T he G atepost T he Inde pendent Weekly Student Ne wspa per of Framingham State College Since 1932
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Digging in at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for FSC’s new residence hall
Tom Higgins/The Gatepost
Above: Director of Facilities Warren Fairbanks (left), participated in the Groundbreaking Ceremony held at the location of the new residence hall on March 25, along with prjoect contractors and employees of Consigli Construction Co, Inc. Below: President Timothy Flanagan surveys groudbreaking shovels. • The new residence hall will cost approximately $47 million. • It will be five to seven stories tall and house 410 student beds in suite-style rooms. • Construction began on March 8, 2010. • The remaining dates are the anticipated schedule for completion of the new dormitory: - Foundations complete by May 27, 2010 - Structure complete by Sept. 7, 2010 - Construction complete by July 1, 2011 - Students to occupy by Aug. 11, 2011 • For the full article on the new dorm, see the October 9, 2009 issue of The Gatepost.
Tom Higgins/The Gatepost
Tom Higgins/The Gatepost
Turn to pages 14 and 15 to see the DGCE summer schedule and course listings
The Gatepost
Page 2
Gatepost Interview
Police Logs
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 20:21 Attempt to locate - Campus wide. Attempted to locate student.
Dr. Michael Crosier Food and Nutrition Department By Monique Thomas Staff Writer GP: What is your educational background?
tional biochemistry.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 05:11 Medical - Alcohol related. Horace Mann Hall. Crosier: I did my undergrad at UMass Amherst in exercise science and nutrition. Then I did grad school at Ambulance transport to MWMC.
Tufts University, where I got my Ph.D. in nutritional
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 biochemistry. 16:11 Suspicious activity - Maple Commuter Parking Lot. Report if two males attempting to steal a GP: What made you decide to major in bicycle.
exercise science and nutrition?
Editorial Board 2009-2010 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madison Dennis
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lauren Byrnes
NEWS EDITOR Amy Koski
ASSISTANT ARTS & FEATURES EDITORS Pam Barberio, Spencer Buell, Krysta Davis and Amanda Lefebvre
SPORTS EDITORS
Nenia Corcoran and Josh Primak
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITORS Jeff Mandeau and Chris McCabe
INTERIM COPY EDITOR Ngozi Nwabeke
OPINION EDITOR Staff
PHOTO EDITORS
Matt Bennett, Tom Higgins, Josh Kruger, Andrew Martin, Drake McCabe and Matthew Mikaelian
COMICS EDITOR Steve Monroe
ADVERTISING EDITOR Staff
ONLINE EDITORS Liz Anders and Jen Perrin
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Betty Brault
ADVISOR
Desmond McCarthy
General Staff
Crosier: My advice would be have fun while you’re here in college, but just make sure you have your priorities set straight. And while you’re here, your schoolwork should definitely be a priority. As long as you have your priorities set, then everything else will fall into place.
Dr. Michael Crosier
Matt MikaelianThe Gatepost
Crosier: When I finished my undergrad at UMass, I did a dietary internship and then I was able to work as a registered dietician. So, I moved to Virginia and I worked in a dialysis clinic. So basically, I “Have fun while you’re here in college, was taking care of the nutrition for people but just make sure you have your priorities with kidney disease. set straight ... then everything else will fall I did that for a couple of years before grad into place.” school. Since grad - Dr. Michael Crosier school, this is my first job. GP: What courses do you teach? Crosier: I teach general nutrition and a more advanced course called Human Nutrition Science. I’m teaching a course on chronic disease right now, and I teach an online course in nutrition and then a couple other graduate courses as well, including research methods and nutri-
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GP: Do you have any advice for students?
GP: Please give a brief summary of your resume.
SUNDAY
SATURDAY
FROM WWW.WEATHER.COM
FRIDAY
Nicole Dygon Shaeleen Perreault Erika Kruger Ariana Shuris Kelsey Loverude Ariana Shuris Ashley Moran Monique Thomas Heather Waxman 100 State Street, College Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 www.thegatepost.com gatepost@framingham.edu
Crosier: Meeting other people I lived with in the dorms. The community was just great. I met so many good friends that I still have today. There wasn’t just one particular experience. The whole community in college and the people I met was the best part.
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GP: What hobbies?
are
your
Crosier: Outside of work, I like the outdoors. I like to hike and bike ride. … It doesn’t seem like I have a whole lot of time for hobbies anymore. GP: What do you like best about FSC?
Crosier: The people I’ve met here are just friendly and everyone’s so helpful, so definitely the people in departments across campus. It’s a good place to be.
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Matthew Bushery and Tom O’Brien
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Crosier: Nothing major right now. Most of my time is spent with course development. Although, I am collaborating with a couple researchers from Tufts and we’re working on a couple papers right now [and] working to get those published. … The papers are about certain genetic differences in some protein and how they affect bone density and arthritis.
TUESDAY
ARTS & FEATURES EDITORS
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GP: Are you working on any projects?
MONDAY
Roya Bahrami, Lindsay Chase, Rakel Hjaltadóttir and Sara Mulkeen
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Crosier: Since I teach the introductory nutrition - along with the more advanced nutrition and even graduate courses - I get to really see the progress that students make from their very first nutrition course all the way up through until they’re ready to graduate. So, I really enjoy seeing all the progress that the students make.
GP: What was your best experience in college?
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITORS
Crosier: I always liked the sciences. In high school, I always liked sciences and I was also always into sports and health. So, nutrition and exercise science were a good application of the science - the physiology and biochemistry.
GP: What is your favorite part about your job?
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THURSDAY
Friday, March 12, 2010 01:49 Noise complaint - Normal Hill Parking Lot. Report of vehicle with loud music. Advised.
