December 12, 2015

THE HILL NEWS e s t a b l i s h e d i n 1 9 1 1 at s t . l aw r e n c e u n i v e r s i t y

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

KELSEY MATTISON/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Reverend Dr. Shaun Whitehead offers the Call to Worship at the 9:00 p.m. service.

94th Annual Candlelight Service Returns to Gunnison

By REBECCA DOSER NEWS EDITOR This past Wednesday, December 9, the 94th Annual Candlelight Service was held in Gunnison Memorial Chapel for the first time since the fire back in 2013. Two services were held, one at 7:00 p.m. and one at 9:00 p.m. with the traditional Laurentian Singers, the University Chorus and the University Children’s Chorus. Each year, the candlelight service begins with opening remarks and this year’s began as follows: As University Chaplain it is an honor to welcome you to the 94th

annual Candlelight service here in Gunnison Memorial Chapel.

It was in December of 1990 that Dr. Stuart Winning last stood here and remembered how what we do this night began … and so it seems fitting that we begin at the beginning with his account: “Prior to Christmas vacation in 1921, some of us who were students at the time had the idea of making a special effort for a Christmas service in the old chapel on the second floor of Fisher Hall [the home of the Theology School].

John Brush ’22 and I took on the responsibility of decorating the place, and did so by going out and cutting down several evergreen

trees - of uncertain ownership and devising a plan for a candlelight service that increased the fire hazard in a building that already violated every fire code imaginable and ultimately succumbed to these defects in 1950. This was the first and most primitive of these services, which have come to mean so much to so many Laurentians and to the community.”

Decades have changed the service, yet we retain Dr. Winning’s passionate love of this university and the Canton community.

Therefore proceeds of the offering received at the door as you leave will be given to the Canton Church and Community Program

in memory of Dr. Winning who was a charter member. As we begin the service I want to give special thanks to the ushers. They are all from Field Hockey team. They have exchanged their red uniforms for red robes. They serve us so well at such a busy time in the semester.

This year the Candlelight Service focuses on the theme of light.

These words have “become an institution,” according to University Chaplain Kathleen Buckley who read this at the ceremony.

The mass, which is Christian and nondenominational began promptly and all participating had smile upon their faces.

“We were very excited to be back in the chapel,” Buckley says.

“The renovations have enhanced the acoustics and the musicians are thrilled to be back in the space. The chapel is such a special place, so it was hard to be in another space these past few years.”

Reverend Buckley is not the only one who was excited to be back in the chapel this year.

“The return of Gunnison Memorial Chapel as the hub of the University’s spiritual life has been powerful,” Director of Music Ensembles Barry Torres says. “The many events that happen there are grace by that special aura that only a sacred place can provide – a place of peace and contemplation. And there is the special St. Lawrence touch evidence in the uniquely beautiful stained glass windows.”

On November 14th, after a long campaign and one of the most provocative Thelmo Elections in recent history, Joe Nickerson ’17 was declared the winner of the race for Thelmo President. This Wednesday, Nickerson officially replaced Ryan Orvis as President of Thelmo.

Nickerson is a government major who hails from Bedford Hills, New York. On-campus Nickerson is involved in numerous activities; he is currently a member of the

Contents:

Opinions pg. 2 News pg. 4

Features pg. 6 A&E pg. 8

Sports pg. 11

Beta Theta Pi fraternity, additionally this semester he has served as a Senator on Thelmo. “I think that this semester in particular has been very interesting [in the Senate] ,” said Nickerson, “We’ve seen some pretty cool moments in Thelmo this year.” When he came to St. Lawrence, Nickerson was a member of the university’s lacrosse team. “It was a pretty cool experience playing college athletics,” he added, “I never thought I’d achieve that.”

This past Tuesday, Nickerson also completed his final session

By SYDNEY FALLONE OPINIONS EDITOR

pus will be a priority for his administration. “As an executive board, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

AMANDA BROOKS/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Nickerson discusses his plan for the upcoming year.

in order to become a trained Advocate. For Nickerson, reducing the amount of sexual assaults on cam-

Schonberg Appointed VP and Dean of Academic Affairs On December 3rd, President Fox released a memo to the St. Lawrence Community announcing Professor of Government Karl Schonberg’s acceptance to serve as the University’s next Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2016. Professor Schonberg will replace Dean Val Lehr, who has served as Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs since 2007.

The University’s Search Committee worked diligently throughout the semester to interview nominees in an effort to better determine Dean Lehr’s successor. However, President Fox and the Board of Trustees made the final decision as to who will assume the position for the following academic years.

Professor Schonberg has experience as both a teacher and administrator of the University. Schonberg first joined the University faculty in 1999 as an assistant professor in the Government department. He received promotions to associate professor in 2004 and professor in 2009, and has served as Associate Dean of International and Intercultural Studies since July 2010. All the while, Schonberg has impressively managed to publish search and scholarly works that demonstrate his expertise in the area of U.S. Foreign Policy. In his statement of candidacy, Schonberg remarks, “Our faculty and staff care very deeply for the institution and work with immense talent and determination to support it.” Throughout his experience as a teacher, scholar, and administrator, Professor Schonberg’s passion and dedication to the University have been enormously apparent and are reflected in his contributions to the many facets of the St. Lawrence experience.

Schonberg emphasizes that despite his new position as Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs,

Nickerson Assumes Thelmo Presidency

By EMERY YOUNGER NEWS EDITOR

VOLUME CV, ISSUE 12

I S S U E S N EA K P EA K

Read Online: www.the hillnews.org

Page 1: Candlelight ceremony returns to Gunnison.

Page 6: Bachelor/ette recap: where are they now?

Page 10: The Editorial Exec board examines gun control.

Tweet At Us: @hillnews

Page 2: As campus grows, SLU energy policy changes

Page 7: Part II of the look at contraceptive use

Page 12: “That ain’t real wrastlin’” - a look at wrestling

Or Facebook! facebook.com/ the-hill-news

OPINIONS

2 | THE HILL NEWS

Reinforcing Racist Stereotypes Through CIIS Study Abroad Programs

By FANTA CONDE STAFF WRITER As a student at St. Lawrence University, I have had the pleasure of going abroad to Africa and Europe as a firstyear student in the Global Francophone Culture program. I traveled to France, Canada, and Senegal to learn the romantic language of Francais. As a naïve 18-yearold, I never second-guessed anything I experienced on my trip. I thought my adventures were seldom, until I encountered others with the same story as me. Of course, the narratives weren’t exact, but they were pretty recognizable. Those who went to Europe and Africa had congruent tales. How could there be so many similarities?

In my defense, I think there are divisions between countries here. There are “Western Countries” and “Developing Ones.” Despite which category you choose, you are in for a journey.

According to the SLU CIIS page, this is what you should expect when you’re in England.

“The courses offered on the London Programme are designed to immerse students in the city and its resources: attending live theatre productions, meeting actors and directors, visiting historical sites, meeting for the art class in many of London's most renowned galleries, exploring culturally diverse neighborhoods, and so much more.”

If you are headed to Kenya, get excited for this. According to the SLU CIIS page: “Upon their arrival, stu-

dents are introduced to the various aspects of the Program and to our staff. A main aspect of the orientation is to prepare students to live independently in Kenya. To achieve this they are first introduced to our neighborhood where they learn how to orientate themselves and take care of their personal needs such as shopping, entertainment, etc. Safety and security are emphasized, not only through lectures and discussions but also through field visits and real life experiences.

Students also visit Nairobi's central business district on their own, use public transport and start practicing to engage with Kenyans one- on-one.”

“Study abroad programs are supposed to denounce the stereotypes about the global world, not reinforce them.”

Practicing to engage with Kenyans one on one? I was a bit perplexed about this.

Is a Kenyan that eccentric compared to an American or European? Safety and security are emphasized, not only through lectures and discussions? I presume foreigners are supposed to be seen as “different and vulnerable,” but this can be said for London and Rouen too. When someone is not in their element, they could be at risk anywhere. Again, I do not understand why this is an emphasis in the Kenyan pro-

THE HILL NEWS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emma Cummings-Krueger ‘16 MANAGING EDITORS Elle Lucas ‘16 Thomas Mathiasen ‘16 NEWS Rebecca Doser ‘16 Emery Younger ‘17 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Alexa Mitchell ‘16

FEATURES Olivia White ‘17 Annie Wilcox ‘17

DIGITAL Brandon DiPerno ‘16

SPORTS Louie Freda ‘17

DISTRIBUTION Drew Watson ‘17

PHOTOGRAPHY Amanda Brooks ‘17

CHIEF COPY EDITOR Katie Pierce ‘17

FINANCE Frazier Bostwick ‘17 Ben Brisson ‘16

OPINIONS Sydney Fallone ‘17 EDITORIAL POLICY The Hill News is published every Friday of the school year, except during holidays and examination periods, by the students of St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 13617.

Unsolicited manuscripts, articles, and letters to the editor must be typed and signed. Copy and advertisement deadlines are 12:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to publication. All materials submitted for publication are the property of The Hill News and are subject to revision.

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gram; I think there should be deliberate steps to halt the permeation of debauched labels in African countries.

If you still do not see an issue with these summaries, I’ll give you a couple of examples.

If you go to Senegal, you will go to a rural village. You will go to a hospital to view sick people. You will go to the largest dump in Dakar.

In France, however, you will not. Instead, in France you will go to the Champs-Élysées or watch the opera.

If you go to Kenya, you will live in a rural village. You will go on a safari. You will even go to an orphanage, whereas in England, you will not. Instead, in England, you will go to Westminster to see the Buckingham Palace.

Study abroad programs are supposed to denounce the stereotypes about the global world, not reinforce them. It’s appalling to integrate orphanages and animal watching in Kenya, but not in England.

Africa should not be seen as an exotic location for impressionable college students to go take flicks of people living their lives so they can update their Facebook profile pictures. Instead of repeating the images of Africa, there should be a cosmopolitan aspect shown because it does exist.

In sum, I think there needs to be a drastic evaluation of the Study Abroad programs at SLU. Countries that are not in Europe or Oceania should not have components that include orphanages or hospitals. If these changes do happen, SLU students will definitely experience something valuable.

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Dear Dub: Does Choosing to Abstain from Sex Make Me a Bad Feminist?

By KRISTEN JOVANELLY COLUMNIST Hey, you go to Liberal Arts University. I bet you’ve heard about sex, haven’t you? Maybe you’ve heard that it’s neat, maybe you’ve heard that it’s kind of like a sneeze, or maybe you’ve heard that you should pee right after it. Maybe you’ve heard too much, or too little, or just the right amount. Maybe you’ve swiped right for it. Maybe you’ve done it in a canoe, or on a shag carpet. The maybes surrounding sex are seemingly infinite (with the exception that the word “yes” should always be prefaced and continued throughout the occasion). But maybe, too, you haven’t had sex.

