The Slate 2-14-17

Tuesday February 14 2017 Vol. 60 No. 15

Slate The

@ShipUSlate TheSlate @ShipUSlate

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

APB puts heart into bingo, B1

theslateonline.com

A2 Find all 18 hearts and win a $20 Sheetz gift card See A3 for details

Administration takes on new roles

C1 Field hockey gets rings

D1 Where’s the love?

E3 Reflector hosts Valentine’s Poetry Slam

Celebrating 60 years as Shippensburg University’s student-run campus newspaper.

Management Troy Okum............Editor-in-Chief Catherine Amoriello......Managing Editor News Jenna Wise....................Editor Drew Lovett.........Asst. Editor Shannon Long......Asst. Editor Opinion Jamison Barker................Editor Kayleigh Purcell.....Asst. Editor Ship Life Yvette Betancourt....Editor Sofia Perzan...Asst. Editor Sports William Whisler.............Editor Nate Powles..........Asst. Editor Blair Garrett.........Asst. Editor A&E Marissa Merkt...........Editor Molly Foster.....Asst. Editor Graphics Thomas Witmer......Chief Designer Laura Phillips..........Asst. Designer Multimedia Kayla Brown.....................Editor Cal Talbott................Asst. Editor Meghan Schiereck....Asst. Editor Copy Ali Laughman......Editor Yvonne Wagner....Editor Olivia Riccio........Editor Public Relations Brooke Ready.................Director Sylvia McMullen...Asst. Director Logan Wein...........Asst. Director Web Michael McCullough...Director Nolan McGraw....Asst. Director Advertising Alex Balla.....................Director Abrihet Zegeye....Asst. Director Adviser Dr. Michael Drager.......Adviser

Slate

News

Contact Us Email..............slate.ship@gmail.com Phone..........................717-477-1778 Mailing Address The Slate -Shippensburg University CUB Box 106 1871 Old Main Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257

The Slate is a weekly student-run newspaper that welcomes everyone to attend its meetings, which are held on Sundays at its office located in the CUB. The Slate welcomes submissions from all students.

All columns and opinion articles are those held by the author. Only unsigned editorials represent The Slate’s position. The Slate uses art from various sources, which are credited within the paper.

Advertisements are organized and approved

by The Slate, but do not represent any position of The Slate. Advertising deadlines are the Tuesday before the next publication date at 4 p.m.

Letters to the editor should be concise, and become property of The Slate and will not be returned once submitted. The Slate will not print anonymous letters and reserves the right to refuse to print it if the Editorial Board feels it is inappropriate.

Email slate.adv@gmail.com for the advertisement department or slate.ship@gmail.com for letters to the editor and general information.

SU welcomes new provost Jenna Wise

re-accreditation program, the Middle ship will stay intact despite recent States Commission of Higher Edu- transitions.

News Editor “I’ve encouraged her [Lyman] cation (MSCHE). SU will be seeking re-accreditation this semester, to keep it as long as she can do it,” though the process is expected to Schoolcraft said. “By her keeping the Following the Pennsylvania State continue through the spring of 2019. relationship, she continues to show System of Higher Education (PASS“It was beneficial for me [during how important it really is.”

HE) announcement of Barbara LyOnce a permanent president has selection] to look at other associate man as Shippensburg University’s deans to see who else had Middle been found for new interim president, SU adjusted States experience,” Schoolcraft said. the university, to additional administrative changIn addition to incorporating the Schoolcraft said es. help of SU’s deans, Schoolcraft said all administraLyman, who has served as SU’s it is normal procedure for several tors will return executive vice president and provost professors to take one or two classes to their previsince 2008, was first appointed actpositions, out of their schedules to assist with ous ing president on Jan. 20 after the reincluding Lythe re-accreditation process. tirement of former president George “We typically have faculty help man. For now, “Jody” Harpster. where they have one or two cours- Schoolcraft said Following her subsequent promoes released from their schedule,” they are moving tion to interim president, associate forward as effiSchoolcraft said.

Barbara Lyman, provost and dean of graduate studies On Thursday and Friday, School- ciently as possible.

SU Interim Tracy Schoolcraft took over the ma“Barbara talked craft and her 13 fellow provosts met President jority of Lyman’s previous responsiin Harrisburg at the Dixon Univer- about maintaining bilities as provost. sity Center for a meeting with the momentum, so by doing these things vice chancellor of academic student we hope to keep SU moving forward with the least amount of disruption,” affairs, Kathleen M. Howley.

Another responsibility of the asso- Schoolcraft said.

SU and PASSHE will continue ciate provost, conducting faculty protheir search for the motions, will be university’s next completed by SU’s “...we hope to keep SU president in the upnew executive vice moving with the least coming weeks. president, Vice amount of disruption.”

In an email sent to President of Li–Tracy Schoolcraft, students on Friday, brary and TechnolSU Vice President of ogy Services Rick SU associate provost Student Affairs RogRuth, according to er Serr invited stuSchoolcraft.

Schoolcraft said this change was dents to a listening session to incordiscussed and approved with SU’s porate student concerns and requests chapter of the Association of Penn- into the search, and to determine sylvania State College and Universi- what qualities SU students would like to see in their next president. ty Faculties (APSCUF).

“It’s a concept of him having those The session will be held tomorrow at File Photo/The Slate necessary skill sets,” Schoolcraft noon in the Ceddia Union Building’s Orndorff Theatre. Those who cannot said.

Following Barbara Lyman’s selection as interim president, asDuring her tenure as provost, attend the session are encouraged to sociate provost Tracy Schoolcraft took over several of Lyman’s Lyman maintained a close working answer several survey questions at prior responsibilities. Rick Ruth, vice president of library and relationship with SU’s social equity https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ technology services, now serves as executive vice president. office. Schoolcraft said this relation- ShipPresQualities17.

Weather

A2

September February 14,13, 2017 2016

slatenews@gmail.com

Lyman was first appointed to this role in accordance with PASSHE’s Order of Succession Plan, which states that a state university’s executive vice president should fill the position of acting president if circumstances were to cause the president to step away from his or her duties.

Since the end of January, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, James Mike, and the associate dean of the John L. Grove College of Business, Tony Winter, have split their time covering the responsibilities of the associate provost in Schoolcraft’s absence, according to Schoolcraft.

“We talked about some ideas, and what we decided to do was look at certain individuals’ skill sets,” Schoolcraft said of the selection process of an associate provost.

Schoolcraft said she will be retaining several of her previous duties, including her work with SU’s

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

52/31

44/26

39/22

50/35

58/41

59/37

54/36

News

Slate

slatenews@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

A3

Science, religion clash at SU Drew Lovett

Asst. News Editor Just days before International Darwin Day, Shippensburg University commemorated the day by hosting its annual Science and Religion Forum in Orndorff Theatre.

Students, faculty, community and clergy members gathered to discuss the theme of this year’s forum, “Can You Teach THAT in a Science Class?

The Legality of Addressing Religious Beliefs During Evolution Instruction in Public Schools.” This year’s keynote speaker was Ronald Hermann, the earth and space science program coordinator at Towson University.

Chemistry professor Joseph Shane, biology professor Tim Maret and two high school teachers from Mechanicsburg School District all appeared on the panel after the presentation by Hermann.

Hermann told the audience that the event is held to provide insight into how science and religion should

be taught in public schools.

“Evolution is a socioscientific controversy,” Hermann said.

He agrees that people have the right to believe what they want but also there is a separation of church and state within our government, and by neglecting this we would be violating the Establishment Clause.

When it comes to teaching in classrooms, Hermann said, “… what happens in science needs to be science.”

Hermann said facts are confirmed observations, and teachers, especially science teachers, should not shy away from teaching a theory that has been researched for more than 150 years.

Avoiding the subject or shutting students down out of fear of controversy is something that is done by more than 61 percent of teachers when it comes to the subject of evolution, according to Hermann.

“The theory of evolution falls within the definition of science, and schools cannot outlaw the teaching of evolution,” Hermann said.

FIND THE HEARTS

WIN A $20 SHEETZ GIFT CARD •

Each page has one heart, except the front and back covers.

•

There are 18 hearts (broken hearts do not count).

•

Email slate.ship@gmail.com when you find all the hearts.

•

Bring your newspaper with the circled hearts into The Slate office to claim your prize.

•

Only Shippensburg University students may participate.

•

Prize available for the first two successful students.

Hermann believes students should make up their own minds when it comes to what they believe, and teachers cannot use academic freedom to teach their personal beliefs.

The panel of speakers answered questions from the crowd ranging from how to deal with teachers who are completely skipping over evolution to the very core of religion and whether it could be scientific. One audience member questioned why Darwin’s work was published immediately after it was finished. “[Darwin] didn’t publish the work until years later due to religious factors,” Shane said.