March 26, 2010
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March 26, 2010
The Gatepost
Page 3
VP candidate emphasizes diversity, leadership values won’t ask you to do what I won’t do myself. This way we can build trust … which is the key to success.” Huang added, “In the life that I live, I exercise the Dr. Guiyou Huang, the first of the finalists for the Aca‘three R’s’ principle, as an academic leader and a dean demic Vice President position, presented his credentials that is, responsible, responsive and respectful.” and goals to the FSC community on Wednesday. To offer a context for his definition of leadership, The position will be open at the end of the semester Huang discussed John Singleton Copley’s 1778 paintwhen Dr. Robert Martin plans to retire. ing of “Watson and the Shark.” Huang, who has a long list of acaCopley’s painting depicts a crew demic and professional achievements of men in a rowboat attempting spanning the last 30 years, emphasized to rescue a young Englishman a disciplined and focused approach to named Brook Watson from a the position of vice president of acashark attack off the Havana coast demic affairs. in 1749. Huang said he would promote the According to Huang, the development of academic programs different reactions of the crew and initiatives to increase enrollment. members represent each imporHuang listed four major initiatives tant leadership quality. “The he would bring to the position: interyoung man with the spear is the disciplinary research and teaching, real leader with critical thinking international education, integration of skills and the passion and courtechnology and pedagogical innovaage to deal with the problem. tion. The two people reaching out to Huang discussed the importance of Watson are very involved. The colleges and universities offering a diman in the middle [of the boat] verse and multicultural curriculum, indoesn’t know exactly what he cluding study-abroad options and more wants to do. globally diverse general education re“He is looking at the shark quirements. According to Huang, an while being concerned about the increasingly globalized society must other person whose shirt he is be supported by a culturally aware pulling. There are several other population. people in the background who “The understanding of other culare either indifferent or afraid. tures, other peoples and other lanTo be a leader, we need clearguages is truly important - we cannot headed thinking and we need to afford to be isolated living in a global know where the problem is to economy.” throw the spear.” The importance of a balanced libHuang, who considers himeral arts education was also one of the self “a product of public univerpoints made by Huang in his address. sity education,” holds a Ph.D. in Matt MikaelianThe Gatepost English from Texas A&M UniAccording to Huang, “liberally educated people become leaders,” and the versity at College Station, and Dr. Guiyou Huang, a finalist for the Academic Vice President position. teaching of emotional intelligence is as completed his undergraduate and important as teaching any major discigraduate degrees in English at pline. As Vice President of Academic Affairs, Huang said learning resides first with the faculty and secondly with Qufu Teachers University and Peking University in China. he would review the General Education requirements and the administration. “The faculty establishes the learning Since 2005, Huang has held two deanships at St. Thomadd courses “that will help students learn to be more com- experience for the students, so they have a sacred respon- as University in Florida, where he is Dean of the Biscayne petent.” sibility to carry this out. The faculty is the most important College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and director Huang added that instead of moving the academic em- determinant in terms of the quality of education at col- of the Institute for World Languages. Recently, Huang rephasis to professional programs and certificate training, leges and universities.” ceived a certificate from Harvard University’s Institute for he would promote an integration of the liberal arts and Instead of “branding” the college, Huang said he favors Management and Leadership Education in 2009. sciences curricupromoting the college by emlum with profesphasizing both current and desional programs, veloping academic programs. stating that “a Huang referenced the Univer“The understanding of other cultures, liberal education sity of Phoenix, where 97 per“Today, the educators need to learn from the stuis a good founcent of the faculty are adjunct other peoples and other languages is truly dation, and we professors and more than half dents at the same time to be different from need good founof the school’s annual income important - we cannot afford to be isolated dations for eduwhat we did in the past. The innovation of is used to advertise the instituliving in a global economy.” cation.” As an tion. new teaching methodology isreally important.” example, Huang When asked how he would - Dr. Guiyou Huang compared an solicit feedback from students, - Dr. Guiyou Huang English major’s Huang said, “Students are the literary analysis most important aspect of the skills to the anauniversity - I would not close lytical skills a lawyer must have in order to interpret a law, my doors to faculty or students.” which can often be as ambiguous and confusing as poetry As Vice President of Academic Affairs, Huang and literature. said he would regularly meet with the Student GovernBefore his move to St. Thomas in 2005, Huang diThe use of technology is another factor Huang said ment.” rected honors programs at both Kutztown University in was very important to the development and advancement As an administrator, Huang said that his leadership style Pennsylvania and Grand Valley State University in Alof the college. He said, “Some people are really excited is based on passion, wisdom, integrity, focus and courage. lendale, Michigan. Huang also served as the chair of the about online programs and others are indifferent. … Our “Leadership is really about mutual influence - voice to vi- English department at Kutztown University from 2002 to technology is everywhere. We need to utilize it and maxi- sion, based on values to create academic success.” 2004. He said his administrative positions, particularly as mize it. Not to mention just online education - even in the Huang’s definition of leadership includes “academic the director of the university honors program at Kutztown, classroom we are using technology more and more. … In- freedom, shared governance within the university as a “was a great experience to see how a quality education is formation literacy and technology skills will play a bigger whole, building trust and credibility, fostering an open, shaped.” role in the classroom.” collaborative and inclusive environment while working Huang taught English at both Qufu Teachers UniversiIn addition to promoting the use of technology and toward common goals.” ty and Peking University in China. Huang noted that Qufu a global education, Huang also noted the importance of Huang said, “I like to think that I lead by example - I -Continued on page 5 By Roya Bahrami Assistant News Editor
shared governance among the faculty, staff and administration and student-centered learning and teaching. “Today, the educators need to learn from the students at the same time to be different from what we did in the past. The innovation of new teaching methodology is really important.” Huang also said the ultimate responsibility for student
Editor’s Note:
Last week, The Gatepost ran a photo in the Op/Ed piece by Chris Kopacko titled “State seal racist?” The photo was of a promotional poster for an event that will be held later in April, which was mistaken for the event Kopacko was discussing. The Gatepost apologizes for this error.
The Gatepost
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March 26, 2010
Updated mission statement draft released the survey in what we finally came up with.” Allen said, “I’m aware of the fact that my colleagues By Ali-Rae Clark Martin said it is difficult to communicate what is spewho’ve been working on this have devoted considerable Staff Writer cial about FSC due to the fact that “all colleges, to some time, effort and thought to this but, … I think we need This week, FSC’s mission statement committee reextent, share common purposes in their reason for being, something which speaks very clearly and concisely to the leased the latest draft of the college’s mission statement and a mission statement is your reason for being.” fundamental principles of what this institution should be (see below) which incorporates suggestions from the When comparing the draft to the current mission stateall about.” community regarding the previous draft, which circulated ment, Martin added, “I think what we have is far better According to Allen, “What I am emphasizing in my earlier this semester. and far more important in terms of making an effort to proposed revision is the institution be committed to ‘exIn an email sent to FSC faculty, Vice President of Acaidentify what is special. I don’t think the old one at all cellence in education.’ … I think an intricate part of it is a demic Affairs Robert Martin wrote, “I believe the version dealt with values that are important at FSC.” commitment to high, but reasonable, standards of perforthat is before you has benefitted greatly from the contribuHowever, according to Martin, one weakness of the mance. That people are producing a quality of work that tions of a half-dozen or so individuals who provided feeddraft is length. “Ideally we would like to make it shorter. is definitely higher than one would expect from a high back to the committee subsequent to the opening meeting I’ve heard from people already that what we’ve got is too school education. We should be providing our students this spring. Your continuing feedback will make this a long, that we should cut it down. [For a mission statewith an excellent education so that in fact, when they stronger document.” ment], you want something that is short and concise.You leave here, a degree from Framingham State does indeed (Editor’s Note: The new draft was released by Dr. don’t want a lot of words.” count. It does indeed have currency in the wider world. Martin the day before this edition of The Gatepost went Beilin said, “I don’t think the past version quite spoke “This is one of the things we could clearly make a case to print. Faculty, students and administrative responses to our core values, the things we stand for. In the revised for, that distinguishes Framingham State from other comin this article pertain to the draft released earlier in the version, some phrases are definitely designed to do that. parable institutions because both students and faculty are semester. See the Feb. 5 issue of The Gatepost at www. We chose words carefully. It’s a very important task to going to be committed to the pursuit of excellence,” Allen thegatepost.com to view that draft and the editorial astry and put into words what we think we’re all about. You added. sociated with it.) Senior biology major Michel Moravia said the earlier The revision of the mission statement was suggested have to be very direct and very concrete.” Conrad said the strength of the updated mission statemission statement is “lacking a lot. It is too narrow mindby the college’s strategic planning committee and the New ment is that “it clearly identifies skills that we want our ed and not broad enough to encompass all that’s at play England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). graduates to have. It also talks about how we want to get here. In this era, you want more concrete descriptions of According to Martin, NEASC visited the college in there. It’s not only about outcome but process. an academic institution.” 