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OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Thehudsonian.org
Volume 69, Issue 2
January 26th, 2016
BUDSON VALLEY With New York State opening up several marijuana dispensaries, see how students react to the new change. See pages 6-7
Marison Topinio | THE HUDSONIAN Student Senate president Everett McNair and freshman senator Saydou Bonsa serve up cotton candy in the Campus Center.
Welcome Day delivers cotton candy and astronauts By: Chris Payne Staff Writer Students have mixed reactions about coming back to school for a new semester, but the college wanted to start it off with food, games, and a movie during Welcome Day. The Siek Campus Center was busy Wednesday, as students had the opportunity to eat barbecue favorites like mac n’ cheese and barbecue chicken and get sticky fingers from the cotton candy. Freshman class president Emma Dillon led a ring toss, and students were able to listen to music from the DJ. Everett McNair, president of the Student Senate, decided to show the movie, “The Martian,”
starring Matt Damon, in the BTC. “I’ve seen it and enjoyed it,” he said. “I like the movie because it combines elements of sci fi, action and comedy. I think that this movie will interest a huge audience.” There were many different clubs who had tables set up to make students aware of their offerings, including the Cheerleading Club, the Black and Latino Student Alliance, and the Not a Bit of Difference Club. Navera Moritori, the advisor of the Animal Outreach Club, and her pigeon friend, Archimedes, were in attendance for the event. Archimedes is named after a Greek philosopher and is a service animal. “Our club works with domestic, wildlife, and farm animals,” she said. “The club’s
mission is to stop animal neglect, spread information about animal abuse, and try to get therapy dogs on campus.” Tour Guide Club president Sarah Lounsbury attended Welcome Day as well. “The reason I wanted to join the tour guide club is because my sister was a tour guide,” she said. “My goal is to point students that are not used to HVCC the right direction.” Campus Ministry was also represented. Cylon George, campus minister, said, “My goal is to get support for students and help them get connected with their religious roots.” According to Frederick Mays, a member of the Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Public Administrations Club who attended Welcome Day, “The goal
of the club is to inform people about jobs in the criminal justice area. We provide lectures, meetand-greets and help for studying for tests for the criminal justice job.”
Enrollment drop expected for fourth year By: Rebecca Jordan News Editor How will the predicted three percent decline in enrollment for the spring 2016 semester affect you? Fall 2015 closed with an enrollment number of 11,888 students. Though spring 2016 numbers have not officially been reported because students are still being enrolled, the college has been planning ahead for the decline so it did not catch the college unaware. According to Dennis Kennedy, director of communications and marketing, the college puts forth an enrollment projection two or three years in advance in order to be able to plan ahead. This decline is, in part, due to the amount of students graduating high school, which has experienced a 2.7 percent decline from numbers this past year. According to Kennedy, this is the fifth or sixth year in a row less students have come out of high school because parents are not having as many kids. When less students graduate high school, there is a smaller recruitment pool for colleges to target. Another cause for enrollment decline is tied to the economy. During the Great Recession the United States experienced from 2008 to around 2012, institutions throughout the nation saw a surge in enrollment. Now that the economy is recovering, less students feel the need to go to college. SEE ENROLLMENT PAGE 3
Inside News
Inside Commentary
Inside Sports
Gene Haas Tech. Center
Catcalling
Postgame Playbook
College seeks multi-million dollar grants.
Page 3
Jenny Caulfield speaks out against harassment. Page 9
Check out how the Vikings were able to defeat Delhi. Page 12
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January 26th, 2016
NEWS
The Hudsonian Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburgh Ave. Troy, NY 12180 Phone: 518-629-7568 Email: hudsonian@hvcc.edu Editor-in-Chief Matt Whalen
How do students spend their refund checks? By: Evette Linendoll Staff Writer
Managing Editor Tyler McNeil Business Manager Durgin McCue News Editor Rebecca Jordan Creative Editor Jenny Caulfield Photo Editor Marison Topinio Copy Editor Dae-Jin Yuk Staff Writers Chris Payne Evette Linendoll Stephen Pelletier Staff Photographers Stephanie Saddlemire Faculty Adviser Rachel Bornn 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. Editorial Policy All views expressed in this paper are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the The Hudsonian or the College. 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.
Even if students haven’t received their refund checks yet, many already have plans to use the money, some in more responsible ways than others. “I plan on spending the money on rent, cost of living, food, stuff like that, said Kaitlyn Baswell, a theater freshman who expects a check later this semester. “I am sure you could use it to go shopping or something like that, but I guess it depends on how responsible you are. You’re going to have to pay [your student loans] back anyways. I’m just basically reimbursing myself and then spending what’s left on the cost of living.” Comptroller John Braungard has been working in areas dealing directly with students and their financial aid for over 12 years. “I think that the majority of our students are using their financial aid refunds to pay for living expenses such as housing costs, food, and transportation costs,” said Braungard when asked via email what he thinks students are doing with their refund checks. Students have the choice to do what they please with the money, although administration advises that they invest it into their degrees and living expenses during the semester. When asked
what he recommends students doing with their refunds, John Braungard responded via email, “I would recommend students only borrow as much as they need and try to limit the use of their refunds for essential expenses.” Psychology sophomore Haillie Luft is doing just that. She said, “I used the money to pay back the person who gave me the money for the first semester.” Other students like Toni Dipalma, a freshman in adolescent education, have other thoughts on what to do with the money.
