Arts & Features:
Sports:
Haitian author Edwidge Danticat offers wisdom to students.
With their victory over UMass Boston on Wednesday, the Men’s Soccer team improved to five games over .500.
Students must be involved
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gatepost@framingham.edu
Framingham State College’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1932
PHENOM marchers rally at FSC
By Julie Ann Giebler Interim Assistant News Editor
Lauren Byrnes/The Gatepost
Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray announced official funding for the Hemenway Hall science project.
Hemenway Hall construction to begin spring, 2011 By Lauren Byrnes Editor-in-Chief On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray announced that the college has received the funding to move forward with its $63 million science project, which will remodel Hemenway Hall and update the science facilities. Senior Vice President of Administration, Finance and Information Technology Dr. Dale Hamel said he hopes construction will begin this spring at the earliest. If the project remains on schedule, it is expected to be completed in 2015. The construction project will include an addition to Hemenway Hall, which will mainly consist of new stateof-the-art teaching labs. Renovations will be made to the vacated spaces and laboratories, and infrastructure and accessibility issues will also be addressed, Hamel said. Windows will be replaced and the entire building will have air conditioning when the project is completed. The replacement of the chiller unit for Hemenway Annex will take place this spring and summer “to get the annex back up and running for this cooling season,” Hamel said. Framingham State will fund $10 million of the $63
million project and that money will come out of the college’s five-year operational budget. Hamel said it would equate to approximately $650,000 annually “in debt service costs” and the administration is considering using Build America Bonds, which were used for financing the new residence hall. A portion of the $10 million debt “will come down to fees. If you’re spending money, the money has to come from somewhere and a portion of it has to be fees,” Hamel said. However, “there is already a planned fee increase.” Although the college is currently the least expensive state institution, Hamel said, “There isn’t an expressed goal to remain the lowest [priced state institution]. … If we don’t end up being the lowest in a certain year, that’s not something that we’re shooting for, I guess.” According to Hamel, the other portion of the $10 million Framingham State will owe will come “from a reduction in expenditures on plan operations.” Aside from Framingham State’s contribution, $51.4 million was authorized by the higher education bond bill, which the college will not need to repay, said Hamel. -Continued on page 4
Supporters of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM) stopped at FSC last Tuesday during their march for the “For a Great State of Mind Campaign.” A small group arrived at Framingham State’s Dwight Auditorium Tuesday evening at 5:30 to talk to the campus community about their mission and to generate support for public higher education in Massachusetts. One of the marchers entered the auditorium with a hiking stick because the marching started to take its toll. PHENOM supporter Alex Kulenovic said, “Nothing traumatic - just some wear-and-tear. I’ve been doing so much marching that right around Worcester, it started to hurt.” Members of PHENOM started their march at Berkshire Community College on Saturday, Oct. 2, 500 yards from the New York Border. The march ended at the State House in Boston on Thursday, Oct. 7. Student Trustee Max Morrongiello was approached by PHENOM and was asked to host an event promoting the walk. “I think Framingham is a good spot, because we really are affected by this. Much of our funding comes from the state. We used to receive more in the past,” said Morrongiello - who only had a few weeks to round up speakers for the event. Morrongiello recruited local State Representative Tom Sannicandro to speak, as well as Green Party gubernatorial candidate Jill Stein. Psychology professor Dr. Robert Donohue, president of the Framingham State College Professional Association (FSCPA) spoke as well. The march’s purpose was to support PHENOM’s “For a Great State of Mind Campaign,” a multi-year state-wide grassroots initiative which started in January, 2010. The campaign includes a petition, which urges Massachusetts’ government officials to increase investment in public higher education and lower student costs. Max Page, vice president of PHENOM, said, “The question I hear the most is, ‘Why the hell are these people walking across the state? Why would anyone do that?’” Manuel Pintado, another PHENOM speaker, who is a graduate of Holyoke Community College and currently a -Continued on page 3
This week’s issue of The Gatepost is dedicated to breast cancer awareness month. •
•
In 2010, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 54,010 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. About 1,970 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2010. About 39,840 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2010 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1991. See www.breastcancer.org for more information.
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Police Logs 02:45 14:20
Friday, October 8, 2010 Noise complaint - Larned Hall. Report of loud group. Advised. Assist Residence Life - Horace Mann Hall. Report of male party sleeping in basement. By Kerrin Murray
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 13:33 Undesirable - Adams Road. Female party walking onto construction site. Party advised. 18:15 Fire (Miscellaneous) - Hemenway Hall. Report of ashtray smoldering. Extinguished with a cup of water. 22:46 Medical - Corinne Hall Towers. Report of student experiencing allergic reaction. Ambulance transport. Thursday, October 14, 2010 00:10 Noise complaint - Larned Hall. Report of a loud group in front of building. Group dispersed prior to officer’s arrival.
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Tuesday 10/19 Few Showers High 55° / Low 42° Precip: 30%
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Thursday 10/21
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Lauren Byrnes Editor-in-Chief Amy Koski Associate Editor
from www.weather.com
Few Showers High 59° / Low 41° Precip: 30%
Friday 10/22
Gatepost Interview Stephanie Grey
Visiting Assistant Professor of Art
Staff Writer
GP: What is your educational background? Grey: I went to Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which is where I am from. I have a BFA in graphics design and I went to the Rhode Island School of Design for my master’s degree and I have an MFA in graphic design. GP: What was your best experience in college? Grey: I think it was around junior year when I had two intense years of school and I just felt a little bit worn out. Entering as a freshman, I was excited and I kind of just found myself at the end of sophomore year feeling a little bit wondering about my direction and I had a great professor junior year, Todd Cavalier, who really helped me get my confidence back just by the way he was teaching. One day, he said, “You know, you are actually very talented and have some sensibility towards design,” and that one remark made a huge difference to me because I think I had forgotten that. GP: Please give a brief history of your resume.
