4/07/2017

06.

PAGE

The Penn

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT RETURNS TO CAMPUS WEDNESDAY

IUP PERCUSSION AND DANCE TO BRING PHIL COLLINS’ WORK TO LIFE PAGE 12

NEWS | PAGE 3

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2017

CULTURE | PAGE 12

VOL. 107 NO. 43

SPORTS | PAGE 18

WWW.THEPENN.ORG

The Penn // INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

News

Cover Photo by James Neuhausel

culture

SPORTS

The Penn S P R I N G 2 0 1 7

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barnhart Managing Editor Casey Kelly News Editor Alexandria Mansfield

07.

09.

WESTSYLVANIA VINTAGE POP-UP SHOP TO HOST FASHION EVENT

W

E

F R I D A Y

38 HI |29 LO

A

T

H

E

18.

‘ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK’ AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT IUP

R

IUP BASEBALL TAKES THREE OF FOUR FROM GANNON

F O R E C A S T

S A T U R D A Y

S U N D A Y

M O N D A Y

69 HI | 51 LO

56 HI |39 LO

76 HI |55 LO

Culture Editor Jason Daquelente Sports Editor Sean Fritz Copy Editor Chris Hayes Graphic Designer Kelsea Oravic Digital Media Editor Tyler Miller Photo Editor Kevin Smith

BUSINESS STAFF

The Penn

CHECK OUT ONLINE FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

TWITTER.COM/THEPENNIUP

P

THEPENN.ORG

FACEBOOK.COM/THEPENNIUP

The Penn SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

this issue is brought to you by:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

HUMBLE Kendrick Lamar SLIP AWAY Perfume Genius 123 Girlpool MASK OFF Future ANSWER MY TEXT PWR BTTM

Business Manager Sarah Zbur Secretaries Lauren Cattell Angela Hummel Sara Vrancik

ADVERTISING STAFF Ad Reps Shane Kubik Nicole McCourt Derrick Maultsby Ashley Seman Daine Dupree

TUMMY ACHE Diet Cig ASCENSION Gorillaz feat. Vince Staples PROUD Alex G. NEVER CLEAN MY ROOM Swain MULTI-LOVE Unknown Mortal Orchestra

FOLLOW THEPENNIUP ON SPOTIFY FOR ACCESS TO THIS PLAYLIST

BROUGHT TO YOU BY WILL WHITEHEAD

CONTACT US the-penn@iup.edu penn-ads@iup.edu PHONE: 724.357.1306 FAX: 724.357.0127 #IUPSTUDENTVOICE

NEWS

THE PENN

News Editor: Alexandria Mansfield – A.M.Mansfield@iup.edu Lead News Writer: Stephanie Bachman – S.L.Bachman2@iup.edu

(Facebook) The Upward Bound Math and Science coordinators are Joanna Harrington (left) and Jacque Benhart (right).

Organization aims to help TRiO alumni transition to college

By STEPHANIE BACHMAN

I believe that graduation rates for TRiO students will rise significantly.

Lead News Writer S.L.Bachman2@iup.edu

The coordinators for Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) at IUP want to expand their reach beyond mentoring high school students to include enrolled college students, as well, through a new campus organization.

The U.S. Department of Education supports a variety of services, called TRiO Programs, aimed at helping low-income or first-generation college students get to college despite any preexisting barriers.

Some of the TRiO programs, such as the McNair Scholars Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, are aimed at currently enrolled students, but no organization exists on campus to assist college students who were part of a TRiO program in high school.

The new organization, TRiO Alumni Student Club (TASC), would try to fill this gap by helping students who used to be part of a

-Joanna Harrington (math and science coordinator for UBMS)

(Pixabay) Upward Bound Math and Science is an organization run through the U.S. Department of Education to support low-income or first-generation college students to overcome learning barriers.

TRiO organization transition to college, network, stay motivated and find their place on campus.

“When TRiO students transition from intense guidance in high school to the independence of college life, they face many challenges,” said Joanna Harrington, math and science coordinator for UBMS. “Keeping up in class, independent living, balancing emotions

and friendships can feel, at times, like an impossible task. Without a support system in place, students can suffer emotionally and academically, often leading to dropping out.

“If we can break through the isolation barrier, especially during freshman year, then I believe that graduation rates for TRiO students will rise significantly.”

The Penn is hiring!

News

IUP currently supports a UBMS program for Indiana Area High School students, and 24 alumni from that program are studying at IUP along with at least 15 alumni from other TRiO programs, according to Harrington.

Some of the objectives of the new organization would be for students to meet every few weeks to get to know each other.

Harrington is hoping to build a mentorship program where upperclassmen will serve as “big brothers/big sisters” to freshmen.

They would have a dedicated meeting space in Sutton Hall for meeting, relaxing, studying and getting help because that is where

the IUP TRiO office is located.

Harrington said she is unaware of a similar program existing at other college campuses, and hopes TASC could serve as a successful model for other universities to follow.

“Looking at any student, it is impossible to guess their backstory that brought them to IUP,” Harrington said.

“But, if we can reach out as a TRiO community and help those in need, it might be the difference between someone dropping out or getting the degree that drew them here in the first place.”

The colleges that have TRiO’s Student Success Services are able to continue the program from freshman year through graduation, Harrington said. IUP, however, does not have an SSS program, so she decided to start this club as a similar program.

“We want to ensure that the momentum that brought students to IUP continues throughout the four years they are here,” Harrington said.

thepenn.org April 7, 2017

3

April 7, 2017

4

Police Blotter

News

The Penn

WANTS

Swipe right for The Penn.