“Ideally, I would like to buy myself a plane ticket anywhere for spring break or something. There’s a much more responsible way to spend the money, but I just think I deserve it,” said Dipalma. Refunds are distributed in payments from January to March for the spring semester and August to November for the fall semester. Students are sent a Higher One Refund choice card or a check in the mail to receive their refunds or are able to get the money direct-deposited into their bank accounts.
January 26th, 2016
NEWS
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Calendar of Events January
Tue 26
Mindfulness Meditation 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Siek Campus Center, room 220 (Interfaith Prayer Room)
Wed 27
American Red Cross Blood Drive 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thu 28
Meditation Thursdays 10:00 am – 10:30 am Siek Campus Center, Suite 270
Anisul Tony | THE HUDSONIAN
From Page 1
Enrollment “Recessions are marked by high unemployment – people are out of work, less jobs are being created, and they are harder to get. There’s no economic growth, so there’s no new jobs,” Kennedy explained. “When there’s high unemployment, people come back to college to get trained to give them an advantage in the job market.” When enrollment drops slightly, there is a corresponding loss in tuition revenue. Out of the college’s total budget of around $110 million for this academic year, about 38% of that revenue comes from student tuition. 20% of the remaining budget money comes from county governments, 21.5% is state aid, and 19% comes from other places. Kennedy says that while tuition and fees are one part of the college’s operating budget, significant funds do come in from other sources. “[Enrollment] is partially tied to the tuition revenue the college receives as a whole, which could have implications on the end student tuition, but that has to be balanced with a look at every other funding source the college has. It’s a multi-faceted issue,” Kennedy said. Tuition did increase in the 2015-16 academic year. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s new proposed state budget for this upcoming
year did not include any additional funding for community colleges, and costs are rising every year. “The last thing the college will do in order to balance its budget is raise tuition or fees because it’s our mission to make higher education affordable,” said Kennedy. Aside from tuition and fee costs, the decrease in enrollment may not dramatically affect the daily lives of students. Because there are less students, there is a corresponding decrease in the revenue earned from services that students pay for in addition to tuition, such as the bookstore and cafeteria. Some effects of lower enrollment can be considered positive. The college does not cut staff in times of modest decline, so if there are less students needing the attention of the same amount of professors and staff, the services received by student should theoretically be enhanced. In addition, parking should improve, there will be more space in labs and study area, and it will be easier to make appointments with advisors. Kennedy believes that these effects, however, will be minor. “When there’s 200 less students, do you really feel it in an institution that has almost 12,000 students?” he asked. “You can look at tuition as one angle, but I don’t think that, on a day-to-day level, the service that a student receives from this college is any different.”
2015 2013 2012 2010 14,011
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College looks to finance over $10 million building By: Tyler McNeil Managing Editor
WEDNESDAY High/Low 38/21 THURSDAY
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FRIDAY
Community Sports Day 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
High/Low 40/27 SATURDAY High/Low 40/31 The Hudsonian’s next publication will be Tuesday February 2nd.
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= 1,000 students enrolled Graphic by Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Funding sought after through public and private sector
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Students wait in line at the financial aid office earlier last week in Guenther Hall. Open House for Prospective Volleyball Student Athletes 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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Hudson Valley continues to search for over $10 million to start building the Gene Haas Technology Center by fall 2017. Over $2 million have been secured for the advanced manufacturing program since September when the college received a $1 million grant for the project. In October, the college submitted a $12 million grant request to the state in an effort to build the Gene Haas Technology Center if the Capital Region became one of three regions of the state to receive $500 million from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI). When applying for the URI, the Gene Haas Technology Center was projected to cost upwards of $14 million. “If the Capital Region was one of the regions who won the Upstate Revitalization [Initiative], we would’ve got more money there, but we didn’t get it, so that’s
out of the picture,” said President Drew Matonak. As a result of the Capital Region only receiving $98 million from the competition, the project secured $1 million. According to Matonak, the project has secured “a couple hundred thousand dollars” in fundraising efforts. The college is currently seeking additional private grants to help fund the Gene Haas Technology Center. Along with private grants, the college hopes to secure matching funds in the 2017-18 executive budget. Forty new spaces in the advanced manufacturing program were originally expected to open up at Hudson Valley with the new facility. “We get phone calls frequently by local employers who are looking to hire our students or graduates, and quite often, there aren’t any [graduates] available because they already have jobs,” said James Hamilton, associate professor for Automotive, Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering Technologies.
