Fall'16 issue 13

THE

Hudsonian “...AND Hud.

THE

OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

TO ALL Hudsonian A GOOD NIGHT!”

THE

OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Full recap of the biggest stories at HVCC from Fall 2016.

By: Anthony O’Connell News Editor The semester started off with multiple dispersed power outages and numerous technology issues, including the course management system, Blackboard.

“Often when these kind of situations happen, people kind of look at ITS and say, ‘It’s your problem; what’s going on here?’ and we’re trying to deal with a vendor who is having a problem. In some cases, those vendors might not be moving as quickly as we want or have the answers that we want,” said Eric Bryant, assistant director of communications and marketing.

Blackboard The technical difficulties surrounding Blackboard originated

within the program. Hudson Valley’s ITS department had little control over the system failures. However, ITS is doing what they can to compensate for the technological issues on campus.

Multiple students described Blackboard as “useless” due to their professors not updating the site with their grades or information pertaining to the courses.

Shamarra Gibson, liberal arts major, said, “I became fed up with Blackboard after my first few times using it. I haven’t gone back on since October because there is no point. It didn’t work so how could I utilize it, and none of my teachers use it.”

SEE RECAP PAGE 5

Volume 70, Issue 13

Dec. 13, 2016 - Jan. 18, 2017

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Students and Senate Students’ childhood Student athlete members disagree discusses performance, aspirations: on annual Holiday illness and future plans abandoned or embraced?

Banquet’s outcome By: Zoe Deno Staff Writer

NEWS

Mazzone Hospitality was the one redeeming quality of the annual Holiday Banquet, according to students.

“The socialization aspect of it wasn’t too great, the music wasn’t really that good and the dancing scene wasn’t that good, but I loved BANQUET

Story on page:

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By: Tea’ Claus Staff Writer

CREATIVE

Story on page: DREAMS

Do students end up pursuing their childhood aspirations?

“I remember during kindergarten graduation, we all had to say what we wanted to be when we were older. I’ve always been chunky, so I sat in front of the class and said, ‘I want to be a model.’ The following year I

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By: Shelby Collins Destynie Jackson, an exercise science major, is in the Copy Editor

SPORTS

Story on page: JACKSON

top 100 women’s basketball players for her three-point throws in the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Jackson plays shooting guard and backup point guard for the women’s basketball

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December 13, 2016

NEWS

This Week’s Events

Tue 13

Yoga 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm Siek Campus Center, Suite 270 Mindfulness Meditation 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Siek Campus Center, Room 220 (Interfaith Prayer Room) Heart Beatz: Therapeutic Drumming 11:00 am – 11:50 am Siek Campus Center, Room 270 Recruiter on Campus: Lowe’s 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Siek Campus Center, First Floor Lobby

Mindfulness Thurs Guided Meditation Practice am – 10:30 am 15 10:00 Siek Campus Center, Suite 270

Fri 16

Fall 2016 Last day of instruction

Tue 20

Mindfulness Meditation 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Siek Campus Center, Room 220 (Interfaith Prayer Room)

Tue 20

Intersession 2016 Classes Begin Mindfulness Meditation 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Siek Campus Center, Room 220 (Interfaith Prayer Room)

January

Tue 3

Mindfulness Meditation 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Siek Campus Center, Room 220 (Interfaith Prayer Room)

Weather TUESDAY

Wonder what you’re missing out on by ignoring the library?

By: Setodzi Avoke Staff Writer

NEWS The Marvin Library offers students more than the stereotypical library’s grouchy librarians as a resource that aims to meet student needs and concerns.

From laptops, iPads and GoPros available at the front desk, to books and printers, the Dwight Marvin Library is a space designed to cater to an undergraduate campus composed of students with many different needs.

Students can complete their work and study using the Instructional Media Center’s reservable textbooks. Anyone in search of help with work can turn to the Learning Assistance Center and the Writing and Research Center for peer assistance and trained educational instructor help.

Brenda Hazard, library director since 2007, has helped lead the library’s evolving orientation toward a 21st century space. Less than half of the books you see in the library represent the full catalogue of the library.

“We now have about 130,000 e-books and only about 80,000 print books,” said Hazard. Online access includes subscriptions to academic and entertainment periodicals, books, journals and newspapers.

“We have over 50,000 journals through our website 24/7 and only about 100 available here in the building,” said Hazard.

The library is divided into zones. Red zones are designed for silent study and yellow zones are reserved for quiet study, which are located upstairs and downstairs.

The first floors open green zones conducive to “social learning,” per Hazard’s study philosophies.

Hazard said, “We’re a commuter campus, so students don’t have dorm rooms as places to build relations with new people that they didn’t go to highschool with. At Hudson Valley, I consider the library to play an important role in students meeting each other and connecting with each other.”

Designed with this sort of interaction in mind, the first floor can often be loud, housing open seating areas and cafe.

“In 2012, we decided to clear most of the library collections

WEDNESDAY

High/Low 38/25 The Hudsonian Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburgh Ave. Troy, NY 12180 Phone: 518-629-7568 Email: hudsonian@hvcc.edu Editorial Policy All views expressed in this paper are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the The Hudsonian or the College.

