Rams rally at Homecoming
Women’s Soccer shuts out MCLA
35-28 in OT - p. 13
- p. 14
Green Team harvests organic garden - p. 8
T h e G aT e p o s T Framingham Sta te Unive r sity’s inde pe nde nt stude nt ne w s p a p e r s in c e 1 9 3 2
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Administration holds forum after two alleged sexual assaults on campus By Kerrin Murray ASSOCIATE EDITOR After four alleged sexual assaults were announced last week, members of the administration held an “informational meeting” in DPAC to discuss campus safety with the FSU community last Friday afternoon. On Sept. 28, the Framingham State University Police Department sent out an alert stating, “At 3:05 a.m., a female resident student reported she was the victim of a forcible sex offense that occurred in North Hall.” 22-year-old senior who lives in North Hall but is currently barred from FSU property. This alert came after an 18-year-old freshafter FSUPD received reports Wednesday Sept. 19 that he allegedly sexually assaulted three female students. Danielle Vecchione/The Gatepost Vice President for Enrollment and StuVP Linda Vaden-Goad accepts a tangerine from a Chinese Dragon at the Moon Festival on Tuesday. dent Development Susanne Conley sent an e-mail to students, faculty and staff later Friday morning, strongly encouraging their attendance at that afternoon’s meeting where Campus Police Chief Brad Medeiros, President Timothy Flanagan and Dean of Students He said despite the inclement weather By Kerrin Murray Melinda Stoops would address questions and this year’s attendance was as high as pre- teams all won throughout the day both on concerns community members had. ASSOCIATE EDITOR Conley also encouraged students to forvious years. FSU soil and at other schools. FSU’s annual Homecoming and Fam“This is the third year in a row that the Student Involvement and Leadership ward an e-mail to concerned parents in which ily Weekend brought students, friends and forecast has kept us walking on eggshells Development Club and Service Coordinafamily, community members and clubs toup until game time,” said Walmsley. tor Angel Seto said, “We had 22 clubs sign coverage surrounding the alleged offenses. gether in large numbers on Saturday Sept. “I am sorry that some media reports about But, “The alumni association gave up to be at the Homecoming tables at Ma29. the incidents left the impression that we had ple Field. Despite the cold, rainy weather, not acted swiftly and in the interest of our Assistant Director of Alumni Relacollected information updates on a pleth- the clubs had fun selling items, giving campus community’s safety,” said Conley. tions Robert Walmsley said approximately ora of alumni,” said Walmsley. things away and representing themselves Medeiros emphasized that there was nev1,700 people were at Maple Field to watch Spectators were able to enjoy a brunch to the FSU community.” er a time when the campus community was sporting events and partake and other acorganized by Dining Services while cheerFSU History Club President Justin at risk once these separate alleged incidents tivities such as browsing club tables, hanging on athletes at the various sporting - were reported. ing out with Sam the Ram and listening to “We did not have anybody lurking around events. zon gift card and it was a huge success. We music from WDJM. - Continued on page 5 Men’s football and women’s soccer, - Continued on page 3
Homecoming Weekend a success Rams win across the board
Environmentalist Marion Stoddart advocates for eco-consciousness By Sara Silvestro EDITORIAL STAFF A river is one of Mother Nature’s beauties, a water source that has a fortress of trees and soft sand banks gleam in the sunlight, while rays sparkle on rushing water. The silent roar of the river and the Now picture a river sustaining nothing but decaying marine life, a reeking stench be seen. In the 1950s-‘60s, this was the Nashua River, which runs from southern New Hampshire to north central Massachusetts. The pollution was at its height due to the waste dumping by the local paper mills. On Sept. 26, environmentalist Marian
Stoddart, now 84 years old, addressed faculty and students about her experiences, and her passion for environmental activism. “I had no idea that I would become an environmental advocate,” said Stoddart. Stoddart recalled the 1960s, when environmental movements were not as adexisted. Today, society has become more aware of environmental concerns, such as global warming and overpopulation. Stoddart grew up in the Nevada desert and from an early age, had a strong and ambitious work ethic. By 16, she found a way to get her high school diploma in just three years. She was never fond of being indoors nor could she wait for the school - Continued on page 11
Zeina Sader/The Gatepost
Stoddart and children’s author Lynne Cherry inspire FSU students to dream big.