The facility, along with equipment upgrades, were expected to nearly double the size of the program. Improvements to the facility date back to the 2009-2013 Hudson Valley Master Plan when Lang Hall, where the program is housed, was suggested to be replaced with a “New Lang Hall.” “For the size of our class, there’s just not enough machines,” said Brian Rose, advanced manufacturing student. Extra space in the Gene Haas Technology Center would increase the number of computerized numerical control machines and manual control systems. According to Rob Honsinger, advanced manufacturing student, the current advanced manufacturing lab space is difficult to work in. He said the space is divided between freshman and seniors. “They definitely need a larger space. It’s tight,” he said.
• Building of Gene Haas Technology Center plans to start in fall of 2017. • The project only secured $1 million from the $98 million the Capital Region recieved • Forty new spaces were planned to open up with the new facility.
Marison Topinio | THE HUDSONIAN Advanced manufacturing students at work in the current location of the program, Lang Hall.
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January 26th, 2016
January 26th, 2016
NEWS
An estimated 5-9 percent increase in enrollement if free community college is applied
39
Number of community colleges in New York State.
$5,853
Average of in-state tuition for community colleges in New York State.
JANUARY 20015
GPA students must maintain to recieve free tuition in the free community college plan.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MATT WHALEN | THE HUDSONIAN
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President Obama introduced his plan for free community college.
QUOTE “Education has always been the secret sauce, the secret to America’s success.” - President Barack Obama
STATS COURTESY OF USNEWS.COM
StartUp NY Unique ID SU-315-2-B-T2032-000-A
5-9
2.5
Average age at community colleges is 28.
HVCC Downtown Troy
By 2020, an estimated 35 percent of jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Community colleges have created free two-year college programs.
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A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS 5 35%
hopes to increase federal financial aid, but opposes free tuition. In November, Clinton responded to Sanders’s plan, arguing, “I don’t think taxpayers should be paying to send Donald Trump’s kids to college.” Although Kevin Terleckey, liberal arts student, plans to go UAlbany next semester, he believes that free tuition for public institutions would be unfair to all students. “For me, it would help because I’ve only had $40 in financial aid this semester, but I feel like it’s unfair to everybody,” he said. The only service at Hudson Valley that decreases the price of tuition, regardless of a student’s ability to qualify for financial aid is the Second Chance Scholarship Program. Every year, the scholarship is awarded to students who have overcome personal obstacles in order to pursue an education, regardless of their financial situation. Under the program, students can receive as much as $1,500 based on credits and academic performance. “If there was an element of that in this free tuition idea being kicked around, I really think that might be a concept worth exploring,” said President Drew Matonak.
Basement 3,607 Square Feet
$2,050 per year for full-time, in-state students. The average cost of tuition for full-time, in-state residents across SUNY community colleges in the 2015-16 academic year is $2,105. Governor Andrew Cuomo met with the White House last September to discuss free community college in New York State. “I think it takes awhile for New York [State] to get on top of things,” said Justin Hunt, business student. Currently, only Oregon and Tennessee have tuition-free community college systems. Hunt mentioned support for presidential candidate Bernie Sanders’s platform to make all public colleges tuitionfree. According to a Hudsonian election poll last month, 46 percent of student support Sanders in the 2016 presidential race. Sanders’s free tuition plan includes a 0.5 percent fee on stock trades, a 0.1 percent fee on bonds and a 0.005 percent fee on derivatives which aims to pay up to $750 billion over a decade for college tuition. “I served in the military. There’s no such thing as a free education,” said Darrin Smith, ECM student, who was able to pay for his tuition through the GI Bill. Similar to Martin O’Malley and Hillary Clinton, he
Building Total 17, Square Feet
“Providing two years of community college at no cost for every responsible student is one of the best ways to do that, and I’m going to keep fighting to get that started this year,” said President Obama about reducing student loan payments in the State of the Union address two weeks ago. Alex Hobbs, an early childhood education student who hopes to transfer to Saint Rose by the fall, believes free tuition at Hudson Valley would’ve given her an easier start before putting on student loan debt next semester. “Free tuition should be [for] all community colleges just to get people on their feet to at least get an associates degree,” she said. The average graduate debt for Saint Rose in 2013 was over $34,000 according to the Institute for College Access & Success. Nicolaus Lagrange, ECM student, fears the repercussions of free community college reaching his home. He believes that higher taxes would result from funding free community college and would have negative consequences for his family’s dairy
farm in Selkirk. “We don’t make much money as it is,” he said. “We’re already paying land taxes, school taxes and a bunch of other taxes.” Since last year, the idea of free community college has ignited controversy from debate stages to the House of Representatives chamber. Obama first introduced a proposal last January that included making the first two years of community college tuition free. Since the proposal, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has also latched on to a free community college plan in her platform. Abby Westfall, individual studies student, currently works two jobs to pay off half of her tuition. “I know it would suck because taxes would increase, but in a sense it would work out towards my education,” said Westfall about free community college. Obama’s plan included a system of cost-sharing for free community college (75 percent federal spending, 25 percent state funding). Pell grants would help pay for room and board, transportation, and other costs associated with attending college for students in extreme poverty. “Community college is cheap as it is,” said Max Thompson, theatre arts major. Hudson Valley’s tuition cost is currently
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Businesses seeking graduates look to grow through tax-free zones
Campus sentiment split over tuition debate By: Tyler McNeil Managing Editor
NEWS
Courtesy of Penny Hill
The refurbished Quackenbush building in Downtown Troy where three START-UP NY companies plan to grow.