High/Low 32/17 Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Jordan Managing Editor Jenny Caulfield Business Manager Tyler Betzwieser Copy Editor Shelby Collins Layout Editor Mike Schaefer News Editor Anthony O’Connell

PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

While offering thousands of print books, the library also offers near 130,000 e-books.

[from] the first floor,” said Hazard. Most of the book collection is on the second floor, with the first floor reserved for lighter recreational reading, new books, and titles relevant to any exhibition that may be up.

The downstairs area shares space with the Computer Learning Center that maintains rows of computers and a computer technician desk as well as the LAC. Downstairs, a designated yellow area, is where the Instructional Media Center’s digital media room, of particular use to students of that subject, can use computers tooled to their needs and where any student may borrow a textbook.

The Collegiate Academic Support Program enables the promotion of academic and personal growth of traditionally underrepresented students is addressed by providing purposeful and holistic services within an environment that celebrates diversity, inclusiveness and community.

Hazard plans to adjust the current reservation procedure.

“Starting in the spring semester, we’re no longer going to be collecting student IDs when they borrow textbooks,” said Hazard, further easing the process.

The upstairs red area, home to the Writing and Research Center, in addition to housing the majority of the library’s books, also

PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

Students completing work at the Writing and Research Center.

THURSDAY High/Low 20/3 Creative Editor Julio Rodriguez Sports Editor Skylar Blankenship Photo Editor Mikey Bryant Junior Editors Dylan Haugen Staff Writers Zoe Deno Tea’ Claus Josh McCart

FRIDAY High/Low 15/5 Setodzi Avoke Hunter Wallace Alana Mueller Staff Photographers Vinny Croce Alana Mueller Isaac Kautz Zoe Deno Faculty Adviser Rachel Bornn

offers private study rooms.

The research database is another useful tool for students in search of scholarly articles. Journal articles, magazine articles, ebooks, and streaming media locked behind paywalls can be accessed through the library’s system.

“The library spends [about] $130,000 per year in licensed content and about $40,000 in print materials. We’re constantly updating our collections. If you wanted to get next month’s issues of major journals, you’ll find them in the research database,” said Hazard.

Physical book purchases, under the direction of librarians, are often decided by review of nationally respected suggestion lists and personal discretion, including the New York Times’ yearly top listing.

“We have best-sellers, a popular reading collection, new books from 2016 that are published in the academic disciplines...we’re pretty current. We’re obligated to provide a current collection. I think that the library is a welcoming place for inquiry and study and to get new ideas,” said Hazard.

Hazard said, “I’m very open to suggestions from students. I love hearing from students about ideas they have. A lot of the renovation is based on student input.”

SATURDAY High/Low 36/34 Letters to the Editor Letters can be delivered to CTR 291 or emailed to hudsonian@ hvcc.edu. Readers may have their letters published anonymously as long as their identity can be verified. Letters will be edited for grammar, style, libel and length.

SUNDAY High/Low 36/16

The Hudsonian is the exclusive student newspaper of Hudson Valley Community College. It is published every week. To join The Hudsonian, attend our weekly meeting on Mondays at 2 p.m. in ADM 107.

December 13, 2016

NEWS

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Student senate eliminates unfulfilling senator

By: Hunter Wallace Staff Writer NEWS

The Student Senate has eliminated Senator Shane Batcher.

“Shane did run for an E-Board position last year. We thought he would be very dedicated and committed, so we felt it was important to bring a senator with those aspects into the Senate,” said Student Senate President Emma Dillon.

According to the Student Senate, it was Batcher’s lack of fulfillment to the Senate that ultimately led to his termination.

“The reason we did remove [Batcher] was because he wasn’t fulfilling the aspects he needed to fulfill. He missed three meetings in a month, so that was very alarming for us. He also hadn’t volunteered in any sort of volunteering event or do any committee or chair work,” said Dillon.

The Student Senate uses an official constitution to help maintain order and guide every decision. As such, a process for removing an individual from the Senate exists.

“Under removal, [the constitution] says a student cannot miss more than two consecutive meetings in a row, or four in a school year. The constitution also states that academic reasons are excusable, if deemed appropriate by the Student Senate. Then we vote on [the reason] as a Senate; we discuss, debate, deem [an individual’s] actions appropriate or inappropriate and then we vote on his or her removal,” said Dillon.

Student Senate recently voted on whether or not the Hudsonian should keep compensation for it’s members.

The Senate voted in favor of The Hudsonian keeping compensation. The Senate tried to vote

Batcher out a week prior to the Hudsonian compensation vote, but were unsuccessful due to a technicality. However, Batcher’s vote was counted in the Hudsonian compensation vote, possibly causing a glitch which could be grounds for a revote.

Despite Batcher’s removal, the integrity of Senate voting regarding compensation for the Hudsonian will remain intact.

According to Dillon, “If [Batcher] is removed from the total tally of votes, instead of needing ¾ of 14, we’ll need ¾ of 13, so he’ll be completely removed from the equation.”

This incident with Batcher is not the first personnel affair that the Student Senate has experienced.

“Last year, we ran into an issue where the President PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN wasn’t removing inactive memSenator Shane Batcher was removed bers, which became an issue when due to a lack of fulfillment to the sen- it came to voting. Members were

not present and were going to other schools. That’s why we really try to stay on top of this,” said Dillon.

The Senate has also faced an issue of removal within the same week as that of Batcher.

