Spring'18 issue09 final2

THE

Hudsonian MEET THE SENATE CANDIDATES Hud.

FREE | Extra Copies, 25 cents

OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Volume 73, Issue 09

April 18, 2018

THE

www.thehudsonian.org

Presidential Candidate

Presidential Candidate

Vice Presidential Candidate

Vice Presidential Candidate

OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

THE

Hudsonian

COURTESY OF HANNAH MATIN

COURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

COURTESY OF HANNAH MATIN

COURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

Ganiat Giwa

Jamison Jarosz

Alexis Papadakis

Ali Ahmad Cheema

Secretarial Candidate

Secretarial Candidate

Tresorial & Trustee Candidate

Tresorial & Trustee Candidate

COURTESY OF HANNAH MATIN

COURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

Maeve Uhalde

Sophia Ventrano Brendan Caluneo

Hudson Valley breaks ground for new manufacturing building

Hudson Valley faculty break ground on new Gene F. Haas building.

munity College are proud and excited to break ground on the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills today and usher in a new era of progress in manufacturing education in our region,” said Pres-

INSIDE NEWS:

‘Who the F*ck is That Guy?’ PAGE

5

COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

ident Matonak, who also acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event. “We are bridging the gap between education and real world

SEE CAMS PAGE 4

PAGE

10

Sayema Matin

By: Harold Scott Staff Writer Staff Sergeant Derek John Farley died from wounds on Aug. 17, 2010 after his team responded to a roadside bomb in Bala Boluk, Farah, Afghanistan. The improvised explosive device exploded when SSG Farley attempted to render it safe.

While Hudson Valley has a long history of serving veteran students, Carrie Farley, program assistant for building systems technology and mother of fallen Marine Derek Farley, questioned if they did enough.

“We have the highest number of vets attending this college, yet

INSIDE CREATIVE:

Student poetry: ‘Vitality’

COURTESY OF HANNAH MATIN

Veteran student reveals lack of academic representation

COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

By: Richard Decker Staff Writer

Spectators may have froze this past Wednesday in the cold weather, but the ground did not during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new $14.5 million Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills.

Dr. Andrew J. Matonak, President of Hudson Valley, the College Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors of the Hudson Valley Community College, Foundation elected officials, manufacturing industry leaders, students, faculty and staff were all in attendance for the event.

“We at Hudson Valley Com-

COURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

PHOTO BY JULIO RODRIGUEZ | HUDSONIAN

we do not have a full-time veteran representative here on staff,” Farley said. “Saint Rose College, for example, has a full-time person in charge of veteran enrollment and a very strong support system.”

Farley continued, “It was back in 2006, before my son died, that with the help of one other person I started the Armed Forces Club.

One of the reasons why is that I saw the Iraq vets coming to the campus and saw that they needed representation just like any other group.”

The Armed Forces Club is no longer active. Though, according to Hudson Valley Assistant Regis-

SEE VETERAN PAGE 10

INSIDE SPORTS:

Lacrosse and baseball recap PAGE

12

2

April 18, 2018

NEWS

Campus mourns Viking Justus Simon

This Week’s Events

Wed 18

Transfer Advisor Visit: Siena College 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Siek Campus Center, Room 290 Transfer Information Table: Hartwick College 10 a.m. – noon Siek Campus Center, first floor lobby Instant Admission Day at Albany Extension Center Noon – 5 p.m.

Albany Extension Center Week of the Young Child: Classrooms that Support Literacy 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Higbee Hall, Room 100

COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO

By: Zoe Deno News Editor Hudson Valley Viking Justus Simon lost his battle with cancer April 7, 2018 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, N.Y. “Though his time at the college was short, he made an undeniable impression on his classmates, teammates, coaches and professors,” Hudson Valley President Drew Matonak said.

Simon, a 20-year-old business administration major, made the President’s List his first year of college and was a player on the Vikings men’s basketball team. A gifted athlete, Simon played in 11 games, started twice for the Vikings during the fall semester and averaged 5.9 PPG and shot 36 percent from the floor.

“I was pretty shocked at the athleticism that he had,” said Hudson Valley basketball coach Mike Long. “Early on in the tryouts, I saw him bounce the ball toward the basket, go up and

Advisor Thurs Transfer Visit: SUNY 19 Plattsburgh

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Siek Campus Center, Room 290 Spring Transfer Fair 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Siek Campus Center, First Floor Lobby Transfer Information Table: Southern Vermont College 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Siek Campus Center, first floor lobby Mindfulness Meditation 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Wellness Center, Siek Campus Center Suite 270

“Justus Simon was a truly special young man, and his presence at the college will be missed.”

catch it and dunk it with two hands. For a guy who was 5’10”, that was something to see. I wasn’t sure that he actually did it until he did it again.”

Long continued, “The really good part about it all was that Simon was such a good person and a very good student. I knew that he was going to be a great addition to our program. He had a great smile, knew how to laugh at himself and how to get along with people.”

Just a little over a month before his death, the Vikings athletic department rallied together an online fundraising campaign to support Justus and the Simon family. They created “Justus Simon” T-shirts and sold them to raise money for his treatment and to help support his family. They were sold on campus during this past Spirit Day. Over break, Simon regressed and returned to the hospital for the last time. Doctors informed his family that there was nothing else they could do to prolong his

life.

Long said he had known Simon was very sick, however he had trouble wrapping his head around it.

“I couldn’t believe that this disease could take someone so quickly,” Long said.

“All of us at Hudson Valley were pulling for Justus during his battle with cancer, and I’m proud of the way our community came together to support him,” Matonak said. “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Justus’ family as they mourn his loss. He was a truly special young man, and his presence at the college will be missed.”

“The one thing that I can feel I can draw from him is recognizing the courage that he had in facing his illness,” Long said. “In the times that I talked to him since the diagnosis, I never once heard him complain. I think it was his faith and the support that he had from his family [that] gave him the inner strength to face what he had to go through.”

COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO

Week of the Young Child: Differentiated Instruction Strategies 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Higbee Hall, Room 100 ‘The Last Pig’ 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium

Fri 20

‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ Student Performance 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Maureen Stapleton Theatre, Siek Campus Center Spring 2018 Last day to withdraw from classes

Weather WEDNESDAY 04/18/18 High/Low 48/36

The Vikings athletic department presenting Simon with the funds they raised.