At Dub Club this week, the topic was about being a bad feminist. Often times, women and men are afraid to associate themselves with the term “feminist” as whirling perceived connotations and implications surrounding the term can render it intimidating. There seems to be a prevailing trend in some dialogues about feminism that the idea is unalterably linked to a dedicated and open sex life. So to be a feminist, you have to be willing to shag and brag.

Sexual empowerment is critical to a world governed by fairness and equality.

Slut shaming, or criticizing a woman for her real or presumed sexual activity or for behaving in ways that insinuate her real or presumed sexual activity is a motif that our society needs to be dismally ashamed of. Any woman or man has the right to choose to have sex with ten, twenty, thirty partners, if given consensual assent. For no reason should he or she be diminished for her choice.

Equally, any woman or man has the right to choose to not

engage in sex. However, popular discourse seems to diminish the complexity or variability which dictates why somebody may abstain. On TV, the female virgin character is usually defined by her quest to lose her virginity, and thus become an empowered, emboldened, spicy woman of the world. But what about her other aspirations? What about the many different avenues she can glide down to feel resilient, to feel bold, to feel beautiful, and to feel herself? We are taught to pity and judge, that only by shedding a veil of virginity will we be able to embrace our own femininity.

Why is it assumed that for the modern woman virginity is a burden, not a choice?

By assigning tenants to the concepts of feminism, polarizing those who are for and are against by acute categories such as degree of sexual exploration, we fail to acknowledge the complexity and richness of the feminine and human experience.

Making a choice to abstain from sex whether it is due to religion, to personal desires, or to a myriad of other entangling rationale. The definition of feminism should not be so rigid as to exclude anybody who desires equality because of a personal choice. Creating fissures in a united movement of feminism by stigmatizing or labeling one another into polarizing categories negates the reality of just how much we have in common.

Virgin shaming and slut shaming suggest that who a woman chooses to have or not have sex with is up for enquiry and judgment by others. A person’s worth is not dependent upon who they decide to sleep with, or whether they want to have sex. Look around—we are all worth so much more than that.

DECEMBER 11, 2015

OPINIONS

THE HILL NEWS | 3

SLU’s Stagnant Energy Evolution: An Exploration of Campus Policy

By EMMA CUMMINGS-KRUEGER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In October of 2012, the St. Lawrence University Board of Trustees released the school’s official Facilities Master Plan. Among 24 other components, the document details steps toward “carbon reduction/neutrality and renewable energy.” This built upon the basis of SLU’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) from May 2011. Now, over three years later, data indicated that our carbon levels remain virtually unchanged.

Overseen by the Campus Committee for Sustainability and Climate Neutrality (CCSCN), the SLU Climate Action Plan prioritizes the goal of “carbon neutrality,” meaning zero net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The deadline for carbon neutrality was set for the 2040 academic year. This policy is similar to that of peer institutions, but with a later-than-average

deadline. Schools in SLU’s network have most commonly set deadlines prior to 2030 for carbon neutrality, as overseen by the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment initiative.

Since 2007, the CAP has required regular GHG emissions percentage decreases. According to Louie Gava, SLU’s former Sustainability Coordinator, the school managed gradual decreases in overall carbon dioxide emissions from 2007 (with 17,528 megatons emitted) through 2013 (14,901 megatons emitted).

In 2014, however, emissions spiked again to 16,493. According to Gava, a major component of this shift was the construction of Kirk Douglas Hall.

Here, the CAP faces a challenge.

Alongside energy efficiency, the Facilities Master Plan also prioritizes “housing demand and capacity.”

This emphasis on infrastructure expansion is, as illustrated by Kirk Douglas Hall, at odds with the

central mission of SLU’s CAP. This contradiction of policies, in itself, goes against a key component of the CAP. In section I. 2. C., the school recognizes that “changes in any current or future policy should not move the University further from our climate commitment goals.” Unfortunately for the CAP, much of the Facilities Master Plan has the potential to do so. As this intersection of institutional priorities, the opportunity for emission reform is increasingly pertinent on campus.

So how does the SLU administration, Board of Trustees, and Campus Committee for Sustainability and Climate Neutrality plan to balance these conflicting priorities on campus?

How can we continue infrastructural development while enacting steps toward carbon neutrality by 2040?

As peer institutions near their zero-net emissions deadline, “it’s important to change the campus culture a bit,” said Anne Csete, a

member of the CCSCN. “Eventually, even something like a petition, can get a lot of people talking,” she said.

“We have to hire a new sustainability coordinator,” said CCSCN member Steve Millington.

“It’s going to take some organization and some work instead of just pointing out problems.” Millington added. At present, an estimated 50 percent of SLU students support the steps outlined in the CAP. For campus members in this population, “it’s important to take a position and make recommendations to the school that are fact based,” suggests Jon Rosales, another CCSCN member. “It would be most useful for the CCSCN to hear about one thing or behavior to change.” To emphasize carbon neutrality over infrastructural development on campus, “there needs to be some continuity here,” said Millington.

This year, SLU reached the “mid-term” phase of the Facilities

Master Plan, entering a new stage of campus building renovations. At this time, with the intersection of SLU’s contradicting policies, many are calling for a reexamination of priorities Today, SLU has entered a paradox wherein so-called and LEED certified “efficient” buildings have lead to an overall increase in energy consumption.

To make recommendations to the Campus Committee for Sustainability and Climate Neutrality, contact Cathy Shrady at cshrady@stlawu.edu with suggestions. The Campus Committee for Sustainability and Climate Neutrality oversees and advocates for the SLU Climate Action Plan.

The committee periodically approves amendments to the CAP and publishes a series of Work Plans detailing campus sustainability and emission reduction efforts. Students, faculty, and staff comprise the committee’s membership.

Trump Pleases Few,Offends Many With Islamophic Comments

By MATTHEW THIBAULT STAFF WRITER As a nation built on the foundations of acceptance and diversity, the news that I’ve heard over the past few days has been sickening and disturbing to read. Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner for President (for now, at least) issued a plan to ban all Muslims from entering the United States of America for any reason, ranging from refugee status to a tourist visa.

As soon as this news hit the airwaves, all hell broke loose.

Liberals quickly bashed Trump, blasting his ideas into orbit, as well they should. But it wasn't just them. Conservatives FINALLY called Trump out for what he was: incompetent.

Chris Christie said that these ideas were "the kinds of things that people say when they have no idea what they're talking about." Jeb Bush called Trump "unhinged," and the Super PAC supporting him let loose with an ad that attacked Trump for his words in the past. John Kasich called this policy another reason as to why he is "entirely unsuited to lead the United States." And finally, to round out this plethora of conservative criticism, even Ben Carson said that he wouldn't advocate for selection based on religion in choosing who to allow into this country. Ben Carson. Think about that.

Trump, in my opinion, is an awful person. The first reason?

Trump is a Racist, capital R. From his attacks on Mexican

immigrants, calling them "murderers and rapists" to his defense of supporters who publicly attacked a black man at one of his rallies. His comments then turned sexist when he attributed a female reporter's tough questions to be a result of her menstrual cycle. His most recent escapade involved mocking the movements of a disabled New York Times reporter named Serge Kovaleski who has arthrogryposis, a condition that affects joint movement. It would appear that Trump has no qualms about attacking anyone, and his blatantly ignorant and bigoted statements only serve to alienate and disgust people of all groups.

The second reason? Donald Trump is, based on his actions, quite possibly the worst thing for the Republican Party at this

point and time. Not only has Trump managed to alienate people all over the world, he gives the Republican Party a tone of bigotry and bombastic statements because his opponents in the party never really called him out on his statements. That is, until now. Trump will split the base of the super conservative faction and take away votes from the Republican who will eventually win the primary.

How will he do this? Simple.

He'll run as an independent because he thinks he has a chance.

This will split the Republican vote and give the Democrats an easy road to victory because there won't be a clear majority.

Trump's bigoted statements also bring back a disgusting memory of Nazi Fascism. It's eerie and terrifying to see how

similar some of his statements are to Hitler’s own, with the deporting of Muslims and his idea to set up a Muslim Registry Database. On top of that, Muslims would be forced to enter into it.

It's terrifying, to be honest, and people are going with it. It's absolutely wrong, and if you don't think so, ask yourself if you would want to be treated that way.

Donald Trump is not only the worst option for Republicans, but he is exactly the opposite of what we perceive American values to be. He is the veritable boogeyman, and his rhetoric will destroy the credibility of American politics if left unchecked. Trump's pompous and bigoted statements need to end, and he has no place in politics.

Period.

Contemplating the U.S. Gun Issue and Concealed Carry

By TRAVIS HAMRE STAFF WRITER When another mass shooting happens, the gun debate is sparked again and again in what seems like an endless cycle. One side demands much stricter gun legislation while the other side calls for the exact opposite and argues that the solution is for more guns. The answer is not a dramatic overall reduction or increase in guns, but making sure the right citizens own society’s guns.

People need to accept that America will always be a society with guns. The reason is embedded in our origins and history. Our country began as rebellion against the British government, so naturally many citizens have historically had a natural distrust in government.

Right-wing conservatives cling

to the 2nd amendment not just because they love guns so much, but additionally they fear a scenario in the future where the government becomes a tyrannical institution that the people must rebel against.

The concept makes the argument for keeping assault weapons a little more reasonable. The founding fathers probably did assume guns would modernize when writing the 2nd amendment, and they intended for the amendment to be a failsafe for the overall population to stay equally as armed as the government to deter tyranny.

The unfortunate reality is that the fail-safe no longer exists, and even if the government became a dictatorship, the people would be helpless against a military that has drones, fighter planes, and tanks. Our population is heavily out-gunned, making the need

for anything but handguns and hunting rifles obsolete. The benefits do not outweigh the costs to society of having super-powerful guns in the hands of ordinary citizens. The major problem is even if assault weapons are made completely illegal, crazy people who have every intent on harming as many people as they can will find a way to get illegal weapons. For those who have ever gotten marijuana or alcohol underage, you know how it is very possible to obtain something illegally.

An ideal society would have zero guns in existence, but the reality is heavily armed domestic terrorists will continue to be the greatest threat to our safety. With mass shooting after mass shooting continuing to occur, it is in our best interest to enable society to deter and protect ourselves from unthinkable

atrocities. Legalizing concealed carry throughout the country could be the best solution to the problem.

