNN, the King said he would bombard ISIS’s de facto capital in Syria. Jordanian media also reported that Abdullah visited Jordan’s armed forces headquarters Thursday, Feb. 4.

The King’s promise to the al-Kasasbehs was sealed with a salute from fighter jets that flew over the deceased, 27-year-old lieutenant’s house. The bombing operation over Karak was appropriately named “Moath the Martyr.”

Florida woman rescues 38 students from burning bus

By Rose LoPiano Correspondent A Florida teacher is now being revered as a hero after rescuing 38 students from a burning bus.

What began as a regular Wednesday morning for mathematics teacher Kristina Buhrman soon took a dangerous turn when a white cloud of smoke formed inside and around the bus.

The Discovery Lakes teacher er on Wednesday, Dec. 3, as she usually does, but this route was different from the rest.

“Nothing was wrong throughout the entire route until we hit the Interstate as I started to notice smoke rolling down the outside of

the bus,” Buhrman told CNN. “It was a rather cold day and a bus I normally do not drive, so I assessed the situation and assumed it to be extra exhaust.

However, a student in the back then stood up shouting, ‘Ms. Buhrman, there’s smoke coming out of my seat.’”

Buhrman immediately leapt into action. Maintaining a calm manner, she quickly pulled the bus over. While calling 911, the teacher evacuated all of the 38 children safely, making sure to line them up away from the bus and away from the nearby drainage pipe, according to CNN. Help soon arrived at the scene after she led all the students away from the drainage ditch.

Due to her courageous and quick actions, no one was harmed, according to CNN. citizens alike all lauded Buhrman for her valiant act, but she felt that all the praise is unnecessary, CNN reported.

“I was just doing my job,” she told CNN. “I was put in a place that I had to protect the kids I’m there to protect, and that’s what we do.” time the teacher has been praised as a hero. Buhrman told CNN that one day leaving work, she noticed a car smoking on the side of the road. Approaching the driver, she saw that the woman’s head was gushing blood, so she helped her

AP Photo

Buhrman goes above and beyond her job as a bus driver. get out of the car and waited for help to arrive.

“You’ve got to do kind things for other people because that’s

what this world’s about — people helping people, and that is something I try to teach my kids,” Buhrman said.

New law in Britain allows for ‘three-parent’ babies

In vitro fertilization procedure debate remains ongoing

By Roman Orsini Staff Writer Lawmakers in Britain’s House of Commons voted in favor of an in vitro fertilization procedure which uses the DNA of three parents on Tuesday, Feb. 3, according to CNN. to allow for “three-parent” babies. The measure needs the support of the upper House of Lords before the practice could become law.

The procedure combines the DNA of two parents with the mitochondrial cells of a third party. The mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the cell — responsible for creating the energy cells use. These organelles also contain small amounts of DNA – their abnormalities are linked to a number of human diseases, CNN reported.

According to CNN, one in 6,500 babies born in the United Kingdom will develop a mitochondrial disorder, which may lead to heart and liver disease,

AP Photo

In vitro fertilization has been a controversial procedure for many years. blindness or respiratory problems.

The in vitro procedure in question allows doctors to swap out unhealthy mitochondria from the mother, preventing the child from inheriting faulty mitochondrial DNA, which would lead to health difficulties.

In the procedure, the nucleus of the mother’s egg cell is extracted and placed

into the egg cell of a donor. The donor’s cell nucleus is removed to carry the mother’s genes, but the donor’s mitochondrial cells remain with the mother’s nucleus. The father’s sperm cell then fertilizes the resulting hybrid egg cell, according to BBC. In 2000, Alana Saarinen was one of a handful of children conceived by this method before it was banned in the

United States. Ninety-nine percent of Alana’s genes are inherited from her parents, while the remaining one percent is from the mitochondrial DNA of her donor, CNN reported.

Despite the success of Alana’s birth and continued health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the procedure in 2001 for ethical and safety concerns, according to BBC. In the U.K., debate over the ethics of the procedure is ongoing. Religious groups in particular oppose the procedure, as it requires the donor’s embryonic cell to be destroyed.

“We believe that the law should not be changed until there has been further scireplacement therapy,” said Rev. Dr. Brendan McCarthy, the Church of England’s advisor for medical issues told CNN. nature, in which humans are increasingly “playing God” by determining the genetic makeup of children.

page 6 The Signal February 11, 2015

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 7

Editorial

Change can be good with College’s campus renovations

I have sad news: my family’s car of 13 years died this week. That Nissan Pathfinder took us to Canada, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, the Poconos, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and God knows where else. I was also able to fit everything I needed for college (including a 7-foot javelin) whenever I moved in and out. It was a great car.

When my mom told me the news, I was really sad. My family made so many memories with that car and by getting rid of it, I kind of felt like a piece of those memories (as well as the “West Side Story” and P!nk CDs that were never taken out of the CD player) were lost. While being sad that I never got the chance to say goodbye to an inanimate object, I thought of the upcoming renovations that the College is having and having to say goodbye to the places that helped form my first two and a half years here.

Starting soon, the Brower Student Center will be undergoing major renovations, and the Student Center that we all made memories in will be totally unrecognizable. I’ve heard many people say that they like the old-school vibe that the Student Center currently gives off and that they don’t want the renovation to come. Yes, it feels homey and it is familiar to us all, but change can be good. Just look at the T-Dubs renovation as an example.

Sure, those of us who were here for the old T-Dubs thought we might miss the grungy feel of the eatery, but now that we’ve seen the newer T-Dubs with its hand-spun milkshakes and fresh-cut fries, do we actually miss the old T-Dubs? Probably not. In actuality, what we were probably more worried about was losing the memories that we made as freshmen in T-Dubs. But no matter how many times a place changes its appearance, you can never really lose the memories it helped create.

So even though we might not physically have the Student Center that we have all come to love, we will still have the memories that it brought us. And I guess the same goes for my family’s car. Even though it’s gone, we can still enjoy the memories it helped create. I still can’t enjoy the lost CD’s, though. Those are gone forever.

— Colleen Murphy News Editor

Samantha Selikoff / Photo Editor

While saying goodbye to the old, grungy T-Dubs is hard for some students, the renovations have proven that accepting the changes on campus can be good for everyone.

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“When my resident, Sarah (Sutherland), passed last semester due to suicide, I became attuned to the efforts on campus geared toward positivity and creating a safer, more inclusive space for those who struggle.

At the core of it, this (The TCNJ Gratitude Journal) is for her and those who have ever felt like their voice wasn’t worthy or couldn’t find the words or place to speak.”

— Jennie Sekanics, Community Advisor

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Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo and Sports editors and the Business Manager, unless otherwise noted.

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page 8 The Signal February 11, 2015

Opinions College does not allow true free speech

‘Frozen’ craze has gone too far

By Chelsea LoCascio Production Manager

Let it go, let it go. Can’t hold it back any more. How can anyone “let it go” when everywhere you turn, “Frozen” is promoted like someone has been personally paid by This opinion piece was written in Disney’s advertisement team? response to the article “Freedom of The hit film, which made its premiere Speech Battles Against Terrorism,” last November, has long surpassed the time published on Jan. 28, 2015. allotted for kids to be screaming the lyrics

By Daniel Worts and the beloved characters faces to be plastered on every corner.

The key part of free speech, and the one Just recently, I walked into an Applebee’s most people seem to miss, is highlighted expecting a quiet dinner — big mistake. It here — that true free speech means those was “Frozen Night,” and the empty eyes of AP Photo who offend you most are granted the same a cardboard Elsa welcomed me as I entered.

Some think it may be time for Elsa the Ice Queen to ‘Let It Go.’ voice as your own, something which I I found myself immersed in a cheesy winter believe the College does not follow. wonderland, with the restaurant adorned even band-aids with a picture of Elsa’s to be exiled to their own island.

The College does not abide by this with ribbons and pictures of the characters. sassy smirk and blond braided rat-tail “Frozen” was an OK film, but there was credo and severely restricts some forms I even had a hard time concentrating as “Let attached to the back. not nearly as much of a reaction to other of protected speech. I would highlight It Go” rang and a toddler cried behind me With the movie breaking box-office recent Disney princess movies like “Brave,” the “Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in after dropping her stuffed Olaf. records as the highest grossing animated where the female lead actually proved to the Workplace/Educational Environment” That was it: “Frozen” went too far. I film of all time at an estimated $1.17 be more than just a pretty princess. People as being of particular concern, with parts already hated how much attention the film billion in sales, it is no surprise that the usually say they love “Frozen” for the received, but this was ridiculous. The level of franchise is still going. “Disney on Ice: memorable songs, and the strong female being blatantly unconstitutional.

The policy is a zero-tolerance one, resounding love and affection for “Frozen” Frozen” began touring in September, a leads, yet other movies have them, too. with goals to prohibit discrimination or never happened for classic Disney films like short called “Frozen Fever” is set to be The common theme of finding true harassment based upon defined, protected “The Little Mermaid” or “Aladdin.” released on March 13, Epcot is adding a love is overplayed in “Frozen” as Elsa, categories such as race, sex and religion.

People probably went crazy for those “Frozen” attraction to their theme park and who is supposed to be strong, needs to Violations of the policy include telling classics, but that was before my time. The rumors have swirled over a sequel to the be saved by Anna, a princess who fell in jokes pertaining to one or more protected difference now, it seems, is that Disney film and a possible run on broadway. love immediately and then snaps out of the categories and generalized, gender-based then was a little less concerned about Even if you like buying the merchandise delusion only to fall in love again. remarks and comments. consumerism and more about the quality. and attending the shows, you might agree While the craze, sadly, is far from over, Under these rules, it is a violation Now, all I see are countless “Frozen” that those who break into song when they I can only hope that “here I stand and here of policy to distribute copies of “The shirts, backpacks, posters, make-up and hear the first few notes of “Let It Go” need I’ll stay” are merely lyrics and not an omen.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” or the Bible. They also forbid blonde jokes and the use of a woman in a bikini as one’s desktop background, in addition to where we had plenty of extra the choice to go back to my “checking someone out.” This policy draws resources to help plan ahead. roots because I want to help no distinction between truly hateful slurs When people hear Paterson, kids break that cycle. and social or political commentary or jokes. they may think about crimes, Clearly, it is extremely broad, so much Being a teacher is hard work, violence and drugs. But I know and I will have to push myself so that normal interactions can be called that Paterson is so much more. to give my students a deserving into question. As it stands, our free speech Many kids across the education. I will need to partner only goes as far as the most easily offended country are like the ones I knew closely with those who have student permits, and that is a serious problem. growing up — great kids filled been working toward justice This is the same line of reasoning that led with potential, but lacking the and equity long before I will the Supreme Court to find it constitutionally resources and opportunities have arrived. I don’t want a job protected to burn the United States flag when to imagine bright futures for that lets me turn a blind eye to they said, “If there is a bedrock principle themselves.