“We also removed Vince Topino. He was elected in, however he hadn’t shown up to a meeting, so we’re not even sure what his situation is. He never showed up from the day he was elected,” said Dillon.

With experience in dealing with issues such as those of Batcher and Topino, the Student Senate has no doubts about its future.

Dillon said, “All we do is follow the constitution and enforce it, so anything it tells us to do we need to do, if deemed appropriate by the Student Senate.”

Batcher declined to comment.

ate.

FROM PAGE ONE

BANQUET the food. That’s the primary reason I went, and I was satisfied,” said Shane Louis, individual studies major.

The Holiday Banquet is a time for students to get together before finals to enjoy food and dancing. Speeches were made by President Andrew Matonak and Campus Chaplain Cylon George.

Ann Carrozza, records officer and FSA director, was also presented with the first Lifetime Achievement Award.

“It was kind of sad,” said Dan Valentine, business major. “The DJ was alright, but you know it’s not a real dance floor. It’s just a floor. There’s not even lights. No one dances for very long.”

“I don’t like how the Student Senate are doing things this year, it just felt like this banquet was a pet your own ego kind of thing,” said Valentine.

Historically, the event is held off-campus at a banquet hall, however this year it was held on the second floor of the campus center, and Mazzone was hired to cater.

“The factors that my board considered were accessibility, the administration’s humble wish to have it on campus and just experimenting on what it would be like to have it here,” said Student Senate Vice President Stephen Pelletier, who is head of the programming board that put the event together.

“We are at a commuter college; people come from very far away. Last year, we kind of had the ball at an odd location, and a lot of people couldn’t attend because of that,” said Student Senate trea-

surer, Dan Kusky.

“The music is really horrible, and the scene was bad, but the food was okay,” said engineering science major, Saydou Bonsa said after recalling last year’s event that was held off-campus. Bonsa describes this year’s banquet as a “let down” compared to last year.

Mouayad Khalafalla, a computer information systems major, acknowledged the effort that went into planning the event. “It’s not horrible, but it’s not the greatest.

It could be better, we could have had a better DJ, or we could have spiced it a little bit more,”said Khalafalla.

Pelletier said, “I’d say that I’m happy with the outcome. It looks like a fantastic function to be honest. You have a lot of people enjoying themselves, there is great food and I couldn’t ask for more.”

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

(right) DJ Nick provided the music during the banquet while (bottom) Mazzone provided the catering.

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

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December 13, 2016

NEWS

Obama is not the only president leaving office By: Hunter Wallace Staff Writer NEWS Hudson Valley will see a new college president and vice president elected in 2018, after the retirement of current President Matonak.

President Andrew Matonak has previously announced that he plans to retire in Aug. 2018. Vice President of Finance Joel Fatato and Vice President of Administration James LaGatta are also retiring around a similar time frame.

Due to these retirements, the college will be opening two positions for potential presidential candidates.

“The college is working with a professional search firm, Isaacson, Miller, to solicit and review a diverse and qualified candidate pool for our search committee to consider. Recently the firm held an open form for faculty

and staff,” said Dennis Kennedy, director of communications and marketing, in an email interview.

Additionally, it will be the college’s Board of Trustees who conduct the candidate interviews.

“Isaacson, Miller gives us a pool of candidates. After that, we schedule them for interviews. Prior to those interviews, they have this community town hall kind of talk, which is open to staff and students,” said Manik Elahi, Student Senate secretary and trustee for the Board of Trustees.

Elahi also stated the criteria he believed that suitable presidential candidates should possess.

“I would like the new president to have a passion for the college and to have an idea of the extent of the work that he does. We need someone who is prepared and experienced enough to follow

PHOTO BY DYLAN HAUGEN | HUDSONIAN

Transfer advisors available to students By: Anthony O’Connell News Editor NEWS Transfer Advisor visits give students the opportunity to meet individually with representatives from a particular university to create a successful plan for transferring.

During these appointment-only meetings, students receive advisement about admissions criteria and requirements, course recommendations and transfer of credit.

It is recommended to bring a copy of an unofficial Hudson Valley transcript so that the representative can provide an evaluation of courses taken. Students can access and print a copy of their transcript from WIReD. Transfer of credit is a major concern and impacts every student looking to transfer.

Director of the Center for Careers and Transfer, Gayle Healy, said, “There are a variety of reasons that credits could potentially not transfer. Most ofthrough and even take our image as a college to new horizons,” said Elahi.

After President Matonak retires, the number of Vice Presidents will be cut in half.

“The V.P.s for finance and administration are essentially being put together into one position.

It was always like that, but when President Matonak took office, he wanted a separate vice president for administration and a separate vice president for finance,” said Elahi.

“We’ll essentially need a superman for this job because this was done by two different vice

ten, D’s do not transfer. If a student change his or her major, all classes may not transfer; not all courses from AAS degrees transfer. We recommend that students start early to develop their transfer plans.”

The Center for Careers and Transfer offers many services such as resume critique, interview preparation, mock interviews and transfer and career counseling. Additionally, the center coordinates transfer and job fairs throughout each semester.

“Start thinking about transfer early. Take a look at our website and use the tools to explore colleges.

Understand that GPA plays a significant role in transfer,” said Healy.

