The Signal: Spring ‘17 No. 6

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Vol. XLVI, No. 6

Speakers share poetry at Black Monologues

By Elise Schoening Staff Writer

Stitched on the shirt of one performer were the words “Black Lives Matter” in bold lettering. Another shirt read, “Danger: educated black woman.”

Welcome to the Black Monologues.

Students and faculty gathered on Thursday, Feb. 23, for the College’s second annual Black Monologues, which had been postponed due to a snowstorm on Feb. 9.

Demand for the event was so great that the Black Student Union decided to move the monologues from last year’s venue of the Library Auditorium to the larger Mayo Concert Hall.

“The Black Monologues were created as a space for members of the College community to share their experiences in the black community,” said Sarah Bennett, president of BSU and a sophomore elementary education and math double major.

This year, 11 performers took the stage to share their stories. Despite the event’s name, the students did not share monologues, but, instead, recited poetry or sang.

In a poem entitled “Living Hell,” Daisy Tatum, a junior history and secondary education dual major, gave a gruesome view of race relations in modern America.

“I don’t want my children to grow up in this racist-ass place,” Tatum said. “I want them to live chain free, but currently, I see nothing but the shackles on the feet of my friends.”

Tatum touched on police brutality and

Students network at career fair

By Kayla Lafi Staff Writer

Students dressed in business casual attire arrived at the Student Recreation Center on Wednesday, Feb. 22, with their résumés in-hand for the College’s biannual Spring Career and Internship Fair. The fair attracted students looking for summer internships, full-time positions and networking opportunities.

The Spring Career and Internship Fair brings together company representatives and students to network in an informal setting. The Career Center started preparing and planning the event after the Fall Spring Career and Internship Fair.

“It’s geared towards everyone that is either looking for an internship or a full-time opportunity,” said Debra Klokis, associate director of the Career Center. “It is for all majors, as well. Freshmen can really get the lay of the land see CAREER page 3

March 1, 2017

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College gamers level up nationally

By Connor Smith Managing Editor

bullet has no name, but it sure has a color.”

Junior communication studies major Brianna Shepard echoed a similar sentiment. Shepard’s poem, titled “You Died Last Night,” was an ode to lives lost in the black community.

Late in the game, the Lions needed a play. The team was down big against the Columbia College Cougars, and the longer it dragged out, the more desperate the Lions became. After a major Lions misplay, the Cougars began their final push for game one.

Three of five Lions remained.

The first game in a best-of-three series was on the line, and sophomore history major Jackson Kim sought one final chance to strike. When the Cougars turned their attention to a risky objective, Kim launched himself over a wall and into the Cougars clutches.

Even with help from junior business major Bobby St Pierre and senior finance major Chris Roberts, Kim’s gambit bordered on suicide.

That’s when St Pierre and Kim neutralized two opponents, and Roberts fired high-hitting shots at long range. In one chaotic skirmish, the Lions overcame the Cougars and rode their momentum into a 2-0 sweep of the series. This might have been Lions athletics’ biggest win of the year — defeating an opponent with better coaching, infrastructure and even scholarship support.

The only problem? This wasn’t a varsity sport at all — it was a game of “League of Legends.”

see BLACK page 13

see LEAGUE page 23

Jason Proleika / Photo Editor

Poetry and songs ring out at Mayo Concert Hall. the way in which black Americans have become the target of violence time and time again.

“My chest is compressed, and I can’t breathe,” said Tatum, referencing Eric Garner, who died in the chokehold of New York police officers in 2014. “I’m tired of this system. I’m tired of being oppressed. … A

Journalist reveals tomato farming’s horrible history

By Heidi Cho Staff Writer Although the West Coast is one of the three largest tomato producers in Florida, there are no West Coast tomatoes, according to an investigative journalist who dug deep into the food production system and shared his findings on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Library Auditorium.

As long as the media does not know about it, big tomato producers can get away with not branding their products because they have no public image to uphold.

This invisibility is what allowed them to enslave their farmworkers and hide behind Ol’ McDonald’s farm without consequences — until Barry Estabrook released his book “Tomatoland” in 2010.

Estabrook’s book details the farming habits of the tomato industry that kept their workers in worse conditions than their

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tomatoes. Through the efforts of the marginalized farmworkers, the book soon became completely outdated “in the best way,” Estabrook said.

How did the migrant, poor, semi-literate farmworkers turn the tomato industry’s harvest of shame into hope?

Estabrook told of the template created by the farmworkers to help others rise from their chains.

“Forget anything you ever thought of as a farm,” Estabrook said.

Tomatoes in Florida, one of the largest locations of tomato production in the world, are grown in fields of sand. The vast plots are pumped with the exact amount of water and nutrients needed to produce the bare minimum to grow a tomato. Then, they are picked and transported to conveyer belts.

This is a modern farm, where growing stalks are battlegrounds and chemical warfare

Opinions / page 9

Kim Iannarone / Staff Phtographer

Estabrook tells the story of forgotten farmworkers. is fair play.

Workers then separate the ripe, red tomatoes out from the green, sturdier tomatoes that are more likely to pass through transportation unscathed. The green tomatoes move on to be gassed in ethylene to color them orange.

Features / page 11

The environment in which the tomatoes were grown was bad, but the conditions under which the farmworkers had to pick them were even worse.

People lived off of 50 cents per 32 pounds of tomatoes they see TOMATO page 2

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Sports / page 24

On Violence and Peace Concert is based on world tragedies

Wrestling Three Lions qualify for NCAAs

See A&E page 15

See Sports page 24

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Tomato / Harvest yields fruits of modern-day slavery

AP Photo

Left: Migrant workers toil away in the tomato fields. Right: Estabrook’s book explains how farmworkers broke their shackles. continued from page 1

picked. The mostly Hispanic population could only afford to live in trailers that housed 10 or more people.

Some would be shackled with chains, “so people don’t run away,” Estabrook said.

One-third of the pesticides, herbicides and fungicides used are “bad actors:” mutagenic, carcinogenic, acutely toxic and neurotoxic chemicals.

Although it is possible for consumers to avoid the pesticide residue on 54 percent of grocery store tomatoes, most farmworkers will not be able to avoid it: 96 percent reported pesticide exposure at work, and 53 percent reported pesticides have touched their skin.

Pregnant women ran from the spray of pesticides that came through with workers in the fields, so that their babies are not disabled like Carlito, the son of a farmworker who was born without arms and legs because of exposure to pesticides in the womb.

These working conditions did not qualify as “indentured servitude” or a “peculiar institution.” It could only be classified as slavery, according to Estabrook, who referred to the tomato industry as “ground zero” for modern slavery and sweatshops. The only thing that changed was the skin color.

People were whipped, beaten and raped in the fields, like 16-year-old Edgar who

had to go to the hospital after his transgression: getting a drink of water.

Someone held up Edgar’s blood-soaked shirt high in the crowd that had formed around the crew boss who had beat the teenager, and said, “Today it was Edgar’s shirt. Now, it’s everyone’s shirt.”

Edgar’s shirt taught the workers the first of three lessons — strength in numbers.

As the workers rose up around the bloodied shirt like a war banner, the farmworkers realized that they had more bargaining power together, so they decided to talk to the bosses in groups for fairer conditions.

It wasn’t enough, though, as one boss refused to talk to the workers because he does not talk to his tractors.

In response, “I am not a tractor” was written in Spanish on workers’ headbands.

“One more cent per pound” was written in Spanish on several signs, too.

Getting media attention was the second lesson, and the third lesson was that the major tomato industry customers would do anything to protect their image: They knew they could protest the fast food companies that have images to protect. With the help of media and college students, they first went after Taco Bell to sign onto buying tomatoes from ethical producers.

From these lessons, farmworkers continued to grow their cause to get better conditions for every worker. As media attention grew, they became known as the

Coalition of Immokalee Workers.

Farmworkers had come up with the Fair Food Program, which included education for every worker before they went into the fields, shade during breaks, 24/7 surveillance in the fields and a third party that would investigate and punish the companies based on a 24-hour telephone line to report any issues.

Today more than 14 buyers, including McDonald’s, Walmart and Yum Brands, and more than 20 participating grower, are partnered with what The New York Times called “the best workplace-monitoring program” in America and what The Washington Post said was “one of the great human rights success stories of our day.”

While the farmworkers’ working conditions have changed for the better, they still live in trailer parks. Other farming industries around the world still have slavery rings.

The modern tomato is still a “tasteless, nutrient-less” produce, according to Estabrook. It is the poster child for what industrialized agriculture has done to farming, workers and consumers.

“My generation has failed you,” Estabrook said.

Yet the farmworkers demonstrated how people together can rise and fight oppressive systems. To Estabrook, the audiences that attend his presentations mean something to him.

Kim Iannarone / Staff Photographer

“To see young, intelligent, soon-to-be well-educated people like you taking an interest in this vital issue is — I can’t thank you enough,” Estabrook said. The full audiences that have attended the 30 to 40 presentations he has given mean that the rising generation cares.

Julien Blanchard, a sophomore English major, said many people think that liberal arts college students are “intellectuals with no realistic solutions.”

However, a class he is taking this semester, Student Faculty Interdisciplinary Seminar Toward Just and Sustainable Communities, brings together multiple perspectives on environmental issues like the one discussed in Estabrook’s presentation. Blanchard felt the concrete and realistic plan offered by Estabrook was one step toward actual change.

Jessica Hwang, a sophomore biology and public health double major, is in the same class as Blanchard and felt moved by the work the migrant workers had accomplished and how college students had helped their plight.

When the farmworkers were doing hunger strikes outside of Taco Bell offices, executives did not mind. When a few college students managed to shut down 15 outlets in the college’s area, that was when the executives caved.

“Clearly, it just takes a little bit of passion to make a change,” Hwang said.

SG takes stand against College’s Homecoming policy

SG believes the current alcohol policy discourages Homecoming attendance.

By Megan Kelly Staff Writer

Student Government passed another resolution at its Wednesday, Feb. 22, meeting, which states that SG does not support the recently adopted Homecoming Tailgate alcohol policy that only allows alcohol to be sold from third-party vendors.

Jason Proleika / Photo Editor

According to resolution R-S2017-02, SG believes the changes “discouraged both alumni and students from attending,” and the lengthy amount of time attendees spent waiting in line for alcohol detracted from their experience and the time they could have spent socializing.

The resolution also acknowledges a poll that used to be on The Signal’s website in which 76 percent of

the 430 people who took the poll were against the changes to the alcohol policy.

In addition, SG feels the prices of the beer and wine sold at this year’s tailgate were unfair and overpriced.

The members hope the College will revert back to Fraternal Information and Programming Group guidelines, which allow for one six-pack per person over the age of 21 and does not allow wine or hard liquor, according to Executive President Kevin Kim. The resolution was supported 36-17 with three abstentions.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Alex Moulder said he met with Sharon Blanton, chief information officer and vice president for Information Technology, to discuss changing the Course Evaluation Feedback forms that students fill out at the end of each semester.

“We’re looking to… minimize the number of questions they ask so you’re not bombarded with 30, 40 questions, and so we’re looking to bring it down to 10 questions,” Moulder said. Vice President of Student Services Lindsay Thomas announced that there will be a T-shirt swap on March 29.

The T-shirt that will be swapped with students’ old T-shirts is still being designed.

Vice President of Community Relations Michael O’Connor said he will be purchasing the wood to buy the Adirondack chairs he is hoping to have installed all over campus soon.

The Class of 2018 also received full funding for its TCNJ’s Got Talent event, which will take place on April 13 in Kendall Hall.

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Career / Fair provides opportunities for students

Students discuss employment and internship opportunities. continued from page 1

and start building connections. For sophomores, companies are looking for them for internships.”

The day before the event, the Career Center prompted students to download the Career Fair App, which allowed students to filter companies by major or position and shows an interactive map of the fair. At the beginning of each semester, the Career Center hosts two workshops called “Prepare for the Fair,” during which students can

Kim Iannarone / Staff Photographer

learn tips on how to engage with employers and representatives at the table.

“Every student should get connected with the Career Center early through LionsLink workshops and open hours,” Klokis said. “A lot of employers here today have an active posting on LionsLink, and that’s a great way to do some follow up after the fair.”

The Career Center is open every day of the week except Wednesdays. During these hours, students can come in and ask for résumé help, career advice and interview tips.

In addition, the Career Center offers LionsLink workshops to help students navigate the College’s online employerstudent database.

“I would say the Career Center was pretty on target on how to prepare for this and with the résumé, they kind of clean it up a lot more than where I had it,” said Bill Wells, a sophomore finance major. “It resulted in a more articulate résumé and general advice (that) was useful.”

