The Signal: Spring '20 No. 6

Breaking news and more at TCNJSignal.net.

Vol. LVI, No. 6

March 4, 2020

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

College warns faculty Campus mourns loss of College freshman of potential effects of coronavirus

By Mallory McBride Staff Writer

As coronavirus continues to spread, The Center for Global Engagement has reached out to students and faculty abroad, inviting them to return home. Although 43 cases and six deaths have been reported in the U.S., according to the CDC, there is a bigger issue abroad in China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.

While there have been no reported cases on campus, let alone in NJ, the College is also concerned about those who have upcoming spring break plans abroad, according to a Feb. 28 email from Interim Provost William Keep.

“The college is continually monitoring the situation, paying close attention to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the New Jersey Department of Health,” the email read. “The Center for Global Engagement is providing guidance to individual students studying abroad, and assisting those who choose to return early with a plan to complete their academic credit.”

Diana Solano, a junior journalism and professional writing and communication studies double major, is currently studying in Spain, but has made the decision to stay abroad for the remainder of her trip. see FEAR page 4

Photo courtesy of Jack McFarlane

Palmer’s friends cherish his selfless personality.

By Emmy Liederman Editor-in-Chief

It didn’t take much to make Matt Palmer happy. His best friends will never forget one day in particular when he greeted them with an ear-to-ear grin on his face. They asked why he was smiling so hard, and his answer was simple — he had just gotten a haircut, and thought it looked pretty good.

“It took absolutely nothing to put a

smile on his face,” said Jack McFarlane, a freshman economics major. “You would never know if he was having a bad day.

There is no one else like Matt Palmer.”

Matthew Palmer, a freshman mechanical engineering major from Floral Park, N.Y., died suddenly at the age of 18 on Friday, Feb. 21. According to the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home website, his family is encouraging memorial contributions to the National Hemophilia Foundation of

Men’s basketball ends 22-year NJAC slump

Photo courtousy of Miguel Gonzalez

The team celebrates its triumphant win.

By Ann Brunn Staff Writer

The last time the men’s basketball team won the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship, most of the players on this year’s roster were not even born yet. But on Saturday, Feb. 29, the Lions topped Stockton University 75-60 and won their first NJAC Championship in 22 years.

With this win, the team was granted an automatic

bid in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.

This will be their first appearance in the tournament since the 1997-1998 season.

The victory was an allaround team effort, as the Lions shot an effective 29 of 64 from the field. Cheers from the crowd yelling “MVP” roared as senior guard Randy Walko led the way with 18 points. Senior guard Ryan Jensen and junior forward Travis Jocelyn each collected

INDEX: Editorial / page 6

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double-doubles as well.

Jensen had 13 points with 10 rebounds, while Jocelyn added 13 points and 10 boards. Like clockwork, junior guard PJ Ringel moved the ball well as he dished out six assists and tallied 10 points. Off the bench, freshman guard Anthony DiCaro contributed eight points.

The Lions defense stifled Stockton’s talented attack as they held their opponent to 20 of 66 from the field and three of 17 from behind the arc. The men forced 17 turnovers, which in turn led to 23 points off of turnovers.

In the paint, the Lions outscored Stockton, 40-24.

Similar to the 2018-2019 St. Louis Blues hockey team, who was in last place in the NHL on Jan. 3, 2019 and then went on to win the 2019 Stanley Cup, the Lions were 4-6 at the start of January, but then ripped off a stretch of 15 wins in 17 games.

Even more impressive, the men have won 11 straight games in Packer Hall.

With a championship victory over Stockton, they avenged

Opinions / page 7

Features / page 13

their lone home loss of the year, which came at the hands of Stockton in the home opener.

Before their pivotal win on Feb. 29, the men needed to take care of business in the NJAC semifinals — which they did, beating Rutgers University-Newark, 6548. Walko was a high scorer in that game as well, as he totaled 20 points on 8-of-16 from shooting and grabbed six rebounds.

Jocelyn pitched in 15 points on six of nine from the field, while senior forward Mike Walley picked up 12 points, all behind the arc.

Jensen notched 11 rebounds and Ringel passed out six assists. The team shot 10 of 21 from three while also winning the bench points battle as they outscored Rutgers University-Newark, 21-4.

The Lions now await their seeding in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, which will begin on Friday, March 6. The selection show will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 2.

New York or the N.J. Sharing Network in his honor.

Palmer was an active member of Sigma Pi, leaving behind a group of fraternity brothers who are committed to keeping his memory alive. According to McFarlane, who is also a member, the organization will now focus its philanthropic efforts on raising money for those who suffer from hemophilia. The brothers are also working on creating a $1,000 scholarship, which would be awarded to a high school student from Palmer’s hometown that shares his passions.

Although Palmer formed many strong connections at the College, there was no one who knew him better than his two best friends, Jack and Chris.

“Through Sigma Pi, we have become the closest friends ever,” said Chris George, a freshman accounting major. “Matt was one of the toughest kids I knew, but also one of the kids with the biggest heart.”

About a week before Palmer died, McFarlane and George heard from a student on his floor that he was rushed to the hospital. After they could not get in contact with Palmer, they quickly reached out to his dad.

“His dad told us that Matt was in the hospital and that all they could ask for is that everyone prayed for him at that point,” McFarlane said. “Friday morning (Feb. 21) see LEGACY page 3

Victim of bias criticizes campus protocol

By Camille Furst Managing Editor When Tian-na Green submitted a bias incident report, she had faith that the Office of Student Conduct would have her back. But as the five-hour trial went on, she slowly sank into the feeling that these administrators had a different priority — preserving the College’s reputation.

Green does not think the Bias Response Team (BRT) did enough. According to Green, for months since the trial on Nov. 18, 2019, she heard nothing from the BRT — not even an email checking in on her.

“I believe they did what they were supposed to do, but I believe after the fact, after the trial, they didn’t do enough to help me,” she said. “They only received justice for the school.”

Green has been racially targeted twice during her time at the College. The first time, during her training to become a CA in August 2019, she and her co-workers were playing the game “Mafia,” where the “narrator” creates and tells a story to correspond with which students get “executed,” and thus taken out of the game. The

Arts & Entertainment / page 18

see RACE page 2 Sports / page 20

Lions’ Plate Pulled pork recipe makes for perfect dinner

Pete Davidson SNL comedian’s first Netflix special gets mixed reviews

Men’s Hockey Lions fall flat in overtime defeat

See Features page 13

See A&E page 18

See Sports page 20

page 2 The Signal March 4, 2020

Race / College’s response to bias incident sparks controversy continued from page 1

“narrator,” according to Green, said that the players should “lynch” the individual.

The second incident, which occurred only one month after the first, involved two voices from the roof of the Travers/ Wolfe parking garage yelling the N-word at her as she walked toward Townhouses East.

“I think a lot of things happen,” she said. “And a lot of things don’t get heard.”

The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (OIDEI) told The Signal that in the fall of 2018, a total of 31 bias incidents were reported from faculty, staff and students. The number dropped to 21 reports in the spring of 2019, 20 in the fall of 2019 and, in the spring 2020 semester, there have already been eight. According to Interim Vice President of the OIDEI, Ivonne Cruz, the reports range in severity from the reporter hearing a derogatory slur to more egregious incidents like verbal attacks.

At first, Green didn’t know how to respond. After processing what happened during the second incident, she called Campus Police, which found one female and six males on the roof of the parking garage, yet only one of the males was a student at the College, according to Green. Since she only heard male voices, the female could not have been charged and, as a result, only the male student could be possibly charged with misconduct against the Student Conduct Code.

Whenever a report is issued to the Office of Student Conduct, the reporter receives an email informing them of a meeting scheduled to discuss the incident and a list of resources provided, including the Dean of Students office, Mental Health Services and the Center for Integrated Wellness.

After Green decided to take the case to trial, the Office of Student Conduct held a five-hour long trial in its Brower Student Center office in November. The administrators read through possible violations the male student

could be found guilty for, which included Personal Abuse and Compliance with Directives, which refers to aiding another to violate a College policy, according to Green.

Two witnesses were a part of the trial, and both Green and the alleged perpetrator were able to ask each other questions through a partition about their understanding of the case. According to Green, a lawyer from the College was present.

Personal Abuse, as defined by the Student Conduct Code, consists of a student engaging in conduct that is “so severe or pervasive and objectively offensive that it substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the College or the rights of any student or other member of the College community.”

Meanwhile, the Student Conduct Code defines Compliance with Directives as aiding or assisting another in violating College policy. In the same section as the charge, it reads, “students may be held accountable for the actions of their guest.”

The alleged perpetrator in the second incident, while being found guilty for Compliance with Directives, was found not guilty for Personal Abuse charges. Since the records are confidential to protect student privacy and the defendant wasn’t charged for anything on Green’s behalf, it is currently unclear which punishments the student faced, if any.

The Signal reached out to the Office of Student Conduct regarding the case’s status, but Assistant Director of Student Conduct Christine Nye declined to comment.

Green said that she understood that the defendant couldn’t be charged if there wasn’t enough evidence, but she feels that the defendant should be responsible for his guests’ actions regardless of whether the male College student himself was one of the two individuals who yelled the derogatory term.

“Based on what the school’s values are … you’re as guilty as your guests for allowing it to happen,” Green said in an interview with The Signal. “I didn’t

Jhon Beltran / Staff Photographer

Green heard individuals yelling racial slurs from the top of the parking garage. really receive justice.”