By: Tyler McNeil Managing Editor Forty new jobs are projected to grow out of Hudson Valley’s second approved START-UP NY site over the next five years. “This unique program will give us the competitive advantage to develop our company in New York’s Capital Region and grow across the country and the world,” said V Owen Bush, chief executive officer of daydream.io in a statement. START-UP NY allows businesses to be tax exempt for up to ten years. Businesses within the program must be located in close proximity to a college and show a commitment to help further the academic mission of the school that they partner with in exchange for a tax break. Next Thursday, daydream.io,
a virtual reality startup, will move into the Quackenbush Building in Troy. The startup was one of 30 companies that were interested in partnering with Hudson Valley for the site. “I think most of all that Hudson Valley is a very forward-thinking institution and sees [a lot of] opportunity in this completely new channel of digital media and entertainment, and they put a lot of effort to get us accepted,” said Dennis Adamo, media director at daydream.io. The company, founded in 2015, has already started an internship program in coordination with the college. Currently, the company is focused on filling six internship positions concentrated on public relations, digital media and computer science. According to Adamo, daydream.io sought after partnership with the college last year to attract locally-oriented graduates. “Most
people who have come from other companies tend to come with different perceptions of the industry, and we’re trying to avoid all that by starting with people fresh out of school that want to build ongoing careers in the area,” said Adamo. Two other software companies in Downtown Troy hope to move into the Quackenbush building with START-UP NY sponsorship from the college, including Simplytell and ChannelEyes. Both companies have not yet been approved for the program. “[START-UP NY is] a highly recognized program, and it gives us the ability to access top talent in the college,” said Jay McBain, chief operating officer of ChannelEyes. The company plans to grow 18 jobs within the next five years if approved for the Quackenbush space.
Case Window and Door was the first company reach approval for Hudson Valley’s START-UP NY program in March of last year. “We’re just helping those small companies figure out how they’re going to be able to get rolling in the Capital Region,” said President Drew Matonak. Although START-UP NY requires businesses to be located in a one-mile radius outside a college location, with a waiver, tax-free zones can be established as far as Castleton-On-Hudson. Healthy Brands Collective, interested in Hudson Valley’s Castleton-On-Hudson START-UP NY site hopes to grow up to 60 student-targeted jobs in the next five years. According to Penny Hill, coordinator of Hudson Valley’s START-UP NY program, the company hopes to be approved by March. Schodack Central School
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District’s Business Incubator Program in Castleton-On-Hudson recently reached out to Hudson Valley for START-UP NY sponsorship. The program has allowed local businesses such as MICROrganic Technologies and O’Malley’s Oven to use space at Maple Hill Middle School that has emptied due to downward-trending enrollment. Colleges are limited to 200,000 square feet of space for businesses under START-UP NY. If a business is on-campus or has a memorandum of agreement with non-profit organizations under the program, they do not exceed a college’s eligible space.“It’s a strange caveat that provides a loophole for us as economic developers and us as the college to broaden our reach, open up more possible opportunities for partnerships and grow different jobs in the region,” said Hill.
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Legalization of marijuana in New York State
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BY THE NUMBERS Chart Title
STUDENT REACTIONS TO LEGALIZATION ”I think it’s beneficial to the people who need it--it’ll come in handy.” - Peter Borgosz, Mortuary Science
Percentage of states to legalize medical marijuana
“I think it’s one step towards getting criminals off the street. People all over the state are doing dumb things with selling marijuana, so it takes a step forward and gets all the low life criminals off the street for those drugs.”
38 %
Chart Title Legal Not legall
4%
- Jonathan Gilbert, Criminal Justice
Percentage of states to legalize medical marijuana for recreational use
“I don’t see it as a problem-more as a way to advance and improve New York health care.” - Aileen May, Human Services
eltiT tNot legall rahC Legal
Percentage of Percentage of states that have states to legalize no laws legalizing medical marijuana marijuana
llagel toN
lageL
7 193 na
a ariju ssed, m e Th t is pa se Ac he u Tax iting t evel. ib ll proh federa a on
“I don’t feel it should have been legalized because it will be abused and be very distracting for a lot of people.”