Among the many companies present, Target enjoys coming back to the College because they “feel that TCNJ offers good students and we can see as good leaders for the future. At Target we are looking for diverse, different kinds of people from different backgrounds and majors to kind of take us to the next level,” said Jon Case, Target’s executive team leader of logistics.

As students navigated the fair while networking with different companies, alumni represented their respective companies. Engineering alumnus Matt Morgan (’14) represented Ferguson Enterprises at the both seasonal fairs.

“We were asked to come back, and you can’t really pass up an opportunity like that,” Morgan said. “One, to see some familiar faces and two, to let kids know that I am with Ferguson Enterprises and let them know what we are all about.”

The fair allows students face-to-face interaction with companies. It also introduces new opportunities to students outside of an online job posting.

“I am a sophomore, so I’m looking to see if I can get an internship over the summer hopefully,” said Erika Hausheer, a sophomore finance major. “I wanted to find out more about the companies and hopefully get an internship. This is my first time at the career fair. I like it. There are definitely a lot of good companies here.”

Cops encounter mysterious messages and missing markers

By Brielle Bryan Production Manager • On Feb. 19 at approximately 6:05 p.m., four Campus Police officers arrived at Lot 11 in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been seen in the lot on multiple occasions. The complaint came from a female who stated she did not believe the person occupying the vehicle was a student at the College. Upon arrival, the officers could not find the vehicle. Campus Police then located the vehicle and figured out who it was registered to: a student on campus with the same last name as the one on the vehicle’s registration, Campus Police said. The officers arrived at the student’s residence hall and located the vehicle nearby. They could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Campus Police could see green, leafy vegetation inside the vehicle that was scattered along the center console and on the floor in the rear of the cabin, according to police reports. While one officer stayed to watch the vehicle, the others went to the student’s room to speak with him. Upon arrival, the officers knocked on the door and announced their presence. A male answered the door and acknowledged that he was the student in question, police said. He gave the officers permission to enter the room and search his vehicle, in which he admitted that there was marijuana inside. The officers initiated a pat down of the student to clear him of any potential weapons, but he did not possess any. At approximately 6:40 p.m., Campus Police escorted the student to his vehicle where he was read the consent to search form along with his Miranda Rights. The student signed both forms. Upon opening the door of the vehicle, there was a strong odor of a controlled dangerous substance, according to police reports. Campus Police opened the center console, revealing a Ziploc plastic bag containing a green, leafy vegetation believed to be marijuana.

There were three other plastic bags containing residue of the same substance.

One red, yellow and green glass pipe; one

clear glass pipe, one purple metal pipe, one soft plastic water pipe and two packs of Raw brand rolling papers were uncovered alongside the plastic bags, according to police reports. Campus Police opened the trunk of the vehicle and found a clear green glass water pipe. At approximately 7:10 p.m., after completing the search of the vehicle, Campus Police placed the student under arrest. The student was transported to Police Headquarters. At approximately 7:25 p.m., Pro-Staff arrived at Police Headquarters to speak with the student regarding the incident. The student was issued a summons.

• On Feb. 20 at approximately 3:40 p.m., a female student reported receiving harassing text messages to Campus Police. The student reported she had been receiving unwanted text messages from unknown numbers. She said she first received a text message from an unknown number on Feb. 18. According to Campus Police, she originally thought she knew the owner of the number, who pretended to be someone she knew. After texting the number back, she started to realize that the number of the individual she knew was not the same as the person she had been texting.

She then stopped texting the number. On Feb. 19, she reported that she received another text from another unknown number that knew her name. The unknown individual said their name was that of a male student that went to her high school.

However, that person did not exist at her high school, police said. When the female student answered the message to explain that she didn’t know him, he replied by sending inappropriate messages, such as “Do you play with yourself?” and “I want to have my way with you,” according to Campus Police. The female student replied to the unknown individual’s messages, telling him to stop. The unknown individual did not comply. The student said she did not feel threatened, just uncomfortable by the nature of the texts. She told Campus Police that she had no idea who it could be, and she had not given out

her number recently. Campus Police advised the student to block the number and stay away from answering suspicious or unknown numbers.

fingerprinted, photographed and issued a summons. A few hours later, they were released from custody and escorted back to their residence halls.

• On Thursday, Feb. 23, at approximately 12:50 a.m., while conducting vehicle patrol near F Street, a Campus Police officer observed a light on the Southeast side of Lake Sylva. At 12:55 a.m., the officer arrived at Lot 15 where another officer joined him. The officers then got out of their patrol cars and walked on the bridge across from the dam to get a closer look at the light. The officers believed the light to be a flame for a brief moment, possibly ignited by a lighter. They walked toward the location of the flame where they observed two male students standing alone at the bank of the lake. The two students were holding a red and black plastic pipe containing green, leafy vegetation while attempting to ignite the vegetation with a lighter, according to Campus Police.

The officers said they also observed an orange prescription pill bottle on the ground between the feet of the two males that contained more green, leafy vegetation believed to be marijuana. The two male students were placed under arrest at 1:02 a.m. Another sergeant came to assist the officers as they transported the male students back to Police Headquarters for processing at 1:10 a.m., where the two students were read the Uniform Mercer County Rights form. They were

• On Feb. 17 at approximately 1:35 p.m., two Campus Police officers were dispatched to meet with a female student in Forcina Hall in reference to a theft. Upon arrival, the officers met with the female who stated that on Feb. 8 at approximately 7:30 p.m., she dropped off supplies to a room for tutoring sessions with a friend.

On Feb. 15 at approximately 4 p.m., the supplies appeared to be missing. The supplies consisted of two whiteboards valued at $40, two card tables valued at $60, one roll of butcher paper valued at $30, one set of markers valued at $10, one set of pencils valued at $10 and one set of construction paper valued at $10, according to Campus Police. The female said no one had checked on the items between Feb. 8 and Feb. 15. She stated that the room was not secured because there was no locking mechanism on the door. The female was advised to contact Campus Police with any information. At approximately 3:40 p.m., Campus Police spoke with the female who stated she located the card tables and whiteboards in another room, but did not find the other missing items.

Anyone with information can contact Campus Police at 609-771-2345.

Jason Proleika / Photo Editor

Campus Police finds green, leafy vegetation in a suspicious vehicle.

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SFB tables CUB events due to waning funds

Kim Iannarone / Staff Photographer

SFB funds the CUB Block Party, but tables a Funival concert and small comedy show.

By Olivia Rizzo Staff Writer

With just 10 percent of the Student Activities Fee left to fund the rest of the semester’s events, the Student Finance Board proceeded with caution when funding events this week.

The College Union Board requested funding for three events this week.

CUB’s request to add an outdoor concert as a second component to Funival — the annual end-of-year carnival — was tabled. The board cited that they wish to seek alternative avenues of funding.

“We believe that adding an outdoor concert will allow students to let go and enjoy themselves, as well as allow them to enjoy a live talent they may not typically get to see,” said Max Falvey, CUB Alt co-chair. “We are looking into having a headliner and an opener within the hiphop genre, which will go along with the vibe of Funival.”

After a lengthy debate, the board ultimately decided to table the concert due to the high cost.

The organization’s event, CUB Presents: An Evening with (performer to be determined), was also tabled by SFB.

“CUB wants to provide the TCNJ community with a smallscale comedy show or lecture to be held in either the Mayo Concert Hall or the new stud event space,” said Sydney Swartz, a CUB Live Event coordinator.

The board decided to table a vote on this event citing that they wanted to be able to look for additional sources of funding and concerns over the number of similar events that the organization has already hosted this year.

The CUB Block Party received $6,901.48 in funding.

According to Stephanie DiPetrantonio, a CUB Stud Event Coordinator, the block party will function as a spring late-nighter and will feature barbecue food, ice cream, lawn games and a flea market.

Funding will cover the costs of live music, drinks, face painting, Campus Police, basketball hoops, picnic tables, sound technicians and decorations.

The board also tabled several elements of the block party citing cost concerns, including food, outdoor heaters and lawn games.

CUB’s Block Party will take place on April 20 on Green Lawn at 6 p.m.

INK returned and was granted full funding in the amount of

$5,532.50 for its previously tabled event, INK’s Visiting Writers Series: Leslie Jamison.

“Leslie Jamison is a critically acclaimed novelist and non-fiction writer,” said Kyle Siegel, INK’s president. “We would like to host Leslie Jamison for the Visiting Writers Series, in which we invite an external writer to read and perform some of their work.”

Funding will cover the costs of Jamison’s honorarium and transportation to the College.

The event will take place on April 17 in the Library Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

The Muslim Student Association’s Annual Comedy Show Featuring Hassan Minhaji was tabled so SFB could negotiate the price of the comedian’s performance.

“Every spring semester we hold a week called ‘Islam Awareness Week,’ and this year we’ve decided to do Islam Awareness Month,” said Yasseen Ayuby, MSA’s president. “We’ve had an annual comedy show for many years, and it’s probably one of the biggest events of Islam Awareness Month.”

According to Ayuby, the goal of the event is to bring the many different cultural organizations on campus in order to begin to work together and form a community.

Ayuby also emphasized the educational element of this event in order to combat the negative stereotypes that are often associated with Islam today.

“We think our event is going to promote this togetherness, and what better way than with a comedy show?” Ayuby said.

Chabad was fully funded $3,059.49 for its Passover Seder.

“We do this every year. It’s a very holy Jewish holiday,” said Alex Molder, treasurer of Chabad.

“There are traditional foods, prayers and songs — a lot of the TCNJ Jewish community comes out to it, and they always bring out their non-Jewish friends.”

Funding will cover the costs of costs of traditional Passover Seder foods, paper goods, Shmura Matzah and Hagadas.

The organization also received $1,568.31 for its Israeli Independence Day. “For our Israeli Independence Day event, we want to educate the campus community about the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948,” Molder said. “This event allows students to learn about Israel’s history and culture and provide a way to celebrate this event.”

The costs of food, decorations, paper goods, balloons, drinks and Israeli crafts and activities are all covered by funding.

Chabad’s Passover Seder will take place on April 22 in the 1855 Room, and the Israeli Independence Day event will take place on March 29 at noon in an outdoor space on campus.

The Class of 2018 received $725 for TCNJ’s Got Talent.

“We want to showcase the talents of TCNJ students across friend groups, different organization and classes,” said Matt Kinghorn, Class Council president.

“We will be holding auditions and

plan to have 10 to 12 performers for the event.”

Funding will cover the costs of Kendall Hall fees, prizes and gifts for the judges. TCNJ’s Got Talent will take place on March 13 in Kendall Hall.

The Alternative Break Club was fully funded $5,891.19 for its Mardi Gras Masquerade.

“Our annual Mardi Gras Masquerade raises awareness about the work that still needs to be done post-Hurricane Katrina and about natural disasters that happen in the New Orleans Area,” said Rebecca Weippert, ABC’s vice president of publicity. “We want to bring a positive education and awareness to TCNJ by hosting this event and bringing the NOLA food, music and culture to students.”

Funding will cover the decorations, tableware, food, drinks, a band and sound technicians.

The Mardi Gras Masquerade will take place on March 29 in the Decker Social Space.

The Society for Creative Endeavors was fully funded $3,500.64 for their Sakura Matsuri Washington D.C. Bus Trip.

“Sakura Matsuri is a Japanese cultural festival in Washington D.C. This yearly festival celebrates the traditional viewing of cherry blossoms and the welcoming of spring in Japan,” said Nicole Stuebben, TSCE’s treasurer. “This year our trip aligns with when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the cultural festival will feature Japanese cuisine, music performances, traditional dances and art vendors will also be happening.”

Funding will cover the costs of coach buses to D.C. and their gratuity fees. The Sakura Matsuri Washington D.C. Bus Trip will take place on April 8, and the busses will depart from Lot 5 at 6 a.m.

Panel shines light on struggles of black community

By JoAnna DiCicco Staff Writer “You can’t come in. My family doesn’t like black people.”

Sean Stallings, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, heard these heartbreaking words from a friend at only 7 years old, forcing him to acknowledge his differences at a young age.

Stallings was among the faculty, staff and students who discussed these differences, as well as the issues of identity, political correctness and cultural appropriation, as part of black Student Union’s Black Experience Panel on the night of Feb. 21 in Paul Loser Hall.

A common view among the panelists was that the term “African American” was politically forced and does not describe their identity as well as it could. Most of the panelists prefer to refer to themselves as “black.”

“I’m trying to figure out who I am and not be told who I am,” Stallings said about the political correctness of the term.

Stallings emphasized that blacks in America struggle with who they are and where they come from.

Zakiya Adair, assistant professor of African-American studies and women’s, gender

and sexuality studies, went back to identifying as “black” because being labeled “African American” was less empowering.

