THE
Hudsonian Hud.
OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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Volume 72, Issue 05
October 4, 2017
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Vikings relish wins and suffer losses as season continues
THE
How can students make money on campus?
GRAPHIC BY DYLAN HAUGEN | HUDSONIAN
By: Jacob Pitts Staff Writer
COURTESY OF WW.ATHLETICS.HVCC.EDU
By: Brian Dengler Staff Writer
The women’s tennis team claimed their second consecutive win this season against Herkimer College. The men’s and women’s soccer teams, along with the women’s volleyball team, were unable to snag a win this week. Women’s Tennis Number one-ranked tennis player Laura Ciotoli, a sophomore engineering science major,
OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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Students of all interests and personalities have the potential to make money and get involved on campus. Whether you’d enjoy tutoring in the Marvin Library’s Learning Assistance Center or giving campus tours, odds are you can find a way to contribute that adheres to your class schedule. One of the best places to start the search is the Center for Careers and Transfer, located in CTR 290. The Center for Careers and Transfer oversees two programs that assist students in finding employment: Federal-Work Study and College Worker. The Federal Work-Study program is funded by the federal government, and allows for matriculated students to pay off a portion of their expenses as long as their financial aid deems them eligible. They are also required to have a completed FAFSA on file, be in good academic standing (a grade point average of 2.0 or higher) and currently enrolled in six or more credit hours. Some of the departments that hire Work-Study students include, but are not limited to,
the Admissions Office, Athletics, Financial Aid, the Instructional Media Center, Student Activities, Dental Hygiene, Nursing and the Viking Child Care Center. Work schedules can be arranged around students’ courses and other obligations, enabling them to work before, after and in-between classes. All Federal Work-Study employees on campus are paid $9.70 an hour (New York minimum wage), and can work a maximum of 20 hours each week. This semester there are 70 positions, all of which have been filled. Fortunately, the second program, College Worker, still has available opportunities. Unlike Federal Work-Study, the College Worker program is funded by the
SEE MONEY PAGE 6
Women’s volleyball had an unfortunate loss this past week against Herkimer College.
SEE VIKINGS PAGE 7
Free money is made available through scholarships
By: Hunter Wallace News Editor Are you searching for money to fund your education? Free money is available to students that pass through the Hudson Valley College Foundation. Students often overlook the money they can potentially receive from scholarships. Offered during the beginning of every semester, few students actually apply for one, essentially forfeiting the chance to earn money that could pay for their college education.
Several types of scholarships are available to students. “A scholarship can be needbased or merit-based, but many of our scholarships take both financial need and merit (academic achievement) into consideration,”
said Kimberly Berry, scholarship and operations coordinator for the College Foundation. “That’s not to say that only the needy and the smart get scholarships — some of our scholarships are specifically for students who aren’t carrying a high GPA.”
SEE FREE PAGE 4
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Kingsman: The Golden Circle falls short of predecessor COURTESY OF SUNNYUJJAWAL.COM
By: Jarrod Flaherty Staff Writer Bigger is not always better. In 2014, a film called Kingsman: The Secret Service was released, and it took everyone by surprise. Delivering great action, a witty script and notable performances, The Secret Service did what James Bond hasn’t been able to do in years: make spy films fun again.
Now, two years later, comes The Golden Circle, which takes place directly after the events of the original. This follow up seemed to be everything that made the first one so fun, just turned up to eleven. However, it is disappointing to say that although The Golden Circle tries to be louder and bigger than its predecessor, it never quite comes close, and in the end, loses the qualities that made the
original so new and fresh. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is directed by Matthew Vaughn and stars, once again, Taron Edgerton, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Some of the new cast members include Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore, Jeff Bridges and Pedro Pascal. The sequel follows the char-
SEE KINGSMAN PAGE 5
Kingsman: The Golden Circle was released in theaters on September 22nd.