To be clear, it would only make us safer if concealed carry permits were very heavily regulated. Only the most responsible, mentally stable, and educated about gun safety should be allowed to have a concealed carry permit. It should not be an entitlement or right for every citizen.

Deaths from gun accidents and handguns are too much of a tragic commonplace in the United States, but offering concealed carry permits could help solve the problem. The solution to reducing gun-accident related deaths is not banning all guns, but encouraging more gun safety education, like how driver’s education classes reduce car accidents. Incentivizing people to take gun safety classes in order to

get a concealed carry permit would reduce the number of gun accidents and keep gun fanatics appeased.

If there are only a small handful of secretly armed people out in public, concealed carry would be add an extra element of safety.

Everyday people would not have to be uncomfortable seeing guns holstered out in open, and there would always most likely be someone capable of defending a public crowd in the case where law enforcement is absent when the inevitability of another attempt at a mass shooting happens again. With our country’s history and a large pro-gun political faction preventing guns from being completely outlawed, there needs to be a pragmatic solution that limits gunownership but enables of safety net against those who get guns illegally with the intent to harm.

4 | THE HILL NEWS

NEWS

In Wake of Terror, President Obama Addresses the Nation

Security Blotter Dec 2 10:53 AM Oil spill caused by an independent contractor behind the Student Center.

Dec 2 7:30 PM Report of shoplifting by non-students at the Brewer Bookstore.

Dec 4 12:02 AM Report of an intoxicated student at 72 Park (Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity). Transported to CPH. Dec 4 2:34 AM Report of vandalism to the front door of 58 Park St. (Outing Club), crash bar on the door had been severely damaged.

Dec 4 3:16 AM Report of sleeping student in Griffiths Art Center. Found to be intoxicated. Transported to CPH. Dec 4 7:06 PM Fire alarm activated at the Townhouses Dec 4 10:42 PM Approximately 20 students reported to be attending a party in 78 Park (Commons College). Beer pong table discovered. Students were dispersed.

Dec 4 10:44 PM Report of two intoxicated students at 13 Elm St (Chi Omega). Transported to CPH. Dec 4 11:34 PM Approximately 200 students involved in a party at Townhouses. Security was dispatched and students were dispersed.

Dec 4 11:42 PM Report of large party in progress at 62 Park. About 10-15 semi-clothed students were discovered.

Attendees were asked to get dressed and leave the building.

3 candles were also confiscated.

Dec 4 11:44 PM Unresponsive intoxicated student located in Jencks hallway. Transported to CPH. Dec 5 12:06 AM Report of several bricks reported to be removed from the side of Kirk Douglas Hall.

Dec 5 12:10 AM Student observed sleeping on grass in Village of Canton. Transported back to campus. signed off.

Dec 5 11:30 PM Report of student with a head injury in Whitman Hall. Transported to the after-hours clinic by an officer.

Dec 5 11:40 PM Intoxicated student reported in Rebert Hall. Transported to CPH. Dec 5 11:40 PM Intoxicated student observed between Reiff and Priest. Evaluated by SLU EMS and signed off.

Dec 6 12:45 AM Noise complaint at Huellett Hall. Upon arrival, security located a heavily intoxicated student.

Evaluated and Signed off.

Dec 6 1:43 AM Vehicle stopped on Court St by Village Police for failure to turn on headlights. The student operating the vehicle was arrested for an aggravated DUI (above .18 BAC).

Dec 6 3:18 AM Report of intoxicated student in Rebert Hall after consuming large amounts of vodka. Transport to CPH. Dec 6 9:30 AM Report of a missing bike from outside of Dean Eaton.

Dec 6 2:36 PM Officer responded to Dean Eaton after a student reported a bag of Marijuana on floor of a bathroom.

Dec 8 12:28 AM Report of an ill student in Rebert Hall.

Transported to CPH. Dec 8 8:24 PM Report of an ill student in Dean Eaton.

Transported to CPH.

DECEMBER 11, 2015

By ANDREW WATSON STAFF WRITER Barack Obama addressed the nation from the Oval Office for only the third time of his presidency this past Sunday December 6. The to-the-point thirteen minute speech sought to quell fear among the American public that Daesh, also known as the Islamic State or ISIS, is gaining strength and infiltrating the United States. The address comes after a shooting rampage in San Bernadino, California by two radicalized terrorists that left 14 dead. US officials have said that one of the shooters, Tashfeen Malik “grew up in Pakistan” and “was radicalized…before ISIS proclaimed its caliphate” however she had recently pledged her allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State.

President Obama focused on a few major themes in the short speech. He reiterated previous statements saying the United States would not put troops on the ground to fight the Islamic State in Syria. He stated that the plan was working to defeat them but that people needed to be patient and have trust in their government. Per the New York Times, he detailed small, less bombastic measures that he said were helping defeat Daesh, including airstrikes on oil tankers and attempts at peace talks to end the Syrian Civil War. He also focused on gun control, saying “Congress should act to make sure no one on a No Fly List is able to buy a gun,” per the Los Angeles Times. The conversation surrounding San Bernardino changed rapidly from gun control to terrorism

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

President Obama delivered his speech from the Oval Office.

after it was revealed that the two shooters were radicalized terrorists who had thousands of rounds of ammunition and IEDs in their home.

Finally, President Obama focused on the subject that has taken over the nation due to his own comments as well as those by presidential candidates Marco Rubio and Donald Trump. Islamophobia and discrimination are not answers to the problem, said the President, calling for calm and respect for all religions in the wake of the brutal attack. Mr. Rubio asked for proof of any Muslim discrimination in the United States, while Donald Trump called for a ban on all Muslims entering the US, including tourists, until the government could solve the terrorism crisis.

On the whole, the response to the president’s speech was familiar and predictable. All of the GOP candidates for president issued statements or tweeted out their disdain for

the President’s plan and said he needed to get tougher on terrorism.

Meanwhile Democrats lauded his speech as measured and thoughtful instead of brash and reactionary.

Fox News said that the President had nothing new to offer except to reiterate his failing strategy, while the New York Times and others said the intent was not to unveil a new plan, but to reassure the public that the current one is the best way forward.

Congress is virtually paralyzed with partisan discourse.

This makes new legislative action on gun control highly unlikely.

With this inaction occurring, massive spikes in gun sales have been reported across the U.S. despite recent terror incidents. Although the President’s speech focused on being united against evil and being patient, it appears that Americans are becoming less patient and more divisive than ever.

SEMESTER RUNNING TALLIES: Bike Thefts: 19 | DWIs: 2 Open Containers: 8 | Alcohol-Related Transports: 38

What is Thelmo up to?

Wednesday, December 9 Office Hours: President Ryan Orvis— Monday, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Vice President of Senate Affairs R. Christopher Di Mezzo—Monday and Tuesday, 8-10 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS: –New executive board was installed: President Joseph Nickerson ‘17, Vice President of University Relations Mark Jannini ‘18, Vice President of Senate Affairs Laura Jennings ‘18, and Secretary Caroline Johansson ‘18 OLD BUSINESS: – Second approval granted by the Executive Board for $109 to screen the film Jumbo Wild

C

ongratulations to our incredibly talented staff of Junior Editors on an amazing semester! We love you Amanda, Louie, Emery, Olivia, Annie, Sydney, Frazier, and Drew! Good luck aborad!!

NEWS

DECEMBER 11, 2015

THE HILL NEWS | 5 NICKERSON FROM PAGE 1

some of the better candidates.

They’re motivated and driven,” Cadet Lt. Colonel Neil Devendorf ’16 says. Devendorf described a training exercise he attended his freshmen year at Fort Drum where two of the females in his class graduated from the highly competitive air assault school program.

This is a difficult program and most male cadets did not pass the test, Devendorf adds.

“I think it’s a bad idea. Most females aren’t as strong as males and we shouldn’t lower our standards to accommodate them,” Cadet Major Crystal Shauger from Clarkson University says. Crystal expressed concern that female soldiers will not meet the physical and mental standards required to perform effectively in combat positions. “It’s just different.

Could you imagine what would happen to a female soldier who was captured?” Shauger added.

“I think females should be held to the same standards.

This is really a great step in the right direction,” Senior Cadet Major Alexandra Day says. She noted that next year’s ROTC

class will feature two females in senior officer positions. “I have a pilot slot lined up after college. Now there aren’t many females who do that. I think it’s going to change in a couple years,” Day says.

Females have been serving in the armed services since our country’s inception. Mary Hays McCauley fought alongside her husband at the Battle of Monmouth in the American Revolution. In Desert Storm, Gwen Schallow became the first female to pilot an Apache Gunship in combat. This year, First Lt. Shay Haver, and Capt.

Kristen Griest graduated from the Ranger School in Fort Benning Georgia, becoming the first females to do so.

The news arrived last Thursday when Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that all combat positions would open up to female soldiers. Congress has 25 days left to decide whether Carter’s decision is constitutional.

Additionally, the Obama administration expects that the armed forces will be fully integrated by 2016.

board we really want to get behind the work that Maya Williams ’16 has done with Title IX legislation,” he noted. “We’re also hoping to really raise the student participation in the ‘Think About It’ online training.”

However, Nickerson’s goals for the next year are not limited to combatting sexual violence. “One cool thing we’re going to do regarding Thelmo’s social media presence is create a Senator of the Week on our Facebook page,” stated Nickerson, “We’ll give a little bio on the Senator, and tell people how Senators are involved on campus.”

Nickerson also hopes to collaborate with Thelmo’s ACE representative in order to increase the use of Pub 56. “We’re going to try and find new ways to get students over there, “ he said. “It’s a really cool space that is unique to our University, it’s a shame that it goes underutilized.”

Nickerson believes that by reinvigorating Pub 56, it would serve as a place where students could come together and further foster a cohesive University community.

“I think what St. Lawrence offers, which I have personally felt, is such a strong sense of community,” said Nickerson. “Year to year the people you connect with may change, but every time I’ve put myself in a new situation with a new group of people I’ve always felt welcome and embraced as who I am,” he added.

“My campaign period really opened me up to a lot more students,” said Nickerson. “To be honest with you, going into the campaign I thought that I was well known on campus and I had a good feel for everyone on campus, when really I didn’t know that many people at all.”

For Nickerson, his campaign allowed him to meet with diverse groups of students throughout campus. Whether meeting with the Outing Club, Advocates, Black Student Union or Java, this experience was a formative for Nickerson. “I met a lot of international students at the I-house lounge at Tea Time,” he noted, “And honestly those meeting have fostered good relationships.”

In his campaign Nickerson

Singers were allowed to sing the commencement concert there last May, the seniors, who remembered the beauty of singing in such an astonishing place on campus, were in tears during rehearsal, Torres says.

They were simply overjoyed to have their last concert be in a place in which had so much meaning for them.