Hermann said people’s understanding today is far beyond Darwin, and so much more has been discovered and done since his time.

“We know that we are all curious human beings and continue to try to Photo by Kayla Brown figure it out,” Maret said. “Is there SU professors and high school teachers from the Mechanicsproof that the world was built in seven days? I can say we’ve done the burg School District host a panel on science and religion in the Ceddia Union Building’s Orndorff Theatre. The panel debated studies and it’s impossible.”

the concept of discussing evolution in the classroom.

Governor announces budget increase for PASSHE schools

Jenna Wise

News Editor

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf revealed his 2017-18 budget proposal last week during a joint session with the state’s legislature.

For the third year in a row, Wolf recommended increased funding for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). A recent study estimates that PASSHE currently generates $11 statewide for every dollar received in state funding, according to a press release issued by PASSHE following the session.

“We are so appreciative that both the governor and the general assem-

bly recognize the immense value of PASSHE, and continue to support our universities and our students,” Board of Governors chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira said in the press release. “That support represents an important investment in Pennsylvania’s future; one that pays huge dividends for the entire Commonwealth.”

In addition to the potential funding increase proposed by the governor, PASSHE will be receiving approximately $17.1 million in the next year from the Keystone Recreation and Park and Conservation Fund to help pay for upkeep to state university campuses. This funding is sponsored by the state’s realty transfer tax.

Following Wolf’s announcement, PASSHE Chancellor Frank Brogan voiced approval for the new budget plan.

“This new investment would help our universities continue to provide high-quality, high-value and affordable educational opportunities to our students­­— helping to secure a brighter future not just for them, but for all Pennsylvanians,” Brogan said in the press release.

Brogan will meet next with the House and Senate’s appropriations committees on Feb. 23 to discuss the new budget proposal and PASSHE’s own request for funding. A final version of the state’s budget for the 2017-18 year will be due on June 30.

February 14, 2017

This Week on Campus

13

Snow storm hits SU

Vehicle crashes into, damages Shippensburg gas station Jenna Wise

News Editor

Tuesday

A man was treated for injuries suffered during a car accident that occurred Wednesday on North Earl Street in Shippensburg.

Pennsylvania State Police, Shippensburg University Police and the Shippensburg Borough Police Department responded to reports of a collision at Gas USA located at 304 N. Earl St., shortly after 10 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the driver had driven into the corner of the gas station while traveling north toward SU. The crash caused severe damage to the front of the vehicle, and left the driver trapped inside.

Firefighters at the scene were able to cut the driver from the vehicle.

The man was transported by ambulance to a helicopter that took him to the hospital.

United Campus Ministry is hosting a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Kriner Dining Hall.

14

News

Slate

A4

slatenews@gmail.com

Wednesday

APB is hosting Ship’s Got Talent auditions from 5–7 p.m. in the CUB Anchor Meeting Room 2.

15

Thursday Photo by Justin Goodhart

Photo by Andrew Avilla

The Vagina Monologues will SU experienced its second snow storm of the 2016-17 acaFirefighters inspect the damage done to the vehicle following be held in Memorial Auditori- demic school year on Thursday. The storm resulted in icy road its crash into Shippensburg’s Gas USA gas station. The um from 8–10 p.m. conditions as well as all classes before 11 a.m. being canceled. accident occurred on Wednesday shortly after 10 p.m.

16

Friday

APB is hosting a PaintNite from 7–9 p.m. in the CUB multipurpose room.

17

Saturday

The Doo Wop Project is coming to the Luhrs Performing Arts Center from 8–10:30 p.m.

Professor discusses experiences abroad Jenna Wise

News Editor A Fulbright-Nehru scholar shared his experiences living and teaching overseas during a lecture at Shippensburg University on Thursday.

SU mathematics professor Luis Melara met with students and faculty in the Dauphin Humanities Center to discuss his experiences living in India for six months. Melara had first developed an interest in Asia and its culture early in his career.

This, coupled with his interest in teaching mathematics to students, prompted Melara to apply to become a Fulbright scholar and teach students abroad.

“In the past I’ve interacted with many graduate students and facul-

ty that have originated from Asia,” Melara said.

In 2016, Melara was accepted into the Fulbright program and chosen to spend the entirety of the spring semester in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

“I was very successful and very grateful that the Fulbright program offered me a scholarship,” Melara said.

Throughout the six months he was in India, Melara and his wife visited landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, the Basilica Bom Jesus and the India Gate. However, Melara said certain cultural differences, such as Indian men holding hands to cross the street, were particularly enlightening in comparison to American customs.

“I was there to teach math, so I

wasn’t expecting to deal with those kinds of situations,” Melara said.

After World War II, Indian businessman and administrator Sir Ardeshir Dalal set out to create a heavier technological emphasis throughout India. As a result, India has developed 17 technology schools throughout the country, according to Melara.

In India, Melara said only two tests are administered to incoming students. However, because of the competitiveness of the program, the acceptance rate for one of India’s technology schools is less than one percent. According to Melara, 1.5 million students apply to these colleges every year, but only 8,000 students get accepted.

Melara said students at ITT Bhubaneswar did not own textbooks

in most cases, and students were only obligated to take two exams throughout the course unless a professor chose to assign homework and quizzes.

Despite certain educational aspects that Melara believed India was lacking, he said the students he taught throughout the semester were just as eager to learn as American students. Furthermore, there are more science, technology, engineering and math students that originate from India than from any other country, according to Melara.

“The students were very enthusiastic to learn, this was considered the cream of the crop in India,” Melara said. “There was a really strong sense of community. It was noticeable to me before they even started working.”

Slate

News slatenews@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

Your World Today

Senate clashes over justice seat Commentary

Troy Okum

Editor-in-Chief

President Joe Biden gave as a senator in 1992. He said the first George Bush administration should not nominate anyone for the Supreme Court during an election season.

The circumstances of his speech are debated 25 years later, but it serves as one example of the political tactics used by senators on both sides of the aisle. The question is, what strategy will the Democrats employ now?

As the Wall Street Journal reported on Jan. 3, Garland’s nomination finally died in early 2017. The Republicans won the battle and it is now up to President Donald Trump to get his pick to the Supreme Court.

Nearly every day since Trump’s inauguration, news headlines report how Democrats are trying to vehemently oppose cabinet nominations. Despite capturing the limelight, boycotting Senate hearings and interrogating nominees, Democrats are yet unable to derail any of Trump’s picks.

But the grand finale finally kicked off. Trump nominated U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Neil Gorsuch to fill Scalia’s seat. Gorsuch turned in his questionnaire to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Saturday, according to The Hill, the latest step toward a confirmation hearing.

Gorsuch needs 60 of 100 votes to be confirmed. While Republicans

have a majority in the Senate at 52, they will still need to get some Democrats on board. But is it payback time?

The Senate is turning into a mudslinging contest. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat of Conneticut, said he will use every legal tool he can to block Gorsuch if necessary, according to The Washington Post.

This includes the famous filibuster, which Republicans could potentially throw out for Supreme Court nomination hearings.

Democrats may settle for Gorsuch, realizing Trump could have tried to get someone more radical on the Supreme Court. Or, Democrats may turn this into a bitter war. But that could serve more than just revenge.

Trump’s executive order on immigration could make its way to the Supreme Court with or without Gorsuch. If Republicans can get Gorsuch on the bench, they can lock in the highest court of the land. This would effectively allow Republican domination of all three branches of government. Legal and political tactics can delay Trump’s executive orders, but Democrats will have to fight hard if they want to challenge Trump and win.

For the second year, there will be no love lost in the battle for the Supreme Court.

While many Americans are celebrating Valentine’s Day with fancy dinners and love letters, the United States Congress is continuing its year-long love affair with the vacant Supreme Court seat.

Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia died one year and one day ago, triggering a political power struggle for Republicans and Democrats. Under the Constitution’s authority, President Barack Obama selected his pick to replace Scalia. Merrick Garland, a U.S. circuit judge, was the reserved, humble and left-leaning candidate that Democrats thought would be ideal for America’s high court.

Not only would Garland tip the four conservative — four liberal split in favor of the Democrats, but he wasn’t radical enough for his nomination to be denied.

The Senate used its Constitutional powers to hold a nomination hearing and subsequently voted against Garland in the summer of 2016 anyway. Since then, the country searched for a better candidate to fill the vacant seat.

Wrong.

What actually happened is the Republican-controlled Senate never put Garland’s nomination up for vote. They argued Obama was a lame duck and shouldn’t be involved in nominating a Supreme Court justice, let alone decide the court’s political balance. Though the Constitution doesn’t touch on the circumstance, there is some informal precedence.

The New York Times didn’t miss a beat, and within weeks of Scalia’s death it published an article about Congress’ Republicans and Democrats remain at odds over what is known as the “Biden Rule.”