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INSIDE NEWS: Animal Outreach club to host Jo-Anne McArthur
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INSIDE CREATIVE: Looking for some local Thai? Try Sri Siam
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INSIDE SPORTS: Vikings athletics recognized by NJCAA for community service
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October 4, 2017
NEWS
Students learn to improve their health during Wellness Fair
This Week’s Events
Wed 04
Thurs 05
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Fall Transfer Fair 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Siek Campus Center Evening Student Reception 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Siek Campus Center, Second Floor Bringing in the Bystander 10:00 am – 11:00 am Siek Campus Center, Room 270 (Wellness Center) Recruiter on Campus: Valet Park of America 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Siek Campus Center, First Floor Lobby Mindfulness Meditation 11:00 am – 11:30 am Wellness Center, Siek Campus Center Suite 270 Fall Fest and Viking Cup Challenge 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Featured Speaker Jo-Anne McArthur: We Animals 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium Fright Fest at Great Escape Distinguished Alumni Awards Brunch 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bulmer Telecommunications Center, Meeting Rooms 2 and 3 Athletic Hall of Fame Reception 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm McDonough Sports Complex Pre-Game Tailgate Party 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, Picnic Pavilion
By: Trisha O’Connell Staff Writer
er products to facilitate safe sex. Representatives answered all questions honestly and made casual conversation out of a stigmatized concept. Surprisingly, the majority of the booths pertained to various types of mental health. Information about anxiety was provided, including a test to help see if what you’re feeling could be anxiety. This was a good tool for students, since diagnosis is the first step in learning to cope with mental illness. The most startling subject to be openly discussed was suicide. The Mental Health Association of New York State promoted a class called “Mental Health First Aid. ” This class aims to spread “knowledge, awareness and respect for mental health.” One of the flyers read, “You know what’s crazy? Stigmatizing mental illness.” It went on to include additional information, such as, “Today, one in four Americans are affected (by mental health), but two out of three never receive help.” The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) was also present. A volunteer shared that most of the people who volunteer for the AFSP all have a personal story pertaining to suicide, whether it involves
Hudson Valley students learned about health and received free condoms during last week’s Wellness Fair. Walking through the center doors of the Siek Campus Center was overwhelming at first, but once the sight settled and the crowd shifted, the booths came into focus. A wide range of topics were openly discussed, including hygiene, physical health, mental health and so much more. Informational papers and pamphlets were also handed out, free of charge. One booth was all about the Dental Hygiene Clinic available for at no cost for all Hudson Valley students: no insurance, no down payment, no confusing deductible...just you and your soonto-be pearly whites! For more information, you can visit the clinic in Fitzgibbons Health Technologies Center, Room 127. Another booth was dedicated to sex education and addiction. The representatives spoke openly with students and were very well-informed. At this table, students could obtain things like personal lubricant, condoms (even latex-free ones) and oth-
PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN
Both students and faculty who attended last week’s Wellness Fair were provided with information on various campus services.
themselves or someone they knew. There was a wide variety of information offered, covering topics such as getting help after a suicide, surviving a suicide attempt and how to help someone PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN
9th Annual Race Away Stigma 5K Race & Fun Walk 8:30 am – 11:30 am Student Pavilion (located in front of Hudson Hall)
Weather WEDNESDAY 9/27/17 High/Low 76/55
going through suicidal thoughts. The 9th annual Race Away Stigma, sponsored by Hudson Valley, was also advertised. Registration is free for students, and the race is on Sunday, Oct. 8th. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the race at 10 a.m. Awards and snacks will start at 11 a.m. The Wellness Fair certainly helped fight the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, hopefully making students feel safe and comfortable enough to seek help. The Wellness Center offers more information, along with counseling and other mental health resources, throughout the entire school year. The Wellness Center is located in the Siek Campus Center, Suite 270, right next to Prime Cafe. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you or someone you know ever has thoughts of suicide, do not hesitate to call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
The Wellness Fair provided students with tips to lead healthy lives.
THURSDAY 9/28/17 High/Low 74/56
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.
Editor-in-Chief Julio Rodriguez Copy Editor Emmy Farstad Layout Editor Isabella Kokoszko News Editor Hunter Wallace Sports Editor Skylar Blankenship
FRIDAY
9/29/17 High/Low 68/47
Photo Editor Dylan Haugen Staff Writers Brian Dengler Zoe Deno Jarrod Flaherty Trisha O’Connell Jacob Pitts
SATURDAY 9/30/17 High/Low 66/47 Staff Photographers Zoe Deno Alana Mueller Faculty Adviser Rachel Bornn
SUNDAY
10/01/17 High/Low 71/52
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.
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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.
October 4, 2017
NEWS
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Newly-instated nursing chair seeks to innovate program By: Julio Rodriguez Editor-in-Chief “I think we have to look at Nursing a little differently now because of the way that healthcare has changed,” said newly-instated chair of the nursing department, Martha Desmond. Desmond, a member of the Hudson Valley nursing faculty for ten years, was recently instated as chair of the nursing department after serving as interim chair for
six months. Desmond plans to breathe life into the program in order to meet the demands of an ever-changing healthcare profession. “I love learning new things and finding new information,” Desmond said. “In healthcare, we always have to move forward. I try to give that love to the students. Stuff happens in people’s lives, but we just have to take it and move on. We all learn from it. If anything, with students, I hope
I can help them get there.” Desmond, along with the faculty, looks to introduce an accelerated program that would allow nursing students to complete two semesters of coursework in one summer session. “It would be the first time we’ve ever done this at Hudson Valley,” said Desmond. “We’re looking at putting nursing one and two together over the summer. That’s something we’ve been working on.” PHOTO BY JULIO RODRIGUEZ | HUDSONIAN
The nursing department’s newest chair, Martha Desmond, has over ten years of experience here at Hudson Valley.