THURSDAY 04/19/18 High/Low 46/37

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

Editor-in-Chief Julio Rodriguez Managing Editor Grace Sgambettera Copy Editor Hunter Wallace Layout Editor Isabella Kokoszko

FRIDAY

04/20/18 High/Low 47/34

News Editor Zoe Deno Creative Editor Joseph Lyle Sports Editor Hunter McIntyre Web Editor Mike Alber

SATURDAY 04/21/18 High/Low 55/35 Staff Writers Skylar Blankenship Richard Decker Harold Scott Staff Photographer Richard Decker Faculty Adviser Rachel Bornn

SUNDAY 04/22/18 High/Low 59/39 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.

MONDAY 04/23/18 High/Low 60/39

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.

April 18, 2018 COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

NEWS COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

3

COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

Skylar Blankenship

Jordan Harris

Inesa Pengu

Julio Rodriguez

Nathanael Savasta

By: Richard Decker Staff Writer

these students, who have demonstrated academic excellence and dedication to enriching their campuses and communities,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “From research publications in industry journals to volunteering in hospitals and local clinics to holding leadership roles at their institutions, I am inspired by each student we recognized.

Congratulations to all of the students receiving this year’s award.”

During the Award Ceremony, USA Olympic Bronze Medalist for the luge, Erin Hamlin, a SUNY Empire alumna, gave a speech thanking the SUNY system for allowing her the opportunity to pursue higher education as a busy Olympian and applauded the accomplishments of the award recipients.

“Sharing all our stories, however different they may be, and setting these examples can help inspire, encourage and pave the way for future generations,” Hamlin said. “Keep asking questions, pushing boundaries and having open minds and you will find all the opportunity in the world.”

During the ceremony on Tuesday, five students from Hudson Valley accepted their awards.

Inesa Pengu is from Pogradec, Albania, and moved to the United States to pursue her engineering science degree. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA, is a mem-

ber of the PTK Honor Society, and was awarded the Kenneth M. Barber Award for Excellence in Experimental Physics in 2017.

Additionally, she led a campaign highlighting the risk of water contamination in her hometown of Pogradec, which involved testing well water, and educating those whose water tested positive for Coliform Bacteria on effective treatments.

Reflecting on her success and academic journey leading to the event, Pengu had this to say: “When I started the path of higher education, I was not expecting any honors or awards, but being recognized in this way makes me feel like I have advanced so much in my pursuit of knowledge and am closer to achieving my goals than ever before.”

Nathanael Savasta, a business administration major and President of Student Senate, has excelled academically and is actively involved on campus.

His various activities include participation in student government, the Investment Club, the Entrepreneurs Club, and he also serves as the student trustee on the HVCC Board of Trustees.

Savasta strives to improve the lives of all students and wishes to continue this passion in the future.

Skylar Blankenship, a liberal arts major with honors, is the

founder and current president of the college’s American Sign Language Club and has also served as the club’s vice president. She also serves as a peer tutor and as a tour guide at Hudson Valley, and she was elected treasurer of the Tour Guide Club this year.

She has served as a student representative at the college’s Honor Scholar Informational Evening for two years. Blankenship is also the former Sports Editor and regular contributor for The Hudsonian. She plans to earn degrees in both English and Recreational Therapy in her future.

Jordan Harris, a human services major, was named to the President’s List during the Fall 2016 and Fall 2017 semester and the Dean’s List during the Spring 2017 semester. She has served as the president of the college’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society since Fall 2017 and is responsible for handling projects and fundraisers.

Harris attributes her passion for human services after her own experience working in the mission’s field in Guatemala.

Julio Rodriguez, an individual studies major and Editor-in-Chief of The Hudsonian student newspaper, has maintained a 3.9 GPA, has been named to the President’s List every semester, and has been published in Threads, Hudson Valley’s mag-

azine of student writing and art.

Julio plans to attend law school and pursue a career in employment litigation.

Rodriguez, like Pengu, also accepted the award feeling accomplished, yet he was also surprised.

“Honestly, it was an unexpected journey,” Rodriguez said.

“When I heard back that I was one of five [students] from Hudson Valley to receive the award, I was a little dumbstruck.”

Rodriguez also wished to reflect on the SUNY system that has provided him with such great opportunities.

“I’m proud to be a SUNY student, and the ceremony on Tuesday reaffirmed my feelings toward the system,” he said. “For the last decade, underrepresented communities have made strides toward a future where a large population of minorities hold positions of influence and power.

Role models in the flesh acting in professional settings and receiving awards, like the 249 recipients on Tuesday, is what it’s going to take to break the misconstrued perception that minorities are hoodlums or criminals. I applaud SUNY and the Chancellor for bringing all of these students together to highlight their achievements.”

Five students honored with SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Five Hudson Valley students have received the 2018 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. It was presented to them by SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson on April 10 at an awards ceremony hosted at the Albany Capital Center.

The recipients are Inesa Pengu, an engineering science student, of Pogradec, Albania and resident of Troy, New York; Nathanael Savasta, a business administration honors student, of West Coxsackie, New York; Jordan Harris, a human services student, of Cohoes, New York; Julio Rodriguez, an individual studies student, of Amsterdam, New York; and Skylar Blankenship, a liberal arts honors student, of Rensselaer, New York.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement or career achievement.

The award was given to 249 SUNY students from 64 campuses.

“I am immensely proud of

Interested in writing? Photography? Sports?

JOIN THE HUDSONIAN!

GET PAID TO:

Meetings every Monday @ 2pm in the Administration building (ADM 107) For more information, stop by the Hudsonian office in the Campus Center (CTR291),or email us at hudsonian@hvcc.edu

-WRITE ARTICLES -TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS -MEET STUDENTS -ATTEND CAMPUS EVENTS

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

4

April 18, 2018

NEWS

FROM PAGE ONE

CAMS

knowledge.”

Neil Kelleher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Hudson Valley Community College., reflected on the center’s outlook, stating, “I’m proud to see the community and the college come together to make this newest addition to the Hudson Valley campus possible. CAMS will be one of the most advanced training centers for manufacturing in the United States, and we all look forward to watching the positive impact it will have on the economic development of our region.”

Dave Larkin, professor of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, remembering early phone calls where he described the center as a pipe dream.

“In the last five years, the U.S. has started to rediscover that manufacturing is an important cog in our economy,” said Larkin.

“In June of 2012, we formulated the idea of having an advanced manufacturing center here at

Hudson Valley, where we would bring together private business, education, and local and state governments to serve our students and the economy. Now, just in our region alone, in ten years [the Haas Center] will generate $300 million in salaries.”

Larkin also gave great thanks to the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation Executive Director Regina Scarano LaGatta.

“Regina is the straw that stirs the drink,” Larkin said. “I had no idea how hard it was to fundraise $500,000, but, my God, she did it!”

After speeches from industry leaders and school staff, Matonak thanked several elected officials.

“I’d like to acknowledge an investment that we secured through senators Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as our entire legislative delegation, through a federal Economic Development Administration grant.”

“Workforce development is one of the pillars of spurring economic growth in the 21st century and is critical to attracting and growing businesses, especially in

the Capital Region,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “Hudson Valley Community College has been training the next generation of advanced manufacturing employees for years and their experience coupled with the program’s expansion will help to ensure local companies have the skilled recruits they’re looking for.”

Matonak then welcomed State Assembly members to the podium.

“Never underestimate what a vision and a small group of people can do,” said Fahy. “We hear it over and over again, but the public-private partnership is what really makes things like this work.

[The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program has] 90 to 100 percent placement rate. That’s what makes a difference, and not many college programs can say that.”

“The fact that we are building a center for advanced manufacturing skills in Upstate New York speaks to a [labor] demand we need to meet,” McDonald, repre-

COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

President of Center for Economic Growth Andrew Kennedy speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony.

senting the 108th Assembly District, said. “Thank you for your leadership, and thank you for your great work.”

The college said it partnered with several local construction companies to build CAMS, which was designed by Troy-based architecture firm Mosaic Associates. Contractors include: Bette & Cring Construction Group of Latham for general construction; Tri-Valley Plumbing & Heating Inc. of Schenectady for plumbing; John W. Danforth Co. of Ballston

Spa for mechanical; T&J Electrical Associates, LLC of Clifton Park for electrical; Comalli Group, Inc. of Albany for communications cabling; and Atlantic Testing Laboratories Limited of Clifton Park for special inspections.

In recognition of Drew’s service to Hudson Valley, the lobby of the new Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills (CAMS) will be dedicated in his name. The Center is expected to open fall 2019.

Alison Bechdel shares career upbringing with students COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

Cartoonist Alison Bechdel signing a copy of her book.

By: Zoe Deno News Editor A crowded BTC Auditorium welcomed award winning cartoonist Alison Bechdel to Hudson Valley to talk about her life and her work.

Among many things, Bechdel is known for being one of the first writers to depict lesbians in popular culture. Her popular comic strip, “Dykes to Watch Out For,” was first put into print in 1983 when representation for the lesbian subculture was nonexistent.

“I think a lot of the younger

people don’t understand that in the 80’s the only time you saw the word ‘lesbian’ in the paper was when there was lesbian bashing or when you heard about someone having their kids taken away,” said Grace Nichols, a Social Security Administration worker who attended the event.

Nichols continued, “Lesbian visibility was not a thing, and Bechdel was representing us. It cheered me up whenever I was able to open up a paper and find that.”

Delight Avoke, who works on the New York State Child Abuse Hotline, also attended the event.

She has been following Bechdel’s work since her college years and was excited to meet an author who was so influential in her life.

“Her comics always stood out to me,” Avoke said. “I loved the characters, I loved that she was talking about things that no one else was and I loved that she was a woman being successful.”

Bechdel’s comics have a strong political undertone. They often challenge sexuality and gender conformity.

“The secret subversive goal of my work is to show that women, not just lesbians, are regular human beings,” Bechdel said.

One of the most infamous strips in her comics is a 2008 strip, called “The Rule.” In 1985, the strip a character states she will only watch a movie if it has at least two women who talk to each other about a topic other than men.

The guidelines became the wellknown Bechdel Test. It is usually used to illustrate the dramatic gender disparity in films by both critics and the average moviegoer.

Bechdel said she had never imagined the strip would become a test at all, let alone an applied one. She had taken inspiration from her friend Liz Wallace.

“The only movie my friend could go see was ‘Alien’ because the two women talk to each other about the monster,” Bechdel explained. “Somehow, young feminist film students found this old cartoon and resurrected it in the Internet Era, and now it’s this weird thing. People actually use it to analyze films to see whether or not they pass that test. Still, surprisingly few films actually pass it.”

Bechdel branched out from soley writing comic strips in 2006 when she published her first graphic novel, “Fun Home.” She described it to the audience as the memoir of “how my closeted gay dad killed himself a few months after I came out to my parents as a lesbian.”

The novel was initially intended to be printed entirely in black and white, though in the publishing process it was tint-

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

ed blue. “I resisted using color in ‘Fun Home’ because my father was such a controlling color freak, and I wanted to prove that you could tell a complex visual story in black and white,” Bechdel said.

The novel was highly acclaimed and was adapted into a Broadway musical.

Crowdgoer Christina Romes was one of the hundreds of people who saw the play in Broadway when it first premiered. Rome said she saw the play during a period of her life when she was also struggling with the death of her father and her own sexuality. “[Being introduced to Bechdel’s work] really transformed the way I saw myself and the situation I was going through,” Romes explained. “She has really helped me come out to myself.”

After writing “Fun Home,” Bechdel published a memoir about her distant relationship with mother in 2012, entitled, “Are You My Mother?”

Bechdel said she wants to publish another graphic novel, however she is torn as to what she wants to write about. This is nothing new for Bechdel, as both of her other graphic novels had begun just as ambiguously.

Both Bechdel and her followers will have to wait to see what she comes up with next.

April 18, 2018

NEWS

5

‘Who the F*ck Is That Guy?’ documentary screened at Hudson Valley By: Julio Rodriguez Editor-in-Chief

Puerto Rican punk rock savant Michael Alago arrived on campus last Thursday to screen and discuss the documentary that recalls his life booking gigs and working in the rock and roll scene.

An unknown speaker opened the documentary with an anecdote about Alago’s frequent presence in clubs during the 1980s, stating that, “Back then, every night I was going to see music in NYC, and I’d be backstage, night after night, at a show or at a club, and I would just keep seeing the same person over and over again, like a freaking specter, and I’d say to myself: “Who the f*ck is that guy?”

Alago worked with Cyndi Lauper, John Lyndon, Tracy Chapman and Nina Simone, to name a few famous musicians.

In the documentary, Alago detailed his adventures frequenting clubs and concerts in NYC nearly every night as a young gay rock and roll enthusiast.

In 1980, Alago walked into a NYC dance club named The Ritz, asked for a job and, in a short time, he was an assistant at the club. There, he eventually became the booker. He was a part of a rock and roll revival that integrated video and music at a club venue.

After The Ritz, Alago went to work for Elektra Records as an Artist and Repertoire, or an A&R, Executive. As an A&R executive, Alago worked directly with the artists to help them decide which songs to record, hiring producers and working in the studio. He found, signed and developed new talent.

In the 1990s, Alago moved on to Geffen Records in Santa Monica, California. White Zombie was the first band that he signed. At the time, the company had Cher, Guns and Roses, Beck, White Snake and Sonic Youth.

Alago recalled his struggles dealing with “drinking and drugging.” His substance abuse involved the use of crack cocaine, cocaine, ecstasy and alcohol. Alago learned he had HIV, and life became difficult for him. He regained his momentum when he got clean and followed a drug regimen.

He turned to photography after his stint in the rock and roll music world. Alago said he

leaves the past in the past, and he’s learned to love and not live in fear.

He admitted that a possible documentary about his life felt strange at first, but he agreed to participate.

“My ego took over a little bit, so I said yes,” Alago said. “The person who directed the movie, Drew Stone, he loves music as much as I love music, so I knew he would tell a good story.”

Throughout the documentary, Alago and artists he worked with provided insight.

“I had a lot of say for what would go in,” Alago said. “There’s a whole list of artists that pop up during the film that I worked with. They have their own version of me as well. I think it’s pretty accurate, and I’m happy with it.”

Alago stressed that the documentary was not only about the music. The goal of the documentary was to tell a story about a life.

“I didn’t want to just tell a story about music,” he said. “[The director and Alago] wanted to tell a story about a life. That life involved music, addiction and recovery, having full-blown AIDS and being a survivor. I think that when people do see the movie, they come away with something different. Pay attention to your life, and they get to listen to music they had never heard before as well.”

Alago spoke candidly about his journey with addiction, AIDS and the turmoil of a rock and roll lifestyle in the documentary. He said that the it was not hard to be so candid in front of the camera because he’s always been an honest person.

“I’ve never seen a closet in my life; I don’t believe in them,” Alago said. “I was always a brave person who could care less what people thought about me. People talk about you anyway — it’s part of the human condition, unfortunately. You’re black, brown, gay, straight. You have a disability or you don’t. It’s a very strange thing, humanity. I love humanity — it’s just sometimes people that are awful.”

When the documentary was released on December 1, Alago received 1,200 emails in two days.

Alago, determined to answer everyone, sat down to do that. However, he helped viewers who confided in him.

“Hi, my name is Jorge, and I live in Colombia,” wrote the individual. “I’m 21, I have HIV and,

PHOTO BY RICHARD DECKER | HUDSONIAN

Alago worked with artists such as Cyndi Lauper, John Lyndon, Tracy Chapman and Nina Simone.

if I ever told my dad, he would murder me.” “Anyone who had anything like that to say to me, I would write them back emails of faith, hope and never giving up,” Alago said. “Maybe because you’re 21 years old, you’ll be moving out of your dad’s home soon. If you have to take meds, take meds. Just take great care of yourself.”

Alago stressed to anyone facing HIV to look to medical advances that have been developed to help offset the effects.

“You know, I always tell people, ‘Do you want the good news

or the good news,” Alago stated.

“The good news is that we live in 2018, and there is medicine. So, HIV is a very livable disease these days, but you have to take care of yourself. You can’t go on drinking and drugging and doing all of those shenanigans.”

Alago came to Hudson Valley because he was eager to screen the film at a college setting after being approached by the cultural affairs efforts at the school.

“I love coming to colleges,” Alago explained. “You get to see people at colleges that you don’t

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

normally get to see. When Maria, as part of all of the cultural affairs here at Hudson Valley asked me, I said, ‘Yeah, why not?’ It’s another chance to screen the film. It’s another chance for people to see a movie about somebody’s life that is full of rock and roll and survival.”

The documentary, “Who the F*ck Is That Guy: The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago” is now available on Netflix, Amazon and iTunes.

6

NEWS

April 18, 2018

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES COURTESY OF HANNAH MATIN

People’s Party • Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria • High School: Greensprings School •Major: Biology •Age: 17 •Clubs/Organizations: Cultural Pride, Student Senate Why did you decide to attend Hudson Valley?

“I was supposed to go to England for college. I want to be a surgeon, and America has the best medical schools. My mom pointed out that I had never been away from home before, and she was scared I would drown in all of the drama of a four-year school.”

“I am not far from home, and it helps me save money. Hudson Valley is also a really high-quality school.”

Why are you running for this position?

“I have always been interested in leadCOURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

Ganiat Giwa

ership. I love having influence and being able to help people. You need to be someone who is selfless and can push other people even when you can’t push yourself. That’s my nature. I am the type of person who likes to see everyone happy, thriving and being the best version of themselves. It just felt like something I should do.”

What are your qualifications for running?

“My upbringing molded me into a person that I am very proud of. I grew up listening to African proverbs from my mother. She used to tell me to never stop moving, to never give up and to never let the world shut you down. I grew up being motivated.

Passion, drive and motivation are things you need as a leader because you hit a lot of obstacles.”

What is your greatest asset?

“My greatest asset is my team. I don’t like working alone. It’s my ability to reach out and draw people in. I get my energy from people. Working with different people allows me to absorb their knowledge and perspectives.”

Can you provide three adjectives to describe your leadership style?

“Understanding, focused, motivated.”

Can you came five initiatives that you would really like to work on?

Jamison Jarosz

Freedom Party • Hometown: Schaghticoke, New York • High School: Hoosic Valley •Major: Biology •Age: 19 •Clubs/Organizations: Student Senate, Investment Club, Entrepreneurship Club Why did you decide to attend Hudson Valley?

I saw that Hudson Valley had some incredible opportunities at a highly affordable price. They also just got a track team, so I was very excited about that.

Why did you decide to run for president?

I believe that I can really rally the student body together and make Hudson Valley a better place.

What are your qualifications?

I am very compassionate, and I like to see things from other people’s perspective and put myself in their shoes. Rather than do what I want, I tend to put other people’s needs above mine. I am also dedicated to Hudson Valley.

What are three adjectives to describe your leadership ability?

Enthusiastic, organized, receptive.

Can you name five initiatives you would like to focus on?

I want to bring more food diversity on campus and lower food prices. Right now, every year there has been a contact for the food services on campus. One company, Prime, wins it every year, and they have a monopoly on all of the food on campus. If you are in a club and you want to buy your club food, you are unable to purchase food that does not come from their company.

I have talked to a lot of students on campus. Common complaints are that the food is very expensive and sometimes lacks in flavor. This stems from a lack of competition on campus. If we could allow other

“One thing my party really wants to work on is unity. There are a lot of beautiful things that happen on campus, but everyone is in this little bubble. I want to see a campus working together, unified.”

“The second initiative is to work on campus spirit. Everyone wants to just come to Hudson Valley and then get the hell out of here. It is on the student government and the students to make this place more than just credits.”

“I also want to work on communication. Students have no idea what is going on between the student government, and the Student Senate is supposed to be a bridge between them and the school government.

It’s our job to make them know.”

“Our campus should also have more than one common hour, so club officers will have the option of coming to senate meetings or joining another club.”

“The fifth thing for me is working on diversity. I was struck by how much diversity our campus has, and we don’t have a lot of events to celebrate that. Diversity is important because if we cannot embrace everyone’s differences, we cannot come together and be unified.”

What has been your best experience campaigning so far?

“When I was petitioning one day, I walked up to a freshman and asked if she could sign. She looked moody, so I asked what was wrong. She just began to cry. She’s a first generation college student whose parents are in Africa. Her English was really patchy, but I could piece it together since I’m Nigerian.”

“She said she was depressed and lonely at HVCC, and people barely understand what she’s saying, so it’s hard to communi-

cate. I asked her if she had joined the International Students Club, and she said she couldn’t find them, which brings us back to the problem of communication. I realized that many non-Americans have a huge problem with communicating at HVCC — they feel alone when they aren’t. It made me realize that people actually depend on campus spirit to feel like they belong to a community.”

What is the biggest problem with student life at Hudson Valley?

“I think the greatest problem with student life is lack of community spirit. I know a lot of people would say communication [important], but even when we put the events out there, barely anyone shows up. Many people come into HVCC ready to transfer. No one one stops to enjoy the experience because there is nothing making them to.”

How would you solve these problems?

“It’s our job now to make changes and create opportunities that make them want to spend a few hours on campus after classes. We really want to edit the school calendar of activities and ask students what they want to see on campus. The key is to mimic a four-year college the best way we can.

Students need to feel the campus spirit and believe they can get the college experience here. If this calendar of events hasn’t been able to draw them out, then it’s due for some changes.”

Previous Leadership Experience: “Head Girl” Nigerian Class President equivalent.

While Giwa was class president, she worked to bring computers to her school and other technology programs.

Duke of Edinburgh Leadership Camp.

companies in so that there could be more competition, prices would go down, and the quality would have to go up.

I would like to also show more appreciation toward veterans. One way I would really like to do so is create veteran parking spots. They would work very much like faculty/staff where there are parking sports specifically dedicated to the five branches of the military and the DOD. I think that would show a lot of appreciation to them, along with adding a discount in the bookstore for them.

I am interested in lowering the technology fee on campus. Each semester, each student is allotted $30 in printing. A lot of students do not use all of that money, and the leftover money does not roll over into the next semester and is not returned to the student.

I am also interested in decorating the parking garage with a mural. It is a similar idea to what some people did to a parking garage in Albany, where someone painted some bluebirds on it. A lot of people complain that while the campus is very architecturally modern, certain buildings do lack in visual appeal. I think adding a mural would really add a lot of beauty to campus.

I want to lower the parking fee on campus. It is currently $86.50 per semester to park, which is quite a bit. I believe that we could lower that. I do understand that the parking fee is probably going toward paying off the parking garage and probably the new CAMS building, however, realistically, we should be able to lower it by at least several

dollars.

What has been your greatest experience during the race so far?

When I was campaigning, I got to go around and talk to people in all different degree programs from all different backgrounds, and it really [gave me] a better appreciation for why I am trying to get into office. I am representing real people, not just numbers.

What would you say the biggest problem with student life at Hudson Valley is?

The biggest problem with student life at Hudson Valley is the lack of comradery between students. It is very difficult to get commuting students to really connect with each other around commonalities.

How would you fix that problem?

I want to introduce a collaborative program between various degree programs, [which] will allow students with different educational backgrounds to get together and work on a project. In high schools there are robotics teams where a group of students come together to build a robot. This would be similar, only the project would not necessarily be a robot, and the group of students would be from different majors.

Previous leadership experience:

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

-Founder and president of the Hoosic Valley Photo and Video Club -President of the Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, Club at Hoosic Valley -Senior Senator -President of Investment Club

April 18, 2018

NEWS

7

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES COURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

Ali Ahmad Cheema Why did you decide to attend HVCC? After moving to the United States a few years ago, his sister convinced him to attend Hudson Valley for the financial aspect.

Why did you decide to run for this position?

“Growing up and going through high • Hometown: Pakistan school in Pakistan, I never had that op• High School: Army Public School and portunity.” Cheema went on to say that he College joined because of another member, Jamison •Major: Engineering Science Jarosz.

•Age: 21 What are your qualifications?

Cheema believes the many jobs he has worked in the past will assist him with this

Freedom Party

COURTESY OF HANNAH MATIN

Alexis Papadakis

People’s Party • Hometown: Troy, New York • High School: Troy High School •Major: Liberal Arts and Sciences: Mathematics and Science (Honors Track) •Age: 19 •Clubs/Organizations: Sanctuary in Independent Media, Environmental Sustainability Club, Starting Up Enough is Enough.

Why did you decide to attend HVCC? “Hudson Valley wasn’t my first choice,” Papadakis said, “I originally wanted attend Chapman University.” Unfortunately, one of her scholarships fell through. Papadakis decided Hudson Valley was her best option financially and is glad that things worked out the way they did.

Why did you decide to run for this position?

“I wanted to help coordinate student activities with getting more involvement on campus,” Papadakis said. Papadakis recognizes the lack of student involvement on campus and wants to fix this issue.

What are your qualifications?

Papadakis has led several organizations in the past and held many different positions, including co-leader/co-founder and

president. She is also a waitress at Denny’s, which helped her develop her communication skills.

What’s your greatest asset?

Papadakis believes her greatest assets are her resilience and versatility. She also believes that her being a people person will aid her in this position.

position. Cheema has worked for the state in finances and for the retail store Sears. After his father passed, Cheema also had to take on additional responsibilities at home.

What’s your greatest asset?

Cheema believes his greatest asset is his diverse background, having grown up in a foreign country and moving to the United States.

Please provide three adjectives to describe your ability to lead.

Cheema believes his ability to lead this position stems from his reliability, commitment and truthfulness.

Name five initiatives you would like to focus on in your position.

Cheema wants to focus on lowering and diversifying the food cost and options here on campus. Cheema also wants to lower the cost of the vehicle registration fee from $80. Another initiative he wants to focus on is to have the school recognize holidays of all faiths. The fourth initiative he talked about was to have veteran parking and veteran discounts at the bookstore. The last initiative he wanted to mention was to have the art students paint a mural in or on the outside of the parking garage.

What have been some of your greatest experiences during the race so far?

Cheema enjoyed the public speaking aspect of the race. “Because I am an engineering science major, I don’t get to meet that many people on campus.” Cheema continued to talk about how this really boosted his moral and how his understanding of what students want changed.

What is the biggest problem with student life at Hudson Valley?

Cheema believes people are too self-involved. He believes that not enough people are getting involved on campus. “They come to school and then go home,” he said.

How would you fix said problem?

Cheema wants to remedy this problem by communicating with other club leaders and try to have more events on campus. He believes that if more people got involved on campus it would make the college seem more appealing and would improve the declining enrollment rates.

Do you have any previous leadership experience?

“In high school, if you were a good student, we were given the opportunity to lead the class,” Cheema said.

Please provide three adjectives to describe your ability to lead.

“I am kind, unifying and brave,” Papadakis said, meaning she will be able to help unify students behind important matters and isn’t afraid to fight for what she believes in.

Name five initiatives you would like to focus on in your position.

“I would like to engage more students in activities on campus,” Papadakis said. She suggested hosting workshops and seminars to help clubs gain new members. Papadakis also wants more publicity for the student senate so that more students know who their student government is and what they do. Papadakis also wants to help international students adjust to their new lives in the states and community college life. Finally, Papadakis wants to see more academic day trips to locations like museums.

What have been some of your greatest experiences during the race so far?

“I really enjoyed meeting new people and making friends with the people in my party,” Papadakis said.

What is the biggest problem with student life at Hudson Valley?

Papadakis believes the biggest problem with student life on campus is the lack of student involvement.

How would you fix said problem?

Papadakis wants to communicate with other club leaders to find a way to get more people involved.

Do you have any previous leadership experience?

Papadakis was the co-leader/co-founder of WAVE at her highschool and is the president of the Art Club here at Hudson Valley.

Attention Composition I Students Additional Writing Assistance Available for Composition I Students Who Are Working on Their Final Research Paper for Composition I!

WRITING AND RESEARCH CENTER Located on the 2nd floor of the Marvin Library Beginning Wednesday, April 18, in addition to the regularly scheduled writing assistance available in the Writing and Research Center, Hudson Valley Composition I instructors will be offering additional assistance.

We ask that you please bring a copy of your final project assignment in Composition I as well as any notes, pre-writing materials, drafts, and sources you may have. Please remember to bring your ID card.

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

FEATURES

8

April 18, 2018

SECRETARIAL CANDIDATES COURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

Maeve Uhalde

Freedom Party

Name five initiatives you would like to focus on in your position.

Ulahde wants to lower the cost of food on campus. She also wants to work with art students to paint a mural on the parking garage. Ulahde also has plans to start a community garden. She wants to lower the cost of the parking registration fee from $80.

Ulahde’s last initiative is that she wants to lower the technology and printing fees.

What have been some of your greatest experiences during the race so far?

“I really enjoy making new friends and to people and that I am very responsible,” meeting new people,” Ulahde said. “I also Ulahde said. enjoyed getting input from other students.”

Please provide three adjectives to describe your ability to lead.

What is the biggest problem with stu“I am humble, understanding and have dent life at Hudson Valley? a good [positive] mindset,” she said.

“There are tons of clubs and activities that a lot of students don’t know exist,” she said.

How would you fix said problem?

Ulahde believes that more advertising for smaller clubs would help get more students to join. She also wants to host a social mixer to help students meet one another.

Do you have any previous leadership experience?

Ulahde was a representative for Schoharie County for Empire Girls State in 2016.

She was also class president for three years in high school and vice president and president for National Honors Society. She was also on student council.

COURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

• Hometown: Gilboa, New York • High School: Gilboaconesville High School •Major: Human Services •Age: 19 •Clubs/Organizations: Cultural Pride, Student Senate Why did you decide to attend HVCC? Ulahde decided to attend Hudson Valley because it is the closest school that she could afford to attend that offers human services as a major. It also helps that her mother also attends Hudson Valley.

Why did you decide to run for this position?

“Ali Ahmad Cheema and Jamison Jarosz had suggested I run for Secretary,” Ulahde said. “They thought I would be great for the position.”

What are your qualifications?

“My qualifications are that I am people oriented,and my willingness to be a voice for the students,” she said.

What’s your greatest asset?

“My greatest asset is my ability to relate

Candidates of the Freedom Party stand for their photo in the Capitol Building.

COURTESY OF HANNAH MATIN

Sophia Ventrano Why did you decide to attend Hudson Valley?

Her high school does not look at Hudson Valley as a great school because it is only a community college, and at first she was not • Hometown: Clifton Park, New York proud to be coming here. However, Hudson • High School: Shenendehowa High School Valley matched her financial ability, and •Major: Biology now that she is here she is glad she came.

•Age: 18 She was ultimately won over.

•Clubs/Organizations: Previously in Why did you decide to run for this poChemistry Club.

People’s Party

sition?

“I was encouraged by my friends in the senate, and I wanted to help make things better on campus,” Ventrano said.

What are your qualifications?

She has had lots of time at work as a manager and a trainer in the food service industry.

What’s your greatest asset?

She recognized she has less experience than the other people in her party, but explained that she works well with others, is very organized and is focused on the goals she has in mind.

Please provide three adjectives to describe your ability to lead.

“I am very dependable, honest and focused on getting things done,” she said.

Name five initiatives you would like to focus on in your position.

Ventrano wants get students more involved in things on campus and with the Student Senate. Ventrano also wants to raise awareness for the Student Senate. She would also like to put more responsibility on senators by having them give reports instead of just

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

being present at meetings. Ventrano finally wants to create a more positive view of Hudson Valley for the public.

What have been some of your greatest experiences during the race so far?

“I really enjoyed petitioning for signatures,” she said. “I got to meet a lot of new people and listen to the public’s concerns.”

What is the biggest problem with student life at Hudson Valley?

“I believe the biggest problem is the lack of involvement on campus,” Ventrano said.

How would you fix said problem?

Ventrano would like to host large-scale events and utilize the marketing majors to help with marketing these events instead of outsourcing the advertising. She also wants to start tailoring events to students on campus and host more events that students want to see.

April 18, 2018

FEATURES

9

TRESORIAL & TRUSTEE CANDIDATES COURTESY OF THE FREEDOM PARTY

Brendan Caluneo Freedom Party • Hometown: Oyster Bay, New York • High School: Ichabod Crane Central School District •Major: Criminal Justice •Age: 19 •Clubs/Organizations: Student Senate Why did you decide to attend Hudson Valley?

“I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, and I’ve heard great things about Hudson Valley. I believe that community college is what you make of it. So, I figured that it would be a great starting place. It’s really beginning to feel like home here.”

Why did you decide to run for this position?

“I decided to run for trustee because last year I ran and did not receive the po-

sition. But, I don’t want to give up. I feel like I can fulfill the duties of that office. The trustee position is very important. They are the voice of the students to the board that oversees the budget of approximately $100 million. To have student representation and oversight at that level is imperative. To make sure my fellow students are represented, I decided to run for that position.”

“As for the position of treasurer, I want to bring better fiscal oversight to the budgets that we have on campus. Currently, the Student Activities budget is approximately $900,000. So, I want to look at how we are distributing funds, make sure that everyone is receiving a piece of what they are paying into and that some students aren’t just paying and not receiving any benefits.”

What are your qualifications?

“I’m driven to lead, and I like [to] help others. I have spent a lot of time going through different positions, and I find I work very well with positions where I have direct contact with constituencies and take their concerns and the concerns of the masses and funnel it into one point that can actually get change to happen. So, the main

thing is to motivate change and to not give up if I’m not successful. I will keep trying until the goal that we set has been completed.”

Name three adjectives to describe your ability to lead: “Unwavering, determined and unstoppable. I feel that my opinion on positions that come from others elect me to do and to represent their positions. It doesn’t get persuaded by others. If I set forth on a task, I will see it through till the end. I feel all of those adjectives I said relate to that core theme of getting things done in a timely fashion and not giving up when things get tough.”

Can you name five initiatives to focus on?

“The first would be a committee of all clubs on campus. Currently I am not aware of any organization or affiliation in between all of the clubs so that they can discuss amongst themselves, share resources and collaborate. That would be the number one thing that I would like to work on.”

“On top of that, I would like to work for better fiscal equity. That means ensuring that when we are paying for something that we are providing resources for as many students as possible, not just a select few.”

“The third initiative would be to look at the potential of becoming an independent entity. Currently the student government falls under the FSA which is an independent entity. So, anything we do has oversight by the FSA Board and the Board of Trustees, potentially laying the foundation to become an independent organization.”

“If I become trustee, I’d like to make sure the new manufacturing building that is

being built is very student-focused and that there is space there that will greatly benefit students for academic and non-academic purposes and to make sure tuition does not get wasted.”

What have been your greatest experiences running so far?

“I enjoyed petitioning, going out and meeting people, asking them what their concerns are and having that dialog with people who don’t even know we have a Student Senate on campus. Who are interested in getting more involved and it takes that extra step of you reaching out and asking the question that no one else is.”

What is the biggest problem with student life at Hudson Valley?

“There is a lack of community. Marginally in the name, community colleges are the center of the community, and I don’t really think that exists here. If it does, it is a very small population.”

How would you fix these problems?

“A potential to remedy that would be to create an additional common hour. Currently, there is only one common hour — Mondays at 2:00 p.m. So, potentially adding one at Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. where students have more access [is] at a more convenient time so that they can actually participate in a club that we have and not have to stay till 4 or 5 in the afternoon.”

Previous leadership experience: Freshmen Senator position Senior Class Senator Service member of Academic Senate’s Student Life Committee (last year) Community Colleges representative for SUNY Student Assembly (two years)

more transparent toward the student body and other clubs on campus so that everyone knows what is going on.”

“Involvement is next. I think that’s important. Every school is striving to have more involvement. If we try to get people to be a part of the Student Senate or a part of the clubs on campus, that could be really helpful to not only the students but the school in general.”

“We also want more communication between the senate and the students. We are thinking about implementing some type of text message thing where people can get quick texts about something or if they are club leaders, send summaries the senate to let everyone know what’s going on.”

“We also want to do leadership seminars, and we talked about this. It’d be awesome if we could get the e-boards of all the clubs to sit down, maybe once a month or once every two months, and just ask club leaders what their problems are, along with what they want to plan. We want to have more smaller events like Welcome Week spread throughout the semester.”

What have been your greatest experiences running for student body so far?

“While we were petitioning it was really eye opening. We realized a lot of students don’t know what the Student Senate is. We are representing such a large population, and the fact that so many people didn’t know that we even existed was shocking.”

What is the biggest problem with student life at Hudson Valley?

“I think the biggest problem is just not taking more of an initiative to get people to know more about the things we have on

campus. I’m a freshman on the senate, and I don’t even know half of the services that we have. I am always constantly learning new things as people come to senate and are resquesting things. We need to try to get more people to just know whats going on on campus rather than just an email. I mean, they do send out emails, but I doubt anyone actually checks them.”

How would you fix these problems?

“We are thinking about doing the thing the text messaging that I mentioned before and also just having the club presidents bring it up at their own meetings. We’re also thinking about doing some type of video on the campus monitors — like in the library — that will greet the students and let them know what is going on.”

Why did you decide to attend Hudson Valley?

“I think that it’s very hard transition when you’re going from high school to college. Coming to a community college is easier because it is a lot smaller. I am also getting a lot more opportunities here. I don’t think if I had gone to a four-year college that I would have been part of something like the Student Senate. There is also a lot of help on campus. Professors are really invested.”

Previous leadership experience: Student Government President in her senior year of high school Class President in her senior and junior years of high school Treasurer of Mock Trial Club in her sophomore year of high school President of National Honor Society her freshman year of high school

COURTESY OF HANNAH MATIN

Sayema Matin

People’s Party • Hometown: Clifton Park, New York • High School: Shenendehowa High School •Major: Biology •Age: 18 •Clubs/Organizations: Previously in Chemistry Club.

Why did you decide to run for this position?

“I have run for treasurer before, so I kind of have an idea of what you have an idea of what the responsibilities are. I’m running for trustee as well. I didn’t want to run for something like president to have to have two very demanding positions.”

What are your qualifications?

“I am a freshman senator right now, have been since October of the fall semester.

I’ve also been president of my high school

class two years in a row, so [I] kind of have an idea of, like, responsibility. I’ve also actually been president of my own student government in high school my senior year, so I have a little bit of experience. Hopefully, that can help me when I’m in position.”

What would you say your greatest asset is?

“I think I’m very open-minded. I’m very easy to talk to and friendly. I can listen to people when people are saying things.

I’m generally interested in what they’re saying. I think if you have a student Senate that is really involved with the student body that is open to listening to what everyone is saying. I think that’s very important to like be a good listener because in order to represent students you have to make sure you’re listening to them.”

Name three adjectives to describe your ability to lead: “Compromising, lenient, passionate.”

Can you name five initiatives to focus on?

“We have a lot of goals that we’re hoping to push though, but I say the top five would have to start with transparency. We’re really hoping that the student senate can be

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

10

April 18, 2018

CREATIVE

FROM PAGE ONE

VETERANS trar Ian LaChance, there are over 300 veteran students attending the school this year — and that’s only counting those using specific VA support to pay for their education. That means the number might be much higher.

“We hover between 300-350 veteran students using benefits,” LaChance said. “We’re responsible for certifying and processing all of their information so we can meet the VA requirements.”

LaChance added he has tried to streamline the process for veterans enrolling at Hudson Valley.

The registrar’s office does keep the necessary VA forms on hand and provides assistance in filling them out because, according to LaChance, “It’s a four-page application, and it can be dense.”

“Personally, I didn’t even know the school had anything to do with veterans at all,” said Josh Coon, a Marine veteran who attends Hudson Valley. “If they put it on media, like here are some

easier ways to what you should have before you come here, then we might all have an easier time.”

Coon continued, “Just figuring out how to start the process is another thing, and it’s very difficult.”

After being encouraged by friends and family, Coon jumped in and says he’s had an overall good experience.

To Coon, it sounded funny to say, but he felt many veterans were afraid of college, even though they had already done things that most college students couldn’t even imagine.

“I don’t know about everybody, but I know for me it was a fear sort of thing, afraid to fail at school because I never did good at high school,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ll be good enough for college, and that was one of those things that stuck with me.”

He continued, “Getting information out there to vets that you can do it, you can succeed, would probably help a lot. Considering I just learned today that there even is a veteran study room and some of the history of Hud-

son Valley, I don’t think they have enough information out.”

Coon suggested veterans share a connection that may help ease them into ordinary life.

“Veterans often have more in common, so [we] might be able to connect more easily, and that applies not only to the connections between us but [also] in our transition over to civilian life,” he noted.

Farley agreed with that notion but recognized that supporting veterans was not only the responsibility of college staffers.

“Ultimately, the veterans should be making a stink about

the lack of representation because that’s what it will take to change it,” Farley said. “If there was a place they could meet, if for nothing else than to share how they are using their benefits, even that could help.”

One of Farley’s unofficial titles is “Veteran Ma,” and it’s easy to understand why, as she added, “My door is always open to vets.

They come in here and close the door and rant. That has happened, and that’s what this office is really all about.”

LaChance acknowledged more could be done and recognized many veterans have partic-

ular challenges to overcome.

“I think a lot of it is assimilating (adjusting) into a different kind of culture,” LaChance said.

LaChance suggested while some veterans can struggle to find their place, an educated staff could meet more of those needs.

“I think definitely that training for college personnel is important on the issues that student veterans can face. I think as long as employees are aware of the services that we offer to student veterans on campus, and that they know where to refer that student, I think that could go a long way,” he said.

‘Columbo’

by Hannah Lewis

VITALITY By: Isabella Kokoszko Layout Editor

Dark buds blossom, The colors shades of violet.

Violence the only settlement Leaving barely what is relevant.

Angered hands leave stems Only loneliness left to mend.

Marks creating masterpieces Remarking horrible remembrances.

Only left by you, The one I thought to be so true. /// Red and blue drench the white walls, Left with a dull ache of the past.

Justice is now the only hue Time to pay your dues.

Never taking time to look at my heart Tenacious flowers bloom into new art.

Relief.

Violet emerges to emerald Creating every complexion ever assembled. /// You taught me to love one tint of purple But I captured all the colors of the rainbow.

Iridescence gleams off of every façade, Too intense for travelling strangers.

Show compassion for humanity, Behind every screen Is another person’s destiny.

Pencil on sketch book.

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

April 18, 2018

FEATURES

11

JOIN THE HUDSONIAN! STAFF WRITERS

-$25PER ARTICLE PUBLISHED “No student shall be paid past what they pay in tuition.”

- Student Senate Constitution

-MAKE AN IMPACT ON CAMPUS! -BUILD YOUR RESUME! -MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS!

M E E T I N G S E V E RY M O N DAY A T 2 P. M . I N A D M 1 0 7 HUDSONIAN@HVCC.EDU • (518) 629-7187 • VISIT US IN SIEK CAMPUS CENTER CTR 291 THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

April 18, 2018

SPORTS

12

Lacrosse team claim impressive win COURTESY OF ATHLETICS.HVCC.EDU

Hudson Valley lacrosse beat Mohawk Valley 26-1.

By: Hunter McIntyre Sports Editor The Hudson Valley men’s lacrosse team won their game against Mohawk Valley Community College last Wednesday by a considerable margin with a final score of 26-1.

The team had a fair amount of success this season. This extends Hudson Valley’s winning streak to 3, giving them an overall record of 6-3 with two inner conference wins.

HVCC quickly made their presence known by scoring 10 goals in the first quarter.

The Vikings leading scorer in the game was Sophomore Aaron Thorpe, of Malton/Ballston Spa. Thorpe scored an impressive 10

goals and had seven assists — a career high for points in a single game. He has 36 points in 8 games this season.

Freshmen Nathan Bruce, of Scotia/Scotia-Glenville and Christopher Calicchia, of Loudonville/Shaker also performed well, with Bruce scoring 7 goals with three assists and Calicchia scoring 2 goals and one assist, which is a career high.

The Vikings hope to keep up their strong effort in the last two games of the season to keep a winning record. Their next and final game is home this Wednesday. We hope to see you there as the Vikings complete their regular season schedule against Finger Lakes Community College.

Baseball team catch two consecutive victories against Mohawk Valley By: Skylar Blankenship Staff Writer The Vikings baseball team won both games during their doubleheader against Mohawk Valley Community College last Tuesday.

The Vikings began their conference opener at Joe Bruno Stadium with a seven-inning game ending with a score of 3-2.

Every run scored was within the first three innings. In the first inning, Hudson Valley made it home twice, while Mohawk Valley only made it home once. Both teams had one run each in the third inning.

Pitching for the first five of the innings was James Rubino, striking out six Mohawk Valley batters. Sophomore Joe Duncan, a business administration major, closed out the game.

Freshman outfielder/pitcher Jackson Wenstrom, a criminal justice major, hit a single, a double and a triple.

Sophomore catcher Jonathan Montesanti, a computer information

systems major, was able to bring in two runs within three of his at-bats.

The second game finished after seven innings with a score of 7-4.

In the first inning, both teams scored two runs. Then, in the third season, Mohawk Valley added a point to the board. The fourth was the busiest, with the Hawks scoring one run and the Vikings scoring four. The last and deciding run of the game was in the sixth inning by the Vikings.

Freshman catcher Nick Hansen, a mathematics and science major, with one double and a walk went two for three.

Westro and Montesanti both had hits.

Sophomore pitcher/infielder Jacob LaFerriere, a civil engineering technology major, began the game on the mound with freshman pitcher Dylan Sheely, an individual studies major, and Duncan closing.

As of that Tuesday afternoon, the team has an overall record of 5-5.

COURTESY OF ATHLETICS.HVCC.EDU

Business Administration, B.B.A. Information Session April 24, 2018 Brahan Hall, Room 205 5:30 – 7 pm

cobleskill.edu/hvcc pace@cobleskill.edu Hudson Valley’s baseball team with back-to-back victories.

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

518.255.5528