2004 and suggested FSC re-evaluate its mission state“I don’t think the old According to ment. mission statement was Senior Cherie In 2007, “I think what we have is far better and far Fournier, a mission President Timo- “I think it’s a necessity for students to be in- wrong. I just think it needed to be updated and statement should thy Flanagan more important in terms of making an comprehensive,” Conrad “explain what you volved in what they think their college established the added. intend on doing and effort to identify what is special. I don’t Strategic Planstands for. Your mission statement is The next step in the reI think the new misning Committhink the old one at all dealt with vaules vision process is to obtain sion statement does the heart of what you do.” tee - an initiafeedback from the campus that. It definitely that are important at FSC.” tive to focus on - Dr. Elaine Beilin community. Martin said, gives an overview what direction - Dr. Robert Martin “We are now at the point of the college and the college was where we want to share expands on its misheaded in cerour work to date. One of sion.” tain areas such as academic programs, student services the things I would want to emphasize is that it is our work Senior business major Jasmine Rams said the imporand the school’s relationship with the community. to date. It’s not final work.” tance of a mission statement is “to give people who are One of the outcomes of this initiative was the recomAn open forum will be held Wednesday, March 31, invested in the organization a reason to be. For example, mendation that the college “take a fresh look at its mission and consider a revision of the statement to make it more at 4:00 p.m. in Hemenway Hall G36 to gather feedback if you’re a student interested in going here for four years, on the committee’s most recent draft. Members of the you want to make sure you’re putting money into somereflective of what FSC is all about,” said Martin. Last spring, a committee was established with the spe- community are encouraged to attend and respond to what thing that’s worth it.” Rams added, “In just comparing the first sentences cific task of reviewing and developing revisions to the they’ve seen and make suggestions addressing both the substance and style of the draft. The committee may also from each statement, you can tell that the newer version mission statement. The committee is composed of faculty conduct another survey asking specific questions about uses better wording and is easier to understand. I feel like from several departments - Chair of the English departthe updated mission statement. The goal is to complete this version creates more of a culture instead of providing ment Dr. Elaine Beilin, Chair of the nursing department the revision process by the end of the spring 2010 semesa summary of Framingham State College like the older Susan Conrad, consumer science professor Pat Luoto, ter Martin said. one does. It includes a lot more information about the computer science professor David Keil and economics Conrad said feedback from the campus community is goals of the college and the type of student the college and business professor Karen Druffel. Other members of “essential because it’s not the work of the committee it’s wants to foster.” the committee include Vice President for Enrollment and Junior communication arts major Erica Tricomi said, Student Development Dr. Susanne Conley, student repre- the work of the entire college community and it should be reflective of that . . . This has been a long-term process “The new draft is definitely more updated. It mentions sentative Hannah Bruce and Martin, who is chair of the that isn’t just produced with a couple of people sitting in much more information about what is offered here. ... I committee. a room. … Any input we get we will consider for the next also think it’s important they included that faculty works The process of drafting a new mission statement redraft.” closely with the students and how we learn to speak efquired the committee to review FSC’s current mission According to Beilin, “We’ve done our best to get it at fectively and think critically. They included a lot of good statement as well as the mission statements of other highthis stage and if faculty, staff or students want us to do points.” er education institutions. The committee discussed Junior computer science major Almando Mason said FSC’s core values as identified by the strategic planning more, well we’re ready to listen. “I think it’s a necessity for students to be involved in “the old mission statement is limited and with the new committee and also evaluated the results of a mission and what they think their college stands for. Your mission one they’re expanding the scope beyond the original core values survey that had been e-mailed to faculty, staff, statement is the heart of what you do. It’s the thing that founding. It describes what direction the college is taking students and alumni. makes the limbs work, the blood flow and all the nerves and seems better written. They’re definitely trying to get Most of the committee’s time was spent pulling inforreact, so ideally the committee would like people to have the idea across that we’re not just a teaching school and mation together, and then taking that information and puta stake in the mission statement,” she added. they’re trying to get the public away from that idea so ting it into words, said Martin. In response to the Feb. 5 Gatepost publication of the people know the college is expanding its focus into other According to Conrad, “We discussed every comment revised mission statement and the newspaper’s editorial areas as well.” that was written on the surveys and tried to incorporate Sophomore Keyona Bell said, “I like the new draft of as many of those as possible into the mission statement.” about the draft (see www.gatepost.com), history professor Richard Allen has written his own proposed version of the the mission statement. It gives more of an idea of what our Beilin said, “We took those suggestions very seriously. mission statement. school is about.” We used some of the language people had proposed from
Framingham State College mission statement (latest draft)
Framingham State College seeks to graduate self-directed and confident students who are prepared for a life of learning, leadership, and work. Founded by Horace Mann in 1839 as America’s first public teacher’s college, Framingham State College today is a comprehensive public college with undergraduate and graduate programs encompassing the arts and sciences and professional studies. At Framingham State College, teaching is the primary role of faculty, who engage in their disciplines through instruction, scholarship, and service on campus and in their
professional communities. The College is an important educational and cultural center for the Metrowest region of Massachusetts, which also serves as a resource for the education and work of our students. Committed to excellence, the Framingham State College learning community comprises teacher-scholars, students, and staff dedicated to values that empower student success, including free inquiry and the respectful exchange of ideas, ethical conduct, and the belief that diversity in its many forms is essential to the educational experience. Students work closely with faculty as they learn to gather
and evaluate information, to write and speak effectively, to develop critical thinking and creativity, to reason quantitatively, and to apply information technology effectively. The environment supports student-centered, active learning and provides opportunities for independent and collaborative learning and culminating capstone experiences. A Framingham State College education cultivates thoughtful and independent global citizens, prepares students for a career, and positions them for success.
March 26, 2010
Page 5
The Gatepost
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Huang: “I lead by example”
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and that skill in literacy and writing is essential to every education, regardless Teachers University, where he taught of the discipline. and worked as the director of student Huang’s graduate and postdoctoral affairs from 1983 to 1986, was foundstudies in English span a broad range ed in honor of Confucius, an ancient of subjects, from nineteenth- and Chinese philosopher whose principles twentieth-century romanticism and ideas were based upon a and modernism in American high level of morality and pracliterature to Asian American litticality. “I like to think that I lead by example erature and comparative world Huang taught English during literature. Huang said, “My his doctoral and postdoctoral I won’t ask you to do what I won’t do myself. field crosses from east to west studies at Texas A&M UniverThis way we can build trust … literally over the Pacific Ocean. sity. Huang has also taught I like to think that I have global which is the key to success.” English at Lehigh University perspectives on what I do.” in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, - Dr. Guiyou Huang Huang thanked the FSC Kutztown, Grand Valley State community for inviting him as University in Michigan and St. a potential candidate for this Thomas University in Florida. position. “Regardless of the In addition to Huang’s long list of Huang also discussed the impor- outcome of your search, I am deeply administrative and teaching experitance of writing classes that encourage grateful to [the search committee] for ence, he has also published 50 essays the development of writing skills for their hard work, and I am happy that and articles and 11 books on subjects different disciplines. Huang said that you are here to hear my presentation.” such as Walt Whitman, modern Ameri“writing hones your skills as a thinker” can literature and Asian American lit-Continued from page 3
Like to write? Want to get published? Join The Gatepost!
Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. CC 410
erature. When asked about his extensive publication record during his years of teaching and serving as an administrator, Huang replied that he is a “good time-manager and multi-tasker.”
Student Awards The Benevolence Awards •John F. Kennedy Award: “What you can do for your college?” •Paul T. Murphy College and Community Service Award •Richard Cugini Award: Athletic Award •A. Carolla Haglund Cultural and Fine Arts Award Applications available at the Info Desk starting Wednesday, March 24th and are due Wednesday, April 7th by 4:00 pm. * For more information regarding the awards, see the FSC RAM handbook page 123*
Be a Life Saver Donate Blood Monday, March 29th CC Forum 10:00 a.m. -4 :00p.m.
Sponsored by: SGA Questions? Contact SGA@student.framingham. edu
SGA debates polling locations for election
By Roya Bahrami Assistant News Editor
At their March 22 meeting, SGA discussed important campus announcements and approved co-sponsorships with the women’s rugby team and career services. SGA allocated $1,170.66 to the women’s rugby team for the purchase of 24 new uniforms. Also, $1,200 was allocated by SGA to career services for the annual etiquette dinner on March 24. SGA Treasurer Melissa Bairos noted that money would need to be realigned into the SGA Diversity Fund in order to cover both of these transactions. Rich Davino, director of career services, emphasized the importance of the annual etiquette dinner for the student body. Davino said that the etiquette dinner is provided for students to “have fun, and enjoy a four-course meal free of charge and learn about proper ‘business’ dining.” Davino also noted that the dinner is “important for students to interactively learn about formal dining etiquette.” SGA President Steve Whittemore discussed the rules and guidelines for the upcoming SGA elections on
Wednesday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Student Center information desk. Nominations for the elections opened at 8 a.m. on March 24 and will close at 4 p.m. on March 31. Whittemore reminded members of SGA that no campaigning on campus, online or on the radio is allowed until after sunset on Mar. 31. The mandatory candidate meeting will take place on Mar. 31 at 4:30 for those who passed in a nomination form and want to run in the election. Whittemore also discussed the possibility of more voting locations for the upcoming SGA elections and allowing voting access through computers in different offices around campus. SGA voted against both. Members of SGA agreed that the creation of more voting areas could potentially cause campaigning issues for candidates, who are not allowed to campaign within ten feet of the voting booth. One member of SGA noted that more voting locations would allow students to influence voting patterns. SGA also corrected and approved senate meeting min-
utes for the March 2 meeting and budget meeting minutes for March 5. Whittemore noted that “the basis of this is to finalize each club’s budget for next year.” He reminded SGA senators to take the library survey that was sent out to the student body in an email from the Dean of Students. Whittemore explained that the library is currently developing renovations to take place this summer, and “the survey is helping the librarians make certain decisions in planning. It’s asking for your input and developing different strategies to better your resources in the library - so it’s really important.” Students who are observing Passover have the opportunity to receive kosher meals through Dining Services. Whittemore said students who are interested in this option should contact David Baldwin with their name, student I.D. number and the meal choice. Whittemore also encouraged SGA to participate in the upcoming nominations for the faculty, staff member and administrator of the year awards. Katie Olsen was elected the Senator of the Month of Feburary.
The Gatepost
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March 26, 2010
ARTS & FEATURES
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Recyc-a-delic dumpster receives a fresh, A
By Spencer Buell Assistant Arts & Features Editor
t FSC, students are told to “make it real” and “make it fun.” Now that the “Recyc-a-delic Dumpster,” FSC Green Team’s groovy pro-recycling brainchild, has come to polychromatic fruition, can students “make it far out?” Between Hemenway and May Halls, two buildings which fit into the rustic New England brick campus of FSC, sits an explosion of color, ready to accept unwanted paper, plastic and metal. The cleverly named bin is a trippy new addition to our traditional campus that has students buzzing about recycling. After playing a crucial role in helping the facilities department to greenlight a “single-stream” recycling program here at FSC, the Green Team felt that the initiative needed a little extra student appeal to have the greatest impact, said Green Team Vice President Brittany Spearin. Green Team Advisor and Geography Professor Carl Hakanson said, “It’s been really difficult to get an effective recycling policy here because people, for whatever reason, find it convenient to not recycle.” He added, “We needed something visible that is centrally located and would be a talking point and a visual reminder for people that we have these policies.” Enter “street artist” Matt Rocco. “I’m an artist of the street,” said Rocco, a senior graphic design major who knows his way around a spray can. Rocco is an interesting brand of artist on campus, and when the Green Team contacted him with the idea, he said he jumped on it immediately, though it was still winter and the job required him to work outside.
Page 7
Olympic snowboarder reflects on games Interview witb Gretchen Bleiler
Page 8
Campus Conversations Students discuss the meaning of their tattoos Page 9
There’s an app for that! The science of smartphones
funky coat “My fingers were purple,” he said. He only managed to finish the front side of the dumpster, spraying “Recycle” in retro block letters. The sign next to the dumpster, reading “when the music’s over, T(OUT)L, turn out the lights,” was Hakansson’s idea. The quirky, alternative approach to spreading awareness has caught on with students, said Spearin. “It gets people talking about what it means and it helps people see the connection between recycling and saving energy,” she said. While the sign has been up all along, the dumpster remained ¼ psychedelic for most of the winter. Recently, though, Facilities allowed the Green Team to wheel the aluminum canvas into a loading dock so Rocco could finish the paint job. Though Hakansson offered to pay Rocco for his time, “I told him, ‘Whatever money you’re gonna give me just use that to buy paint,’” he said. Rocco said he was excited to wrap up the project and is glad just to be a part of the school’s most “rebellious” initiative. “I mean,” he said, “what does this campus have that’s remotely not ‘goody two-shoes?’ This dumpster is the bad-ass part of the campus.” Spearin said she feels the dumpster gives due credit to all the people who have made the effort on campus to get the single-stream recycling program going, and keeps the spirit of the initiative alive in the student body. She said it can sometimes be easy for students to forget how important it is to recycle when there are only a few signs around campus to remind them. - Continued on page 8
March 26, 2010
The Gatepost
Snowboarder Bleiler reflects on thrills of Winter Games
Page 7
Local college snowboarder hits the powdery slopes at Jay Peak Mountatin in Vermont. Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost
By Heather Waxman Staff Writer
F
or Gretchen Bleiler, snowboarding is 75 percent mental. The four-time X Games gold medalist took the silver medal in Torino’s 2006 Olympics and set her eyes square on the gold for the 2010 Ladies Halfpipe in Vancouver. “In the end, I know it’s really mental,” said Bleiler, 28, via landline from her hometown of Aspen. “But for some reason, I had this block in my mind.” America saw it’s snowboarding sweetheart hit the wall of the half pipe and fall to the ground. And while viewers might think Vancouver is a trail that Bleiler would like to leave behind her, it could not be further from the truth. She had a victory of her own. “I did the Crippler 7 bigger and better than I had ever done in the past two weeks,” said Bleiler. Pre-Olympics, Bleiler was having major issues with this signature trick, in which the rider does a full 180-degree spin upside down in the air. Rest that on top of fighting an illness and just one day of practice before show time, and there lay a potential recipe for disaster. “For two weeks, I was dealing with not being able to do this trick correctly,” said Bleiler. “And in my head, I didn’t know if I was going to land that signature trick that sets you apart.” Staring at the blanket of fresh, powdery snow covering the arch of the halfpipe, Gretchen took the plunge. “Second run, I … just said, ‘I surrender. I’m going to do what I know how to do and go into it with as much ‘me’ as I can … and I did,” said Bleiler. Despite nailing the Crippler 7, Gretchen left a tad early on her next trick, when she took the fall. “It was obviously excruciatingly disappointing that she fell,” said Bleiler’s mother, Robyn Gorog. “It was a huge disappointment for her, but you would never have known it by her presence.” With her signature smile nestled between for her winter-kissed, rosy cheeks, America also saw the grace with which Bleiler handled her 11th place run.