Desmond continued, “That’s exciting because students are saying, ‘You know, if I come in with a bachelor’s degree in something else, I want to get this nursing program done a little bit faster.’ So, we’re doing all of the paperwork trying to get that through by Summer 2018, hopefully. It’s in the works.” Desmond, who is completing her doctoral dissertation, “Senior Nursing Students’ Perspective of Faculty Caring in an Associate Degree Nursing Program”, at Sage, believes student input is an important part of nursing curriculum. “So, what are we doing and what are we not doing? How can we help these students better? Caring is compassion, and that’s what all nurses should be. Are we not showing them that? I want to know what students are thinking,” Desmond said. Desmond looks to change the way in which nursing students at Hudson Valley approach their clinical settings. “We need to move out from the hospital setting and move into the community setting. We have to look at clinicals that way. I think we just need a new perspec-
tive on [clinicals]. There’s room for change, and faculty are all excited about new things that are coming,” Desmond said. Other than changes to the nursing curriculum, Desmond would like to see changes made to the nursing facilities as well. “We did a little renovation during the summer. Before that, nothing had been done since about 1980 to this nursing lab,” said Desmond. “Over the summer, we put in new sinks, which is sort of reviving things around here. [This] is a good thing because this is an older part of the school. So, hopefully we can look at making it more open and doing more renovations to the actual physical lab itself,” continued Desmond. Desmond also commends the departments ability to produce capable graduates ready to enter the nursing workforce. Desmond said, “We don’t want to change too much, but we want to move forward with some of our thought processes. Our pass rate after May 2017 was still at 92 percent. So, we’re doing it. The students and faculty are doing it. We have to keep it going.”
Student enrollment dips while applications increase By: Hunter Wallace News Editor Even with less students in attendance this semester, the interest in Hudson Valley is growing. According to the All College Meeting held last month, enrollment for this semester has decreased by about 375 students since last fall, but is still within Hudson Valley’s projected budget. Meanwhile, applications to the college have grown by about 10 percent this year. “That expression of interest is encouraging, but, as I’ve said several times before, the decline we’ve seen recently is a clear sign that we’re operating in an incredibly competitive environment,” said Hudson Valley President Drew Matonak. “We know that more students are now entering four-year colleges or gaining employment rather than enrolling here.” According to Dennis Kennedy, executive director of communications and marketing at Hudson Valley, current enrollment is better than was expected in the college’s budget projections set forth last year. Overall, the college remains either on par or ahead of state and national enrollment trends for community colleges.
“As of census date (close of business on 9/18/17), fall enrollment is negative 3.6 percent behind last year’s census date in headcount in the number of enrolled and paid students (9701; ‐365) and negative 2.8 percent behind last year in full-time equivalent students (FTE) (7212; ‐208),” Kennedy said. There will be one final enrollment update at the October Board meeting after all the College in the High School and Sprint enrollments are completed. “In the months ahead, we’ll continue to analyze our fall enrollment data, and trends tied to new, transfer and returning students,” Matonak said, during the most recent All College Meeting. “As we head into the spring semester registration and advisement period, please continue to engage your students as early as possible and remind them of sprint and intersession options where applicable.” For more information about student enrollment at Hudson Valley, contact the college’s Communications and Marketing department by phone at (518) 6298071 or in person at Guenther Enrollment Service Center, Room 267.