Carly Dayton, business accounting major said, “I am in my final year at HVCC and have always planned on transferring to UAlbany. It wasn’t until I met with a counselor that I realized UAlbany requires a 3.2 GPA or higher for my program. Thank God I already had a high GPA, but if I didn’t, I would be screwed right now. Each student should meet with an advisor at least once just to make sure they’re on the right track.”

presidents in two different offices, and to merge that into one office is going to be a tough test,” Elahi continued.

When discussing the future, the careers of President Matonak and Vice Presidents Fatato and LaGatta were noted.

“There’s always room for improvement. But not to take away the same time from President Matonak, whose tenure is one of the more memorable tenures at Hudson Valley; he’s done a lot of good work. The two retiring V.P.’s body of work is just out of this world, and their devotion to the college, how they’ve moved up the ranks

PHOTO COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

Hudson Valley administration plans on retiring in August of 2018.

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

to get to their vice president positions, it’s fantastic,” said Elahi.

According to Elahi, Hudson Valley will see change and new candidates take office with the upcoming presidential retirements.

Elahi said, “As I look toward the future, I still say that our best days are ahead of us. That is why our new president and our new vice president of administration and finance has to be reflective of that. I’m sure that whoever’s hired for the job will be very close to that.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

December 13, 2016 FROM PAGE ONE

RECAP

Power Outages As for the power outages, Bryant said the college is still working on a way to connect to National Grid so that outages won’t happen.

Business Process Analysis In an effort to become more efficient and spot flaws in the college systems, such as the Blackboard issues, the college underwent a Business Process Analysis led by Strata Information Group.

“The Business Process Analysis is something that has been in process for about a year. The idea behind it is to take a look at how the college does things and if those processes are efficient. It focuses on using the systems we have and utilize them to make the student experience as best as it can be,” said Bryant.

Alertus It was announced this semester that the mass notification system, Alertus, will be implemented in the Spring 2017 semester. Alertus is designed to alert individuals across campus by utilizing all ex-

NEWS

isting available infrastructure and IT assets, along with innovative appliances to serve gaps in coverage.

“The process is not complete.

We’re going to take advantage of the intersession to work on it.

There is a lot more hardware that needs to be installed and tested.

I’m still aiming for the new semester, maybe not the beginning, but by February it should be all ready to go,” said Fred Aliberti, director of Public Safety.

“Saint” Ross While he was speaking about key events pertaining to the Public Safety department this semester, Aliberti mentioned the preacher, “Saint” Ross, who came onto campus and expressed his views on religion, sexuality and many other controversial topics.

To a crowd of riled up students, Saint Ross said, “If I was the president of the United States, one segregation act I would do is I would quarantine all the homosexuals into northern California.”

“The preacher, Saint Ross, came on campus in the beginning of the semester. It was hard on all of us but we got through it pretty

well. We had to arrest one student who disrupted the event. It wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been,” said Aliberti.

TEC-Smart Arrest Aliberti also mentioned the arrest made last week on the Malta TEC-Smart extension campus saying, “It’s always a concern when weapons are involved but luckily that’s the only incident we’ve had all semester.”

Within a few hours of the incident, students were alerted of the situation via email. Bryant said, “The more we can be open with the student body about the things that are happening the better relationship we will have between administration and students.”

Taylor Chrysler, business administration major said, “When I got the email about what happened in Malta I wasn’t really shocked. So much crazy stuff has been happening in the word lately. It’s funny though because not much has happened at school, it’s always so calm here.”

Aliberti wants to remind to students to have a sense of awareness and safety on and off

5 campus, mentioning a student of Binghamton University who was recently killed in a hit-and-run, while under the influence of alcohol.

Parking The overflow parking lot across the street from campus could possibly be disappearing soon causing even tighter parking than already available. The property was purchased and is currently being developed into an unknown business.

Athletic Complex Hudson Valley celebrated the completion of the new $4.5 million outdoor athletic complex with the Oct. 8 ribbon cutting ceremony. The complex contains new turf and natural grass fields; a 400-meter, eight-lane track; grandstand seating and bleachers, brand new lighting and a new scoreboard.

“Our outdoor athletic complex is a state-of-the-art facility, not only for our current students and athletes, but the community as well. People can take advantage of the track, we could host regional, sectional or state-wide events.

We’re gonna be hosting part of the

special olympics next year on that facility,” said Bryant.

Course Offerings and Faculty Changes The fall 2016 semester saw an array of new department chairs in human services, liberal arts, fine arts and theatre arts. Additionally, new academic programs such as Clean Energy Management and Chemical Dependency Counseling were added this semester.

In addition, President Andrew Matonak announced his retirement to the college, and Hudson Valley has begun the search process to find its next president.

Student Housing Hudson Valley has also seen the development of College Suites at Hudson Valley, a new student housing opportunity. The project is expected to be complete by the Fall 2017 semester and they are currently accepting applications.

Registration Registration for the Spring 2017 semester is already up five percent.

(Left) Many students recall preacher “Saint” Ross visiting the campus earlier this semester. (Right) The semester began with many students and professors having multiple technical issues on campus.