Holly Gurgurich, a senior elementary education and psychology dual major and a Hall Assistant for Townhouses South, feels that the Residential Education policies should have been reason to find the defendant guilty for his guests’ actions. Gurgurich, aware of other incidents involving underage drinking on campus, said that students are often found just as guilty as their guests for allowing the incident to occur, regardless of if they themselves committed an act against the Student Conduct Code.

“That is the number one thing that we (Residential Education Staff) … push for when thinking about bad things that happen,” Gurgurich said. “If we hold this precedent over other incidents, why don’t we hold it over this one?”

Like Gurgurich, Green believes that the charges should be changed.

“You’re just as guilty as your guests … if you don’t stop them, because you’re in charge of them,” Green said.

While the Office of Student Conduct handled the trial proceedings, the Bias Response Team (BRT) indicates on the College’s

The OIDEI is located on the second floor of the Brower Student Center.

Julia Meehan / Photo Editor

website that it “centralizes and facilitates the College’s efforts to track bias incidents, identify trends, collect aggregate data, plan campus educational responses to benefit the community and connect individuals affected by bias incidents with supportive resources.”

Cruz distinguished the BRT from the OIDEI by saying the former’s purpose is to collect data to form an aggregate of trends involving bias incidents on campus. OIDEI is more of a liaison between victims of bias incidents and available resources on campus, she said.

Both the BRT and the Office of Student Conduct offered accommodations such as Mental Health Services (MHS), according to Green, which she said ended up being unrealistic due to the long wait periods for an appointment and the lack of counselors that are racial minorities.

After finding out that the Bias Response Team never reached out to Green after the trial’s conclusion, Cruz and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jordan Draper both paused.

“It breaks my heart,” Cruz said.

She stressed that the OIDEI is still readily available to provide support for Green and any other victims that need it.

“There was not a purposeful effort to kind of separate ourselves from her,” she said. “That’s feedback I’m taking, and we’ll go back again as we’re evolving.”

In hindsight, Green feels that the administration did not support her enough as a victim.

“They left out the fact that there was a victim involved, and that something needed to be done for the victim. I think they were more concerned that TCNJ wasn’t seen as the perpetrator,” Green said. “I hate to say that, but that’s how it made me feel.”

Jamal Johnson, the senior assistant director of mentoring and retention, has helped many minority students through the Pride Mentoring Program (PMP) who have come to him seeking support after being racially targeted.

While he described the Bias Response Team and the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (OIDEI) as the administration that deals with “legislation, certain laws, policies, things that have to be followed,” his role on campus is directed more toward promoting personal empowerment.

When asked for his opinion on Green’s case and the lack of response from the BRT, he declined to answer as well. He did, however, say that the BRT has done a good enough job supporting students, although “everyone might not be satisfied.”

Although the incident with Green is seen as an anomaly to many in the College community, it is hardly the only one. Johnson said that, last year alone, he has had “five to six” students come to his office for advice and support after being racially targeted on campus.

When Green was the victim of two racial bias incidents in two months, going to the Bias Response Team felt at first felt like the right thing to do — until she grew “tired of trying to explain (herself).”

“I don’t feel like enough was done to help me, so if I ever had a problem again, I wouldn’t even want to go through this process again,” Green said.

Many students, however, continue to believe in the positive effects the BRT has on the campus community. McKenna Samson, a junior English and African American studies double major and the president of the NAACP chapter at the College, feels that the BRT helps to empower minority students by giving them a platform to speak.

“I think that the implementation of the Bias Response Team … is very well meaning, (it) has a great mission,” she said. “They did a lot in terms of student outreach (and) making kids feel included.”

But after hearing for the first time about its alleged lack of a response in Green’s case, Samson hesitated.

“It’s not something I expected to hear,” she said. “Yeah. I’ll leave it at that.”

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 3

Legacy / Beloved student suffers sudden death Fraternity encourages donations in Palmer’s honor “He had this unique ability to never let life get him down, no matter what he was dealing with. It was impossible to keep a smile off your face when he entered the room, but if you did, he made sure to make you laugh so he wasn’t smiling alone” — Zach Rollins

President of Sigma Pi

continued from page 1 was when my president Zach Rollins and I got a text from his

father saying Matt didn’t make it.”

Zach Rollins, a junior accounting major and president of Sigma Pi, asked The Signal to share his gratitude for all the organizations that have shown their support during this difficult time.

As Rollins leads his fraternity through this period of grief, he is committed to remembering Palmer as a kid with an unwavering smile, always eager to lend a helping hand.

“He had this unique ability to never let life get him down, no matter what he was dealing with,” Rollins said. “It was impossible to keep a smile off your face when he entered the room, but if you did, he made sure to make you laugh so he wasn’t smiling alone. Palmer would never turn down an opportunity to lend a hand, whether it was helping a friend on his floor or fixing up the chapter house. Nothing made him happier than seeing those around him smile.”

After Palmer’s death, George and McFarlane spent the following days grieving at the fraternity house, where they felt an outpour of support and love from their brothers.

“Everyone was hurting, but the fraternity made a special effort to make sure Chris and I felt supported,” McFarlane said.

Although their parents asked George and McFarlane if they wanted to come home following Palmer’s death, the two could not imagine being anywhere but Ewing.

“The last thing I wanted to do was go home,” George said.

“I just wanted to be here with my other family.”

In an effort to keep his best friend’s memory alive, McFarlane shared a message to all of those who may be

affected by Palmer’s sudden death.

“For those who crossed paths with him, never forget that contagious smile,” he said. “For those who were fortunate enough to have him touch their hearts on a daily basis, never let the memories go.”

Photo courtesy of Jack McFarlane

Palmer was a beloved brother of Sigma Pi.

Vital Signs: Tips to disconnect from an image-obsessed world you’re not measuring up. In fact, a 2016 research study estimates that over half of college students have low self-esteem, most of which stems from comparison to others. Avoid comparing your life to what you see in TV shows, magazines and on social media with these tips:

Too much screen time can be toxic for your mental health.

By Victoria Giardina Columnist

You know that voice inside your head that seems to pop up at all the wrong times — when you’re in front of a mirror,

Flickr

out to dinner with a group of people or before taking a risk? Yeah, the voice that can berate your self-confidence and your mental health all in one shot.

When comparing yourself to other people, you might hear that voice tell you

SFB funds TCNJ’s Got Talent

By Elliott Nguyen Correspondent

The Student Finance Board reviewed special appropriations requests from Student Government and the Indian Student Association (ISA), as well as the base budget for the Student Government Class of 2021 in their weekly meeting at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 in room 110 of the Education Building.

Student Government requested funding to host the School of Education Formal, which would be the first event of its kind and hosted by the Senators of the College’s school of Education. The event would be held on March 6 in the Decker Hall Social Space.

The Indian Student Association requested funding for its “Spill the Chai” event, which “serves as an open forum for students to share their experiences and views on various different topics or issues pertinent to their lives … to speak freely and openly with the

hope of uniting the campus community,” as stated in the request form. The event would take place on March 12 in room 225 of the Brower Student Center.

Both special appropriations requests were approved. Student Government was funded $3,375 for food, drinks, a DJ, a photo booth and decorations. The ISA was funded $767 for food, drinks and other general supplies.

These events include “TCNJ’s Got Talent,” Junior and Senior Nights, the Junior Formal at Camden Aquarium, Goat yoga, among other events.

The board voted to fully fund “TCNJ’s Got Talent,” which carries a total cost of $1,550. The event would take place on Wednesday, March 25.

The Junior and Senior Nights were also fully funded, totaling $4,000. The Junior Formal was fully funded $12,300. The goat yoga event, which would be held at an external venue, was fully funded $2,050.

However, the $2,000 decision on the remaining events was tabled.

Read a Good Book You may wonder, “What? Why should I read more when I am a full-time college student with a pile of textbooks on my desk?” And that is a totally valid thought. However, reading slows you down and prevents you from going on a downward spiral to feelings of self-doubt and overthinking.

Immersing yourself into a story — whether it’s nonfiction, a thriller or poetry — can be the compass that will navigate you to formulate your own ideas on life and creativity instead of succumbing

to the ways of someone else.

Use the One-Hour Rule Social media isn’t all bad, but how many mornings and nights have you spent mindlessly scrolling on Instagram and Twitter before starting your day or drifting off to sleep? We often forget that these platforms are the “highlight reel” — the somewhat fabricated version of what we want to present to hundreds of followers.

We also often forget that beautiful models posing in front of a paid background may also be getting paid up to $10,000 to promote a product (one that they may not even like!). Opt to spend the first hour when you rise and shine to be phone-free, and put away the screens one hour before bed. You’ll be surprised by the silence you hear — the voice of comparison going mute.

Board members fund events from “Spill the Chai” to Goat Yoga.

Instagram

page 4 The Signal March 4, 2020

Fear / Local concern rises as coronavirus spreads

tcnj.edu

Left: Students can be screened at Student Health Services in Eickhoff Hall. Right: Medical staff around the world are on high alert. continued from page 1 “I’m not leaving and I’ve been talking to my host parents about it and they said they don’t think they will send us home,” Solano said, “At this point it is optional, so I just hope they don’t make it mandatory.”

Students that have decided to leave their study abroad programs and return home have received an email from the Director of Global Engagement, the Director of Health Services and the Associate Provost, requesting that they fill out a form with information about return flights, academic continuation plans and isolation periods.