“It collapsed very important histories of colonialism and slavery,” Adair said. “I believe that until those bonds and chains are no longer holding us down, it is important to remind people of that.”

Aaron Wilson-Watson, a junior communication studies major on the panel, agreed.

“African American became too soft and too flat,” he said. “It doesn’t accurately portray the political pushiness that ‘I’m black’ gives you.”

The panel agreed that the term “black” pays homage to their history and the fight with slavery that their ancestors were able to overcome.

The umbrella term of “African American” stems from the “lack of understanding that black folk are really diverse,” said Winnifred Brown-Glaude, chair of African-American studies. “‘Black’ is not to collapse differences within that category.”

The panelists also brought up the controversial Black History Month menu at Hopewell High School in nearby Pennington, N.J., which they felt propagated a stereotypical view of foods that represent black culture. “(People still think) having a certain

Jason Proleika / Photo Editor

Wilson-Watson believes that African American is ‘too soft’ of a term. amount of melanin in your skin means you have a propensity for a certain food,” Adair said. “It’s 2017, and we are not where people think we are.”

The consensus was that the misconceptions of identity stem from the media, education and ultimately, a combination of our social institutions.

“Our education has failed us, not just here in the US, even in Jamaica,” Brown said. “They taught us nothing about Africa or African Americans.”

Luckily, she had advice for anyone

dealing with racial ignorance.

“Be patient. It might not necessarily come from a bad place,” Brown said.

She added that it takes time to understand diversity and to not be afraid of it.

Some panelists were disappointed with the turnout. Todd McCrary, Educational Opportunity Fund program specialist, hoped to form a continuing discussion between students.

“I wish other races were present,” McCrary said. “I think that would have provided for a stronger dialogue.”

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Nation & W rld

Iraqi forces recapture airport from ISIS

Mosul is the last stronghold for jihadists in Iraq.

By Eric Preisler Staff Writer

Iraqi security forces recaptured Mosul’s airport from ISIS as part of a long-standing operation, CNN reported.

While ISIS forces destroyed the airport’s

AP Photo

runway to prevent it from being used, having control of the land will help Iraqi forces obtain southern routes to western Mosul, BBC reported.

“We were happy for the victory, but sad for the level of destruction of such an important airport,” said Abdulhadi Ahmed,

captain of Iraq’s counterterrorism unit, The New York Times reported.

U.S. troops also helped to retake the village of Tel al-Rayan and the Ghazlani military camp, according to BBC. The ensuing warfare left Tel al-Rayan severely damaged and with scores of people seeking medical attention, Los Angeles Times reported.

Airstrikes led by the U.S. have also damaged the five bridges connecting the eastern and western sides of the city, which is bisected by the Tigris River, in order to contain ISIS militants in the west, according to CNN. According to the same source, the retaking of Mosul from ISIS began in October when Iraqi troops and a militia made up of minority religious and ethnic groups, which have had conflicts in Iraq’s history, aligned to retake the city.

Once Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul is the last stronghold of jihadists in the country, Yahoo News reported.

Recapturing the western half of the city is anticipated to be more challenging than gaining control over the eastern half. Even though western Mosul is

smaller than the eastern half, it may be more difficult to gain control of because of its narrower streets and densely populated neighborhoods, according to Los Angeles Times.

An estimated 650,000 civilians remain in the western half of the city, and human rights organizations fear that using heavy weaponry would result in high civilian casualties, CNN reported.

The U.N. is setting up displacement camps around the city in anticipation of as many as 250,000 civilians fleeing their homes on the west bank, according to Yahoo News.

Civilians of eastern Mosul have written letters of solidarity to the civilians of the western half, CNN reported. However, ISIS tried to confiscate these letters, the same source reported.

“The children of ISIS went out into the streets and collected these letters early in the morning hours so no one could read them,” said Ghassan Mohammed Saadoun, a resident of the east, according to CNN. According to Yahoo News, one of the letters read, “Be patient and help each other. ... The end of injustice is near.”

Kraft withdraws from bid for Unilever takeover

By Jessica Bell Correspondent

Kraft Heinz withdrew from its $143 billion bid to takeover Unilever on Feb. 19, dismissing what would have been one of the largest consumer product mergers in history, CNN reported.

According to the same source, Unilever consistently said the deal undervalues its company.

“Our intention was to proceed on a friendly basis, but it was made clear Unilever did not wish to pursue a transaction,” said Michael Mullen, Kraft Heinz spokesperson, according to Reuters.

Unilever’s opposition to Kraft Heinz’s bid was unexpected, Fox News reported.

According to the same source, Unilever rejected the offer on Feb. 17 possibly in response to British Prime Minister Theresa May’s aversion to foreign takeovers. Unilever is a multinational British-Dutch company while Kraft Heinz is an American company.

“The idea that U.S. companies do not hold to the same ethical or corporate social responsibility standards as European firms is something that may be magnified with the current administration’s push for deregulation and their blind eye to environmental concerns,” said Karen Becker, associate professor of marketing at the College.

Differences in Kraft Heinz’s and Unilever’s corporate cultures and business models were also noted, according

to Reuters.

“Kraft Heinz has amicably agreed to withdraw its proposal for a combination of the two companies,” said Kraft Heinz and Unilever in a joint statement on Feb. 19, according to CNN. “Unilever and Kraft Heinz hold each other in high regard. Kraft Heinz has the utmost respect for the culture, strategy and leadership of Unilever.”

Deciding against a merger can sometimes prove beneficial, especially when company cultures clash, according to John McCarty, associate professor of marketing at the College.

“Mergers do not always work and can be to the detriment of both organizations, particularly if they have very different company cultures,” McCarty said.

The possible takeover of Unilever by Kraft Heinz would have exceeded the size of the Anheuser-Busch and SABMiller deal in 2016, which was worth almost $125 billion and currently holds the title of the largest merger in the food and beverage industry, CNN reported.

Unilever’s shares rose 15 percent and Kraft Heinz’s shares rose more than 10 percent after the bid was formally announced on Feb. 17, according to The New York Times.

After the bid was withdrawn, Unilever’s shares fell 7 AP Photo percent, according to CNBC. Kraft Heinz is Unilever’s competitor.

Kraft Heinz is well-known for its brand-name ketchup and macaroni and cheese, as well as Planters, Oscar Mayer Lipton tea, is Kraft Heinz’s rival, Reuters reported. and Jell-O products, according to CNN. Investors believe Kraft Heinz is searching for another Unilever, the maker of products such as Dove soap and major company to merge with, Fox News reported.

Oroville Dam suffers from failing infrastructure concrete, according to CNN. This was the first time the dam’s emergency spillway was used since its construction, Los Angeles Times reported.

Constructed in 1968, the Oroville Dam is the tallest dam in the U.S. However, due to neglected maintenance, the infrastructure has began to crumble and wear away, according to CNN. Due to ongoing and heavy rains, workers were unable to drain a large amount of water to alleviate pressure. As a result, the water AP Photo level in the dam rose 50 feet and The dam’s emergency spillway is used for the first time since its construction. began to spill over the brim, The

By Chloe Freed evacuated from Oroville, Calif., Fox News.

Mercury News reported.

Correspondent on Feb. 12 upon hearing reports The emergency spillway, which Residents who live downstream of the Oroville Dam’s emergency is used to prevent any overflow of the dam have been allowed to Nearly 200,000 people were spillway failing, according to caused by rain, had a hole in the go back to their homes. However,

with the unpredictability of the dam’s structure, another evacuation may be ordered, according to The Huffington Post.

To fix the problem, the California Department of Water Resources has reduced the rate of the water released so debris can be removed, according to Los Angeles Times.

Employees have been working overtime for about two weeks to put rock, aggregate and cement into the eroded spillways, according to Los Angeles Times.

Fixing water storage infrastructure is an ongoing issue. Environmental groups have feared that the spillways would malfunction for the past 12 years, according to CNN.

March 1, 2017 The Signal page 7

Editorial

Students should stay in touch with friends from home

Life at the College can feel all-consuming at times. The average college student’s busy life can make it easy to fall into a pattern. Showing up to classes, doing all the work for them and being involved in meaningful extracurricular activities — in my case, this newspaper — is no easy feat no matter what your major is.

Once you’ve settled into a productive routine, it feels like you’re eating, sleeping and breathing the College. As this goes on for semesters into years, it gets easier to lose touch with the things that exist outside of our campus bubble.

For many of us, one of the first things to go are old friendships. This is not usually an intended outcome — it’s simply a side effect of growing up. Most of one’s friends are determined by geographic similarities, as you’re all forced to go to school together.

I’m a little more than an hour away from my northern New Jersey hometown, but most of my old friends went much further. Social media makes it easier to keep in touch, but interactions rarely go below surface level. With such great distances in between, it’s all too easy to give up almost entirely on keeping in touch. It’s not that you don’t like each other anymore, but rather it’s no longer convenient to be close.

This is something that affects every young adult in America. Even if one doesn’t go to college at all, there will inevitably be many people that move away and won’t come back for a long time — if ever. That being said, what I have learned is that your relationships don’t necessarily die, but, instead, go into stasis.

Reactivating these friendships is worth a lot more than nostalgia. As much as I like the College, it’s far from being the most well-rounded college experience. My best friends from my hometown all go to different schools than I do and talking to them gives me new perspectives on college life. Every school is different, and some are vastly different from ours.

In many ways, staying in touch with your old friends can be a valuable learning experience. Everyone gets bored of their surroundings after a while, and the best remedy I’ve found is to visit another school for a weekend to crash with a friend.

College tours are way more fun when your tour guide is your best friend and you’re completely unsupervised. If nothing else, it gives everybody an excuse to have fun and make the most out of everything a particular school has to offer.

It’s especially easy nowadays to communicate across long distances. While I don’t have particularly long conversations on a regular basis with my friends outside the College, taking the extra few seconds to send a Snapchat or a text message goes a surprisingly long way in helping you feel connected. Sometimes I feel bad about how long I go without talking to certain people, but it’s important to remember that they’re just as preoccupied with responsibilities as I am.

Life is busy for everyone after graduating high school. It’s a time when you’re desperately trying to move up in the world either through higher education or employment. No matter what your goal or destination is, it’s always easier to achieve it with some support and advice from the people who have had your back before you even knew what the College was.

— Thomas Infante Arts & Entertainment 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.

A simple phone call can brighten anyone’s day.

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Quotes of the week tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Business Office (609) 771-2499 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu

Editorial Staff Chelsea LoCascio Editor-in-Chief locascc1@tcnj.edu Connor Smith Managing Editor smithc57@tcnj.edu George Tatoris News Editor tatorig1@tcnj.edu Miguel Gonzalez Sports Editor gonzam23@tcnj.edu Alyssa Gautieri Features Editor gautiea3@tcnj.edu Thomas Infante Arts & Entertainment Editor infantt1@tcnj.edu Mia Ingui Opinions Editor inguim1@tcnj.edu Michelle Lampariello Nation & World Editor lamparm2@tcnj.edu Elizabeth Zakaim Reviews Editor zakaime1@tcnj.edu

Mailing Address: The Signal c/o Forcina Hall The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Brielle Bryan Production Manager bryanb2@tcnj.edu Kyle Elphick Web Editor elphick1@tcnj.edu Ashton Leber Social Media Editor lebera1@tcnj.edu Jason Proleika Photo Editor proleij1@tcnj.edu

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“I am society’s worst mistake. I am the nightmare they will never wake up from. I am a strong, educated Black woman. I am no one to be played with.”

— Yanaja Joyner, a freshman international studies major

“Coming here has been so much more comfortable because I have so many friends and sorority sisters that are very accepting of who I am.”

— Desiree McSulla, a junior elementary education and psychology double major

“My generation has failed you.”

— Barry Estabrook, investigative journalist and author of “Tomatoland”

page 8 The Signal March 1, 2017

Esteban Martinez, TCNJ Alumnus and Filmmaker Fridays, 12:30 - 1:30 PM Lunches welcome www.tcnj.edu/bbs Mayo Concert Hall Music Building TCNJ Campus

Graduate Studies

TCNJ | Prepare Well

A graduate experience that points you in the right direction.

Find out more! www.tcnj.edu/gradstudies Or call 609.771.2300

Dreams can come true! Join us to learn how to bring your creative ideas from dream to reality.

March 1, 2017 The Signal page 9

Opinions

Winter blues disappear with signs of spring

Burst of warmer weather brings life to College

Spring is just around the corner.

Flickr

By Shannon Deady A lot of people, including myself, are susceptible to the winter blues in the midst of the coldest months. As the days have grown shorter and colder, we miss the crisp days of fall and the beach days of summer more and more.