Wednesday 10/20
EDITORIAL BOARD Chris Kopacko Opinion Editor
Josh Kruger Photo Editor Kelsey Loverude Photo Editor Drake McCabe Photo Editor
Tom O’Brien Arts & Features Editor Spencer Buell Assistant Arts & Features
Jen Perrin Online Editor
Editor
Krysta Davis Assistant Arts & Features Editor
Nenia Corcoran Sports Editor Josh Primak Sports Editor Matt Cook Assistant Sports Editor Ryan Creed Assistant Sports Editor
knew I wanted to go back to graduate school, so I returned to Providence to RISD. I spent two years there doing a thesis on graphic design and the senses. After that, I had the opportunity to move to Copenhagen, so I never expected to go back to Europe so soon. I taught there for a little over a year, and it was an amazing experience - one of the best education-wise, really. I moved to Boston and I went back for three years to teach a workshop there. In 2006, I started working for a design studio in downtown Boston and worked there for a couple of years working on the web, with prints, and I also worked with environmental graphic design. Then, I transitioned into part-time teaching, part-time having my own clients, and so I have taught at most of the schools in the area at least as an adjunct professor. Finally, I went back to graduate school to teach full-time, and then I started teaching here full-time this fall. GP: What is the best part of your job at Framingham State?
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Grey: To be able to influence the graphic design concentration here, and be able to use my resources to help point people in their direction and on their way is one of my favorite parts of my job. I also like working with planning the class and I really try to have a dialogue with the students to see what they are interested in and how they are working on their projects.
Grey: After I graduStephanie Grey ated, I experimented a GP: Are you currently lot. I took a lot of jobs, working on any projects? freelance jobs in graphic design and education. I just tried a lot of different things that I liked. I needed a Grey: I am working on a book of design with a very break after college, so I took a summer and taught close friend, business partner and former advisor horseback riding because that is one of my other pas- from grad school. She is doing a book on writing sions. It really was about following the things that I for artists and designers and I am the designer in like to do. I moved to New York City and started the book and it is a much anticipated book - people working, funny enough on Wall Street, which I am are pre-ordering the book and it has not even been not a very corporate person at all, but it paid well designed yet! I have my first design meeting next and I always wanted to experience life a little bit, so week. I learned a lot about design and the printing industry. I never studied abroad when I was at Carnegie GP: What is your favorite aspect of Framingham Mellon and I always wanted to, so I found a job in State College? the Netherlands and I was really interested in Dutch design and I always kind of looked out for some- Grey: The students. ... I feel that the students, in thing in that area and a job came up. It was at the general, are very grateful and open, which is the height of the dot-com wave, and I moved to Holland most important thing. and worked there for about two-and-a-half years. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I always
Lindsay Chase News Editor Rakel Hjaltadóttir News Editor Julie Ann Giebler Interim Assistant News Editor
October 15, 2010
Pam Barberio Business Editor Samantha Hamel Columnist Joe Kourieh Staff Writer Samantha Lockard Staff Writer Kerrin Murray Staff Writer Carey Scouler Staff Writer Danielle Vecchione Staff Photographer
Betty Brault Administrative Assistant Desmond McCarthy Advisor
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October 15, 2010
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Support sought for public higher education -Continued from page 1
student at UMass Amherst, said he’s marching for education. “We want people to know that education is very important. It should be a right, not a privilege.” Page said that, “We [PHENOM] looked around, across community colleges and state universites … and realized we’re all fighting our own little battle. We’re all fighting for our own little piece of the pie and as we’re doing that, we’re all sinking.” Kulenovic said, “We have rallies in Boston every year, but we want to have a presence in some of the other districts … so to do this march across the state, we were able to talk to people in some districts that we don’t normally talk to.” Page pointed out that there are 29 campuses across the state and nearly half a million people connected to public higher education on a daily basis. “We’re walking because the old way of advocating for public higher education is not working. We’ve been going downhill, which is why we’re near the bottom of the whole country in terms of funding public higher education,” said Page. Union President Donohue said, “Massachusetts public higher education has been poorly funded and poorly supported for decades.” According to Pintado, Massachusetts is known for its top private schools, but fails public higher education. Currently, only 3.9 percent of the state budget goes toward public higher education, ranking Massachusetts 46th in per capita spending on its colleges and universities. “A lot of people in a lot of other states are able to send family members, or go themselves, to an excellent public higher ed insitution for an incredibly small amount of money,” said Donohue - who attended both Massachusetts and Florida public universities. For the $11,700 in tuition and fees at UMass Amherst, if he were a Florida resident, both of his college-bound children could attend the University of Florida and he would “still have 1,700 dollars in his pocket.” Page said, “The State House needs to be educated about public higher education.” State Representative Tom Sannicandro stressed the importance of an educational opportunity and its connection to the commonwealth’s success and future. Sannicandro said that nearly 85 percent of Massachusetts’ students stay, work and live in the state after graduating - making it crucial to fund public higher education
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in order to create a better support system for future generations. According to Donohue, Massachusetts citizens are unaware of the true impact of public higher education. “It’s only when you get out of Massachusetts that you realize how bizarre Massachusetts really is. When it comes to driving, it’s true,” joked Donohue. He noted that “Massachusetts is one of the very few states where people look down on public higher ed. … We have to find a way to change this bizarre attitude.” Green Party gubernatorial candidate, Jill Stein discussed the importance of public higher education. “The bottom line is that this [budget cut] is a reflection of Beacon Hill’s priorities and the terribly misplaced toxic priorities. … We’re cutting education and public higher education, which is so critical to our economy,” said Stein. She thanked PHENOM for “raising the bar for all of us” when “we badly needed a transformation,” but focused on her gubernatorial campaign in her remarks.