“When she fell, this little girl asked their mom, ‘Why is she smiling?’ and it was an opportunity for her mom to say, ‘You don’t always win, but it doesn’t take away from every single solitary thing she’s done in her life,’” said Gorog. When asked if she has any regrets, Bleiler will advise you to look in the other direction, towards the sun, where her smile lights up the darkest Vancouver skyline. “In the end, it’s about the way you handle the situation. Who you become - that’s the prize … that’s the medal.” And who Bleiler has become extends far beyond the world of snowboarding, having fully immersed herself in her new clothing line for Oakley, the Gretchen Bleiler collection, an in-the-works skin care line for Mission Products, and a hands-on campaign for global warming awareness. “When I first joined the Aspen Valley Snowboard Team, I had this coach who told me it’s not just about being really good on the mountain, but also doing everything you can off the mountain. That is sort of my work ethic,” said Bleiler. For Gorog, this comes as no surprise. “We moved to Ohio from Aspen when she was 11 and she was just dedicated. She wanted to learn,” said Gorog. When she was 18, Gretchen weighed the pros and cons before deciding to defer college and pursue snowboarding. “My take was you’re 18 years old and you can always go back to college,” said Gorog. Instead of packing her world into a car as an incoming college freshman, Bleiler woke up at 4:00 a.m. every morning to work at a bakery and afterwards, would hit the powder. “I’m so proud of myself for making that decision … I really believe that when you take risks … you learn so much and you end up growing no matter what,” said Bleiler. Fast forward 10 years and Bleiler has held true to that mantra, even if it means giving up the gold. “Sometimes, it’s not about the medals. It’s about ... the small little victories.”
The Gatepost
Page 8
March 26, 2010
FUNKADELIC DUMPSTER REMINDS STUDENTS IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION - Continued from page 6
“But with the ‘Recyc-a-delic Dumpster,’” she said, “it’s in your face. You can’t miss it.” Katie Mulrey, a senior, said she likes that the dumpster is not “just color for the sake of color,” and said she hopes to see more “green” initiatives around campus which are both eye-catching and important. Another student, who referred to himself as “Sunshine” Austin, said the Green Team should take the project one step further. “I think they should just spraypaint the front of all the buildings,” he said. Soon, the Green Team and Rocco will again be teaming up to funkify the small blue bin next to the dumpster, which is the only receptacle on campus which recycles glassware. Rocco said he may paint the bin with anything from a geometric 3D glass design to “a whale or something.”
Spearin said the bin is a crucial addition to the glass-free single-stream system. However, she said, many students do not know it exists - not yet, anyway, which is why the Green Team will again be enlisting the help of their “street artist” friend to brighten it up. The Green Team has big plans for the future to keep students excited about conservation, said Spearin, including an on-campus, Whole Foodsesque compost heap (free fertilizer made from Sodexo banana peels, anyone?), and an organic apple orchard on some of the open FSC lawn. Also, according to Spearin, this year’s eco-friendly, Green Team-sponsored GreenFest, has been revamped, and will be more exciting than ever. She said the event will feature live acoustic music and trivia with prizes.
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost
Over winter break, street artist and FSC student Matt Rocco added funky designs to a recycling dumpster, which has been dubbed the “Recyc-a-delic Dumpster.” Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Campus Conversations
What is the story behind your ink? Kyle Rodrigues, sophomore
Bryan Mckenna, freshman
“My mom had cancer, and she loves butterflies. My sister and I both got them together.”
“To me it’s a tree of death. It’s a symbol for my friends and family that have died. It’s to honor them.” Alex Herbert, freshman
“I was 13. My friends had Indian ink. You just keep stabbing the design that you want. It took forever but it will be a good story when I’m older.”
Matt Lemaitre, freshman
“It represents pain, my father and all the things he did to me and my family. It shows our strength”
March 26, 2010
The Gatepost
At FSC, There’s an App for That
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Page 9
By Tom O’Brien Arts & Features Editor
C
ollege sophomore Chelsea Lynes confesses her early morning commute from her Allston flat to the Boston University campus would not be tolerable without her cell phone. Burying her face into the small white glow of her mobile device, she reads a digital copy of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” while she waits for her new virtual tennis game to download. Across from her, the glow comes from a businessman searching through a digital grocery list, adding and deleting items as he goes. Down the length of the busy car, another phone’s glow is the soft green luminescence of digital felt - someone is playing Texas Hold’em against people all over the world. moving further, a woman reads “The New York Times” without ever the risk of getting ink on her hands. All this on their phones. Remember when cell phones were clunky plastic objects used for making calls? Maybe not, but now, smartphones like Apple’s media juggernaut, the iPhone, can still make calls, but also link that caller to a veritable warehouse of information and entertainment. While many FSC students have invested in these smart phones, others prefer a more traditional cellular modus operandi, calling them anything from too expensive and fragile to just plain unwanted. FSC senior Matt Rocco said, “Too be honest I think intricate phones like that get people to attached to them. ... It’s just another piece of technology that you basically get addicted to. You rely on it so much, what happens when you don’t have it?” Freshman Anna Kalenderian said, “All of the apps are fun to play with but they are very distracting in class and in general. If I had an iPhone I could easily see myself paying attention to that rather than a lecture. There is so much to do.” What sets this and other smart phones apart from past technology is their ability to operate programs called “Applications.” With thousands of these apps available for download smart phone users have the luxury of customizing their phones with an unlimited array of options. With just the flick of a screen, consumers are checking the weather or the stock market. Musicians are tuning their instruments with a digital tuner app, or just sitting back with a virtual harmonica app (don’t ask how this works). Gamers are wrapping their heads around 3D zombie games while simultaneously checking their e-mail, sports box scores and school lunch menu. FSC junior Matt Pepin said, “It’s really just like having a computer whenever you need it. I use my iTouch all the time.” Because the FSC campus has public WiFi, students can use their smartphone to connect to the Internet almost anywhere (arguably). For Professors, this means access to Blackboard, the Framingham.edu Web site and even resource material. FSC freshman Aaron Gulla said, “I don’t have a smart phone, but I have an iPod touch. ... I use a program called ‘Breedledocs,’ which allows you to put any full text documents on your iPod - class documents and even the readings.” Freshman Rachal Allinson said, “I have used an iPhone - I find them pointless. I have a laptop, a cell phone and an iPod. I don’t need them in the same thing.” Matt Flores, a junior at Emerson College said, “My iPhone comes in handy for maneuvering about the city. Because of the GPS, which is in real time, I can look at it and say,