“TCNJ asks that you return to campus ONLY after you have

remained symptom-free for 14 days after returning to the U.S. and have had a health care provider evaluate you as symptom free,” the email stated.

Another student, who has just returned from studying abroad in Trieste, Italy and wishes to remain anonymous said, “I think (TCNJ) responded well. I was in constant contact with my global student teaching coordinator. I do feel like there was an overreaction to the situation, most likely due to the U.S. media.”

With students coming back home, the College is trying to figure out how they will finish the spring semester.

“I will complete the semester,”

said the anonymous student. “I was almost done with my time student teaching there anyway.” She added that, “people in Italy were very calm even when school had to be canceled...otherwise in my area, nothing was different. No one with masks, nothing closed up, etc.”

On campus, faculty members are starting to take precautionary measures by making contingency plans in the event that classes can no longer be held in person.

“The Provost has asked all Deans to request that faculty submit plans for completing their courses this semester in the event that we are no longer able to meet in-person as a community on campus,” read a March 1 email.

Of the many suggestions made in the email, department Deans asked that their faculty consider moving all course materials online. The College will also have to navigate other issues, like how team projects would proceed and how students would finish their internships in the event that workplaces closed.

For students who have plans to travel abroad in the near future, this news is just as devastating. According to the Feb. 28 email from the Interim Provost, students and faculty who travel abroad for personal reasons will need to fill out a form detailing their travel plans.

Emily Varga, a senior public health and sociology double major, made plans in August of last year to

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travel to Italy with ten of her friends for spring break. The group of students were planning on visiting Rome and Florence, but within the last week, have decided to cancel their trip due to growing concerns of the virus spreading.

“I never thought a pandemic would be what stopped me from going on my spring break trip to Italy,” Varga said, “I was upset about it, but now I am just thinking about all of the affected people who live there.”

While there is no telling what will happen next, the CDC suggests that the best way to stay healthy is to avoid close contact with people who are sick and to wash your hands often.

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 5

Foster introduces future plans for College President will focus on more diverse enrollment

By Julia Duggan Staff Writer President Kathryn Foster’s plan is divided into three pillars: Diversify, Differentiate, and Matter More.

Last week, Foster held a series of open discussions on her future vision for the College, presenting her ideas using eyecatching visuals and statistics.

In an effort to diversity the campus, Foster wants to recruit more underrepresented minorities, transfer students and graduate students. She plans to bring this to fruition by expanding need-based merit, promoting college to students beginning in middle school and revising entry requirements.

As for differentiation, her goal is to make the College stand out from its competition. Foster mentioned expanding partnerships, engaging with more alumni and hiring professors who have strong connections in their fields that can help students land internships.

“We also know as another trend that I did not mention that we have more students that are coming to us undecided than we have in the past,” stated Foster. “So the implication of that for the College would be what does the first year look like?”

Foster’s goal is to expose students to subjects like the humanities in “a way they did not get to in high school” so that they can more confidently pursue a potential career path.

The “Matter More” portion of the plan focuses on the importance of raising the general standard of education and how she

Foster responds to questions from the audience. wants the College to take the lead. Several audience members were quick to mention the College’s impressive rankings — it remains the 4th best public college in the region according to US News.

Foster also emphasized the need for the College to become more engaged with Trenton and other local communities.

Throughout the development of her new plans, Foster plans to keep the college community informed so she can receive feedback and tailor her vision. She wants to first solidify the goals before setting an exact time frame.

The current plan, ‘Bolder, Better Brighter,’ outlines a mission to “offer an unparalleled education in a vibrant, collaborative,

Julia Meehan / Photo Editor

and inclusive community of learners who will make a distinct mark on the world,” according to the College’s website.

Foster elaborated, noting that the current plan is focused on academic rigor, talented students and high quality. She explained that the purpose of the forum is to present a vision for what the College should strive to be moving forward and that listening to audience feedback is crucial in developing this plan.

Prior to presenting her plan, Foster highlighted critical statistics for the audience to keep in mind, including that the national number of students applying to college is declining.

For the fall semester at the College,

the incoming applications were down 6 percent from the previous year. Foster attributed the lower percentage to the recent questioning of the value of a college degree. In her new plan, she hopes to entice more applicants and potential students by highlighting the importance of quality education.

Foster is also examining the College’s competition for attracting students. She presented this idea using a visual of top and bottom feeders. The top feeders represent schools that are larger than the College with a greater sticker price, but can offer greater financial aid packages as well as a prestigious reputation.

The bottom feeders have a lower sticker price and are more geographically convenient. Due to recent national trends, Foster fears that there could be more competition from both top and bottom feeders.

Foster’s vision for the College is to strategize to evolve with the ever-changing demographics and trends. She hopes to increase the number of graduate or transfer students who are accepted while also maintaining the College’s selectivity, which can only be done by increasing applicant pools.

“With a declining market, the notion is that many schools will have to accept more students to yield them to come, given the competition,” said Foster. “We do think it is an important part of our brand, that we are the most selective in New Jersey, so say we are not actually going to increase the actual size of the incoming undergraduate population.”

SG elects speaker, approves new write-in policy

Executive President Patty Kou swears in new members.

By Gabriella Lucci Staff Writer Andrew Leynes and Matthew Wund, the chair and the vice-chair of the Committee on Faculty Affairs (CFA), attended the Student Government general body meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 26 to give a presentation on the College’s current policy when it comes to adjunct professor’s office hours.

The office hour policy specifies hours for full-time and tenure-track faculty members that work a specific number of hours at the College, but currently, there is no office-hour policy for adjunct professors, according to Leynes.

“I was a part of the group that made that original policy, and our thinking on that was … adjunct faculty get paid very, very little for what they do,” Leynes said.

“But because they are so underpaid and overburdened with work, we didn’t feel that it would merit us adding another criterion.”

Many adjunct professors who are employed at the College also hold positions at other colleges and universities

in New Jersey, which leaves them with little time to meet with students outside of the classroom.

Leynes and Wund asked for feedback from the students on what they think should be put in the policy regarding adjunct professors’ office hours. Some students feel that it is unfair that they are spending money on classes but are often unable to meet with their professors if they don’t understand the course material.

One student said they had a professor who used “flex scheduling,” which involves meeting with students virtually on their own time. The professor had a whiteboard that they would write on to solve problems, and the students could ask any questions they needed. Others students agreed that having a platform for virtual office hours would be beneficial.

The general body also elected its new speaker, Jasmine Yoo, a senior elementary education and psychology dual major. The speaker of the general body handles business between the cabinet and the general body, makes sure the internal proceedings are running smoothly and works closely with the freshman class council.

Gabriella Lucci / Staff Writer

“I was homecoming chair this past semester, so I was able to spearhead a lot of the different events that foster community, and that’s exactly what I want to do in this position,” Yoo said. “This community is so important, and I think it starts here (in Student Government).”

Junior special education and history dual major Chris Driscoll, the alternate student trustee, presented another resolution to the bill for a write-in candidate. During voting, students can write in a candidate, and if the candidate would like to be written in, they will have to email the Election Chair 72 hours before the polls open.

The potential candidate will then receive a contract of commitment that they must fill out within 24 hours of it being sent out. The candidate must receive 10 percent of the overall votes within their race if the race is uncontested. If a candidate is ineligible, the next eligible candidate who receives the most votes will fill the position.

The bill received 83 percent of the votes and passed.

The new senators for the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Arts and Communication and Science were sworn in, as well as senators who weren’t previously sworn in.

page 6 The Signal March 4, 2020

Editorial Controversial topics require open discourse It’s not easy being a journalist.

I have come to this conclusion after delving into a topic longrecognized as challenging by reporters: religion. I explored Hinduism as a conduit for an in-depth analysis of religiosity and Atheism in America, and in the process, my words unintentionally vilified a group of people.

The response was fast and powerful, with several articles coming out that analyzed what the authors referred to as “Hinduphobia” at the College.

I did learn a valuable lesson: my words were interpreted as derogatory, which was certainly never my intention. Many of the responses I received, however, very clearly intended to vilify, with a clear goal of keeping this topic taboo.

“Let’s hope that the person is not trying for any role in journalism any further because this is the lowest level of propaganda and bigotry anyone can stoop down to and media outlets hiring such people will only be encouraging Hinduphobia on their payroll.”

We live in a culture of political correctness, a culture where many people use social media to promote ideals of universal tolerance and respect. When intolerance is used as a means to promote tolerance, that vital message is lost.

Journalism exists to promote truth, facts and discussion. An ideal world of tolerance is one where two people with differing perspectives can discuss the other’s perspective and subsequently learn more about that person and their point of view. When words are used to promote this kind of discussion, one that is devoid of hate or stereotypes, we grow that much closer to a culture of respect and tolerance: a politically-correct culture.

But when words are used as weapons, they simply deepen divisions, further stereotypes and promote intolerance and hatred on all sides. It is possible for two sides to agree to disagree with passion and without harm.

This is a culture I hope my journalistic endeavors can foster: one in which the power, both intended and unintended, of our words is examined, analyzed and discussed. No subject should be off-limits, and no one, journalist or not, should be attacked for writing with authority about sensitive topics, whether purposefully or unintentionally.

— Ian Kreitzberg Nation & World Editor

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, Sports, Review and Social Media editors and the Business and Production managers, unless otherwise noted.

Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.