= 2,000 enrolled students 2017 9,691 students
2016 10,066 students
2015
THEHUDSONIAN.ORG
11,890 students
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October 4, 2017
NEWS
Animal Outreach Club: Change starts at Hudson Valley By: Emmy Farstad Copy Editor
Hudson Valley’s Animal Outreach Club welcomes renowned wildlife photographer Jo-Anne McArthur, while also assisting animals affected by the recent hurricane devastation. On Thursday Oct. 7, McArthur will be presenting her award-winning project, “We Animals,” to interested members of the HVCC community and public alike. The seminar will be held in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. Founded in 1998, “We Animals” aims to break down the barriers between humans and animals who are being viewed as commodities. “The objective is to photograph our interactions with animals in such a way that the viewer
finds new significance in these ordinary, often unnoticed situations of use, abuse and sharing of spaces,” stated the project’s official website. McArthur is an award-winning photojournalist, author and educator who has been documenting wildlife and fighting for the fair treatment of animals for over a decade. “This presentation is for anyone who’s interested in ending animal suffering around the globe,” said the Animal Outreach Club. McArthur’s books will also be available for purchase at the event. This is just one effort recently made by the Animal Outreach Club to help animals in need. According to the club’s website, “The purpose of the Animal Outreach Club is to promote and foster animal protection and
advocacy locally and globally through the support of a wide variety of animal interest groups.” Additionally, the club seeks to provide opportunities for students to get involved and create change, starting right here at HVCC. In the wake of the recent tragedy caused by devastating hurricanes, the Animal Outreach Club decided to assist the efforts of those actively rescuing animals in affected areas. “We ran the fundraiser all this week and made over $500,”
said Valerie Waldin, faculty advisor to the Animal Outreach Club. The total amount raised is hoped to increase as more students become aware of these efforts and choose to donate. This fundraiser arrives during a fitting time, as the club first got its start in 2005, in response to Hurricane Katrina. Concerned students and faculty banned together to send necessary materials and products to the innumerable animals left abandoned or homeless due to the hurricane. From that point,
the students and faculty felt that there was enough of an interest on campus to start a club, and it has been in effect ever since. For more information on Thursdays presentation, please contact Donna Reynolds, “We Animals” liaison, at donnareynolds3@gmail.com or Valerie Lang Waldin, associate professor, at v.waldin@hvcc.edu. Waldin is also the faculty advisor to the Animal Outreach Club, and can answer any questions regarding the club itself. COUTRESY OF JO-ANNE MCARTHUR
COUTRESY OF HVCC.EDU
Professional photographer Jo-Anne McArthur will showcase her newest project “We Animals” on Thursday Oct. 7 in the BTC Auditorium.
FROM PAGE ONE
FREE
Berry added that current students can apply online, and the college’s program will match them with scholarships for which they are eligible. An application period for any given scholarship is open to students anywhere from four to eight weeks. Depending on the number of scholarships available, it can take one to two months for decisions to be made, and if students apply at the beginning of a semester, they will be notified before the end of that semester. Students may decide not to apply for scholarships for a number of reasons. “Often, I hear that [students] don’t think they will qualify for financial aid because of their parent’s income, but merit-based scholarships don’t take financial need into account, so I say go for it,” Berry said. “We always encourage students to apply. It’s fairly painless [because] most scholarships only require a one-
Students who are proponents of animal rights are encouraged to attend McArthur’s presentation this Thursday. PHOTO BY JULIO RODRIGUEZ | HUDSONIAN
page essay that tells about your academic and career goals.” According to Berry, there are also scholarships offered only to students within particular programs or areas of study, such as automotive technology, nursing, criminal justice and dental hygiene. “Many [scholarships] are for a specific major or program, and some require recipients to be Rensselaer County residents or to have graduated from a Rensselaer County high school,” Berry said. “Other are for graduates of a specific high school or may have a preference for someone who is a single parent, athlete or entrepreneur.” Berry added that it is typically for the College Foundation to see over 300 students apply for over 100 available scholarships. “If there are 100 scholarships available and only 300 students apply, then you would have a 1-in-3 chance of receiving a scholarship,” she said. “It’s im-
portant to apply, because, just like the lottery, you’ve got to be in it to win it. Also, sometimes the first choice decides to go to another school, and then the next student on the list may be offered the scholarship.” According to Berry, the College Foundation has existed since 1983. In addition to scholarships, it administers emergency funds and award funds that benefit students, while also co-sponsoring many educational events, such as the recent Student Leadership Expo. It is also in the process of implementing a new scholarship management system for the 201819 academic year, which may allow for more student flexibility and offerings throughout the year. For more information regarding scholarships, contact the College Foundation by phone at (518) 629-8012, by email at foundation@hvcc.edu and in person at Fitzgibbons Health Technologies Center, Room 131.
THEHUDSONIAN.ORG
Hudson Valley’s Foundation offers up scholarships to assist the student body.
October 4, 2017
OPINION
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Local award-winning restaurant offers authentic Thai food By: Emmy Farstad Copy Editor Students seeking an authentic dining experience that caters both to dietary restrictions and a tight budget need not look any further than Sri Siam. Sri Siam is an award-winning Thai restaurant that offers a multitude of ethnic dishes ranging from mild-mannered to blowyour-socks-off spicy. The restau-
rant’s main location is less than six miles from Hudson Valley and is more than worth going a little out of your way. One of the most popular menu items is their selection of curry dishes. Offering eight different curry variations, each with a different level of spice, this choice is packed full of fresh ingredients that taste so authentic, you might forget you’re in the Capital Region. PHOTO BY EMMY FARSTAD | HUDSONIAN
Students can expect to pay no more than $12 for lunch and $16 for dinner.