Unfortunately, the blues are more easily managed when

at home than at school. Cooped up in dorm-style living leads to many versions of the so-called “TCNJ plague” running rampant, from strep throat to stomach flu.

As most freshmen do not have access to a car on campus, walking to class, the Library or Eickhoff Hall — even across a campus this small — becomes daunting and unpleasant, and getting out of bed on dark, cold mornings for 8 a.m. classes feels almost impossible.

However, for those that suffer from the winter blues, things seem to be looking up. Recent bursts of warm weather are providing students with an early taste of spring, which is unexpected in the usually bitter cold month of February.

The campus seems to have come alive as those who have been hiding under blankets in their dorm rooms while watching Netflix have put down the laptop to venture outside. Alumni Grove, a ghost town just a week ago in the winter cold, is buzzing with action as the outdoor seating fills with people taking their studies outside of the Library.

The Fitness Center becomes less crowded as students take their cardio outdoors, and the Metzger Loop and around lakes Sylva and Ceva are bombarded with walkers and runners.

Fashionistas are awarded a much-needed break from heavy winter coats and chunky sweaters and can now break out their bright spring colors as the time for midterms approach.

Everyone seems to be in a generally happier mood around campus, and this taste of spring gives those who hate the winter cold a reminder that the warmer weather they have been longing for is just around the corner.

Photo courtesy of Megan Hyjack

Students spend time outside in spring weather.

Students should pay a fair price for housing

tcnj.edu

New Residence Hall is one of the air-conditioned living options for sophomores.

By Michelle Lampariello Most freshmen have to deal with a similar lack of amenities in their residence hall: a tiny bedroom, communal bathroom and no air-conditioning. There are subtle differences between each residence hall, such as Wi-Fi — or lack thereof — and whether or not there is a sink in the room.

But, ultimately, every freshman is housed in a similar environment.

The same cannot be said for sophomores. This week’s battle royale over timeslots and housing options demonstrated the stark differences in sophomore housing options.

There was a scramble for air conditioning, private bathrooms and larger living spaces that residence halls such as Eickhoff Hall, New Residence Hall and Townhouses East can provide. Residence halls without air conditioning and suitestyle bathrooms, such as Decker, Cromwell and Norsworthy halls, did not fill up as quickly and are viewed as undesirable by many students.

The price of room and board is standard for every sophomore, despite the differences in amenities that each residence hall offers. It does not make sense for an air-conditioned, spacious dorm with a private bathroom to be the same price as a

crammed suite without air conditioning.

Housing prices should be adjusted, so students pay a rate that corresponds to their residence hall instead of an acrossthe-board price.

The College’s website lists the price of a room, without the added cost of a meal plan, at $4,396.81, though, the overall cost of room and board may vary from student to student based on the meal plan they choose.

The notion that larger meal plans are more expensive makes sense. If you would like to have the amenity of more points, then you have the option to pay for it. It has long been accepted that a meal plan that includes nearly 700 carte blanche points should cost more than a meal plan that includes under 200.

This logic doesn’t transfer when the price of housing is considered. Students with early time slots do have the option to have more amenities, but they pay the same price as students who do not have the same features and do not have the luck of the draw.

If prices were adjusted for each residence hall, students looking to save money can choose to live in housing options with less amenities, regardless of their time slot.

This would prevent popular residence halls from filling up so quickly and give more students a chance to consider them.

It is understandable that the College may not be able to afford lowering the price of residence halls that are unpopular

with students. However, raising the price of popular housing can be an added source of revenue that could be used toward renovating unpopular housing.

The difference in price does not need to be large — even a small change would be enough to make students reconsider their housing choices.

This method can be considered for upperclassmen housing, as well. However, differences in housing options for juniors and seniors are not as polarized, so the implementation of staggered housing prices should begin with sophomores.

It is time we stop believing that an air-conditioned, spacious dorm with a private bathroom should cost the same as a small, not air-conditioned, six-person suite.

Norsworthy Hall is unpopular.

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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.

Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 300 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All letters must be signed, with a phone number and address of the author. Requests to withhold the author’s name will be honored only if there is a legitimate reason.

All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal. The editors reserve the right to edit or withhold all articles, letters & photographs.

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.

March 1, 2017 The Signal page 11

Features

Monologues encourage an open mind

Sydney Shaw / Former Editor-in-Chief

Left: Students share personal stories. Right: Monologues allow students to accept their differences.

By Ashton Leber Social Media Editor “You don’t know me. You don’t even know my name. You don’t even know how to say it. ” For freshman accounting major Sherida Hinckson, coming to the College was like entering a new world, as she had only attended schools with black and Hispanic students until now.

“When I came here, I had things said to me that weren’t nice because of my race, my hair or my name. It made me realize I can’t hide anymore,” she said.

Students gathered on Feb. 21 in Cromwell Lounge to hear empowering stories from their peers in the A Walk In My Shoes Monologues hosted by the College’s Educational Opportunity Fund program.

Others took the stage to share their daily struggles.

Robin Friedman, a freshman interactive multimedia major, talked about the difficulties of battling depression while discovering his true gender identity.

A shift in his sleeping patterns, disinterest in things he once loved and frequent thoughts of leaving the world made Friedman realize he was changing.

“I kept telling myself none of this world was real,” he said. “I felt like a stranger walking through a dream.”

On the surface, Friedman may have appeared happy, but internally, he was fighting to keep it together.

Friedman explained that depression isn’t just feeling sad — it is skipping showers, having no motivation and losing the will to live.

He slowly learned to control his depression and discover his true self. This month, it will be a year since he came out as transgender to his parents.

“I look at gender in a fluid way, and I feel like no matter what my outward expression is, I still want to be son, boyfriend, he, him,” Friedman said.

Friedman’s friends and family have accepted him through his depression and transition. However, for other students, the process of acceptance is still ongoing.

Every morning, Stav Ron, a freshman women, gender and sexuality studies major, picks out what she’s going to wear to class, which isn’t easy.

Ron worries about what class she is going to and if students know she is transgender.

“You go about your day doing whatever you’re doing, constantly being called ‘sir, he, him’ even though you’re in a flowery skirt and a cute, queer and angry sweater,” Ron said.

She also fears getting attacked for using a certain bathroom while on campus, so she has to weigh her options.

“You can either A: Go into the men’s room and risk harassment, B: Go into the women’s room and risk harassment or C: Hold it until you can get somewhere where you won’t be risking harassment,” Ron said.

Most of the time, Ron chooses C. Desiree McSulla, a junior elementary education and psychology double major who is biracial, shared her story, as well.

McSulla, who is both black and white, said coming to the College made her feel comfortable in her own skin. She didn’t need

to act like one race or the other, but was able to be herself.

“Coming here has been so much more comfortable because I have so many friends and sorority sisters that are very accepting of who I am,” she said.

The monologues moved many students in the audience, especially one who was there to support two of the speakers.

“I spend a fair amount of time with my two transgender friends,” said Silas Jones, a freshman English and secondary education dual major. “It was interesting to hear them talk about their whole lives in such plain terms.”

Friedman said he was proud of those who chose to come to the event and listen to other’s stories. He believes they should never stop listening to what others have to share.

Students need to educate their peers on diversity and accept their differences, according to Hinckson.

“I can’t hide, I just have to accept it,” she said. “I think now I am more accepting of who I am and what I look (like).”

Chinese New Year celebrates Asian culture

Meagan McDowell / Staff Photographer

Students indulge in complementary food.

By Kathryn Flanders Correspondent

The aroma of Chinese food filled the room as lanterns and lights hung from the ceiling and bright red colors accented the tables — all symbols of good luck for the Chinese New Year.

The Decker Social Space was transformed into a vibrant and exciting atmosphere when the Chinese Student Association gathered on Thursday, Feb. 23, to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year marks the year of the rooster.

Students, faculty and friends filled the space to enjoy a night of

delicious food, performances and Chinese culture. The event, the biggest held by CSA each year, was rescheduled after the College had previously canceled all events on Feb. 9 during a snowstorm.

Hubert Hsu, president of CSA and a junior nursing major, said he was happy with the turnout and the College community’s participation despite having to reschedule.

“I am just glad everyone is happy and getting food,” he said.

Hsu was overjoyed that several faculty members volunteered their time to decorate for the event and that some performers even had their families in the audience.

In years past, the celebration has had roughly 250 people in attendance. This year was not a disappointment, as the line for food wrapped halfway around the room.

Attendees waited for their number to be called so they, too, could line up for the buffet.

The night kicked off with an exciting martial arts performance

by Julie Huang, a freshman computer science major. She captured everyone’s attention with her display and the accompanying music got the crowd excited for the night’s festivities.

Katie Shum, a freshman computer science major, followed with a vocal exhibition, singing “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur.

Other performances included traditional lion and dragon dances, a dancing exhibition from junior computer science major Oliver Lee, senior accounting major Ricky Zhao and junior biology major Zach Lo along with the CSA DragonFlies.

The night’s hosts shared several stories of Chinese New Year traditions with the audience. Among them was the importance of entering the new year with a clean home in order to rid yourself of last year’s

bad luck.

When asked what she enjoyed most that night, junior sociology major Yani Hidrich said, “The food. I grabbed everything.”

The hungry crowd was greeted with a buffet with dozens of different types of traditional cuisine.

The event not only offered complimentary Chinese food to all attendees, but also featured a raffle, a costume photo booth and a traditional Wishing Tree: a Chinese New Year tradition in which people toss red ribbons onto the tree in hopes of good fortune for the coming year.

Many students saw the night as

a way to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

“It was a chance to embrace my Chinese roots,” said Jeff Micaias, a freshman art education major.

Whether students attended for the food, the stellar performances or the vibrant sense of community, nearly every one left learning something they didn’t know before.

Michael Chen, publicist of CSA and a junior interactive multimedia major, hoped everyone enjoyed the experience.

“We just wanted to see everyone happy about the food and performances, and enjoying themselves,” he said.

Meagan McDowell / Staff Photographer

The night includes original performances.

page 10 The Signal March 1, 2017

Students share opinions around campus “Are you excited for spring?”

Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor

Tyler Law, a sophomore communications major.

“Yes, it’s nice to see how alive the campus has been. I like colder weather, though, to be honest.”

Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor

Carrie Carpenito, a sophomore graphic design major.

“Yeah, I love warm weather. It’s lit.”

“How do you feel about the housing selection process?”

Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor

Joey Baldofsky, a sophomore history and secondary education dual major.

“I think it makes sense, but I think it does need to be improved.”

Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor

Derek Falci, a freshman marketing major.

“It’s definitely very stressful with a lot of moving parts.”

The Signal’s student cartoons of the week...

page 12 The Signal March 1, 2017

Black / Monologues discuss race and politics March 1, 2017 The Signal page 13

Jason Proleika / Photo Editor

Students share poetry, stories and commentary. continued from page 1

“Your mocha-colored skin has been subjected to objectification, turned to nothingness and disregarded,” Shepard said. “You died last night, and although you will live, your soul will be missed.”

Political performances were

very common throughout the night.

Students did not shy away from sharing their thoughts on current events and newly elected leaders.

“I’m very outspoken, and I like to stand up for what I believe in,” said Kevyn Teape, a sophomore marketing major. “Today, I just want to talk a little bit about

politics and what it implements for my community.”

In his poem, Teape alternated between attacks on President Donald Trump and praise for his predecessor, former President Barack Obama.

“We all know that most of the time the sequel sucks, but I can’t even call this a sequel because Obama believed everyone was equal, and Trump wants to build a wall and kick out the so-called ‘illegal people,’” Teape said. “I guess no matter how far we move in the right direction, some people won’t be satisfied unless it’s the right that’s doing the progressing.”

Unlike those before him, Teape expanded his message beyond the black community. He spoke of Muslim rights and other minority groups that are threatened under the Trump administration.

“Who is the real American president?” Teape said. “Is it the one who unifies citizens or the one who

promises to get rid of and alienate some of them? Is it the one who was wrongfully called a Muslim or the one who is wrongfully calling out Muslims?”

Themes of suffering and discontent were common throughout the night, but the performers also presented a message of persistence

and strength within the black community. Freshman international studies major Yanaja Joyner was no exception.

“I am society’s worst mistake,” Joyner said. “I am the nightmare they will never wake up from. I am a strong, educated black woman. I am no one to be played with.”

Jason Proleika / Photo Editor

Politics and other controversial issues are discussed.

Tornado damages volunteer facility in New Orleans

By JoAnna DiCicco Staff Writer Torn-down buildings, damaged cars and muddy rubble are just some of the unsightly views volunteers a part of the College’s Alternative Break Club had the displeasure of watching via a live Facebook video.

Their New Orleans home away from home was destroyed by a tornado.