This refers to a speech former Vice President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch.

A5

Police Briefs Vehicle damaged in the C-3 parking lot Kimberly Williams, 19, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, came to the Shippensburg University Police Department on Feb. 10 to report her 2016 Honda Civic was damaged.

Williams said she parked her car in the C-3 parking lot in the morning, and when she returned to the vehicle that afternoon she noticed a one-inch long scratch on her driver’s side door.

No damage estimate is available and the incident remains under investigation.

Harley Hall resident charged with underage drinking Emily M. Schaefer, 20, of Harley Hall, was charged with underage drinking in connection with an incident that occurred near Lancaster Drive on Feb. 10.

University police arrived in the area after being notified by Harley Hall staff that believed Shaefer to be intoxicated after observing her sitting on a bench outside of her residence hall.

Schaefer left the area prior to the officers’ arrival and was found walking with another woman near Lancaster Drive behind Lackhove Hall.

Officers stopped Schaefer, who showed positive signs of alcohol consumption. University police gave Schaefer a portable breath test after she admitted to consuming alcohol, which confirmed that she had been drinking.

Schaefer was escorted back to her residence hall where she was released.

A citation was filed charging Schaefer with underage drinking.

Seavers Hall resident charged with underage drinking Megan Rose Frederick, 19, of Seavers Hall, was charged with underage drinking in connection with an incident that occurred on Feb. 11.

University police were sent to the R-3 parking lot after receiving reports of an intoxicated female. When they arrived at the parking lot they were waved down by a woman who said her friend was intoxicated and sick inside the vehicle.

Officers dispatched an ambulance to the scene and Frederick was transported to Chambersburg Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

A citation was filed charging Frederick with underage drinking.

Non-student visitor charged with underage drinking Anthony T. Martzall, 19, of Denver, Pennsylvania, was charged with underage drinking in connection with an incident that occurred on Feb. 12.

University police were dispatched to the G-1 parking lot to check on a man who was reportedly intoxicated and vomiting in the parking lot.

Martzall was found sitting in a parked vehicle in the lot and was found to be intoxicated and sick.

Officers gave Martzall a portable breath test that showed positive signs of alcohol consumption.

Martzall was transported to Naugle Hall where he was released.

A citation was filed against Martzall charging him with underage drinking.

Ship Life

Slate

B1

slate.shiplife@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

Students celebrate Valentine’s Day early arrow, a diamond or the number 14. Students scribbled out the pattern on their boards beAsst. PR Director fore each round to ensure their best chances at winning.

The Activities Program Board (APB) hosted Junior Owen Moreland is a common face at Valentine’s Bingo on Thursday night, bringing APB’s bingo events and was excited to partake relaxation, fun and a chance for Shippensburg in another one.

University students to win prizes.

Students entered the Ceddia Union Building multipurpose room to a scene of pink table “Even if you don’t have a date or cloths, doily hearts and rose petals. Students something, you can still get tofilled seats and tables quickly, but it did not gether with friends and have fun.” stop others from sprawling on the floor with –Makenna Kressley, their friends.

SU student Junior Christopher O’Connor, a member of APB and co-organizer for the event, said Valentine’s Bingo helps students de-stress from schoolwork.

“I’ve been to pretty much every bingo Ship’s “It keeps everyone focused and excited for held here since last semester,” Moreland said. something to come up,” O’Connor said.

Prizes ranged from small gifts to household Two screens projected the numbers called décor. Gift cards to restaurants and a movie and the pattern needed to win the round. Most basket were among the first prizes won, while rounds required the standard row, column a television, bean bag chair and futon were or diagonal pattern to win, but other games for the final winners of the night. O’Connor, used Valentine’s-themed pictures such as an who helped choose the prizes, said they valued more than $1,000.

“I think it’s really cool to pick out prizes for kids to win,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor said the 16 board members and three advisers of APB decide which events will be held each semester.

Multiple bingo nights are held throughout the year, including ones to celebrate Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and winter holidays, according to O’Connor.

Makenna Kressley, a sophomore and fellow APB organizer for Valentine’s Bingo, said the event was a way for everyone to celebrate the holiday.

“Even if you don’t have a date or something, you can still get together with friends and Students browse their bingo cards to have fun,” Kressley said. see if they have the number called.

Sylvia McMullen

Photos by Kayla Brown

An APB member reads a student’s bingo card aloud to check if numbers match.

Students chatted while blotting game boards and listening for numbers needed to win. Background music filled the room, and songs such as “Love Story” by Taylor Swift spurred sing-alongs from the crowd.

Talking subsided as tension grew and spaces filled up on game boards.

Finally, a cry of “Bingo!” ended each round, breaking the silence and generating groans of disappointment from the crowd.

After having their board checked for accuracy, the winner went to the stage to claim a prize.

Junior Kelly Cropper was a winner who went home with a bean bag chair.

“I’m really excited because I never win anything,” Cropper said.

The last round of the night required a bingo pattern in the shape of a heart. After a long silence, a group of students finally shouted out “Bingo!” and was awarded the grand prize of the night — a futon.

With the prize table empty and game boards filled, students left Valentine’s Bingo with prizes, friends and an introduction to the upcoming holiday.

SU prepares for ‘The Vagina Monologues’ Sofia Perzan

Asst. Ship Life Editor The annual presentation of “The Vagina Monologues” quickly approaches and will begin at 8 p.m. from Feb. 16-18 in Shippensburg

University’s Memorial Auditorium.

The Vagina Monologues is based on an array of interviews that had been conducted and transformed into a play written by Eve Ensler.

The play was made to show people what it is like to be portrayed as a female in society.

The production of “The Vagina Monologues” has been sponsored by SU’s Women’s Center since 2004, making this the 14th year.

Tickets for the event are $3 if purchased ahead of time and $5 at the door for students.

Tickets for faculty and community

members are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Other items being sold are hats and clothing such as T-shirts and hoodies from the previous years of the production.

These can be purchased at the Women’s Center in Horton Hall

Room 132. There will also be chocolate vaginas available for purchase.

All of the proceeds will be donated to the YWCA in Carlisle and V-Day, a global activist movement that helps prevent violence against women.

Ship Life

Slate

slate.shiplife@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

SU professor appears on National Geographic Maddie Walsh Staff Writer

If you are looking for an expert in American media, simply follow the aroma of scented candles and soft music trailing from Room 417 in Grove Hall. There you will find political science professor Alison Dagnes who appeared on National Geographic’s “Star Talk” last Monday night.

Dagnes’ office reads like a sleepy nook with dozens of books within arms-reach. Her smile pairs well with her voluminous strawberry-blond locks gives the space a sense of warmth.

The University of Massachusetts graduate’s love of books does not stop at her collection. She said she has written books on mainstream political media as well as political satire — which is why she was asked to appear on “Star Talk” as an expert on political comedy.

On Monday’s show, which can be viewed on channel.NationalGeographic.com, host and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson used clips from his interview with celebrity Bill Maher on political humor, free speech and political-correctness to prompt a deeper analysis from Dagnes and guest comedian Maeve Higgins.

“It was a really fun experience,” Dagnes said. “It was really neat.”

On the show, Tyson picked Dagnes’ brain about the increasing rejection of scientific fact and the growing popularity of the term “alternative facts” in the United States.

“You can dislike those facts and you can have alternate analysis of the facts but you cannot change fact because you do not like it,” Dagnes said. “There are no alternate fact — there are facts.”

Dagnes’ passionate intent is also evident in her 13 years of teaching at SU. “Ship students are my favorite students,” Dagnes confessed, “bar none. I would not leave here if I was offered all of the gold at Fort Knox in order to teach anywhere else because you guys are the best.”

Dagnes teaches classes on elections, special interest groups, media, advocacy and political satire.

She is currently working on projects focused on the way interests groups, lobbyists and think-tanks use media, the wholesale rejection of the news media and the changing purpose of news media.

B2

Recipe of the week: Three Cheese Stuffed Shells Yvette Betancourt Ship Life Editor

One of my all-time favorite meals is pasta. It’s cheap, easy and there are so many variations.

What I really love about stuffed shells is that they’re rather classy.

Ingredients: 1 15 oz container of ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 26 oz jar pasta sauce 13X9 baking dish

2 cups grated mozzarella cheese basil leaves 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 box jumbo shells aluminum foil

Instructions:

Photo by Maddie Walsh

Alison Dagnes SU political science professor “We [my colleagues] all have an excitement about our field that we can then translate to our students,” Dagnes said.

On “Star Talk,” Bill Maher talked about political correctness being an inhibitor of free thought on college campuses, a problem Dagnes has not seen on SU’s campus, describing Raiders as open-minded and curious about the future.

“Ship is a safe space for intellectual curiosity. That is why we have a general education program,” Dagnes said.