FROM PAGE ONE
KINGSMAN acter, Eggsy (played by Edgerton) as he is living the life of a Kingsman: nice suits, fast cars, a glass of scotch always at the ready. After a high-octane opening car chase with an old enemy, we find the Kingsman without a home or an organization, seeking help in the United States. With the help of the Statesman, they look to take down Poppy (played by Moore) who is trying to poison all drugs so they can be legalized. On paper, this cast sounds great. Filled with former Oscar winners and nominees, you can’t help but wonder how so many great actors are in this film. However, most, if not all, are completely wasted. Tatum, Berry and Bridges barely have anything to do here.They feel useless, as if anyone could have played their parts. As for Moore, her character is a kingpin and the leader of The Golden Circle. She lives on an
island away from the rest of the world, but no one knows who she is. However, she plans to become known by poisoning her own supply. If that sounds like the worst plan in all of films, it’s because it is. She acts like an idiot throughout the film and is never menacing. She comes off more like a cartoon character than an actual compelling villain. As for the returning cast, Edgerton and Strong are great here. Eggsy is still the brash and funny hero, and Merlin (played by Strong) is still the man that the Kingsmen would be lost without. Then there is Firth, who returns as Harry Hart, a father figure to Eggsy who was shot and killed in the first film by its villain, Valentine. Now, one would hope that the way they bring Harry would be fresh and interesting, right? Nope, not the case here. The reasoning for Harry’s return is lazy and uninspired and doesn’t make any sense. The film’s story is also very
A personal favorite is the pineapple curry with chicken. This is a red curry-style dish made with coconut milk, fresh vegetables and served with a side of white rice. The real kicker, though, is the addition of juicy pineapple chunks, which adds a sweetness that is unexpected but mouth-watering. One major draw to the restaurant is that they offer selections suitable for those with dietary restrictions, such as students who are vegetarian, vegan and gluten and/or dairy-free. Meals are made with nondairy coconut milk to appease patrons who are lactose-intolerant. Additionally, most pasta-based dishes are made with gluten-free rice noodles. Each dish comes with the choice of chicken, beef, pork and seafood for meat-eaters, but also mixed vegetables or tofu for the herbivores among us. With the campus surrounded by fast food joints, Sri Siam is a great alternative for those with strict diet requirements. Plus, upon request, the chefs are happy to make any alterations to your meal, even letting you specify what level of spice you would like your dish to have. Other beloved dishes from the eatery include a variety of fried rices, spicy drunken noodles and, of course, pad thai, a staple of all Thai restaurants. Sri Siam also boasts an impressive menu of speciality fish and duck dishes. The appetizers and desserts are equally delicious. The thai curry puffs are absolutely addictive, and if you leave without having mango sticky rice for dessert, you are really missing out! weak. The first act is a good one, and leads you to believe that this might follow a “John Wick”-like storyline. However, what we are given is a basic and over-the-top story that is hard to take seriously. A missed opportunity for sure. Even though this may be a disappointing follow up, the film does have some bright spots. Vaughn, once again, directs a film that looks great and has some fantastic action-set pieces. The action here is fun, fast-paced, violent and shot very well. It is easily the best part of the film. In the end, The Golden Circle isn’t a bad film. However, compared to The Secret Service, it never comes close to what made that film feel fresh. Filled with a bloated story, underutilized characters, an unimaginative villain and a cameo that you want to stop before it even gets going, The Golden Circle is a letdown for Kingsman fans and actions fans in general.
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PHOTO BY EMMY FARSTAD | HUDSONIAN
Sri Siam, an award winning Thai restaurant only 6 miles away from HVCC, offers an incredibly vast variety of dishes that can suit any dietary needs.
As if the mouth-watering ingredients and wide menu selection wasn’t enough of a draw, Sri Siam is also budget-conscious. Lunch prices are typically around $9-$12 dollars for a considerable serving. Dinner prices can cost a little more, especially when it comes to some of the speciality duck and fish dishes, but the average meal is around $13-$16 and will leave you with enough food for two days of leftovers! The dinner portion sizes are out of this world, and if you take into account how health-conscious some of the dishes are, it’s a win-win. Sri Siam also frequently has
coupons and discounts to make your wallet as happy as your stomach. The restaurant has been open since January 2012, with an additional location being opened in Latham this past year. From the outside, it may look unassuming, but as soon as you take your first bite you will have no doubt that Sri Siam is as good as it gets. Sri Siam is located on Sherwood Ave. in Rensselaer, and is open for lunch from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and dinner 4-9 p.m. For more information, call 518-9151655 or visit www.srisiamthaifood.com.