Emily Kratz, a volunteer during ABC’s Winter 2015 trip and a junior history and secondary education dual major, was among those who saw the video.

“It is really unfortunate because after all the hard work Project Homecoming has put into rebuilding homes year after year, they had to see that happen to their own home,” she said. “It is really terrible.”

ABC, a student organization committed to raising awareness and helping families in need, has traveled to New Orleans each year since 2008, working to help rebuild the damage created by Hurricane Katrina.

However, a tornado on Feb. 7 destroyed Volunteer Village, the club’s residence during service trips. The village — an old church repurposed after Hurricane Katrina — is the volunteer housing facility owned by the New Orleans rebuilding non-profit Project Homecoming.

The tornado, classified as a EF-3, which causes moderate to severe damage, was the first ever to hit New Orleans, according to the National Weather Service. Seven tornadoes hit New Orleans that day, but the biggest was the one that damaged Volunteer Village.

“The entire upstairs was completely taken apart,” said Dani DeQuintal, ABC’s historian and a sophomore elementary education and iSTEM double major.

Prior to the devastating tornado, the facility had bunk

beds in the dorm rooms, a full kitchen, community spaces, Wi-Fi and cable.

ABC’s most recent trip to New Orleans was not too long ago.

“Everyone was shocked. It came out of the blue,” DeQuintal said. “We were there just a few weeks ago.”

The club typically travels to New Orleans over the summer, winter and spring breaks. However, the upcoming spring trip will be different as they are staying at a new volunteer facility.

“Our main focus will still be to rebuild New Orleans because that is the club’s purpose,” DeQuintal said.“But the location change will be different for the club, especially for the returning members. The majority of our

The Culinary Club Presents...

Lions Plate

Make these creative cookies.

Flickr

By Julia Dzurillay Columnist

We all know the feeling of scrambling to find the perfect last-minute gift. Here are some hand-picked recipes for creative students on a budget. Make these sweet and savory treats for your friends or yourself.

Photo courtesy of Dani DeQuintal

Volunteer Village is damaged by a tornado.

trips have been at Project Homecoming.”

Lauren Bsales, ABC’s vice president of fundraising and a sophomore deaf education and iSTEM double major, was upset about the damage to Volunteer Village because of the club’s history with Project Homecoming.

“It’s really hard-hitting because we have personal connections with the people that work at Project Homecoming,” Bsales said. “It’s hard to imagine staying somewhere else.”

Members of the club plan to help rebuild Volunteer Village during spring break.

ABC is also supporting Project Homecoming by asking students to donate to a fundraising page, which currently has 149 supporters and has raised more than $8,620 of its $15,000 goal.

In addition to donations, ABC is actively looking for volunteers for the spring trip. “(Project Homecoming) really needs volunteer work, not just money,” DeQuintal said.

Bsales agreed.

“We want to help rebuild (Volunteer Village) because we know the good work that those people do,” Bsales said. “If volunteers don’t have a safe place to stay, no one can do service work.”

The rebuilding will not only benefit Project Homecoming and ABC, but the city of New Orleans, as well.

“A lot less government money is going to New Orleans now,” Bsales said. “Everyone thinks New Orleans is 100 percent fixed because the tourist areas are fine.”

That is not the case, though. New Orleans, specifically the residential areas, still needs much more repair.

Despite the destruction of Volunteer Village, ABC will continue to dedicate time and effort to help restore a city in need.

: Quick and easy desserts

Chocolate Soda Bottle Ingredients: One chocolate bar One package of M&M’S Directions: 1. Empty and clean out a Coke or Pepsi bottle. Carefully remove the wrapper and set aside.

2. Break up the chocolate bar and microwave for 30-second intervals until melted.

3. Pour chocolate into empty soda container and periodically rotate the bottle until chocolate is evenly distributed.

4. Let chocolate harden completely (at least one hour).

5. Using a knife, cut the plastic bottle off of the chocolate.

6. Pour M&M’S, or any small candy, inside the chocolate bottle.

7. Stick the wrapper onto the chocolate and

place the bottle cap on top.

Polar Bear Cookies Ingredients: 12 Oreos One package of M&M’S 1/2 bag of white chocolate chips or white chocolate melts 3 tablespoons of black icing Directions: 1. Set aside 12 white chocolate chips or melts. Microwave the remaining chocolate for 30-second intervals until melted.

2. Stick two M&M’S into the cream on either side of each.

3. Oreo to create ears. You may want to dip the M&M’S in the chocolate first, using the chocolate as glue.

4. Dunk each Oreo entirely into the chocolate.

5. Place a white chocolate chip or melt onto the Oreo to create the nose. Using a little

melted chocolate as glue, place an M&M on top of the chocolate chip to complete the nose. Let dry for at least an hour.

6. Make eyes with black icing. Don’t have black icing? Get creative! Use halves of black jelly beans, two sprinkles or milk chocolate chips.

Flickr

M&M’S can be a great addition to any treat.

page 14 The Signal March 1, 2017

: Nov. ‘04

Campus Style

Speaker talks race and minorities

Alyssa Gautieri / Features Editor

The College provides space for students to discuss racial bias.

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

Every year, the College’s Black Student Union hosts a multitude of events during February to celebrate Black History Month. As the month concludes, it is important to recognize that issues of race at the College have long been discussed. For decades, the College has welcomed guest speakers, faculty and students to talk about racism and racial bias. These events, such as the one that took place in 2004, seek to promote open-mindedness and change.

50 years later, and where are we?

In the eyes of Lani Guinier, a professor at Harvard Law School, not as far as we might think.

“Blacks and whites still live very separate lives,” she said, and “essentially, legally compelled segregation gave way to socially acceptable separation.”

Guinier and Michael Wenger — a former Deputy Director for Outreach Program Development on President Bill Clinton’s initiative for race — spoke separately at the College last week about Brown v.

Board of Education, the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling that ended legal segregation in public schools.

“If you sit here today as a white child of white parents, you are reaping the advantages incurred on your parents by the unequal treatment that occurred during

the years of Jim Crow racism,” Wenger, who was an activist during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s, said.

Both Guinier, who spoke Wednesday at Kendall Hall, and Wenger, who spoke Thursday at Forcina Hall, agreed that race is a charged issue in the United States today.

To Guinier, the problem is obvious, but not so simple.

We blame minorities for our problems, Guinier asserted, and rather than taking blame for our own individual failures, we look to people of color to help explain them.

Britnei Wilkins, freshman English major, agreed. “It’s an economic issue that has placed not only minority people but the working-class whites into a type of glass ceiling,” she said, and so “they blame other people — which is the minority.”

According to Wenger, improving the situation starts with self-awareness.

“Become aware of your own behavior and your own biases, conscious and unconscious,” he said, encouraging a crowd of mostly students to “identify ways of channeling your energies in constructive ways to narrow our division.”

For Wenger, the problems minorities face are all too familiar.

“We have to heed the words of Dr. King,” he said. “We cannot rest.”

Flickr

Left: Adidas sneakers are a new trend this season. Right: Midi boots are becoming increasingly popular.

By Jillian Greene Columnist Every season, a number of new trends emerge. Some trends die out quickly, but others stick around and transform into must-have items. Recently, I have noticed a number of fashion items that have transformed into closet necessities. I recommend the following items because it seems these trends are here to stay.

The choker: Honestly, when these first came back around, I didn’t like them. I could never see myself actually wearing one. However, as I have watched them evolve over a short amount of time from a simple black choker to a variety of fabrics and styles, I knew I needed to get my hands on one as soon as possible.

Bomber jackets: These jackets are great because you can wear them with almost any outfit. I’m seeing more and more around campus on both men and women.

Velvet: Velvet shirts, shoes, skirts or dresses — there has been an explosion of velvet everywhere this season.

Adidas sneakers: On a sportier note, Adidas is taking over. The Tubular Viral Casual Sneaker is the new hit. I’ve seen them on men and women across campus.

I’ve even seen women wearing men’s styles and totally rocking them.

Slip-on sneakers: I’m obsessed with slipon sneakers, and I’m pretty sure the rest of the fashion world is, too. Almost every brand makes some type of slip-on sneaker.

You can wear these in any season, as well as dress them up or dress them down.

The midi boot: They’re not as popular as over-the-knee boots, but they are definitely making their way up the fashion ladder. Coming up a few inches above your ankle, midi boots are a cute way to dress up your favorite pair of jeans. I’m in love with my velvet pair.

Celebritease : Best picture faux pas shocks Chazelle

Gosling and Stone receive praise for ‘La La Land.’

By Mackenzie Cutruzzula Columnist

Jimmy Kimmel took to humor on Sunday, Feb. 26, to keep the 89th annual Oscar Awards moving, despite going over its allotted run time.

Following a performance of

AP Photo

Justin Timberlake’s nominated song “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” Kimmel joked about an NSYNC reunion.

Kimmel also mentioned that prior to the show, he had received numerous messages about bringing the divided nation together.

“I have to bring the nation

together, but I can’t do that,” he said.

However, he did attempt to heal his damaged relationship with Matt Damon, which has been a long-running joke.

Prior to the show, women graced the red carpet in neutral tones with embellishments and subtle details, while men mixed it up with hints of color. Naomie Harris, nominated for her role in “Moonlight,” wore a simple white dress, pairing it with pink eyeshadow and mixed-matched yellow heels.

Emma Stone stepped out in a gold, Swarovski crystal-embroidered gown that featured a fringe bottom. Her co-star Ryan Gosling rocked a navy blue suit while Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took a more traditional royal blue approach.

Nominees, presenters, musicians and guests also wore blue ribbons to show their support “for the rights and civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution to everyone in the United States,” a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union reads.

In other news, nominee Natalie

Portman did not appear at the award show due to her upcoming due date.

“Due to my pregnancy, I am unable to attend the Independent Spirit Awards and the Academy Awards,” Portman said in statement to PEOPLE. “I feel so lucky to be honored among my fellow nominees and wish them the most beautiful of weekends.”

During the show, Viola Davis took home the award for best actress in a supporting role for her portrayal in “Fences.” In her speech, she spoke about wanting to tell the stories of those who had dreamed big, loved and lost. She hopes to continue to bring those stories to life in her acting.

Meanwhile, Kimmel continued to incorporate humor into the show when he surprised a random group of tourists by bringing them into the audience. The fans thought they were entering a museum exhibit, so they were shocked to find themselves in the audience of the Oscar Awards.

One of the female tourists identified Denzel Washington as her favorite actor. Denzel officiate a pretend wedding between her and her fiancé, as she took

pictures using her selfie stick.

Jennifer Aniston even gave away her sunglasses to a tourist.

Damien Chazelle, director of “La La Land” and son of history Professor Celia Chazelle at the College, took home the award for best director.

His leading actress in “La La Land,” Stone, took home the award for best actress in a leading role. She thanked the director and Gosling.

To end the night, the award for best picture went to Chazelle’s film, “La La Land.” The modern, classic musical had a total 14 nominations. But, as the producers were thanking their families, the Oscar producers realized the award actually went to “Moonlight.”

The wrong card had been given to the presenter and the producers of “Moonlight” took the stage to correct the mistake.

The producers of “Moonlight” couldn’t believe they won, but they took a moment to give love to the cast and crew of “La La Land.” In their speech, the producers said they hope to inspire all minority populations with their win.

March 1, 2017 The Signal page 15

Arts & Entertainment

Wind Ensemble concert addresses violence

Left: The concert hopes to bring listeners together. Right: The Wind Ensemble performs pieces based on tragic historical events.

By Ashley Skowrownek Correspondent The College’s Wind Ensemble performed an impassioned concert on Friday, Feb. 24, on Kendall Hall’s Main Stage entitled “On Violence and Peace.” The concert illuminated the violence people face through musical interpretation of tragedies like the Holocaust, and the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., as well as in Ferguson, Mo. “Music has an amazing power to get inside us and move us,” said David Vickerman, the conductor and the College’s director of bands. “It gets us to think, to

feel. This concert is about bringing people together.”

When the lights dimmed, the stage was accompanied by two blue lights that soaked the adjacent walls — a presentiment of the melodies that flooded the auditorium.

One of the most compelling ballads of the evening was performed by cellist Natalie Spehar entitled “Elegy: Sandy Hook,” a piece written for Spehar by guest conductor Armando Bayolo.

As a current member of Washington D.C.’s Great Noise Ensemble and presenter of more than 45 world premiere performances, Spehar is an acclaimed artist who has worked with musicians like Michael Bublé, Chris Brown and

the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Spehar played atop a continuous stream of pre-recorded cello audio, a technique that invoked the sensation of multiple thoughts, fears and screams as the tempo escalated to a manic state. Each chord stirred a tremor of dread in the soul, both somber and beautiful, as the victims from Sandy Hook Elementary School were remembered.