“Take a chemistry class, who knows this may be the thing that lights you on fire,” Dagnes said. “Literally in chemistry it might actually light you on fire.”

This “intellectual fire,” as Dagnes terms it is something she hopes to help light in every student she can.

“I always tell kids, you guys are still really young, take college as a time to fall in love a lot, change your major often and bounce around.”

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.­­ Cook shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. Chop basil leaves, chiffonade style.

3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, basil, egg, salt and pepper.

4.Spread 1/2 to 3/4 of the pasta sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

5.Spoon the cheese mixture into the shells and place shells in baking dish. Pour remaining pasta sauce over shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese.

6.Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for additional 10 minutes.

Photos by Yvette Betancourt

Ship Life Editor Yvette Betancourt serves up stuffed shells when entertaining many guests or when she wants to get extra cheesy with her pasta.

Ship Life SU provost becomes president Slate

B3

slate.shiplife@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

Troy Okum

Editor-in-Chief Neatly stacked papers and folders sit on the edge of a clean and otherwise bare desk. In front of the president’s desk, four chairs point directly inward at a small round table, which held nothing but an organized portfolio.

Shippensburg University’s new president turns each page in her legal pad with purpose as she talks about the programs, projects and functions she is now overseeing.

But the job was familiar to former SU Provost Barbara Lyman. Not only did she keep a pulse on academics, student affairs and administrative duties in her nine-year history at SU, but she also served as acting president several times.

As provost, Lyman would periodically fill in for former SU President George “Jody” Harpster when he was away for several days.

Lyman is entering her 10th year at SU next month and is now the interim president, meaning she will be the chief executive for at least the rest of the spring semester.

When Harpster retired on Jan. 20, Lyman became acting president as per the line of succession rules. It came as no surprise that Lyman would be selected for the position.

“In higher education, primarily, that is the order of succession following a presidential vacancy,” Lyman said. “So there I was in our succession plans.”

Photo by Troy Okum

Barbara Lyman, SU Interim President Lyman said she was initially neither eager nor reluctant to take over as interim president. The expectation was that Lyman would not be considered as a candidate during the presidential search. Once she learned about the circumstances of Harpster’s retirement and the transition, Lyman said she felt prepared for the job.

“I was certainly willing to step up and serve as interim president of the university,” Lyman said.

Aside from having nine years of experience as provost and occasionally serving as the

acting president, Lyman also attended professional leadership programs.

Lyman received her fellowship with the American Council on Education Fellows Program, being one of 29 people who earned it in the 2000–01 year.

She spent her fellowship shadowing the president of the University of Wyoming, learning about the functions of a president and its office.

She said she gained valuable experience there but did not realize she would be using it as a university president.

Throughout her career, which includes serving as a department chair, associate graduate dean and provost before coming to SU, Lyman picked up several guiding principles she uses on the job.

“It’s very important to be mission driven,” Lyman said. “It is very important to keep a student-centered focus.”

Shared governance is another core principle Lyman maintains. She said it is vital to hear from multiple perspectives and to include all relevant parties in a discussion. When making decisions, Lyman said it is important to hear from everyone but use data rather than opinion.

Lyman said her role as interim president is to maintain stability at SU and continue momentum. Everyone has a job to do, she said, and when everyone performs his or her job the university can accomplish its goals. To further momentum, SU is seeking to expand

its academic programs, but interim presidents typically do not take on any new significant projects.

One unprecedented accomplishment is SU having not only its first female president, but its first African-American president. Lyman said her appointment as interim president shows women are quite capable of taking on chief executive roles.

“I was certainly willing to step up and serve as interim president of the university.”

–Barbara Lyman, SU Interim President But Lyman attended an all-women college, where the administrators were women. For her, it was not unusual to see women in charge.

Lyman said her days as president are busy, but she is used to long days.

A goal she and her husband made when first coming to SU was to attend as many school functions as possible. She said she plans to continue going to performances and student athletic competitions as time allows.

For now, Lyman’s goal is to maintain stability and momentum at the desk of the president.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in college Raider Muse

Staff Columnist Valentine’s Day — more like a reason to buy your significant other or the person you are interested in chocolates or flowers.

Valentine’s Day is a commercial holiday that emulates Thanksgiving in the sense that one day out of the year, it is a must that you buy flowers, stuffed animals or jewelry for that special someone.

Being in a relationship in college is hard enough, let alone being in a relationship in college on Valentine’s Day.

Do you do cliché things like buying them flowers or coffee at Starbucks?

Or do you take your significant other off campus for dinner? All of these questions have limited answers, seemingly because Valentine’s Day is such a high-stress holiday that makes anything possible.

Having limited options can be a good thing or a very bad thing, especially if your significant other is picky.

Considering that Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, it is even more difficult to find something fun to do that doesn’t involve being outside in the cold or out late on a school night.

You could go see a movie, stay on campus and visit Century Café at Old Main for lunch or buy your valentine flowers from Walmart, flower stores in town or hope organizations in the Ceddia Union Building are selling them again this year.

While these options are decent and applicable, I believe that Valentine’s Day should not be the only day you buy your significant other flowers or take them to dinner.

This day is so commercialized it almost screams capitalism. Valentine’s Day should be about showing love unconditionally, not only when you get a gift.

It should be a day you do some-

thing kind for a stranger, your parents or someone you work with.

Tell a professor that you appreciate him or her, or tell someone making your food in the dining hall that he or she is doing an excellent job.

Valentine’s Day should be a day of general appreciation, which honestly, would take all the stress away of being a broke college kid trying to do something nice for their significant other, simply because you have to do it.

Follow The Slate on Twitter @ShipUSlate

Fun Fact: There are about 50 million roses given on Valentine’s Day around the world. softschools.com

Ship Life

Slate

slate.shiplife@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

B4

Professor travels to Slater of the week: India to teach math Sylvia McMullen Brad Foreman

Brooke Ready

From thieving monkeys to Indian stereotypes, students learned a lot from Luis Melara’s talk about his escapades in India on Thursday at the Dauphin Humanities Center at Shippensburg University.

Associate professor of mathematics Luis Melara spent his Thursday night teaching students.

In stark contrast to his usual rigorous lectures, the evening was about sharing his passion with a hall full of people who had chosen to be there.

The stereotype of the “drab math teacher” did not fit Melara, whose unique perspective on life in a disparate culture incited smiles and laughter in his volunteer audience.

Jonathan Skaff, professor of history and current director of international studies, gave Melara an enthusiastic introduction as he took the stage. Skaff, eagerly seated in the front row, had teamed up with Melara to bring the event to their respective liberal arts and STEM student bases, which appeared to evenly split the near-capacity audience.

During the spring 2016 semester, Melara could be found instructing linear algebra to freshmen engineering students at the prestigious Bhubaneswar campus of the Indian Institutes of Technology (ITT) through the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, named after India’s first prime minister. He noted that with an acceptance rate of about 0.5 percent, it is more than 12 times more difficult to get into than Harvard. One notable product of the IIT system is the current chief executive officer of Google, Sundar Pichai.

Melara was particularly interested in the Indian Fulbright program, which was jointly funded by the United States and host nation governments, because many of his colleagues in mathematics and related fields were from India.

“I was curious about why they have such a strong math background,” Melara said. He wanted to bring back a new perspective for his own students here in the U.S. Not only has Melara internalized a new view for teaching his own courses, he shares many of the lessons he learned in speeches like those from Thursday night. The presentation was less technical in nature than his traditional class and dealt primarily with amusing anecdotes of the culture differences,

Communication/journalism student Sylvia McMullen has a public relations emphasis and is currently the assistant public relations director for The Slate. McMullen joined the staff in fall 2015 and has held multiple positions including assistant web director and web director.

McMullen extends her public relations work by working on the public relations committee for Reach Out, which is an initiative of the honors program at Shippensburg University. Each year Reach Out is involved in a fundraiser on campus to raise money to buy school supplies for children. McMullen was chosen to go on the service-learning trip this year to the Dominican Republic. While there, McMullen taught lessons about sustainability and recycling to students at a local school. The students helped with a street cleanup, made instruments out of recyclable materials and went on a field trip to the botanical gardens.

McMullen’s mission in life is to spread love and bring people happiness.

“My motto is peace, love and good vibes. It’s what I live for,” McMullen said.

McMullen spreads her motto through her work as a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The foundation raises money to

Staff Writer

PR Director

Photo by Meghan Schiereck

SU mathematics professor Luis Melara gives a lecture about his experience teaching in Bhubaneswar, India. some of which proved to be a barrier in the classroom.

Despite the fact that higher education in India is in English, Melara recounted two specific instances where he thought he and his students had found two different solutions to a math problem when they were actually saying the same thing in different words and gestures.