The Penn.org

TO HEAR

YOUR

STORY EMAIL US The-Penn @ iup.edu

OR CALL 724.357.1306

(Andrea Paige/ The Penn)

Alcohol Violations

• Stacey Nicodemus, 20, of McDonald, was charged with public drunkenness and underage drinking at 8:50 p.m. March 24 on Pratt Drive, according to the Indiana Borough Police Department.

• Nichole Wilson, 23, of Creekside, was charged with violating the borough code for open container at 10:10 p.m. March 24 in the 100 block of South Seventh Street, according to borough police.

• Alexander Kendall, 20, of Buffalo Mills, was charged with underage drinking and open container at 4:54 p.m. March 25 in the 300 block of South Seventh Street, according to borough police.

• Dante Bizzarri, 19, and Vinson Le, 20, both of Coraopolis, were cited for underage drinking at 7:51 p.m. March 25 in the 200 block of Rice Avenue, according to borough police.

Noise Violations/Disorderly Gatherings • Connor Joyce, 23, of Pittsburgh, was charged with violating the borough code for noise at 6:27 p.m.

March 24 in the 700 block of Locust Street, according to borough police.

• Jonathan Golden, 24, of Cherry Tree, was charged with violating the borough code for noise at 1:47 p.m.

March 25 in the 200 block of South 10th Street, according to borough police.

• Matthew Patrick, 20, of Indiana, was charged with violating the borough code for noise at 2:15 p.m. March 25 in the 400 block of South Fisher Avenue, according to borough police.

• Frank Hacko, 19, of Beaver, was charged with violating the borough code for noise at 2:25 p.m. March 25 in the 500 block of Grandview Avenue, according to borough police.

• Tyler Sullenberger, 21, of Bovard, was charged with violating the borough code for noise at 2:38 p.m.

March 25 in the 800 block of Wayne Avenue, according to borough police.

Theft/Criminal Mischief

• Borough police said that someone reportedly stole $3-4 in change from a vehicle between 10 a.m. April 4 and 10:14 a.m. April 5 in the 900 block of Wayne Avenue. Anyone with information should contact borough police at 724-349-2121.

• Someone reportedly scratched the passenger side of a vehicle between 4 p.m. April 4 and 9:30 p.m. April 5, according to borough police. Anyone with information should contact borough police.

• A garden bench was reportedly stolen between 10 p.m. April 4 and 7:29 a.m. April 5 in the 1500 block of Philadelphia Street, according to borough police.

Anyone with information should contact borough police.

• A black bi-fold leather wallet and a red drawstring bag were reportedly stolen from a vehicle between 8:45 p.m. April 5 and 7:11 a.m. April 6 in the 600 block of Locust Street, according to borough police. Anyone with information should contact borough police.

• Borough police said that someone reportedly stole $3-4 in change and a brown women’s handbag from a vehicle at 1:08 p.m. April 5 in the 700 block of South Street. Anyone with information should contact borough police.

VISIT: WWW.SKRENTALSIUP.COM FOR PHOTOS!

News

April 7, 2017

5

April 7, 2017

6

News

Take Back the Night returns to campus Wednesday

By KRISTY SHEARER Staff Writer K.A.Shearer@iup.edu

This year’s annual Take Back the Night (TBTN) will be held Wednesday.

The biggest event hosted by the Haven Project will begin at 7:15 p.m. in the Putt-Delaney courtyard.

There will be a free T-shirt distribution for students with their I-Cards.

The march will start at 8 p.m. and circle around campus as a declaration of IUP students standing up against sexual violence.

“Last year, more than 1,800 students attended Take Back the Night,” said Katharine McKinney, graduate assistant for the Haven

(The Penn archives) The Haven Project hosts Take Back the Night annually to raise awareness for sexual violence. Last year, more than 1,800 people attended the event.

Project. “We are aiming for an even larger turnout this year, and we are looking forward to the event.”

The march will conclude in front

of the Hadley Union Building and will be followed by a Speak Out in the HUB Ohio Room. This is an opportunity to allow sexual assault

victims to share their experiences in a safe place full of emotional support and acceptance.

This type of practice is meant

to provide comfort and healing for victims.

The entire event is focused on supporting these victims.

Prior to TBTN, the Haven Project is hosting a Chalk the Walk event from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Oak Grove.

Students are encouraged to bring their friends and organizations to help mark the sidewalks with facts about violence and words of encouragement to promote TBTN. All materials for this event will be provided.

For more information about these upcoming events, visit the Haven Project’s social media accounts or its Crimson Connect page.

University Senate discusses PASSHE changes, IUPatty’s aftermath

By KATIE MEST Staff Writer K.A.Mest@iup.edu

The University Senate met Tuesday to discuss new courses and modifications, PASSHE updates and IUPatty’s festivities.

President Michael Driscoll opened by discussing the State System’s review of its 14 universities. The State System is facing difficulties with state funding and enrollment in the universities.

“I don’t think we’re in a bad position here at IUP,” Driscoll said, “and I hope for results that will im-

(Twitter) The State System tweeted a photo of Board of Governors students from Slippery Rock University, right, California University of Pennsylvania, middle, and IUP’s Brian Swatt (sophomore, political science), left.

prove our position.”

Driscoll also touched on events that took place during the weekend of IUP’s unsanctioned St. Pat-

rick’s Day celebration. He gave credit to law enforcement that handled a number of incidences, including two shootings that took

place off-campus, and to the landlords for doing their best.

In other news, SGA President Brian Swatt (sophomore, political science) had his first meeting as a member of the State System’s Board of Governors. He was one of three State System students at the meeting Thursday in Harrisburg.

Also, Caleb King (sophomore, mathematics) was confirmed as IUP’s next student trustee.

A number of new courses were approved in the communications media, history, theater, anthropology and sociology departments.

A teamwork and communica-

tions capstone will also be available in the 2019-20 academic year.