PHOTO BY ISAAC KAUTZ | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY ISAAC KAUTZ | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY DYLAN HAUGEN | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN

(Counterclockwise starting on left) The faculty team won this semester’s Viking Cup Challenge. Students made the best of evacuating the college during a shut down early this semester. Students got to carve pumpkins for Pumpkin Palooza. The Vikings football team won the homecoming game and finished the season with a victory. Significant advances have been made on student housing. Student senate sponsored events such as the wellness fair.

PHOTO BY ISAAC KAUTZ | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG PHOTO BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN

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December 13, 2016

NEWS

Students share experiences from trip to Italy By: Setodzi Avoke Staff Writer

NEWS The college’s International & Intercultural Business Project Center will be offering an online workshop that includes a three-week lab in Venice, Italy on March 14.

The online portion of the class before the lab will prepare students for the international business experience in Venice. The lab portion will assign students several projects offering opportunities to explore Italy on their own.

Students will be assisting in a smartphone application project coordinated by Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

The project will include restoring boats like the II Nuovo Trionfo, a World War II minesweeper based on Venetian designs, Venetian gondoliering lessons and touring in the Italian Alps.

Beyond application development, restoration work, rowing instruction and time to explore independently, the group will take guided tours and have meals together, all of which is included in the class’s $4,200 lab fee.

Business marketing major, Todd Demers, who participated in the Venice trip, said, “We did new things together, met new people together and experienced the cultural essence of Italy together. I had what was, perhaps, the best meal I have ever had 4,200 feet in the Alps. We traveled

through the streets and canals of Venice surrounded by a city that has barely changed since medieval times.”

Demers continued, “We walked through basilicas and other buildings that were 2,000 years old. We met people from Venice, Scotland, England, the Netherlands and all over the world. It was an incredible experience, and as long as we were together, it didn’t matter. Everything was surreal for this American.”

Alex Mastroianni, a business administration major, enjoyed experiencing another culture and seeing how other people live.

“I would definitely suggest the trip to everyone who can take advantage of it. It will teach you things about life a classroom never [would],” said Mastroianni.

Business administration major Troy Davidson considers the trip life-changing. “[I’d] never been to Europe before & this trip exceeded my original expectations,” said Davidson. “My favorite part of the trip was rowing the Grand Canal with the Venice club Associazione Settemari.”

The $4200 price tag was worth the experience according to students.

“We lived on the Lido (a barrier island protecting the islands of Venice from the Adriatic Sea) in a beautiful villa called the Casanova with some truly welcoming hosts. We traveled freely around Venice, rowed Venetian style in the Lagoon, spent a long weekend in the Italian Alps, and some of us spent our final weekend in Rome where we had the

chance to see the Pope in St. Peter’s Square,” said Demers.

“One day we even had a brief excursion into Austria for lunch. We were there to do project work, however, but even that was fun and interesting. The course fee also covered all transportation expenses. Had I put this trip together myself, the cost would have been significantly greater,” continued Demers.

“I have family in Italy, and for the same [amount] of time, if I were to go alone, it would cost the same, if not a little more,” said Mastroianni.

The lab fee will include food, but souveniers will come out-of-pocket. Demers said, “You should be prepared to spend [money] on things not included in the $4,200 price tag.”

Business administration professor John Meehan is the teacher and lab leader for this class.

This will be the eighth year of the upcoming late sprint course Meehan teaches, and he’s received no complaints from those who have gone, except that they should’ve stayed longer.

Davidson said, “I would highly recommend this trip to Hudson Valley students. Venice is a relatively unknown study abroad location [compared] to Florence, Rome, etc.

The people are very welcoming to visitors, and John Meehan has done an excellent job in establishing a rapport with them.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD DEMERS

(Left) Students during the last trip to Italy. (Bottom) Students during the last trip to Italy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD DEMERS

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

December 13, 2016

NEWS

7

Paramedic program recieves lucrative $19,000 LifePak

PHOTO COURTESY OF HVCC

By: Setodzi Avoke Staff Writer

NEWS The paramedic program purchased a new Lifepak 15 monitor/defibrillator system for EMTs and paramedic students to utilize during their study.

This was made possible by a $19,000 grant offered by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

Department chair Patricia G. Hyland, who heads the cardiorespiratory, polysomnography and EMS programs said, “We truly had no connection to Firehouse

The new Lifepak 15 monitor/defibrillator system being demonstrated.

Subs until we saw the grant opportunity. It was then that we discovered that they collect donations by asking customers to donate change to the cause of granting funds to EMS and Fire agencies for the purpose of purchasing needed equipment.”

As former firefighters, the Sorensen brothers see the importance of public service to communities. While recognizing that from school, to firehouse, to police station, many growing and current public service professionals are in need of equipment and cash to serve their communities to the best of their ability. In New York alone, the Firehouse Subs

Public Safety Foundation gave $58,367 in emergency equipment in 2015.

Radios, thermal-imaging cameras, extrication equipment, automated CPR devices and other tools make up a large portion of grant requests. Since 2005, FSPSF has given $25,853,438 in grant money, an average of $2,350,312 per year for over a decade.

Hudson Valley’s request was for a replacement to the older LifePak 12, the Lifepak 15. Robert Philip, director for the paramedic program, stresses the importance of keeping students up to date with equipment changes in the medical field.

“These machines are vital [pieces] of equipment in the EMS arena, therefore we rely on them heavily in our training of new Paramedics, so they get extensive use and replacement is quite expensive,” said Philip.