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
State Representative Tom Sannicandro
“What we need more than anything is an educated and capable workforce that can not only do the jobs of today, but the jobs of tomorrow. We need deep education and education for life.” Stein spoke passionately about the need for a better healthcare system. When asked about personal connections to higher edu-
cation, Stein said that one of her two sons attends graduate school at Tufts University, a private institution. Morrongiello gave a personal account of his own college decision process. For a student with personal educational needs, Morrongiello believed that his college choice was significantly linked to his future. “Looking at an affordable option like Framingham State, that has the supports” that he needed was the best option for him. He praised support systems on campus that help students, noting that if budgets continue to be cut, places like CASA and other services will be cut as well. Sannicandro said public higher education has more potential than perceived. He mentioned Christa McAullife, a Framingham State alumna who had been chosen for the “NASA Teacher in Space Project” in 1986. “McAullife is an example of what state institutions, state colleges and universities are doing here in Massachusetts,” he said. Donohue emphasized that the citizens of the commonwealth need to know “there’s an excellent high-quality option that’s affordable to them through public higher education. And we need to make sure this option continues to be maintained through adequate funding.” Sannicandro said he became a state representative to help people, and public higher education funding is one of his major areas of focus. He fully supports and plans to sign the “For a Great State of Mind” petition. Morrongiello said “The ‘American Dream’ is that we’re the land of opportunity, but as we cut public higher education, that’s not going to be the case.” Pintado said, “I do believe that when we walk together ... we the students are united and union makes power and then there’s nothing that can’t be done. We are the students of now, and we want public higher education. “If I had to do this over again, I’d do it gladly,” he added. Freshman Rachel Gelinas, an English major, was one of the few students attending the event. She said, “It’s a good idea [the campaign]. We definitely need to support it.” Mary Lonzo, a sophomore nutrition major, was inspired most by the personal accounts, but thought the event “should have been promoted more.”
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October 15, 2010
H e m e n w ay p r o j e c t e x p e c t e d t o t a k e f i v e y e a r s -Continued from page 1
The chiller project will be paid for by the $1.6 million in federal stimulus funding the college received. Hamel said the construction project has been in the works for a number of years. “It took a few years to get approval of funding for that project. It took a number of years to complete all of those master plans. In 2007, we completed our capital master plan, and in 2008, the public higher education bond bill was passed,” Hamel said. The project, which will take approximately five years to be completed, will affect classrooms and offices in Hemenway Hall. In order to make up for the loss of space during construction, O’Connor Hall could be used as additional offices, classrooms, meeting areas and “swing space.” Chair of the Consumer Sciences Department Janet Schwartz is happy improvements will be made to Hemenway Hall. “Our nutrition students will benefit from the new and renovated biology and chem labs. With more space, we may be able to grow our program,” Schwartz said. “This renovation will also improve our apparel lab rooms as well as our two food laboratories. We will go from 1970 to 2015 in the next four years.” Biology professor Dr. Amanda Simons said the science project would allow for students to be better prepared for the workplace. Because of the construction project, “We can offer labs that more closely mimic what science majors would
encounter in their jobs after graduation,” Simons said. “We’ll have new classrooms and labs that can provide our students with a better educational experience, since we can take advantage of newer instructional technology.” Dr. Richard Beckwitt, biology professor, said of the current Hemenway facilities, “We’re making it work, but we’re making it work in really awkward ways. ... [The renovations] will make our lives a lot easier. I think it will make the experience for students a lot more productive.” Dr. Dave Merwin of the geography department said, “We have excellent science departments and they deserve
“We can offer labs that more closely mimic what science majors would encounter in their jobs after graduation.” - Dr. Amanda Simons to be equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories. I think the upgrade in facilities is long overdue.” Merwin said he also hopes students in the geography department will benefit from the construction. “As a professor who specializes in geo-spatial information science [GIS], it is my hope that space can be increased for the GIS lab. Currently, the GIS lab is used for
classroom instruction, research-related activities and as a lab for students to complete their work. In the near future, I hope to acquire additional lab space just for students.” Chair of the biology department Dr. Margaret Carroll, who served on the committee that helped develop the preliminary plans for Hemenway Hall, said, “I’m happy with them [the plans]. I’d like to have more space.” However, she said there weren’t “really plans for growth in those plans, and we are seeing growth in our science programs.” She hopes the final project will leave room for growth of further science studies. Samantha Brady, a senior biology major, said, “I think they’re fine the way they are now, but they could definitely use some updating and/or renovating to make them better. I would say we get sufficient use out of the labs, but the new addition would allow for students to get more out of them.” Kim Selwitz, a senior psychology major, said, “It’s sad that a lot of high school labs are better than ours. … Our rallying efforts … really helped to make our needs visible.” Melissa Lomba, a senior psychology major, said, “It’s not a bad use of the money, but it’s a lot of money for one area.” Glenn DelRossi, a senior history major, said the Hemenway laboratories are “straight out of 1972.” He said the construction is “a good thing - you want everyone to have good facilities for their majors.” [Editor’s note: Lindsay Chase, Rakel Hjaltadóttir and Amy Koski contributed to this article.]
Secretary of Education Paul Reville announces $1.8 million allocated to FSC
By Lauren Byrnes Editor-in-Chief
Last week, Secretary of Education Paul Reville visited Framingham State to announce the allocation of $1.8 million in federal stimulus funds to the college for FY 2011. Although $1.3 million has not been allocated for any particular projects as of yet, a little over half a million dollars of the FY11 stimulus funds have been designated to the library renovation project, said Senior Vice President of Administration, Finance and Information Technology Dr. Dale Hamel. Reville said, “The governor led the effort for the largest public higher education bond bill in the history of the commonwealth. … We’re particularly proud of the money that’s coming here, whether it’s for dorm space or whether it’s for the science laboratories or a variety of other opportunities.” He also discussed the economic downturn and its effect on public higher education. “We’re concerned about the overall predicament in which we find ourselves as a state,” Reville said. “The current budget that we’re in is certainly by no means generous. … It’s not where we want to be in public higher education, but it’s better than we thought we’d be.” Reville also expressed his appreciation to faculty and administrators for their efforts and “continuing commitment” during this economic downturn. He also said the recession has prevented the commonwealth from providing public institutions with all the
financial support they need due to the increased enrollment, demand in services and decrease in funds. “I know that you’ve been operating under lessthan-ideal circumstances,” he said. Reville told the campus community that the world has changed since many administrators and faculty began their careers in higher education and “if we want to continue to be relevant as an institution in public higher education, we’re going to think about ways of working differently that accommodate the existing realities that we face in our outside world.” Reville said although after the recession, institutions may be able to come back to where they once were financially, “Where we were isn’t necessarily going to be sufficient to meet the needs to grow and develop in the ways that you want to here.” In order to survive this recession, Reville said, “I do think we’ve got to challenge ourselves … to think differently and to work more effectively and to work smarter in light of the realities we’re currently facing.” Additionally, Reville emphasized the importance of higher education in the commonwealth. “It really is the only basis on which we’re going to grow this economy in the future. … It’s in our self interest to grow this potential.” The governor views the work done at Framingham State and other state universities as “absolutely central to the economic development of the commonwealth. Therefore, it’s a critical priority,” Reville said.