With the new courses came course and program revisions for the colleges of Education and Educational Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Fine Arts and Health and Human Services.

The University-Wide Graduate Committee announced a Graduate Fresh Start policy which states that graduate students who received academic dismissal may apply for readmission if they have been away from the university for a minimum of two years.

April 7, 2017

News

7

Westsylvania Vintage Pop-Up Who has eight thumbs AND just got Shop to host fashion event discovered? This guy.

By NICOLETTE QUERRY Staff Writer N.M.Querry@iup.edu

The Westsylvania Vintage PopUp Shop will host a pop-up event in the University Square atrium, near Commonplace Coffeehouse & Roastery, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday.

The store will offer 10 racks of vintage street apparel, according to co-owners Penny Vick and Kaycee Newell.

Vick and Newell said the racks will feature affordable spring vintage clothing, mostly running at about $20 or less.

The apparel includes men’s and women’s items from the ’60s and ’70s, as well as some pieces from earlier and later in the 20th century.

They will be selling dresses, pants, shirts, purses, shoes, scarves and more.

Vick and Newell were apprehensive about collecting men’s fashion, but they found it to be a huge hit. “[You] express yourself through fashion; that’s why it’s fun,” Vick said. “You can mix and match eras.”

They will also be selling T-shirts, designed by Newell, with Indianainspired designs.

Additionally, they up-cycle old scarves into modern styles.

“Old scarves aren’t transferable,” Newell said. “The way people wear scarves now is much different.”

Newell assured that all clothing is cleaned before it is sold.

Their clothing is collected mainly by thrifting and visiting collectors of vintage clothing.

Newell and Vick often look for designs and styles that are popular

CONTACT US!

(Submitted photo) Penny Vick and Kaycee Newell host Westsylvania Vintage Pop-Up Shop events featuring vintage fashion.

with their repeat customers.

“It’s almost like we’re vintage personal shoppers,” Vick said.

Their clothing company is more of a hobby or part-time job than a primary source of income, though.

Vick is a behavior specialist, and Newell serves on the Indiana Borough Council, but both are passionate about vintage clothing.

“I’ve always worn vintage clothing,” Newell said.

The two women moved to Indiana three years ago when their husbands became professors at IUP. This is Vick and Newell’s third pop-up show, and they said they are looking forward to hosting a pop-up while many students are still on campus.

Their next show will be during the Westsylvania Blues Festival May 27.

Examples and updates of the Westsylvania Vintage Pop-Up Shop’s latest finds can be found on Facebook and Instagram and at www.westsylvaniavintage.com.

THE-PENN@IUP.EDU

(TNS) A new species of large cave-dwelling spider, the Sierra Cacachilas wandering spider (Califorctenus cacachilensis), was found Thursday in an abandoned silver mine in the Sierra Cacachilas mountain range near La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

8

April 7, 2017

Students prepare for Take Back the Night with sign-making exhibition

News

Red Flag Poetry to sponsor release events for poet’s book

(Facebook) Poet John Dorsey will speak about his book at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Commonplace Coffeehouse & Roastery.

By KATIE WILLIAMS Staff Writer K.L.Williams9@iup.edu

(James Cannon/ The Penn) Students (bottom, left to right) Nicole Lavellee (freshman, business), Allison Cerwensky (freshman, biology) and Hannah Watson (sophomore, pre-med) made signs in preparation for Wednesday’s Take Back the Night event.

Poet John Dorsey will be presenting his new book, “Shoot the Messenger,” at an event hosted by Red Flag Poetry at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Commonplace Coffeehouse & Roastery, 1176 Grant St. Sarah Everett (sophomore, communications media) said that Red Flag Poetry will be publishing Dorsey’s most recent book.

Dorsey, the poet laureate of Belle, Mo., has also authored two other books.

Our goal is to have everyone, not just students, excited about poetry.

-Sarah Everett (sophomore, communcations media)

Several English graduate students formed Red Flag Poetry to “make the mailbox fun again and make poetry accessible to everyone,” according to Everett.

“Currently, we publish a monthly poem alongside artwork on postcards that we then send out to our subscribers,” Everett said.

“We have subscribers from roughly 20 states and two Canadian provinces.”

The organization, started by English department graduate assistant Peter Faziani, has been around approximately three years.

In recent years, it has published many poetry chapbooks and full collections.

However, Everett said Red Flag Poetry does not exclusively publish books and work with professionals and described many instances in which it has improved students’ experiences.

“Red Flag hosts the Lit Nights at The Artists Hand on the last Friday of every month, where lots of IUP students come and read their creative writing pieces,” she said.

The organization has also hosted an open mic night in the Hadley Union Building and sends out poems and artwork for students to enjoy.

It will provide a free subscription for their postcards to anyone with an IUP email address.

“Our goal is to have everyone, not just students, excited about poetry,” she said.

Everett said she learned about Red Flag Poetry through the English department when she applied for an internship. She started working with the organization as a social media manager and now holds the art direction position, meaning she solicits artwork for postcards and creates advertisements.

“I was initially attracted to the company because of their aesthetic and enthusiasm for the arts,” she said. “Now that I’m part of the team, I really love the banter and atmosphere of the project created by our team members.”

Students interested in Red Flag Poetry can find it on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. They can also sign up for free postcards on the Red Flag Poetry website.

Dorsey also presented at 5 p.m.

Thursday in Room B03 of the Humanities and Social Sciences Building.

April 7, 2017

9

Senate Republicans invoke ‘nuclear option’ to overcome Democrats’ nominee filibuster

By LISA MASCARO

Tribune Washington Bureau TNS

Shortly after Senate Democrats successfully filibustered President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court pick, Republicans voted Thursday to change long-standing rules to allow the nomination to advance by a simple majority rather than the traditional 60 votes.

The dramatic move, dubbed the “nuclear option,” cleared the way for a full Senate vote Friday to confirm Judge Neil M. Gorsuch.

Earlier in the day, Senate Democrats had mounted a filibuster to block Gorsuch’s nomination, only the second time in history such a maneuver had been successfully used against a high court nominee.

That vote to change the rule was 55-45, with four Democrats joining almost all Republicans to advance the nominee.

After Republicans voted to lower the threshold needed to overcome the filibuster to 51, Gorsuch, who was nominated by Trump to fill the seat made vacant by the death last year of Justice Antonin Scalia, appeared on track to be confirmed Friday for the lifetime seat.

The bitter, history-making showdown over Gorsuch, a judge on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, is certain to fuel the toxic political environment in the Senate, deepening partisanship and gridlock.

Trump’s nomination has become a referendum on the new administration. Republicans are working furiously to secure a legislative victory for Trump’s first 100 days while Democrats are digging in to fight a White House under an investigative cloud for its campaign’s possible ties to Russia.

Gorsuch had won a few positive endorsements from both sides of the aisle, but opponents voiced concerns about his past conservative rulings and reluctance to answer questions during his confirmation hearings.

Gorsuch would appear to bring

(TNS) Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) said March 31 that she will not support the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

a “textualist” approach to the court, strictly following the language of the law, not far from Scalia’s “originalist” view of the Constitution.

Outside groups have pressured senators from both sides.

Democrats defended their use of a filibuster to block Gorsuch, noting that Republicans last year refused to even consider President Barack Obama’s nominee for the vacancy, Judge Merrick Garland, leaving the seat open during the 2016 election year.

Republicans, in return, said their move to change Senate rules was justified because Democrats opened the door to such a move four years ago.

In 2013, frustrated over the Republican blockade of Obama’s judicial and executive branch nominees, then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid changed the rules to lower the 60-vote threshold for confirmation of executive branch appointees and lower court nominees.

If confirmed Friday, Gorsuch would be expected to quickly be seated and begin hearing cases.

Filibusters of Supreme Court nominees are rare. When President Lyndon Johnson tried to elevate Justice Abe Fortas to the position of chief justice, senators filibustered in part over an ethics scandal that eventually forced Fortas to resign.

News

Tillerson: ‘No doubt’ Assad ordered gas attack

By TRACY WILKINSON

Tribune Washington Bureau TNS

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday there was “no doubt” that Syrian President Bashar Assad was responsible for a deadly poison gas attack that killed dozens of Syrian civilians, including children, and vowed a “serious response” by the U.S. “There is no doubt in our minds that Syria and the regime under Bashar Assad were responsible for this attack,” Tillerson said. “It’s a serious matter; it requires a serious response,” he added when asked if military retaliation was being planned.

The Trump administration is weighing options, including a military attack that could involve limited airstrikes.

Trump himself suggested to reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday that Assad might not be able to remain in power in the wake of the strike.

“What Assad did is terrible.

What happened in Syria is truly one of the egregious crimes and

(TNS) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke at a ministry meeting Feb. 23 in Mexico.

it shouldn’t have happened. And it shouldn’t be allowed to happen,” the president said.

Asked what specific steps he might take, Trump replied: “I don’t want to say what I’m going to be doing with respect to Syria.”

Tillerson, making rare public comments after receiving Chinese President Xi Jinping at the beginning of a two-day summit in Florida, also held Russia at least partly to blame for the gas attack and, reversing a position he uttered just last week, said there was “no role” for Assad to continue to govern the people of Syria.

“It is important that [the Russians] consider carefully their continued support for the [Assad] regime,” Tillerson said.

Tillerson heads to Moscow next week on his first official trip there. Although the trip had already been planned, it will focus in part of Russia’s continued support for Assad, officials said Thursday.

Tillerson called his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Wednesday to hear Russia’s version of the Syria attack, a senior State Department official said. No further details were available, but Moscow has parroted Assad’s claims that it used no chemical weapons and that the gas was probably contained in a rebel storage facility and was released in an airstrike.

Last week, both Tillerson and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said the U.S. had abandoned its demand that Assad be removed from power and that the only priority in the Middle East was the defeat of the Islamic State terrorist organization, which is concentrated in Syria and Iraq.

Tillerson’s comments Thursday seemed to return to the earlier, Obama-era position.

10

April 7, 2017

News

Kansas student journalists publish story that leads to new principal’s resignation

By MARA ROSE WILLIAMS The Kansas City Star TNS

Just hours before publishing their story last week, four coeditors and two reporters on the Pittsburg High School newspaper, sitting at home in their bedrooms, powered on their laptops and engaged in a Google group chat to check every last fact.

The six students were about to shed light on the questionable education credentials of their newly hired principal.

They didn’t know it then, but

by Wednesday the story would bring them global media attention – from The Washington Post, The New York Times, “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” the BBC, The Telegraph of London and the Boston Globe Spotlight investigative team, to name a few.

The school paper, The Booster Redux, with their story spread across the front page and tucked inside The Morning Sun, Pittsburg’s local paper, hit driveways in the southeast Kansas town of about 20,400 early last Friday.

On Tuesday, The Kansas City Star was the first to post a story about the six students’ investigation. Their story questioned the legitimacy of the private college, Corllins University, where Amy Robertson, who had been hired March 6 to lead Pittsburg High School, got her master’s and doctorate degrees years ago.

The students’ story reported that the U.S. Department of Education could not find evidence of Corllins in operation, and they found several articles referring to Corllins as a diploma mill where people can buy a degree, diploma or certificates. The Corllins website didn’t even work.

Tuesday evening in a meeting room packed with faculty, students and community members, school board President Al Mendez announced that Robertson had resigned from the $93,000-ayear job. When the Star updated its story to report the resignation, it immediately began attracting thousands of readers and scores of

(TNS) Pittsburg (Kan.) High School student journalists held up copies of Wednesday’s Booster Redux, which contained their article that led to the resignation of the school’s principal.

tweets and retweets.

On Wednesday, Destry Brown, the Pittsburg schools superintendent, said the district was reposting the job and from now on would be doing a background check and vetting credentials before any candidate is hired.

Brown said the district had no way of knowing whether Corllins University was accredited during the time Robertson attended, but he admitted that school officials had not vetted her. He said the district would rely on the Kansas Department of Education to vet her credentials before issuing her a license to teach in the state, but state education officials said they had not received any information on Robertson, so no review process was ever started.

Pittsburg High School junior Gina Mathew, one of the co-editors on the reporting team, said Wednesday that the students’ work “speaks volumes about the power of student journalism.”

The students said they were shocked by the impact the story had in the community and even more stunned to get streams of electronic letters of congratulations and kudos from professional journalists around the country.

The six spent all of Wednesday in the journalism classroom answering hundreds of emails and doing news, radio and television interviews.

“This is not something that we are used to,” said Kali Poenitske, a junior and Booster co-editor.

“We are all very humbled by all the respect we are getting from the national media,” Connor Balthazor chimed in. “Most kids our age never get that kind of attention from

the national media.”

What the students had hoped for, Mathew said, “was for the school board to re-examine Amy Robertson. They did that, and the rest is just extra.”

The student journalists’ effort began as a routine article to introduce her to the school and the community. When co-editor Maddie Baden Googled Robertson’s name, several 2012 articles accusing Robertson of not being authorized to serve as principal of that school popped up.

“That raised a red flag,” Baden said. “That started us doing more research.”

Students later found that Robertson had received her two top degrees from Corllins University, which didn’t appear to be accredited by a recognized accreditation agency. Robertson received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa.

Robertson declined to comment on the students’ questions, saying, “I have no comment in response to the questions posed

by PHS students regarding my credentials because their concerns are not based on facts.”

Robertson, after application reviews and interviews with administrators, faculty and students, had “emerged as the best fit” for the job, Brown said.

Brown even encouraged the students to question her, but he said he had no idea the students would dig so deep.

“These are great kids,” journalism teacher Emily Smith said. “Like any other teenagers, they are all involved in a lot of extracurricular activities, sports and jobs; they are busy. And they are respectful.”

OPINION

EDITORIAL

‘President’ Bannon demoted President Donald Trump removed Stephen Bannon from his position as chief strategist on the principals committee on Wednesday after national security adviser H.R. McMaster requested he be taken off the National Security Council.

When Trump put Bannon in the position, there was strong opposition from Congress to allow the former editor of Breitbart news, a news platform for the “alt-right,” to lead the National Security Council, but Trump moved forward with his pick. A total of 169 members of Congress sent a letter to Trump Nov. 16, urging him to rethink his decision of appointing someone “whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented,” the letter read. Bannon wasn’t entirely qualified for the position from the beginning. Committee spots should be reserved for people with more military experience than serving in the Navy 40 years ago, as well as holding a position as an aide to the Chief of Naval Operations.

Bannon’s support from white nationalists raised questions about his motives. Sitting in a position that would answer for the president on questions not worthy enough for the president was recipe for disaster.

According to a Wednesday CNN article, an official said – on the condition of anonymity – that his role was initially to

keep an eye on Michael Flynn. If that was the case, should we be worried about why Trump asked for Flynn’s resignation due to matters concerning Russia? That’s for you to decide, but that isn’t the story here. Bannon was suspected to be put into place to “‘de-operationalize’ the National Security Council after the Obama administration,” a Wednesday New York Times article said. But no matter how you spin it, the question still remains: Why would Bannon even be in the position in the first place? Because Bannon took advantage of Trump’s ignorance of the system.

With Bannon out of the way, along with his ties to the Kremlin and nationalist European parties, we can have more qualified people advising Trump on how to handle foreign policy issues regarding Syria, Iran, China and North Korea. General McMaster, who took on Flynn’s role after his resignation, will take control of the NSC. He’ll also bring in the Homeland Security Council, which Trump had made separate from NSC. So is Trump draining his swamp one drop at a time?

Bannon may be out of the NSC, but it’s doubtful that we won’t see him again. Trump still trusts Bannon’s opinion, and he will retain his security clearances in the West Wing.

But with this move, Trump might finally be realizing how sensitive foreign policy is, and that it’s not something to be played with. You can’t just fill positions with figureheads who will award you more sponsors. Decisions must be made for the American people, for what is in our best interest and for whatever will keep us safe.

CARTOON

Brought to you

By THE PENN STAFF

(TNS)

Letter rotito dTO Ethe eTHE htEditor otEDITOR retteL LETTER Dear Editor: By now, I’m sure you and your staff are sufficiently inundated with communication from angry residents in response to your IUPatty’s opining. As a husband of a worried wife in a new home, and father of a month-old newborn, I would happily join in this crowd; I instead write today as a borough official dedicated to making Indiana a safe place to live, work and play.

You see, your editorial on March 28, 2017, merely perpetuates the real underlying issue of this community. In your own words, “Maybe they should instead be figuring out ways to make the most out of the situation, which comes only once each year,” it is an “us vs. them” mentality. You go on to point out the non-ideal conditions which people do not “wish to partake in” and even go as far as telling residents to

Opinion

“make the most of the situation… lock up the house, get out of town.” But then, this is all just a “disappointing side effect to living in a college town.”

Now it’s my turn to dish out some cold hard truth. Students have to get used to living in a town-college. That’s right: for all of you academic types that have forgotten our history, the borough came before the university. While I don’t want to make this letter about pre-20th century history, I believe it is an important reality check.

But now that we have that out of the way, let’s address another glaring interest of The Penn’s staff: economics.

While the editorial attempts to give free business advice to our residents, telling us to set up lemonade stands selling $1 cups to raise money for our college funds, it fails to realize the real economic victim

in this weekend: local and state government. That’s right, kids, your mommies and daddies will be paying for your fun-filled weekend of shame and crime sprees for many months to come.

Our borough, which is simply unable to wash its hands and walk away from the responsibility of this weekend, is funded by local taxpayers, who pay for everything from maintaining our streets to staffing police and code enforcement departments.

All told, the borough is stuck holding more than an $11,000 bill, through overtime and enforcement.

Then enters the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, another unseen economic victim of your vice. From handfuls of horsemounted troopers, dozens of cruiser-driven troopers, down to a helicopter keeping an eye from the sky, the financial impact must

April 7, 2017

have been nearing the six-figure mark, by my estimate. Everything paid for, largely, by property-owning residents. Now that’s one expensive babysitting bill.

So, I ask, when we do as you say and give up, lock up and drive away, as “it’s still going to go on” anyway, who pays for all this lemonade when we’re handed the lemons and have no money to juice them?

Bradley Gotshall, Manager Borough of Indiana *EDITOR’S NOTE: The Penn was unable to verify Gotshall’s estimate of the weekend’s cost to the Commonwealth. The borough spent a total of $13,939.01, but $5,384.08 will be reimbursed by the county for a total of $8,554.93. An additional approximately $3,000 was spent on code enforcement purposes, according to Gotshall.

11

Culture

THE PENN

Culture Editor: Jason Daquelente – J.E.Daquelente@iup.edu Lead Culture Writer: Seth Woolcock – S.M.Woolcock@iup.edu

(Photos by James Neuhausel)

The dancers rehearsed in full costume Thursday in Fisher Auditorium.

IUP percussion and dance to bring Phil Collins’ work to life

By SETH WOOLCOCK

Lead Culture Writer S.M.Woolcock@iup.edu

The IUP Percussion Ensemble will once again team up with the IUP Dance Theater to perform their bi-annual show.

This year’s performance, “A New Genesis,” is unlike any performance they have done in the past.

The production is an adaptation of the iconic sci-fi story, “Logan’s Run.” The production combines the fast-paced story with some of Phil Collins’ greatest music.

“In these types of productions, we normally never get to do a science-fiction theme,” said IUP Dance Theater Director

12

Holly Boda-Sutton. “So, it’s really exciting when all the percussionists and dancers get to come together to tell an amazing story through music and dance.”

Unlike past performances that featured the percussionists in the pit and only the dancers on stage, this year’s show will feature the percussionists often joining the dancers on stage.

“It’s a really cool and eye-opening experience,” said Ryan Swaney (graduate, employment and labor relations), a percussionist in the performance. “Combining the two studios provides a very fun atmosphere. The show is something different that makes it look a lot easier than it is.”

The performances’ story follows a young

lady trying to flee from enforcers. Her reason for the fleeing stems from the questioning of the dystopian government that has been mysteriously killing anyone over the age of 30.

“It’s [a] really eye-opening experience when everything comes together,” Katie Gutman (junior, dance art) said. “There’s a lot of hidden symbolism in this show, so it makes it really neat to be able to comprehend it all.”

The lighting, special effects and costumes in the show bring it full circle. Many different colors provide a change of mood throughout.

Nancy Pipkin-Hutchinson is the residential costume designer at IUP who made the

April 7, 2017

costumes for “A New Genesis.”

“Holly came to me with the idea about a year ago,” Pipkin-Hutchinson said. “After I took a trip to New York City for materials, we started creating the costumes in January.”

What’s interesting about the percussionists’ costumes in the show, according to Pipkin-Hutchinson, is that the musicians in every costume must be able to move 360 degrees in them with their instruments.

The show also features three dancers from Apollo-Ridge High School.

Tickets for the show, set for 7 p.m. Saturday in Fisher Auditorium, are available at the Hadley Union Building box office. Tickets are $15 for regular admission, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students and children.

Culture

April 7, 2017

Culture

13

Students display pop culture artwork in gallery

(Colton Miller/ The Penn)

The artwork will be on display for free in the Miller Gallery through Saturday.

By LAITH ZURAIKAT Staff Writer L.A.Zuraikat@iup.edu

Three years ago, current IUP master’s of fine arts student Brandon McDonald and several of his fellow art students were looking for an opportunity to showcase some of their work while at school.

However, despite the numerous shows and opportunities offered by the university and its art department, McDonald and his friends struggled to find an exhibit that would best fit their popular culture-inspired pieces of art.

Rather than become discouraged by this setback, the enterprising students decided to create their own show to highlight art of this nature, and thus, the “404: Concept Not Found,” pop-art show was founded.

Since its inception several years ago, the show has continued to grow and evolve, thanks in large part to support of the IUP Student Art Association.

This year’s exhibit features the work of multiple IUP students who have used a variety of different artistic mediums in their pieces.

“Because of the (art) program, one of the things that has always been stressed here is the idea of concept,” McDonald said, “and making work that has content in it.

When you think of that error that comes up on your computer, ‘Error 404: Content Not Found,’ that’s how we came up with the name.”

One of the major goals of the show is to provide students who are interested in creating art that has been deemed “fan art,” “pop

art” or “commercial art” with the opportunity to share their work with the rest of the IUP community.

As a result of this focus, the show is open to all members of the art department. While the work in the show tends to be more digital in nature, all types of art were accepted into the exhibit, including several pieces of jewelry and metal work in this year’s show.

One of the artists featured in this year’s show is Tyler Johnson (junior, studio art), whose work draws inspiration from a variety of different pop-culture themes, including popular video games like Pokémon.

“The things that I have out are from video games, or like silly selfportraits, that aren’t things that you would see [other places], but they fit in here,” Johnson said.

Fellow artist Anthony Pipetti (senior, studio art) has also used this show to display his wide variety of artistic interests, with several of his pieces being inspired by, and drawn in, the traditional Japanese anime style. However, Pipetti has also used this show to display the other side of his work.

“My other piece shows my other side of my work that is more realism, doing stuff from ‘The Walking Dead,’” Pipetti said. “There are real actors there, and it’s a western show, and I kind of feel like that reflects my other work that is a mix between realism and fantasy.”

Vol. 3 of the “404: Concept Not Found” show is located in the Miller Gallery on the third floor of Sprowls Hall. It is open to the public for free during normal building hours. The show will run through Saturday.

(Colton Miller/ The Penn)

Due to the unique nature of these pop culture pieces, the show is titled “404: Concept Not Found.”

April 7, 2017

14

Indiana’s Got Talent finalists to perform for prize

‘Orange is the New Black’ author to speak about prison encounters

By SETH WOOLCOCK

By KATIE MEST

Lead Culture Writer S.M.Woolcock@iup.edu

Twelve acts remain to try to capture the title for Indiana’s Got Talent.

The finale is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at the Indiana Players Theater, 637 Philadelphia St. The competition was open to all acts of all ages.

The Indiana Players Theater, the nonprofit community theater group in Indiana, and Hopeful Hearts, a charity group in Indiana, are hosting the event, which is in its second year.

Twelve contestants moved on after three audition dates: two were held at the playhouse, and one was held at IUP. The acts include vocalists, dance groups and even a magic act.

“I think we have a really wellrounded show,” said Laura McLaine, vice president of the Indiana Players Theater and administrative assistant of Hopeful Hearts. “We have a variety of acts

Culture

Staff Writer K.A.Mest@iup.edu

(Flickr)

The finalists are set to perform 6 p.m. Saturday at the Indiana Players Theater.

that are very entertaining, as well as an opportunity to learn about two great organizations, a concession and a raffle.”

Josh Widdowson, of Renda Broadcasting, will be the MC for the night. The judges for the finale include Indiana County District Attorney Patrick Dougherty, Chamber of Commerce President Jim Struzzi and Dr. Ruth Riesenman, a member of the Board of Directors for the IUP Foundation.

The judges will score the acts based on preparation, delivery, stage presence, audience reaction, creativity and overall score. The winner of the competition will win $200, the contes-

tant in second place will receive $100, and the contestant in third will receive $50.

Also performing at the venue will be last year’s winners. Alyssa McLaine, last year’s third-place winner, Maddie Buffone, the 2016 runner-up, and Brently Bartlett, the reigning champion, will all perform.

“It’s a great show that benefits two wonderful organizations,” McLaine said. “It gets to showcase just a piece of our little town coming together as a community.”

Tickets for the show are $12 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens and $6 for children.

IUP will welcome acclaimed author Piper Kerman to campus at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Fisher Auditorium.

Sponsored by the Student Activity Committee and the Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement, the Six O’Clock Series will host the bestselling author of “Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison.”

Kerman will talk about her prison encounters and what she learned along the way.

Brianna Drylie, the IUP assistant director for program coordination, communication and assessment, arranged for the social justice advocate to speak to students.

“I am personally a fan of ‘Orange is the New Black’ the book and the Netflix series,” Drylie said, “and, after seeing the last season, I thought that it would be nice to try to bring in someone involved with that because it addresses a number of current issues and themes happening in America today.”

Kerman was indicted in 1998 for drug trafficking and money laundering due to her involvement with a woman who was part of a drug ring.

She remained in the clear until 2004, when she spent a year in the Federal Correction Institution, Danbury, in Danbury, Conn.

She turned her experience into a memoir, which was published in 2010.

She told the stories of the different kinds of women she met, and problems with the prison system that she noticed while serving her time.

After Kerman was released, she testified about the Federal Bureau of Prisons and fought for change.

Now, Kerman serves on the board of directors of the Women’s Prison Association and works with many organizations that work in the public’s best interest.

Students that come to see her speak can expect to hear is-

(Wikimedia)

Piper Kerman’s memoir was turned into the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black.”

(Wikimedia)

Taylor Schilling plays Piper Kerman in the Netflix original series.

sues that both the book and the movie address.

“The United States has a very high percentage of prisoners as compared to its percentage of the total world population,” Drylie said. “Piper is a big supporter of justice reform. I think that for someone who is not aware of some of these facts and statistics, it can be pretty mind-blowing once you hear them broken down.

“She touches on many different subjects, including law, criminology, gender and women's studies, sociology and creative writing. I think her presentation will provide value for any student, regardless of their major or interests.”

The popular Netflix original series first aired in 2013. Its sixth season will be released June 9.

April 7, 2017

Culture

The Black Church

By KELSEY DURHAM K.A.Durham@iup.edu True Culture University

This article contains opinion.

Do our environments have an effect on us? Does inclusion matter? Do they affect what we say, and how much information we disclose?

Before attending IUP, I went to a predominantly white Christian high school. My black skin separated me from my peers and left a question mark over my head as to where I belonged socially.

Once I finally came to college, I did as most students do and searched for a group in which I could feel at home. Because I’m a Christian, I looked for acceptance in the Christian organizations on campus. After giving each of them a chance, although they each had great qualities and good messages presented, there was an overwhelmingly evident lack of diversity.