‘OK, if I’m that little drunken arrow, then the party I’m looking for is just a couple houses away.’” Differing from Apple’s normally hushed attitude toward non-Apple software development, iPhone apps are unique because they can be created by anyone. And although open to the public, this pocket sized business venture is no joke. Making it to the top of the iTunes popular apps chart is a difficult endeavor with high profit potentiality. A lucrative app requires a solid idea, planning and many hours of spot-on programming, but people are making them everyday. Colin Burke, a junior at the University of New Haven says he has barely just started working on his own application for his iTouch, but enjoys his smart phone as well. “The Internet access is really what I’m going for. 3G, and now 4G coverage is what every person needs. “I have the G1, which is the phone from Google. It doesn’t have apps but I probably search for random key phrases on the daily more than any other bipedal hominid should ever need to.” Burke’s father, Alan Burke, is a retired Motorola employee and has been working on his first app since Dec. 2009. “It’s a process really anyone can do if you just follow the rules, be precise and have a good idea. ... My app basically helps to allow your computer, iPhone and even Blackberry to communicate with each other, sharing information, like schedules, automatically.” Though Alan thinks his app to be helpful and probably marketable, he says he doesn’t know whether to sell it for a price, or just upload it as a free app. According to iTunes, about one quarter of the apps available for download are free. Others range from less than a dollar to $9.99 and over. Sophomore John Sears said, “I would charge fifty cents. It’s in between free and the normal price. Hopefully its cheap enough that people will like it.” The cost of making an app starts with a $99 fee for basic access to Apple’s software development kit. Once the idea for the app is worked out, a programmer must actually design the software and have it approved by Apple. Approval takes about a week but only about four percent of all apps are denied. Next comes picking a price tag for the mini software. Whether it’s a virtual cook book or a guide to mixed drinks, those involved in the development of the app aren’t making any money if the software is free. Freshman Zack Comeau said, “If I was to put my blood, sweat and tears into an application I would definitely charge at least something for it. ... People pay money for songs, they might as well pay for applications. They’re hard work.” The Apple company seems to be eating up all the publicity created by people’s unique apps. According to the Apple website, more than 2 billion have been downloaded already. With a mass development team of, well, anyone who wants to join, there is undeniably an app for all types of people. While free apps climb the charts faster, making way for non-free sequels, updates and upgrades, the decision between making an app free or paid can be a harrowing one. Too bad their isn’t an app for it.
Earlier this month, the FSC Cheerleaders competed at the NCA Northeast Championship held in Albany, New York, where they finished in 1st place. Come check them out at their annual “Friends & Family Night” to be held April 5th at 7:30pm in the main gyms on campus. Also, this April, the team travels to Daytona Beach, Florida to compete at NCA College Nationals. Last year, they finished 5th in Div. 3 All Girl. For anyone interested in joining for the 2010-11 season, signups will be held on Sunday, April 25, from 1-4 in Dwight gyms.
The Gatepost
Page 10
Op/Ed
The Gatepost Editorial FSC: The better choice Looking back on our days as high school students, we recall the painfully overwhelming experience of searching for the perfect college. We remember the multitude of questions that need to be answered about each school. “What are classes like?” “Does the cafeteria have good food?” “How big are the dorm rooms?” And, of course, we might remember the overarching question that haunts every college-track high school student. “Which schools can I afford?” When potential FSC students come to visit our campus over the next few weekends for the Accepted Students’ Days, they will be going through this same process and will need to answer these same questions. They will be trying to decide if FSC is the right choice for them, and will be weighing the pros and cons of everything about FSC. To help answer some of these questions for prospective students, we at The Gatepost came up with a few basics that potential freshmen should know about FSC. FSC has a picturesque New England campus with all the characteristics of a small town, but is also 20 minutes from Boston, offering all the excitement and experience of the big city. It’s easy to get an internship in Boston and make connections with people while still being able to come home to our small, intimate campus. As a student here, you will come to love seeing Edith’s friendly face as she scans students’ ID’s at the entrance of the dining hall. You will learn to appreciate the omelet bar at breakfast as well as the late-night trips to the commuter caf for pizza and mozzarella sticks with your roommate. Because we are such a close-knit community, the friendships students make here last long after graduation. The various clubs and organizations that FSC hosts help students find others who share their common interests. From publications like The Onyx, Fashion Magazine Club and The Gatepost, to clubs like Student Union Activity Board (SUAB), Student Government Association (SGA), and a variety of club sports, there are endless ways for students to get involved on campus and make friends. Potential students shouldn’t expect to spend every weekend here partying or going to campus social and sporting events, though. Even when there are events planned for the weekends, usually by Friday afternoons, the campus is somewhat of a ghost town. In terms of academics, FSC offers over 23 undergraduate majors from which students can choose. Students are actively involved in the classroom; they get to know their peers and their professors because class sizes are small, and are encouraged to meet with professors often about their progress and their goals. Overall, professors at FSC genuinely care about their students, and are always willing to help. Framingham State is a very safe campus. There are strict guest policies and ID requirements to get into residence halls, the FSC police department is always on call and the entire campus is always well-lit. As part of its safety provisions, FSC also enforces a strict no-alcohol policy, which is, in fact, very strict. Although many colleges say that alcohol on campus is frowned upon or “not allowed,” FSC prohibits everything from an old decorative champagne bottle to the alcohol itself, which isn’t necessarily bad. The dorms are comfortable and homey, and are renovated and updated often, along with all the other buildings on campus. The new dorm should be ready in fall 2011 (current juniors and seniors are incredibly jealous) and a complete revamping of the college’s dining halls is planned for this summer. And there’s one other important aspect of FSC that can’t be beat - we are the least expensive state college in Massachusetts, with the best-quality education. During these financially unstable times, the problem of paying for college can’t be ignored. We are a campus of hard-working students. Most of us have jobs and are trying to balance work, school, a social life and a few extracurriculars. We know the value of a dollar, and we know that an inexpensive college education doesn’t necessarily indicate a lower-quality one. At FSC, students receive an education that prepares them for the future - in terms of academics, professional opportunities and life experience - at the lowest cost. We at The Gatepost encourage accepted students to consider choosing FSC as your undergraduate home. We know you’ll love it!