“This is of my favorite St Lawrence traditions to be a part of,” Julianne DeGuardi ’17, a member of the Laurentian Singers says. “Having the service in the chapel made it extra special as it created a more intimate setting that brought together both the Canton and the Laurentian communities through a shared sense of serenity and peace

which is hard to find during this busy time of year.”

In regards to selecting the content for the ceremony, Buckley mentioned that earlier in the year, Torres and Sondra Golfsmith Proctor, the musician-in-residence, got together with her to discuss possible themes for this year’s service. This year the theme was light. The music and multiple readings all connected to this theme.

“The overall emotion of the Candlelight ceremony is always astonishing to me,” Taylor Sukdolak ’16, a speaker at the 7:00 p.m. service says.

“The restoration of this sacred service back to such a fundamental piece of our community was nothing short of heart-

warming, pure, and beautiful.

It was a privilege - an honor, to speak at it. We all missed our mesmerizing chapel.”

In regards to who is chosen as ushers for each candlelight service, Buckley noted that for the past three years the ushers have all been athletes.

“This year, the women’s field hockey team ushered,” Buckley says. “It is a great gift to give up four hours on the last week of classes, but it is a very special role and those that do it are in awe of the beauty.”

Interestingly enough, the sophomore and junior classes have never experienced a Candlelight Service in the chapel thus; this year was their first time.

“The candle lighting cer-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CNN

All combat roles are now open to women, according to the Pentagon.

The Pentagon Announces All Combat Roles are Open to Women

By BOBBY BAIRD STAFF WRITER The decision to open ground combat positions to female soldiers invoked a discussion at the Clarkson ROTC program.

Some individuals feel that the majority of women may not be fit for such a stressful environment and are concerned about lowering the standards for elite combat units. Others feel that anyone who can pass the same aptitude tests will flourish on the field of battle.

“Females have been serving in combat positions since Desert Storm. I remember fighting alongside female mechanics who were right in the line of fire,” retired Major Scott Toth, the enrollment officer for the Golden Knight Battalion says. Toth stressed that this decision does not give females the chance to fight in the most dangerous section of the battlefield. In modern combat soldiers are constantly exposed to danger, and an attack could come from anywhere at any time.

“Usually the females are CHAPEL FROM PAGE 1

“The fire has been a reminder to me that you can’t take anything for granted in life,” Buckley adds.

Faculty and students on campus along with St. Lawrence community members were indeed very happy to return to the chapel to renew our minds in this special season.

“As a musician whose focus is choral music, and whose specialty is early sacred music – medieval, Renaissance and Baroque – the chapel is my musical ‘home’ here at St. Lawrence,” Torres says.

For the Laurentian Singers and University Chorus, the chapel is also their “special place.” When the Laurentian

promised to diversify Thelmo, and he has already begun delivering on that promise. “We created an ad-hoc committee that is dedicating itself to diversity on campus,” said Nickerson. He also believes that by encouraging individual students from numerous backgrounds and with a wide variety of interests to apply for Thelmo it will help to create a student government that is more representative of the University.

“I think that kind of face to face communication would go a long way in diversifying the senate,” he added. Nickerson also believes that increasing the group’s social media presence will help to combat the stigma that Thelmo is an elite organization. “At the end of the day we’re students like everyone else,” he said, “and I would really just encourage anyone interested to apply.”

Diversifying the senate is not the only way to ensure that many viewpoints are considered during Thelmo’s deliberations. The new executive board is also aiming to increase students’ attendance at Thelmo meetings.

“On Wednesday nights we’re hoping to hang a big sign in the Student Center with an arrow pointing to the Hannon Room saying ‘ Come Join the Meeting’ or something of that nature.” In recent years concerns about Thelmo’s transparency have been a frequent topic of debate among the University community.

By working to increase student participation, Nickerson hopes to combat that stigma. “It would really help us to get students engaged on Wednesday nights,” he added.

Nickerson is looking forward to the upcoming year. “The next executive board is well connected on campus, we’re a friendly group,” he said. However he has few illusions about what his new position entails.

“Just in the transition position, its been busy work and you’ve got to be on top of your game,” he said. “If I’m going to be a leader, I’m going to have to make sure that not only my self personally but also my team is always prepared for meetings and always looking out for students oncampus.” emony was a great experience,” Ali Price ’19 says of her first service attended at St. Lawrence University. “I enjoyed singing Christmas carols with my friends and seeing the entire chapel lit up. I can’t wait for the candlelight ceremony next year!”

This year’s Candlelight Service was not just memorable for the younger classes of St. Lawrence University, but served as a very sentimental moment for seniors as well.

“I was really impressed by the amount of light given off by all the candles,” Elle Lucas ’16 says. “It illuminated all the faces of my peers that I have grown to know and love throughout my past three years at St. Lawrence.”

features

6 | THE HILL NEWS

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Bachelor/ettes of the Week: Where are they now?

Siv Saati ‘16

We caught up with some of our favorite Bachelors and Bachelorettes from the past semester to see what they have been up to recently. Some have had success, others are still looking for their special someone.

Read Jeff’s reflections on warm winter daze!

PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA DOSER

Enjoying the Warm Winter Daze

BY JEFF MOGAVERO STAFF WRITER

The conspicuously warm weather that the North Country had this week allowed for the last few jaunts into the outdoors without wearing 20 pounds of clothing. I took a break from the finals crunch and got in a nice, long run on the trails around campus. I spoke with one man near the canoe shack who was thrilled to be getting out on the Little River for what was likely his last paddle during the extended warm spell. At this time of year, the Little River is normally well on its way to become a sliver of ice in the woods. I saw friends coming back from a swim, albeit a cold one, at the rope swing. I bumped into others escaping the week-before-finals madness by running (and getting refreshingly lost) on the Kip Tract. I paused for a few minutes and stood by the sand banks to watch reflections of clouds shape-shift in the gently swirling water. I could not help but grin and laugh quietly to myself. Seeing so many wonderful people smiling and waving back to me as the western sky began to flare red with the descending sun reminded me of how beautiful this world and the people who grace it, if only for a relatively short period of time, are.

In the rush that is college, especially the end of the semester,

it is so easy to lose touch with the things that make us tick and keep us sane. For me, one of those things is time spent outdoors, prancing around on dirt trails, peeking at the sky through a canopy of hibernating trees. My run earlier this week gave me the chance to take a step back from the final days of classes and looming papers, and instead focus on how magnificent it is to just be alive. I shared the woods and trails with others and exchanged brief smiles and greetings, unable to stop myself from beaming, knowing that they were also taking pleasure in the quaint woods that surround the southern portion of campus.

That day brought me so much joy, but also stood as a somber reminder of what is happening to our planet’s climate.

Whether or not the temperatures we have been having this past week can be attributed to climate change, or the strong El Niño currently going on, is not something that I have the knowledge to make claims about. However, there is near unanimous agreement in the scientific community that humans are hastening the changes in the world’s climate. While North Country December days in the 50’s are fantastic, they also warn of the unfortunate flipside to unseasonably warm temperatures. Headlines declaring the “warmest year

on record,” massive droughts, devastating floods, and stronger storms are nothing new. Despite their frequent appearance in the press, these warnings are often forgotten. Unusually warm days and weeks like the ones we’re in the midst of remind me why we can’t afford to forget about the planet we live one.

Running in shorts and a t-shirt just a few weeks before the winter solstice was joyous, but also put a drop of worry in my blood.

We live on a vibrant ball of rock floating around space. The climate changes, trees are cut down, wildfires burn. Recently, the rate at which humans are changing the world is unprecedented in our little rock’s 4.5-billion-year old life. My run reminded me of why we should love our home. It also reminded me why we need to help make sure it remains a hospitable, livable, place. With the holiday season coming up, much of America enters a frenzy of over-consumption. In the midst of shopping and traveling, take some time to enjoy our rock and its other inhabitants.

Remember that no matter how small, the actions you take in your daily lives do matter, even when they feel like they do not.

Go skip, ski, run, ride, jump, and be jolly this winter break, and do not forget how great this planet we call home is!

Bachelorette on: October 30 Have you gotten any romantic events as a result of your fame?

“Nope. Still looking for my man with a hot pocket in hand.”

Emma Morrissey ‘17

Bachelorette on: November 13 Have you garnered any romantic endeavors as a result of your fame?

“A few too many.”

Have you been recognized on campus as a local celebrity?

“Only in my own mind.”

Sean Callahan ‘16

Bachelor on: September 18 Has your life been completely altered since your debut?

“Not at all! I’ve actually been meaning to ask for a refund.”

Annie McDevitt ‘16

Margaret Mauch ‘17

Bachelorette on: September 25 Any life updates you’d like to share?

“Life has been fantastic ever since I was featured as the bachelorette of the week. My townhouse mates put the article up in our house and after a party we had, I found out that someone took it, so I guess I have a secret admirer.

Not much has changed, but you can still feel free to buy me drinks at the Hoot.”

Bachelorette on: December 4 Have you been recognized on campus as a local celebrity?

“I did receive quite a few Snapchats of my bio when the issue came out last Friday.

My fingers are crossed for a Christmas miracle!”

Do people treat you differently at the Tick Tock?!

“I was recognized once in the Ticker, he even knew my name!”

• Need a resume builder?

• Lonely in your new single?

• Just can’t find that special someone?

Nominate yourself or a friend to be Bachelor or Bachelorette of the Week!

Juniors and Seniors Only! .

Email clseel13@stlawu.edu or hillnews@stlawu.edu With your nominations!

Underrepresention in Thelmo Questioned

BY JONATHAN TEN EYCK STAFF WRITER When Yunjia Wang ‘17 arrived at St. Lawrence University from Sichuan, China she found herself in a place with a different culture and language than her home country. Yunjia faced not just the challenges of being a first-year in college, but of being one of the roughly 20 percent of St. Lawrence students who classify as diverse.

“Diversity’s not any good unless there’s inclusivity,” said Vice President and Dean of Student Life Joseph A. Tolliver.

The St. Lawrence community Wang entered was 7.8 percent international, 11.8 percent U.S. students of color and 80.3 percent White Americans, according to the Office of Institutional Research.

For Wang, integrating into the St. Lawrence community was

made easier because she had been assigned an American roommate.

This enabled her to practice her English more and become better friends with the people in her FYP. Now in her junior year at St. Lawrence, Wang said she rarely sees her FYP anymore, citing difference of majors. However, she said that her experience with the FYP program helped her adjust to American culture. Still, Wang says there is a feeling of separation between the international students and American students at SLU. This feeling goes beyond just international students.