For students growing the injustices kids face daily. underlying the First Amendment, it is that the Photo AP up in low-income communities, I want a job that forces me to government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the More resources are needed for kids in low-income areas. just 6 percent will graduate from look injustice in the face and college by the time they’re 25. fight it. I want one that holds me idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” thoughts turned towards my time This statistic does not reflect accountable for the injustices When did campuses move so far from By Tiffany Piatt on the executive board for Women kids’ capabilities — it’s a result of that plague our communities — fostering conversation, controversial or not?

When I think about my time in Learning and Leadership. entrenched systems of oppression because, although I did not create A recent satire piece by Omar Mahmood at the University of Michigan lost him his here at the College, I think Through WILL, I developed that have denied equal access to them, I’d still bear responsibility if I chose not to address them. writing job with the school’s paper under the about a whirlwind of incredible a deep appreciation for the opportunity for decades.

I know that I can use my As I become a Teach For same type of speech policy the College has. experiences. But as my time incredible role models that shaped The Foundation for Individual Rights here ticks down, I’ve begun me. When I leave the College, I experiences to help kids battling America corps member, I’ll these odds imagine a brighter be joining a network of people in Education gives the College a “red to think of the million-dollar want to do the same for others.

I lived in Paterson, N.J. future and make it a reality. Just working for equal access to light” — the worst possible evaluation question: What am I going to be for the beginning of my like them, I struggled growing opportunity. It’s a network of for speech policies on college campuses. doing when I leave? childhood but didn’t stay up. But I am now about to leaders diverse in background I debated several different The College needs to embrace our there.

Determined to give us graduate from college — a feat and experience, working across constitutionally protected free speech choices, including applying to better educational options that I want to show others they sectors to create change. We rights and revise this policy, among graduate school or working as than they had growing up, my can accomplish, too. are all united around the belief others, as well as to rewrite time, place a laboratory research scientist.

All of this led me to apply to parents moved to the next town that a quality education is not a But the question of what I could and manner restrictions on free speech.

Teach For America.

Over time, privilege — it is a right. As you This will enable a significantly narrower do after graduation actually had over, to a school that offered scope of enforcement, toning down the a second part — what should I many Honors and Advanced I’ve noticed a trend of many think about what you’re going administration’s carte blanche regulation of do? And as I’ve thought about Placement courses. As a leaving their communities and to do after you leave here, I that even bigger question, my result, I went to a high school not wanting to return. I made hope you’ll join us. student demonstrations.

Senior fights for educational equality

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February 11, 2015 The Signal page 9

Features

Pay inequality in the US on the rise

By Mylin Batipps Social Media Editor Inequality is not going away in America, according to Dorian Warren, associate political science professor from Columbia University. In fact, it continues to grow.

“We’ve been growing unequal for the last 40 years when it comes to income and wealth in this country,” Warren said.

The professor and host of MSNBC’s online news program “Nerding Out” visited the College and spoke to students on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in the Library Auditorium. Co-sponsored by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Black Student Union (BSU), Warren’s interactive discussion, entitled “Inequality and the Future of U.S. Democracy,” attempted to discover reasons for the many aspects of inequality in the country today, particularly with income distribution and wealth.

Warren started the discussion by looking back at four anniversaries of events that sought to end inequality. Although there were milestones like 1963’s March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and 1964’s Economic Opportunity Act — which was President Lyndon B. Johnson’s call for a war on poverty — one would think that those events in history actually never took place, looking at the country’s current state.

“Just last week, an article in The Washington Post was published that shows for the first time in history, the majority

of students in American public schools are in poverty,” Warren said. “So we have a long way to go, even as we mark these milestones.”

Child poverty is a prevalent issue in the U.S., according to Warren, in which roughly 25 percent of children in America are suffering from poverty. Breaking it down racially for children under age 6, 14 percent of white children, 42 percent of black children and one in three Hispanic children live in poverty today.

“I want to point out that we are world leaders in lots of things, those of us here in the U.S.,” Warren said. “One of them is child poverty.”

On the other hand, wealth is becoming more concentrated, according to Warren. A study from Oxfam that was published several weeks ago shows that the richest 80 people in the world now have as much wealth as the bottom 50 percent of all people in the world—3.5 billion people. In 2010, it took 388 billionaires to have as much wealth as the bottom 50 percent, but now it only takes 80.

Furthermore, the size of the middle class is slowly decreasing, Warren said. In 1967, the middle class made up 53 percent of the entire U.S. population, and as of 2013, it made up only 43 percent.

“Our vast middle class that made us a growing and strong democracy especially in the postWorld War II years has been shrinking, especially over the last 40 years,” Warren said.

Kyle Bennion / Former Photo Editor

Warren explains the American middle class is decreasing in size each year.

Some say that outsourcing of jobs is a key factor to the middle class decreasing in size, he explained.

“This argument is that as we’ve increased our trade (especially with more developing companies), and we’ve exported lots of good-paying, middle class jobs,” he said. “But we haven’t replaced them with the same kind of jobs over the last 40 years.”

Looking at the bigger picture, inequality in the U.S. is caused by issues in addition to outsourcing, like wage theft, the weakening of labor unions and the rise of involuntary part-time work. Instead of meeting the hour requirement to be declared as full-time workers, people are instead forced to work just below the requirement, according to Warren. This is so that employers can avoid providing benefits to their employees,

which is costly.

Students who attended the lecture were able to get a preview of what to look out for in the working environment.

“I was surprised to learn just how much inequality there is in the U.S. workplace,” senior communications major Jaqueline Ilkowitz said. “I thought that Warren did an excellent job of explaining a complex economic situation in a way that made it easy to comprehend, and I left the lecture having a better understanding of what the workplace will be like after fellow students and I graduate.”

Senior finance major and Black Student Union Treasurer Ashley Hutchinson, who stated that her opinion does not reflect that of the organization’s, said she learned that it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain

a job with a college degree than it is to do so without one.

“I learned that having a bachelor’s and in some cases a master’s degree is not guaranteed to save Americans from suffering from economic inequality,” Hutchinson said. “The job growth for people with bachelor’s and master’s degrees is much slower than the job growth for those who do not hold degrees from higher education.”

Warren ended the lecture with two questions for everyone who attended to think about, based on the future of the country’s democracy.

“There’s the question as to whether the American Dream is still alive,” he said. “One should also think about a kind of world they’d want to see in 15 years and what they would need to do to realize that world.”

Jess Row’s latest fiction hit makes debut ‘Your Face In Mine’ focuses on personal identity

By Shannon Kelly Staff Writer

A personal identity is what distinguishes us in our society and among our peers.

In these modern times, however, people have more choices in constructing the aspects of identity that were originally conceived to be unchangeable foundations.

During a reading of his new book, “Your Face in Mine,” on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the Library Auditorium, English professor and novelist Jess Row contemplated

the age-old question of humanity, but with a twist — what does it mean to be human in an age where visible identity markers such as sex and race can be altered?

“Martin is like a Gatsby character who was always holding something in,” Row said of his main character, once a white man who undergoes a radical reassessment operation to become black.

The plot of the novel follows the narrator, Kelly Thorndike, who was asked to chronicle Martin’s life in a book and expose his racial reassignment to the world.

tcnj.edu

Row explores racial reassignment in his new, acclaimed novel.

Kelly, though a bit taken aback by his friend’s changes, undertakes the task and shadows Martin to get a sense of the effects of change in racial identity. Though viewed through Kelly’s eyes, Martin becomes his own best spokesman, fully embracing his race as his own choice, as a lifestyle meant to enhance the identity he always desired.

But don’t mistake this notion as becoming fodder for the next sci-fi hit.

Racial reassessment is a modern global phenomenon, and Row did his research.

In Thailand and Bangkok — which the characters of the novel also travel to — skin lightening procedures are a common operation, and Row had asked plastic surgeons there to validate his ideas.

“The impression I wanted to create is that this (racial reassessment) already exists and nobody knows about it,” Row said.

These experience are commonplace tin America, though many may not perceive it as such.

“Skin darkening is common in this country — a.k.a. tanning,” he said Written in a beautiful, sophisticated contemporary style, “Your Face in Mine” unabashedly considers the effects of racial identity and privilege, of what

it means to be black and white. It questions what race even is, in pondering a future where identity is a consumer and aesthetic choice while nonetheless being contextualized in racial history. Martin describes this as living not necessarily in a post-racial world, but in a “post-race as an issue” world.

Row admitted to being apprehensive about the writing this book.

“I felt a lot of trepidation,” he said.

“I know part of the premise would scare people, but I had to give up being scared and live with the consequences. The characters, the story, the narrative take over, and you just have to follow it to its logical conclusion.”

And the audience, largely comprised of Row’s colleagues, responded enthusiastically. Many have read or were in the midst of reading the novel and confessed to him of being hesitant upon starting it, but were keenly interested in how he underwent the process of crafting the novel. The idea came to Row seven years ago and, despite his agent at the time trying to dissuade him from pursuing it, Row wanted to write and explore the concept of what it truly means to be human with control, for better or worse, over our visible identity.

page 10 The Signal February 11, 2015

: Dec. 1997

Rare manuscript found

Kimberly Ilkowski / Features Editor

An original Whitman manuscript is found with a handwritten note.

By Kimberly Ilkowski Features Editor In the December 1997 issue of the paper, student reporter Peter Croatta wrote about the recent discovery of rare works by legendary poet Walt Whitman hidden right in the College’s own Roscoe West Library: The College of New Jersey has had a first-edition copy of Walt Whitman’s classic “Leaves of Grass,” along with a hand-written, one-page manuscript by the poet, since 1985. But it took 12 years, an alert English professor and a string of coincidences for the College to realize what it really had.

The first edition copy is rare in itself.

Roughly 200 copies of “Leaves of Grass” remain from the scant 795 copies released on July 4, 1855.

However, the manuscript might be even more interesting. The College’s manuscript is actually one part in the evolution of Whitman’s introduction to “Leaves of Grass.”