March 26, 2010
Professors need to be objective
To teach at the college level, one must be very passionate about the subject matter. In having such a passion, it is understandable that it is impossible to refrain from developing strong opinions regarding the topics. Although every professor is entitled to an opinion, it is important for him or her to remember not to let their lectures become too bogged down by personal beliefs. While the occasional opinion can add flavor to a subject, too much opinion can leave students feeling uncomfortable. In some classrooms, it is difficult to separate the professor’s thoughts from the actual lesson. When this becomes the case, students are most likely not learning the course material to the best of their abilities. It can often feel as if the professor believes that his or her view is the only correct one. It is the professor’s job to prevent this, and maintain an environment where students can feel comfortable to form their own opinions on any given subject. Professors need to bear in mind that while they are entitled to their opinions, so are their students. They cannot force their ideas on their students. It is not the purpose of a course to recruit followers for an opinion, but rather to present all of the facts in a manner such that students can form intelligent and informed opinions of their own. Nenia Corcoran Editorial Staff
A mess at the gym
Many people, including me, would consider the gym a second home - it’s a place to hang out with friends, de-stress, listen to good music, etc. But, unlike your dorm room or your room at home, the gym should not be a place where you never pick up after yourself. I dance four nights a week, and sometimes, I enter the aerobics room or the multi-purpose room only to find random weights and yoga mats strewn all over the floor. Usually, I would be unfazed; I would scoop them up, mutter something about how college students are so flippin’ lazy, and put them back. But Tuesday night, I could not help bursting out an angry “OW!” when I was doing a low kick and slammed my big toe into an 8 lb. weight! I’m surprised I didn’t break a nail. Our parents have all taught us, or at least I hope most did, to clean up after ourselves, especially while we are staying at someone else’s house. The next time you stop in at the gym, do not check your good manners at the door, so that all the dancers and athletes don’t lose their patience, or worse, a body part. Amanda Lefebvre Editorial Staff
Letter to the Editor
I would like to thank the new student group ‘Political Roundtable’ and especially Maxwell Morrongiello for looking at the issue of our state symbols. I had the distinct honor of being the group’s first invited speaker on March 1. We had a lively discussion on the state symbols of Massachusetts. I appreciate the intelligent and articulate comments made by the students I had a chance to meet. The presentation centered on two areas: if the image is racist and if the image is violent, though discussion did have a broad range of field. You printed a critical piece about my presentation by Chris Kopacko. In a conversation about state symbols, I find it highly ironic that you would juxtapose my face with the Nazi swastika, their state symbol. As a combat veteran, and a minister of a UU congregation, I deserve more respect than this. I have earned it, Google me. I did point out in my presentation that there was a broad sword being held at the ready by a disembodied arm, directly over a Native American’s head. Our state motto’s emblazoned beneath it in Latin: “Peace by the Sword, but only with liberty.” When considering what happened to the Natives of our land, at the very least, a person of good conscience has to admit that these symbols are unfortunate. I did also speak about theory of conflict resolution. Humanity in its short history has had wars, but recently, there has been a more evolved method of conflict resolution: nonviolence (though calling this force nonviolence is like calling sunlight nondark). Nonviolence works, and it is only a matter of time until humanity makes full use of its potential, making war and domination obsolete. Our state symbols affirm a peace by force approach. This mentality has led to our current war(s). Yesterday was the 7th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the theory of peace by force being carried out to its natural conclusion: pre-emptive war, which has turned into perpetual Photo Courtesy of VeteransforPeace.org war. Kopacko, though he did misspell my name, at least cares enough to come out and have an opinion. I applaud that, even if he misrepresented more facts than this brief space allows response to. I came to Framingham to inspire conversation, broaden horizons and make new friends. Even with the unwarranted harsh criticism, I feel like it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. I hope to be invited back sometime soon.
In peace, Eric Wasileski
We at The Gatepost welcome Op/Ed submissions from all members of the FSC community. Please limit opinions to 300 words and letters to the editor to 200 words. E-mail submissions to Gatepost@framingham.edu.
Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.
SPORTS
March 26, 2010
Page 11
The Gatepost
Family Ties
Brotherly bonds are highlight of FSC winter teams
Gatepost Archives
By Josh Primak Sports Editor
Identical twins born just one minute apart, Framingham State sophomores Charles and Jon Vaillancourt are accustomed to being around each other, as well as the game of hockey - which they both have played their entire lives. So when it came to choosing a college, the two brothers looked to keep those two very important aspects of their lives intact. Looking for a school that would be affordable and give them a chance to play collegiate hockey, Charles talked to a friend of the Vaillancourts who was playing hundreds of miles away from their hometown of Madison, WI. “We were looking at a couple of schools out here like Becker, but we talked with our friend who was playing
for Framingham, Corey Chaney - who had played junior hockey with us for two years. After talking to the coach here and talking to Corey, we decided this would be the best choice for us.” When joining a team at the collegiate level, there is often an adjustment period for athletes when they have to get used to their new teammates. This is especially true in hockey, where team chemistry is perhaps even more important for success. Having played on the same line throughout their entire hockey careers, the Vaillancourts didn’t have as difficult a time adjusting as some new players may have. “I’ve got a job on the ice and so does he,” said Jon. “It is easier to guess
Do you have what it takes? Test yourself against the U.S. military’s physical fitness standards! Saturday April 10th 12 to 4 pm
Mock Boot Camp Physical training test Marching Obstacle course Team building Cookout to follow Meet us at noon by the flagpole in front of Dwight Hall. Brought to you by the Framingham State Veterans Association
where he’s going to be on the ice, or what he’s thinking. This might come from just playing with him my whole life, but it is easier to play with him. I can throw the puck into open ice without looking - knowing he is going to be there.” The Vaillancourts are not the only brothers suiting up for the Rams. During a very successful 2009-10 season, the Men’s Basketball team had their own tandem of brothers taking to the court - Royce and Caesar Veal. Already a staple of the FSC men’s basketball program, Royce Veal has been playing big minutes and contributing big plays to the Rams for two of the past three seasons. While the brothers are not the same age, they have been playing the game of basketball together for most of their lives. When Caesar was looking at colleges, FSC was not at the top of his list. However, the possibility of playing with his brother once again - this time at the collegiate level - was a major factor in his choosing Framingham State. “Being on the same college team just fit into what we had been doing all our lives,” said Royce. “We’re a duo package: you get one, you get the other.” Although they have played together for most of their lives, Royce believes his brother has adopted a different game philosophy. “We have very different playing styles which is good for any team, I think. He has always been the point guard on whichever team we played on because of his better dribbling skills and court awareness. I was always the shooting guard because of my scoring ability.” As is often the case, both sets of brothers have developed a bit of a sibling rivalry in their respective sports. Royce believes his rivalry with Caesar comes in the form of “constructively criticizing each other on different parts of our game with
the intention of improving the other’s skills. We also play aggressive one-onone games from time to time to help with dribbling and scoring, and that’s sort of where the brotherly rivalry breaks out.” After a positive season in which the Rams reached the MASCAC championship game, the team will be relying even more on the Veal brothers if they are to continue their success from last year - as they are losing their two biggest offensive weapons in Darius Yarrell and Josue Almodovar. While the Vaillancourts’ rivalry still exists, it came to a head when they were both very young. “When we were about eight, we were playing hockey on the deck and we got into a fight,” said Charles. When we came in, we told mom that we did it because we had seen it on T.V., so she didn’t get mad. We’ve never gotten into a fight since. But we’re still always competing, always trying to outdo the other one.” Even though the hockey program has struggled the last few years, the Vaillancourts, who both describe themselves as “grinders,” have added energy and physicality to the Rams, who are trying to rebuild a fledgling program. If FSC is to restore competitiveness to its once formidable hockey program, it will have to rely on its twin duo to provide the spark it needs. As long as the Vaillancourts are taking to the ice together to battle the rest of the MASCAC, they will bring the spark every game - relying on each other for extra support. Jon said, “We try and improve each other’s games by playing hard against each other. I’ll point out his mistakes and he’ll point out mine. Having a brother on the team does push me to play harder and work harder. It also makes the game more fun for me.”