The international student body is represented in Thelmo, “but what about the American students of color?” asks Rian Falcon ’17, a Thelmo Senator. Citing lack of student body interest in social justice issues, Falcon said that she wants people in the SLU

community to be more aware of their actions and how they affect others. “If we want change we have to make it happen,” said Falcon, adding that she would also like to see Thelmo improve on this issue.

To address this issue, Thelmo created the Campus Diversity Committee to look into underrepresented student groups.

“It will be looking at the issue of diversity on campus and seeing what we can be doing better,” said Christopher Di Mezzo ’18, one of the creators of the committee.

“SLU does a good job bringing a diverse selection of students to the school, but a better job needs to be done to make them feel part of the community once they arrive on campus,” said Di Mezzo.

“The system works really well, but there have been questions in previous years about how representative the senate is in

terms of the identities on campus,” said Dean Tolliver. In the past, some groups, like Greek life, have been overrepresented, said Tolliver, who went on to say that it would be good to look and see if some groups could be better represented.

He mentioned groups like international students, students of color, students on financial aid, and student athletes as groups that could be better represented on Thelmo. This is an issue for everyone, from students to faculty and administration, said Tolliver.

Yet many students think St. Lawrence is succeeding in encouraging and representing diversity on campus. “St. Lawrence does a good job in allowing students to create groups to encourage students to delve into their own individuality,” said Genevieve Shorter ’18. Everyone

has the opportunity to pursue what they are passionate about Shorter said, adding that she thinks Thelmo does fine in listening to the student body, even if she wishes they had more opportunities for student feedback.

It is on the students to advocate for themselves and become a part of the community said Associate Dean Rance Davis. He thinks the school is in a good place and that no improvement can happen without dialogue. For there to be change, the administration needs to hear from the students, said Davis. “St. Lawrence was formed in 1856 upon universal church principals of inclusion, but what does that mean for St. Lawrence for our first steps in the twenty first century?” he asked.

This is a question admissions administration must keep in mind moving forward.

DECEMBER 11, 2015

features

THE HILL NEWS|7

Staying Bright in the Dark

By NATALIE SQUILLACE STAFF WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE NORTH COUNTRY

SLU students support Planned Parenthood at the community’s local branch.

Informing the Contraceptive Conversation Part II: Speak Up!

By EMMA HENNESSEY STAFF WRITER One could go on for hours learning about the many different types of birth control, and each of their specific forms, from condoms and the pill, to IUDs, diaphragms, sponges, and sterilization. While learning about the many options of birth control available, it is easy to notice a general pattern begin to creep up: besides condoms, almost every other form is designed for women. If one does not want to use condoms for whatever reason (short of getting a vasectomy) it seems much of the power in not conceiving a child is entrusted to females.

Under the Affordable Care Act, health care plans are not required to cover birth control methods like the pill if it goes against the company’s religious beliefs, but the same does not apply for covering procedures like vasectomies. This adds a tremendous burden on sexually active ladies hoping not to get pregnant. Besides the actual cost of birth control, which can add up quicker than having Sergi’s on speed dial, women are also largely responsible for preventing the immense consequence of pregnancy. As with many things relating to women’s reproductive rights, the information about how best to do this isn’t universally available.

I have had many friends who thought they were going crazy when they first started birth control pills, or assumed it was their body’s fault, and not a side effect of the medication they were taking. Why would they not? Women are told that birth control pills are relatively simple and easy tool, but are rarely shown the many different brands, types, and variety of options to choose from. If the brand they’re stuck with doesn’t work right away, the user may think there is something wrong with her. Not all birth control works for everybody, and it is difficult to fully understand since it is not often talked about Even scarier, young girls often cannot afford birth control, but do not want their parents to see

it on their medical bills, so they avoid pursuing the topic. With no other options, they may result to using only condoms (which is not nearly as effective as doubling up on contraceptive methods), or not using condoms at all. While condoms can be purchased for 75 cents at any gas station, acquiring the most effective form, the pill, can feel as daunting as a mythical quest straight out of a Lord of the Rings.

Besides the actual cost of birth control, women are also largely responsible for preventing the immense consequence of pregnancy.

So, how do we change this unproductive culture surrounding birth control? First, it is important to note that as of July 2015, under the Affordable Care Act, plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace must cover hormonal, barrier, emergency, and implanted devices (like IUDs) prescribed by a healthcare provider without charging a co-payment, even if one has not met her deductible.

In other words, if you have a plan under Obamacare, your health insurance must cover some form of the most common types of birth control–even emergency contraceptives–without charging a fixed amount of money at the time you receive it.

Also, there are more forms of male birth control currently in development, such as the “clean sheets pill,” which would essentially inhibit the release of semen. Despite these signs of progress, some seem wary that these options will ever be readily accessible or even approved by the FDA. Pharmaceutical companies are nervous contraceptives aimed at males would not be popular given the deep psychological and emotional attachments many have to their ability to produce semen during sex.

A few weeks ago, in the heat of the debate about whether Planned Parenthood should receive federal funding, there was a group of largely senior citizen-aged women protesting in the streets of downtown Canton. They declared Planned Parenthood’s importance and demanded it continue to receive its crucial federal funding.

Contraceptives are, above all else, a health issue aimed at the young. These women, however, have witnessed the many attempts to limit access to reproductive healthcare in their lifetimes, and they understood in a way different than we do the importance of having open accessibility to them.

These women likely remember how it took the entirety of the 60s for birth control pills to become available to unmarried women, and the extreme legislative battles for them to be legal in some states. They probably know too well that hundreds of women were jailed in the early 70s for providing illegal abortions in Chicago, when only unsafe and dangerous options were available. They know that contraceptives have been under ethical attacks for as long as they have been around, and the largest provider of them in America still faces those attacks today. These women understand that access to family planning options is crucial for any kind of societal growth.

College-aged students are the second most sexually active group (just behind people in their late twenties), and the one less likely to intentionally procreate. Arguably, we are the people who benefit most from open access to contraceptives and information about them. The only way to change the culture surrounding contraceptives is to start a dialogue from the ground up; to increase the conversation, stop the stigma, and acknowledge that this is an issue that affects both men and women. Maybe, if we aren’t able to stand with those protestors on the sidewalk, there is another way we can stand in solidarity with them. We can show them that we are grateful for all the work they have done to get us where we are right now, and we are willing to fight to continue it.

In the words of the late Ned Stark, “winter is coming” and St. Lawrence is becoming a dark and dreary place with shorter days, colder nights and a coat of grey clouds. To make things a bit drearier, this weather coincides with one of the most stressful times in the academic year. Students spend more time indoors, most entering some form hibernation, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly known as seasonal depression, becomes more prevalent on campus.

“It definitely seems like people are less energetic in the winter,” says Hayes Graham ’18, “I don’t know if it means everyone has seasonal depression, but there is definitely a change in attitudes.” He adds that snow can brighten some of the sadness because it makes winter exciting and enjoyable. “I just get angry when I don’t see the sun for seven days,” says Graham. “If there were snow on the ground it’d be different, but when it’s dark and grey it’s hard to be happy.”

“Winters in Canton are hard for me,” says Maggie Roberts ’17. “I don’t feel like myself during the winters here. I get lazy and tired more often and it’s just not a really fun time for me.” Like many other students, Roberts finds it hard to stay motivated and upbeat in this

H

dark, cold time.

SLU has a light therapy lamp in the health center that “gives off a little bit of warmth, but is more for creating a type of light that stimulates the suns rays,” says Clinical Director of Health Services, Darlene Dunn. Using this lamp is one way to combat feeling blue in the winter, as well as keeping active, having friends to talk to, getting outside more, and getting more vitamin D3, she says. It is very important to follow these tips, because if not addressed, seasonal depression can spiral into a bigger and more cumbersome mental illness.

“SAD can turn into clinical depression at worst, and also selfdislike or even loathing [which stems from] feeling lazy, gaining weight, lacking energy to do homework. This results in poor or failing grades, and even a loss of friends,” says psychologist Dr. Ellen Cole.

People cope with winters in their own way – for Roberts it is cuddling up and watching movies with candles lit and hot cocoa in her hands and for Graham it is enjoying skiing or other winter sports. Remembering the things we’re passionate about or spending time with the people who care about may be the best defense mechanism in the battle against SAD.

AMANDA BROOKS / PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

anukkah is eight days long, but does that give students enough time to celebrate? This menorah, photographed at the Brewer Bookstore, is one of the smaller displays showcased this holiday season. Often overshadowed by Christmas, the Jewish festival of light goes relatively unrecognized on campus amidst the commercialization of the Christian holiday.

“On campus I celebrate Hanukah less,” said Catherine Flores ‘16. “If I were home I’d wish my mom happy Hanukkah every morning, but at school I just get gifts from her in the mail,” she continued. Though sophomore Naomi Feiguine doesn’t orthodoxly practice Judaism, she said that recently she “has been getting back to her roots,” and has been celebrating with friends by whipping up traditional potato latkes.”

“For holidays it’s special,” said Feiguine. “Plus a little manischweitz never hurt!”

Arts & Entertainment Dreaming of a White Christmas (Cookie)?

8 | THE HILL NEWS

By REBECCA DOSER NEWS EDITOR “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin is known today as a beautiful holiday song by many who cherish the Christmas season and dream of a white Christmas themselves, (which I am sure is all of us considering the sad and dreary lack of snow this winter season thus far.)

The original version by Bing Crosby is a beloved song in my family as it entails emotions of warmth, love, and family in my heart. It emerged as a nostalgic wartime melody that likely evoked melancholy emotions as a result of the 1940’s wartime events.

However, its melody in various new versions by current artists seems to exert a more upbeat, lively, and happy tone of Christmas spirit.

Lady Gaga’s 2011 jazzy version of “White Christmas” not only twists the musical genre itself but also adds her own verse about a snowman to make it her own. Then we have Michael Buble’s version of “White Christmas,” which is performed at a much faster pace and exerts only happy and groovy excitement for the upcoming holiday season. These new versions of the song alter the classical version of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” with a different purpose due to varying paces, rhythms, keys and other musical factors, however, the lyrics are an aspect of each version that always stays consistent.

The different purpose behind “White Christmas” song adaptations is to emulate the commercialization we see today in the entire Christmas season anticipation: excitement of gift buying and giving, seasonal decorating, warm hot cocoa by the fire and more. Songwriters attempt to imitate these sensual associations with Christmas through their adaptations of “White Christmas” in song. The way in which we interpret the original lyrics, however, has always been through the telling mode of engagement in listening to songs as well as the showing mode of engagement in film or musical theatre. My goal this season was to interpret these lyrics and specific feelings of Berlin’s original words through a mode of engagement unlike either of these: the interactive mode of taste and olfactory senses.