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“Imposter syndrome is real. You can look around and feel like you don’t belong and it still kicks in some days, but know that we have people on this campus who want to see you succeed.“ — Ana Gutiérrez Sophomore communication studies major and first-generation student

“I’ve never been happier. I finally get to live my dream.”

— Patrick Holbert Comedian

“I think a lot of things happen. And a lot of things don’t get heard.”

— Tian-na Green Senior criminology major

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 7

Opinions

Spring brings the best sport — baseball

Hitting a baseball is one of the hardest skills to master in sports.

By Kalli Colacino Opinions Editor Most people think of spring as a time for vacationing, relaxing and cleaning.

But when the season approaches, there’s only one thing I think of — baseball.

As Andy Williams once said, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But, no, it’s not Christmas time— It’s baseball time. Now that football season has come and (thankfully) gone, we can now focus on the superior sport.

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The end of February brings warmer weather and, most importantly, spring training. On Feb. 21, the first spring training game was played. It’s a day that avid baseball fans have been waiting for since last October. And although baseball season hasn’t officially started, the beginning of spring training means the first day of the season isn’t far away. This year, regular season games start on March 26.

There’s nothing better than sitting in your favorite ballpark — hot dog in one hand and a beer in the other — watching

your favorite team. And if you’re lucky, your favorite team is the New York Yankees. Because let’s face it, 27 World Series rings can’t be beat. But if we can’t agree that the Yankees are the best team in baseball, I hope we can agree on one thing — baseball is the best sport.

Major League Baseball has been an American symbol since 1903, when the first World Series was held, according to history. com. Ever since, baseball has been a staple in American culture.

There is nothing quite like witnessing a baseball game. The best part is when your favorite player comes up to bat and sends a baseball into orbit. Or when your team’s right fielder gets a runner out at home with one swift throw straight to the catcher — as Aaron Judge has demonstrated many times.

The accuracy, strength and talent it takes to be a baseball player is like no other.

“I think without question, the hardest single thing to do in sport is to hit a baseball,” said Ted Williams, a veteran baseball player.

The extreme level of talent and skill it takes to be a Major League Baseball player is why baseball is the best sport. Now, I’m not saying football players aren’t talented, but the skill it takes to stand in a batter’s box and hit a 95 mile per hour fastball is like no other.

To witness a baseball player’s talent up close is surreal. Some might say that watching a four hour baseball game is the most boring thing in the world. But when you’re an avid baseball fan like me, who could watch a 24-hour baseball game and not be bored for even a minute,

four hours isn’t long enough.

Baseball, unlike football, seems easy to watch. There’s a batter in the batter’s box and a pitcher on the pitcher’s mound. The pitcher throws the ball to the batter, and the batter hits it. It sounds simple, but it’s anything but simple. After watching baseball for years, I know how complex the sport can be.

There are so many variables and possibilities — the best part is anything can happen.

One of the most fascinating parts of baseball is how smoothly the players work together. If you’re watching football, you’re most likely watching a bunch of guys chasing each other on the field. Baseball, however, runs like a well oiled machine. Each player on the field works together to accomplish the goal of getting the opponent out, and it’s hypnotising to watch a 6-4-3 double play. This play occurs when a ball is hit to the shortstop, who throws (or flips) the ball to the second basemen, who retires one runner and then throws the ball to the first baseman to retire a second runner. The amount of skill and teamwork it takes to pull off a double play is truly impressive.

Baseball’s regular season consists of 162 games for each of the 30 MLB (Major League Baseball) teams. Football, on the other hand, only consists of 16 games for each of the 32 NFL (National Football League) games. This alone makes baseball the superior sport. There’s just so much more to it, and those 162 games don’t even include spring training or the postseason.

No matter which team is your favorite, you should agree with me on one thing — baseball is the best sport.

Introverts are underestimated, misjudged

By Jane Bowden Managing Editor The life of the party is a phrase that’s often used to describe extroverts. They’re people who appear to thrive in social settings and are perceived as friendly, outgoing and, many times, more likely to achieve success. Let’s face it — if someone were to tell you that you exemplified these traits, you’d probably take it as a compliment.

But if you were called a “timid wallflower,” how would that make you feel? Would you be ashamed, hurt or embarrassed?

Would you wonder if they thought you lacked confidence, or that you wouldn’t ever be able to become a successful leader?

This is how I’ve felt for most of my life.

I’ve been told a lot of things about my introversion ever since I was a child. “You’re too quiet,” “You need to get out of your shell,” “Why don’t you ever speak?” — to name a few. I learned from an early age that being quiet was something

I needed to work on and, in a way, something to be shameful about. I wanted to be that outgoing, personable kid that everyone liked, but I just couldn’t.

To me, it felt like people only saw me as “the shy girl,” and I hated it.

As years passed, I became increasingly frustrated with myself. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake my quiet persona, and it started to affect my relationships. People told me they thought I didn’t like them or that they avoided talking to me because they didn’t think I’d talk back — all of this because I was an introvert, which broke my heart and made me feel alone.

However, as I’ve come to learn more about myself, I’ve realized that introversion isn’t a weakness, nor is it an insecurity I wish I didn’t have — it’s a strength that’s made me who I am, and has motivated me to prove others and even myself wrong.

By being introverted, I’ve become an attentive listener,

and I’ve learned how to be more mindful, which has only strengthened my relationships with my friends, family members and myself.

Introversion has also inspired me to be more expressive through the clothes I wear, photography and writing. In fact, writing has been the most rewarding aspect of my life, because I’m able to release the energy that’s inside of my head and express my inner personality through the words that I write. It’s even motivated me to strive toward my lifelong dream of becoming an author.

Even as an introvert, I’ve been able to hold leadership positions, such as managing editor of The Signal. You don’t need to be an extrovert to be a successful leader. J.K. Rowling, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama — these are people who have achieved success and identify as introverts.

Although I’m introverted, I’m capable of much more than society thinks. Believe it or not,

Introverts can often give off misleading first impressions.

I can be talkative around people I am close with, present in front of a classroom of people and take charge in a meeting. The only difference is I need a bit more alone time in order to recharge

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before I socialize.

So, the next time someone asks me “Do you ever talk?” don’t be surprised if you hear me yelling from the rooftops — I’m introverted and I’m proud!

Policies

The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors.

The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via email to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office.

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The Signal willingly corrects factual mistakes. If you think we have made an error, please contact The Signal at (609) 771-2424, write to the address listed above or email us at signal@tcnj.edu.

page 8 The Signal March 4, 2020

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 9

Students share opinions around campus “Do you like baseball?”

Kalli Colacino / Opinions Editor

Tyler Suydam, a freshman economics major.

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Kalli Colacino / Opinions Editor

Holly Smith, a junior accounting major.

“No. It’s boring. I like watching lacrosse and football more.”

“Yes. It’s my favorite sport. I’ve played my whole life.”

“Are introverts misjudged?”

Kalli Colacino / Opinions Editor

Sterly Deracy, a freshman computer science major.

“Yeah, I woud say they are misjudged.”

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Kalli Colacino / Opinions Editor

Grace Caira, a junior health and exercise science major.

“Yeah. People kind of expect others to be outgoing.”

The Signal’s cartoon of the week ...

The Chip: Planter’s ‘Baby Nut’ Wreaks Havoc on Small Arkansas Town

By Toni Peroni Correspondent He’s cute, bite size and a menace to society. Not only is the reincarnate of Mr. Peanut bringing nut lovers of all shapes and sizes together, he is also single handedly destroying a small blue collar community in a suburb of Little Rock, Arkansas. Following the fatal death of the iconic Planters Peanut in January of 2020, this demon hellspawn is the result of uncontrolled consumerism and the glutinous

amount of buffalo wings consumed each and every Super Bowl Sunday.

Big Springs, Ark. used to be your run of the mill sleepy little southern town.

It was the type of town where everybody used to know each other’s names.

A place to make a decent, honest living.

You work five days a week and spend your free time with your family. Football is a beloved pastime and the local barbecue is top of the notch. The humid summers would melt into stormy autumns, into mild winters and peaceful springs. But now? Every waking moment is spent in fear of a once beloved brand. Everywhere you go in Big Springs, the spirit of Baby Nut lingers, as if he was watching over your shoulder.

When did this all even start? Some residents of Big Springs seem to be able

to pinpoint the exact moment the lethal legume made its presence known.

“Well, we were all at McGanigan’s watching the big game...” said local townie, Herb Lee Sweeney, reminiscing that dreaded Super Bowl Sunday “...we were on our third, maybe fourth round of drinks… I’m not quite too sure…. Then… It arrived.”

Mr. Sweeney’s words were timid at first, but his face said it all.

“We were just watching the TV, laughing at that stupid Baby Nut commercial… when all of a sudden I felt a tap on the shoulder and received a swift hit to the face.” Sweeney removed his Oakley sunglasses to reveal a peanut-shaped black eye.

“Baby Nut really did a number on my business,” said Maggie McGanigan, a local bar owner. “First, he started beatin’ on my patrons. Next, he started smashing glasses and snapping pool cues over some heads. It

took the police half an hour to get a handle on him.”

Although all seemed well at the end of the day, the people of Big Springs were in bigger peril than they thought when Baby Nut escaped from the custody of Big Springs PD. “All video evidence is currently under thorough investigation,” said Big Springs’ Chief of Police, Hugh Walsh.

Insider sources say that while in custody, Baby Nut escaped out of his detainment through sheer force, like a rabid hyena mixed with a rhinoceros in heat.

During this time, Baby Nut put several civil servants in critical condition.