The Gatepost
Page 12
March 26, 2010
Women’s Lacrosse gears up for season
By Nenia Corcoran Sports Editor
As the weather slowly gets warmer around FSC, the Women’s Lacrosse team is preparing to kick their season into gear. Preseason began early for the Rams. Long before spring was even a consideration, the team was out practicing their stick work and conditioning. After wet weather on Tuesday prevented the team from beginning their season as planned, the Rams took
the field for the first time Thursday afternoon, beating Becker College, 174. After playing their first two seasons as a varsity sport without belonging to a conference, the Rams will begin the 2010 season as the eighth member of the New England Women’s Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA). The seven other members of NEWLA are Becker College, Bridgewater State College, Castleton State College, Elms College,
Matthew Mikaelian/The Gatepost
Kerry Kiley takes the ball toward the net in the Rams’ domination over Becker.
Fitchburg State College, Westfield State College and Worcester State College, all of which are NCAA Division III schools. Coach Laura Peterson has been at the reins of the Women’s Lacrosse team since it was introduced as a club sport three years ago. Peterson is excited to begin conference play, and is looking forward to the challenging schedule the team has laid out before them. She believes she has a talented squad this year, and that the team will be very successful in their first season in Matthew Mikaelian/The Gatepost NEWLA. Co-captains Rebecca L’Ecuyer and Ashley Noonan Stephanie Corrales looks upfield during the Rams’ are looking forward first game as a member of NEWLA. to begin the new I believe we will be strong contenders season. “I am extremely excited for the in the NEWLA and I couldn’t be season to begin and I anticipate us happier to finally be a part of a league” making a name for ourselves and Noonan said. progressing as the season continues. ...
Softball digs in for season By Chris McCabe Assistant Sports Editor
Back from Florida, Rams’ Softball is ready to dive into another season set to begin on March 30. The Rams went 2-8 in spring training this past week against some top-notch opponents from across the country. According to Captain Christy Ulak, what sets this team apart from others in the past is that they “did a lot of team bonding and team-building activities to get all of us to build that bond and trust with each other. “The main plan is to teach the freshmen how to adjust. It’s a huge jump from high school ball to college ball, so we have to get them in the swing of things and help build their confidence.” The Rams have a lot of young players on the team this year. The first few games on the schedule should help the underclassmen get some good experience. However, the Rams will probably not be really put to the test until midseason, when they face off against MASCAC rival Bridgewater State College. Bridgewater beat FSC in the
MASCAC Tournament last season 3-2 in extra innings and ended up winning the conference. The Rams have their work cut out for them, as they were slotted to finish third after Bridgewater and Westfield. Most of the Rams’ conference matchups fall at the end of their schedule. The Rams will have to play against Salem, Fitchburg and Worcester. This flurry of MASCAC opponents at the end of the season could very well decide which teams make the tournament and which teams miss the cut. The hopes and expectations are high this season. Ulak said, “I believe although we have a very young team mainly consist of underclassmen, that we will have a strong season and definitely make it to the tournament!”
Gatepost Archives
The 2010 softball team looks for a deeper MASCAC tournament run after an early exit in 2009.
The Gatepost
March 26, 2010
Page 13
Baseball already showing improvement By Jeff Mandeau Assistnt Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams’ Baseball team began the 2010 season with an encouraging performance in Florida. The Rams hope to improve upon a disappointing 2009 season. The first 10 games of the season were in the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational. The Rams left the sunshine state with a record of 5-5, already giving them half the amount of total wins they had all of last season. Pitcher Steve Marfione is a senior and has liked what he’s seen so far this season. “I would say right off the bat, the first thing that comes to mind for this season is that the talent we have compared to years past is by far better than any team I have been a part of at FSC. “The new players have been great so far. A lot of our new guys are transfers
from junior college so they have played at this level and know what it takes to win. Outfielder Marc Massarotti said, “We have 28 guys on our team which gives us many options to move guys around. Our pitching, hitting and defense has improved in all areas. Basically, we have a whole new team this year with a great attitude.” Having good team chemistry is important for any team to be successful. After dropping the first three games of the tournament, the Rams got their first win in thrilling fashion. They started the game with hot bats and after the first three innings were up 7 - 3. However, Vassar mounted a comeback and tied the game right after the seventh-inning stretch. The fans at Chain of Lakes Park were treated to some extra baseball as the game remained tied until the top of the tenth. In that inning, right fielder Steven Tramontozzi singled in second baseman Connor Moriarty for the game-winning run. Framingham went on to beat Vassar College 8-7 in extra innings. After this first win, the rest of the Rams’ victories were more one sided. They went on to beat SUNY Cobleskill, New Gatepost Archives England College twice and The Rams will be relying on outfielder Steven Sewanee. Tramontozzi to duplicate last year’s season, when Massarotti he was named second team All-MASCAC. said, “Our Florida
Upcoming Events Women’s Lacrosse 3/27 vs. Husson at 1:00 p.m. 3/30 vs. Plymouth State at 4:00 p.m.
Baseball 3/26 at Rhode Island College at 3:00 p.m. 3/28 at Brandeis at 12:00 p.m. 3/28 at Brandeis at 2:30 p.m.
Softball 3/30 vs. Johnson & Wales at 4:00 p.m. 3/31 vs. UMass Boston at 3:30 p.m. 3/31 v.s UMass Boston at 5:00 p.m.
trip this year was great. We finally got to play on a baseball field and play as a team. It was one of the best Florida trips we have had in years. In Florida, you get to learn a lot about your teammates and everyone bonds. Overall, it’s always a great time. I will definitely miss it next year.” Marfione said “It was nice to come out of there 5 and 5. Even though we could have been better, we are still happy with a decent trip.” Unfortunately, the Rams haven’t had success in Massachusetts, Gatepost Archives dropping their first game in the Bay Baseball hopes to improve upon their team ERA, State to Babson College. which last year was 6.96. Outfielder Chris this season is to win the MASCAC Cole said, “We lost a tough one to and show everyone that this isn’t the Babson on Monday. We were up 7-2 in old Framingham State team. We’re the third inning but we couldn’t seem here to compete at the highest level to muster any offense after then and and win. We were once again picked ended up losing 9-7. But the way the to finish last in the conference like last season has started so far is a huge leap year. We all know we have the talent from the past couple of seasons.” and chemistry to go above and beyond Wednesday, the Rams fell to Clark winning the MASCAC and making it University by the score of 11-6 in to regionals.” Worcester. The Rams’ next three games Marfione said, “We have the are on the road and they won’t have potential to put it all together at once, their first home game until March 30, and when that happens. we are going when they will play UMass Dartmouth. to be a dangerous team. If we play like Despite the recent struggles, the a team and do the simple things right, team believes they have the pieces to we are going to surprise a lot people make this season a special one. this season.” Cole said, “The biggest goal for
The Gatepost
Page 16
March 26, 2010
FSC prepares for spring
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost
Students spend time outside, enjoying the spring weather.
Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost
Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost
March celebrations around FSC included Irish step dancing lessons and an appearance by Lucky the Leprechaun.
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Josh Kruger/The Gatepost
Students learn proper etiquette at a dinner last Wed. night. Tom Higgins/The Gatepost
Tom Higgins/The Gatepost
Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost