THE
Hudsonian
Hot dog hat guy - Page 7
OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FREE | Extra Copies, 25 cents
Thehudsonian.org
Volume 69, Issue 6
Feburary 23th, 2016
TRADITION CONTINUES By: John C. Longton III Sports Editor Thousands of people poured into the McDonough Sports Complex this past weekend as Hudson Valley played host to the high school boys’ basketball section II quarterfinal games for classes AA, A, B, and C. Hudson Valley has hosted high school post-season games in boys and girls basketball since the completion of construction on the McDonough Sports Complex in 1991. Originally when the games were first moved to Hudson Valley it was due to a measles outbreak in the Adirondacks when they were supposed to be played in Glens Falls. The games were moved from the Civic Center and replaced by its current location in Troy 14 years ago and have become a permanent fixture here on campus. “They actually moved the sectional games here in the spring of ‘92 because there was a measles outbreak,” said Zachary Yannone the Director of Events at HVCC. Yannone has been with employed with the school for the better part of two decades and has seen the sectional games come to Hudson Valley out of necessity and evolve into the games that have made this campus their home. The games are on a year to year contract with the venues that host them. Hudson Valley has won the bid for the games every year since the games were moved here in the early 90’s. Section II has formed a relationship with Hudson Valley where both mutually benefit from the agreement. This past weekend was great publicity for HVCC as local kids get a look at the campus as they begin to make the decision of where they want to attend school. “It really opens up the doors because high schools are our target market,” said Yannone regarding the sectional games attracting new students to campus. “Maybe people haven’t seen the facilities before. You’re putting parents in the seats and you’re putting siblings in the seats.” The games attract a lot of people that come to the school and get to see the newly constructed buildings and the changing landscape the Hudson Valley campus has to offer. Even if people don’t show up for the game the local media airs the game on the news and attracts attention. SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 11
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Daniel Folds of Hudson High School gets a break away dunk in a 65-60 win against Voorheesville High School in the Section II Quarterfinals.
Inside Features Student Nostalgia
Inside News Menu makeover New tastes at William’s Hall.
Childhood memories revisited. Page 3
Page 9
Inside Sports Men’s basketball With a 20 win season, the team heads to Regionals. Page 12
2
February 23rd, 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 Managing Editor Tyler McNeil Business Manager Durgin McCue News Editor Rebecca Jordan Creative Editor Jenny Caulfield Sports Editor John C. Longton III Photo Editor Marison Topinio Copy Editor Dae-Jin Yuk Web Editor Richard Bonomo Staff Writers Chris Payne Brandon Hladik Emily VanLeuvan Ligeia Peterson Oksana Pawlush Shakeema Hill Sophia Jamil Staff Photographers Anisul Tony Mikey Bryant Stephanie Saddlemire Faculty Adviser Rachel Bornn Letters to the Editor
Sandwiches and salads pitched at competition deliver victory By: Chris Payne Staff Writer The Hudsonian’s Matthew Whalen, Durgin McCue and Samantha Longton won the Entrepreneur’s Club marketing competition last Wednesday. “This competition will help teach students about both entrepreneurship and marketing,” said Jodi Mather, Entrepreneur Club advisor. Four teams competed to create and market a product for 16 Handles at a competition hosted by the Entrepreneur’s Club. Whalen, McCue, and Longton presented their idea of individually-wrapped sandwiches and salads to the judges and were selected as the winners. “We’re really excited to be going to Plattsburgh to take part in this learning experience,” said McCue, business administration major. “I’m really happy that there is a club on campus that provides
these kinds of opportunities to young, ambitious business people.” “I am very excited to be going to a bigger competition. We did not know what was going to happen but it was fun and a fun experience,” said Matthew Whalen, digital media student. “I appreciate the entrepreneurs club for letting us participate and putting us through to the next round at Plattsburgh.” Two new flavors of frozen yogurt and an idea for a new type of protein shake were presented by the other three teams on Wednesday as well. “My idea for the competition is to create a new flavor for 16 Handles,” said Jad El Khoury, business administration student. El Khoury competed along with his team, who came up with the idea for a new flavor of frozen yogurt, “Can You Handle the Twist?,” a mango peach flavor with goji berries and honey. Another team created a
frozen yogurt flavor called Fizzy Cream Soda. “We brainstormed and liked fizzy cream soda the best,” said Tyler Betzwieser, business administration major and one of the proposed flavor’s creators. “We wanted a new carbonated beverage frozen yogurt flavor,” said Shane Thorkildsen, behind the Fizzy Cream Soda idea who is majoring in accounting major. Emily Connolly, the team’s alternate chosen at the Entrepreneurs Club speakoff last semester, attended the competition. “This is good experience for hopeful entrepreneurs,” she said. Whalen, McCue, and Longton will represent Hudson Valley at the competition at SUNY Plattsburgh on Mar. 3 and 4. They will be competing along with Emily Connolly and James Waller, winner of the speak-off.
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
Calendar of Events February
Tue 23
Mindfulness Meditation 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Siek Campus Center, room 220 (Interfaith Prayer Room)
Yoga 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm Siek Campus Center, Suite 270
Wed 24
Faculty Workshop Day – No classes
Intramural Sports: Ringstix Challenge 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm In the McDonough Sports Complex
Thu 25
“Old South” Film Screening 10:00 am – 10:30 am Siek Campus Center, Suite 270
Fri 26
Section II Girls Basketball Class AA Semi-finals McDonough Sports Complex
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.
Weather TUESDAY High/Low 43/33 WEDNESDAY High/Low 56/42 Marison Topinio | THE HUDSONIAN
THURSDAY High/Low 44/28
Samantha Longton (Left), Durgin McCue (Center) and Matthew Whalen (Right) present an idea for individually wrapped salads and sandwiches at 16 Handles.
Follow us:
FRIDAY
Visit us at hudsonian.org
High/Low 38/27 SATURDAY
The Vagina Monologues 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Maureen Stapleton Theatre (located in the Siek Campus Center)
facebook.com/hudsonian
@HudsonianHVCC
High/Low 45/30
@thehudsonian
The Hudsonian’s next publication will be Tuesday February 23rd.
SUNDAY High/Low 36/23
HUDSONIAN.ORG
February 23rd, 2016
NEWS
3
Forty One students honored at Who’s Who ceremony By: Tyler McNeil Managing Editor Shawna Fitzgibbons considered receiving the Who’s Who Among Students award last week to be a new chapter in her life beyond Hudson Valley. “Ending up here is definitely rewarding, but this is just the beginning,” said Fitzgibbons, one of 41 students which received the Who’s Who award last Monday. While working towards her first college degree, the 26-yearold student worked three jobs and pursued volunteer work outside of campus. “It was a lot, but you just don’t sleep or have a personal life,” she said. Over her time at the college, A’chynee Edmundson, business administration student, has been involved in about five clubs and organizations on campus. “I wasn’t going to come to Hudson Valley, but with opportunities such as this award, it makes me think that Hudson Valley was the best choice I could’ve made,” said Edmundson. Including Edmundson, seven recipients were Student Senate members. The ceremony came right after the end of the Senate’s weekly meeting. “We got out
fortunately just in time. We were all kind of excited,” said Student Senate treasurer Josiah Dillon. Award winners ranged from student leaders to student athletes. Lennox Degrasse, CIS student balanced a 4.0 grade point average over two semesters while playing basketball and football with the college. “There’s a different level of focus with
[athletics and academics] so it’s just easier to switch it on and off once you get used to it,” said Degrasse. In order to be qualified to for the award, students must be matriculated, have 24 credithours and maintain a 3.2 grade point average. Recipients this year had a combined 3.74 grade point average. One third of one percent
of students receive the award every year. Shreshta Kota, Foreign Language and Culture Club president, was surprised to be part of that percentage when she was told by family about her nomination last month. “When I heard about getting the award, coming downstairs, I could feel the tears in my eyes,” she said.
Marison Topinio | THE HUDSONIAN Forty one students stand together with their accepted awards during the annual Who’s Who ceremony.
Families across the region gathered in the BTC for the award ceremony. “I’m very proud of his accomplishments, his dedication to academic success as well as the Hudson Valley community,” said Robert VanNess Sr., about his son, Bobby VanNess, receiving the award. Krista Seeberger, early childhood education student, almost gave up on the award after having difficulties applying for Who’s Who last semester. She went through several revisions of her application. “I tried and I filled out the application and it was kind of a rocky road to get the application right and I almost gave up, but now, I’m really glad I didn’t,” said Seeberger after receiving the award at the ceremony. Students are selected for the award in the fall by a nominating committee campus representing departments from athletics to Student Activities. “When you start to see students who are scholars academically, but are managing their time efficiently with volunteer programs and when you get to know them on a personal level, those students become prime candidates,” said Louis Coplin, director of student life and member of the selection committee.
Dining service gets makeover near automotive lab By: Rebecca Jordan News Editor The Williams Hall Café created new specials in January due to student complaints about lack of variety, but today many students have still not noticed the change. “The feedback that we received from students, faculty and staff said that they just wanted more variety and that the menu was just too stagnant for them,” said John Poole, food service director, about the new William’s Hall Café options. These reactions prompted Poole and his team to rework the menu. The “stick-to-your-ribs” options now offered at the café include chicken quesadillas and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, which, according to Poole, have been student favorites so far. Meatball subs, braised beef hoagies, and chili are also available for purchase on select days. “We tried to choose foods that would allow students to get good bang for their buck, that would be a good quality, and that we could easily produce,” said Poole.
However, students in Williams Hall were surprised to hear that the menu had been reworked at all. “I didn’t even know there were new specials,” said Matthew Fuller, automotive technologies student. “I’ve heard about people wanting new food because the food is terrible; it’s the same, and it’s not a good variety of anything. It’s kind of like a lastminute, desperate, no time to eat somewhere else [option].” Fuller isn’t the only surprised one, even though the menu changes went effect in January. Luke Fane, an electrical construction maintenance major who buys from the café about once every two weeks, said, “New wouldn’t be too bad, I guess, but we haven’t really noticed [a change in the menu].” For those enrolled in the automotive technologies or construction maintenance programs, the majority of classes are held in Williams Hall. “It’s not as if there are other easy [eating] options besides vending machines, driving off campus or walking a quarter or half mile in the freezing cold to the campus center, library or science center for those studying at that end of campus,” said Poole.
Poole and his team are still working on improving the menu despite the sales increase caused by the changes. For example, Mac & Cheese will soon be available
for purchase, though it will not be made-to-order as it is in the Chartwells food court. “We’re going to continue to revamp the specials for Williams
Hall, and we’re working on maintaining that variety for students,” Poole said.
Marison Topinio | THE HUDSONIAN The William’s Hall cafe is located near the automotive lab, near Cogan.
HUDSONIAN.ORG
4
February 23rd, 2016
NEWS
Disabilities program gets disabled By: Rebecca Jordan News Editor The Disabilities Certificate is no longer available to students due to a need for professionals who have more training than the certificate could provide. The program’s enrollment had dropped to around six students by the time the decision to deactivate it was made. “It really wasn’t sustaining itself because more students were told by em-
ployers that they needed the full degree,” said Maryanne Pepe, human services interim department chair. Over the past few years, however, the certificate program lost its value in the eyes of employers. “What [employers] were basically saying to people was that they would really be better off with an associates degree,” said Pepe. The former disabilities certificate allowed students who were working or were interested in working with those with dis-
abilities in the fields of human services, education, teaching, counseling, health or business. Students were able to focus their degree on mental health, developmental disabilities, alcohol and substance abuse, educational settings or deaf culture as they chose, yet there were few enrolled in the program. According to Pepe, the disabilities certificate program targeted people already working in the disabilities field instead of students with no experience.
“The hope was that the certificate would give them a bump up in their employment status for possible new positions or promotions,” she said. The disabilities certificate program had ties with the Early Childhood Education department. When the certificate was deactivated, Early Childhood revamped the course offerings within the old program, focusing them more on students looking to work with young, disabled children in a classroom setting. This
new degree went to the curriculum committee at the end of last semester and is still in the works. The current Human Services A.S. degree at Hudson Valley still has opportunities for those looking to go into the disabilities field. It offers a range of specific, clinical-based courses from Perspectives on Disabilities to Human Development within the Family. Both of these courses were previously part of the disabilities certificate and are still available to students.
PERSPECTIVE
No grief for dress codes and bathroom passes By: Ligeia Peterson Staff Writer From dress codes to attendance, there are multiple things that can change when students arrive at Hudson Valley. Unlike high school, there is no specific dress code at Hudson Valley. Students don’t fear
they have to try to get away with wearing hats in classes or having backpacks on campus. There is no pressure to dress a certain way, and every student has the choice to dress up or down. “In college, you are able to wear whatever you want without intervention,” said fine arts major Carolyne Deitz. Deitz struggled in high school with the strict
dress codes pertaining to women. “Girls were often limited -we could get in trouble for wearing tank tops with thin straps or leggings,” she said. Attendance also become something that differs from high school. In high school, as a minor you are legally bound to attend class. In college, the impact of attendance on your overall grade is
dependant on your professor. “In high school you feel pressured to show up to every class where as in college you know when to miss class,” said early childhood major Kristina Coonrad. As opposed to raising your hand and asking to use the bathroom or getting a bathroom pass, at Hudson Valley you can just get up and go. Sam Nissen, a business
major, noticed soon after attending Hudson Valley that there was no need to ask permission to leave a classroom. If anything, Nissen has found that college professors prefer the opposite to high school protocol. “One time there was someone who asked the professor to use the bathroom and they were yelled at,” he said.
Spring 2016
TRANSFER FAIR Wednesday, March 9, 2016 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hudson Valley Community College Siek Campus Center
For more information, contact the Center for Careers and Transfer (518) 629-7326 Be bold. Be a Viking.
HUDSONIAN.ORG
www.hvcc.edu/transfer
February 23rd, 2016
FEATURES
Couple looks to overcome distance after graduation By: Sophia Jamil Staff Writer
Two Hudson Valley students have decided to continue their relationship despite the distance they will soon be facing. Individual studies major Kayla Howard and criminal justice major Tim Yetto met around one year ago on St. Patrick’s Day. After attending a party by a mutual friend, Howard and Yetto met and hit if off, not knowing they both would be attending the same college soon after. “I love that me and my boyfriend attend the same college because it makes it so convenient for us,” said Howard. Yetto and Howard have built their schedules around free time so they are able to have large breaks with one another during the day. “So far we’ve had it pretty easy, but I’ll be graduating in May,” said Yetto. Leaving Hudson Valley with a criminal justice degree, Yetto will be attending Castleton University in Vermont to pursue a career as a conservation officer. This leaves Yetto and Howard with the difficult decision of continuing their relationship despite the distance that will separate them. “Me and Kayla are going to be in a long distance relationship which is going to be completely different than what we have now, but I’m confident we won’t have any issues besides missing each other,” said Yetto. Howard will be taking prerequisites for the dental hygiene program at Hudson Valley with hopes to graduate with a degree in the subject. Although her love life is important to her, she is focused on her education. “It will be different than how it is now, but I definitely think we can make it work,” said Howard. Although Howard and Yetto will have to overcome the distance that they will be faced with after Yetto moves to Vermont, the couple has hope Marison Topinio | THE HUDSONIAN that they can continue their relationship by staying in frequent contact, and seeing each other as often as Tim Yetto (left) and Kayla Howard (right) near Brahan Hall both met possible. “I’ll always miss seeing him around campus,” each less than a year ago. said Howard.
HUDSONIAN.ORG
5
TWEETS OF THE WEEK
6
FEATURES
February 23rd, 2016
Student finds himself ‘Neck Deep’ in fame By: Jenny Caulfield Creative Editor An ordinary day at Crossgates mall became a day that Keegan Graziane will remember for the rest of his life. With intentions of picking up a video game last Monday, Graziane went with a friend to an empty Crossgates mall. While walking around waiting to collect his video game, the second-year computer science major ended up running into one of his favorite musicians around the food court. “I was in so much disbelief that it was actually him,” said Graziane. The musician, Ben Barlow, is the frontman for the UK poppunk band, Neck Deep, who will be performing next month with State Champs at Upstate Concert Hall. Graziane has been a fan of the band for about three years, making this experience special for him. “Me and my friend walked by him and at first we didn’t think it was him,” said Graziane. After exchanging glances with who appeared to be Barlow, Graziane watched him go into Zumiez where he purchased a skateboard. “I didn’t want to follow him cause I didn’t want to bother him and make a big deal about it,” said Graziane. After watching Barlow leave Zumiez, he saw him get in line at the Taco Bell in the food court and sit down with his food. Thinking it would be a good time to introduce himself, Graziane found the courage to sit down with the musician.
“I knew I would regret it if I just let [meeting] him go, so I walked over and introduced myself,” he said. After talking with Barlow, Graziane discovered he was in the area checking the production, gear and other items to prepare for their show at Upstate Concert Hall next month. Barlow and Graziane also covered different topics from music to food. “We talked about Taco Bell for a bit and the new item they had,” he said. Graziane has dreams of being a musician himself, which was one of many reasons he likes the band. Meeting Barlow allowed for Graziane to have a hands-on experience meeting someone in the field he wishes to enter. “At the end of the day, they’re just normal people, but that’s what I ultimately would like to do and to talk to someone who is doing what I would like to be doing is very cool for me,” he said. After posting a photo of himself with Barlow at Taco Bell on a popular facebook group called “The Defend Pop-Punk Group”, Graziane received almost 2,000 likes on his photo. “Many people commented on it saying how cool it was and being very nice about it,” he said. Graziane left with a photo of him and Barlow in front of the Taco Bell sign and a memory that will last a lifetime. “I’m going to be seeing them on their upcoming tour so I’m going to say hi to him and maybe he’ll remember our little Taco Bell talk,” he said.
Courtesy of Keean Grazlane Keegan Graziane (right) with Neck Deep frontman Ben Barlow (Left).
Trip to MSG for New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons Game
NEW YORK KNICKS
WHEN: SATURDAY MARCH 5 Student Price: $65 Guest Price: $85
DETROIT PISTONS
Price includes roundtrip transportation and a ticket to the 7 p.m. game. Bus will leave in front of McDonough Sports Complex at 9 a.m. and will leave Madison Square Garden at 10 p.m. Ticket Information On sale: Monday, Feb. 8 - Thursday, Feb. 25
HUDSONIAN.ORG
February 23rd, 2016
FEATURES
7
Food hat enthusiast ‘frank’ about new style By: Tyler McNeil Managing Editor Kenny Reed has taken a different direction with his headwear after five months of wearing a pizza hat around campus. “The hats at this point are honestly more famous than I am,” said Reed about his foodrelated hats. He originally hoped to strictly wear his pizza hat, but after receiving a hot dog hat for Christmas, his plans changed. At first, Reed struggled to adjust to the hot dog hat. He often had trouble putting it on and some of the stitching came undone after several days of use. “I tell people that one of my friends took a bite out of it,” said Reed. His change in hats attracted attention from students across campus. “Some people actually did say that they missed the pizza hat,” said Reed. Earlier in January, Reed recalled being followed across campus before being asked
about what hat he hopes to wear next semester. Since his pizza hat debuted on campus in the fall, Reed’s hats have appeared across Yik-Yak and on the HVCC Confessions Twitter page. “You just don’t see a lot of other people walking around with food hats,” he said. When Reed heard about a student wearing a banana hat on campus last November, he hoped to start a mock rivalry with the student over Twitter. Reed has not heard of any banana hat sightings on campus since last semester. “It’s my biggest regret now that I haven’t tracked him down,” he said. Along with meeting the student wearing a banana hat, before leaving the college, Reed hopes to wear a hamburger hat on campus. He now hopes to wear a new food-related hat every semester including a turkey hat planned for next fall. “There’s never been a type of food that I’ve thought ‘no, that is not going on my head,’” said Reed. Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN
Kenny Reed, pictured in Chartwells, has moved on from wearing his pizza hat across campus and now wears a hot dog hat.
Early Childhood Studies Birth to Age 5 Earn your Bachelor of Science through SUNY Cobleskill’s degree completion program at HVCC.
Office of Professional and Continuing Education 518-255-5528 • pace@cobleskill.edu
www.cobleskill.edu/hvcc
HUDSONIAN.ORG
8
FEATURES
February 23rd, 2016
Toasters, dumbells, and chef salad: what students wish Hudson Valley had By: Shakeema Hill Staff Writer From toasters to temperatures, Hudson Valley students are demanding changes across campus. “I wish the library cafe had a damn toaster to toast their bagels,” said business administration major Justin Hunt. Hunt feels that the cafe in the library needs things like a working toaster and a microwave to make the cafe more accessible. According to Hunt, the library cafe is the only place without a microwave that’s available for student use. “They’re using this giant ass George Foreman looking grill thing to toast their bagels which flattens your bagel into little toaster pancakes. How much is it to invest in a toaster?” he said.
Besides the items needed to make certain foods, some students want different items on the menu for campus as well. “Vegetarian and vegan wise, they almost have the vegetarian food [down], but we do have vegans on campus,” said environmental science student Myra Johnson. “I would just say to get better choices of food and higher quality food products,” said individual studies major Dylan Thompson. “I am very limited in choices and I can’t eat a chef salad,” said biological sciences major Caroline Couser. Couser sides with Johnson for increasing the variety of foods for students, as well as supporting general improvements to the college’s menu for other vegetarian and vegan students. Many Hudson Valley students also feel that the college needs changes to equipment and general student needs across campus.“The
equipment in the lab should be upgraded and better quality such as new microscopes,” said Couser. Marrisa Vulcano, a fine arts major, feels that the school needs better internet, as well as temperature control in various
“
We need change! We need Obama down here asap! Justin Hunt
business administration student
buildings. “The drawing and painting studio is freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer, so better temperature regulation throughout the building would be a great improvement,” she said. Mechanical engineering technology student Jonathan Carroll claims that the only
weight sizes in the McDonough sports complex are eight, ten, and 65. “There’s a slight gap in sizes and those are dumbbells,” he said. Carroll wants more improvement to sports complex in regards to what is available for students. “They need to improve the weights pretty greatly, with both accessibility of the room and equipment,” said Carroll. Looking back at her time at Hudson Valley, former liberal arts major Desrine Landy wished there were more activities on campus during her time. “I wish Hudson Valley had more events where students could feel more a part of campus life,” said Landy. Besides structural improvements, some students want education improvements at the Valley as well. “The Library Skills for Research course should not be a requirement for my major, or any major at all,” said
liberal arts student Andrew Lowry. Lowry feels the class should be available and offered for students to take, but shouldn’t be a mandatory class for anyone’s major. Patricia Rivenburg, a biological science major, wants additional courses and classes at Hudson Valley. “I think Hudson Valley should have a ‘history of pathogens’ course and they should allow more art type classes for science majors,” she said. After attempting to take a ceramics class this semester she had high hopes for taking, Rivenburg was told by multiple departments that she was not allowed to take the class due to her major. “I was not allowed to take it and have it work towards my 12 credit minimum,” she said.
Faith and reason part of student population identity By: Sophia Jamil Staff Writer From Christians to Hindus, students from all different faiths attend Hudson Valley. “I have strong faith in what I believe in, and I love talking to people about my beliefs and feed their curiosity,” said individual studies major Connor Tuttle, who is half Native American and has Yupik beliefs. “Not a lot of people know about Yupik beliefs. Everyone thinks that Native American cultures and beliefs have just died out, when really there are people like me,” said Tuttle. Darshan Patel is a business major of Hindu faith. “I love my religion and everything it stands for,” he said. Patel doesn’t consider himself to be very religious, but does occasionally prays. “I always find myself wishing that the campus ministry had more religious variety in the prayer rooms so I could pray the right way,” said Patel. Individual studies student Liza Dickinson considers herself to be a devout Catholic. “I go to church every Sunday and ever since my grandpa passed away, my religion has really been the thing that has defined me even though there are some things that I would disagree with, like
how homosexuality is a sin [in my religion],” said Dickson. Nida Amin, an individual studies major, is a Muslim. “My religion is my strength. I have so much faith and love for my
religion that I wish more people would come up to me and ask me about my religion rather than assuming the wrong things,” said Amin. Amin goes to the campus ministry as often as possible
despite class conflicts with prayer times. Individual studies major Maxwell Miles, doesn’t feel that he fits in with any form of belief. identifies himself as an atheist.
“[Religions] are all based on blind faith which baffles me and I completely disagree with it fundamentally,” he said.
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Two members of the campus community look through passages from the Good News Bible and the Quran, the central religious text of Islam, and a copy of the Good News Bible, an English translation of the Holy Bible, in the Interfaith Prayer Room.
HUDSONIAN.ORG
February 23rd, 2016
FEATURES
9
Biology student tests herself outside lab By: Tyler McNeil Managing Editor Patricia Rivenburg went from feeling trapped in a small town to working with professionals across the Capital Region before turning 18. “It’s like living a double life of living in the middle of nowhere, but at this time of day, I’m interacting with new people in the [Capital Region],” said Rivenburg. Throughout her childhood living in Cairo, Greene County, she was the only child living on her street. “Growing up there, it’s very easy to feel like you’re trapped there and you’re not getting out,” she said about living
in the rural Catskill area. Much of Rivenburg’s interests in the rural area, such as science, were introduced to her at an early age from her parents. She believes that the knowledge passed down from her parents helped her skip eighth grade science. “My teacher told me to stay behind one class and said, ‘You already know everything that we’re studying so we’re going to jack you up to earth science,’” said Rivenburg. As Rivenburg grew older, her parents looked at moving her away from Cairo-Durham High School to Tech Valley High School [TVHS], based on their disapproval with the school’s approach to academics. “Cairo[Durham] did not academically do me justice as a base education,”
she said. TVHS is a technologyfocused institution in Albany, open to school districts across the area. After funding was cut from the school district, Rivenburg was unable to get into TVHS during her freshman year. She had to to stay at Cairo-Durham High School until tenth grade, when space opened up for another student from the school district. Although Rivenburg struggled with math-based curriculum at the school, she credits her experience at TVHS for building professional skills. “It taught me not only how to dress professionally and act professionally, but also how to bring up previous experiences appropriately in order to make
new connections or strengthen old connections,” she said. At TVHS, Rivenburg spent her time interacting with leaders across the private and public sector. While visiting the Marvin Library’s previous civil rights display last October, Rivenburg encountered Congressman Paul Tonko for the first time since her junior year at TVHS. “I saw this huge group of people and of course, being human, I got nosy, so I thought, ‘Hey, I know him. I’m going to say hi,’” said Rivenburg. Prior to entering lab space in the Science Center last fall, Rivenburg had 100 hours of lab experience at the Wadsworth Center in Albany from an internship coordinated with
TVHS. Rivenburg recalled impressing classmates with her experience at Hudson Valley. “My grades are still very average, but I’ve had classmates come up to me and say, ‘You know what you’re talking about,’” she said. With her education in biology, Rivenburg hopes to spend her future back in high school. During distance learning days at Tech Valley, Rivenburg would help teach students at CairoDurham. “I loved being able to have this group in front of me that I was able to keep entertained and actually have learn something,” said Rivenburg.
Tyler McNeil | THE HUDSONIAN Patricia Rivenburg, 18, pictured in the Science Center, commutes to Hudson Valley from about an hour away from campus in Cairo, Greene County.
Childhood nostalgia revisted from ‘under the sea’ to in the dirt By: Oksana Pawlush Staff Writer “Are you ready kids?” has become an anthem for a large population of students who find themselves wishing to live in a pineapple under the sea. With many current Hudson Valley students born in the late 90s and early 2000s, there are parts of their childhoods that stick with them, even as college students. Students like digital media major Mike Kerdesky have fond
memories of watching shows like “Spongebob SquarePants,” which makes the opening sequence of the show a fond reminder of what he loved about his childhood. “The first four seasons of Spongebob SquarePants were the best,” said Kerdesky. Like Kerdesky, students at Hudson Valley associate their childhood with cartoons from their youth. Saturday mornings became the time for students to enjoy watching cartoons like Danny Phantom, “Ed, Edd n Eddy” and “Dexter’s Laboratory.”
Besides cartoons, students also enjoyed the sitcoms from that time. “Friends,” the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” and “Seinfeld” were a core part of the kids’ diets. “Seinfeld was my life!” said business administration major Lauren Aston. Even educational shows like “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” which students remember watching on an old television that was wheeled into their elementary school classrooms, served as the best part of their childhood science classes. Besides television, kids from
HUDSONIAN.ORG
this generation also remember how to have fun without relying solely on their digital media. Popular toys from the late 1990s and early 2000s stick with students as the best way to spend their time as a child. “The Crystal Pokemon game was was my childhood,” said Kerdesky. Ez-Bake ovens let kids learn to cook brownies and cakes, and Beanie Babies helped students find friends in stuffed animals. Hot Wheels and Hess trucks drove around on carpets that were
changed to little maps of towns. “All I would do is either play with Hot Wheels, build stuff with Legos or play in the dirt,” said liberal arts major Jake Snyder. “I still know people who have the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers belts,” said independent studies major Gerardo Salazar. Justin Hunts remember using Gak and Pogs. Gak was a moldable, rubbery goo that was featured in the Nickelodeon show Double Dare that Hunts used to wreak havoc on his friends and family.
February 23rd, 2016
SPORTS
10 Vikings Sports Schedule Men’s Basketball Tuesday 02/23/16 vs. Mohawk Valley @ 8p.m. (Away)
Bowling
Thursday 02/25/16 National Tournament @ TBA (Away)
Bowling
Friday 02/26/16 National Tournament @ TBA (Away)
Men’s Ice Hockey Saturday 02/27/16 vs. Dakota College @ 6:30p.m. (Away)
Season comes to a stop after final loss By: Emily VanLeuvan Staff Writer The women’s basketball team fell to Fulton-Montgomery 83-52 this past Wednesday (2/17) in their final game of the season dropping its record 1-24. Starting the game off with a winning tip, Deirdre Werner of Tamarac scored to start the team off positive. With this Hope Rebeor of Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk made three three pointers yet some early calls from the referees disturbed the game, at the half the score was 23-39. The second half began and with several turnovers within the first few minutes. Coach Rich Gilooly called a timeout resulting with another three from Rebeor. As the game proceeded Erica Shudt of Hoosick Valley scored down low and Gina Torres from Albany sank numerous foul shots. It was not enough to beat Fulton Montgomery. In the beginning of the season the women’s team had a handful of games where they only lost on an average of five points. As
the season continued, due to injury and health issues the team began to lose their games by numerous points. Chelsea Stevens, of Hoosick Falls, was one of the three benched due to sickness. “I plan on playing next year and my goal is to stay healthy,” said Stevens. Jayda Bryant-Bonarrigo, of Albany, was out due to injury as well, yet was able to return for the last game. With the same mentality, most of the returners just want to stay healthy for the next season. For the rest of the returners who were not benched during the season, “working on the fundamentals and ball handling,” said Destynie Jackson from Columbia was her focus for the following season. With a record of 1-24 the one win the team did accomplished was a highlight of their season. It was a home game against Dutchess Community College, who was on a losing streak with 0-8 and HVCC won by a landslide 53-38. “They learned to turn a negative into a positive when it came down to the last few possessions,” said Gilooly when asked what
positive things came out of this tough season. Gilooly plans on, “continuing to better the program,” when asked if he plans on returning next season. “You gotta work with what ya got,” said a very energetic and pumped up Torres before the game. “Our record is just a number.” With a mindset like that it is no wonder how this team was able to stay together. For the girls who are graduating, they are not furthering their career in basketball. They still plan on playing club sports to stay healthy, as they have seen health is an issue for young athletes. Emily Mitchell, of Greenville will be attending HVCC next year. She will not be participating with the team due to her Dental Hygiene program that restricts her from partaking in athletic activities. The team will greatly miss her. Although the one win was a big accomplishment, each player accomplished a personal goal that affected the team as well; they all played hard through every loss and in any team or coach’s mind that is a win in the book.