The story starts last June when Dr. Michael Robertson, an associate professor of English and a Whitman scholar, spoke with Nelson Evans, the college’s Humanities and Government Documents Librarian.

Evans told Robertson about the two Whitman treasures that were gathering dust in the library’s vault. Evans asked Robertson if he

The

By Johnanthony Alaimo Columnist

wanted to take a look at them.

Robertson recognized the value of the forgotten manuscript immediately.

Three days before, Robertson had heard Dr. Paul Benton’s lecture on Whitman at an American Literature Association Conference in Baltimore.

Benton, an associate professor of English at Pacific Lutheran University, is currently organizing various Whitman manuscripts to see how they connect sequentially.

Benton just happened to mention Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” introduction manuscript at the conference.

“I was stunned,” Robertson said about the manuscript. “I couldn’t believe our good luck.”

Robertson wrote to Benton about the discovery and mailed him a copy of the manuscript, which included a rough draft of Whitman’s poem “Starting from Paumanok” on the reverse side.

“I was surprised,” Benton said. “The circumstances, the serendipity of his hearing my lecture … (It’s) a one in a million chance.”

According to Benton, who spoke at the Roscoe L. West Library on November 18, the College’s introduction is one of 10 revisions made by Whitman.

In 1861, Whitman began a new prose “introduction” for the fourth edition (1867)

Campus Style

By Heather Hawkes Columnist Layering is a balancing act — no single article of clothing should throw off the other. Rather, each piece should serve a purpose and compliment all of the other components of your ensemble. The beauty of layering is that you don’t need a whole lot of different articles of clothing to create a completely unique look. Here are the Golden Rules: 1. Be Color Conscious: In order to pull off the layering look, it’s important to stay within a very refined color scheme. Whether it be neutrals, darks, earthy tones or all-white, make sure it’s consistent and concise.

2. Pick Your Patterns: Though pattern clashing is an awesome trend that can make a bold statement, it’s extremely easy to overwhelm an outfit with too many patterns. As a general rule, stick with one pattern that adds a pop of color, yet remains within your color scheme. A patterned oxford poking out under a big, chunky sweater is a great way to layer in patterns.

3. Keep Your Balance: One of the biggest dilemmas people run into with layering is looking too bulky. This often happens because bulky items are paired together. It’s important to remember the shapes of your clothes and how they accent one another. If you have on a huge chunky sweater, make sure of “Leaves of Grass.” Three full drafts were written and saved in hand-made booklets.

In those first three booklets, the introduction changed from prose to what Benton calls “a short, prefatory poem.”

Whitman returned to work in 1865, after his stint as a nurse in the Civil War ended.

He radically revised the 1861 version of the introduction, and changed the title to “Inscription to the Reader.”

Whitman then wrote another three drafts, once again saving them in handmade booklets.

In the 1870s, Whitman pasted these six booklets together in his last remaining copy of “Leaves of Grass.”

According to Benton, the book is really

AP Photo

Actress Rose Byrne rocks the layered look with a large print jacket. to wear dark slim-fitting pants with short ankle boots of the same (or similar) color to lengthen your legs and keep lower half sleek and slim.

4. Take on New Textures Texturizing is one of the key components to layering. If you decide to work with a single-color outfit, make sure to incorporate at least one textured piece (a tweed skirt or fur vest) to add personality and dimension to your look.

nothing more than a pile of scraps.

This edition is now located in the Lion Collection of the New York Public Library.

After the sixth booklet, according to Benton, Whitman worked on four one-page drafts of “Inscription.”

The College’s manuscript, entitled “Inscription from Author to Reader at the Entrance of Leaves of Grass” is the first of these four drafts.

Benton calls these four drafts the JUDY schema. The first draft is at the College, the second at the University of Virginia, the third at Dartmouth University and the fourth is at Yale University.

The College now has a glimpse inside the mind of arguably the greatest poet in American history.

Hollyword: A Hilton gets high

I love acronyms!!! LOL! SNL! RIP! Guess what, they all have something in common! I know, LOL and “SNL” in the same sentence? Outrageous! Well, it turns out Lorne Michaels, the father of “Saturday Night Live,” said he “wasn’t too sure” that the show could go on without him.

In a recent Hollywood Reporter interview, Michaels was quoted as saying, “I don’t know. I’m going to keep doing it as long as I possibly can because I love it and because it’s what I do. But there is more niche stuff (now). Us doing ‘Update’ and giving it 10 minutes in a 90-minute show was a big deal, but Comedy Central and Jon Stewart, none of that existed then. So things have fragmented.”

OK, LORNE. Fine, when you retire, take “SNL” with you. And then when you die, just BURY Keenan Thompson

in your tomb too. Hell, why stop there.

Just END THE WORLD. How could we go on without you, let alone “SNL.” If you didn’t get enough of Katy Perry in the Superbowl, well prepare to overdose as the Missy Elliott restrictor/ shark enthusiast performed at this year’s

Grammys. But wait, what’s that sound?

DUN DUN … DUN DUN … it’s the sound of a larger, more dominant predator lurking in the midst. LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU, KATY! Oh well, too late, you’re chum. Turns out Beyonce also performed at the Grammys, as well.

AP Photo

Perry performs a beach-themed half-time show during the Superbowl.

She helped segue into the song “Glory” off the soundtrack from the Oscar-nominated picture “Selma.” So get off your dark high horse Perry.

Here’s a name you haven’t heard in a while: Hilton. Can you guess which one I’m talking about? Not Paris. Not even Nicky. It’s Conrad Hilton, the brother.

What did he do that was so awful? Made a racist comment? Got a DUI? Watched “A Night in Paris?” Even worse. According to an affidavit, on a flight from London, Hilton allegedly “…became unruly, and in a series of tirades, he threatened to kill several flight attendants and a co-pilot and threatened to get them fired…”

Hilton also smoked pot and a cigarette on the flight. Wow, way to join the wrong kind of club while you’re in the air: the no-fly club. Hilton was arraigned on charges in Los Angeles and did not enter a plea, but he was released on an unsecured $100,000 bond. And we’re all worried about the Kardashians. Tsk tsk.

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 11

Gendering the enemy in Soviet cinema Fulbright scholar discusses movie stereotypes

By Mackenzie Cutruzzula Review Editor

Fulbright Scholar Oleg V. Riabov visited the College on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to discuss his research on how Cold War propaganda reflected the cultural construct of enemies. Riabov is a professor in the Philosophy Department and director of the Center for Ethnic and Nationalism Studies at Ivanovo State University in Russia.

Riabov raised the question, “How did Soviet cinema represent the American gender order?”

To answer his question, he studied gender discourse as a set of representations of femininities, masculinities, sexualities, love and gender order in general. Through this study, he found that both America and the Soviet Union crafted the idea of what were proper masculine and feminine qualities based on their own countries’ set of values and beliefs and portrayed the enemy as having the

opposite values.

Riabov stressed that gender identity was exploited in political mobilization during the Cold War because the threat of war of weapons emphasized that masculinity was represented by heroism and strength. To convince men to go to war, they had to believe that being a man meant he had to be a defender of the women and children. He presented a war recruitment poster used during World War I that featured a woman in distress in front of a war scene, asking the man before her, “Will you go or must I?” During the Cold War era, there were no battle to be fought, so the idea of gender and the way it was presented in propaganda had to change.

The Soviet Union used cinema to promote their propaganda between 1946 and 1955. More than 150 propaganda films were produced between both sides during the Cold War. In their film portrayals of Americans, they put major emphasis on men lacking the “normal,”

Samantha Selikoff / Photo Editor

Riabov speaks about the legacy of Cold War films on modern works.

masculine traits while females had an excess of the “normal,” feminine traits prominent in Soviet culture. More specifically, Riabov said that American women were seen as materialistic and vain compared to the hardworking, simple Soviet woman. The women of America were shown as victims of capitalism so that Soviet women would not be swayed by the “high life” of America that could be appealing. To continue to dissuade the Soviet women, films showed American women as rape victims, prostitutes and too willing to do anything to get to the top.

Riabov explained the paradigm between the two cultures representations using the Soviet propaganda film, “The Russian Question.” The film centered on a newspaper reporter in New York City in 1946 who wrote a positive review of Russia only to be blacklisted by the newspaper industry. His wife leaves him because he loses his job and can no longer afford the materialistic valuables she desires.

“The propaganda stressed that American men couldn’t be honest to become successful,” Riabov said.

“Women couldn’t face a life of poverty because, according to the Russians, they were unable to love due to their hunger for money.”

The films were also used to promote the political systems of the home country through the idea of love and gender. The American film “Ninotchka” starring Greta Garbo tells the story of a rigid and stern Soviet woman who, after falling in love with a Parisian man, sees how the Western way of life is more suitable for her.

Riabov raised the point that having a Soviet female fall in love with a Western man was a tool to promote American masculinity as superior. He also reminded the crowd that the Soviets,

Samantha Selikoff / Photo Editor

Soviet propaganda films show alternating gender representations.

of course, did the same for American women falling in love with Soviet men in their films.

The two opposing countries represented the gender order of the “main enemy” as contrary to its own and unnatural to its political systems.

“Riabov brought up a lot about Russian propaganda that I had never learned before,” junior finance major Rachel Benin said. “It was interesting to learn about another country’s propaganda.”

Riabov continues his Fulbright research at the University of Vermont, studying the history of symbols and ideas that have shaped the ideals of “Mother Russia.”

Lions’ EMS: Symptoms of mononucleosis

Watch out this month for the ‘kissing disease’

By Steven King Columnist College campuses see a lot of diseases that spread like wildfire. One illness in particular is quite notorious for being able to spread among college students. This illness is known as mononucleosis, but it’s commonly referred to as mono or “kissing disease.” As Valentine’s Day approaches, don’t you think it’s appropriate to understand a disease that spreads effectively through the act of kissing?

Mono isn’t something to laugh about. It is an incredibly debilitating illness that can leave a person feeling depleted of energy, along with several other symptoms like a sore throat, fever and rash. This virus is especially dangerous for college students because of the fatigue that is causes. Mono tends to be more severe and prolonged in college students and can result in poor attendance in class. Unfortunately, mono can’t be cured with medication, which means that your body will have to fight it off.

So, where exactly is the good news with this fast-spreading, debilitating illness?

Well, despite all of the negatives, there are a few positives.

To the people who’ve already suffered from it, you don’t have to worry about it anymore.