54 %
F
- Madison Popolizio, English Education
By: Jenny Caulfield Creative Editor
or the first time in New York State’s history, the distribution of medical marijuana was legalized on Jan. 7, 2016. The New York State Medical Marijuana Program allows those diagnosed with life threatening conditions accompanied or associated with a complicating condition to receive the treatment of medical marijuana. The state has compiled a list of the conditions they feel would be beneficial for the law such as Cancer, HIV or AIDS and Parkinson’s disease. Because the law is new, the Commissioner of Health, Howard A. Zucker, is actively analyzing what conditions should be added to the list. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy and posttraumatic stress
1970
The Controlled Substance Act is passed prohibiting cannabis federally along with other drugs.
disorder are currently being looked into to see if they should be added onto the program. The Commissioner also has control over the forms of medical marijuana. Although it is now legalized, there are still limitations as to what qualifies for it’s distribution and consumption. Under The Compassionate Care Act, smoking medical marijuana or using edibles are still not permitted. The approved forms by New York State include liquid and oil vaporization orally or under the tongue, administration through inhaler, or taking a capsule orally. To be able to obtain treatment with medical marijuana, your physician must deem it as appropriate for your medical needs, and he or she must be registered
199
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with the state Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program. Once deemed as appropriate, your physician will issue you the certification for the use of the state’s medical marijuana. After purchasing and receiving your certificate, you must apply for registration online to be given a state administered registry ID card. Studies have shown that the use of marijuana in cancer patients can serve as beneficial for reducing neuropathic pain, and that people under its use have been able to reduce their intake of pain medications. Fine arts student Sam Caruso is one of many who know how marijuana can positively affect those with cancer. “One of my friends had cancer,” said Caruso. “It helped her a lot before she passed away,” she said.
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epor ted Gallup r 50% a record ns ica of Amer r ted u s d ppo surveye tion. legaliza
“I’ve heard that it is possible for marijuana to stop the spread of cancer because of a specific chemical it contains,” said human services major Aileen May. May believes that medical marijuana plays a large role in the progression of New York’s health care system, as well as a benefit for those with various diseases.“I think that it will help slow the progression of diseases and help [people] relax, as well as ease pain,” she said. As of Jan. 21, 265 physicians had been registered for the New York State Medical Marijuana Program, and 295 patients had been certified by their doctors. Despite the process being slow, these numbers are growing daily and providing patients of New York State medical marijuana as an attainable source of medical assistance.
2014
New Y o York d rk City, Ne w ecrim marij inalized uana .
“I believe that it should be legalized for recreational use because it will grow the economy and make people’s health better.” - Michael Purvey, Criminal Justice
5 201 arack s
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2016
On Jan ua year an ry 7 after a d New Yo a half wait, rk’s firs te dispen saries fi ight n opened ally .
DESIGN BY MATT WHALEN | THE HUDSONIAN
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January 26th, 2016
FEATURES
Alumna returns to ‘second home’ determined to find well-being By: Tyler McNeil Managing Editor Cydney Rogers returned to Hudson Valley after struggling at SUNY Oneonta to rediscover happiness close to home. “It’s a lot easier to be confident when you’re happy,” she said. Graduating Hudson Valley last year, Rogers was optimistic about leaving the Capital Region for SUNY Oneonta. After living on the campus for several weeks, her perception about living an hour away from home changed. Last semester, Rogers struggled to socialize. “I was living by myself basically,” she said. During her time at SUNY Oneonta, Rogers said her roommate refused to speak to her. After finding employment in the area, Rogers had an increasingly difficult time finding friends and getting involved in campus clubs. Over time, Rogers had panic attacks over time constraints and lack of support. She would often use any available time to travel back home to Troy to visit her boyfriend, family and friends from Hudson Valley. “We’re all just a really tight knit group,” said Rogers about her friends from Hudson Valley that she met through the HonorScholar program. Next semester, Rogers plans to stay closer to home by attending either Russell Sage or UAlbany. “Hudson Valley is like a second home to me so I’m hoping that another school that is local will do the same thing,” said Rogers. Graduating Catholic High School in 2013 with honors, Hudson Valley was Rogers’ first choice. Coming into the HonorScholar program at the college, Rogers found new friends and a passion for psychology. “I found my niche at Hudson Valley. I didn’t really have a niche in high
January 26th, 2016
FEATURES
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In the 1970s, Hutchison noticed there wasn’t as much awareness about pedophilia or sexual predators as we have now. “Today I think it would be much more frowned upon,” said Hutchison. Despite the novel’s focus on romantic relationships, Hutchison does not classify it as a romance. “It has romantic elements, but if I tried to sell it as a romance I’d have a lot of angry readers,” said Hutchison. “Most people who buy romances really want that promise of a happy ending,” she said. Hutchison has been described as a feminist writer on more than one occasion, with which Hutchison agrees. “Ultimately, part of the message of the book is that it is up to a girl to decide what she wants to do with her body,” she said. Before “The Ribs and Thigh bones of Desire,” Hutchison published “The Awful Mess” in 2013. Hutchison describes it as an updated version of The Scarlet Letter, and says it addresses faith and hypocrisy. In addition to her novels, Hutchison also has a comedic short story, ”The Short, Spectacular Indie-Publishing Career of Matilda Walter,” available on Amazon.com for free. Hutchison has taken a sabbatical this semester to finish another novel titled, “Bardwell’s Folley.” Continuing in her theme of controversial topics, this book will tackle racial issues. “It’s an adventure through racial politics,” she said. “I like to take on dangerous topics.”