“As artists we struggle with what to do about violence, and we sometimes feel like what we do isn’t good enough,” Vickerman said. “We need to start a dialogue with students and the community to shine a light on things that need a light shined on.”

Bayolo later addressed police brutality in the world premiere of his original composition “Last Breaths,” whose arrangement married the ensemble with the last words of six young men killed by police in the past decade.

Baritone Jean Bernard Cerin sang the lyrics “I can’t breathe,” “What are you following me for?” and “Please don’t let me die,” which were words originally said by Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin and Kimani Gray before their deaths.

The composition received a standing applause.

“I don’t write a lot of political pieces, but I’ve come to believe

Jason Proleika / Photo Editor

that the very act of being an artist in the 21st century is political,” Bayolo said. “We must play a role, but these are pieces I wish didn’t have to exist.”

Alumna Heather Freund (’16) made her triumphant return as a conductor for “Amazing Grace” after graduating last semester with a degree in music education.

“Sound waves are able to make us feel and move,” Vickerman said.

“I think that’s pretty fantastic.”

The concert’s final message was spread through “Serenity’s” delicate harmonies, rekindling the human spirit and transmitting the power of hope contingent on a mutual understanding of one another.

Reeves is ruthless in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’

By James Mazzullo Correspondent In what has felt like an eternity, the sequel action film fans have been craving has finally arrived. “John Wick: Chapter 2” sets up the return of the immortal Keanu Reeves as the assassin virtuoso John Wick commonly referred to as “the Boogeyman.”

In today’s Hollywood where original films are becoming endangered, the “John Wick” series has set itself apart.

The first film created an immersive world coupled to the brim with original characters and a compelling story. The second chapter had big shoes to fill. The film does just that by exceeding every expectation and then some.

Reeves reprises his role as Wick, a cold and cunning assassin.

YouTube

The film takes a while to find its footing, but once it does, it doesn’t miss a step. Those who see “Chapter 2” will be in awe of the beautifully choreographed action sequences.

Director Chad Stahelski and screenwriter Derek Kolstad continue to enthrall the viewer in a world of stylized hyper-reality.

After successfully seeking revenge from the men who killed his dog in the first film, John is approached by Santino D’Antonio, whose devilish grin to his diabolical demeanor is reminiscent of a “James Bond” villain. This mob boss played a major role in allowing John to leave his hit man life behind.

Santino sends him to Italy to carry out one final job. From this point on, John finds himself pitted against impossible odds to finally stop being a hit man.

Although Reeves is brilliant yet again as the mild-mannered, cold-blooded assassin, the medley of other characters that surround him add to the spectacle. While recurring roles from Ian McShane, Lance Reddick and John Leguizamo add to what made the first film exceptional, it is newcomers like Ruby Rose, Common and Riccardo Scamarcio that help this film surpass the original.

The movie also provides “Matrix” fans a long awaited reunion between Laurence

Fishburne and Reeves.

What makes this action film stand out from the others is the choreography that stuntman-turned-director Stahelski instills. It is formulaic in approach — line up the bad guys and let the hero mow them down. But the way Stahelski frames these action sequences allows the audience to be completely mesmerized by every bone-crunching punch and gleefully gory shot to the head.

Most modern action films tend to rely on shaky cam and quick cut techniques to depict their action sequences — look at the “Taken” and “Bourne” franchises for examples. But this film allows you to see everything that is happening onscreen and gives you an appreciation of the talent and effort put into making it.

While the film’s runtime may be too long at 122 minutes, it still provides the viewer with enough high-octane action to prevent them from getting bored. At 52 years old, Reeves shows no signs of slowing down, and it is great to see him back atop the action genre.

With a large box office opening and a brilliantly suspenseful ending, a third chapter of the “John Wick” franchise is inevitable and welcomed. If you have two hours and $12 to spare, go see this movie.

page 16 The Signal March 1, 2017

Summer Business Institute for Non-Business Majors June 19 – July 26, 2017 Gain essential business knowledge in a single course.

Curriculum combines project-based study, company site visits, skill-building workshops, and guest speakers to cover integrated program themes: • Introduction to the business world • Development of strategic perspective • Financial performance measurement and evaluation • Strategic management, organization, and leadership • Ethics, corporate responsibility, and

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entrepreneurship

Questions?

Contact George Hefelle, TCNJ Business Institute, hefelleg@tcnj.edu or 609-771-2540

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1/30/17 12:45 PM

WANT TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PAPER?

Interested in sports? Entertainment? News?

We’re looking for:

Writers - Be the one who brings the story to campus.

Photographers - Capture the events and bring the story to life.

Assistants - Join our staff and help make this paper happen.

Contact us: signal@tcnj.edu

Located in room 204 in Forcina Hall.

Meetings every Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

March 1, 2017 The Signal page 17

Politics of ‘Scandal’ mimic real life

By Jessica Kopew Correspondent

The fifth season of ABC’s “Scandal” is full of realistic drama and emotion that will leave you wanting more.

The season ended with a presidential race that almost parallels Donald Trump’s rise to presidency. The race features a Republican, billionaire businessman running against a female Democrat in a close campaign.

After the result of our election, you’d assume that the show would continue to reflect reality by choosing to elect the businessman. However, Shonda Rhimes, the show’s writer and producer, instead, decides to grab you by the shoulders, slap you in the face and tell you “Think again.”

Not only does the businessman not win the election, but he doesn’t even make it past the primaries.

This entire season revolves around the mystery of who will become the next U.S.

president, and it is loaded with suspense and drama. The winner is revolutionary, and a choice you’d least expect. More action ensues soon after the election that puts many lives at risk and bullets through hearts. It is emotional and terrifying, and leaves you at the edge of your seat wondering, “What could possibly happen now?”

Like the name suggests, the show has plot lines that are so scandalous that you’re immediately hooked to your television. Along with the election, season five delves into the world of mystery. We find out in episode one that someone important dies, but we don’t know who pulled the trigger. There are no hints or clues to ease your aching curiosity.

Rhimes does an excellent job of keeping you guessing. Often times you’ll think it’s one person until you find out they couldn’t have possibly done it. Like all great mysteries, you’ll find yourself blaming certain characters only to find out they are innocent.

This show is full of characters who aren’t your typical black or white, good or evil, which, again, greatly reflects the complexity of politics in the real world. Some of these people are trying to do what is right, but go about it the wrong way.

The characters’ morals are fickle and ambiguous, making you question the minds of the real politicians currently behind the White House’s closed doors.

For anyone who watches a show by Rhimes, you will know exactly how it feels to fall in love with characters just to watch them break under pressure. The characters are more frighteningly human than we’d like to admit. They are no more than people placed in a position of responsibility, some of whom have let the power go to their heads.

Let yourself be pulled into the gray complexity of politics. It will change the way you see politics in the real world for the better.

This week, WTSR Assistant Music Director Nelson Kelly highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.

Band Name: Active Bird Community Album Name: “Stick Around” Release Number: 2nd Hailing From: Brooklyn Genre: Lo-Fi Indie Rock Label: Self-released

Flickr

Left: ‘Scandal’ takes place during a close presidential election. Right: Olivia Pope has relations with the president.

‘SVU’ investigates 400th grisly case

By Danielle Silvia Staff Writer One of my all-time favorite television shows, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” premiered its 400th episode on Feb. 8.

Although many predicted the episode would be unrealistic due to the sheer number of previous plot lines, it surpassed my expectations of the long-loved series.

Keeping with the show’s theme, the episode was gruesome and disturbing, yet eyeopening. While the characters solve their 400th mystery, it also gave me a glimpse of their personal lives, like Sergeant Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and her young son, Noah, an orphan she recently adopted.

In the episode entitled “Motherly Love,” 13-year-old Luke Keller is distressed by his parents’ failing marriage. Upon returning to his house after an argument with his father, he hears noises coming from the first floor and grabs a rifle hidden away in his closet.

As he enters the kitchen, Luke finds his mother in a sexual encounter, but by her alarmed expression, it does not seem consensual. At his mother’s desperate cries for help, Luke haphazardly pulls the trigger, killing the mysterious man attacking his mother.

The plot only gets even more

twisted. This unknown assailant is revealed to actually be Luke’s close friend, Trey. It later becomes apparent that the details of the story are not lining up, as the truth of whether or not Luke’s mother was actually raped comes into question, and the consequences risk putting Luke in jail.

What I enjoyed about this particular episode, and the show in general, is how it reveals the suspect’s psychological motives as well as the process of investigating and solving a crime.

Several past episodes have been predictable and unsurprising, however, this episode constantly made me question the truth.

This episode stood out from the others because of the use of technology, for example, each member of the detective crew owns a cell phone and uses tracking devices to track the Keller family throughout episode.

In addition, a lot of the evidence is found on cell phones, such as the photographs of Trey and Luke’s mother, cameras installed in the Keller household and Luke’s cell phone usage the night of the crime. Technology plays a huge role in the 400th episode by adding evidence or substantial proof that is not common in previous episodes of “SVU.” This episode also touches upon modern societal issues.

Trey is a young black male who is scorned by Luke’s mother and society as a whole.

Luke’s mother attributes much of his alleged bad home life and many academic struggles to the fact that he is black.

Trey is portrayed negatively in the media for his crime, as well. The news depicts him as a vicious young man who was rightfully shot by Luke, a young white boy. While many argue that the show’s material is inappropriate or graphic, it brings attention to important issues.

Without understanding and being aware of such issues, these problems will never be solved.

Numerous organizations are making cities and college campuses safer, and there are helplines and sexual abuse centers that people can turn to. By appropriating present day issues and controversies into its plot, “SVU” discreetly nudges us to hold a mirror in front of our own society, inspiring others to take action.

This episode was a milestone for the series. Usually the new series’ episodes are trite and overdramatized, but this episode of “SVU” was well worth the wait.

The boys in Active Bird Community formed their band in 2005 when they were all just 11 years old. Twelve years later, they’ve released their second full-length album, which is making a splash in the indie community.

“Stick Around” contains the sensibilities of lo-fi indie punk filtered through clean, crisp production for a product that is equal parts interesting song writing and sonic pleasure. With catchy hooks and jangly riffs, this is indie rock executed flawlessly.

Must Hear: “Rest Stop,” “Out From Under,” “Drank the Water” and “Melancholy Paper Drum”

Band Name: The Molochs Album Name: “America’s Velvet Glory” Release Number: Debut Hailing From: Los Angeles Genre: Jangly Retro Garage Rock Label: Innovative Leisure If the Animals jammed with the Violent Femmes, it would probably sound like the Molochs, and it would most likely be called “House of the Rising Blister in the Sun,” but that is neither here nor there. What is both here and there, however, is “America’s Velvet Glory,” the debut LP from The Molochs, a garage rock band that combines ’60s organ rock with haunting minor key melodies to form an upbeat yet somber record. Overall a very interesting listen.

Photo courtesy of NBC

Benson uses her detective insight to solve a brutal case.

Must Hear: “Ten Thousand,” “No Control,” “Charlie’s Lips,” “That’s the Trouble with You,” “No More Cryin’” and “New York”

page 18 The Signal March 1, 2017

Fun StufF

March 1, 2017 The Signal page 19

Fun Stuff Midterm Madness:

A list of bad jokes to get you through midterms Q: What kind of nuts seem to always have a cold?

A: Cashews.

Q: Did you hear the joke about the roof?

A: Never mind, it’s over your head!

Q: David’s father had three sons: Snap, Crackle, and...?

A: David.

Q: What goes up, but never comes down?

A: Your age!

Q: Why do the French like to eat snails?

A: Because they don’t like fast food!

Q: How can you tell the ocean is friendly?

A: It waves.

Q: In which school do you learn to make ice cream?

A: Sundae school.

Q: Why did the picture go to jail?

A: It was framed.

Q: Why can’t Cinderella play soccer?

A: She’s always running away from the ball.

Q: What is the difference between a fish and a piano?

A: You can’t tuna fish!

Q: What do you call a happy cowboy?

A: A jolly rancher.

page 20 The Signal March 1, 2017

Fun Stuff

March 1, 2017 The Signal page 21

Sports

Gothic Knights vanquish Lions at home

By Otto Gomez Staff Writer

The Lions came up short on their quest to the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship on Feb. 21, falling to New Jersey City University, 77-69. The Gothic Knights advanced to the championship game at Ramapo College.

A roaring crowd watched on as two strong teams squared off. In the end, the Gothic Knights defense, ranked ninth in the nation, reigned supreme as they applied constant pressure throughout the 40 minutes. They were able to force 19 turnovers in the game, scoring 22 points off those takeaways.

The game was low scoring in the first half, as the Lions led 28-24 after the first two quarters. Junior guard Eric Murdock Jr. and senior forward Corey Stanford drained important three-pointers in the first half, allowing the team to have control early. However, the Gothic Knights started the third quarter on an 8-0 run, swinging the momentum to their favor.

Senior guard Eric Klacik stopped the Gothic Knights streak and nailed his 172nd career three-pointer, moving him into third of all-time in program history, past Lions hall of famer Greg Grant. Minutes later, the Gothic Knights clamped down on their defense and prevented the Lions from making a field goal for the next seven minutes.

Junior forward Elias Bermudez was able to put a layup off a rebound with 2:27 left in the game clock, cheering of

Murdock Jr. scores 19 points against the Gothic Knights. the home crowd. The Lions eight freethrows kept them in the game.

The Gothic Knights remained strong on both sides in the second half, amounting a lead that was too much for the Lions. Their strong performance at the free-throw line held their lead as the buzzer went off. Murdock Jr. led the Lions offense with 19 points, going 5-7 from the arc. Stanford posted a doubledouble with 11 points and 10 boards, and senior forward Bobby Brackett scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

The conference semifinal marked Brackett’s last game and ended his historic career. He finished third all-time

in rebounds with 836, fourth all-time in blocks with 79 and 19th all-time in points scored with 1,063. What is more impressive is that Brackett has compiled these stats in three years.

“We’ve come such a long way since myself and Klacik got here,” Brackett said. “It all started a couple years before with guys like Skye Ettin and our (former) coach, Kelly Williams. We’ve been able to improve every season since our first year.

“To be second in the NJAC and be top five in the region at the end of the season is a great accomplishment for this program,” Brackett added. “Obviously,

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

winning an NJAC Championship would make everything so much better, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get it done.”

The Lions look to continue their dominance in the NJAC in the next few years, as head coach Matt Goldsmith has accumulated a strong 34-20 record in his first two seasons.

“I am going to miss hundreds of things — the fans, games, other teammates and just being a TCNJ student athlete,” Brackett said. But Eric (Klacik) has been there all four years with me and has made me a better person and player, so I will absolutely miss playing with him the most.

Softball

Softball opens season with pair of losses Miguel Gonzalez Sports Editor

The softball team started the 2017 season with two losses against Randolph-Macon College on Sunday, Feb. 26.

Traveling south to Ashland, Va., for a doubleheader, the Lions are returning to the diamond after posting a 30-16 record and reaching to the NCAA regional tournament last season.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets finished last season with similar record, 31-13.

At the first game, the Lions offense went on a hot start, scoring three runs in the first inning. With Lions covering second and third base, sophomore infielder Jess McGuire blasted a triple home run, giving the Lions a 3-0 lead.

The Yellow Jackets quickly responded in the following inning when Yellow Jackets junior first baseman Harley Jones launched a double home run, cutting the Lions lead to 3-2. At the bottom of the third inning, the Yellow Jackets used a combination of steals and sacrifice bunts to catch up to the Lions.

Yellow Jackets freshman outfielder Shelby Hill buzzed out the Lions when she hit a single and stole all the way to third base. Afterwards, Jones

McGuire smashes a three-run home run.

smacked a bunt, allowing Hill to score and tie the game. A throwing error by the Lions later gave Yellow Jackets freshman infielder Sam Scifres a chance to score from third base.

The Lions were not able to score for the rest of the game, and the Yellow Jackets won, 4-3.

In the next game, the Lions offense was completely shunned by Yellow Jackets, as the Lions lost, 8-0. Yellow Jackets freshman pitcher Cameron Thompson permitted four hits while sophomore pitcher Sara Bielamowicz struggled to contain the Yellow Jackets offense. The fourth inning proved

to be difficult for the Lions. The Yellow Jackets pounded them with singles and Bielamowicz issued multiple walks.

Despite the hard loss, the season has only begun for the Lions.

This year’s softball team was ranked second in the New Jersey Athletic Conference preseason poll. The Lions possess a furious offense aided by sophomores outfielder Gaby Bennett and infielder/outfielder Jess Santelli. The two sophomores are looking to improve after being name on the All-NJAC first team last season.

The Lions offense will also

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

feature an incoming sophomore transfer from Rutgers University, outfielder Arielle Couso. At News Brunswick, N.J., Couso competed in 19 games and registered three hits, one steal and one run.

“I personally have been playing softball with Arielle since I was 13 years old,” Santelli said.

“Arielle has always had the drive to improve herself defensively and offensively, and she will never stopped improving.

Last year, we lost our starting right fielder, (senior) Kristen Fitzsimmons and she left a spot that would be very hard to fill.

“However, Arielle has been

working extremely hard for that spot and has been doing a great job filling that void. She brings great versatility to our lineup with a quick bat and quick feet, and I look forward to playing with her for years to come.”

After finishing with a 19-5 record on the mound, junior pitcher Sam Platt looks to continue her dominance. She will lead the Lions pitching staff along with freshman Kristen Barrera and Bielamowicz.

Seniors outfielder Nerylix Cerda and infielder Colleen Phelan will support the Lions defense and fuel the offense.

The Lions will be traveling to Kissimmee, Fla., throughout the week of March 11 to compete in a series of games against universities including Westminster, Springfield and McDaniel colleges.

The team is scheduled to play its first conference match against Rutgers University-Newark on April 1.

“With all of the knowledge and experience that I gained from freshman year, my main goal for the 2017 season is to come out as a leader,” Santelli said. “A leader for the team, but more importantly a leader to the freshmen since I was lucky enough to be led by six very talented and knowledgeable seniors last year.”

page 22 The Signal March 1, 2017 Cheap Seats

Diamond Dallas Page joins all-time WWE greats

By Michael Battista Staff Writer

Rolling Stone reported on Feb. 20 that former WWE star, New Jersey-native Page Joseph Falkinburg, better known as Diamond Dallas Page, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2. The induction will occur the night before “Wrestlemania,” WWE’s biggest pay-per-view event.

From a talent and career standpoint, it’s easy to see why DDP is will be enshrined with legends such as Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels. During his career, Page won multiple championships and created some of the biggest WWE moments during the 1990s, in what some consider the greatest time for professional wrestling.

He helped lead World Championship Wrestling against the WWE, then the World Wrestling Federation, in “Monday Night Wars” as both shows battled for superiority.

Former WCW President Eric Bischoff said in an interview with WWE that Page’s ability to connect with the blue collar crowd is what helped him succeed.

“Diamond Dallas Page was the underdog,” Bischoff said. “He was the blue collar guy. He was the guy who was never suppose to make it.”

Growing up in Point Pleasant, N.J., Page battled through his parent’s divorce and his own dyslexia.

Page first worked for WCW as a manager for other wrestlers. It was easy to see that Page had a incredible mind for the business.

He could enthusiastically talk and elevate those around him with his eccentric attitude, but he yearned to compete in the ring.

The only issue was his age.

Page is known for his eccentric persona.

He was approaching his mid-30s at this time. While the industry was filled with stars from the ’80s who were past their prime and aging as well, a new wrestler in his 30s wasn’t seen as normal and many other promotions would have passed on to younger wrestlers.

Page didn’t give up.

He was mentored by legends such as Dusty Rhodes and Jake “The Snake” Roberts on the psychological aspect of the business and how to improve his persona.

Their guidance would become essential in his bond with the fans over the next two decades. In the mid-1990s, Page hit his stride, winning multiple singles championships and entering feuds with legends. The fans were drawn by Page’s outspoken personality as he fought untouchable opponents.

It helped that Page’s finishing maneuver

AP Photo

was one of the most well-liked and anticipated moves in the ’90s, The Diamond Cutter.

The maneuver was both quick enough to be sudden, but slow enough so fans could stand up before the finishing execution.

Fans were never sure how he would catch his opponent off guard with the move, but they appreciated it every single time.

Page would win the WCW world heavyweight championship in 1999, becoming the oldest first-time champion at the age of 43.

It has become common knowledge that during the ’80s and ’90s, the wrestling workplace wasn’t alway a healthy environment.

Drinking, performance-enhancing drugs and other vices were the downfall of many greats.

To this day we see many heros from these time in horrible condition because of their addictions and what they put their bodies through.

Page never fell into that hole and has even gone out of his way to help others including former wrestlers. He helped found and create DDP Yoga which, according to the company’s website, “was originally developed… for athletes like himself who had suffered years of injuries due to high impact sports.”

The healthy and positive lifestyle helped Page save the lives of former wrestlers Jake Roberts and Scott Hall.

Both men were shells of their former selves. In 2012, Roberts had become dependant on drugs and alcohol, financially strained and weighed more than 300 pounds.

Hall may have been in even worse shape.

While dealing with addictions, Hall was also plagued by epileptic seizures and lingering injuries. He overdosed multiple times after his retirement from the ring and seemed to be going down a path of self-destruction.

Page called and offered a lifeline to both men. He invited Roberts and Hall to live in his home to rehabilitate them in a safe environment amongst friends.

“What did I have to lose?” Hall said in an interview with Fox Sports in 2015. “I was drinking myself to death. I don’t even know why I answered the phone when Dally and Jake called because I wasn’t answering any calls or talking to anyone. I guess it was fate.

Jake was one of my professional heroes and Dally was always a great friend.”

While Page may have had an incredible in-ring career, his work outside the ring to help better the lives of people around him is what truly makes him a legend. His positivity and dedication to helping others has bettered the lives of so many, whether it be his fans or friends.

In the words of the man himself, “That’s not a bad thing… it’s a good thing!”

Track and Field

NJAC / Lions prepare for National Championships

Cooper finishes first in the 500-meter race. continued from page 24

however, it’s time to look forward and set up big goals for my final season outdoors. I want to end my running career on a high note.”

Freshman Mike Zurzolo stepped up big when he placed second in

the 3000-meter race, with a personal best time of 8:55.18. Quinn Wasko followed in third with a time of 8:58.76. In the mile run, the duo of senior Brandon Mazzarella and freshman Jake Dinerman finished in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Mazzarella crossed the finish

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

line with a time of 4:21.34 and Dinerman in 4:22.49.

In the field events, Chris Guglielmo finished his last indoor championships on a high note.

The senior won the pole vault with a clear of 4.65 meters. Freshman John Otters placed sixth in the event with a best of 3.80 meters.

“I was happy with my performance,” Guglielmo said. “My main goal of the meet was to win my event, and I accomplished that. I would have liked to have cleared a higher height and put myself closer to becoming a national qualifier, but I can’t be upset with the win.”

The Lady Lions also had an exceptional performance at conference championships. The Lions amassed 181 points, falling just 21 points short to Rowan University.

In the 5000-meter event, sophomore Natalie Cooper stole the show. She took first with an impressive time of 18:29.73. Sophomore Madeleine Tattory followed in second with a time of 18:35.95.

“My main goal this spring is to get healthy and qualify for Nationals in the 5K,” Cooper said.

“I have been injured for most of this season. I’m hoping to get healthy and back to training.”

Sophomore Erin Holzbaur also had a big day. She finished third in both the mile run and 3000-meter event. Sophomore Abigail Faith finished sixth in the mile with a time of 5:20.55, while junior Caroline Moore and senior Laura Straub finished fifth and sixth in the 3000-meter event with times of 11:01.72 and 11:05.48, respectively.

In the 800-meter dash, sophomore Kathleen Jaeger defended her title and secured 10 points for the Lions. She crossed the line in

first place with a time of 2:17.35.

Junior Jenna Ellenbacher and freshman Samantha Gorman captured first and second place, respectively, in the 400-meter dash. Freshman duo Kaila Carter and Kristen Hall placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 60-meter hurdles.

For the field events, senior Tracy Prentice was runner-up in the pole vault, with a clear of 3.10 meters. Freshman Angela Rambert also placed second in the shot put with a season-best throw of 11.43 meters. The trio of junior Amanda Cucarese, freshman Allison Zelinski and Hall placed third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, in the long jump.

“The plan is to keep everyone committed to the same goal and that is to support each other and focus on competing,” head coach Justin Lindsey said. “We tell our athletes to have fun going against all competition and believe they deserve to come out on top. With a very young team, this is important to learn early as they improve and see more elite competition.”

The women’s and men’s teams will compete in one last qualifying meet this winter season, the Tufts final qualifying meet on Friday, March 3. The Lions hope to use the meet as an opportunity to advance more athletes to the NCAA Indoor Division III Track and Field Championships on March 10 and March 11.

March 1, 2017 The Signal page 23

League / Gaming Lions prepare for playoffs continued from page 1

While several of the College’s sports teams have seen recent success, the Competitive Gaming Club’s “League” team followed up its win against the Cougars with a 2-0 sweep against California Polytechnic State University. The Lions gamers finished undefeated in Collegiate Starleague regular series play, as they prepare for an 128team playoff bracket that begins on March 18.

“I’m actually very surprised that we have the talent pool at TCNJ to compete with such talented players,” Roberts told The Signal. “Statistically, everyone on the first team is at the top 1 percent of the ‘League of Legends’ population. So, in a school of 7,000-8,000 students, five people who are in the top 1 percent is pretty impressive.”

“League” is the biggest of several “esports” — or competitive video games — that are on the rise to mainstream popularity. Major sports teams like the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Bruins have recently acquired successful esports brands, while broadcasters like Turner Sports, ESPN and the Big Ten Network, which is owned by the NCAA conference of the same name, are working hard to secure broadcasting rights for the biggest titles.

While the Big Ten has the largest collegiate esports prize pool, the College’s team still competes with large universities, which in some cases — like the Cougars — recruit talented players with significant scholarships and professional practice facilities and equipment.

“League” pits teams of five against each other, as players control an individual character to fight, kill and topple objectives, like towers and inhibitors, in order to push down one or more of the three main lanes and destroy the opponent’s main structure, the Nexus.

The static lineup, which recruits via the CGC’s Facebook

group, includes Kim in the top lane of the map, St Pierre who travels between the lanes in the “jungle,” freshman psychology major Fernando Trujillo in the middle lane, and Roberts and junior finance major Michał Kędziersk paired in the bottom lane.

While traditional sports teams have practice facilities and stadiums, the Lions starting five competes out of their own dorm rooms and off-campus houses in the second division of the Collegiate Starleague. There, they battle teams around the world for glory and to-be-announced prizes.

“I also think it’s harder to spectate this kind of sport and get a bigger audience,” Trujillo said. “This is something that we’re all doing from our own living areas, either off campus or on campus, versus actually going to a field at TCNJ and doing it in front of an audience.”

The “League” team isn’t the only Lions gaming group that’s found success at a national level: The CGC’s “Super Smash Bros.

Melee” team defeated talented lineups from Rutgers University and more, as they traveled as far as New York City to earn second place in the Tri-State region of The Melee Games — the national collegiate circuit for “Melee.” In the case of the “League” team, this win was a statement for the group that struggled to gain Student Government recognition in Fall 2014, as reported by The Signal.

“I’ve been doing CStar with TCNJ since my sophomore year,” Roberts said. “It wasn’t really organized at that point. It was kind of ‘find four people at TCNJ who play “League” and sign up.’ We did OK. We were middle of the table pretty consistently. We also entered a tournament to get into uLoL, which is the highest level (for non-BigTen teams), and we managed to get to the round of 16 in a 128team tournament.”

Roberts said this is the first year the “League” team consolidated all of the most talented players into

‘League’ can be played from the comfort of one’s dorm room.

one roster.

Although not many students are familiar with the College’s competitive gaming success, St Pierre feels his interests are supported by his peers.

“I think there’s a friendly attitude toward all of it, so people are encouraged to be like a nerd, I guess,” St Pierre said. “As opposed to being told ‘That’s lame.

Why are you doing that for?’ I think there’s a lot of encouragement for the Melee players, especially. It’s just a really fun game that people have been playing for a while.”

Both Roberts and St Pierre hope the team’s success will rejuvenate the CGC, which they feel is underutilized.

“I know there’s a lot more people that are interested in the games CGC endorses and promotes than the people that are in CGC,” St Pierre said. “I think it’d be awesome to get more people joining the club.”

As the Lions prepare for playoffs, Roberts, who makes most of the tactical decisions in and out of the game, believes studying film and scouting opponents, like in any team sport, will be key.

“I actually think a big factor to winning both of those games (against the Cougars) was our champion select,” Roberts said.

“Before the game, I’ll do a bit of research just to see what they play and what strategies we can use. They played into our hands both draft phases. We got the champions that we wanted and denied the champions they were best at.”

While winning it all is the ultimate goal, Roberts, who graduates this spring, hopes the team will improve even more in the years to come.

“I know at the very highest level, you would need official university recognition, but we haven’t really opted into that level yet,” he said. “I’m hopeful for next year — I won’t be here anymore — but (the team’s manager) is working to make sure next year we’ll be competing at a higher level than we competed at this year.”

Roberts is the team’s highest ranked player: He’s currently ranked in “Challenger,” which is the top 200 in North America, compared to the game’s 100million-plus player population.

But St Pierre and company are

Connor Smith / Managing Editor

all close behind.

When St Pierre joked he was ranked higher than Roberts at one point, Roberts fired back in a display of the team’s lighthearted rapport.

“You were challenger for a week in the beginning of the season, before anyone played,” Roberts jabbed back to St Pierre’s boast. “Back when every game was plus 26 (ranked points), minus eight. He took advantage. You’re one of those fake Challengers.”

Like any team, the CGC consists of a bunch of guys with a common interest, pushing each other through adversity and toward greatness. Regardless of whether or not it’s a videogame or a traditional sport, the “League” team continues to put the College on the map in a positive light. Although Roberts never became a professional player, he’s happy with where he stands at the game’s peak.

“I’ve been playing ‘League of Legends’ since early high school,” he said. “I don’t know how much time I’ll be able to commit to this after college, but it’s definitely been a journey for me.”

Lax / Lions start season with six straight home games

Blackman scores five goals in her season opener. continued from page 24

change if we want to reach further into the tournament,” said Brooke Lionetti, sophomore defender. “I think developing a

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

fluid communication style and working cohesively with each other will be key to our success.”

Many important players from last year’s team are returning. Morrison will lead the Lions defense as the

reigning IWLCA Division III Defensive Player of the Year. The Lions defense will also be fortified by senior defenders LeeAnn Bak and Ellie O’Neill.

The most essential part of this year’s defense will be sophomore goalkeeper Miranda Chrone, who only permitted 4.03 goals per game last season.

Despite the Lions already stellar defense, Morrison plans to build the defense to an historic caliber.

“TCNJ had the lowest goals against average (GAA) in Division III last year, (and) the team was one goal short of having the lowest GAA in TCNJ/TSC history,” Morrison said. “This year, I would really like our team to get an even lower GAA average and have more shutouts than last year. As (United States women’s national soccer team defender) Christie Rampone said, ‘If we score, we might win. If they never score, we can’t lose.’”

Meanwhile, the Lions offense will be fueled by Muller and Kratz.

“We lost three amazing seniors last year, but have 13 freshmen to make up for it,” Morrison said. “We have a lot of big games ahead of us this season, and we plan to focus on each game as it comes.”

With the first victory sealed in, the Lions will compete against Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham on Saturday, March 4, at 1 p.m. at Lions Stadium.

Signal

Indoor track and field gets second

Sports

Women’s lacrosse crush Knights

By Nicole DeStefano Staff Writer

The men’s and women’s track and field teams fought to runner-up finishes at the 2017 New Jersey Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships held at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Club in Staten Island, N.Y., on Feb. 20.

The men’s team finished in second place with a total of 145 points, 51 points ahead of third place Stockton University, but fell to Rowan University, who finished with 245 points.

Senior Jake Lindacher had two successful performances. He finished second place in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.19 and placed third in the 60-meter dash, clocking in at 7.00.

Sophomore Nathan Osterhus also impressed on the track. He sprinted in a time of 22.80, finishing in third place at the 200-meter dash. Junior Nicholas Genoese followed in fourth place with a time of 22.95. Osterhus returned in the 400-meter dash, where he finished second with a time of 50.68.

In the distance events, senior Andrew Tedeschi had an outstanding performance in the 5000-meter event. He finished first with a time of 15:08.10. He was followed by sophomore Matt Saponara, who finished second with an impressive time of 15:17.91.

“The 5K on Sunday was a step in the right direction,” Tedeschi said. “After not racing too well in Boston, I mainly wanted to stay I mainly wanted to stay competitive, be efficient and help my teammates run a fast time.

It was nice to finally win an NJAC race, see NJACs page 22

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Kratz scores three goals in the first Lions home game.

By Miguel Gonzalez Sports Editor

After posting a 20-2 record and reaching the Elite Eight round of the NCAA national tournament last season, the Lions are setting their eyes on winning the National Championship this year. In their opening regular season game at Lions Stadium, the Lions established their ambition on Saturday, Feb. 25, by devouring the Neumann University Knights, 15-3.

In less than 30 seconds, junior attacker Emily Katz hurled a shot into the Knights net for the Lions first goal of the season. Three minutes later, sophomore midfielder Kathleen Jaeger scored the Lions second goal off a free position.

The Knights were immediately overwhelmed by the speedy Lions. Junior defender Elizabeth Morrison wasted no time with pressuring the Knights, as she initiated turnovers and fed passes to either junior midfielder Amanda Muller,

senior attacker Mia Blackman or Jaeger.

No matter the method, the Lions always got the ball through the net.

By the eighth minute, sophomore midfielder Erin Harvey and Muller joined on the scoring blitz, hurling balls into the Knights net in back-to-back plays. Afterwards, the Knights responded as sophomore midfielder Kaitlyn Conrad scored through a free position opportunity.

The Lions offense never stopped producing, as Jaeger scored four goals, while Kratz and Blackman netted a pair of goals. By the end of the first half, the Lions sat on a comfortable 11-2 lead with another half remaining to clinch the victory.

In the second half, the Lions offense slowed down as more underclassman were introduced. Kratz and Blackman were not finished and scored more goals. Blackman finished the match with five goals, only one goal ahead of Kratz and Jaeger.

In the 40th minute, freshman midfielder Chloe Pottillo scored her first career goal as a Lion when she intercepted a pass. Although the match entered into stalemate, the Lions captured their first season win, 15-3.

The Lions are at the dawn of an enduring journey. This year’s schedule will feature a heap of top contenders in the country, such as defending champions Middlebury College.

The Lions are ranked seventh in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association national preseason poll. The team will begin the season with six consecutive home games at Lions Stadium.

“Making it to the Elite Eight was good, but clearly something needs to see LAX page 23

Three Lions qualify for National Championships

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Hamann takes second place at 184.

By Maximillian C. Burgos Staff Writer

The Lions traveled to Rocky

Lions Lineup March 1, 2017

I n s i d e

Mount, Va., on Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25, to wrestle in the NCAA Eastern Regional tournament. The team took ninth

Men’s Basketball page 21

place, scoring 56.5 points in a heated and competitive tournament. Three Lions placed in the top three spots of their respective weight classes.

The three wrestlers will go on and wrestle in the NCAA Division III National Championships.

Senior Nick Herring, freshman Dan Kilroy and senior Doug Hamann all placed second in their weight classes. Sophomore JT Beirne finished sixth at the 149, falling short of qualifying for the National Championship.

Going into the weekend, the Lions were confident. Head coach Joe Galante expressed nothing short of confidence in his wrestlers’ abilities.

“We are ready for the challenge,” Galante said. “We will place high and have multiple qualifiers.”

At the end of the first day, three Lions finished 2-0, one win away from qualifying for Nationals.

Among those three wrestlers was returning All-American Hamann, who moved up to the 184 weight class this year. At the end of the first

Softball page 21

day, he was undefeated at his higher weight, winning his first match with a technical fall, 16-0, in 1:27 and his second match with a major decision, 13-1.

The following day, Hamann took second place, falling only in the finals. He qualified for the Championships at the 184 weight class. Additionally, he is in contention for his second consecutive AllAmerican status.

Herring was also undefeated in the first day of competition. He won his matches in a 3-2 decision. Herring later won a 6-1 decision over King’s College’s junior Howard Kilpatrick. Herring then advanced to the finals, where he took second at 165 and qualified for the National Championships.

Kilroy exceeded expectations for a freshman, winning his semifinals match, 4-1, as he took second overall at 174 in the tournament. His only loss came to seventh-ranked New York University’s senior John Messinger. Kilroy also qualified for the National Championships.

Sophomore JT Beirne and junior Kyle Cocozza both finished the first day 2-1. They needed to wrestle a perfect 3-0 record to take third and advance to the National Championships. Cocozza had a rough second day, losing his first match and missing out from the national tournament.

Beirne fought hard, wrestling seven matches throughout the tournament. He ultimately placed sixth and did not qualify for the national championships.

The three remaining Lions look forward to the finals. Galante believes in their ability to represent their school proudly.

The NCAA D-III National Championships will take place in LaCrosse, Wis., from March 10 to March 11.

Last year, Hamann took eighth place in the tournament and continued the team’s 46-year streak of having at least one wrestling AllAmerican. Galante and his Lions intend to keep the tradition alive this year.

Cheap Seats page 22