Your body has already established antibodies that will help keep mono at bay. Other than that, there is a way of avoiding this virus. Mono is spread through saliva, so aside from kissing, you can catch this virus from sharing silverware, water bottles, toothbrushes and anything else that comes into contact with someone else’s saliva. It’s important to keep in mind that people can carry the virus unknowingly for up to eight weeks without appearing to have symptoms.

So how will you know if you have it? Mono can appear to be a very bad cold, but over time you’ll realize that you’re feeling a lot more tired than usual after a long day of lectures. This unbearable fatigue doesn’t seem to go away either and just gets worse to the point where you don’t feel like

you can even move. What sets this illness apart from others is that the symptoms will linger.

When symptoms, like extreme fatigue, sore throat and fever, continue for days, it’s a good time to get checked out by Student Health Services.

Unfortunately, If you are diagnosed with mono, there isn’t much that can be done. It’s a virus, so you’ll have to wait it out.

To relieve symptoms though,

take some ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Drink plenty of water and get lots of rest. Getting a lot of rest is especially helpful when fighting off this illness. The thing is, it’s hard to balance getting better, schoolwork and other commitments. Cutting down on some of those commitments, like sports, is tough but necessary when dealing with mono. Get in touch with professors and

see what can be worked out.

Remember, the more time you take to rest, the quicker you’ll get better.

Overall, in order to avoid the “kissing disease,” you have to take precautions. Avoid sharing items that come into contact with other people’s saliva. If you do have it, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Happy Valentine’s Day, and stay healthy!

Make sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting mononucleosis.

AP Photo

page 12 The Signal February 11, 2015

[

EXPLORING ECONOMIC

]

JUSTICE

NEW JERSEY, THE NATION, AND THE WORLD

Mr. Matt Taibbi, author of the New York Times bestseller The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap. In his talk, Mr. Taibbi will paint an alarming portrait of contemporary American life - where our basic rights are now determined by our wealth or poverty - and provide a way forward against this urgent crisis.

matt taibbi The DiviDe: AmericAn injusTice in The Age of The WeAlTh gAp WEDNESDAY, FEbruArY 18, 2015 EDucATIoN buIlDING, rooM 212 4:00 pM

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

The College of New Jersey | 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08628-0718

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 13

Arts & Entertainment

Communication troubles in a distant, digital age

Brendan McGeehan / Staff Photographer

During the Brown Bag, High fields audience questions.

By Frank Festa Staff Writer This semester’s inaugural lecture of the College’s Brown Bag Series proved to be an enthralling event, as the guest speaker addressed an increasingly relevant topic of discussion — the dependency we now have on computer-mediated mediums for interpersonal communication.

Andrew C. High of the University of Iowa expressed his developed hypotheses on how this preference can both help and hinder communication, during a lecture in the Mayo Concert Hall on Friday, Feb. 6, entitled “ComputerMediated Communication: Exploring the Interpersonal Problems and Benefits of Online Interactions.” High noted early and often how applicable his research was to each and every one of us.

“This is probably near and dear to all of us — because it’s such a big part of our lives, we hardly recognize or acknowledge it,” High said. “Ninety million Americans are portrayed on some type

of online group or community.”

Computer-Mediated Communication, which High abbreviated as CMC, entails any sort of interaction that may take place in cyberspace, whether on Facebook, Twitter or even ChristianMingle.

Theoretically, High believes that we have moved away from faceto-face interaction in favor of the comfort distance provides.

“People often tend to prefer CMC when their own desired impressions are threatened — it provides them a space to communicate things differently than they would otherwise,” High said. “If I wanted to break up with you, we’re going to have to have a long conversation. It might get sad and you may even punch me.”

His sarcastic tone was greeted with laughter from the audience, but he did have a point — there was no arguing that difficult conversations were easier to have via CMC. High set out to discover if CMC had realistically surpassed face-to-face communication in

terms of emotional discourse. In order to begin this process, he completed four studies in which he conducted research on the different ways people utilize CMC as a method of seeking support and expressing emotion. His methodology was varied in a way that could put issues big and small in perspective, making use of various diverse groups.

He sought answers to those questioning whether or not face-toface communication was preferred to online when seeking support and how gender may contribute to variation. He even went as far as analyzing how a military support group of 19,000 members interact.

One study in particular sought to determine if Facebook is an effective context for supportive communication, something High believes to be essential.

“It allows us to cope better, express ourselves and ultimately reduce and help manage stress better,” High said.

The results of the studies varied in result as one could expect, but it was clear enough to come to certain conclusions — that CMC is preferred for supportive communication, that the large military support group was effective and that Facebook could be a constructive place for support to take place.

And yet on this last conclusion, there were some discrepancies.

“What most surprised me was that support being provided went down when somebody was actually seeking it out, which was kind of disheartening,” High said.

While plenty of negative effects may result from CMC in atmospheres such as Facebook and Twitter, High refuses to discredit it completely. The web in general

connects people in ways that were once unimaginable. Communities are established where like-minded individuals or those in need of support are free to interact.

“Support groups are wonderful because they are anonymous and connect you to people with similar experiences,” High said.

Lorna Johnson-Frizell, associate professor of communications at the College, supported High in this regard and praised Facebook for assisting her search on parenting advice.

“It collapses time and collapses geography,” JohnsonFrizell said. “Without Facebook, I’d have to meet each of these people face to face.”

Of all that could be said of CMC, there is no omitting the fact that it will become only more ingrained in us, constituting an even bigger part of our communication.

“During my speech, 13,850,000 new users or profiles joined Facebook,” High said “There has been 300 million page views just while I’ve been talking. Facebook is the most heavily trafficked website.”

Moving forward, High would

like to continue this kind of research on the effects of CMC through whichever methods made available. He also plans to analyze a group of elderly cancer patients in the near future with help from the hospital at The University of Iowa. For the time being, he will focus on building upon the studies he’s already conducted.

“We actively try to collect Facebook posts to see how support takes form and to seek out instances in which perception differs,” High said.

Facebook has become his most reliable point of reference, but common ideology would lead one to believe that an even more personal network, such as texting or instant messaging, would be a better place to extract real emotions.

Unfortunately, it isn’t ever that simple.

“Texting is trickier to study because nobody is willing to give us access to their texts, which we understand,” High said. “Besides, we aren’t really interested in what your plans are for spring break.”

Brendan McGeehan / Staff Photographer

High lectures about social media’s effect on communication.

‘Abbey’ tackles the Roaring ’20s in new season

By Julia Woolever Correspondent When the British costume drama “Downton Abbey” first made its premiere stateside in 2010, it was hailed as a revolutionary exploration of class dynamics among pre-World War I England’s aristocracy that was as intelligent as it was visually appealing. But this is only half the story of “Downton Abbey.” One only needs to recall that the first episode involved

a storyline where an unmarried daughter of the house had to hide the body of a visiting Turkish ambassador who died in her bed to recognize that “Downton Abbey” is a soap opera at heart.

As the show enters its fifth season, this soap opera idea has never been more apparent. Historical issues are largely a backdrop for the melodramas of the Crawleys, the aristocratic family that preside over the manor, Downton Abbey, and their household staff.

AP Photo

Maggie Smith leads a SAG award-winning ensemble.

In the fifth season, the year is 1924, and change is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. The changes in question range from serious — the tenants who rent land on the estate demand more rights, to silly — the home’s first wireless radio is regarded as witchcraft.

But if there’s one thing that remains constant at Downton, it’s the family patriarch, Lord Grantham, played by Hugh Bonneville, is vehemently opposed to modernity itself. Lord Grantham spends most of his time waxing poetic about the importance of tradition and shouting at anyone who disagrees.

Lord Grantham’s eldest daughter, Lady Mary, revels in these changes. The newly eligible bachelorette, played by Michelle Dockery, takes full advantage of expanded freedom for women.

Having just come out of grieving her late husband, she takes her own sweet time to decide if she should marry any of the myriad of suitors fighting for her affections.

Mary even employs her maid to

purchase — gasp — birth control for her so she can go on what can only be described as a “sex vacation” with one of said suitors to determine his worthiness.

Meanwhile, middle daughter Lady Edith, played by Laura Carmichael, continues to deal with the consequences of her own “sex vacation.” She has second thoughts about her decision to have her illegitimate daughter raised by a local farming family. The father of this daughter may possibly have been killed by Nazis while he was on a business trip to Germany, but Edith is not really sure.

Yes, the melodrama is strong with this one.

But despite or maybe because of all of the melodrama, “Downton Abbey” remains an incredibly entertaining show. It may be a soap opera masquerading as a serious historical drama, but there has never been a soap opera as beautiful as this one: the atmospheric landscapes of rural England and stunning costumes truly transport

viewers into the Roaring ’20s.

None of this would work if it weren’t for the talented cast. “Abbey” took home the well-deserved award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at last week’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.

These characters have real heart, and audiences can’t help but become invested in their well-being.

Is it ridiculous that Lord Grantham refuses to accept even the slightest bit of change? Yes, but it’s clear that he is scared of an unknown future in which he may become irrelevant. Is Edith pathetic for whining about how the family she gave her daughter to won’t let her become a nanny for them? A little, but it’s also heartbreaking to see her separated from her daughter. These characters are human, and that’s what makes them relatable.

So forget the idea that “Downton Abbey” is a highfalutin drama that only octogenarians can enjoy.

Surrender to the soap opera, and enjoy the wild ride.

page 14 The Signal February 11, 2015

International Film Festival Thursday, February 12, 2015

7:30pm-10:00pm Library Auditorium

Detective Dee is an

action-packed, visually breathtaking Sherlock Holmes-

style mystery starring some of China's top acting talent. Stunningly choreographed by master Sammo Hung, this intricately plotted

mystery is

set in an exquisitely realized steampunk version of ancient China. On the eve of her coronation as Empress (Carina Lau), China's most powerful woman is haunted by a chilling murder mystery: seven men under her command have burst into flames, leaving behind only black ash and skeletal bones.

Recognizing this threat to her power, she turns to the infamous Dee Renjie (Andy Lau): a man whose unparalleled wisdom is matched only by his

martial arts skills. As he battles a series of bizarre dangers, he unveils a chilling truth that places his life, and the future of an entire dynasty, in danger.

Q and A with Dr. Jiayan Mi following the film

*Sponsored by the Department of World Languages and Cultures, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Arts and Communication

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 15

Sorority Noise ignites crowd during Rat show

Kimberly Ilkowski / Features Editor

Ackerman plays with high energy during an engaging set.