“Where we would say ‘one-half,’ they said ‘one by two,’” Melara said.

He also shared how different some things could be while others almost mirrored life in the U.S. For example, although India may still be under the influence of its caste system, which divides society into hereditarily-based classes, he shared that only 15 of his 160 students were female — a number that is eerily similar to female underrepresentation in engineering disciplines in the U.S. and nearly identical to the percentage of female engineering students in the United Kingdom only a decade ago.

Still, there were some differences that had no U.S. analog. He said that locals often confused him for Indian because of his appearance.

“They would assume I was [my wife’s] driver,” he laughed.

From cows freely taking naps on highways to monkeys in the streets stealing sunglasses, there was a constant stream of exciting entertainment when he was not on the job.

File Photo/ The Slate

Sylvia McMullen Asst. PR director for The Slate

fund the wishes of kids with life-threatening illnesses.

“I love volunteering for an organization that keeps the light of their souls alive in difficult times,” McMullen said.

McMullen also hopes to eventually be a Wish Granter, who helps makes kids’ wishes come true.

“My motto is peace, love and good vibes.

It’s what I live for.”

–Sylvia McMullen, Asst. PR Director of The Slate

Having a love for animals, McMullen was a volunteer at Better Days Animal League. It is a no-kill shelter that strives to get every furry friend adopted into a new home.

“Pets rely on their humans for everything, and I was happy to be one of the humans that the dogs and cats relied on,” McMullen said.

McMullen helped run social media and created a video to promote a senior dog that has been at the shelter her whole life. The video has more than 600,000 views and was shared by a popular dog magazine, Dogster. At home, she is the proud owner of a cat named Scooty and hopes to have more animals in the future such as cats, rabbits and even a tortoise.

Between school and spreading happiness, McMullen enjoys spending her free time listening to music. Her favorite genre of music is classic rock. Some of the bands she has seen live include RUSH, Black Sabbath, The Who and Paul McCartney.

“I am always looking for new bands to see,” McMullen said. “I am also seeing The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Iron Maiden this year too, which I’m totally stoked about.”

McMullen’s high spirit and cheerfulness shines through her work and personality. After graduation, she pictures herself writing grants, doing research or creating fundraisers for a charity.

Follow us on twitter @ShipUSlate

Tuesday February 14 2017

Slate The

Check out SLATE SPORTS LIVE at theslateonline.com

Sports

William Whisler, Sports Editor / Blair Garrett, Asst. Sports Editor / Nate Powles, Asst. Sports Editor

Field hockey receives championship rings

• Field hockey received its championship rings Saturday • SU won its second national championship Nov. 20, 2016 • SU coach Bertie Landes retired after the season

Blair Garrett Asst. Sports Editor Hearing your name called as a national champion must have a nice ring to it.

The Shippensburg University Field Hockey team received its NCAA Division II National Championship rings on Saturday, celebrating the team’s second national title in SU history. A title is always something to be celebrated, but this ceremony carried much more emotional weight than the first.

Head coach Bertie Landes and the team surprised former player and coach Amanda Strous’ parents with a championship ring of their own.

“It really touches our hearts that

they thought of Amanda and giving her, and giving the family, a ring and believing that she was the 12th man on the field,” Strous’ mother, Crystal Strous, said. “It was such an honor for them to play for her legacy.”

As the seas parted for halftime of the women’s basketball game, the SU field hockey players took the court one-by-one to receive their rings.

The much-anticipated event comes after the team beat Long Island University-Post, 2–1, in the NCAA Division II finals in November. The Raiders finished the season 20–3 with a nation-high 14 shutouts. The win capped off a story-book ending to a tragic start to the season.

“We got so close together and had the common goal of winning this for ourselves, for coach, for Shippensburg and especially for Strous. And

to do that with such an amazing team is incredible,” senior defender Suzanne Muller said.

For most players, the rings are the first major title they have won as collegiate athletes. But for the senior class, this ceremony ends an incredible two-time national championship run.

“It’s actually a dream come true for any athlete. And that my senior class got to do that is really special,” Muller said.

As the season pushed on, it was evident this squad had another gear.

“The last three weeks of the season, this team was so committed, and so focused, and you just had a sense that we were going to accomplish what they wanted to accomplish,” Landes said.

Landes and the team said they

felt Strous’ presence every time they took the field. That extra motivation helped push the team to the top of the NCAA mountain.

“Her life meant so much to us, and her legacy is so important to our program,” Landes said. “I think each of the young ladies understand what it means to leave a legacy.”

The ceremony also brought an end to one of the most storied careers in SU field hockey history. Coach Bertie Landes — who is already a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame — decided that last season’s title run would be her last at the helm of the SU field hockey team.

Landes announced her retirement in December, drawing an end to a 35year coaching career in Division II. She sails off into the sunset with two

national championship rings, 489 wins and a 2016 NCAA Division II coach of the year title.

For Landes, the road to her final championship ceremony was paved with talented teams, wonderful people and a tremendous dedication to the game of field hockey. She will finish her career standing atop the NCAA with the rest of the players and coaches of the 2016 team.

“It’s just been an amazing journey,” Landes said.

With the events that transpired this season, these players have completed a legacy with a memorable season in SU field hockey history.

Players and coaches come and go, but legacies will always remain.

Sports

Slate

slatesports@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

C2

Raiders’ streak reaches highest point under Coach Trn

get things done,” head coach Kristy Trn said. “We’re very well balanced.”

The second half was business as usual for the Raiders, who have been tremendously successful in closing Weathering the storm was the out games with a comfortable lead. hard part.

Young took over for SU, pumping in Now, after a 5–5 start, the Ship- baskets from all over the floor. Knaupensburg University women’s bas- er also added 14 points in the victory. ketball team has won 15 games in Saturday, Feb. 11 a row, breaking head coach Kristy Shippensburg 71, Trn’s longest win streak at SU. Mansfield 56 This week the Raiders picked up two more crucial wins in pursuit of The Raiders took on Mansfield a top seed in the Pennsylvania State University in the team’s annual Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tourna- “Play 4 Kay” game Saturday, winment. ning their 15th straight game.

The crowd was a sea of pink shirts in support of breast cancer awareWednesday, Feb. 8 ness.

Shippensburg did not disapShippensburg 69, point its fans, treating them to a Lock Haven 53 71–56 rout of Mansfield.

The Raiders toppled the Bald SU’s top guns came to play, with Eagles of Lock Haven University Knauer putting up an 18-point douWednesday, 69–53, by riding on the ble-double in the Raiders decisive Photos by Andrew Avilla backs of three of their star players. win. Griffith was just shy of a douColleen Young (13) is chasing 1,000 career points.

She sits 51 points shy with a few games left.

Guard Colleen Young went off in ble-double, scoring 16 points and the second half, putting up 16 points. grabbing nine rebounds. Griffith’s Young finished the game with a play in the third gave life to the game-high 22 points. Logan Sny- Raiders, and more importantly, kept der was perhaps the most efficient the Mountaineers from gaining any player on the court, though, as she traction for a comeback. shot nearly 90 percent from the field.

Four of SU’s five starters cracked Snyder put up 17 points in the pro- double digits in points, once again cess, just shy of her career high of 20 showcasing its balanced attack. Shippoints. pensburg has been successful this A back-and-forth first quarter saw season in forcing opposing team’s ofSU trailing at its conclusion, some- fenses into a one-dimensional game. thing SU has not been accustomed to Just one of Mansfield’s players broke throughout its nearly two-month win double digits in scoring. streak.

With just three games left in the Snyder got the Raiders back regular season and a PSAC seed alinto the game, tallying 15 of her 17 ready clinched, the Raiders can now points in the first half. Shippensburg look back on how wild this ride of a stormed back in the second, more season has been. than doubling the Bald Eagles’ sec“It’s a lot of fun,” Trn said. “We ond quarter points to take a 38–29 have seven seniors who are very folead into the half. cused this year because they know SU found success darting in and this is their last opportunity to out of the paint with its guards. leave their legacy here at ShippensThis opened up easy passes to the burg, and I commend the effort that perimeter for quality scoring chanc- they’ve made since the start of the es. Lock Haven defenders had diffi- season. They deserve a lot of credit culty matching the size of Stephanie for how hard they’ve worked to put Knauer and Morgan Griffith and the themselves in this position.” speed of Young and Snyder during SU will now face two of the top the game. three teams in the PSAC East Divi“I think that what happens with sion in the final games of the season. this group is when a team comes in The team will travel to West Chester and tries to load us up with a regular University for its next game Wednes- Morgan Griffith (34) has a huge second half, crushing the Mountaineers’ hopes of a comeback. person, that allows us to step up and day.