The Lifepak 15’s better battery life, bluetooth functionality for computer interface, metronome for administering CPR, sunlight resistant screen and more rugged design place it above the older Lifepak 12 model.

“Our students need to be prepared to use a variety of cardiac monitors in the field, so being able to expose them to different generations of machines (LP 12

and 15) and different brands, helps them be more prepared in the future,” said Philip.

Joseph Deeb, franchisee of Firehouse Subs, is as committed to the public safety work done through FSPSF as the restaurant’s founders, Robin and Chris Sorensen.

Deeb said, “Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation welcomes Hudson Valley and other public safety organizations to apply for life-saving equipment in years to come.”

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December 13, 2016

CREATIVE

8 FROM PAGE ONE

DREAMS

wanted to be an actress, and now I’m a business major,” said business student Cristina Hernandez.

Liberal arts student Elijah Blowers has always wanted to be a famous writer. “I always wanted to be famous, like a famous writer. I’m getting a book published, but I don’t think that makes me famous,” said Blowers.

The book, entitled, Resilient: One Boy’s Story, is a memoir of Blower’s childhood. “I had a dysfunctional chi ld ho o d, so I just wrote all about it

in a novel,” said Blowers.

While most of us don’t end up doing what we thought we would as kids, some people do end up pursuing their childhood dreams.

Austin Scott always wanted to be a state trooper. Scott said, “I had always planned on being a state trooper, or at least something to do with law enforcement, and right now that’s what I actually came to school for.”

Scott’s story is a rarity, and in most instances individuals take a complete

180 degree turn in their career aspirations. Sydney Scott, a digital media major, wanted to be a veterinarian. “I realized I couldn’t do that. I love animals too much, so I could never put them down. I would always be crying, and that wouldn’t be good,” said Sydney.

Jacob Book, a business major, wanted to be either an astronaut or scientist. “I mostly just want a business degree now,” said Book.

As children, everything in the world seems to be easily attainable, but when as people grow up they realize things aren’t ex-

actly how they seem. Book said, “[It was] the realization that our world doesn’t work the way you really think it does as a kid.”

Hernandez said, “Unfortunately, reality set in. You need money to survive, and there’s no money in acting, and there’s no money in modeling if you’re plus size, so I had to be realistic. I figured there’s definitely always going to be business in business.”

Sydney said, “Now I want to be a multimedia animator. It’s a big jump from what I used to want to be. As a kid I didn’t really think about the consequences of being a veterinarian, which is why I wanted to be one so badly.”

Scott is one of the few students who is actively pursuing his childhood career wants. Despite faltering to decide on law enforcement, Scott ultimately decided it was the right chose for his future.

“I hesitated a little bit in my second semester here. I kind of explored other options and took other courses for electives because I kind of fell out of love with the major. However, having taken other courses, it seems to have made me more passionate,” said Scott.

There are a multitude of reasons for students ditching their previous career paths. Hernandez said, “I think it was a little bit of everything. I think it was mostly just the way the job market is right now, and my father wanted me to become a lawyer, so I said that wasn’t happening. I tried to find the happy medium.”

“Right now, we’re only college students, so you really don’t know where life is going to take you, but I’d like to think I’m doing what I want to do for a career,” said Scott regarding his choice to pursue a career in law enforcement.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

Felines are the cats meow on campus By: Alana Mueller Staff Writer CREATIVE

Cats are highly regarded as trouble-making pieces of work, however students also acknowledge their ability to be loveable companions.

Independent studies major, Hannah Stumbaugh, described cats as attention-seekers, but she also acknowledged their ability to be friendly animals. Stumbaugh is an avid pet owner, and she has had a multitude of experiences with both her cats and dogs. She remembers her two cats Peanut and Elvira.

“On one occasion, my dog ran down the stairs into the basement where the cats were, and he cornered Elvira, who was very young at the time. She started hissing, but she was trapped and couldn’t go anywhere. Peanut was very much her protector, always looking out for her,” said Stumbaugh.

“You just see [Peanut’s] paw go under the door and he pulled the door open by himself and went up there, covered Elvira and just started hissing at my dog. My

dog immediately started whining and backing up,” said Stumbaugh.

Stories similar to Stumbaugh’s are why liberal arts major, Cassidy McCabe, thinks cats might make better therapy animals, and cats could work in the same regard as therapy dogs. “[Cats] might even be better for the job because I find dogs are too hyperactive when compared to cats who say, ‘I’m just going to chill on your keyboard,’” said McCabe.

Adolescent education student, Mina Moussadek, believes dogs are better companions. “[I prefer] dogs because they’re more playful. Cats like to stick to themselves; they have their own world,” said Moussadek.

Moussadek described cats as territorial. A simple act of turning on a light switch led to a cat paw clawing at her hand.

Cats have a lazy and lovable nature, which is why many students find the animals to be endearing companions. Individual studies student, Sarah Davis, believes that traits like these are what makes cats exceptional pets.

“They don’t really care what anyone else thinks. They’re just

like ‘I’m going to be a cat and push this off a table.’ They’re more like humans in that sense. They’re more companions than pets,” said Davis. Although she believes they make great pets, she does not believe they would be the best therapy animals.

“I don’t think they would be better therapy animals than dogs because dogs are very loving and affectionate towards everyone.