If you see this lethal legume or have any further information on it’s whereabouts, please, do not hesitate and call 877-535-5666.

Disclaimer: This is obviously a satirical piece and does not reflect a real event.

page 10 The Signal March 4, 2020

The State of the World’s Antibiotics in 2020 Mo nd ay, 3/2 3/2 02 0

5:3 0p .m.

2 1 2 g n i d l i u B on i t a c u Ed

nts e shm ed. e r ref serv t h Lig ill be w

Ramanan Laxminarayan is the founder and director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy in Washington, D.C., and a senior research scholar at Princeton University.

This event is free and open to both the TCNJ community and the public.

More information: academicaffairs.tcnj.edu THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

3/24 FB

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 11

Features

First-generation students break boundaries

By Julia Meehan Photo Editor

When Ana Gutiérrez first immigrated to the United States three years ago, she was still learning English, and college wasn’t really on her mind. Now as a sophomore communications studies major, she proudly shared her journey to college in front of a large room of students, faculty and alumni.

Alumni, students and staff gathered together in the Education Building on Feb. 26 for the inaugural First-Generation Celebration.

The energy was friendly, professional and celebratory as guests grouped together at blue and gold clad tables. Ivonne Cruz, the Interim Vice President for the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, addressed the crowd in her welcoming remarks.

“This turnout just goes to show that we first gen-ers are a full community here at the College,” Cruz said.

Several speakers took to the podium to share stories detailing their personal journey to the College and the obstacles they’ve faced along the way. Gutiérrez began her speech after a welcoming round of applause.

“I am an immigrant,” Gutiérrez said. “I moved here only three

years ago from the Dominican Republic, and higher education was not an option on the table when I first came here.”

Gutiérrez then referenced the phenomenon known as “imposter syndrome,” a feeling of estrangement and lack of fitting in that many first-generation students feel when they arrive on campus.

“Imposter syndrome is real,” she said. “You can look around and feel like you don’t belong and it still kicks in some days, but know that we have people on this campus who want to see you succeed.”

President Kathryn Foster also shared her reflections on feeling like an imposter in certain situations.

“For me that would be in a church or any place of worship,” Foster said. “But when you become familiar with a place and when the borders become porous, it makes me very happy. For you all to see the potential of this place, I am so thrilled to have you here.”

After the addresses, lunch was served and people mingled between their tables, happy to see other firstgen students and supporters wearing stickers that read“Proud First-Gen” or “First-Gen Supporter.”

“When I first came here well

The student voices her journey at the celebration. over half of the students were first-generation,” said Glenn Steinberg, an English professor who has been at the College for over 20 years and is a first-generation college student himself.

In this year’s freshman class of 2023, 25 percent of students identified as being the first generation in their family to go to college, according to an email Foster’s office sent out about the event.

Julia Meehan / Photo Editor

“I like having first-generation students in classes,” Steinberg said. “There’s something really cool about opening up the horizons for someone and to show them a bigger and wider world that’s out there.”

Future events for first-generation students are in the works. Cruz mentioned putting something together for Welcome Week, citing it as the prime time when “students

are trying to see where and how they fit in with their peers.”

The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Division of Academic Affairs are increasing their efforts to make first-gen students feel seen and heard.

“If imposter syndrome gets to you, take a look at the people around you in this room and they will help you,” Gutiérrez said.

Struggling students can now turn to a new CONTACT

Left: The trainers prepare volunteers for certification. Right: The club welcomes its newest members.

By Reynaldo Torres Staff Writer Those at the College who struggle with anxiety, depression or any other mental disorder now have another resource to turn to — CONTACT. CONTACT is an extension of the National Suicide Lifeline that began last fall semester and is dedicated to helping students with personal or traumatizing events. The organization runs an on-campus phone line, as well as a chat room system, that is operated by students seven days a week from 8 am to 10 pm. These student volunteers have completed a 10-week-long training course.

“My life has always been surrounded by

mental health and a core of it has been suicide and suicide prevention,” said Harish Rajagopal, a sophomore biology major and president of CONTACT. The training prepares volunteers to help students cope with issues surrounding suicide, sexual assault and drug/alcohol use. It also includes a free Mental First Aid Certification and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.

Once the training is completed, each volunteer is then required to do two apprentice shifts, answering calls with the help of a trained and qualified responder.

They are then trusted with answering calls by themselves and offering their help to anyone on the other end of the line.

The location of this phone room on campus is not disclosed to anyone outside of the CONTACT program. Rajagopal has plans to work with the College in order to establish a private four-digit hotline for students only that “will be advertised to the school to use.”

CONTACT already has 27 active volunteers who recently completed their training and currently work in the office. While the purpose of this organization is to help students at the College, it is directed through Mercer county.

Assisting Rajagopal in making CONTACT possible is Rhea Rhaesh, a sophomore psychology major and vice president of the club. Rhaesh’s responsibilities

Julia Meehan / Photo Editor

include overseeing all day to day communication, structuring meetings and answering her fair share of phone calls. If a student is interested in volunteering, they should “100 percent do it,” she said.

“It is a skill you can use anywhere in your life,” Rhaesh said While CONTACT’s purpose is to help those who call the hotline when they may need it most, it has also had a significant impact on the lives of the volunteers who answer these calls.

“It’s been a different experience,” said Robert Anderson, a freshman criminology major and active member of the club.

“Nothing I thought I would ever be apart of.

I have nothing but positive things to say.”

page 12 The Signal March 4, 2020

page 12 The Signal August 28, 2019

Fun StufF

: April ‘08

Students share dorm with furry roommate

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 13

Campus Style

Left: Pack smart with a mini suitcase and shoulder bag.

Right: Wear comfortable clothes on the plane.

By Marina Zupko Columnist Photo courtesy of TCNJ Digital Archives

Pets provide emotional support during the school year.

Every week, Features Editor Liya Davidov hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.

Although spring break is coming up, many students are too overwhelmed to even think about it. Between midterms, projects and mid-semester progress reports, this time of year is difficult for any student.

In an April 2008 issue of The Signal, a staff writer suggested livening up this time of year with a dorm-friendly pet. Having a furry, scaley or bubbly friend around could be everything students need to rekindle their joy.

Dorm-friendly pets are a fun way to ex­ press your love and make a new friend who will always listen to your off-key singing, wait for you attentively and offer a tiny cuddle in times of sadness and depression.

However, before you decide to bring an animal into your life, be sure to check up on your d orm’s regulations and your own

personal abilities to care for a dependent.

According to the 2008-2009 Guide to Residence Living manual, at the College, you may adopt fish, turtles, hamsters, mice, gerbils, small guinea pigs, iguanas, lizards and hermit crabs.

Larger animals like cats, dogs, rabbits, snakes and birds are prohibited due to animal rights and sanitation concerns.

All animals must be kept in a 10-gallon or smaller glass tank that prevents escape and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, all pets must be kept in the habitat at all times except during cleaning.

Ethics and animal tights are equally as important as these dorm-specific regulations. Animals in your care and should not be abused or mistreated in any way. Do not torture or injure your pets, and don’t expose them to dangerous situations.

Lions’ Plate

Around this time of year, college students are hustling to find the perfect spring break destination. Spring break isn’t cheap, so after booking the flight and hotel, it may feel like you’re really pushing your luck in spending money. There are many smart hacks to avoid extra fees — an important one is to not check a bag. But how can you fit five-days worth of stuff into a carry on?

Here is how I utilize the price hack while still being able to carry my favorite items anywhere I travel.

Every trip starts with a plane outfit — a smart and effective opportunity to bring items to your destination without actually packing them. For me, a jean jacket and platform sneakers are always hard to squeeze into my bag, so I pair them with black leggings and a tank.

I always choose to bring my mini suitcase along with a backpack, rather than an oversized purse or shoulder bag. This provides more packing room for last minute items. My backpack usually consists of any medicine I need, earbuds, a planner, a reading book, a phone charger, my wallet

(with money, ID and passport ready), sunglasses and my makeup bag. When traveling to a warm destination, makeup can be packed much lighter, as you do not need a full glam look on island time.

My carry-on suitcase usually goes a little something like this: a hairbrush, a toothbrush and toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, perfume, a small extra purse, a razor, lotion/moisturizer, skin care products, makeup wipes, jewelry, five bathing suits, five cover ups and daytime outfits, five nighttime outfits, undergarments, pajamas, a pair of flip flops and a pair of sandals (platform or regular). This may seem like a lot to squeeze into a small suitcase, but when you pack smart, no problems arise. For example, pick three basic tops that can be matched with multiple bottoms. Additionally, mixed bathing suit combos are extremely in style right now, so use this to your advantage! Stores such as Walmart and Target sell minisized products that follow TSA liquid rules. Use these, or even fill mini bottles up with your favorite products.

Traveling can be stressful for most people, but give yourself a break by packing light and smart.

Savory Pulled Pork

Left: Dress this sandwich with barbecue sauce for added flavor. Right: The plate is perfect for a cold winter night.

By Elizabeth Casalnova Columnist I am sharing another slow cooker recipe this week because they are as easy as it gets.

You can quickly toss everything in your slow cooker and leave for classes, and by the time you come home at night, you’ll have dinner waiting for you. This is a recipe I’ve been using for family functions recently, as it’s easy enough for people to help

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themselves to. It is also perfect for even the picky kids in the family who won’t touch the food unless it’s boxed macaroni and cheese. If you like barbeque sauce, you’re going to love this recipe. I used Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar barbecue sauce, but you can try making this pulled pork with any flavor.