By Kimberly Ilkowski Features Editor

A bright full moon and fresh orders of cheese fries began

By Judith Signal Advice Columnist

the first Tuesday night CUBRat show of the semester which featured a highly anticipated performance by Sorority Noise and the local outfit Archie Alone on

Feb. 3, in the Rathskeller.

Archie Alone opened the evening and played several new tracks for the Rat audience.

Vocalist Nicole Mesce, guitarist Cindy Ward, bassist Tony Mastrolia and drummer Pete Clark played songs like “Alone,” “Broken Pieces” and “Furlough,” a song inspired by the cult favorite Netflix original series, “Orange Is The New Black.”

The band, based in Essex County, N.J., is in the midst of recording an EP that is set for release in March.

In anticipation of the new music, the band is playing a show with nostalgia-heavy emo rockers, Hawthorne Heights, at the Stanhope House in March.

There was an angry edge to the band’s performance which boded well in the Rat’s intimate,

dark setting.

As Sorority Noise took the stage, students pushed their way to the front to get in on all the musical action.

Comprised of Cameron Boucher on vocals and guitar, Ryan McKenna on bass, Adam Ackerman on guitar and Charlie Singer on drums, the band hails from Hartford, C.T. The group played multiple tracks off its May 2014, debut full-length “Forgettable,” like “Mediocre At Best,” “Blonde Hair, Black Lungs,” “Dirty Ickes” and “Still Shrill.”

The end of its high-energy performance featured a quick cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” which inspired 30 seconds of chaos as people pushed and shoved each other in a pseudo-mosh pit.

The band is often compared to The Front Bottoms due to its earnest lyrics while stylistically following suit to fellow emorevivalist, Modern Baseball.

Sorority Noise signed with Topshelf Records last month and just completed recording a sophomore LP set for release this summer.

“It’s definitely a more mature-sounding record,” frontman Boucher said.

In May, the band is set to play the third annual Skate and Surf Festival in Asbury Park, N.J., featuring other alternative acts.

“It was so crazy,” Boucher said. “Adam told me that morning, ‘I just got us tickets to Skate and Surf,’ and I was like, ‘Well, you’re gonna have to sell them ’cause we just got booked to play it.’”

– Being Real The Awards Forecast: The supporting actors

Dear Judith, I’ve been dating this girl for a while (let’s just call her “Lady”), and I think things are starting to get kind of serious.

The thing is that I feel like I’m not completely myself around her. I’ve got a few quirks and habits that I’ve been hiding so that she’ll like me more. My question is this: How do I let her get to know the “real” me without losing my Lady?

-Being Real Dear Being Real, As humans, we have the ability to “own” many things — a house, a car, a phone and an abundance of other material items. However, there is only really one thing that we can claim total and complete ownership over: our identity.

It’s a long process to come into this ownership. As we go through middle school and high school, we adopt personality traits from our friends. But as we grow older, we begin to take little tokens from those closest to us, mix it with our own thoughts and interests, and ultimately create the most unique and special form of ourselves. Our identity is, in practical terms, what makes us who we are. To me, it’s the most important thing we as humans own.

So why, my friend, would you want to hide any of that from someone who you may be falling in love with? Romantic relationships — and any friendships, for that matter — are built on the foundation of

trust and honesty. I’m not here to scold you for being dishonest, Being Real, but I am here to try and push you in the direction of being yourself.

But you know that, Being Real? It’s so important. It’s so incredibly liberating when you finally let those dark feelings fly into the wind of reality. Now this isn’t to say that you should be revealing your deepest thoughts and emotions to everyone you meet. On the contrary, you should save them for special people, such as Lady and your closest friends. That’s why we have best friends and significant others. We all know that hiding is easier, but it’s way less fulfilling and ultimately, you are going to find yourself stuck.

So now it’s time to address your specific question — I am sorry that you feel like you have to hide from your Lady. If I’ve learned anything throughout my college career, it’s that the most important thing you can do is be yourself around those that care about you.

Because if they truly do care about you, then they will love you, flaws and all.

I can’t say that Lady will accept these feelings. I wish I could promise you that, but Judith doesn’t make promises. She can only make heartfelt suggestions for, hopefully, heartwarming success.

Open your heart to your Lady. She’ll appreciate it either way. And if for some crazy reason she doesn’t accept you, flaws and all, then she’s not meant for you anyway. Being yourself is the most important thing you can do, and is the first step to solidifying your place in this world.

“To thine own self be true,” right?

Love, Judith

AP Photo

Arquette is in the lead.

By Jonathan Edmondson Arts & Entertainment Editor

The categories of Best Supporting Actor and Actress are two of my absolute favorite races each year, thanks to dynamic and versatile performances from both veteran and new actors alike. This year’s nominees have portrayed roles including three mothers, a father, a daughter, a brother, a physicist, a judge

and a crazed music teacher.

All 10 of the nominees are superbly talented and have made their mark in the world of cinema this year with outstanding careerdefining supporting roles.

For the women, the race is packed with five outstanding females playing complex roles. Meryl Streep, breaking her own record for the most nominations for a single actor with an astounding 19 nods, showcases her vocal chops as the Witch in “Into the Woods.” She’s a scene stealer, as is Emma Stone as narcissistic Sam in “Birdman” and Keira Knightley as the inspirational Joan Clarke in “The Imitation Game.”

However, the two most defining and engaging performances come from Patricia Arquette and Laura Dern. Dern is heartbreaking as single-mother Bobbi in “Wild,” and Arquette is equally as impactful in “Boyhood.” Having swept the awards season thus far, it’s only fair to give this one to Arquette — it may be predictable, but damn

does she deserve it.

For the men, the race is equally as impressive.

There’s Robert Duvall, one of the oldest nominees in history playing the powerful Joseph Palmer in “The Judge.” Ethan Hawke plays opposite Arquette as a struggling father in “Boyhood,” a role in which he spent 12 years portraying. Mark Ruffalo also has a career-defining performance as Olympic wrestler David Schultz in the film “Foxcatcher.”

Then there’s Edward Norton, playing egotistical Broadway actor Mike Shiner in “Birdman” with devilish force and intensity, and finally J.K. Simmons as the psychotic music teacher Terrance Fletcher in “Whiplash.”

Like Arquette, Simmons has been sweeping this season so far, and for good reason. As Fletcher, he breaks out of his usually comedic mold and delivers his best, most terrifying performance to date.

Don’t be surprised when his name is announced come Oscar night.

‘Museum’ ends trilogy with powerful nostalgia

AP Photo

Williams shines in his last, live-action role as Roosevelt.

By Kayla Whittle Staff Writer

“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” is the end of a beloved

trilogy that began in 2006. The film again follows the misadventures of Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), only this time, the tablet that brings everything in the museum to life at

night begins to lose its power. This leads Larry to London to find the Egyptian pharaoh (Ben Kingsley) who originally created the tablet.

But of course, he can’t accomplish anything on his own. Many familiar faces are there along the way to help him in his journey, including a few fun appearances of characters from the first movie.

It can’t go unmentioned that this was also Robin Williams’s last, live-action role. If you’ve been a fan of his, you won’t be disappointed by his performance as he once again portrays Teddy Roosevelt.

As a mentor to Larry, he gives such

wonderful advice — as if Williams were reaching through the screen one last time to give every audience advice, as well.

That said, the movie wouldn’t have been complete without new and interesting characters brought to life once the tablet reaches London. There’s Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens), who refuses to believe that he isn’t the real Lancelot; a caveman (Stiller) who is convinced that Larry is his long-lost father; and a British Museum security guard played by Rebel Wilson. I’m not a huge fan of Wilson, but I did enjoy some of her funny one-liners.

I think this movie is one that will be enjoyed by viewers young and old. Who wouldn’t love to see things in a museum pop into life?

Younger kids will get a kick out of the antics, and older viewers who have grown up with this trilogy will love seeing the characters one final time as they spark our imaginations and then fade off the screen.

I would highly recommend seeing “Museum” not only for its simplistic, hilarious comedy but for the nostalgia that will surely come as you remember sitting in the theater eight years ago watching the first film.

page 16 The Signal February 11, 2015

The Division of Student Affairs invites students to apply for:

the 2015 student engagement scholarships

Dorothy Taylor Haas ‘32 Award

Graduating senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who demonstrates strong leadership skills, character, great promise for the future, and an extensive commitment to the College through involvement with campus or community events.

Greg Caiola ’79 Scholarship

Rising Junior or rising Senior, who demonstrates outstanding engagement and leadership in a recognized student organization at the College. This student shall show dedication to the organization(s) of which he or she is a member, and shall strive to make the campus and the community a better place through his or her active commitment and leadership. Must be nominated to apply.

Harold W. and Rosa Lee Eickhoff Fund

Rising juniors or rising seniors who maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate through their actions that they will leave The College a better place for having been here.

John Wandishin ‘79 Scholarship

Rising sophomore, rising junior, or rising senior who has the potential to make positive contributions to the TCNJ community. This student may not necessarily receive great public attention, but exemplifies honor, courage, leadership, scholarship, and service in their efforts to use available resources to further the TCNJ community.

Wade Watkins ’84 Scholarship

Full time undergraduate student that plays an active role in campus programs, and has made positive contributions to the TCNJ community. Although this student may not necessarily receive great public attention for their efforts, he/she must exhibit the qualities of leadership, scholarship, and service; while having fun in the process.

William M. Klepper Scholarship

Undergraduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA who is involved in campus programs, demonstrates academic achievement, and is active in at least one student organization, preferably in a leadership position.

For guidelines and to apply visit:

studentactivities.tcnj.edu Deadline: Monday, March 2

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 17

Sports Swimming and Diving

Lions have strong showing on senior day

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The men’s team’s seniors celebrate one last home win.

By Michael Battista Sports Assistant The Lions put on a strong performance on Saturday, Feb. 7, against William Paterson University, beating them 17491. Coming into their matchup against the Pioneers, the College had already clinched its eighthstraight NJAC title, which was presented to both the men’s and women’s teams at the end of the meet, respectively.

Before the event started, both teams paid respect to the Lions’ seniors, for whom this would be the last regular season meet at

the College. Seniors Meaghan Burke, Carlyn Hubert, Katie Reilly, Brennah Ross, Summer Thomas, Chrisitan Bacchia, Aleksander Burzysnki, Christopher Dunn, Dennis Hall-App, Mark Marsella, Brett Pedersen and Brian Perez were all honored with flowers as their accomplishments in both sports and academics were announced over the loudspeakers.