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October 15, 2010
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S G A r e a c tivates Computer Science C l u b , discusses Question 3
By Spencer Buell Editorial Staff
would lower state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent. Approval would most likely reduce financial support for On Tuesday, SGA reactivated the Computer Science state public higher education institutions, said MorrongiClub’s constitution in a unanimous vote. ello. He warned that FSC could lose as much as $6 million SGA memin state funding. bers also disNo SGA cussed Quesmembers voltion 3, which unteered a mowill appear on tion to vote on the ballot durthe issue. ing the NovemNicole Dyber election. gon, social Computer events coordiScience Club nator, said she President Mike advised against Picchioni said, either support“We want to ing or opposing help to facilithe question’s tate students in approval. basic computer “I think that necessities like we should just tech support inform students that IT does not and not take a Drake McCabe/The Gatepost offer.” side. I think it’s The club’s more fair just to SGA senators during their Tuesday night meeting. programs ininform the stuclude Facebook dent body,” said and computer security and password enhancement, he Dygon. said. Senator-at-large Julie Cormio said she thought SGA Student Trustee Max Morrongiello, in his weekly should wait for more “good numbers” pertaining specifitrustee report, asked SGA if it would entertain a vote on cally to public higher education before voting. whether to take a unified stance on Question 3 on behalf “Then, we’re not voting on sales tax - we’re voting on of the students. us losing money. As the election gets closer, we can take a Question 3, or the Massachusetts Sales Tax Relief Act, stand on it,” she said.
Morrongiello estimated there would be a $1,000 loss per student. He said the Legislative Action Committee (LAC) would discuss ways to inform students about these numbers. He said he is not sure whether the LAC would be allowed to use state resources to support or oppose the ballot question. Morrongiello also asked SGA to support his new communications committee. The governance committee, he said, would “improve communications between all the different departments on campus as well as between faculty and students.” He said the committee would address the lack of soap and hand driers in residence halls by facilitating communication between students and the Office of Residence Life. As this was the first SGA meeting for newly elected senators-at-large, SGA President Mike Long led new members in a recitation of the SGA oath. Long invited junior and senior SGA members to join the committee responsible for crafting the school’s new vision and core values statements.
“We want to help to facilitate students in
basic computer necessities like tech support that IT does not offer.” - Mike Picchioni
ARTS & FEATURES
October 15, 2010
6
Haitian author shares wisdom with freshmen
By Joe Kourieh Staff Writer
O
n Sept. 29, Edwidge Danticat, author of the freshman common reading book “Brother, I’m Dying,” visited Framingham State to tell her story to the campus community. In her memoir, Danticat writes about her experiences growing up in Haiti and immigrating to the United States. “Brother, I’m Dying” provides a firsthand account of the hardships and cultural bonds which shaped her life as she grew up in the small undeveloped country of Haiti, and the difficulties she and her family experienced immigrating to the United States. Danticat details the events in her life, such as listening to the stories told by her grandmother when she was a child, her uncle’s trials as a priest in a violent Haitian neighborhood and finally, her father’s battle with a fatal disease, all of which provided inspiration for writing the book. Danticat said she wanted her readers to get to know the characters of the story, all of whom are her own family members. “I wanted [my family] to feel like the family of the reader,” she said. “Then you can compare it to your family and see … they’re just like us.” Danticat recited the proverb, “Words have wings. Words have feet,” to describe why she wanted to become a writer. This means writing can bring people to places far away from their own lives and cultures. “The folktales were really a source of life lessons that I had been hearing my whole life, but suddenly, I was revisiting them with
this adult experience,” Danticat said. “When my father was dying and my daughter was being born … I felt this story starting to develop in my head, and I couldn’t help thinking, ‘Words have wings. Words have feet.’” Because literacy is so rare in Haiti, Danticat was even more inspired to become a professional writer. “I knew from the time that I was a very little girl that I wanted to be a writer,” she said. “My first writing lessons came from listening to my grandmother and my aunts tell stories. … Growing up in Haiti, if you’re a child going to school or even an adult, writing is a privilege.” Danticat used another proverb to describe her uncle’s experience in the United States. “Sometimes you are running from the rain, and end up in the fire,” Danticat said. The proverb means that although immigrants can escape the dangerous conditions of their homelands, they often find themselves treated poorly when they arrive in America. Danticat also discussed immigration, which was a major topic in her memoir. She told the audience about her uncle Joseph, who came to America to escape the violence in Haiti. However, Joseph was detained in America and taken to an immigration detention facility in Florida. Due to his age and health issues, he was moved to the hospital and died due to a lack of proper medical care. “Eighty-one-years old my uncle was, and he was arrested, placed in jail … and subsequently died, chained to a hospital bed at the prison ward at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was running from the rain, and ended up in the fire.” Danticat also described how immigrants are often viewed, using another
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Danticat at the book signing after her presentation in DPAC. proverb. like I was visiting with him. “When you see an old bone on the “It’s been like a way of putting some side of the road, remember that it once flesh back on the bones of my uncle, and had flesh on it,” she said. She used the on the bones of my father,” she said. proverb in reference to her father and un- Danticat said she’s passionate about cle, who were both immigrants who died improving the treatment of immigrants in the United States. who are detained. She also described her “If someone is walking down the firsthand experiences visiting various imstreet and kicks a random dog, there’s migration detention facilities, where she outrage, so how is it that there’s no out- witnessed the treatment of immigrants. rage when somebody is allowed to die in Danticat used the proverb, “Those immigration jail?” Danticat said. “These who are concerned do not sleep,” to betpeople are taken into custody, and ter explain her determination to improve they’re trapped there, and they’re treated the treatment of immigrants. She paslike dogs.” sionately described it as “a call to action. Danticat also said writing her memoir “We are all concerned,” she said. was a healing process for her. “I started “That means all of us - whenever some writing shortly after my father died … injustice is being perpetrated, it concerns and it was sort of a way to honor him. ... all of us. … I wanted to fight it, and writIt took about a year, but every day, I felt ing this book was my fight.” Freshman sociology major Kristen Lynch said, “She was better than the average speaker. … I could really understand what she meant. … She gave a new perspective of the issues.” Undeclared freshman Dave Pineau said he liked Danticat’s presentation. “She was very personable - I felt like I already knew her.” Freshman history major Laura Stagliola said, “I loved how Danticat used Haitian proverbs to explain the reasons why she wrote her book. … My favorite proverb was, ‘Words have feet. Words have wings.’” Freshman English major Ericka Sheridan said, “It was inspirational. … She was emotional during her presentation, though I felt that she is a really good public speaker.” Freshman early childhood education major Chelsea Kelley said, “I think she had a wonderful story and I’m glad she was able to share it.”