-1 large onion, chopped -2 cloves of garlic, crushed -1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce -1/3 cup of water or vegetable broth -1 tablespoon chili powder -1 tablespoons basil -1 tablespoon oregano - 1 bottle (18 oz) barbeque sauce

Ingredients: -1 pork shoulder (2 to 4 lbs)

Directions: 1.) Chop the onions and garlic and add

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them to the slow cooker.

2.) Season the pork with the chili powder, basil and oregano, and place it on top of the onions.

3.) Pour in the water/vegetable broth and Worcestershire sauce. Allow it to cook for about 5 hours, until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.

4.) Then add in the barbeque sauce, mix it and enjoy the dish either by itself or on a toasted bun.

Students write for human rights across the globe page 14 The Signal March 4, 2020

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Kosty

Left: Students sign printed letters provided by Amnesty International. Right: The representatives advocate for victims of injustice.

By Claire Joanson Staff Writer Whether it be sexism, racism or any other form of discrimination, suppression of human rights is an unfortunate global reality. After hearing about these tragic events, Americans often feel powerless in their ability to reduce the suffering endured by those who live halfway across the globe. Last month, students at the College proved that this doesn’t have to be the case.

The College’s chapter of Amnesty International hosted a “Write for Rights” campaign in the Brower Student Center on Feb. 19 to raise awareness and take an active approach in addressing human rights violations.

At the event, students were encouraged to sign over 1,000 printed letters provided

by the organization, which would be sent to government agencies across the world.

The letters advocated for 10 specific people who were chosen by Amnesty International and have been the target of blatant injustice, such as Yasaman Aryani, who was sentenced to a 16-year prison sentence after she went out in public with her hair uncovered in Iran.

Amnesty International is headquartered in London and hosts a variety of “Write for Rights” each year. The international campaign started in 2002 and focuses on helping unique cases every year. This year, the focus was young adults who “stepped in where adults failed to lead, and are facing terrible danger as a result,” according to the organization’s website.

“Getting to do events like this and knowing that I can make a difference

from home without having to visit these countries individually is so rewarding,” said Rebecca Kosty, a sophomore urban elementary education and history dual major who is also the secretary of the College’s Amnesty International.

“Something so simple as writing a letter means a lot to me.”

Kosty was a major proponent in making the “Write for Rights” event happen on a larger scale at the College. Although the club had been participating in the campaign for the past few years, this semester was the first time they hosted an event that allowed other students to partake with ease.

By writing these letters, supporters of Amnesty International seek justice for those who have been unjustly treated by their governments.

“Our goal is to write as many letters

as possible,” said Shad Yasin, a senior biology major and president of the club.

“Write for Rights” has a collection of success stories in which the letters exerted so much pressure on governmental leaders that it led to change. Such was the case for Moses Akatugba of Nigeria, who was falsely accused of theft and sentenced to death at 16 years old. The campaigns led by Amnesty International were instrumental in securing his release, according to the organization’s website.

The club hopes not only to inform the campus of these global issues, but to take action in changing the circumstances surrounding international intolerance.

“College students especially can feel like they can’t do much about things going on halfway across the world,” Yasin said. “With these little actions, we can make a big difference.”

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 15

Arts & Entertainment

Student Band Night features alternative sound

The student band Via Ripa performs a series of original music.

By Garrett Cecere Former Editor In Chief

Energy, enthusiasm and a mellow mood accompanied three passionate rock performances as each artist took the stage.

Students who made their way to the Brower Student Center Room 225 on Feb. 25 were treated to three original performances from their peers. With the electric sound echoing through the hall as musicians warmed up, audience members knew what they were in for before the CUB Alt’s Student Band Night even began.

Performing under an alternating illumination of green, violet and vivid

blue lights, senior interactive multimedia major Jonah Malvey kicked off the night with a solo act. With an acoustic guitar and a little help from a synthesizer, Malvey played songs that he wrote both on his own and with his band, Cheyenne Dan. Malvey said that he especially enjoyed performing the song “Heavy Metal,” which will be released as a single on March 6. Despite not having a stand for his synthesizer, Malvey improvised, played the song and received applause.

“Heavy Metal … is one that I’m really excited to release because it’s so different from ones that we did before,” he said.

Julia Meehan / Photo Editor

The energy and volume grew as Via Ripa took the stage for the second set.

With heavy drums and a seamless mix of guitars and bass, each sound complimented one another from one song to the next.

Bassist Sean Cuddy, a senior marketing major, said that out of all the band’s songs, “Big Daddy Crick” was his favorite to perform. “(The song) is about this really, really rich guy who spends his whole entire life becoming rich,” Cuddy said. “Finally, he loses his mind and he’s like, ‘What the fuck am I gonna do with all this money?’”

The band had never performed live before, but its debut didn’t seem apparent to the crowd members, many of whom

danced right along to the rhythm.

“I had no idea until after that it was their first show,” said Devan Nieradka, a freshman open options political science major.

“That’s just crazy that they were able to come out like that with all that energy and just deliver such a good performance.”

Although Cuddy is the only member of Via Ripa who is a student at the College, his bandmates shared his enthusiasm for performing at Student Band Night.

“I always like a small crowd, ’cause it’s super fun and personal,” said lead singer and guitarist Michael Pinckney.

One song that stood out Pinckney was “DiddlyDiddlyDiddly.” According to Cuddy, the song’s name has no special meaning.

“We just called it (“DiddlyDiddlyDiddly”) because that’s what it was, just a little diddly that we like to play,” Cuddy said.

Overall, Pinckney enjoyed the first opportunity for the band to play live in front of a crowd. “(Performing live) was so fun,” Pinckney said. “It was so much fun. I love it.”

For the night’s final performance, the lights shifted to a red glow for Format War, a trio that featured smooth drumming and strong guitar and bass.

The band played songs from its new EP, which it just recorded in New Brunswick and will release in April.

Lead singer and guitarist Jack Sofka, a senior English major, enjoyed closing out the night and giving other students music to enjoy.

“It was cool. I’m glad people stuck around,” he said. “Other bands were tight. They’re good friends of ours, so … it was a lot of fun.”

Comedian uses humor to share captivating recovery

By Chelsie Derman Reviews Editor

Filling into the seats of the library’s auditorium, the audience prepared itself for an evening of reflection, emotion and laughter.

Comedian Patrick Holbert discussed his past issues with alcoholism through humor in his stand-up comedy show, “Punch Line Drunk,” on Thursday, Feb. 27.

His comedy show began with a few words from the Collegiate Recovery Community, a group of students who are either in recovery or are allies of substance use disorder and other mental health issues.

From here, student performers from the College’s Stand-Up Comedy Society took turns giving brief comedy shows.

After the short, student-based comedy shows, Holbert made his way to the stage. Transitioning from the lighthearted comedy the students before him performed, Holbert poked fun at his younger self and then took a more serious turn when he talked about his past with substance use disorder.

Addressing alcoholism from a personal experience, Holbert expressed gratitude for his recovery process.

“I had a lot of fun in sobriety,” Holbert said. “I got to do shows like this.”

For eight years, his alcoholism pulled experiences away from him. Trapped by his addiction, alcohol stripped away

all chances of achieving his dreams and made him turn into an “ass,” he said.

“I became a different mammal,” Holbert joked.

From getting arrested three times on his college campus to stripping naked in public at night, Holbert let alcohol take over his life.

While Holbert began to overuse alcohol by himself, it was peer pressure that led to his addiction.

His high school friends, “The Booze Hounds,” visited Holbert in college and pressured him into having a drink. From there, things only went downhill and Holbert’s addiction began.

“I became this mean, horrible monster,” Holbert said.

For a long time, Hobert was not in a good place— his addiction negatively affected everything from his aspirations to his romantic relationships. But eventually, Holbert started seeing a therapist and got the help he needed.

In his comedy show, Holbert used humor to tell an emotional story, balancing a dark topic with a light mood.

The audience was moved by Holbert’s journey, reflecting on the best coping mechanisms in the face of adversity. The most important thing that one audience member took away from the show is the need for a strong support system during life’s low points. Towards the end of the show, Holbert shared the method that most helps him deal with hard times is sharing his story

Jane Bowden / Managing Editor

Holbert discusses his journey from alcoholism to activism. with others and calling a friend to alleviate what may be wearing him down.

“Times can be hard and you need the right people to get through it,” said Emma Wheiler, a junior psychology major.

Holbert remains grateful for his nowsober life. From a troubling addiction to an ongoing fight to stay clean, Holbert now gets the chance to do what he loves the most — perform.

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fun stuff

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 17

‘Love & Information’ lights up Kendall Hall

Play explores modern love stories through improvisation

By Nancy Bowne Staff Writer

The coffee shop was filled with dangling light bulbs, engaging stories and impressive improvisation.

All College Theatre presented “Love & Information,” a modern play written by Caryl Churchill, from Feb. 26 to 29. The experimental play takes place over the duration of 50 short scenes that explore topics such as breakups, traveling, pain and even magical stones. The 12-person cast represented multiple different characters and perspectives throughout the one-act play.

“This was the perfect play for ACT,” said Direct Curt Foxworth ’02. “A year ago, I picked this play to present to the ACT membership board.”

Foxworth also shared that what sets this script apart is that it “doesn’t give you a location, names, or even some scenes.”