Blair Garrett Asst. Sports Editor

Sports

Slate

C3

slatesports@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

Raiders surpass last season’s win total

Photos by Andrew Avilla

Men’s basketball has bounced back after a two-game hiccup earlier in the season, grabbing wins in the team’s last three games to pace the PSAC East Division.

William Whisler Sports Editor After losing to Kutztown University on Feb. 1, the Shippensburg University men’s basketball team has been working hard to get back on the right foot.

The Raiders (21–2, 17–2 PSAC) did that and then some Saturday, using a late scoring run to blow by Mansfield University (9–13, 7–12 PSAC), 81–63. The Mounties trailed 62–60 with 6:14 left in the contest, but a layup by John Castello kickstarted the SU offense to a 19–3 run to close out the game.

Mansfield refused to go away early in the game, taking an 11–2 lead out of the gates, prompting SU head coach Chris Fite to call a timeout.

Following the time out, SU cut the Mountie lead to three just four minutes later.

The teams exchanged scoring runs for most of the first half, but SU closed the half with a 37–32 lead.

Mansfield got some high-percentage shots in the first half, finishing the half at 53.8 percent from the field.

Cedrick Powell led the Mounties with 14 points in the half.

Dustin Sleva had a strong first half for SU. Sleva scored 12 points and pulled in seven rebounds in the game’s first twenty minutes.

The second half was more of the same, as the Mounties continued to use strong cuts to the basket to keep themselves within striking distance.

SU started the second half on fire, and a 3-pointer by Sleva with 16:22 left gave SU a 47–38 lead. Then, the

Mounties cut the deficit to just two with a 3-pointer by Andreas Katopodis with 6:14 left to play.

The Raiders rode their hot-shooting wave the rest of the way, as a 3-pointer by Justin McCarthur at the shot-clock buzzer extended SU’s lead to 18 with 44 seconds to play.

This put the final nail in the Mountie coffin.

“It was great,” Fite said. “It was tense for a little bit when they cut it to two, and they had us on their heels some. But our guys responded well, and we made the plays we needed to on the defensive and offensive side down the stretch.”

Despite Mansfield’s record, the Mounties have proven to be a tough team to face. The struggling squad took No. 9 Kutztown to overtime twice this season, but came up short

in both PSAC East battles.

“They are a good team,” Fite said.

“I tried to tell our guys that. They are playing really well, and at this point in the season, any win is a good one.

And we beat a good team tonight.”

It was a career day for Sleva, who scored a career-high 33 points on the way to the win. Sleva also added 12 rebounds to complete the double-double. McCarthur also added 21 points while Castello had eight points and 14 rebounds.

“Overall it’s been good,” Sleva said. “I’ve kind of been stuck on 28 even since high school. I had 28 points maybe five or six times in high school, but its great to finally break the 30-point mark. We had an overall good game, and we had a lot of guys step up. We just need to get ready for the playoffs.”

With the win, SU improved to 21–2, 17–2 in the PSAC. The win was enough to surpass last season’s total when SU finished 20–9 before falling to Mercyhurst University in the PSAC Semifinals.

With Wednesday’s win over Lock Haven University, Fite became the first head coach in SU history to reach the 20-win mark in multiple seasons. The 21 wins are also second-most in school history.

The Raiders will try to push their win total to 22 on Wednesday at West Chester University. An East Stroudsburg University loss Saturday gave the Raiders some cushion in the standings, but SU will look to lock up one of the Top 2 seeds in the PSAC East Division with a win.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m at West Chester.

Sports

Slate

slatesports@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

C4

Track and field travels to Boston and Bucknell Nate Powles Asst. Sports Editor The Shippensburg University men’s and women’s track-and-field teams split up to go to two different meets in Boston and at Bucknell University this weekend.

Thirty-three athletes traveled to the Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston, including 16 women and 17 men.

Senior Sarah Hunt made headlines once again as she broke another school record, this time in the triple jump. Hunt posted a 12.12-meter jump, narrowly beating Tunisia Lacy’s record of 12.11 meters. The mark was good enough to put her in seventh place in the event.

Hunt now holds the school records in both indoor jumping events, setting the record in the long jump last weekend at Susquehanna University. Hunt finished fourth in the long jump at Boston.

After a performance in the 60-meter hurdles that placed her seventh, junior Danielle Sciremammano moved to the long jump pit and posted a 5.31-meter jump, narrowly passing sophomore teammate Abby Wagner.

Wagner had an impressive performance in the triple jump alongside Hunt, posting an NCAA-provisional qualifier of 11.73 meters, which was also a personal best.

Junior Jill Bertino PR’d in the 200-meter dash, running less than 26 seconds for the first time in her career with a time of 25.90 seconds.

The men broke multiple personal records as well, with four athletes finishing in the Top 6 for their events.

Junior Tra-C Davis stood out with his first-place finish in the high jump with a 2.08-meter jump. Davis remains one of only 10 men to clear 2.10 meters this season.

Sophomore Chris Craig PR’d in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.59 seconds.

Sophomore Dreux Stamford finished in sixth in the 60-meter dash, clocking in at 6.95 seconds.

Sophomore Ori Rinaman PR’d in the 60-meter hurdles, just missing the NCAA-provisional mark by .02

Photos courtesy of Kyle Ross

Tamara Ovejera (left) and Chris Craig (right) finish strong for SU in Boston and at Bucknell in their respective events. seconds. Rinaman finished in eighth with a time of 8.29 seconds.

Juniors Bryan Pearson and Alec Rideout once again had a great weekend on the field. Pearson finished seventh in the shot put with a 16.15-meter throw while Rideout finished fourth with a 16.78-meter throw. Both of the throws were NCAA-provisional qualifiers.

Pearson and Rideout also competed in the weight throw, with Pearson earning a NCAA-provisional qualifier with a throw of 16.40 meters.

Nineteen women and 16 men traveled to Bucknell University, with multiple athletes earning Top-6 finishes.

The women posted multiple strong performances on the field, with four Raiders finishing in the Top 8 in the shot put and two finishing in the Top 4 in the weight throw.

Senior Tamara Ovejera finished first in the shot put and fourth in the weight throw. Ovejera PR’d in the shot put with a mark of 14.20 meters. It was also an NCAA-provisional qualifying throw.

Junior Ava Bonetti, sophomore Paige Shirk and senior Erin Doherty also finished in the Top 8 for shot put. Bonetti finished third with a 13.24-meter throw, which was just short of her personal best.

Shirk had a 12.24-meter throw in

the shot put to come in seventh but excelled in the weight throw with a first place mark of 16.08 meters.

Doherty came in eighth in the shot put and had Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) qualifying marks in both throws.

Sophomore Olivia Lee finished third in the triple jump and sixth in the long jump. Junior Alyssa Stitch placed third in the long jump and fifth in the triple jump.

The Raiders also performed well in the distance races and the pole vault.

Sophomore Jackie Kinkead finished second in the 3K and junior Bryanna Dissinger finished seventh in the same event. Senior Emily Wicker finished with a tie for second in the pole vault event.

For the men, the distance races were also a big part of the Raiders’ success on the day.

Sophomore Dominic Stroh won the mile and finished fourth in the 3K. Senior Harrison Schettler won the 3K with a time of 8:36.34.

On the field, freshman Cam Strohe impressed, finishing fourth in the weight throw The Raiders will finish their regular season next weekend at Kutztown University before the PSAC Indoor Track and Field Championships at Edinboro University in two weeks.

Hunt continues her strong season with another school record.

February 14, 2017

The Slate Speaks

Ship

D1

Speaks shipspeaks@gmail.com

Valentine’s Day loses true meaning of love Photo courtesy of Instagram user @fit_dallasmom

Instagram user Jess @fit_dallasmom uses transformation photographs to show off the progress she has made since giving birth.

Transformation photos bring body image issues to light Catherine Amoriello Managing Editor

By the beginning Accordof January, the aning to Statistic nual Valentine’s Day craze Brain, approximately has begun. It starts out slowly: a 53 percent of women said they commercial here and there promoting would end their relationship if they sales at retail stores, or the best place to did not receive a gift from their signifbuy a box of chocolates without breaking icant other on Valentine’s Day. As the the bank. Women in long-term relationday becomes increasingly controlled by ships stare wistfully at engagement rings in the industries of America, any sense of afstore windows and drop hints to their signififection and surprise that may have existed cant others of where they’d like to go for dinner in the holiday has run out. on Feb. 14.

In 2016, Americans spent $19.7 billion on Valentine’s Day began as a celebration of the Valentine’s Day, according to fundivo.com, a life of St. Valentine. Valentine performed secret website for small businesses. In recent years Valenmarriages for young men and women following Ro- tine’s Day has become the epitome of Hallmark comman Emperor Claudius II’s decree that men were mercialization, and grows more so as time goes on. no longer allowed to marry because he believed However, we can still change the Valentine’s Day they would make better soldiers if they didn’t have expectations handed down year after year. Instead the distraction of wives of using the holiday as an and families. In today’s opportunity to shower our society, the holiday is significant others with ex“We can still change the typically commemoratpensive dinners and presValentine’s Day expectations ed by romantic gestures ents, Valentine’s Day can be handed down year after year.” exchanged between sigcelebrated by sharing love nificant others, includwith everyone in our lives.