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COMMENTARY
Stephanie Saddlemire | THE HUDSONIAN Cydney Rogers, 21, graduated Hudson Valley last May. school,” she said. Unlike her experience at Hudson Valley, Rogers struggled to find acceptance at Catholic High School. “It was all very superficial there and I was just very focused on my values,” said Rogers. By her senior year, Rogers failed to find any friends that have remained despite being involved in over five campus clubs at once. Roger’s high school experience consisted of harassment, anxiety and growing health issues. Starting in her freshman year, Rogers would often
struggle with nausea and vomit regularly. “I was just vomiting all the time,” said Rogers. During a colonoscopy in 2013, her pediatrician discovered a large diaphragmatic hernia, allowing gastric acid in her esophagus to flow freely. Rogers faced a six-month recovery period after undergoing surgery in March of that year. While hernia complications progressively worsened, Rogers faced difficulties exercising. “I couldn’t even do crunches without vomiting,” said Rogers. She had
to give up stress-relieving outlets such as karate, yoga and running. Next month, Rogers hopes to revive her athleticism. “My biggest thing isn’t that yoga solves a lot of problems, but physical activity does and I’ve been held back from that due to time constraints with work and school,” said Rogers. Along with physical activity, Rogers has used religion to cope with stress. In recent years, she said her Christian beliefs have grown stronger. “If you’re not fulfilled than you’re not reaching the potential that God planned
for you to be,” she said. Since birth, Rogers has attended the same church Evangelical Lutheran Church. She spends holidays with some church members that she refers to as family. “The church was always positive for me,” she said. She described her core beliefs surrounding the phrase “God is love and God is kindness.” “I try to live with kindness and joy and I try to spread that as much as I can,” said Rogers.
Professor dives into controversial themes in latest novel By: Durgin McCue Business Manager “The Ribs and Thigh bones of Desire” by professor Sandra Hutchison received numerous positive reviews in 2015. “It feels great. It’s what I write for,” she said. What stands out as being particularly fulfilling to Hutchison is when her favorite authors write good reviews of her novel.
“That means the world to me as a writer,” she said. The novel, set in a Western Massachusetts town, follows the lives of a middle-aged man and his babysitter. The novel addresses sexuality, loss and survival. “I didn’t initially intend for the story to be about survival,” said Hutchison. Hutchison is the type of writer that doesn’t have an outline for her writing. She wasn’t sure where she would go with her story when she started writing it, but she understands
the difficulty of people to survive trauma. “I think it’s hard to be a survivor, especially when you feel guilty about being a survivor,” she said. According to Hutchison, the novel is not autobiographical, but some elements of the story do come from her life. While living in Massachusetts, one of Hutchison’s neighbors, a middle-aged man, married his teenage babysitter. “I was also a teenage babysitter around that time, so I wondered what was go-
ing on with a relationship like that,” said Hutchison. “Was it something where he really loved her? So I explored that a little.” It wasn’t until several decades later that Hutchison revisited the topic and wrote a complete novel. Hutchison believes that the atmosphere surrounding teenage marriages has changed significantly since the 1970s, which is when the book is set. “At that time, it was not as uncommon for girls to get married in high school,” she said. SEE NOVEL NEXT PAGE
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From smoking to studying: Students weign-in on New Year’s resolutions By: Stephen Pelletier Staff Writer People use New Year’s Eve as a time of self reflection and a chance to resolve any vices they may not like about themselves. Hudson Valley students have their own take on the annual tradition. After being a pack-a-day smoker for three years, individual studies major Alec Heffley has decided to make major steps in becoming tobacco free. Heffley, along with his best friend and his best friend’s mother, have agreed that their New Year’s resolution is to quit smoking. Heffley plans to do things like purchase a vape and use nicotine gum to help keep his mind off of smoking. “I’m down to smoking three cigarettes a day versus twenty,” said Heffley. Having never tried to quit smoking before, Heffley agrees that he’s already making progress on his resolution. “So far it’s been going pretty well,” he said. Students like individual studies major Elijah Hummel find that their biggest resolution is to perform better academically. “I want my professors to know that I’m a hard worker, and that’s a very good goal to work toward,” said Hummel. Hummel plans to keep true to his resolution this year by working to improve his studying. Hummel believes that by improving his study habits and applying himself to completing projects, he can improve his grades this
semester. Aside from working to achieve academic goals, some students such as liberal arts major Natasha Levchenko are trying to be open minded to new experiences. “I already tackled a lot of new things so far,” said Levchenko. “I want to continue going and do things I fear to overcome them,” she said. Levchenko’s strategy to achieve her resolution is to have a positive outlook on her actions. Shreshta Kota, computer information systems major, plans to become more active with student activities on campus. Kota is taking steps in leading her own event she calls “Culture Night.” “It’s an event to represent different cultures through a fashion show and cultural events,” said Kota. Kota plans to contact individuals who have hosted similar events in the past to ensure that her event is a hit. Not all students share the idea of having a New Year’s resolution. Biology major Hannah Walsh feels that the idea of using New Year’s Eve as a time of resolution is redundant. “You shouldn’t just wait for another year to make a major decision,” said Walsh. According to Walsh, if you want to make a change in your life, any time is the right time; not just New Year’s Eve. “Why not just make [a resolution] now?” she said.