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October 4, 2017
CREATIVE
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Does your GPA define your abilities? By: Zoe Deno Staff Writer “What do you call a doctor who had the lowest GPA in his class? A doctor,” said David Robertson, an engineering science major, when discussing if GPA’s are as important as students are led to believe. College faculty commonly tell students that their GPA will affect their academic future. For students with good GPA’s, there are a lot of scholarship opportunities. On the other hand, if your GPA falls too low, you could face academic suspension. Many students’ GPA’s fall somewhere in between those two extremes. Hudson Valley students have varying opinions on the weight that their GPA carries. “My GPA matters only as long as it takes to get to a transfer school. After that, Ds’ equal degrees,” said Roberts. Christopher Carluck, a criminal justice major, feels that his GPA matters because of how competitive his major is. He says it’s harder to get promoted with an associate’s degree in criminal justice, so he will need to transfer and get his bachelor’s degree if he wants to hold a high position in the field. “When there are more people
studying a subject, there are more people trying to transfer out of it,” Carluck said. Business major Tyler LaCross agreed. “The more competitive the major, the less likely it is for [your transfer school of choice] to pick you. If I have a really good GPA, it will give me an edge over other students trying to get into that college,” he said. LaCross doesn’t think your GPA is a direct indicator of how intelligent or capable a person is, but a good one is advantageous to have. Liberal arts psychology student Emily Goerger is conscious of her GPA because she is concerned that having a bad one could affect her chances of getting hired after college. She believes employers may decide to hire an applicant who had a good academic record in college over a person who had a mediocre one. Nicholas John, a liberal arts major, wants to have the best GPA he can because he is paying for his own tuition. He doesn’t see the point in not having a good GPA, because he believes a student should get all 4 credits if they’re paying for them. “My GPA matters to me because if it didn’t matter to me, I wouldn’t be here. I am coming here to get good grades and that is
what I plan to get,” said John. GPA’s also matter to Clyde Sisson, a mechanical engineering major, but maybe not as much as they should. He gets stressed trying to keep his GPA up because he is working a job on top of college, and, while he wants to do well, he realizes that he often lacks the time to put as much effort in as he would like. Child psychology major Damian Rose also struggles with maintaining his GPA while working. “All I am focusing on doing
right now is getting through this semester and being able to pay for the next one, because I am broke right now,” he said. Unlike Sisson, Rose’s GPA doesn’t matter to him at all. He is transferring to Utica in January and his GPA will not transfer. Not all students plan on transferring after they graduate from Hudson Valley. Individual studies student Malachi Montgomery will be finished with school after he graduates. “I don’t care about my GPA
and my parents don’t, as long as it isn’t horrible. They know I am not going to a 4-year [student],” said Montgomery. The way a student views their GPA depends on their current situation and their personal education goals. It seems that there isn’t one uniform answer as far as the importance of GPA, so each student should do what is best for them.
PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN
Students working hard to maintain their GPA’s.
MONEY
PHOTO BY JULIO RODRIGUEZ | HUDSONIAN
FROM PAGE ONE college budget. Students interested can look on the closet door to the left of the Center for Career and Transfer’s entrance or visit the HVCC job bank online. Gayle Healy, director of Careers and Transfer, explained the role that her department has in the applying and hiring process. “We basically shuffle the paperwork. We make sure that the college is in compliance with the equal opportunity regulations [and post] in our job bank, which is accessible to all students,” said Healy. Healy continued, “We also post the positions on our closet doors, so that if students walk in and they’re just here saying ‘I’m interested in working on campus,’ we can say ‘okay, this is what we have open right now.’ So, a student can give us their application, [then] we send the application to the area that’s hiring and they contact the students, interview the students and make the hiring decision. They decide who to interview and who to hire.” The College Worker program lets students work up to 18 hours per-week, and, like the WorkStudy program, it requires students to be matriculated, in good academic standing and taking at least six credit hours. It also pays $9.70 an hour. The application, which can be picked up in the Center for Careers and
Students looking to make money on campus can apply to work as peer tutors in the Marvin Library Writing and Research Center.
Transfers, asks for three references. Gayle Healy recommends that these references should be past employers, not family members. Gayle also strongly suggests that freshman students entering their second year should consider orientation jobs. “They’re hiring orientation workers now, so if somebody likes to give tours and wants public-speaking experience, it’s a great way to do that. It’s a fantastic way to get hours over the
summer, because we run a lot of orientation sessions and we need students for each one,” said Healy. Healy continued, “Every session has a tour, and you’re getting engaged with the campus, the faculty and the new students. It’s a position you can get some pretty good hours in, and it’s a great opportunity for this year’s first-year students to keep an eye out for.” Tutoring in the Marvin Library’s Learning Assistance Center isn’t facilitated by the Center
for Careers and Transfer, but it’s another way to make money on campus. In order to become a tutor, students need a recommendation from a professor in their area of specialty. Lastly, The Hudsonian also pays its contributors if they qualify under certain financial aid stipulations. Staff photographers earn $10 per photo, staff writers get $25 an article and editors get paid per issue.