–Editorial Staff, ing cards, presents and This could mean sending The Slate dinners. flowers to your parents, writThe question is, when ing a nice card for your roomdid the “most romantic mate or performing small day of the year” turn into a business strategy used acts of kindness for strangers who you come across to capitalize on a guilt-driven desire to please our throughout the day. Small gestures such as holding significant others? When did we base the genuine- the door or paying for a random table’s meal in a ness of our relationships on the gifts we receive on restaurant can go a long way in making someone Valentine’s Day? feel cared for.

If you have social media, you may have noticed the vast array of transformation pictures that have recently taken over Instagram and Facebook. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a transformation picture is basically a before and after picture. People who are trying to lose weight normally take them to track their progress, and many people have taken to posting their own transformation pictures on their social media accounts.

People striving for weight loss use transformation pictures to not only motivate themselves, but to inspire others to live healthy lifestyles as well. It’s a way to show that if you put in the hard work, you can make a difference in yourself, even if you have trouble seeing it right away. But now, transformation pictures are heading in different directions and are not sanctioned to just weight loss progress.

What began as a small ripple in the social media realm turned into a tsunami wave that has swept across the Internet. Transformation pictures have evolved to include a variety of body image issues that people are trying to overcome and bring awareness to.

Instagram user Holly @hllylzbth used a transformation picture to show her progress in battling anorexia with an inspiring caption that encourages followers to “fight the pressure and intrusive thoughts and demons” they carry.

Another Instagram user, Jess @fit_dallasmom, used her transformation picture to document her fitness journey through motherhood. Instead of being discouraged by the way pregnancy changed her body, Jess embraced the changes and learned to work with them.

See ‘TRANSFORMATION’ on D2

DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in signed editorials and columns are not directly the opinions of The Slate.

No opinions expressed in these pages are those of Shippensburg University.

Concerns or letters to the editor can be emailed to slate.ship@gmail.com

Speaks

Ship

shipspeaks@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Instagram user @hllyzbth

Instagram user Holly @hllylzbth uses transformation pictures to document her battle with anorexia and bring awareness.

February 14, 2017

‘TRANSFORMATION’ from D1 The caption of one of her transformation pictures read, “I might not weigh the same, my hips might be a bit wider and I might have more curves than I did before, but it was all worth the little human that changed our lives for the better.”

Creator of The Fit Body Guides Anna Victoria @annavictoria put a spin on the classic transformation picture by taking two pictures in the same day. Anna took a before picture of herself with good posture and flexed muscles and an after picture of herself in a relaxed pose. Although the pictures were taken on the exact same day, Anna’s body looked completely different with the first photo showing her normally toned phy-

sique and the second showing all her natural rolls and creases.

“Me one percent of the time versus 99 percent of the time. And I love both photos equally. Good or bad angles don’t change your worth,” read the caption for Anna’s transformation picture.

Like all things posted on the Internet, there are just as many haters as there are supporters. Many people who post transformation pictures get backlash and negative feedback from other users. I disagree with the negative talk that follows many transformation pictures, and condemn the trolling that takes place in the social media world.

I believe in the message of transformation pictures. They are an inspiration and tell stories of people who have come far in their journey to better themselves and their lives.

D2

Many of the transformation pictures I have seen begin with the phrases, “Sorry for another transformation picture” or “I never thought I’d be a person who posts something like this.” Do not be sorry for being proud of how much you have accomplished.

Do not be sorry for wanting to share your progress and inspire others who share similar goals. Do not be sorry for being who you are.

No matter what the transformation is, the message of each social media user who posts a transformation picture is the same — stay true to yourself and never give up on the goals you set out to achieve.

DISCLAIMER: The people and social media accounts mentioned in this article have at least 1,000 followers. The individuals are not celebrities but people of prominence on Instagram.

A&E

Slate

E1

slateae@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

‘Who’s Bad’ has SU seeing two men in the mirror Lane Alleman Guest Writer

In 2009, America lost a great pop icon, but on Friday H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center welcomed him back.

I took my seat about 15 minutes before the “Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band” show time. The crowd was buzzing with excitement for the internationally acclaimed cover band. As soon as the clock struck 8, the lights went down and the opening video began to play. A short movie of paparazzi and crazed fans following Michael Jackson to the tune of a very dramatic choral piece began playing. The music grew louder and I could feel my gut sinking in anticipation. The spotlight finally shone on front man James Times III and the band began its opening number.

After a few songs were performed, the lights went down, and Joseph Bell replaced Times as Michael Jackson. Bell performed a few songs and when the music stopped, he asked,

“So, what do you all want to hear tonight?”

The crowd began shouting out Michael Jackson classics: “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Thriller” and “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).” Bell then asked if the crowd enjoyed the Jackson Five, to which they responded with ear shattering cheers. The band began playing the opening riff of “ABC” and the crowd sang along with Times for the first verse.

The tag-team Michael Jackson impersonators swapped out again and the band began to play “Smooth Criminal.” After the final note of the song, there was a signature MJ falsetto call. Times then introduced the band members: Eric Buckley on guitar, Quinton “Q” Moore on bass, Archie Logan on drums, Aaron McCoy on saxophone and Lynn Grissett on trumpet.

Times then invited everyone on stage to dance with him during “We’re The World.” More than 30 fans took him up on this offer and joined him on the stage to share the spotlight. The rest of the show was filled with many more swaps be-

Photo by Lane Alleman

Joseph Bell (left) and James Times III (right) pay tribute to the late Michael Jackson on Friday. tween Bell and Times, along with break dancers, perfectly syncopated choreography and of course, moonwalking to “Billie Jean.” “Who’s Bad”

Billboard Top 10

1. Shape Of You- Ed Sheeran

finished the show with “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” as its encore after the crowd demanded one more song. As a Michael Jackson fan, born

in the wrong time to see the “King of Pop” live, “Who’s Bad” was the next best thing to experiencing the man himself.

Carmike 7 Showtimes

Showtimes for Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb.14 and Feb. 15 at Carmike Cinema 7 in Chambersburg

Show

2. Bad And Boujee - Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert

Time

3. I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker) - Zayn / Taylor Swift

1. The Space Between Us

6:50 p.m.

4. Bad Things - Machine Gun Kelly x Camila Cabello

2. Fifty Shades Darker

7:00 p.m

5. Closer - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey

3. John Wick: Chapter 2

7:15 p.m.

6. Don’t Wanna Know - Maroon 5 ft. Kendrick Lamar

7:20 p.m.

7. Starboy - The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk

4. Split

5. Lego Batman Movie

8. Fake Love - Drake

6. A Dog’s Purpose

7:35 p.m.

9. Black Beatles - Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane

7. Rings

7:40 p.m.

10. Scars To Your Beautiful - Alessia Cara

8. Sleepless

9:35 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

A&E

Slate

slateae@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

E2

In-Motion Dance Troupe shows SU its heart Molly Foster

Asst. A&E Editor Shippensburg University’s In-Motion Dance Troupe showed what talent mixed with hard work looks like during its 31st annual recital this weekend.

The recital featured 20 dance numbers that incorporated genres ranging from jazz to hip-hop. Despite the differences between the individual performances, each piece managed to showcase the abilities of the individual dancers.

Aside from the group’s skilled dance moves, detailed costumes and creative lighting choices, a thank you

clip from each dancer was shown in between performances. This gave the audience a chance to get to know each dancer on a more personal level.

The performance was especially sentimental for senior members, as it was their last time performing as a member of the troupe. The videos gave senior members a chance to say their last thanks and goodbyes, and for the remaining members to wish the seniors good luck. This managed to bring tears to the eyes of some in the audience.

The troupe members began practicing for their recital in early November.

The squad invested long hours into learning and practicing the recital material prior to the show, so it was no surprise that the entirety of the performance flowed together seamlessly.

“In order to prepare for the recital, we practice a maximum of 20 hours a week, along with two 15-hour days the weekend before the show,” historian Stephanie Arcadia said.

All the hard work translated into the weekend performance.

“I think we performed great,” Arcadia said. “Most of our members are sick, but we pushed through and had a great show.”

The troupe members share the same talents and passions for dance.

Because of this, many of them are friends and can translate their connectivity to their performance.

Photos by Meghan Schiereck

In-Motion Dance Troupe shares a sentimental moment as the recital comes to a close and the seniors take their last bow. The performance showcased the group’s months of hard work.