While the show takes on the spirit of improv, Foxworth explained that “it is more about making offers” and creating new ideas.

The play begins with the cast ad libbing and perusing around the stage. But by the last scene, the rag tag cast of strangers becomes closer, becoming invested in every line.

“The ensemble is just as much a part of the show when they aren’t speaking,” Foxworth said.

The coffee shop was a platform that welcomed ideas, fears, comments and proclamations of

The show uses a single set for 50 different mini scenes. love and information. A word from each scene was written on the chalkboard on stage, such as “wedding video” and “decision censor.” The cast did a spectacular job of transitioning from scene to scene, cascading into a general rhythm of humor to chaos and melancholy to hope.

“This show was literal genius,” said Dylan Sepulveda, a junior English major and actor in the production. “The script

could be random and abstract, just leaving a title of the scene to fill in its storyline. But then some parts were placed in order.”

Stephanie Sonbati, a junior English and communications studies double major and actor in the production, echoed Sepulveda’s words.

“The production is never the same, any place that you go and see it presented,” Sonbati said. “There were tons of rehearsals full of just

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Sonbati

transitions from each small scene.”

Behind the scenes, “Love & Information” continued to extend its message through strategic planning and leadership.

Gina Mancuso, a sophomore English and secondary education dual major and an assistant production manager of the play, appreciated the show’s eclectic format.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Mancuso said. “The cast has been amazing. Production has been

very smooth, too.”

Putting together this production was no simple feat. Jonathan Vogel, a sophomore chemistry and secondary education dual major, who served as a lead lighting designer, explained how the scene with morse code through the lamps “literally took three days.”

“I crafted 300 cues together on a spreadsheet,” Vogel said. “It was super rewarding to see the finished product.”

Orchestra concert strings together beautiful harmonies

Students play an impressive array of classical pieces.

By Julia Duggan Staff Writer

As the lights dimmed and the director walked onstage in Mayo Hall, the audience’s whispered chatter turned silent, waiting to hear the group of students begin their performance.

The TCNJ Orchestra performed their first concert of the semester on Thursday, Feb. 26.

Led by Professor Uli Speth, the director of TCNJ Orchestra, the concert opened with “Carmen Suite No. 1” by Georges Bizet, in which all six movements were performed.

The first movement, the “Prelude,” was performed beautifully, as the strings blended well with the rest of the ensemble. The

trombones could easily be heard in the second movement. In the third movement, “Intermezzo,” the flute and harp solos sounded elegant, as both performers were expressive and made the solos their own.

“Séguedille” was the fourth movement, and the orchestra captured the playful character. Several audience members were even swaying along. The fifth movement, “Les Dragons d’Alcala,” had an exotic character to it, which the bassoon and the snare drum captured perfectly. But the audience’s favorite movement was the last one, “Les Toréadors.”

This loud, exciting and passionate movement surprised the audience at first — Most of the other movements required the musicians to play at a medium level of sound, but the

Julia Meehan/ Photo Editor

orchestra showed how loud it could get with the final movement.

The second piece the orchestra performed the peaceful and slow “Pavane pour une infante défunte” by Maurice Ravel, which the musicians executed quietly and with great success.

The final piece that the orchestra played was “Symphony No.1 in D Major” movements “III. Feierlich und Gemessen,” “Ohne Zu Schleppen” and “I. Langsam” by Gustav Mahler. The orchestra grew in size as another French horn player, a piccolo player, a bass clarinet player and an english horn player took the stage.

“I’m personally a fan of German and Russian composers, so it’s very exciting to play

Mahler for the first time,” said Alexis Silverman, a senior music education major who performed on the clarinet.

Speth decided to start with the third movement and end with the first. This decision makes sense since the third movement is quiet, peaceful, calm, and most conductos want to end with something exciting and loud. The first movement is just that.

The third movement was slow and beautifully blended, while the first movement was incredible to watch. The trumpets were required to leave the stage and perform in a different room than the concert hall, which made them sound distant and hinted that something important or exciting would happen soon.

To make this work, one of the trombone players left with the trumpets and followed Speth’s conducting cues, so the trumpets could stay with the orchestra even though they could not see Speth. The very beginning of the first movement started off with an eerie sound from the strings and contrasted with an upbeat and pleasant sound from the trumpets.

The rest of the piece demonstrated the orchestra’s control on volume. The audience was impressed at the level of excitement this orchestra could create and then, just as fast, shrink its volume to almost nothing.

“I thoroughly enjoyed all of the music the orchestra played,” said Gaia Hutcheson, a sophomore music education major. “It was an exciting and daring program — ‘Mahler’ especially is difficult to play, and requires a lot of musicians. My favorite piece had to be the ‘Carmen’ suite though. The movements were very expressive and each one seemed to tell a different story. It was also exciting to hear a familiar tune.”

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‘Alive from New York’ bores audience to death

SNL star Pete Davidson disappoints with flat punch lines

Netflix

Left: Davidson’s jokes receive negative attention from critics. Right: The comedian is known for his role on Saturday Night Live.

By Madison Pena News Editor Stepping out from his usual appearance behind Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” desk is clearly out of this comedian’s comfort zone.

On Feb. 25, Pete Davidson dropped his first Netflix special “Alive From New York,” joining the ranks of fellow SNL cast members John Mulaney and Seth Meyers.

However, his comedy proves to be better suited for the shorter and more pointed SNL skits rather than an hour-long stand-up filled with awkward pauses.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of the SNL star. I really wanted to like it, but the topics covered in the special were borderline juvenile

without many redeeming moments.

In certain comedy bits, it almost seemed like the audience was lost on where the actual humor was, making for several moments of silence in between jokes as the audience decided whether or not it was appropriate to laugh.

Much like Davidson’s personal brand, the entire aura of the performance was dark and immature at times.

While a portion of the special dealt with Davidson’s uncomfortably delivered jokes about sex, his stories of being on SNL and rooming with his mother proved to be somewhat redeeming.

The highlight of the special was his jokes regarding his ex-girlfriend and famous singer, Ariana Grande. In his show, Davidson admits he “wasn’t going to talk about it”

until his friend informed him that Grande told the press she did not know who he was.

This, according to Davidson, meant his jokes were “fair game.”

These jokes proved to be his saving grace in the special. He also suggested that if the roles were reversed, he would not have been able to get away with what Grande did.

Davidson noted how, after she landed the Vogue magazine interview where she denied knowing of having a real relationship with him, it ended in no repercussions – aside from her winning Billboard’s Woman of the Year award.

It was at this portion of the stand-up where I was reminded why I enjoy Davidson on SNL — he is great at making fun

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of himself.

Though he joked about his relationship with Grande, Davidson never spoke ill of his ex-girlfriend. He only referenced how her post-breakup interviews have ingeniously ruined his chances with other women – which was even funnier.

Following this humorous bit, he took the comedy to a darker place. He told the story of how, after his father died on 9/11, his mother attempted to cheer him and his sister up by buying them what he fondly called “the death pool.”

Though he was able to give the audience glimpses that he’s still the funny guy we see on SNL, Davidson ultimately missed the mark and left the audience confused as to what they just watched.

Summer Program Financial Aid Application available 3/10/2020 Visit http://financialaid.tcnj.edu/ and Click “Summer Programs” for more information.

You must have a 2019-2020 FAFSA on file to be considered for aid.

(FAFSA filing deadline: 6/30/2020) Remember: • Minimum Undergraduate enrollment of 1.5 units. 5 credits minimum for Graduate Students.

• You must be matriculated.

• Your financial aid file must be complete (no missing items).

Types of Financial Aid: http://financialaid.tcnj.edu/loan-processing/ •

Federal Direct Loan Program: Only students with remaining academic year

• •

Federal Parent Loans (PLUS) & Graduate PLUS Loans Alternative Loans

Federal Direct Loans eligibility will be able to borrow during the Summer Session.

Office of Student Financial Assistance, Green Hall 101 at 609-771-2211 or osfa@tcnj.edu.

March 4, 2020 The Signal page 19

Sports Major League Baseball

What to expect in the 2020 MLB season

By Mathias Altman-Kurosaki Staff Writer

With teams reporting to spring training and the Houston Astros cheating scandal behind the league, it is finally baseball season. There have been many moves during the off-season that have caused teams across the league to look quite different. With that in mind, here is

how each division looks heading into the 2020 regular season.

In the National League East, it’s plausible that the New York Mets will win the division, the Washington Nationals will miss the playoffs and the Philadelphia Phillies will come in fourth place again.

Despite the Mets’ historically bad luck, they have a very talented roster that would have been in the playoffs

The League opens up official play on March 26.

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in 2019 if their bullpen hadn’t been a complete disaster, posting a 4.95 Earned Run Average (ERA). That number was the sixth worst in the Majors. With a new manager, Luis Rojas, the Mets look poised to make it back to the postseason.

As for the defending World Champion Washington Nationals, they lost their best hitter, Anthony Rendon, which significantly weakens their lineup. They still have a strong pitching staff, but in a highly competitive division, the Nationals find themselves behind the Mets and the Atlanta Braves.

In the National League Central, it’s expected that the Cincinnati Reds will run the division. The St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs have had very quiet off-seasons after being the top three teams in the division last year.

Meanwhile, the Reds have had a huge off-season, adding the likes of sluggers Mike Moustakas and Nicholas Castellanos. The Reds have a team that can capitalize on playing in a relatively weak division. They may have been a losing team for the past five seasons, but this is their chance to make it back

to the playoffs.