Cats tend to vary from person to person. It mostly depends on their mood, while dogs will love you unconditionally,” said Davis.

Nursing student, Jessica Voorheis, believes that it depends on whether people prefer cats or dogs. Voorheis grew up with two identical cats, Milo and Otis, and said the only way she could tell them apart was by the ‘M’ and ‘O’ on their fur.

Often the cats would appear to switch places after the Voorheis family believed one of them ran away. Despite growing up with cats, Voorheis has a strong opinion on felines as a whole. Voorheis said,“I’m more of a dog person. Dogs are cuddlier, and cats are assholes.”

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PHOTO BY ALANA MUELLER | HUDSONIAN

CREATIVE

December 13, 2016

9

Movie Review: Office Christmas Party offers unusual festive fun By: Hunter Wallace Staff Writer OPINION

Office Christmas Party is a humorous comedy which offers up a pleasant viewing experience for members of the audience.

Office Christmas Party is directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck, both of whom are known for comedies such as Blades of Glory and The Switch. The sense of good-intentioned, off-beat humor shown in these films are also present in this current holiday film.

The film begins with Josh Parker (Jason Bateman), sitting in a lawyer’s office to receive word that his divorce is finalized. Parker is the chief technical officer at ZenoTek, a fictional data server company based in Chicago.

Parker then makes his way to the ZenoTek office, where he meets with Lead Systems Engineer and love interest Tracy Hughes (Olivia Munn) to discuss a potential innovation that she plans to propose to the company at a meeting later that day. Parker

then speaks with Clay Vanstone (T.J. Miller), the head of the Chicago branch, where he discovers that Vanstone wishes to host this year’s annual holiday party for his employees, just as his father did when he was the head of branch.

Before the party can be finalized, Vanstone’s sister and interim CEO of the company, Carol Vanstone (Jennifer Aniston) appears, threatening to close the Chicago branch if a deal with ZenoTek’s largest client, Data City, is not secured within two days.

With this news, Miller, Parker and Hughes all travel to a meeting with the head of Data City’s Chicago branch, Walter Davis (Courtney B. Vance), where he declines the group’s pitch.

Relentless in their goal to seal this contract, Vanstone invites Davis to ZenoTek’s annual holiday party, which leads to the main event: a party that turns out to be a night full of drinking, debauchery and holiday cheer, where nothing ends quite as expected.

The actor’s performances in Office Christmas Party are exceptional; they are just as one would expect from a movie about office

employees.

Bateman’s role as a middle-aged man who has lost at love and is unsure of his place in the world speaks to many, while Aniston’s strict, forthright, no-nonsense attitude provides a prime example of the archetypical mean boss.

It is Miller’s performance, however, that truly brings out the best in the film and reminds us that the holidays are the time for giving. With his optimistic, hopeful notion that ZenoTek can be saved, everyone can keep their jobs and Christmas will be a joyous, and free from tears.

On a technical level, Office Christmas Party does not disappoint. The lighting is unwavering in both dim and bright conditions, the 4K resolution is breathtaking (every last drop of eggnog is crystal-clear) and the cheery colors really do present season’s greetings.

Let’s not forget the memorable soundtrack, of which consists of not only covers of classic Christmas songs like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” and “Deck the Halls,” but also more recent

SCREENSHOT TAKEN FROM “OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY”

hits, such as Panic! At The Disco’s “Victorious” and “Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull and Ne-Yo. Is the Office Christmas Party worth the watch? With all the key characteristics of a good film, like comical characters that portray many of the real quirks of working in an office, a story of maintaining hope in the face of seemingly unfavorable odds and just a bit of mischief, this film is definitely worth seeing.

Office Christmas Party receives a 7/10 for comedic characters, office antics and an overall cohesive Christmas concoction.

Office Christmas Party is rated R for adult language, content and violence. The running time is two hours and eight minutes.

COMICS

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Comic T.J.Miller stars in ‘Office Christmas Party’

SPORTS

10

December 13, 2016

An update on the Valley's winter athletic teams By: Skylar Blankenship Sports Editor

SPORTS The winter sports season is off to a rocky start.

At this point in the season, the women’s basketball and the ice hockey teams are on losing streaks, the men’s basketball has six wins and six loses and the bowling teams have not competed.

The men’s basketball team lost 111-86 against Onondaga Community College, making their record 6-6. Leading the team was Dave Reo, a freshman guard, scoring 23 points and Brandon Palmer, a sophomore forward, scoring 13 points.

“The losses have been tough,”

said Michael Long, head coach for the men’s basketball team.

The women’s basketball team also played against Onondaga Community College and lost 9652. The game made their record now 2-8. Chelsea Stevens, a sophomore guard, led the team with 15 points, and Shelby Dugan, a sophomore guard, added 13 points to the game against OCC. “We are looking to finish the semester strong on and off of the court. [We will] put in hard work over the break, and take off running the second half of the year,” said Robert Coleman, head coach of the women’s basketball team.

The men’s ice hockey team had a game against Mohawk Valley Community College and lost 6-3, resulting in a record of 3-91. The Viking’s three points were

scored by Chris Breault, sophomore forward, Adam Hosmer, a freshman defenseman, and Jordan Smith, a sophomore forward.