While these bonds are effortless, the troupe takes pride in the hard work and connectivity.

“We work so hard for these moments,” Arcadia said. “It is such a high-energy and entertaining show that it’s really easy to have fun while your dancing.”

Recital may be over for In-Motion Dance Troupe, but practices continue.

“After this, we begin prepping for

our competition season,” Arcadia said. The troupe will have two competitions in March and April, and its next performance will be at SU’s Relay For Life on April 7.

In-Motion Dance Troupe is a student-run and senate recognized club sport at SU that was founded in 1986.

In-Motion Dance Troupe’s mission is to keep the spirit of dance alive at SU, while also allowing members to showcase their many talents through

choreographing dances and performing.

More information about In-Motion Dance Troupe and their upcoming performances can be found at http:// inmotiondancetroupe.weebly.com.

Watch the video at theslateonline.com

Traveling duo releases Christmas lights record Marissa Merkt A&E Editor

While stores nationwide are pulling out their Valentine’s Day goodies, The Rough & Tumble just released its new extended play (EP) record, “Cardboard and Christmas Lights.”

Having an album about Christmas lights in February accurately fits the quirky folk band that made a stop at The Thought Lot in October.

“We used to decorate the stage before each show with a string of Christmas lights and a cardboard sign that had ‘The Rough & Tumble’ spelled out in masking tape. It was

really homemade and simple, but that’s kind of what this band has been about for the last five years. We thought this title was a good way to tie together all of that,” The Rough & Tumble duo Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler said.

Previously, Graham and Tyler have written songs about everything from Punxsutawney Phil to returning home.

“Cardboard and Christmas Lights” combines the upbeat mood from the band’s “Holiday Awareness Campaign” songs with the serious undertone found in its other album “Pieces and Pieces.”

The journey begins with the perky song “Vultures” that sounds like it could be a theme song to a Zooey Deschanel television show. While listening, one cannot help but feel like they are rotating on a carousel horse as the beat of the instruments go up and down. “Vultures” begins with only Graham singing, but soon Tyler joins in.

Graham governs most of The Rough & Tumble’s songs with her twangy voice. However, Tyler’s voice makes the adventure feel more like a great big party.

“Cardboard and Christmas

Lights” is chipper, with “Cicada” being the gloomy tune in the mix. Somehow, the song still manages to bring delight despite words about not measuring up to a mother’s thought of love. The band even mimics cicada-rattling calls through its use of instruments.

Toward the end of the EP, we hear the song “Teeny Tiny Folk Band.”

The song gives a glimpse into the band’s touring life in a camper. Since visiting Shippensburg last fall, the duo has been training their mastiff puppy, Puddle. They have also been

making music videos while performing across the country.

“Cardboard and Christmas Lights” is an EP that you can lose track of time in. You start on song one and suddenly you are at the end.

The Rough & Tumble has spent the past two months recording in Nashville for a full-length album they hope to release sometime in 2017. “Cardboard and Christmas Lights” is available now on iTunes and Spotify.

A&E

Slate

E3

slateae@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

iLuminate brightens up SU Students embrace past lovers through poetry Marissa Merkt A&E Editor

Photo by Kayla Brown

iLuminate creates a modern tale of love through luminous lights and dance moves Wednesday.

Molly Foster

Asst. A&E Editor “America’s Got Talent” finalist, iLuminate, showed Shippensburg University there is more than meets the eye Wednesday, as it transformed a pitch-black stage in H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center into the magical iLuminate Town.

The performance drew in a melting pot of ages. For the entirety of the show, age was practically indistinguishable, as each attendee shared the same youthful look of awe.

“We want every single person to leave with their minds blown,” Lisa Bauford, iLuminate dance captain said. Bauford said iLuminate should not be mistaken for solely a kids show, because it is a show for all ages. The group hopes that the children embrace the “magic” behind the illusions and the adults feel like they, too, are kids again — even if just for a few hours.

With a future as bright as iLuminate, some may forget the up-andcoming group once began as a single light in the dark. Despite its recent fame, iLuminate cherishes the experiences that jump-started its career. iLuminate aims to continue lighting up the world through its unique patented mix of dance and technology. iLuminate was founded by Miral Kotb who, with a degree in software engineering, used her knowledge to fuse her love of technology and dance into one.

“It’s its own beast,” Bauford said refering to iLuminate’s wireless

dance technology used in shows.

And the technology that makes what iLuminate does possible is ever-changing because new technological advancements are discovered and incorporated into the production.

“The growth from the beginning has been amazing to see,” Bauford said. “You should have seen some of the original light suits. They were horrible.”

Bauford was not an original member of the iLuminate dance troupe that was featured on season six of “America’s Got Talent.” But she, like the group’s many other new members, was able to take part in iLuminate’s other firsts.

After “America’s Got Talent,” iLuminate transitioned from a condensed and action-packed show on television to a longer performance that incorporates characters and a story line.

“It was a new baby for them,” Bauford said of the change in content.

A lot of thought is put into the production of a single performance, and the group constantly rewrites and adjusts the scripts.

“This show took about three months to get it up and running,” Bauford said. “The first script is never the one that makes it to the stage.” iLuminate often steps away from the script for a few hours, coming back to it later with a fresh mind and new ideas.

Intertwining dance and technology remains the focus of iLuminate. But by weaving in bits of personality, more is brought to the table.

Dancing in light suits and masks,

the dancers embody the characters and are given the artistic freedom to make them their own.

“The audience falls in love with the characters,” Bauford said. “It’s basically your favorite Saturday morning cartoon come to life.”

However, mixing complete darkness and technology adds a sense of unpredictability to the show as well.

“We have no control over the lights whatsoever,” Bauford said. If something goes wrong on stage, and one of the dancer’s lights do not turn on when they are supposed to, they try to play it cool, improvise and try to make it fit the story until they can get to a tech.

“The techs are like ninjas,” Bauford said. “It’s a lot of ninja work.”

Aside from possible technical difficulties, performing in utter darkness is not an easy thing to do.

“Trust is a major factor,” Bauford said. Dancers need to trust that their teammates are where they need to be without hesitation in order for the production to run smoothly, and doing so takes an incredible amount of practice.

Bauford thinks the possibilities are limitless for the future of iLuminate.

“I hope we continue to travel the world,” Bauford said, “and possibly even have our own theater where people come to us.”

“There is longevity for sure. Technology isn’t going anywhere,” Bauford said.

And by the looks of it, neither is iLuminate.

“Your eyes catch my attention/ I know I shouldn’t fall in love/ But you’re the exemption,” Le said.

The evening took a humorous turn when Heather Ritter, The Reflector’s associate editor, read a poem from an old issue of Spawning Pool titled “Butt II.” Afterward, Mills gave a shout out to The Reflector’s creations and encouraged new writers.

“This is a chance for you to try out your poems before submitting,” Mills said.

The Reflector is currently accepting found poems, satire prose and activisim artwork for its next issue.

Those interested can email reflect@ ship.edu by March 9.

When it comes to a significant other, you can either love, lust or loathe them. Shippensburg University students poured their hearts out at Sunday’s poetry slam hosted by The Reflector.

McFeely’s Coffeehouse transformed into a Valentine’s Day party with red plastic tablecloths and pink-infused cupcakes as The Fray’s “How to Save a Life” played in the room. Lexi Mills, who manages public relations for The Reflector, led the event.

The evening began with a powerful poem by Kayla Keller titled “To the One That Got Away.” It talked about never finding someone to love you like your former lover.

In between poetry readings, Mills called raffle tickets and let music play while the audience digested the beautifully woven words from the previous poet.

Next up was Ali Laughman with her series of three poems that got progressively tragic. During her last poem, she played her acoustic guitar.

Caelan Lacquement read his poem titled “Bending Together,” which also started out sad but ended sweetly about a couple that overcame obstacles but stuck together.

Additionally, Daniel Le read several poems about wanting to change Photo by Marissa Merkt and be better for a loved one. He touched on the issue of fearing los- Ali Laughman participated ing a partner, apologizing for your in The Reflector’s first Love, imperfections and learning to love. Lust, Loathe Poetry Slam.

2017 Grammy Awards Album of the Year: “25” (Adele)

Best Rock Song: “Blackstar” (David Bowie)

Record & Song of the Year: “Hello” (Adele)

Best New Artist: Chance The Rapper

Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance: “Stressed Out” (twenty one pilots) Best Country Song: “Humble and Kind” (Tim McGraw)

A&E

Slate

slateae@gmail.com

February 14, 2017

Comics Corner

Win Prizes Bring completed puzzles to The Slate office and win a prize.

4 puzzles – Slate T-Shirt and button 8 puzzles – $15 Sheetz gift card Claim between 1–3 p.m. on Wednesdays in CUB Room 250.

Answers from last week’s puzzles

E4

full page color ad