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Students need to speak out against catcalling on campus By: Jenny Caulfield Creative Editor Walking into the Campus Center Thursday morning only to be whistled at by a group of men was not how I planned to start my day. Yelling “Hey mama” at me outside, or whistling repeatedly at me in the Campus Center is not a form of flattery. It is a form of ignorance. I don’t know when making females feel uncomfortable around campus became a trend, but what I do know is that it is time for it to come to a halt. When women like me are afraid while walking alone from building to building, that says something about the attitude on campus. Making a whistle, shout or comment of a sexual nature to a female student, in other words “catcalling”, is not flirtatious. Catcalling is disrespectful and unwanted. I don’t care that your friend wants my phone number, and screaming that across campus will not change that. I have talked with many women, and they agree that they are afraid to enter the Campus Center because of the frequent harassment they face from male students; so why is no one speaking up? As women, we can shake off your comments, but it’s something bigger than that.
The effects of finding ourselves constantly catcalled are negative, and can get in the way of the academic progresses of students. Something not realized by those who catcall young females is how much they can impact their education. I am now always ready to fake a phone call when I walk past the campus lawn or downstairs in the Campus Center out of fear of being catcalled again, and it shouldn’t have to be that way. Trying to pay attention in class when I am given uncomfortable looks by students doesn’t make me want to focus at all; it makes me want to run out of my lecture hall. There is a difference between being polite, and being creepy. If you want to compliment my outfit, you may tell me in a kind way. Whistling at me does not get that message across; it only makes me feel like less of a person, being denigrated by your blatant disrespect. If you feel an urge to catcall any female on campus, I beg you, keep your mouth shut. I am a hardworking college student who pays tuition to receive a proper education, so it is disappointing my tuition goes down the drain with my discomfort on campus. Every Hudson Valley student should have the right to feel comfortable on their own school grounds, so it’s a shame not all students actually do.
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January 26th, 2016
January 26th, 2016
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Vikings Sports Schedule Men’s Ice Hockey Wednesday 01/27/16 vs. Mohawk Valley @ 7p.m. (Home)
Bowling
Friday 01/30/16 vs. Mohawk Valley @ 1:30p.m. (Away)
Men’s Ice Hockey Saturday 01/30/16 vs. Broome @ 1p.m. (Home)
Women’s Basketball Saturday 01/30/16 vs. Schenectady @ 12p.m. (Home)
Men’s Basketball Saturday 01/30/16 vs. Schenectady @ 2p.m. (Home)
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN
Men’s hockey
Home vs. Mohawk Valley wednesday Jan. 27 @ 7p.m. Home vs. broome Saturday Jan. 30 @ 1p.m.
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN
ALL HELMETS OFF MEN’S HOCKEY SHOOTS FOR STRONG FINISH
Vikings Scoreboard
By: Matt Whalen Editor-in-Chief
Men’s Ice Hockey
LOSS
Jan. 18 HVCC v. Erie 1-8
WIN
Jan. 21 HVCC v. Broome 4-2 Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN
Women’s Basketball
LOSS
Jan. 23 HVCC v. Herkimer 39-60
LOSS
Jan. 24 HVCC v. Broome 44-58
Men’s Basketball Home vs. schenectady Saturday Jan. 30 @ 2p.m.
Jan. 23 HVCC v.
LOSS #8 Herkimer 56-95 WIN
trick of the season to help the Vikings win 4-2. The Vikings so far have 30 goals and 26 assists between the whole team. They rank fifth in both goals and assists overall. One of their strong suites have been power-plays. The team currently has six power-play goals ranking second in the region. Helping out the Vikings this season and last season has been Sophmore Brandon Doherty. Last season, Doherty led the team in points with 22, and led the team in goals with 10. This season, Doherty is currently second in points with six and two goals on the season. The team has four returning
players from last season who felt the pain of only winning three games. The hockey team has made it to the National Tournament four times in the last five seasons. The Vikings won the National Championship back in the 2001 season under Coach Mike Alvey. That is also the only year they won the conference and Region III Championship. With only one more season left next year before the end of hockey for the Vikings, the team of 22 freshman know how important these last two season are, as they only have two more chances of another National title. The hockey team has a big
home stretch of six straight games at home facing teams they have already defeated earlier. This week the Vikings take on Mohawk Valley on Wednesday at 7 p.m. who they have defeated twice this season so far. On Saturday, the Vikings play home again against Broome who they are currently 2-1 against on the season. The teams last home game comes on Saturday Feb. 13 against Siena Club who they defeated earlier in the season 4-2. With the remaining schedule the Vikings have, they should be able to finish off the season with a winning record.