“When you see an old bone on the side of the road, remember that it once had flesh on it”
“Words have wings. Words have feet.”
“Sometimes you are running
from the rain and end up in the fire.”
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Framing-jamz
Arts & Features
7
October 15, 2010
Musical happenings on and off campus By Zack Comeau Staff Writer
ON: DJ Battle T
he College Center forum broke out in dance last Thursday night, as students piled in to hear DJs from other local schools showcase their ear for smooth beats and intricate transitions. The battle, organized by the Black Student Union, was a competition for the chance to play at a party on Oct. 23, according to Mirlesna Azor, president of the club. Azor said she and the rest of the BSU wanted to bring an aspect of other local parties to Framingham State. “[We’ve had] DJs at local parties, and we wanted to invite them to perform at a college campus,” she said.
Before the show, Azor said that she didn’t know how the event would “play out.” She expressed her concerns that the crowd may be a bit small, which was quickly dismissed after the music could be heard from the commuter caf. The event felt more like a party than a competition, as most of the crowd began to move their bodies to
OFF:
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Student competing in DJ battle at Forum
the first few beats laid out by the group Trend Stream Entertainment. Among the other competitors were DJ SNS, Ghost Team Entertainment, DJ Promo and Triple Black Entertainment, who were playing to the home crowd, as member Alex Robinson attends FSC. After all five groups showcased their talents for 15 minutes each, the
judges decided that the final decision would be between two groups: DJ SNS and DJ Promo. Each group played for another five minutes, much to the delight of the already dance-crazy crowd. The judges met, and, after handing out some harsh criticism and tough love, announced the final decision, maintaining that DJ Promo was “the only group to have the audience dancing from start to finish.” As a result, DJ Promo will provide the beats and entertainment for the BSU party on Oct. 23. Let the beats drop and the dancing get wild again next Saturday.
The Chop Shop: Hardcore the DIY way
Location: Framingham
H
Address: Unknown
ardcore is not just a genre of music. For most listeners of hardcore, the genre defines them, affecting one’s everyday life, shaping one’s opinions and beliefs. Shows offer a safe haven to those troubled youths who are the focus of many hardcore songs. In the MetroWest area, the lack of venues open to hardcore bands leaves fans with the task of having to travel to the city, or out west to Worcester. When threads about local shows at the Chop Shop in Framingham began appearing on hardcore message boards in September, fans were excited to see some good new music within half an hour’s drive. The only problem is that the Chop Shop is somewhat of a secret venue. The address has not been posted anywhere online. It’s not on any flyers, either. The only hint is that it’s somewhere in Framingham. One can only find the exact address of The Chop Shop by word of mouth in the hardcore community. The address has not, and never will be public. The owners, Ryan Regnier and Brandon “Boosh” Long, said they started renting out the spot as a practice space for their bands. According to Regnier, he and his friends started hanging out there on the weekends, and saw it as a cool place to party. Regnier said, “If we had nothing else to do and our neighbors were cool with it we decided to see if we could get away with having shows, which we could.” Regnier said that since the first show in August, they have had a few shows a month, including bands such as Colony, Dry Heave, New Reality,
Cavity Creeps, Villain, Abomination, Pitfall and Revenge. “When we saw it, it was huge and we were like ‘Yeah, we need to have shows here,’” said Boosh. To call the Chop Shop “huge” in terms of venues would be a bit of a stretch. The place is, essentially, a basement. In high school, house shows were the alternative to partying. Get a few bands, around 50 kids, cram into the basement like sardines and just play music and have a good time. Regnier and Long seem to want to bring that appeal back to the hardcore scene. Scattered on the walls of the Chop Shop are hand-drawn illustrations memories of drunken nights with best friends. The inside jokes and alcoholinspired drawings create good vibes and a friendly atmosphere. In the corner lay three massive sofas, a mini fridge and a small TV equipped with Nintendo 64, offering patrons of the show a place to sit and
mingle with each other, a chance to meet new people. So far, the Chop Shop has stayed open and running without any incidents. Regnier and Long wish to continue that trend of just having a good time and enjoying music. Until the Mongoloids came to town last Friday, it has mainly been local bands who perform, with the exception of Colony, from New York. The Mongoloids, hailing from New Jersey, have captured the attention of the hardcore community, most recently with the release of their third album, “New Beginnings.” A straight-edge band, the Mongoloids have a reputation of putting on a crazy show. Needless to say, this followed the reputation. Coupled with being in a cramped basement with over 100 people going ballistic, body contact is inevitable. Within the first minute of the first
Zack Comeau/The Gatepost
The Chop Shop brings hardcore shows back to the basement
Mongoloids song, almost everyone had received a fist to the head. Nothing personal though. The action didn’t just last for the first few songs. The intensity lasted for their full set, raising the adrenaline levels of the Friday night crowd, composed mostly of recent high school graduates and college students. Hardcore is often looked down upon because of the aggressive nature of the live shows, but that is also the reason why it is loved. Hardcore is one of the most influential music genres. The emotion that the bands share with the crowd is truly amazing. Energy runs through the Chop Shop in a positive way represented by an ironic “BYOB” on the show flyers, displaying the fun, no care, positive outlook of Regnier and Long. Bryan Taylor, a hardcore fan and a junior visual communications major at FSC, said he thought it was a “fun atmosphere for a show.” The Chop Shop is what hardcore needs - an underground venue with no labels or profit, as admission was only $7, most of which went to the bands that played. With a band as successful as the Mongoloids, the show went smoothly, with absolutely no fights or bad vibes. Liz Scannel, a sophmore visual communications major at FSC agreed that the Chop Shop was a great place for a show. “I thought it was a good atmosphere. It’s like a basement in the 1990s that everyone chills in,” said Scannel. The keepers of the Chop Shop hope it can remain underground, but Long is nonetheless excited about the popularity of the safe haven he and his friend have created. “Yeah man, it’s a rad place,” Long said.