Unlike the rest of the winter sports teams, the men’s and women’s bowling teams have not begun their tournaments. Both teams have their first and second tournament, Roto Grip Keystone Classic and Lehigh Valley Collegiate Classic, the week of Dec. 26.

Both tournaments will take place in Allentown, PA. “The girls look pretty good.

The guys are still working; we haven’t gotten there yet,” said Joe Prest, the head bowling coach.

All the winter sports teams plan to return after winter break and work hard to turn the season around.

PHOTO BY DYLAN HAUGEN | HUDSONIAN

(top) Mens basketball ends on an overall 6-6 record. (left) Women’s basketball ends on an overall 2-8 record. (bottom ) Men’s hockey ends the season on an overall 3-9-1 record.

PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN

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PHOTO BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN

December 13, 2016

SPORTS FROM PAGE ONE

JACKSON team at Hudson Valley. Currently, she has scored 55 points in this season.

Jackson has started in all five games played so far in the season.

She currently averages 11 points per game, and has a 58.3% free throw percentage. Jackson averages 35.7% for her three-point throw percentage.

Currently out with an illness, Jackson has hopes to be back and better than she was before for the spring semester.

“Having numbers and staying healthy, that has been resulting in foul trouble for the players that are on the court. [Our] first home game against Cayuga, I was sick and still managed to play almost the whole game to score my career high of 18 points,” said Jackson.

The women’s basketball team has not been without its challenges. They’ve lost eight games out of 10 played so far this season. They’re prioritizing staying healthy and practicing for the remainder of the season.

Jackson feels that her desire

11 to help learn, her humbleness and being open-minded has helped her the most in her basketball career. Jackson tried playing multiple sports at a young age and eventually decided on basketball.

“I wasn’t very good at many other sports, but [basketball] came naturally to me. I easily fell in love with game,” said Jackson.

Many student-athletes have to choose between academics and sports when they begin college.

In Jackson’s case, she had no intention of playing basketball at the college, but she was training a men’s player who talked her into playing basketball again.

Some student-athletes struggle to balance sports, academics and other obligations. Jackson follows the Nike logo, “Just do it,” to manage all of her obligations.

The Learning Assistance Center offers academic support, and members of the women’s basketball team are required to spend five hours a week studying in the LAC. “I think it’s fair. It’s pretty much an hour a day, not that hard,” said Jackson.

Student-athletes are often practicing their sports, even in

the off-seasons. Jackson, as well as most student-athletes, put in a lot of training time on and off the court.

“During the off season I do a lot of cross training, mostly in a pool and boxing,” said Jackson.

Regarding her future plans, Jackson has plans to transfer to the Sage College of Albany.

Jackson said, “They just recently gained my major there and it’s close to home. I would like to go on to my bachelors, then masters. I would like to coach college basketball and work my way to Division One level.”

PHOTO BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN

Jackson has aspirations of coaching college basketball.

The effect of sports on student life By: Josh McCart Staff Writer SPORTS PHOTO BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN

Student athletes discuss the effects that sports at Hudson Valley have had on their lives.

“Participation in sports forces you to become an expert in time management,” said Chelsea Stevens, a guard on the women’s basketball team and an early childhood major. “It’s a big commitment and you have to be careful to prioritize sports, classes, work, etcetera... As with anything, if it’s important to you, you’ll find the time to do it.”

The Vikings have gone won many Region III and Conference Championships across all sports.

They have also been National Championships in ice hockey (2001), men’s cross country (1996), women’s basketball (1993) and women’s bowling (2010, 1995). The success of teams isn’t the only focus for athletes, as sports provide a great sense of accomplishment and motivation for student-athletes.

“Sports are important at Hudson Valley because it gives the people coming in an opportunity to participate at the college level and makes them feel better about themselves and have the opportunity to show their talent at the two-year level, and hopefully go on and be recognized at the four-year level,” said women’s bowling coach Joe Prest.

Sports can have an effect on grades for the student-athletes that have to balance schoolwork and athletics in their busy schedules. Being on a sports team at Hudson Valley can also motivate students to work harder in the classroom so they can remain eligible to compete on their respective teams.

“Sports are crucial for the students at Hudson Valley. They allow students the opportunity to continue to pursue their athletic endeavors, while being able to receive a solid education. Combin-

The women’s basketball team won 2 out of 10 games this semester.

ing sports with education gives students the incentive to work hard in the classroom so they can continue to follow their athletic goals,” said ice hockey forward and business administration major, Jordan Smith.

All of members of Hudson Valley’s sports teams have mandatory LAC requirements they must fulfill. The LAC assists with time management and academic support.

“Depending on what sport you play, it is difficult to go to practice possibly every day and keep up with schoolwork, especially during finals week, but if you try hard enough and actually commit to keeping up with school, then it’s not that hard,” said psychology major and member of the women’s bowling team,

Megan Gaige.

Gaige continued, “[It’s hard to make friends at] Hudson Valley unless you put yourself out there, so when you become a part of a team, it is like you actually have a group of friends.”

The head coach of the men’s soccer team, Travis Cooke, said, “Sports bring a community together. In this case, in a campus setting where the student body mostly commutes, it gives more pride and identity for a student athlete to be a part of Hudson Valley. When someone feels a part of something, they are more likely to try to succeed with that.”

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