Sports writers wanted!
Men’s Basketball
Jan. 24 HVCC v. Broome 83-75
After starting the season off 2-5, the men’s hockey team has put a number of wins together to get back into the season. The Vikings defeated Broome last Thursday 4-2 and moved into second place in the Region. With seven more games left in the season, the team looks to make a comeback and end the season on a high note. The Vikings finished last season with only three wins, so this season is a big improvement from that. The hockey team has had
three winning seasons in the last five years with their best record coming back in the 201011 season where they ended up losing to Erie in the National Championship. Lately the Vikings have had trouble against the powerhouse Erie as they were swept this season 4-0 against them. In the past three seasons, the Vikings have only managed to get one win against Erie going 1-11 against them since the 2013 season. Leading the team is Sean Spohr, a Freshman forward. This season, Sphor has eight points and leads the team with seven goals. In the win against Seinea Club, Spohr scored his first hat-
IF YOU LIKE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, CONTACT SPORTS EDITOR JOHN C. LONGTON III @ J-LONGTON@HVCC.EDU Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN
Women’s Basketball Home vs. schenectady Saturday Jan. 30 @ 12p.m.
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- SPORTS FANATIC - ATTENDING GAMES - WRITING FEATURES AND GAME RECAPS - GETTING PAID
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January 26th, 2016
SPORTS
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POSTGAME PLAYBOOK TWEET IT OUT
Get a breakdown of Hudson Valley’s big win over Delhi last Wednesday.
1 BEAST MODE Kevin Lenahan had a career high of 34 points against Delhi. Scoring 17 points in each of the halfs, Lenahan finished shooting 13-20 with a .65% field goal percentage.
2 GRAB THE BOARDS
3 QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Brandon Palmer led the Vikings with 11 rebounds in the win over Delhi. Palmer has grabbed a total of 46 rebounds in just the last five games alone. Palmer being a big part of the team has also been averaging 11.8 points per game in the last five games. Palmer came out of the Vikings game vs. Herkimer on Saturday with an ankle injury.
@HVCCVIKINGS “Men’s basetball picks up a big win over Delhi!” #GoVIKINGS
The Vikings had much better looks at the hoop against Delhi. The team shot 46.2% as a team, which is an improvement over their last few games where they have only shot just over 40% as a team. The Vikings quality shooting game gave them the edge they needed to defeat Delhi 87-80.
SPOTLIGHT
@ChristianJones “
THE BIG THREE
“Game day tho
@D1Locker “I can’t be there to watch HVCC at Delhi...still watching the game tho!”
HERO
KEVIN LENAHAN
LENAHAN
CENTER HT: 6’7” WGHT: 195 YEAR: FRESHMAN
FORWARD HT: 6’3” WGHT: 170 YEAR: FRESHMAN
34
CAREER HIGH
53
POINTS SCORED
65% FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
37%
After starting off the season slow, Lenahan came out on top agaisnt Delhi scroing a career high 34 points to lead the team. Lenahan has helped the team in the last five games scoring an average of 20 points per game.
JOHN PALMER
REST OF TEAM
56%
72% FREE THROW PERCENTAGE
FULL CIRCLE
John Palmer is still one of the biggest contributors to the Vikings every game. Scoring 15 points and the only three pointer against Delhi. Palmer has averaged 26.2 points per game in the last five games played.
ZERO
Chart Title
Chart Title
Vikings shot 46.2% against Delhi
FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
field goal %
STILL ROLLING
rest
Chart Title
Brandon Palmer with 11 rebounds
3-POINT PERCENTAGE
REBOUNDS
34 Rebounds by rest of the team
field goal %
rest
25% 3-point shooting vs. Delhi
field goal %
BRANDON PALMER
John Palmer only made 3-pointer in the game
rest
COACHES CORNER
GUARD HT: 6’1” WGHT: 180 YEAR: FRESHMAN
After leading the team in scoring the game before with 22 points, Palmer was only able to put up three points going 1-5 in the game. He did contribute with 11 rebounds in the game.
BY THE NUMBERS
13 “Everyone has been contributing and that has been the value of our team.” Mike Long VIKINGS HEAD COACH
“We’ve achieved more than I expected at this point.” Mike Long VIKINGS HEAD COACH
Long brings to Hudson Valley more than 40 years of coaching experience.
Number of wins the men’s basketball team has so far this season.
Number of times the Vikings lost by less than 10 points.
8
5
Number of conference championships the Vikings have.
Number of Freshman the Vikings have on their team this season.
12
COMPILED AND DESIGNED BY MATT WHALEN | THE HUDSONIAN
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