I look at this song as having many layers that can be interpreted in different ways. This is evident in songwriters’ ability to be creative in their interpretations of it through their own adaptations. As a food blogger, I am always trying to be creative with my recipe creations, which tend to engulf the flavors/

products of the season. Thus, in interpreting this song through its verses, I connected them with the different ingredients in what I will call Bex’s White Christmas Cookies. This little experiment involves mason jars filled with the ingredients of my cookies and separated in the jar to represent each verse of the song. Here is the first verse of “White Christmas”: I’m dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow This verse will be represented by the bottom layer in the jar, which will include some of the white ingredients necessary for Bex’s White Christmas Cookies. The word that stands out from the start in this verse is “white” and thus this

layer will include 1 ¼ cup of allpurpose flour, ¼ tsp. baking soda, ¼ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp. salt, and ½ cup sugar. When I think of the word “white” I connect it to something light, fluffy and representative of a snow-like consistency in a sense, thus, these ingredients mirror my interpretation of the term in regards to the Christmas season.

The next verse of the song reads: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white.”

In this verse, I imagine all the festive colors of Christmas cards that I receive from friends and family in the mail and I imagine the “merry” and “bright” colors of the Christmas season with reds, golds, and warm tan colors.

The second and third layers of my cookie mix will represent this verse. The second layer will be ½ cup of dried cranberries, which bring the “merry” and “bright” words to your taste buds. The third layer will be ½ cup of light brown sugar portraying my image of a traditional tan Christmas

card accentuated by the varying details, embellishments and/or sparkle that give the card a “spice.”

Thus, in this layer, the light brown sugar will also be mixed with the following spices: 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp. cardamom. These scents of these spices all allow me to connect to the Christmas candles and traditional scents that we associate with the winter season.

The third verse of the song is the same as the first verse, thus I will continue my image of a “white” Christmas by making my fourth layer in the jar 1 cup white chocolate chips.

The last verse is a repetition of the second verse. The entire song ends on the word “white” and like many individuals in my family, I only dream of waking up to a white Christmas, however, it is not a pertinent element of having a perfect Christmas. Thus, in the last layer of my cookie mix, I will add the ingredient that does not necessarily need to be in the cookie to make it delicious, however, it adds that perfect touch and special flavor: ¼ cup coconut flakes.

On the outside of the jar, I will have the following recipe listed: My goal in this interactive adaptation of the song is to portray how lyrics can be interpreted through multiple senses, not solely through hearing.

One hears a word in a song and it instills sensory connections to personal Christmas traditions. I have found that I can easily relay what each word in this song means to me through olfactory senses and taste as opposed to a mere adaptation along the same mode of engagement with perhaps a different beat, style or genre of music. My purpose in the creation of this cookie recipe is not simply a means of commercializing Christmas more so than it already it, but to clearly layer lyric upon lyric in a different and interactive mode of engagement that involves senses such as taste and smell aside from simply listening and interpreting through song. Yes, you can listen to them and see them through a musical performance, but lyrics can also spur your other senses to crave the warmth and holiday vibe in different ways. In my case, these lyrics can be interpreted through the warmth of a freshly baked cookie full of the flavors and scents of what these song lyrics mean not only to me but also to many artists who have twisted the original song into one of happiness, joy, love and the holiday spirit.

DECEMBER 11, 2015

Did You Feel The Body Electric?

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

Top: The Beginner/Intermediate Modern dance class performs “Epic”. Bottom: Beginning Ballet twinkles under falling snow to a Nutcracker classic.

The Fall Dance Concert, “Body Electric” premiered last Thursday, Dec. 3 to a full house of students, faculty, and community members. The choreographer and professor behind the show, Kerri Canedy, helped to make this show a crowd pleaser with her ballet and modern choreography, as well as her own personal solo that struck audiences with its haunting tune and dreamlike quality. Special effects such as fog, haze, and snow made the show both eerie and seasonal. Not only did the dance classes present a semester of hard work and dedication, but a multitude of student choreographers showcased pieces as well. Dominique James ’17, Marisa Taro ’16, Yunjia Wang ’16, and Carli Baldwin ’16 brought the show full circle, with strong pieces that showcased their personal skills and individual creativity.

DECEMBER 11, 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE HILL NEWS | 9

EDITOR’S PICKS: Our Staff Helps You Netflix Binge in Holiday Style

By THE HILL NEWS EDITORIAL STAFF In honor of Christmas being right around the corner, we had our staff cook up some of their favorite Chrtistmas filks for you...keep reading to learn more.

I mean, we all know I am obsessed with Christmas (which is in 15 days, 14 hours, 45 minutes and 56 seconds) so how can you even ask me to choose just ONE favorite Christmas movie?! White Christmas is obviously my favorite (hence the fact that I may have done a final project on it this semester...see page 8), but if I had to choose another favorite, I would say Home Alone or The Santa Clause. Ok, that was two. Sorry.

This is a little hard for me.

Home Alone is such a classic, feel good, laughable movie and just reminds you of the family that you have surrounding you during the holiday season to be thankful for! Then The Santa Claus (probably 1, 2 and 3...whoops) is yet another classic series with Tim Allen who just kills it in every single one. UGH, I just love them all.

Sorry for disappointing y’all in my inability to actually pick a favorite holiday movie. In my opinion, ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas Countdown Schedule should be your laptop background screen like mine so if it is not, you should probably get on that asap. Happy holidays to all and to all a good break!

-Rebecca Doser ’16

Olive the Other Reindeer without a doubt! First off, who doesn’t love a movie where animals talk, ride the greyhound bus, and obviously fly? This is clearly the recipe for a Christmas classic. But even better, reindeer getting wasted at the bar and a Drew Barrymore voiceover have fully captured my adolescence in this quick 45-minute TV special.

And what says the holiday season more than a knockoff Rolex, am I right thrifty college students? It took five years of tuning in to Cartoon Network, but my mom finally bought the DVD circa 2004 and it has been a holiday tradition of mine ever since. Find on YouTube this finals week.

-Emma Cummings-Krueger ’16

PHOTO COURTESY OF WORDPRESS

Olympics, Super Bowl, or Fashion Show?

By ELLIE MINER STAFF WRITER The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show requires the training of Olympians and is the fashion industry’s Super Bowl. The Fashion Show is without a doubt one of the biggest shows for models, and fans everywhere.

Although the show takes place on December 6th in New York City, the show aired off of CBS on December 8th at 10 p.m. and this year some of the biggest musicians performed at it. Selena Gomez, The Weeknd, and Ellie Goulding took the stage with the Angels playing their hit songs, as the models walked alongside them on the runway.

The audience is made up of celebrities, designers, and admirers, but this differs from the typical college audience. The typical college audience when watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last night ranged from ordering a large Sergi’s pizza after watching the first model transcend along the runway to drinking a glass (maybe even a whole box) of wine by the

end of the hour long premiere.

The show contained different segments: Exotic Butterflies, Fireworks, PINK USA, Ice Angels, Portrait of an Angel, and BOHO Psychedelic.

The performance was incredible for a multitude of reason, including the glitter, the entertainment, the set design, the breath taking costumes (especially the wings!) and a million of other things I do not have the room to name. Basically if you did not take the time to watch it while pregaming for Blues, you definitely missed out.

However, the next morning there was a multitude of articles that fluctuated between talking about how the show portrayed negative feelings and misrepresentation of women to the idea that this show was all the models did with their time (basically that they just workout and eat well as their job.)

Yet, who are we to judge them?

A big part of today’s culture is the idea that we need to work on mental health and self esteem. So why are we putting so much value on a show that only highlights

women who are fit if we are getting upset about our own body image? Does this not seem counter productive?

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show should not be an opportunity for people who are watching at home or for the people who are watching live to feel like they need to go to the gym and hate themselves. Instead it should be a time to celebrate these 47 models that are determined to do their job well. Being fitted for a pair of wings for this show in the fashion world is similar to being promoted at your own job.

The show was great. It was entertaining. If you watch it the right way it is the perfect opportunity to watch a group of people meet a huge goal in their careers. So why not be excited?

I will let you in on a secret.

Millions of people watch the show and it is not going anywhere. So you might as well kick back, drink or nah, celebrate the women who have worked hard to make it to their Super Bowl, and enjoy the show!

I love Christmas, it is far and away my favorite time of year. In addition to the music, decorations and sweets, Christmas movies put you right into the spirit of the season. Although I love the original Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street, my favorite is It’s A Wonderful Life. The plot, reinforces messages about selflessness, generosity, and the power of the human spirit and it is a perfect way to really get into the Christmas spirit with friends or family. Although it is older, and in black and white, I can not imagine Christmas without that final and iconic line, “Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.”

-Louie Freda ’17

“You’ll shoot your eye out kid!” Who could forget that line? That is why A Christmas Story is the best holiday film.

The humor surrounding a young boy’s desire to have a prized B-B gun cracks me up every time. On Christmas Eve and Morning, you can tune into TBS and watch it 24 hours a day.

I probably know every line, but watch it religiously every year.

Also if you’re into some real fun, look up the drinking games involved with it. That is bound to help you finish off the egg nog a little faster. So bundle up in the blankets, bring a pitcher of the good drink, and prepare to “LMFAO” for the next two hours. I can assure you won’t regret it one bit.

-Thomas Mathiasen ’16

NEWS

10 | THE HILL NEWS

Gunplay: Progression of Policy

By EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE BOARD The Columbine shooting in 1999 reintroduced gun control to the political conversation. ­ President Clinton backed activists pushing for handgun bans, but a lack of continuity between various gun control groups bogged down any potential progress and no legislation was passed.

Recently, with the tragedies in California, the Senate pushed for the first major piece of gun control legislation since the Sandy Hook massacre in 2013, but similar to many forms of gun regulation legislation, the vote failed when progun legislators voiced opposition to the bills. As is often the case, gun legislation is usually connected to another issue or federal government funding and is frequently opposed by Republican lawmakers, interest groups and the pro­ gun lobby. Democrats, however, have been criticized for overstepping federal, regulatory authority and trampling on a Constitutional 2nd Amendment right. Others have also challenged Democrats for impeding on the 10th Amendment right for states to determine their own gun control legislation.

While the 2nd Amendment affirms “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms,” an increasing number of pro-gun supporters are taking an absolutist view, claiming the government can’t interfere with this right. “We see a lot more absolutist rhetoric today than we did in the past,” said UCLA law professor Adam Winkler in a report by the Washington Post, “partly because we have over the last 40 years seen the rise of a rather extreme progun movement led by the National Rifle Association (NRA).”