Thomas, the women’s team captain, said that the entire event was emotional.

“It’s really sad,” she said.

“It’s almost all over, and this is my last time swimming in this

pool for the College.”

After that however, both teams got ready for the challenge William Paterson presented.

In the first race, the women’s 200 yard medley relay, the Lion’s came out strong taking four of the top five spots, starting with 15 points.The men quickly followed suit in their 200 yard medley relay, with the top three all being Lions’ swimmers securing 15 more points.

The women’s 1000 yard freestyle also saw Lions freshman Marta Lawler, freshman Madeline Clements and freshman Kathleen Kilfeather taking the top three spots, respectively, and getting 16 points.

Many of the swimmers had multiple victories during the day, including Pedersen, who won both the 100 yard breaststroke and the 500 yard freestyle.

The College continued with its success for the rest of the day, with freshman Chris O’Sullivan winning on the men’s 1000 yard freestyle, freshman Emily Rothstein and junior Joe Dunn winning their 200 yard freestyle races, and freshman Jillian Galindo and Junior Dante

Colucci winning their team’s 100 yard backstroke race. In the 100 yard breaststroke, Ross came through for his team in the last home race with a win.

After the win, Hubert, cocaptain of the women’s team, said the team needs to keep its morale up while moving forward into the Metropolitan Conference Championships.

“A lot of it is keeping the team’s morale high,” she said.

“But around this time, everyone gets excited for Mets.”

Thomas also thinks that some practices up until the

championships will help the team focus.

“We just need to work on the little things and train hard for two weeks,” Thomas said.

The conference championships start next week on Friday, Feb. 20, at Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J. Looking forward at her remaining time with the team, Hubert closed by reminding people it’s not just about one person.

“This whole thing is bittersweet, but events like this remind you it’s a team sport not just won by an individual,” Hubert said.

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The women’s team’s seniors have a successful day in the pool.

Wrestling

Men’s Basketball

Wrestlers fall short Lions lose ground in NJAC Suffers tough road loss

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Antonio Mancella earns a pin.

By Josh Kestenbaum Staff Writer

The past few wrestling matches have been up and down for the Lions, and when they travelled to Wilkes University on Friday, Feb. 6, it was mostly down. The Lions only won three weight classes on their way to a 27-12 defeat at the hands of the Colonels.

Going into the match, the Lions were out-ranked by their opponents, ranking as the 25th Division III team in the country while the Colonels boasted 11th.

Wilkes wrestled like the better team early on, taking four of the first five weight classes to build a sizeable lead. However, the Lions won the 197 weight class in dominant fashion.

Sophomore Dan Wojtaszek won his class by fall when he pinned his opponent at just 4:46.

With the win, Wojtaszek improved to 7-2 on the season.

The Lions gained some ground on the Colonels, as they were victorious in two of the next three weight classes. Freshman Ryan Budzek defeated his opponent at 141 by a score of 10-4. Two classes later, junior Antonio Mancella earned a 12-5 decision at 157.

The Lions then dropped the final two weight classes, making the final score 27-12 in favor of Wilkes University.

Notably absent from the Lions’ lineup was senior Zach Zotollo, the top-ranked, D-III wrestler at 174.

Zotollo is 14-0 on the season but has not wrestled since Saturday, Jan. 31, when the College hosted the Metro/New England Duals.

The Lions will return to the mat on Friday, Feb. 13, when they travel to Doylestown, P.A. to take on Delaware Valley College. The Delaware Valley Aggies are the eighthranked, D-III wrestling team in the nation, so the Lions will be up against a strong program.

“We come to practice and work hard,” coach Joe Galante said in regards to the team’s preparation this week. “Each and every opponent is difficult in a different way.”

The Lions will then be back at The College on Saturday, Feb. 14, to face Messiah College at 7 p.m. in Packer Hall.

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The Lions stumble in their NJAC games.

By Otto Gomez Staff Writer

The Lions headed into the week eager to continue their strong play and extend a four game winning streak against NJAC opponents, with games against Rowan University on Wednesday, Feb. 4, and New Jersey City University on Saturday, Feb. 7.

While the entire team and coaching staff has gained a lot of momentum from their hot stretch, coach Kelly Williams ’93 understood that his team must continue to focus and avoid getting too confident.

“Our conference is so competitive, so we must continue to play great basketball on both ends of the court to continue our success over the month,” Williams said. “It is nice to see our

guys playing with so much passion and confidence. We understand that we have to focus on the next game and continue to have sharp intense practices to earn a playoff spot.”

However, the Lions came up short against both teams, losing 69-63 against Rowan and 63-58 to NJCU. Facing Rowan, starters senior Jayson Johnson and freshman Eric Murdock, Jr. led the College in scoring with 15 points.

Murdock, Jr., a freshman who has started every game this season, continued his impressive play after receiving the NJAC Rookie of the Week award for the week ending on Sunday, Feb. 1.

“As a freshman, I was assigned the roles of being a tough defender and keeping the offense organized. Whatever the team needs to win I am prepared to do,” Murdock, Jr. said. “This

helps us maintain good chemistry and makes it easy for me to mesh well with my teammates.”

He has been instrumental in the success of the squad this year, ranking second in assists and averaging third in play time. While Johnson cut the lead to three points very late in the game, the Profs managed to hit their free throws to close the game for sure.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Lions traveled to Jersey City looking to shake off their earlier loss. While the game was close throughout, neither team saw a double digit lead all day long, and the Lions took a four-point lead late in the match. That’s when NJCU caught fire, however, scoring the last nine points to secure the five point victory.

Junior Bobby Brackett, the team’s leading rebounder, posted another double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds, and senior Skyelar Ettin added 12 points and six boards in the effort, making up for an uncharacteristic seven-point outing from leading scorer Johnson. While playing solid defense throughout, the entire team struggled shooting, only connecting on 28 percent of their shots.

The team continues their push to the playoffs on the road as they visit Ramapo College on Wednesday, Feb. 11, for a 7:30 p.m. start. They return home to Packer Hall to host William Paterson University on Saturday, Feb. 14.

page 18 The Signal February 11, 2015

4 6

LIONS

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 19

AROUND THE

DORM 5 3

Josh Kestenbaum “The Ref”

Matt Bowker Sports Editor

Andrew Grossman Staff Writer

Kyle Bennion Staff Writer

In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Josh Kestenbaum, asks our panel of experts three questions: Will the Seahawks return to a third-straight Super Bowl, which team will be the most active at the upcoming NHL trade deadline and which MLB team has improved the most this off-season?

1. Will the Seahawks make it to a thirdstraight Super Bowl next season? If not, who will unseat them?

Matt: I do not see the Seahawks returning to the Super Bowl next year. Their defense will remain largely intact, but their offense just is not good enough.

They must get a receiver to keep pace with teams like the Packers and Cowboys in the NFC. The Hawks draft 31st and will have no elite receivers left on the board. The Seahawks are ready, whether justified or not, to make Russell Wilson the highest-paid QB in the NFL. This will leave the team with no cap space to bolster their receiving corps in free agency. And after their supposed “greatest defense ever” was picked apart

by Brady in the Super Bowl, there is no reason to believe the Seahawks will be able to beat a healthy Aaron Rodgers in next year’s playoffs.

Andrew: The Seahawks will not make their third-straight Super Bowl simply

AP Photo

because they do not have enough money to bring back some of their elite players.

With Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas getting big contracts and Russell Wilson expected to get one as well, Marshawn

Lynch will be the odd man out. Despite the questionable play at the end of the Super Bowl, Seattle has established itself as a run-first offense. Unless Robert Turbin can have a breakthrough year and

fill Lynch’s shoes or the Seahawks pick up another running back in the offseason, Seattle will lose one of its biggest advantages. Without a strong running back, expect the Green Bay Packers to take the NFC, barring Brian Bostick attempting to recover another onside kick.

Kyle: Next season, expect to see Seattle in the Super Bowl, but don’t expect to see them there again soon after that. With no major contracts expiring this offseason, the Seahawks can expect to keep all their skill players for next season, plus whatever additions they make this offseason.

However, after next season, Russell Wilson’s contract will expire, and after two Super Bowl appearances and one win, he’s not going to be cheap. Most of their starting secondary expires at the end of next season as well, stripping the defense of their most valuable assets. Seattle will be in the big game again, but barring some magic, they won’t be there soon after.

Matt gets 3 points for addressing Seattle’s need for a No. 1 receiver. Kyle gets 2 points for bringing up Seattle’s cap issues, and Andrew gets 1 point for poking fun at Bostick.

AP Photo

2. With the NHL trade deadline approaching, which team will be the most active?

Matt: It’s a buyer’s market this year in

the NHL, with so many bad teams looking to trade away talent and improve their chances of getting the number one pick in the draft. I believe that the most active

of those teams will be the Maple Leafs, losers of 11-straight games. The Leafs have imploded for the third-straight year in a row, and it’s time for a change. It’s time to blow up that team. They’re so dysfunctional, they deserve their own reality show on the E! Network. Their core players are unwilling to change their me-first attitude, which resulted in the firing of their coach midway through the season.

After repeatedly being called “uncoachable,” management has no choice but to trade away Kessel, Phaneuf, Kadri and Lupul. All four of those players, especially Kessel, would rake in a very nice return for the Leafs and expedite the rebuilding process.

Andrew: Expect the Buffalo Sabres to be the most active team with the NHL trade deadline approaching. After just snapping a 14-game losing streak, Buffalo has the worst record in the NHL and is on pace

to have the second-worst goal differential in league history. Needless to say, the Sabres could use a lot of help. In fact, most recently, head coach Ted Nolan told his players that “maybe somebody will see you and want you.” It is wrong when motivation stems from playing well in order to get traded to a better team. With the playoffs well out of reach, all the Sabres can do is move on, so expect players to be moved around for role players and potential draft picks.

Kyle: At this stage in the season, with the record they have so far, the Buffalo Sabres will be the most active at the trade deadline.

This is a team that has been at the bottom of the league for the entirety of the season and needs to start looking towards the future.

Dealing large contracts will free up cap space, and with the high demand for defensemen in the league, you may see Buffalo deal a few of their own.

Matt gets 3 points for pitching a Maple Leafs E! Network reality show. Andrew and Kyle get 1 point each for picking the worst team in the league.