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The Hudsonian holds weekly meetings at 2 p.m. in ADM 107, and no experience is required to join. Just show up, claim a story and check in with the appropriate editor for guidance. Having a job on campus is a smart financial decision, even saving students gas money by eliminating the commute to work elsewhere. It also looks great on a resume and can give students an impressive head start in their desired career field.
October 4, 2017
Vikings Sports Schedule Sat. Oct 7 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
(Away) James Earley Invitational @ 10:30 a.m.
Men’s Football (Home) Milford @ 7:00 p.m.
Sun. Oct 8 Women’s Softball Scrimmage (Away) RPI Saint Rose Adirondack @ 10:00 a.m.
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Athletics department recognized for volunteer work
By: Skylar Blankenship Sports Editor
“It’s important to give back to the community that supports us, on and off the field, each and every day”, said sophomore computer science major Niko Culnan, an offensive lineman for the men’s football team. The Hudson Valley Athletics Department clearly echoes this sentiment, as the Vikings recently received the NJCAA Region 3 Community Service Award. “This award is very special and something that I take great pride in as an administrator. Giving back to the community is an integral component of developing our student-athletes, and our coaches do a great job of reinforc-
ing our mission,” Director of Athletics Justin Hoyt said. “We look forward to continue serving and building relationships with our community.” Student-athletes have participated and volunteered at events such as the 9th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, Relay for Life of Rensselaer County and Race Away Stigma 5K Race and Fun Walk. “There are many important issues and causes that exist in the community, and if we are able to participate and help out, I think it is important to do so,” continues Culnan. The Vikings have volunteered at the college’s annual Pumpkin Palooza by helping with decorations, carnival games and dress-
ing up in costume. The athletic department also worked with the Troy Boy’s and Girl’s Club participating in the 9th Annual Pizza Palooza and helping with the school youth soccer program. “There are many times this community has been able to help our players and our athletes, so the times when we are able to help this community are very important to us. Not only that, but these opportunities are very beneficial to us as well. Our team bonds are not built strictly on the field during practice or game time”, said Mike Muehling, Head Football Coach and Athletic Academic Coordinator. The men’s baseball team joined forces with the Friends of
Jaclyn Foundation by adopting a six-year-old boy battling cancer. The women’s softball team hosted a youth clinic for the Classie Lassie Girls Softball, where they helped teach younger athletes the fundamentals of the sport. Muehling continues, “Being able to to experience different moments together where we are able to do acts of service help us to understand the impact we can have on those around us. We are fortunate because we are able to play, what I consider, the greatest team sport of all; so to be able to apply those lessons learned off of the field is a great experience for us.”
COURTESY OF ATHLETICS.HVCC.EDU
Men’s Soccer (Home) North County @ 1:00 p.m.
Men’s Soccer (Home) North County @ 1:00 p.m.
Vikings Scoreboard Women’s Volleyball Sat. Sept 23 HVCC v. Tomkins Cortland
3-0 Men’s Football Sun. Sept 24 HVCC v. New Jersey Warriors (Holmdel, NJ)
16-14 Women’s Soccer Wed. Sept 27 HVCC v. Herkimer
5-2 Men’s Soccer Wed. Sept 27 HVCC v. Herkimer
4-1 Women’s Tennis Mon. Sept 25 HVCC v. Herkimer
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The Athletics Department has volunteered in many capacities. Both at college sponsored and separately organized functions.