October 15, 2010
Arts & Features
8
How are you preparing for midterm exams? Campus ConversationS By Tom O’Brien & Spencer Buell Photos by Drake McCabe
“Long hours in the library!”
“My method for midterms has been to cross my fingers.”
- Nicole Cirino, junior biology major
- Kalina Flood, junior biology major
By Spencer Buell Assistant Arts and Features Editor “Nothing different - I’m just gonna wing it.” - Adam Bailey, junior communication arts major
“Well, as of now, none of my professors have even discussed the midterms.” - Mike Merola, freshman English major
Editors Note: In last week’s issue of The Gatepost, Victoria DeVincent was misquoted as saying “It looks cool. You get to have a fire to look at.” She actually said “School is providing the beer. So it’d be hypocritical as long as no one gets in trouble - it’s fine.”
“I think I only have one midterm, so I’m not worried.” - Joe Clover, junior communication arts major
“I lock myself in my room.” - Taylor Tocci, freshman biology major
Application Deadline Approaching for Interest-free Student Loan
Information and application forms for Ellen Hyde Loans are available at the office of the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni at the Alumni House located at 42 Adams Road, the FSU Financial Aid Office, and online at www.alumnihouse.org. Undergraduate students, who have completed the equivalent of one year’s study, maintained a minimum QPA of 2.75, and demonstrated financial need, are eligible to apply. These educational loans are made without interest and are repaid at a minimum rate of $50.00 per month on completion or termination of studies at Framingham State University. This fund has helped to finance an education for many over the years and current students are invited to take advantage of this opportunity as well. The DEADLINE for applications for Spring 2011 loans is November 15th. Please call 508.872.9770 or email Office@AlumniHouse.org with any questions.
October 15, 2010
The Gatepost Editorial Students must be involved
Op/Ed
Op/Ed
9
For years, there has been limited student involvement on campus. It’s challenging for clubs and organizations to encourage students to attend any event on campus besides BINGO because people simply don’t show up. Clubs often plan events, order food and purchase prizes, only to have under 10 people attend. Even Tuesday’s Best Friend Challenge fundraiser sponsored by It’s no news to students of the abysmal parking dilemma here at FSC. Ask any number of resident SGA was poorly attended - only a handful of students participated, students and they’ll say that waiting for the shuttle bus on campus has made them late for class/ most of whom were SGA members. work more than once. Now to be fair, students are infamous for complaining about everything, so Since the semester began, there have been significant events in taking this moan-and-groan at face value doesn’t exactly warrant much credence. However, with the history of this institution for students, faculty and administrators the administration’s failure to provide housing to all the resident students they accepted this year, to attend. However, there was little involvement from students, and FSC’s shuttle bus service is now committed to driving through Route 9 traffic to pick up and drop in some cases, from faculty as well. off the student overflow, now residing at Framingham’s Sheraton Hotel. This has left a bad taste Last week’s PHENOM rally, held in DPAC at 5:30 on Tuesday in many students’ mouths, and it’s not just because they don’t have a 32” HD flat screen TV or a evening, was publicized by FSC’s Student Trustee Max Morrongiello. queen-size “Sweet Sleeper Bed” in their dorm room. He spoke to some faculty members, created a Facebook event to Now that students are living in luxury down Route 9, the shuttle bus is scheduled to make stops notify students and brought a PHENOM representative to an SGA at the Sheraton eight times a day, plus dispatch calls after 8 p.m. This added destination in the meeting to encourage senators to attend. Despite Morrongiello’s shuttle’s route has left the rest of the FSC resident community waiting even longer time periods for efforts, few students, SGA members or even campus leaders a half-mile ride to and from their vehicles parked at Union Avenue Lot. participated in the rally. Student leaders especially should attend events like the PHENOM Now I know what you might be saying: “But Chris, half a mile isn’t that far at all! Students rally. They must show their support for public higher education and should just walk to their cars if they don’t want to wait for a lift!” this institution, especially during these tough economic times. There I happen to agree with you. However, it doesn’t address the crux of the issue here, which is that should have been more students in attendance because the rally was Framingham State is promoting a shuttle service that it fails to deliver on - a continuous shuttle held on a Tuesday evening, when the majority of undergraduates are loop exclusively to and from Union Avenue Lot. What’s worse is the reasoning behind this fiasco the administration’s inability to house an appropriate number of students. Now students are forced out of class. Students are not the only ones who should be held accountable to pay for this mishap with a slipshod shuttle service. And at $500 per decal, the only “bang” for their lack of support for campus events. The lack of student residents are getting for their buck is the one their cars make when driving in and out of the pothole involvement is often the result of poor scheduling, which is the infested Union Avenue Lot. administration’s fault. Perhaps administrators should be forced to park at Union Avenue Lot. Maybe then, the school The Topping Off Ceremony held last month on a Monday at noon would ensure an efficient shuttle bus system - one that actually follows the posted schedules. Until offered members of the campus community the chance to sign the last then, I recommend snow boots and scarves for that half-mile trudge to Union - they’re predicting steel beam that would be placed inside the new dorm. Few students a lot of snow this winter. Chris Kopacko attended because the event was held while most undergraduates Opinion Editor were in class. The administration cannot expect students to attend such important events when they are scheduled during class time and when they aren’t extensively publicized. There is a reason for the free block on Mondays and Wednesdays - so students can attend meetings and events. While hidden under the banner of altruism (“It’s going to kill you - you shouldn’t do that. Don’t There were also few students in attendance for last week’s get mad - I’m just trying to help!”), pointing the finger at a smoker and declaring “Bad!” is much announcement of federal stimulus funds. The event was held at 12:30 on a Thursday afternoon, when many students are in class, the same as saying “How about this heat?” during the middle of July while standing inside of a greenhouse on a cloudless day. We get it. Really, we do. and the notification was sent to students only the day before. Roughly 400,000 killed a year in tobacco related diseases? I believe it. Frankly, I’d be surprised Tuesday’s announcement of the Hemenway Hall and science lab if the number weren’t higher, and as soon as it is made illegal, I’ll quit and reap the benefit of clean construction funding was held outside the building. Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, Senator Karen Spilka, Representatives Tom Sannicandro lungs. But it hasn’t been, and it won’t be, and therefore, I will continue to smoke. Here’s why (and and Pam Richardson and college administrators attended, but once I won’t even use the “addiction is a disease” excuse): it relaxes me. I work full-time and attend school full-time, and that leaves me wound pretty tight. Yes, I’ve read several reports about smoking again, only a few students were there. The announcement was held at 10:15 a.m., when students are not really offering any calming effect because it is a stimulant, but it is also known that nicotine either in class or walking to the next. Campus police barricaded releases dopamine, which we can recognize as a pleasure chemical pre-existent in and natural to the the area with orange cones to prevent cars from driving through. body - one that works quite efficiently at that. Regardless of the ACTUAL effect of a cigarette, I’ve However, they confused students in the process. Many looked on convinced myself that it is doing what I need it to do, and that thought combined with said chemical curiously, wondering if they had to stay behind the orange cones, assures that my delicious cigarette will allow me my “ahh” of relief eight seconds after my initial and others weren’t even aware of what was taking place. inhalation. Only faculty and staff were sent an email notifying them of the As far as smoking on campus goes, there are designated spots to prevent the school from looking announcement. Students were left out of the proverbial loop. like an ashtray, not to play crowd control and isolate harmful byproduct to specific locales. Frankly, Although there is often a lack of student participation in major if they increased the number of “smoking stations,” your likelihood of running into one of these campus events, there are many students who would have liked infamous clouds of smoke that you’ve seen billowing about, haunting the academic community and to have attended. Many undergraduates care about the college’s causing insufferable pain and heartache, would be greatly decreased. financial situation and are interested in the ongoing construction We all know smoking is bad - let’s not demonize it to the point of a tangible being walking about projects. Although students might not be here when these buildings punching innocent bystanders in their faces. Patrick Hart are completed, they still take pride in the college’s advancements Class of 2011 and are affected by its finances. However, scheduling events while students should be in class is FREE Flu Vaccine insulting. They have a right to be there just as much as faculty and Available in Health Services Editor’s Note: In last week’s op/ed, staff do. The press attended many of these events, and representatives from “SDAs go hungry,” it was incorrectly for ALL Students the Board of Higher Education were also there. It is embarrassing stated that students cannot swap a meal Flu Clinics to the college that so few students were there to celebrate these in the residence cafeteria for a To Go opMonday-Friday milestones. In these cases, the reason for the lack of participation tion for dinner. 9-11am was simply because events were not extensively publicized and Students can swap a meal in the were scheduled at inconvenient times. 1:30-3:30pm residence cafeteria for a To Go dinner The administration should consider providing students enough No appointment necessary. notice, so they have the option of attending events important enough option between 3:30 and 10 p.m. Health & Wellness Center to draw press coverage. They should also take advantage of the free Foster Hall blocks students have during the week when scheduling significant ceremonies and announcements. We at The Gatepost welcome Op/Ed submissions from all members of the Many students petitioned for the construction of the science labs FSC community. Please limit opinions to last semester. We at The Gatepost believe those students had a right 300 words and letters to the editor to 200 words. to be in front of Hemenway Hall to hear the announcement and see E-mail submissions to Gatepost@framingham.edu. what their lobbying accomplished.
Sheraton shuttle short shrifts students
Don’t tread on me! ...or my cigarettes
Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.
Page 10
Sports
October 15, 2010
Rams escape with thrilling victory A crossover shot by Framingham threatened, but later appeared unsuccessful. It bounced off a UMass The 2010 season began with Framdefender, and in an attempt to clear, ingham achieving a six-game winning found the back of the net. The Rams streak, in which the Rams outscored secured a comfortable 2-0 lead. opponents 19-2. Since then, they have The second half featured the Black been 2-4. However, on Wednesday, and Gold starting from where they FSC grabbed a non-conference vicleft off - the offensive pressure scramtory to extend their overall record to bling defenders from UMass. 9-4. The second half featured an abunUMass Boston arrived in Framingdance of offsides calls. ham hoping to extend their winning These calls left Rams players as streak to four games. well as fans with their hands on their During the season, they suffered an heads. In total, they suffered eight difeight-game losing streak. ferent penalties, with one even calling Following the opening whistle, back a would-be goal for Framingham the Rams penetrated the Beacons’ UMass utilized these penalties to defense, accumulating breakaway their benefit in terms of offense. The chances and early corner kick opporBeacons, only suffering a single offtunities. The shots on net were dismal, sides infraction, broke through the but Framingham kept with it and on Rams’ defense midway in the second multiple occasions, hit the target. half. UMass successfully kept pace with At 67:48, Beacons’ Stefanos Gathe Rams early, and their defense ultilouzis put on a one-man performance. mately kept them alive. Driving down the field toward the The Beacons were only able to hangoalkeeper, Galouzis took a shot that dle the pressure for so long, when at met its mark, but was saved. However, 36:18 of the first half, Rams’ forward he gathered his own rebound and maJason Silva poked the ball inside the neuvered the ball over Halle’s reach. right post, giving the Rams a 1-0 lead. In an attempt to protect that now Framingham’s defense exploded only one-goal margin, Framingham early and never tapered away. Goalcollected consistent throw-in chances. keeper Greg Halle said, “The defense Framingham played past the efforts was solid all day. We started the game of UMass and even found the post late with a new formation in the back and in the second half, with what could they executed it wonderfully and have sealed the deal. switched back to our default system On top of producing quality shots, in the second half, which was also the Rams also backed up their offense solid.” By Matt Cook Assistant Sports Editor
Editors’ NFL Picks of the Week Baltimore at New England (-2.5) Josh’s Pick (4-0): New England 24-21 Nenia’s Pick (3-1): New England 27 -14 Ryan’s Pick (1-3): New England 27-21 Matt’s Pick (1-3): Baltimore 21-17
Indianapolis at Washington (+3) Josh’s Pick: Indianapolis 23-20 Nenia’s Pick: Indianapolis 28-21 Ryan’s Pick: Indianapolis 31-17 Matt’s Pick: Washington 20-17
Matt Cook/The Gatepost
Jason Silva’s efforts led to his 13th goal of the season.
