THE
Hudsonian Hud.
OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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Volume 73, Issue 12
May 09, 2018
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President-elect Ramsammy Community walks to end shares his vision with students Lyme disease By: Richard Decker Staff Writer
Roger Ramsammy will soon take the reins from President Drew Matonak to become Hudson Valley’s seventh college president. In a follow-up to the candidate forum held last semester, The Hudsonian talked with incoming-President Ramsammy to discuss his vision for the College. The Hudsonian: In a broad sense, what is your mission as the Students posed for a picture at the “It’s Time to End Lyme” walk hosted next president of Hudson Valley? Ramsammy: First, let me say, last Saturday. I am truly honored to serve as McDonough opened the event by president of Hudson Valley. The By: Emily Lougee talking about why he wanted this college is widely recognized as an Staff Writer walk to happen. exceptional institution, and it’s a The student senate worked Last summer, McDonough privilege to have the opportunity with engineering sciences student was diagnosed with Lyme disease, to build upon the strong foundaBrandon McDonough to host the and, as a result of this disease, he tion laid by many great leaders, first “It’s Time to End Lyme” walk got very sick, causing him to fall including Drew Matonak. last Saturday. behind in the summer classes he When I arrive on campus this Ganiat Giwa, a biological sci- was taking. His diagnosis prompt- summer, I’ll begin meeting with ences student and member of the ed him to bring attention to this students, faculty, alumni, partners student senate, said McDonough disease. This year for ticks is sup- and community groups to seek came to the student senate with posed to be one of the worst years input from those who know the the idea for this walk during the yet, McDonough said. college best. This will kick-start a fall 2018 semester. The student The walk started at the Out- strategic planning process to bring senate thought it was a great idea door Athletic Complex, went Hudson Valley to even greater disand wanted to make it happen, around campus and ended where tinction within our community, and so McDonough began plan- it started: at the athletic complex. SUNY, New York State and the ning the event the beginning of After the walk, everyone was split country. this semester. into four teams for a game of tugNow, more than ever, we must On Saturday, the walk ended of-war. There was also a small work together to meet the deup starting later than expected, game of Twister, and a few people mands of a technology-driven and due to a campus-wide power out- played Frisbee beside the com- rapidly transforming world. So, in age that delayed the start of the short, our collective focus will be event. Once the outage was fixed, SEE LYME PAGE 7 to advance the college’s existing vi-
OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
THE
Hudsonian President-elect of Hudson Valley Roger Ramsammy.
sion to “deliver what the future demands.” We’ll bring that sentiment to life with renewed commitment, creativity, innovative ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit. I invite you, our students, to be a part of this process and to help lay the framework for our future. As always, you are at the heart of our college.
The Hudsonian: Last year, you stated, “We need to ask ourselves why those students left in the first month. Why is there suddenly parking in the third or fourth week? We have already failed those students who left and need to stop it from happening in the
SEE PRESIDENT PAGE 6
Hudson Valley graduates share their experiences
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By: Richard Decker Staff Writer Thousands of students will walk across the stage at the Joseph Bruno Stadium to receive their diplomas this Saturday. Jennifer A. Edwards is graduating with an early childhood education major from the Teacher Preparation Department. In discussing her appreciation for her program, Edwards stated, “The professors were incredibly supportive in helping me through the curriculum. I couldn’t have done it without them.” Edwards, a continuing educa-
tion student, did, however, experience some difficulties when she first arrived on campus. “As someone [who’s] older, navigating the new technology and learning how to format papers was the worst, but I got through it,” Edwards said. She also gave special thanks to the supportive professors in the Teacher Preparation Department, who helped her over the last three years. Using her knowledge from the program, Edwards brought an art portfolio to the library with the intent of offering some night
SEE GRADS PAGE 6
INSIDE NEWS:
President farewell feature PAGES
4& 5
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Graduates throw their hats into the air in celebration.
INSIDE CREATIVE: “Do finals make you want to cry?” PAGE
6
COURTESY OF NYU STEINHARDT
INSIDE SPORTS: Vikings dominate Tompkins Cortland PAGE
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May 09, 2018
NEWS
Editor-in-Chief bids farewell
This Week’s Events
Wed 09
Transfer Information Table: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Siek Campus Center, first floor lobby Mechanical Engineering Technology RC Car Demonstrations 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Between the Amstuz Science Hall and the Guenther Enrollment Services Center
Thurs 10
Fri 11
Sat 12
Athletic Awards Ceremony 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm Siek Campus Center, Second Floor Spring 2018 Last Day of Instruction EOC Job Fair 10:00 am – 2:00 pm EOC, Sharp Hall, 431 River St, Troy, NY 12180, USA Mindfulness Meditation 11:00 am – 11:30 am Siek Campus Center, Suite 270 (Wellness Center) 25th Advanced Manufacturing Technology Capstone Ceremony 12:00 pm – 1:45 pm Bulmer Telecommunications Center, Auditorium Student Honors and Awards Ceremony 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm McDonough Sports Complex 30th Annual Special Programs Awards Ceremony 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Bulmer Telecommunications Center, Auditorium 64th Annual Commencement Ceremony 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Joseph L. Bruno Stadium
Congradulations, Grads!
PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN
Dear readers,
At first, college was not what I had expected it to be. When I arrived on campus in fall 2016, I felt lonely, I had one friend, and I frequently found myself sitting on my own in the library completing homework during breaks. It was not a pleasant start to the semester, and I do not wish that sort of formidable loneliness on anyone. However, my situation quickly changed for the better when I found a home at The Hudsonian. After initial hesitation, I decided to join the school newspaper. I felt immediately welcomed by the intrinsically kind and quirky staff at The Hudsonian. I was suddenly in the presence of like-minded students who were funny, wild and incredibly witty. I quickly learned The Hudsonian is unlike any other club on campus, in that we function as a professional news publication and offer students on-thejob training. As early as last fall, our previous editor-in-chief believed the work I produced as a newly published staff writer showed potential. She believed I was a contender for editor-in-chief. I must admit, trepidation weighed down my thoughts when thinking about the position, mostly because I didn’t think I was good enough to do it. Self-doubt, paired with worries about a plummeting GPA, made the prospects scary. Here’s a little piece of advice: Do not allow fear of failure to deter you from a new and unknown opportunity. Understand that failure is sometimes inevitable, but it can also be enriching.
Pictured from left to right: Layout Editor Izzy Kokoszko, Editor-in-Chief Julio Rodriguez and Managing Editor Grace Sgambettera.
Despite every apprehension plaguing my thoughts, I took the position, and I took it with pride. I believed I could bare the burden, but I was also confident in the staff ’s ability to produce an exceptional periodical. The Hudsonian is home to some of the most dedicated, well-written, compassionate, inquisitive and artistically knowledgeable students I have ever encountered. A weekly paper would not be possible without the efficient collaboration between our staff writers, photographers and editors, who work hours to produce our publication week-to-week. We’re a team. Joining The Hud and working as editor-in-chief has truly been the single greatest decision I have made in my undergraduate career thus far. I’ve experienced an exceptional amount of growth and success in these past two years
that was totally unforeseen. So please don’t say you’re “just” going to community college. Look at your time here as an opportunity to forge a future full of success. Involve yourself in activities that challenge your insecurities and put you far outside of your comfort zone. I promise you will come to find the challenge invigorating. Outside of The Hudsonian, I can say Hudson Valley’s exceptional professors helped me get into the school of my dreams. This fall, when I start studying at Cornell University, I’ll look back on my first two years of college with tremendous pride — pride in the coursework, yes, but mostly pride in the friendships I formed at Hudson Valley. You can come to the college for credits, or you can come here and form lifelong memories that will leave you in tears as a result of gut-wrench-
ing laughter. I would not trade the adventures, laughs and hardships I’ve shared with the staff at The Hudsonian for anything. To my Hud family, past and present: I will forever hold the utmost admiration for each and every one of you. I look forward to hearing, reading and viewing all the spectacular endeavors you pursue in the future. Being granted the chance to work with all of you has changed me in more ways than you will ever know. Words cannot describe the gratitude I feel after having been afforded the opportunity to work with all of you. Thank you so much for making this two-year experience unforgettable and truly irreplaceable. In the constant embrace of editors and friends, I never once felt alone at The Hudsonian. Julio Eleazar Rodriguez Editor-in-Chief
Weather WEDNESDAY 05/09/18 High/Low 77/51
THURSDAY 05/10/18 High/Low 74/57
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
05/11/18 High/Low 63/44
News Editor Zoe Deno Creative Editor Joseph Lyle Sports Editor Hunter McIntyre Junior Editors Angela Scipione Jaime Albright
SATURDAY 05/12/18 High/Low 63/50 Staff Writers Richard Decker Nick Fisk Emily Lougee William Reed Faculty Adviser Rachel Bornn
SUNDAY 05/13/18 High/Low 72/58 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 05/14/18 High/Low 67/53
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.
May 09, 2018
NEWS
3
Letter to the editor: President’s parting thoughts
My thanks to The Hudsonian for asking me to write a short letter to the editor as we wrap up the spring semester. As I enter my final months as president of Hudson Valley Community College, this gives me the opportunity to leave our student body with a few words of advice and encouragement. I promise not to be long-winded, but I hope some of my parting thoughts will resonate with some of you.
Be proud.
First, I want you to be proud of the choice you made to attend Hudson Valley Community College. We’ve all heard about the skyrocketing amount of student debt — now over $1 trillion — that has burdened several generations of college students. Often, high school graduates enter a four-year college or university with little or no direction regarding their career path or course of study. By choosing Hudson Valley to begin your higher education, you’ve made a smart decision to get an outstanding education without encumbering a great deal of debt. Whether you know exactly what you want to do or you’re still exploring your career options, starting at a community college makes both academic and economic sense. So, be proud of the choice you made to be a Viking. As we say, it’s a bold choice for a lot of smart reasons.
Accomplish anything.
This time of year, we often reach out to faculty and try to uncover some unique student stories that show the diversity of our graduating class. Whether it’s a refugee who had to resettle his family and restart his life in the United States or a young honor student looking to complete her high school diploma and her associate degree at the same time, it always amazes me how,
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with determination and hard work, our students can accomplish amazing things. We come from diverse backgrounds, and yet Hudson Valley serves as a catalyst for some incredible, life-changing accomplishments. Among our 80,000 Viking alumni are congressmen, surgeons, federal prosecutors, college professors, business leaders and artists. The possibilities are truly endless, and I invite you to use your Hudson Valley education to dream big and accomplish anything you desire.
Remember us.
Retiring after four decades in higher education brings up a lot of anticipation but also a lot of pride in what we have collectively accomplished. I will always have Viking pride. As I look back on my 13 years at Hudson Valley, I cherish my part in helping thousands of students take the next step in their educational journey. From the perspective of a current student working hard to wrap up another semester or a soon-to-be graduate anticipating your next steps, you might not see how incredibly life-changing this place can be. I can because I, too, started my higher education at a community college, and that decision impacted my life probably more than any other. To our students graduating this year, congratulations, and my hope is that you proudly remember where you came from. Proudly tell your friends and family members about the benefits of your Hudson Valley education. To our returning students, make sure you schedule your fall (or summer) classes soon if you haven’t already. We want you back here next year! Finally, my best wishes to each and every member of our Hudson Valley family. It’s been my honor to serve as your president. Drew
Drew posed for a fun photo-op with Lucille Marion, vice president/executive director at the EOC, during their commencement activities. COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO
Andrew Matonak posed for a photo with 44th President of the U.S., Barack Obama during his visit to the college in 2009.
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PRESIDENT
4
President Matonak reflects o COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO
Drew Matonak, the sixth president of Hudson Valley, has been at the college for 13 years.
By: William Reed Staff Writer “Coming to Hudson Valley was the culmination of my career.” As President Andrew “Drew” Matonak’s 13-year tenure at Hudson Valley Community College comes to end, he reflected on his experiences in what he says will be his final position in college administration. Matonak’s passion for higher education started while he was in community college. He described himself as a poor high school student and was told by a counselor he was not college material, but community college was what gave him the resources and support he needed to succeed. Coming from this background, Matonak said it helped him relate to students with similar
stories. “I talk to students here, and I ask them, ‘How many of you have had someone in your life tell you that you can’t do something,’ and a lot of people have,” Matonak said. President Matonak believes starting at a community college has an advantage over a four-year school. “I probably wouldn’t have been successful if I went elsewhere,” he said. He believes community college is the perfect place for students who are unsure of careers to start out or for those who are feeling subpar or unconfident about their academic capabilities. “I know what it feels like to walk into a class feeling inadequate, and I know we have a lot of students who come in feeling
that way,” he said. Being the president of a community college yet understanding what students go through was crucial for him during his career. As President Matonak was going through the process of becoming the seventh president in Hudson Valley’s history, he knew he wanted this to be his last job. He was impressed by everything on campus at the start but knew there was work to be done. One of the first initiatives his administration devised was a master plan to significantly upgrade the facilities on campus, a plan that would cost an estimated $200 million dollars. “Hudson Valley is a great place with great people, and we need facilities that are of the same caliber, so we really did focus a lot of our attention on that,” Matonak said to faculty during one of his first addresses. Little by little, the plan was carried out, leading to the construction of the Administration Building, the TEC-SMART facility in Malta, the Science Center and the parking garage, among others. Hudson Valley also opened a new outdoor athletic complex last year. One of President Matonak’s fondest memories of his time at Hudson Valley was the visit of President Obama in 2009. He remembers it as an event that gave Hudson Valley national prominence and increased its regional significance. “Community colleges in general are often considered second-class citizens,” Matonak said. In talking to parents of students about to go to college, Matonak said there was always an emphasis on four-year schools. “We [community colleges] don’t necessarily get the attention that we should,” he said. President Obama’s visit also personal-
ly affected President Matonak, who said the visit it was filled with interesting experiences he won’t forget. “It was kind of cool to have the U.S. President here,” Matonak said. An issue President Matonak believes Hudson Valley is facing today is the lack of diversity in the staff at Hudson Valley. While he is thrilled with the diversity of students on campus, he wants to see that identity in the faculty as well. “When you take a look at the diversity of the student body, our faculty and staff don’t represent that same diversity, and we need to,” he said. “If we have an individual come to this campus, it’s good for [him or her] to see someone who looks like [him or her], who is like [him or her] in one way or another, so [he or she] can identify.” After President Matonak steps down in August, he and his wife plan to move to their house in Myrtle Beach, and he says he will be doing whatever his wife wants to do for the first six months. “After that, all bets are off,” Matonak said. Matonak says it will be an adjustment, but his first plan will be to work as an usher for the local minor league baseball team where they live. He also recognizes he might not be completely finished in higher education. There is a local community college where he used to work, and he has contacts there if he so chooses to take up a position. “I’m probably going to get bored,” he said. As President Matonak wraps up his last few months at Hudson Valley, he said, without hesitation, the one aspect of the college he will miss most after serving for 13 years is the people. It is probably safe to say they will miss him as well. COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO
Matonak with students and guests at last year’s End of the Year banquet.
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We’ll miss you, Dad!
5
T FEATURE
on his time at Hudson Valley COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO
n o s d u H o t “Coming the s a w y e l l a V culmination ,” r e e r a c y m of ak n o t a M w e -Dr
Matonak at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Science Building in 2013. COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO
Matonak posing for a photo with a student. COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO
President Matonak pictured at a CDTA ridership annoucement ceremony. COURTESY OF VINCENT GIORDANO
The Valley cheerleaders posed with Matonak and Vinny Viking at the 2016 Homecoming.
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We’ll miss you, Dad! - The Hud
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May 09, 2018
NEWS COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU
Dr. Roger Ramsammy will take office as the seventh president of Hudson Valley this August.
PRESIDENT FROM PAGE ONE
first place!” Do you feel as though you have developed a solution or a plan for a solution to the question you posed for the faculty and staff
in October? Ramsammy: A committee of faculty and staff recently produced a retention plan for Hudson Valley. That document and new assessment data may serve as a starting point for a “forensic team” who will be charged with discovering areas for improvement and proac-
tively programming initiatives to help as many students as possible. Additionally, we’ll take a look at the college’s referral system for students who could benefit from early intervention, and we’ll also examine the onboarding activities for first-year students. Our partnerships with K-12 schools and efforts to strengthen our “education pipeline” will help to ensure college readiness. Mentoring, tutoring, counseling, advisement — these are just a handful of examples of where to focus. Retention is multifaceted, and every employee should play a part. The Hudsonian: One of the common complaints among the faculty and staff during last year’s forum was the presence of silos in the administration and frustration among different offices. Again, how would you tackle this issue? Ramsammy: Communication is our key. My job will be to foster a collaborative spirit and clear communication process for the college as a whole. I believe that my experience at some of the largest multi-campus colleges in the country will be an asset, but again, this will be something that involves [much cooperation] at the college.
The Hudsonian: As the College welcomes a new president, it is also welcoming a large incoming class. What advice would you have for the students as they tag along in this new journey with you? Ramsammy: The student experience and its ultimate impact on student success is the heart of what we should be striving to perfect. This is their college, and as I begin hearing from members of our community, no voice should be louder than that of our students. Furthermore, as a first-generation college student, I know that some new students need extra support, especially in the beginning. I want them to know that we will do everything we can to ensure their success. The Hudsonian: What is your top priority to change within the college and something you wish to never see changed? Ramsammy: There are so many wonderful attributes of Hudson Valley, but something I’d like to change is the stigma surrounding enrolling at a community college. While they have a different mission than four-year institutions, community colleges offer a high-quality education at
Editor-in-Chief elect’s introduction letter
By: Zoe Deno News Editor
The end of the school year is a time for change at Hudson Valley. Students leave Hudson Valley to either enter the workforce or continue onto four-year universities. New students come to the college in the fall and take their turn using Hudson Valley as the first step toward the rest of their lives. The turnover in students reflects in the student body leadership as well. Clubs across campus carefully select returning students to fill the positions graduating students will leave behind. It is always a bit sad to see an era end, but with
GRADS
FROM PAGE ONE classes. Instead, they hired her to establish a full preschool in the Schuylerville Public Library. When Edwards feels ready, after feeling confident with the status of the preschool, she will move on to SUNY Empire to continue her studies. Markae Johnson is graduating with a major in business administration from the School of Business. Johnson, an online-only student, had great admiration for the online professors. “I really appreciated how nice the professors were,” Johnson said. “I did online and transferred, so I knew what it was like to be on
every end is a new beginning. The Hudsonian was no different. On May 7 at 2 p.m., the members of the newspaper voted for new leaders to represent them during the 2018-2019 academic year. I, Zoe Deno, was elected Editor-In-Chief of The Hudsonian. I am both humbled and enthusiastic to fill this role. Though I am excited to begin working, I have been a member of The Hudsonian long enough to understand how difficult this role will be, and that I and the paper will be nothing without my e-board. Wesleigh Dunn will fulfill the Managing Editor position in the
coming semester. Our Web Editor will be our former Creative Editor, Joseph Lyle. Lyle was succeeded as Creative Editor by Angela Scipione. Jaimie Albright was elected to the position of Business Manager. The oldest club on campus, The Hudsonian has been successfully bringing news to the college for over 50 years. Like every e-board before us, we promise we will do everything in our power to bring greater transparency to Hudson Valley Community College. Sincerely, Editor-In-Chief elect Zoe Deno
campus. As someone who is not on campus, their communication is crucial since there is no class and no office hours, but all the professors were good at responding within an hour or at least the next day at worst.” “When there are events, there is no signage,” Johnson said, on stating one aspect she would change. “Many times, [when] there are things going on, you don’t know about them, so hopefully that changes.” Mario Mascaro is graduating with a political science major from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Mascaro gave thanks to the size of the community and ratio of professors to students. “The instructor-student ratio
really encourages more intimate discussions, and the professors have all demonstrated an overwhelming degree of knowledge in their fields and are more than sufficiently adept at developing the students.” Mascaro also expressed concern about administration’s involvement in student engagement toward the end of the year. “I am surprised by the tendency of a large part of the student body to stop showing up at the end of the semester to study,” Mascaro said. “This is strange, and it doesn’t seem that the administration has been doing very much to try to tackle this problem. There is a vast range in terms of student apathy. I have fallen prey to this myself at
a reasonable cost. Here in New York, nearly 210,000 students benefit from a community college education, and more than 45 percent of SUNY baccalaureate graduates begin as transfer students. Something I would never change is Hudson Valley’s commitment to providing access to college for everyone. As an open enrollment institution, Hudson Valley provides incredible opportunities to a broad range of students. Just think about the diversity within our community: homeschooled students and high school graduates as well as adult learners and job-seekers, first-generation students, individuals with disabilities and special needs, those who care for families and children, exclusively online learners, part-timers and veterans and members of the military. There are many, many more to name, but the point is that we are here to support the education and career ambitions of everyone in our community. Their unique perspectives enrich our college, and their higher education will help to enrich our community. There’s something truly special about that.
PHOTO BY JULIO RODRIGUEZ | HUDSONIAN
The fall 2018-spring 2019 Editor-in-Chief of The Hudsonian, Zoe Deno.
different points, but the gap does seem to be wider here than elsewhere.” Ryan Blanchard is graduating with an individual studies major with a concentration in political science from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “I thought Hudson valley was an exception college,” Blanchard said, on his views of the college. “My time there was a great experience, and [it] effectively prepared me for my undergraduate degree. The professors were professional and the coursework memorable.” Blanchard was also able to take advantage of a unique opportunity offered by the Social Sciences department. “I interned as an assistant
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to U.S. House of Representatives Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, which taught me a lot about how government works and how policy is made,” Blanchard stated. “Overall, it was a rewarding experience.” Carter Benoit is graduating with a major in individual studies. Benoit gave thanks to the lasting experiences and takeaways provided by the school. “I enjoyed my time at Hudson Valley,” Benoit said. “I made a lot of connections and advanced myself during my time here. I have grown as a person and gained many useful experiences I can draw from in the coming years. The college has a lot of potential and should continue to expand its services and opportunities.”
May 09, 2018
7
CREATIVE
Cry closet marks end of semester in Utah COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
The “cry closet” was an initiative started at the University of Utah as a place for students to “escape the stresses of finals week.”
By: Nick Fisk Staff Writer Students on both Hudson Valley campus and across the nation have been sharing their opinions on the University of Utah’s new temporary addition: the “Cry Closet,” a small installation in the University’s J. Willard Marriott Library that is meant as a place for
students to “escape the stresses of final week.” The room has black carpeted floors and walls and contains several stuffed animals. A sign on the door lists several rules of it is use, including a 10-minute time limit and a one-person limit during use at any given time. Reactions to the closet have been mixed nationwide, with
many expressing worries about the fact the room locks from the inside and is currently unsupervised. This feeling is shared among many Hudson Valley students. “I think there [are] pros and cons to having it,” business administration major Josh McCart said. “I think it would help some students. I’m sure every school is different.” Kids could do drugs in there.” Business administration major Aditya Sapovadia shared similar thoughts, stating it seemed “promising.” He also acknowledged the risk of such a structure, stating it “seems too risky.” Sapovadia was in favor of Hudson Valley adopting something similar. “I think it’s a good idea,” Sapovadia said. “There should be one — just open it during finals week.” Sapovadia also suggested additional safeguards be put in place to ensure proper use. Several more Hudson Valley students wished to share their thoughts but also wish to remain
anonymous. To respect these desires, they will be referred to as Student, followed by a letter. Student A was the first to share his thoughts on the project’s viability. “There are some people that could benefit from it, “ Student A said. “If someone feels like that would help [him or her] out, sure, but it doesn’t relate to me.” Student A also expressed an interest in seeing one of these projects come to Hudson Valley. Student B disagreed, suggesting the closet could be a liability for the college. “It’s interesting that it’s a designated ‘safe space,’ but how could it be regulated?” Student B asked. “[An unregulated] safe space could become very dangerous very quickly.” Several students shared the concern of proper regulation without breaking too much student privacy, among other con-
PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN
The Lyme Action Networks’ mascot, Luna, posed for a photo at the walk hosted last Saturday.
LYME
FROM PAGE ONE plex. Throughout the event, a person accompanied the walk, dressed as a giant tick named Luna, to help spread awareness. Much went into planning this even, and, although it wasn’t as large a turnout as they hoped
for, Giwa is proud of those who showed up to help show their support, she said. A raffle was held after the walk. The prize was a green Lyme disease ribbon car magnet and a T-shirt from the Lyme Disease Association. “It’s nice to see to show up and support this cause,” McDonough said after the walk. McDonough continued, “I’d
like to see people in the future continue this tradition and make it bigger and better. It was nice to have the Lyme Disease Association and the Lyme Action Network be involved in the walk.” The event was free for Hudson Valley students and open to the public at a cost of $5. All the proceeds from the walk went to help victims of Lyme disease and to help fund research.
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cerns. “I don’t think it’s that great of an idea,” Student C stated. “I feel like it’s geared toward other people. I think when you’re in college, you shouldn’t need a safe space.” Student A also touched on a different point, mentioning Hudson Valley’s current systems and lack of knowledge around them. “[In] our school’s buildings, are there other rooms that are safe spaces?” Student A inquired. I just don’t know.” The installation was originally created as an art project by University of Utah student Nemo Miller. The University of Utah stated when creating and displaying the piece it was “an attempt at humor,” but it also recognized that it has promoted good conversation and discussion. The room will remain open and available for students until the end of the semester.
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May 09, 2018
SPORTS
Vikings dominate Tompkins Cortland
By: Hunter McIntyre Sports Editor After a rough start to the season, the Hudson Valley softball team continued their win streak as they scored two wins against Tompkins Cortland Community College — their first home win of the season. During the first game, the Vikings’ offense quickly got to work, scoring six runs in the first inning and seven runs in the third. Pitcher Elizabeth Brooking, of Rensselaer/Rensselaer, New York, played the whole game, allowing only five hits while acquiring four strikeouts. Paige Roberts, of Cobleskill/Cobleskill, New York, had a strong game with two hits, one double, two RBIs, and two runs scored.
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Madison Herrington, of Mechanicville/Mechanicville, New York, drove two hits for three RBIs and scored a run. Gina Patricelli, of Troy/Lansingburgh, New York, and Sierra Putnam, of Nassau/New Lebanon, New York, both had a double in the contest. In game two, the vikings scored an unbelievable 25 runs in just five innings while allowing three runs on the opposing team, allowing the Vikings to win the game with a score of 25-3. While the win was a team effort, Putnam produced the highlight of the game as she beamed a drive to left field for a grand slam in the fourth inning. Our Vikings will look to stay in the win column and hope their bats stay hot.
The Vikings softball team slayed in their streak against Tompkins Cortland.
Vikings split series against Jefferson County COURTESY OF ATHLETICS.HVCC.EDU
By: Hunter McIntyre Sports Editor The Vikings played the first and second game of what would become a four-game series against Jefferson County College last Tuesday. During game one of these series, the Vikings bats were swinging, collecting six runs in the game. However, the Vikings gave up four runs in the second inning, making it difficult to overcome the deficit as they lost game one by a score of 11-6. As for individual stats in the game, Nick Thomas, of Scotia/ Scotia-Glenville, New York, hit a double, earning him an RBI in the fifth inning. Zach Hyland had a consistent day at bat, going 3-4 with a double, plus an RBI. Jackson Wenstrom, of Mandan, North Dakota/Mandan, had another excellent game, hitting 2-3 with a homer and a double, collecting a total of three RbIs In the contest. Pitcher James Rubino, of North Greenbush/La Salle Institute, New York, had four strikeouts in four innings. In the second game, the Vikings’ bats looked more alive than
The baseball team collected one win and one loss against Jefferson County last Tuesday.
they did in game one, collecting 11 runs in a game they would win by a considerable margin of 11-2. Jackson Wenstrom went 3-4 with another home run, while Luuk Visser, of Holland, Neth-
erlands/Thorbecke, and Derek Miller, of Westernville/Rome Free Academy, New York, had strong games. Visser hit a three-RBI single, while Miller scored two hits and
three runs. The pitching was also impressive, as Tim Cramer, of Colonie/ Colonie, New York threw a complete game, allowing three hits and a season high of 12 strikeouts
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Our Vikings look to stay consistent as their season winds down to an end.