In a 2013 study conducted by Pew Research Center, the public was divided over whether or not the NRA had too much influence over gun-right legislation: “40% say the NRA has too much influence over gun control laws in this country, 17% say it has too little influence, while 36% say it has the right amount of influence,” all numbers are comparable to those of the year 2000. In the same study, researchers investigated the bipartisan viewpoints of the NRA and found that “Nearly three-quarters of Democrats (73%) say it is more important to control gun ownership [while] 71% of Republicans say it is more important to protect gun rights.”

On Capitol Hill, gun control advocates have pushed to enact quality legislation limiting the sale of handguns and assault weapons.

Many thought that this reform would be carried out when a young man with mental disabilities fired on an elementary school, killing innocent young children in Newtown, Connecticut. The Sandy Hook shooting made national headlines, with the faces of the young victims posted on news stands across the country, but no legislative action was passed by Congress.

After the Louisiana movie theater shooting during the showing of Amy Schumer’s film “Trainwreck,” Senator Chuck Schumer enlisted the help of his second cousin and star of the movie to help push for improved gun regulation. The celebrity appearance failed to gain traction in Congress and gun legislation took a back seat to highway and infrastructure legislation and a Congressional debate of the Export­ Import Bank at the end of the summer of 2015.

Although Congressional attempts to pass gun control legislation and stricter, universal background checks failed, states took matters into their own hands. Most notably, New York took strong state action authoring and passing “The Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act” which passed the state senate after only a few hours of debate. The state legislation received bipartisan support in the state assembly. Similarly, Maryland and Connecticut passed restrictions and assault weapons and limited the amount of ammunition a weapon could fire.

Since 2013, movement toward official gun control legislation, such as that detailed above, has been relatively stagnant. The Guardian reported that nine states have introduced “new laws that prohibit people convicted of domestic abuse from buying or possessing firearms, as well as three governors who vetoed NRA legislation.” Beyond this, no national legislation has been approved.

It hasn’t only been lawmakers that have tried to take action. With 27 in Connecticut and 2 in Louisiana dead, the media and American public flared and took a stance over gun control. Activist groups like Sandy Hook Promise, celebrities, and other public figures spoke out against the abuse of gun use in the United States and an alleged rise in gun related violent crimes.

In response to widespread public

Saint: Emery, Sydney, Annie, $100 donation from the Habi Olivia, Drew, Louie,Amanda and Frazier. Bon Voyage!!! dorm storm!!!

outcry against national gun violence, President Obama announced a four­ part gun control reform plan in early 2013. Components of the President’s proposal entail “closing background check loopholes; banning assault weapons and large capacity magazines; making schools safer; and increasing access to mental health services,” as detailed

by The White House. At the time, a Huffington Post poll indicated that a majority of Americans favored stricter gun laws with the intention of preventing future mass shootings.

By early 2014, 40% of Americans reported feeling satisfied with current gun laws (opposed to a 29% satisfaction rate in 2013), according to Gallup polls. Then, last week, 14 civilians were killed in San Bernardino, California. And again, gun control reentered the sociopolitical spotlight.

According to BBC, a “mass shooting” is defined as an event where four or more people are killed. By this logic, the United States has seen 1,052 mass shootings in the past 1,066 days, with more mass shootings in 2015 than elapsed calendar days. An emerging crowdsourcing website entitled ShootingTracker has collected and reported these numbers daily.

In the wake of these statistics spreading rapidly through social media channels, Obama stated last Wednesday that “we have a pattern now of mass shootings in this country that has no parallel anywhere else in the world.”

Indeed, according to the Wall Street Journal, “the U.S. represents less than 5% of the 7.3 billion global population but accounted for 31% of global mass shooters during the period from 1966 to 2012, more than any other country.” Further, “mass shootings in the U.S. amounted to five times as many as the next highest country.”

Yet, gun­related deaths in the U.S. (and violent homicides overall) appear to be on the decline. In the early 2010s, firearm homicide rates fell below 3.5 in 100,000 for the first time in nearly 50 years, Vox Media reports. With overall rates dropping, but gun ownership and use and mass killing rates allegedly climbing, America finds itself yet again poised for potential policy reform. Do we wait and watch as mass shooting rates continue virtually each day, knowing that overall numbers indicate a safer America? Or is legislative action required, despite a potentially moot cause?

Saint:

Saint:

Purgatory: Purgatory: Having only your candles

The ominous Finals Week

Purgatory:

written up at your naked party...

Sinner:

Eating Dana Holiday Dinner to-go alone in ODY.

Inclusive “holiday” parties, as nondenominational as SLU.

Snapchat filter.

Christmas Parties. Break out the Santa hats!

Sinner:

Sinner:

That new Sunday afternoon finals block.

Study parties, RIP social life...

DECEMBER 11, 2015

The St. Lawrence Review Wants Your Essay!

SUBMIT TODAY Some criteria: We accept critical analyses of literature and film.

Essays must be a minimum of seven pages long.

You may submit up to three essays.

Essays are due by MIDNIGHT, December 18th.

Email: Abigail Nissen (amniss13@stlawu.edu) or Caroline Metzger (clmetz14@stlawu.edu) SCHONBERG FROM PAGE 1

he hopes to continue teaching.

He remarks, “I hope I am going to be able to teach as much as I possibly can because that is a defining aspect of our culture.

We have faculty here who really love to teach and students who love to get in a room with 1012 other people and engage in discussion.

It’s not about receiving knowledge but about participating in the process of collaborative learning.” He adds, “[Teaching] is the most important because everything else we do, and everything else the dean does ultimately connects back to the classroom and the learning experience students are having.”

Throughout his many years as a teacher at the University, Schonberg has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the liberal arts curriculum.

“Within the last few years we have adopted new curriculum, which I think is very forward thinking, progressive, and a model for other institutions,” he says.

“I think we should be very proud of that. We constantly have to be innovating. In terms of the future of the liberal arts, it is every bit as valuable now and maybe more valuable in some ways than it ever has been before.”

“It is the responsibility of the University and the faculty at every stage of the history of the University to be thinking of what we should be doing differently. We can’t stand still.

As stewards of the University, we have to make sure that the liberal arts curriculum is doing the best possible job it can to educate students for the world that they are going to live in, not just when they graduate.”

During his time as Dean, Schonberg is hopeful that St. Lawrence’s liberal arts curriculum will continue to cultivate thoughtful and creative students that possess the tools to meet the complex and difficult challenges that students will face throughout their lifetime.

Professor Schonberg has a vision he plans to execute once he assumes his position as Vice President and Dean. Schonberg states, “An important priority should be making sure that we are being very open in terms of our communications about the business of the university both internally and externally.”

Additionally, Schonberg emphasizes the importance of transparency between students, staff, faculty, and the administration. “Making sure that everyone in the community is involved to the extent that they can be involved in important decisions to making sure that students, faculty, and staff all feel like their opinions are valued,” he says.

“Ultimately, we need to make sure that policies are transparent and involve everyone that has a stake in the decision. After all, this is a place where we embrace innovation and new thinking regardless of where it comes from.”

In the near future, Schonberg remarks that, “We are heading into a financial campaign to support the University so this is an important moment to come together as a community and for people to feel like they can be involved and make a difference.”

Despite having accepted the position as Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs only a week ago, Schonberg notes, “I have talked a lot with President Fox. The [above] ideas are very consistent with the direction he would like to see the university go in the years ahead.”

As Dean Val Lehr’s term comes to an end, Schonberg reflects on the change she has imparted on the campus community and the personal impact she had on him.

Schonberg reflects, “Val has been a spectacular dean and a great mentor to me. I have been very fortunate to see her work and to learn from her. The best that I could imagine doing in many ways would be to emulate her and to try to fill her shoes.

When she reads this article she’ll find out that I expect to have her phone number on speed dial.”

Saints Sports

LATEST RESULTS

12/6 NFL Texans 21 at Bills 30 12/9 NBA Bulls 100 at Celtics 105 12/9 NBA Grizzlies 93 at Pistons 92 12/9 Bruins 3 at Canadiens 1

WWW.SAINTSATHLETICS.COM

This season the Bills, expected by many to excel, lost to the Jaguars in London.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BUFFALO BILLS

Legendary QB Jim Kelly suffered as a Bills great.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED PRESS

My Experience as a Bills Fan: Forever in the Hunt

By GRANT HAFFENDEN STAFF WRITER

One thing about being from the Buffalo area is that, from a young age, you are forced to become a Buffalo Bills fan. One of your favorite songs becomes the ‘Shout!’ song that is played after the Bills score, and your favorite colors become red, white, and blue. However, being a Bills fan means one other thing too: losing.

Now, I probably should have realized that being a Bills fan was tough when my first memory as a child is the Music City Miracle, but I stuck with them. During my lifetime, the Bills have had only three seasons where they did not finish below

.500. During my lifetime, I have had to suffer through watching games on CBS or FOX in November and December, just to see the Bills always “In the Hunt” according to the latest playoff projections.

Every Sunday, usually when the Bills are guaranteed to lose, my parents always tell me that they wish I was alive when the Bills were good. You know, they won just about every Sunday, with Jim Kelly handing off to Thurman Thomas or throwing touchdowns to Andre Reed (all Hall of Famers by the way). On the other side of the ball, you had Bruce Smith (the NFL leader in sacks) and company terrorizing opponents’ quarterbacks and taking care of business.

Jenna Marks scored the Saints’ lone goal on Saturday.

With the recent ESPNs ’30 for 30’ documentary focusing on the Bills and their run to four straight Super Bowls, it is just another reminder of why I remain a Bills fan. Even though the Bills lost all of those Super Bowls, it is stuff like this that keeps me watching. Being a Bills fan, there is always a glimmer hope, a light at the end of the tunnel where you tell yourself, “This has to be their year, right?”

Another lesson you learn as a Bills fan is that you can never give up on them because of “The Comeback.” Down 35-3, Frank Reich, a backup quarterback, led the Bills all the way back against the Houston Oilers. I can easily sit there and tell you who scored for the Bills during

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

the comeback and even what head coach Marv Levy told his team at halftime.

Now it is completely reasonable to give up on them, and many people I know have. It is easy to give up when they go 7-9 for what feels like the tenth straight year. It is easy to give up when you get beat by the New England Patriots every year and then see them go off and do something that the Bills have not, win a Super Bowl. It is easy to give up when you can almost predict how the Bills will find a way to lose a game, even down to the player that will cause the loss.

But I know I cannot. It would go against everything the Bills have taught me.

So, instead, I have to go through watching Wide Right, or the Music City Miracle, or be reminded that it has been 15 years since my team has made the playoffs, but it is all worth it.