with robust and effective goaltending and all around defense. Corner kicks were brought out of the zone before any real danger was to be had and shots came anything but easily for the Beacons. When the final whistle was blown, the Rams extended their record to 9-4
with a 2-1 victory. They also snapped UMass’ winning streak, halting it at three games. The Beacons are now 4-9 on the season overall. Framingham has allowed two goals in their last two games - both victories - and travel to Bridgewater on Saturday.
ARE YOU HANGING OUT AT THE CORNER? If you’re not, you should be! Check out Creed’s Corner at www.thegatepost.com for a preview of the Patriots game and more!
DID YOU KNOW... The three bird mascots of the Baltimore Ravens are named Edgar, Allan and Poe.
October 15, 2010
Sports
11
Rams on the road
By Josh Primak Sports Editor
After victories by the Football and Women’s Soccer teams during Homecoming Weekend, Maple Field and the Dwight Gym have been relatively quiet this past week, with a Men’s Soccer game on Wednesday as
the only sports event on campus. Though the Rams have been playing in mostly hostile environments, it hasn’t stopped them from picking up key victories. In another tough conference road game, the Football team improved to 5-1 on the season with a 42-28 victory at Fitchburg State last week against the Falcons. Continuing their wellrounded offensive attack, the Rams scored five touchdowns through the air, four of them landing in the hands of
wide receiver and Homecoming hero James McCarthy. On the ground, the Rams’ offense was sparked by a landmark day from running back Melikke Van Alstyne. The Salem native rushed for 253 yards on 27 carries, with three of those carries going for over 25 yards, including a 79-
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yard touchdown run that broke a 14-14 tie in a back-and-forth first quarter. The win gives the Rams sole possession of first place in the Bogan division of the New England Football Conference (NEFC). On the volleyball court, the Rams beat both Regis and Newbury colleges in tough matches this past Saturday at Hellenic College in Brookline, Mass. The Rams received a stellar
Dublin and London Spring Break Trip 2011
performance from freshman Andressa Fernandes as she had 25 kills in the two matches. Also unbeaten in their conference, the team will take on both Bridgewater and Fitchburg states this Saturday in a day that could have huge conference implications. Things did not go as well for the Women’s Soccer and Field Hockey teams away from the comforts of home. Women’s Soccer lost a tough 4-3 match to Rhode Island College in the Ocean State on Tuesday.
her 22 goals on the season, breaking the previous Clark all-time record of 21. Framingham’s goal came from midfielder Kristin Gentilli. The loss gives the Rams its fifth in six games. Stepping into a hostile environment can be a tough task for an athlete. In order to be successful, a different mindset is often needed for a road game. Women’s Soccer forward Kerry Kiley said of her preparation for
Rhode Island road games, “The was led offensively mindset is also a by forward Alexis challenge in an away Smith, who is in the game because as you midst of an historic “It’s my job to make sure that step off the bus after season. With her a long ride, you need after we leave, they [the other two goals against team] feel worse than before the to be ready to play. the Rams, the But the bus ride game” junior tied the RIC there also gives you -James Patterson record for goals an opportunity to get Football Wide Reciever in a season with your head cleared 13, and will have to be ready for the an opportunity to challenge on the field.” shatter it with five games remaining. Football wide receiver Jason Framingham did not go down without a fight however, as it took a Patterson said, “Honestly I kind of like nearly last-minute save from RIC off playing away because it gives me more a shot by Rams’ midfielder Melissa a reason to prove myself. The home Price to send Framingham home with team feels like they’re going to win because they’re playing at home with the loss. The Field Hockey team took on the all their friends and family watching, Clark University Cougars in Worcester so they feel good. It’s my job to make on Tuesday for a non-conference sure that after we leave, they feel worse matchup. Like their soccer counterparts than before the game.” The Rams will come home this playing in Rhode Island, the team faced an historic offensive threat in Clark’s Saturday when Women’s Soccer takes on Bridgewater State at 10 a.m. Mel Melkonian. The Cougars’ forward hit the Rams and Football faces last year’s NEFC hard, netting a hat trick in a 4-1 victory. champions Maine Maritime Academy The performance by Melkonian gives at 1:00 p.m.
13th Annual Anna Billa Memorial Series Presented by the Consumer Sciences Department at Framingham State College
Information Dinner Get lots of information about this GREAT trip!! In the Alumni Room at 6pm on October 21st
Dr. Paul Galvin How to Become a Student of Mindfulness
Free Pizza and Desserts Questions? Email sraham@framingham.edu
“Embrace life in the face of both challenges and accolades!” Monday, October 18, 2010 at 1:30 PM in the D. Justin McCarthy Student Center Forum Framingham State College
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October 15, 2010
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-Students trying their luck at Halloween Bingo