Vikings Scoreboard Men’s Ice Hockey
TIE
Feb. 14 HVCC v. Cortland Club 2-2
WIN
Feb. 19 HVCC v. Albany Club 7-5
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Coach Rich Gilooly calls one of his final timeouts of the season to settle down the team.
Women’s Basketball Feb. 13 HVCC v.
LOSS Mohawk Val. 30-77 Feb. 17 HVCC v.
LOSS Fulton-Mont. 52-83 Men’s Basketball Feb. 13 HVCC v. LOSS Mohawk Val. 82-90
WIN
Feb. 17 HVCC v. Fulton-Mont. 87-71
Marison Topinio | THE HUDSONIAN Emily Mitchell plays in her final game with Hudson Valley.
HUDSONIAN.ORG
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Erica Shudt scores 13 points in her final game as a Lady Viking.
February 23rd, 2016 FROM PAGE 1
Basketball School President Drew Matonak is thrilled that Hudson Valley plays host to these games and said, “Once again this year, we’re proud to host Section II high school boys and girls’ basketball
SPORTS
11
here at Hudson Valley. Year after year, these tournaments bring thousands of fans to campus for outstanding competition among our state’s top student athletes. They are among the largest and most exciting events held on campus each year, and we hope everyone enjoys the experience.” The school charges section
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Brendan Gifford of Mayfield High School drives the lane in a tough battle in the Quaterfinal game.
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Sean Nolan of Voorheesville drains several three-pointers but comes up short against Hudson River High School.
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Matthew Bernhard battles up high for a ball against Hudson River.
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Alumnus of Hudson Valley Community College enjoy the Section 2 basketball action Friday evening.
HUDSONIAN.ORG
SPORTS
12
February 23rd, 2016
Men’s Basketball storms the Raiders By: Brandon Hladik Staff Writer It’s senior night and the Vikings are eager to get a win on their home floor in their final game before regionals. The team faced off for the second time against the FultonMontgomery Community College Raiders, but the night started off on a different tone. The team and school payed a special homage to
seniors Kleon Davis and Jordan Nelson. Both play a huge role in the team’s rotations and deserve every ounce of the admiration. The game started off with the team’s prominent defense and fast break points off of turnovers. This team has come to be a defensive force each game, their consistency is what get them wins each night. Coach Long specifically feels that this has been the key towards success as of late. After the game he stated, “I think we were better
prepared defensively. We were able to take away some of the things they were more successful at the first time around. Our effort was a lot better this time as well.” The game was back and forth early on until the Vikings expanded the lead around the end of the first half to 15. Offensively it was the story of the two seniors. Combining for 41 of the 87 points, the seniors scored nearly half of the buckets. The team blew out FMCC in a tenacious victory.
This team is rolling into regionals. Their hot step has led them to a tremendous 20-9 record to finish off the season. In terms of moving forward there’s still a lot of questions but the team is steadily prepared. “Right now we are not sure who we are playing so we have to wait and see,” said Long. He added, “We have today off and by tomorrow night we should know. I think it will either be Mohawk Valley or Jefferson. In either case
we will be traveling to their site.” The Vikings played Mohawk Valley twice and lost both times although not by much and won in the single meeting with Jefferson early in the season. Either team will pose a challenge to the team but with their new found defensive identity I feel this team can grind out a few regional post season wins.
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Jordan Nelson scores 20 points in his final home game as a Viking.
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN Kevin Lenahan drops several buckets for the Vikings in their 20th win of the season.
Matt Whalen | THE HUDSONIAN John Palmer continues to lead the Vikings to a big season as they head to Regionals.
HUDSONIAN.ORG