3. Which MLB team improved the most through off-season acquisitions?

Matt: Clearly the teams in Chicago are the most improved, with the White Sox trade for Jeff Samadzija and the Cubs signing of Jon Lester. However, I believe both of these teams are still a year or two away from being serious contenders. The one team that turned itself from a possible worst-to-first candidate this offseason is the Boston Red Sox. After winning the world series, the Red Sox had a hugely disappointing season in 2014. In order to ensure success this year, the team threw so much money at Pablo Sandoval that he left the world-champion Giants, and the team also signed Hanley Ramirez. The biggest problem with the Sox last season was their pitching.

Since then, they have acquired Wade Miley, Rick Porcello and Justin Masterson, all solid pitchers at the end of the rotation. The Sox are still missing a true ace, but James Shields is still available, and the Red Sox are willing to spend any amount to compete. Their lack of an ace will hopefully, force them to make a deal with the devil, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro and trade for Cole Hamels or Cliff Lee.

Andrew: The Red Sox have taken full advantage of their offseason and will be the most improved team in 2015. After finishing last in the American League East with a disappointing 71-91 season, Boston can only get better. Fortunately for the Red Sox, they are one of MLB’s richest franchises. In an expensive acquisition of almost $200 million, the Red Sox picked up two leading sluggers in Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. These two add much needed depth on the offensive side for Boston. Last season, the Red Sox ranked in the bottom third of runs scored. With the two big acquisitions, expect that to change this season.

Kyle: With the addition of slugger Melky Cabrera, the Chicago White Sox are the winners of the MLB offseason thus far. In addition, a trade with Oakland netted the Sox former Notre Dame receiver-turnedpitcher, Jeff Samardzija to bolster their core rotation. Cabrera is an addition to a team that already sports Rookie-of-theYear, Jose Abreu and ace lefty Chris Sale.

Look for the White Sox to make a splash with all this firepower next season.

Matt gets 3 points for showing Boston’s improvment. Kyle gets 2 points for pointing out Chicago’s firepower, and Andrew gets 1 point for reminding us how bad the Sox were.

Matt wins Around the Dorm 9-5-3.

AP Photo

page 20 The Signal February 11, 2015

Fun Stuff Thought of the day: One time I was seeing a caldendar. we went out on multiple dates.

Love is like a maze....

punny pick-ups 1) YOU MUST BE A TEACHER... ...CAUSE YOU’VE GOT SOME CLASS.

2) is your name sunny? ...cause you light up my world.

...It can sometimes be puzzling.

3) you remind me of some fruit... ...cause you’re berry cute.

4) you’re like a pen, cause when i’m with you...

...everything’s always write.

valentine’s day word search

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 21

MORE Fun Stuff

free valentine’s day cards!

Cut them out and give them to the ones you hold near and dear to your heart.

TO:

FROM:

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page 22 The Signal February 11, 2015

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 23 Cheap Seats

Austin Hatch inspires fans everywhere

Michigan student-athlete overcomes tragedy

Hatch lives his dream of playing college basketball.

By Kevin Luo Staff Writer We use the term “miracle” a lot in sports. We use it when a team makes an incredible comeback or there’s an amazing finish in a game. We use it when a team makes a huge upset. We use it for many other sporting events and stories. This weekend, Sportscenter shined the spotlight on a true miracle in the world of sports.

On Dec. 22, 2014, Austin Hatch scored his first point as a Michigan Wolverine when he was fouled on a jump shot against Coppin State and made one of three free throws. He exited the court

AP Photo

that day to a roaring applause and a big hug from his coach, John Beilein. The basket he scored was an incredible sight to see, but his journey to this point was far more incredible as it’s a miracle in itself that Hatch is even alive today.

Hatch grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind. as an average, young kid.

His life took a crazy turn when he was 8 years old, when he boarded a flight with his parents and siblings. The plane was flown by his father, who was a pilot. Everything appeared to be going well until the plane suffered from equipment failure, hit a utility pole and crashed. His father was able to save Austin

from the burning plane but was unable to save anyone else. His mother, brother and sister all died in the crash.

Although he experienced such a tragic event at a young age, he was able to push on due to a strong support system. The bond between him and his father grew stronger when his father remarried, adding a support system from his new stepmother and three new siblings. He quickly bonded with his new family, and his stepmother eventually adopted him.

With this strong support system, Hatch was able to become a standout basketball player at Canterbury High. One night, Hatch scored 30 points and had 16 rebounds with Beilein watching from the stands.

Beilein had seen all he needed to see and quickly offered Hatch a scholarship to Michigan — an achievement Hatch didn’t hesitate in accepting. He had Maize and Blue in his blood as his father was a huge fan and his biological mother was a Michigan alumna.

Hatch was ready to live out his dream of playing at Michigan.

Then, tragedy struck again. He was flying again with his father and stepmother when they had to make an emergency landing due to bad weather. The plane

crashed. He was in a medically induced coma for six weeks. There were questions of whether he’d ever wake up again or what he would be able to do if he awoke.

He awoke to the worst news he could’ve expected: his father and stepmother were dead.

His father’s dream was always to watch his son play basketball at Michigan, and even when he had such limited body movement, he was still determined to make his father’s dream a reality. Day by day, he went through intensive physical therapy and saw himself improving. He went through rehab for over a year at home with his older sister as his guardian.

For his senior season, he went to go live with his uncle in California

who enrolled him in Loyola High School so he could be a part of coach Jamal Adams’s program and work with trainer Rasheed Hazzard, who helped rehab Kobe Bryant the year before. When Hatch and his coach thought he was game ready, he got into a game and made his first shot.

After graduating from Loyola, he was ready for Ann Arbor.

Beilein was more than happy to honor Hatch’s scholarship. With the help of an incredible support system, Hatch had reached where he always wanted to be.

That free throw against Coppin State was the true moment that showed his dream had come true. Hatch’s story is a true miracle that inspired and will continue to inspire so many people.

Hatch records his first college point in his return.

AP Photo

Lions gain ground in tight playoff race Women’s Basketball

By Anthony Caruso Staff Writer The College’s women’s basketball team has been perfect in conference play this week, winning both games, and continuing to fight for a spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference playoffs.

The team moved into a tie for fifth place with Kean University and Rutgers-Newark.

However, while all three teams are tied, Kean is the leader with a 12-10 record, followed by the College also at 12-10, while Rutgers Newark has an 11-11 record.

“For me, especially as a senior, I’m looking at one game at a time,” guard Kelly Coughlin said. “Once one game is over, it is immediately time to prepare for the next one. As nice as it is to have won the last three games, we need to cherish each game we have left and place equal importance on each of them.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Packer Hall, the Lions won 57-48 over Rowan University.

Senior Jessica Goldbach had 15 points and eight rebounds. This was the second time that she had 15 points this season.

“Jess has been playing great and is a big reason we were able to win the last couple games, Wednesday included,” fellow senior Kylie O’Donnell said. “She is a tough player for teams to defend because she is tall and can make tough catches and layups in the paint, but she can also step outside and knock down shots from three. She has not only been great on the offensive end, but has also played a huge role defensively and on the boards.”

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The Lions play their way into playoff contention.

O’Donnell also had 14 points. She had 17 points combined in her previous three games.

“Wednesday night was an important game for us in the conference, and as a team, we talk about doing whatever it takes to get a win,” O’Donnell said.

“Sometimes my team needs me to distribute the ball to get the offense going, and other times they might need me to score more. I just try my best to play whichever role is needed each game. I happened to score some points on Wednesday, but

the awesome part about our team is any player is capable of stepping up on any given night.”

Additionally, on Saturday, Feb. 7, the Lions won 62-53 over the Gothic Knights of New Jersey City University. In the alltime meeting, the Lions lead 53-3, including 13 straight wins.

Coughlin lead the team with 16 points. in her first 16-point performance since William Paterson on Saturday, Jan. 17.

“Yesterday, my shot just felt natural to me,” Coughlin added. “Coach was telling

me to feel the rhythm of the game, and my teammates kept encouraging me to take the open shot, so I did my best to shoot when they left me open and drive when they tried to get up on me.”

Junior Angelica Esposito also found her shot with 11 points, coming off her worst game with just three points against Ramapo College on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

She’s had 16 double figure games this season, including a career-high 23 points against Rutgers-Newark.

“Ange plays a huge role on this team whether it be scoring or leading the offense as a point guard,” Coughlin said. “She’s an excellent passer and is such an aggressive player that can drive or hit a long range three pointer. Yesterday was no different in that she was able to produce points and get our offense going through a variety of play calls.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the team travels to Ramapo College for a 5:30 tip-off. This is their final road contest of the regular season before hosting the final two games at home on Saturday, Feb. 14 against William Paterson and Wednesday, Feb. 18, against Kean University.

“At this point in the season, every game is basically like a playoff game,” O’Donnell said. “We look at Wednesday’s game at Ramapo as the most important game of the season. That is our team’s mentality. One game at a time. We will practice hard and prepare on Monday and Tuesday and head up to Ramapo Wednesday with the goal of getting a win and getting better as a team.”

page 24 The Signal February 11, 2015

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February 11, 2015 The Signal page 25 Cheap Seats

US youth carries popularity of soccer

By Michael Battista Sports Assistant In last week’s article, I wrote about how the United States’ interest in soccer has been increasing every year thanks to events like the World Cup and outside influences like the Barclay’s Premier League. Recreation, or youth soccer, has also had a steady growth in popularity over the last few years.

Compared to other youth sports in the states, soccer ranks second in overall players, trailing behind basketball, but ahead of baseball and football, according to Forbes. According to a 2007 FIFA study, the U.S. ranks first in the number of youth soccer players in countries that made the World Cup this year, with 24.5 million players, ranking second behind China.

This doesn’t even include education programs, which have also seen a rise in popularity over the last few years. A New York Times article published after 2010’s World Cup states that the number of high school soccer players has more than doubled since 1990 to 730,106 athletes, which is the fastest growth rate among any major sport, according to statistics gathered by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.

Even the number of women’s college teams has jumped 115 percent since the United States hosted the World Cup in 1994,

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

College and high school soccer are the key to the sport’s growth in the US. and the number of men’s teams rose 27.6 percent over the same time, according to the NCAA. So, what is it that attracts youth to the sport but doesn’t keep their interest to watch it regularly like so many other major ones? Well, one very simple idea may be the cost of entry to play.