It is worth it because, when they finally do make the playoffs, it will be one of the greatest days of my life, not because they ended the streak, but because all of this waiting would be worth it, even if is just for a moment.

Even this year, with the Bills chances of making the playoffs slim to none, I will be there with my eyes glued to the TV. And even if they do not make it, I will be back next year with the same belief that it will finally be the Bills year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK LYONS

Mikaela Thompson came up with this good save.

Colgate Beat St. Lawrence Women 2-1 at Appleton Arena

By JACK LYONS STAFF WRITER CANTON, NY–In a 4:00 matinee matchup, Colgate and St. Lawrence played a fast paced women’s hockey game that saw Colgate emerge with a 2-1 win.

Colgate improved to 10-3-5 on the year while St. Lawrence dropped to 9-9-1 with the loss. Both teams are off until next year.

Colgate opened the scoring early in the first period when Jessie Eldridge capitalized on a breakaway opportunity. A turnover at the blue line gave Eldridge a clean break, and she beat SLU netminder Brooke

Wolejko with a snap shot high on the glove side just 2:23 into the game.

“We had been out for a really long shift,” said Eldridge. “I was tired and just wanted to get the puck on net. I took a shot and I was lucky to have it go in.”

It took Colgate just over a minute to stretch their lead to two.

Bailey Larson scored on a 1-on-1 opportunity with a snap shot from the right faceoff circle to open the two goal lead.

St. Lawrence got to within one at the 9:05 mark on Jenna Marks’ ‘12 power play goal. Marks held the puck just above the right circle and fired a wrist shot that beat

Julia Vandyk five hole as she slid from right to left. The first period ended with Colgate holding the 2-1 lead.

“I thought we were on our heels a little early, St. Lawrence came out really strong, but we looked up at the scoreboard and were leading,” said Colgate coach Greg Fargo. “That gives us a lot of confidence.”

After the quick goals in the first period, Wolejko and Vandyk took over the game. They both made excellent saves to preserve the 2-1 score. “They traded some great saves over the course of the game,” said Saints’ coach Chris Wells. St. Lawrence pulled Wolejko with

1:33 remaining but was unable to tie the game, ultimately falling 2-1.

Fargo was pleased with his team’s resiliency over the course of the weekend. “This is a tough road trip, coming to the North Country. You know you’re gonna get two tough games. As much as we could have, these are statement wins.”

Fargo emphasized the Raiders’ ability to hold on to the lead, which had been an issue for Colgate in the past. “The biggest takeaway from tonight is the way we finished.

That’s been a bit of a sticking point for us, with all our ties where we’ve given up some leads.”

The Saints bench boss, though disappointed in the weekends results, was not ready to hit the panic button. “The effort was great, we came right out of the box and we were in their zone for the first five minutes,” said Wells. “They capitalized on a few good chances, but we fought our way back in.” He added, “If the effort wasn’t there, there would be concern, but the effort is there.”

“It was a tough weekend scoreboard wise,” said Saints captain Amanda Boulier ‘15. “It was a tough outcome, and not what we wanted heading into the second half, but technical wise, I like what I’ve seen.”

Saints Sports

LATEST RESULTS

12/4 Men’s Basketball at Elmira, W 81-74 12/5 Men’s Ice Hockey at Colgate, W 6-3 12/5 Men’s Squash at Princeton, W 6-3 12/5 Women’s Basketball, W 67-63

WWW.SAINTSATHLETICS.COM

Hockey Q and A with Mikaela Thompson ‘16

By KRISSY DI PERNO STAFF WRITER Name: Mikaela Thompson Age: 21 Hometown: Webster, NY Major: Environmental Studies and Economics Position: Goaltender

The ski team takes a breather and poses for a photo between runs.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEI KULLBERG

Get to Know The Alpine Ski Team: Still Waiting for Snow After Vail

By LAUREN WEEKS STAFF WRITER The alpine ski team is well underway in their 2015-2016 season. However, the lack of snow has definitely been a challenge. Whiteface Mountain, the team’s home mountain, only has eight of their eighty trails open, and two of the eleven ski lifts running, putting a serious hold on the amount of training the team can actually do.

Two weeks ago, junior Kei Kullberg took over the Here We Go Saints Instagram page, and gave the St. Lawrence community a look into the Alpine team’s trip to Vail, Colorado over Thanksgiving break. Kullberg wrote on the Instagram account that the team was excited to finally hit the slopes after a long preseason in the weight room. For most of the camp, the team

skied GS which involves skiing between sets of poles (gates) spaced at a greater distance to each other than in slalom.

The slopes in Vail will be some of best GS training they will get all year, so the team spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday specializing in GS training . To close out the week, the team spent all of Thursday and Friday skiing Slalom. The Saints returned back to Canton after a long week out West, and they are more than ready to compete against Division I schools here in the east.

Sophomore Julia Ristine said “Skiing at Vail this year definitely helped our team gain world class training and also gave us the opportunity to get a jump start on our racing season. Vail is some of the best training we get all year, and being together as a team only brings us closer together.

I think everyone is really fired up and ready to work hard together over winter break in Lake Placid during our training camp.” She also touched on the fact that the lack of snow has made training at Lake Placid a huge challenge. “We were able to work with the mountain for training space this past Saturday, but it is nothing compared to last year. It’s difficult to improve when we’re missing the most important element of our sport: snow.”

The skiing Saints, led by coach Willi Steinrotter, will begin their season before most of us return back to school for the spring semester. They will be racing in the Bates College carnival in mid January, and then at Colby, The University of Vermont and Dartmouth before heading to Middlebury College for the NCAA Regionals at the end of February.

Swim & Dive Competes at Championships

By JACK QUINN STAFF WRITER Matthew Bauer ‘15 stands behind the starting blocks, awaiting the start of his race. Bauer is about to dive into the pool for the 1650yard freestyle at the 2015 Liberty League Swimming and Diving Championship. In less than 20 minutes, the senior captain of St. Lawrence’s swim team will learn if the last three months of constant training were worthwhile.

Bauer has been in the pool two hours a day, six days a week since early September. Like the other members of his team, he has swum hundreds of thousands of yards in preparation for this one meet where he will swim only three races. “I had high expectations of myself and everyone I train with,” he said, recognizing the intense work he and his teammates had put into the season to prepare for the race.

A four-year member of the team, Bauer has seen his hard work both pay off and go to waste in his career. He recalled his 2014 performance in the mile, dropping more time than he could have imagined, while also remembering losing a valued relay spot after a poor performance in a preliminary swim. With this experience, Bauer came into the meet confident. “I knew I would have a good meet,” he said. “I’ve always had a ‘be better than last year’ attitude,” Bauer said, determined to swim well.

While the pressure of having only one opportunity to validate a season of hard work may appear intimidating, Bauer is actually lucky. As a mile swimmer, Bauer has almost 20 minutes of racing to work with. For sprint swimmer Cal Arnold, ‘19 races are over in under a minute, and there is no room for error. Though competing at his first championship, Arnold said he was ready. “I was focused on my 100

free… In the rank I was in, I was prepared to hold my own weight,” said Arnold.

The approach swimmers have to championship meets varies.

Some, like Arnold, choose not to think about them throughout the season. “I took it day by day,” he said, choosing to wait until the last few weeks of focused training to think about the meet. Bauer took a different approach. “I never have intermediate goals… I am personally always aiming toward the end,” he said.

In 17 minutes and 57 seconds, Matt Bauer swam 1650 yards; 66 lengths of a pool. That put him in ninth place in the Liberty League, recording one of the highest finishes for any Saints swimmer at the meet.

After four years of training for meets like this, the performance did not surprise him. Bauer knew he was prepared, and, in his own words, “it was a matter of getting up there and doing it.”

What is your favorite memory of being on the hockey team at SLU? There are so many great ones but I PHOTO COURTESY OF U COMMUNICATIONS would have to say I have two. One was my freshman year beating Quinnipiac in overtime. It was such a stressful time but it was so much fun. We ended up leaving the weekend winning playoffs in a three game series. Also over winter break we got to skate on the football field when it was frozen over and I thought that was pretty cool.

Who is your biggest fan?

I would have to say my sister because we’re basically best friends and she transferred here my junior year. She always encouraged me to try my best and be a great teammate overall. I’ve always looked up to her, and no matter what she supports me.

Do you have any superstitious pre-game rituals?

Our team is pretty superstitious. Just to name a few before we warm up off ice there’s a group of us who play hacky sack and we have a few rituals in there, while other people play soccer. I also have certain handshakes with certain people that have to go in the same order.

What do you think makes SLU athletics unique from other colleges?

I feel like we are so close knit and we can get along with each other and the teams are not separated from each other in a sense. We did the combine where all the woman’s sports teams came together and it shows we can accomplish so much. I feel like especially here we are also close knit to the community and giving back to St. Lawrence.

What is a skill that you have your learned from hockey that you have been able to apply in everyday life?

I would say be ready for anything. Being on the hockey team especially being coached by Wells, he’s very sporadic and spontaneous. You can go out to practice and be playing a different position or playing with wrong hand or even one time he told us to pack up our equipment and we just played pond hockey the whole day you just never know what’s coming your way!

The Resurgence of Wrastlin’

By WILL MESINGER STAFF WRITER Everything I know about WWE comes from a passing fascination with action figures around age seven. However, the WWE is broadcasting pay-per-views (PPVs) to a million households a week. The WWE’s revenue in 2014 was $542 million. Websites are hiring journalists whose sole purpose is to cover the WWE. What is happening?

Nerds. David Shoemaker pointed this out in September.

Open nerd-hood has become acceptable across the board; there are proud Star Wars fans, comic book fans, and WWE fans too.

The overblown masculinity of the WWE has reached such a peak that fandom can be interpreted as a cultured acknowledgment of absurdity. Wrestling lays in a curious intersection between sport and performance art which results in a product that entertains on multiple levels.

Wrestlers sweat, sustain injuries,

and train. It is not real, but it is a sport nonetheless. It is also art, but it is not high-art. The trope of having writing so absurdly unbelievable that the absurdity becomes the foci has been done to death. It is not surprise that Andy Kaufman worked with wrestling organizations for years.

It is not necessarily wrong to enjoy wrestling ironically, or appreciate it as an art-form, or even to watch people pretend to hit each other with hammers, and the public seems to have realized this. “But it’s fake” isn’t a knock against the WWE anymore because the WWE has replied with “We know, but that’s not the point.”

Besides, as Shoemaker points out, wrestling-dramas are nothing new. “The ancient antecedent for professional wrestling is not Greco-Roman wrestling. It’s Greek theater with gigantic wooden masks so you can see the frown from 50 rows back.” Maybe we are just returning to our roots.