As for the National League West, it looks like it will be all about the Los Angeles Dodgers, but members of the League aren’t sleeping on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

While the Dodgers are probably favorites to win the World Series, the Diamondbacks also look poised to have an impact on the division this year.

In the American League East, the New York Yankees are looking great, and so are the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees won 103 games last year and then picked up the highly sought-after Gerrit Cole in free agency, giving him a nineyear contract worth $324-million.

Despite recent injuries to Luis Severino, James Paxton and Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees will be very hard to stop this year.

If there is going to be a team that could stop the Yankees, it would be the Rays. They are coming off a 97win campaign where they almost took down the Houston Astros in the American League Division Series.

With largely the same roster as last year, the Rays will once again be a force to be reckoned with this year.

As for the American League

Women’s Basketball

Central, it’s expected that the Minnesota Twins will defend the division crown. The Twins shocked the league last year by winning 101 games and smacking a recordsetting 307 home runs. The Twins could not only win the division, but they also look like they have a shot at the World Series.

Lastly, in the American League West, despite all of the controversy, the Houston Astros will be just fine.

The Astros have had a dramafilled off-season to say the least, with a cheating scandal behind them. But despite all of the drama, the Astros still have a star-studded infield led by Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. Their pitching rotation is led by reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, who seems to be getting better with age. While there may be some distractions right now, it’s hard to envision any team stopping the Astros in the west.

Spring training is already underway and Major League Baseball’s opening day is on Thursday, March 26. The games will begin at 1:05 p.m.

Baseball

Women’s basketball falls Bat / Baseball drops three games in NJAC semifinal game continued from page 20

Epstein to score on a fielder’s choice and give the Lions a 1-0 lead. RMC would soon tie the game at one in the seventh.

The Lions would score two more runs in the eighth to take a 3-1 lead. The first run was a solo home run by Simon, this would be then followed by a single by Oczkowski that would allow Otten to score. RandolphMacon would go on to get one run back in the eighth and then tie it in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings.

The extra 10th and 11th innings were silent, but the 12th inning was where the

action was. In the top of the 12th, Cardona III added to his successful weekend and drove in a run with a single that scored Persichetti and gave the Lions a 4-3 lead.

The opponents would tie the game on a sacrifice fly, which would be followed by back-to-back walks to load the bases. The next batter would be hit by the pitch and this would force in the game winning run for Randolph-Macon as the Lions would lose a heartbreaker 5-4 in 12 innings.

After a rough 0-3 start to the season, the Lions will look to redeem themselves and pick up their first win on Tuesday, March 3 against Ursinus College.

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Byrne dribbles upcourt on a fast break for the Lions.

By Ann Brunn Staff Writer

The women’s basketball team was bested 82-62 by Rowan University in the first game of the New Jersey Athletic Conference semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Despite the loss, the Lions finished the season with an overall record of 1611 and a conference record of 12-6. The game also marked the third year in a row that the women have made it to the NJAC semifinals.

Senior forward Jen Byrne had 10 points in the contest which put her into fifth place all-time in the College’s scoring history.

Byrne finished her career with 1,290 points while also being named to All-

NJAC honors in the past three seasons.

Pacing the Lions with nearly a tripledouble was junior forward Shannon Devitt. Devitt had 25 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high nine blocked shots.

Another Lion notched a careerhigh— junior guard Jane Beiermeister tallied nine points off the bench along with nine boards.

Junior guard Elle Cimilluca also added six points, handed out five assists and grabbed five rebounds.

Three Lions were named to All-NJAC teams: Byrne, Devitt and sophomore guard Rachel Gazzola.

With Byrne being the only player graduating, the Lions look to return in the 2020-2021 season poised for a run at the NJAC title.

Cardona steps up to the plate.

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Sports

Signal

Ice hockey loses 3-2 in overtime in first round of regional tournament

By Anthony Garcia Sports Editor

In the first round of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Southeast Regional Tournament, the successful season for College’s club hockey team came to end as they lost 3-2 in overtime to Wake Forest University.

“It was a very tough loss against a very good team,” said College President Kathryn Foster, who was at the game sporting a number 16 hockey jersey, which was a gift from the club. “I could not be more proud of our hockey players.”

Despite being outshot by a total of 48-16, the College’s club hockey team managed to take a 2-1 lead late into the third period. But a goal was given up with 4:29 left on the clock to tie it at two each. An odd-man rush by Wake Forest seven seconds into the overtime period ended the game.

“I told the guys it was going to come down to one shot,” said coach Andrew Ducko. “Going into overtime I told them to hope that it’s you that makes the shot that counts.”

This is Ducko’s fifth season as coach. Since he has taken over, the club has seen major growth and success, including four consecutive Colonial Cup Championships. For the first time in program history, the team in the regional tournament last season. However, the Lions weren’t able to duplicate last season’s triumph, as their lead slipped away.

Before the game began, a moment of silence was given in honor of the life of Matthew Palmer, a freshman student at the College who died suddenly on Feb. 21.

Early in the first period, sophomore Jameson Dugan scored the first goal of the game — a piercing shot sent from in front of the neutral zone that snuck in past the goalie.

Later in the first, with two seconds left on a Lions’ penalty kill, Wake Forest tied the game with seven minutes left until the first buzzer. Sophomore Andrew Summa, who already assisted the College’s first goal, scored and made it 2-1 at the end of the first — a score that would last until the third period.

The second period consisted of strong defensive efforts on both sides, including a diving save by sophomore defender Travis Beni. The College’s goalie, junior Michael Lojewski, had an astounding game with 17 saves coming in the second.

“Lojewski is our best player, he makes the saves he needs to make, he’s calm, he composed, he makes us a better hockey team,” Ducko said.

At the end of the second period, there was a scuffle between senior Kris Hastings and a Wake Forest player due to a late check after the end of the period bell.

The referees separated the players, but no punishment was given to either team.

The Lions held onto their lead, but coach Ducko noted they were on their heels as they were being substantially outshot. With 4:29 left in the third, Wake Forest scored the game-tying goal, which sent the game into overtime.

The tension in the rink was palpable before overtime, but it was Wake Forest that scored the first goal of the sudden-death period. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the players embraced Lojewski, who finished with 45 saves.

“After the game we focused on the positives,” Ducko said. “It was a great year.”

Ducko said the club made a stark effort to be the good guys this year — they decided to play this season respectfully and with good spirit: a trait that carried over into the post-game locker room, where the players only complimented each others’ performances.

“It’s tough and it hurts,” Ducko said. “But in the end, I’m proud of our guys.”

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The Lions take the ice in pre-game warm-ups.

Baseball

Baseball strikes out in tough start to season

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The team loses three games against Randolph-Macon.

By Jacob Malik Staff Writer

The men’s baseball team kicked off its season on the road this weekend against the 17th ranked Randolph-Macon College, getting off to a rocky start after dropping all three opening games to their opponent.

The team lost by scores of 8-4 and 12-6

Lions Lineup March 4, 2020

I n s i d e

on Saturday, Feb. 29 in a double header and lost in a 12-inning heartbreaker Sunday, March 1 by a final score of 5-4.

In the first game, the Lions were able to jump out to an early 1-0 lead when senior Thomas Perischetti scored on a wild pitch.

However, the next three runs belonged to Randolph-Macon as the team scored two in the third and another in the fifth to take a 3-1 lead. The Lions sound tied it up with

a single from Senior David Cardona III in the sixth and the third and final run in the seventh when senior Garry Otten scored on a fielding error.

In the seventh inning, the team saw the game slip away. The Lions let up four runs on just two hits, giving Randolph-Macon a 7-3 lead.

Feliepe was then pulled and subsequently replaced by junior David Stec, who went in during the seventh and pitched through the eighth, giving up one run in the process and making the score 8-3. In a last-ditch effort in the top of the ninth, the Lions scored one run on a wild pitch, but still lose, 8-4.

In the second game, Randolph-Macon scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth, all of which were unearned. The opponents further padded this lead with another run, making it a 5-0 game.

Despite already being down 5-0, the Lions clawed their way back into the game with three runs in the third and another two in the fifth. In the third, Cardona III hit a single sending junior Aydon Chavis home and senior Jacob Simon crushed a triple, allowing both Cardona III and junior Avery Epstein to score. Later on in the 3rd, Otten hit a single that allowed Simon to score and bring the Lions to within 1. Simon would strike again in the 5th with a sacrifice fly that would score Cardon III and tie the

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game at 5.

The bottom of the sixth was the final inning of work for sophomore Matt Volpe, and Randolph-Macon managed to score one more unearned run before the inning ended to take a 6-5 lead. Volpe’s final line consisted of five innings pitched, seven hits, six runs, one earned run and three strikeouts.

In the seventh inning, the Lions tied the game back up at six with a ground-out by sophomore Joe Oczkowki, with Simon scoring on the fielders’ choice. After a perfect sixth inning, freshman pitcher Nicholas Scerbo let up six hits while allowing six earned runs that gave Randolph-Macon a commanding 12-6 lead. After a clean and scoreless eighth inning, the game was called due to it being too dark outside, allowing Randolph-Macon to sweep the double-header.

The third game of this three-game set was nothing like the first set. The first five innings were a pitchers duel, with sophomore Tom Kelly on the mound. In total, he let up seven hits with just two earned runs and five strikeouts.

The first sign of life would come in the top of the sixth when Cardona III continued to contribute with a groundout that allowed

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see GAME page 19