VIKINGS
FROM PAGE ONE dominated her two matches that day, 6-2, 6-1. Sophomore business administration major Madeline Gibbons, who is ranked number two, won her matches also, in what was a much closer contest than Ciotoli’s. The final scores were 6-4, 6-2. Number three-ranked Sarah Sampson, a freshman liberal arts major, destroyed her competition 6-1, 6-0. Number four-ranked Madison Bemis, a freshman biotechnology major, also seemed to be too much for her opponent, as she won 6-3, 6-2. Freshman environmental science major Saphire Ahlers, who is ranked fifth on her team, dominated her opponent that evening, 6-0, 6-1. Ciotoli and Gibbons teamed up to take down Herkimer’s top doubles team, finalizing a great day for Hudson Valley, and taking home the win, 7-1. Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team struggled against Herkimer on Wednesday, as they couldn’t lock down the win after an impressive game against number one-ranked Erie. The first half was dominated
by Herkimer, as they scored the first goal of the game right out of the gate. Freshman individual studies major Sydnee Metzold then tied the game about eight minutes later. Following up, Herkimer scored three straight goals to close out the first half, 4-1. Sophomore individual studies major Susannah Frisch scored the following goal in the second half, trying to give the Vikings some life in what was starting to feel like a potential blow-out. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, as Herkimer scored yet again, making the score 5-2, and closing out the game. Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team
couldn’t fend off Herkimer’s offense early on, as well. Seven minutes in, Herkimer scored the opening goal of the game, taking an early lead. While that was the lone score of the first half, the same couldn’t be said about the second half. Herkimer scored three straight goals to move the score up 4-0. With not much time left on the board, sophomore liberal arts major Ryan Euell scored the lone goal for Hudson Valley, finishing the game 4-1. Women’s Volleyball To finish off the evening, our women’s volleyball team faced Herkimer as well, and it was closer than the final score would
make it seem. In the first period, Herkimer out-scored Hudson Valley 25-11, putting Herkimer up 1-0 from the get-go. In the second period, Hudson Valley fought back, and it was extremely close with the final score being 25-23. Herkimer moved up to 2-0. The final match was nearly just as close, but it wasn’t enough, as the final score was 25-22 in favor of Herkimer. Herkimer ultimately stole the win, moving up to an unblemished 3-0 score. Sophomore individual studies major Alayna Fredenburg led Hudson Valley that evening in kills, with a total of 12 on 29 attempts. PHOTO BY JULIO RODRIGUEZ | HUDSONIAN
Women’s soccer player juggles the ball down the field in a riveting attempt to defeat Herkimer College this past week.
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October 4, 2017
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Potenza returns to coach women’s tennis By: Skylar Blankenship Sports Editor Denise Potenza is back as head coach for the Vikings’ women’s tennis team after a one-year hiatus. Coach Potenza first joined the Viking family for the 2011 season. Since then, she has guided the women’s tennis teams to back-to-back 7-0 regular seasons and Mountain Valley Conference Championships. She also earned the Paul F. Bishop Coach of the Year Award on two occasions. Before Hudson Valley, she was the number one and number two singles and doubles player at Marist College and SUNY Cortland. Potenza has been a player of the United States Tennis Association for over 20 years. She was inducted into the Watervliet Hall
of Fame in 2012. Q: How is it being back after a one-year hiatus? A: It’s great to be back coaching the Women’s Tennis Team again at HVCC. I missed the interaction with the student-athletes. Q: How would you describe the season you and your teams had as it comes to a close? A: We currently have one regular season match left on Sunday, Oct. 1st at Mohawk Valley, and then we move on to Regionals in Syracuse the following weekend. Our first matches were against some strong teams and we held our own against them. Our team has gotten stronger as the season has gone on so I’m looking forward to being competitive at Regionals. Q: What do you expect of your players?
A: I expect that my players will have some fun while playing competitive college tennis. Also, that players will work to balance tennis with academics as their priority. Q: What are your goals for next year? A: My goal every year is to make it to Nationals. It’s an awesome experience for players to experience tennis at the National level. Q: Why did you decide to become a coach? A: In a previous job I had, I was frequently able to teach tennis to younger children and always looked forward to that. I happened to see that the Head Women’s Tennis Coach was vacant a few years back and was fortunate enough to get the job. I discovered that I love working with the college student pop-
COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU
Potenza strives to bring the team back to nationals.
ulation. Q: Why tennis? A: My first memory of playing tennis is with my family when I was in 6th grade. I started to play with a group of friends in mid-
dle and high school, and also on teams. I’ve been able to meet and become friends with so many people that enjoy the same activity as I do. I encourage every player that I coach to keep playing, whether it be recreational or competitive, after college. Q: The athletic department has recently added a men’s golf team; has there been thought of a men’s tennis team? Why or why not? A: I’ve been asked several times about the possibility of having a men’s tennis team. If there are interested players, I would encourage them to contact the Athletic Department at HVCC to discuss that possibility.
SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT AT HOMECOMING OCT 7 & 8!
PHOTO BY ALANA MUELLER | HUDSONIAN
Watch us beat Milford Academy at the Outdoor Athletic Complex Oct. 7 @ 7 p.m.! PHOTO BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN
VICTOR WANTS YOU TO COME TO HOMECOMING! Join us for the 9th Annual Race Away Stigma 5K Race & Fun Walk at the Student Pavilion on Oct. 8! Registration is at 8:30 a.m. & the race starts at 10 a.m.
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