Soccer doesn’t require much equipment to play, with the only major things needed being a ball and cleats. A quick look at sporting retails such as Modell’s and Dick’s shows that a basic soccer ball costs around $15, while a basic pair of cleats varies by brand and costs around $35. Now, if it’s a team organization, paying for a uniform would also be in order, but compared to other sports, this isn’t that bad. With sports like football and hockey where all the equipment can add

to hundreds of dollars, soccer is a low cost option that has the same team skills parents want their kids to experience.

Kids aren’t just playing soccer on the field anymore either. The annual FIFA video game franchise published by EA Sports is one of the world’s most successful video game series. The game is already the best-selling sports video game in history, according to CNN Money, with well over 100 million copies sold since 1993.

In the U.S., the 2014 edition of the game “FIFA 15” had a total of 66,287 pre-orders before the game was released in September of 2014, according to VGChartz.

With all these kids playing the sport, both on the field and on the television, the question is will this affect the sport’s television ratings

in the future? These players spend hours practicing and having fun with friends and teammates, so shouldn’t they watch the sport they spent so much time with?

A report by the Huffington Post claims that the two most passionate fans about soccer are Hispanics and young adults ranging from ages 18 to 19.

Still, the growing shifts are promising signs in a country with an abundance of sports to watch. These large numbers of players may not have an impact now, but it could keep growing over time.

Soccer’s advancement in America is covering almost every medium, from the youth leagues to the video game scene. If this sport wants to advance from hobby or interest into big-league player in the U.S., it all depends on how spread out it is. With this much possible exposure, soccer is definitely going to get larger as time goes on.

AP Photo

Soccer reaps the benefit of the World Cup’s ratings.

From the classroom to the FRUQHU RIʖFH.

Dr. Kathryn Yeaton, Associate Professor of Accounting, and her class engaged in student presentations.

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page 26 The Signal February 11, 2015

Spring 2015 Career and Internship Fair Friday, February 27, 2015 Rec Center 9AM– 1PM Sampling of Employer Representatives

Profit Accutest Laboratories AdMed, Inc. Aerotek All State New Jersey Arete, Inc. Around Campus Group Bank of America/Merrill Edge Blinds To Go Brainerd Communications, Inc. Breakaway Technologies, Inc. Burlington Stores Camden Riversharks CBIZ Valuation Group Chubb Cintas Corporation CIT Group, Inc. CohnReznick LLP Covance Core e-business solutions DC Fabricators, Inc. Deloitte Emergency Medical Associates Enterprise Holdings Ernst & Young LLP (EY) ESF Summer Camps Fastenal Ferguson Enterprises Fortren Funding Grant Thornton LLP Guardian Life Insurance Company Harding Loevner Health Care Software, Inc. (HCS) Johnson & Johnson Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson JPMorgan Chase Kelmar Associates KPMG

LGS Innovations LLC Management Planning, Inc. McAdam Financial Group McCann Torre Lazur Mercadien P.C. CPAs Miles Technologies Morgan Stanley New York Life News America Marketing NJ 101.5FM - Townsquare Media Nordson EFD, LLC Northeast Planning Corp.

Northwestern Mutual Central NJ/Bucks County Northwestern Mutual - Morristown Philadelphia Insurance Companies Pickering, Corts & Summerson PLS Logistics Services Power Home Remodeling Group Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) Sherwin-Williams Company SHI International Corp.

Six Flags Great Adventure South Jersey Industries Sparta Systems Inc. Target ThyssenKrupp Elevator Unum UPS Visual Computer Solutions Vydia Inc. Whiting-Turner Contracting Wilkin and Guttenplan WithumSmith+Brown

Non-Profit Alternatives, Inc. The Arc Mercer Bonnie Brae Catholic Charities CISabroad City Year Community Charter School of Paterson Educational Testing Service (ETS) Easter Seals NJ International Sculpture Center MSSL Inc. SERV Behavioral Health System,Inc. Teach for America Uncommon Schools Washington Center for Internships Womanspace Government Delaware State Police IRS Criminal Investigation Division Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) New Jersey Economic Development Authority New Jersey Judiciary NJ Department of Banking and Insurance NJ State Parole Board NJ Transit Peace Corps Prince George’s County Police Department U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) U.S. Federal Air Marshals (TSA/DHS)

CO-SPONSORS: Net Impact, Theta Phi Alpha, Junior Class Officers, Delta Phi Epsilon, Phi Beta Lambda, Manhunt and more!

For updated list, please check the Career Center website: http://career.pages.tcnj.edu/

February 11, 2015 The Signal page 27

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Sports

Track falls to Rider in rare dual meet Men and women experience individual success

By George Tatoris Staff Writer

Two schools, one facility, one event.

Held annually for nearly 10 years now, the men’s and women’s track teams have squared off against Division I Rider Broncs in a dual meet, where only two schools compete — the only meet of its kind run during the winter season.

“It’s so important because both (the College) and Rider practice at Lawrenceville,” said senior thrower Joan Hales, who has been boasting an impressive season. “It’s our battle for our home turf.”

This year, the Broncs swept the Lions, besting the women 97-68 and the men 104-63. But the day was not totally lost as the steep competition and rivalry seemed to bring out the best in many a Lion at Lawrenceville on Friday, Feb. 6.

Hales toppled her competition — and her own personal record — in both weight throw

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Junior Courtney Paciulli finsihes first in the long jump.

and shot put events, landing a distance of 15.40 meters in the weight throw for a second-place finish and a distance of 11.00 meters in the shot put.

Fellow senior Michelle Cascio saddled a win for the Lions in the 200 meter dash, sporting a final time of 25.98 seconds and a second-place finish in the 55 meter dash, crossing the line at 7.26 seconds.

Seniors Katelyn Ary and Joy Spriggs topped the 400 meter

in tandem — Ary in first with a time of 58.77 seconds and Spriggs in second with a time of 59.94 seconds.

Cascio, Ary, Spriggs and freshman Emily Mead beat Rider’s quartet in the 4x400 relay, pulling a combined time of 3:58.29.

Another top finish came from junior Courtney Paciulli, who leaped into first in the triple jump with a distance of 11.30 meters, overcoming the ECAC standard by almost half a meter.

On the men’s team, sophomore Brandon Mazzarella beat his Rider competition by nearly two seconds in the 800 meters with a final time of 1:54.68, and fellow sophomore Zach Hubner proved fastest in the 200 meters with a finish of 22.98 seconds.

Mazzarella, along with freshman Daniel Lynch, sophomore Ed Bohi and senior Erik Moutenot, beat Rider’s foursome in the 4x800 relay for a combined time of 8:04.48. A second

College quartet comprised of junior Jon Stouber, seniors Andrew Wilson and Patrick Waite and sophomore Andrew Tedeschi took second through fifth in the 3000 meters respectively.

Lions coach Justin Lindsey has had a long history with this meet. The tradition started when he was coaching at Rider, his alma mater, and he pushed to have it continued when he started coaching at the College. Despite his history with the Broncs, however, he assured The Signal that “It’s Lions’ Nation all the way!”

Overall, the Lions netted over 20 personal records, eight ECAC qualifying marks and three NCAA qualifying marks at the meet, according to Lindsey, which isn’t bad for having lost.

“This team is very special — they compete with a tremendous amount of heart and support each other, and it showed last night,” Lindsey said. “With this continued energy, we will be ready for the conference, ECAC and NCAA Championships.”

Hockey honors seniors, wins decisively

By Julie Kayzerman Managing Editor

With an array of pictures from previous seasons strung on the walls of the Loucks Ice Center alongside cut-out letters spelling “2x Champs” — Saturday, Feb. 7, was a night to remember for the Lions Ice Hockey team and more importantly for the seniors.

Dominating the New Jersey Institute of Technology 6-2, the College’s seniors — all members of two championship teams — ended their regular season home ice time in the best way possible — on top.

“It’s always a bittersweet night,” coach Joseph Cucci said. “For the seniors, it was a great win. Those guys have been awesome, every one of them, so it’s great to see them get a win on their night.”

The Lions honored seven seniors: captains Alex D’Alessio and David Laub, defenders Daniel Guglielmo and Nick Wilechansky and forwards Ryan Grum, Craig Ismaili and Daniel Castellucci.

D’Alessio, the heart of the team with his consistent support and energy, has been sidelined by injury with a torn ACL for a majority of the season, yet has never failed to motivate his team.

He was applauded loudly during the senior

Lions’ Lineup February 11, 2015

I n s i d e

Julie Kayzerman / Managing Editor

Forward Kevin Collins scores twice in the Lions’ win over NJIT. honoring ceremony as he took his home ice one last time. He threw his crutches up into the air, imitating the moves of Olympian Jack O’Callahan in “Miracle” — symbolizing that despite injury, he’ll remain as the heart of the Lions as long as he can.

While the game remained uncomfortably close during the first period and a half for the Lions — a clearly more seasoned team than NJIT — it was goalie Laub who stood out during the night to hold off the pressure until his team re-invigorated its drive. With a

string of three impressive saves followed by two more in the last minutes of the first period, Laub allowed his team to walk into the locker room with a 1-0 lead off a goal from junior captain Salvatore DiBrita, assisted by line mates Tyler Viducic and Kevin Collins.

Gearing up for the second, the Lions continued to come out flat, allowing NJIT to score twice. But it didn’t get any better as the Lions fell victim to a serious injury when freshman defenseman Dylan McMurrer went down with a broken leg after crashing into the

boards. This was a huge loss for the Lions just before playoffs as McMurrer has proved to be the backbone of the College’s defense while also adding momentum as a forward at times, scoring vital goals throughout the season.

But with the unfortunate event of McMurrer’s injury, his team seemed to rally up a deeper drive and finally proved themselves as the better team on the ice, leaving the second period at 3-2 with a goal from senior Craig Ismaili off a DiBrita assist and a late power play snipe from Viducic off a pass from junior defender Matt Martin.

The drive continued as the third period previewed a team with a hopeful run in the playoffs, sporting a dynamic chemistry between DiBrita and Collins, who racked up the scoreboard as the Lions outshot NJIT 20-6 in the third and led in shots 57-37 overall.

DiBrita netted his second of the night early in the third followed by two straight goals from Collins who dominated his way through the Highlanders’ defense and past their talented goalie.

Now the Lions look to gain a point in their last regular season game against UPenn on Friday, Feb. 13, to clinch third place in playoff standings.

“If we play our game like the last 35 minutes, it’ll be interesting,” Cucci said.

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