Sure, there would be a few “token” black students present, but the overall white population controlled the culture and vibe within the organization. I discovered that most black Christians at IUP attended Victory Christian Assembly, a nondenominational church where the population is mostly African American. Yet, I wondered why their presence was not as dominant in the Christian organizations on campus, and what it means for these students to be black Christians on this campus.

“Black, to me, is culture,” Andre Howard (criminology) said.

“We come from a long line of individuals that get swept to the side, [and] I think of what we have overcome. [Black is] knowing your culture, knowing your roots and knowing what it is your people have been through.”

The culture of an environment can play a heavy role in the over-

(Flickr)

all attendance of its members.

Historically, churches have been identified with or have been reflective of the culture of the people attending. People have a way of socially gravitating toward people like themselves.

However, as a result, this gravitational pull segregates white people away from black people, denouncing the entire Christian idea of acceptance and “love no matter what.”

“With a lot of Christian organizations, the [members] are very cliquey,” Anastasia Clayton (junior, history) said. “When there are few black people, the white people just link up with themselves.”

The African-American church has traditional African tendencies. The clapping, the music, the style of the church is what we as a black culture would expect in any of our environments. So, if you go to a barbecue hosted by black people, you would expect it to have the same vibe as if you went to an all-black organization or social event.

All of these environments have a certain blackness to them that is reflective of the black culture. But it’s difficult to talk about that regarding church because you would think the church’s spirituality and godly characteristics would supersede these differences. But the reality is the church takes on the culture of its members.

Read the rest of the story at TrueCultureUniversity.com.

15

Pan African Student Association to host fashion show

By CONSTANCE BROWN Contributing Writer C.R.Brown6@iup.edu

The Pan African Student Association will host “African Night: The Beauty of Our Diversity,” at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Hadley Union Building Ohio Room.

Animah Danquah (senior, marketing), the creative consultant of the event, said the association’s goal is to introduce Indiana residents and IUP students to a variety of African cultures through fashion, food and original performances.

Danquah, along with Elnora Peah (senior, marketing), are in charge of all marketing promotions and coordination for the event. Judah Klein (senior, interior design) will be the primary host of the show.

“I’m excited to be a part of an innovative approach to enlighten Indiana on cultures they may not encounter ordinarily,” Danquah said. “We really are striving to give the audience a real cross-cultural experience.”

(Submitted photo)

Judah Klein will host the Pan African fashion show.

The clothing items were created

by African seamstresses, and 365 Grind Clothing is providing the Tshirts modeled at the event. Each model is an IUP student. Ashlee Summers (junior, management) said she is excited to take part in

such a cultural event.

“I wanted to model for this because it was a good way to get in touch with my roots and represent my African ancestry,” Summers said. “It is a show that will definitely bring the element of surprise to IUP.” Klein, the event’s host, said he is proud to be a part of the show that will bring diversity to the campus.

“We are intriguing the people by bringing diversity and a new perspective,” Klein said. “It’s not going to be like any other fashion show you’ve ever seen at IUP.” Camara Drum and Dance Group, M&M’s Dance Group, Arab Dance Group, Sullivan Dekii and True Culture University will be performing. Ethnic refreshments, such as Jollof rice, fried plantain, pounded yam and other West African dishes will be served.

Tickets are $7 if you RSVP, and $10 at the door. To RSVP, call 724257-1313.

April 7, 2017

16

Culture

Luke Henry is straightforward, Aretha Franklin is still the queen, keeper of soul like his creative process

By JESSI ROTI Chicago Tribune TNS

(Facebook)

Luke Henry’s music is available on Bandcamp.com.

By BRITT JULIOUS Chicago Tribune TNS

"I guess it was just one of those things where once you started doing it, I just always kind of kept on doing it," Luke Henry said about making music. "It's just something I do."

Henry is as straightforward as they come.

When discussing how his music is made, he doesn't make a fuss about the intricacies. The ins and outs of his process are pretty direct. He doesn't mull how a song is made or even the writing process.

Henry has found a way that works for him.

"I think I used to try to write with a pen and paper when I first started writing songs, which was never natural to me," Henry said. "And eventually, I just learned to use my memory and use what came out through the process of elimination find which things work and which don't."

You could even say where he records – in his basement studio – removes all typical requirements of being a performing musician today. He doesn't require a fancy setup, because he works as a studio engineer when not making his own music.

This basic ethos even applies to naming his music. Henry has an EP set to drop within the next couple of months. Although the recording is complete, he has not settled on a name. But he's not too stressed.

"Do you wanna tell me what the title of my EP is? I'd love to know what to call it," he said.

Likely, he'll just name the EP after one of the songs because it's less about the specifics of the music, and more about what type of music he's trying to create.

For this new EP, that means southern glam. Henry cites ‘70s artists such as T. Rex, as well as more contemporary acts (Wilco) as influences for his latest music. Tempowise, it means the music is a little more upbeat than the more traditional singer-songwriter fare that he favored on past releases.

"Releasing stuff under your own name is weird. It's like you, but at the same time, it's not really you," Henry said. "It's still me at the end of the day. With the singer-songwriter thing, either way, you're going to listen to somebody change.

Hopefully to the best."

It's not necessarily an experiment so much as it is Henry demonstrating his ability to switch between sounds, different instruments and intentions with the music. "You can only work on something for so long until your creative gas runs out anyway, either for that particular thing that you're working on or just in general."

In fact, change is a fundamental aspect of his songwriting process.

In order to combat writer's block, he switches things up, whether that means changing which song he works on, or which instruments he uses to create the melodies.

"When you hit a roadblock, it's best to have something to work on. If you have something to work on, just work on that," he said.

"That's another thing I've been trying to get better at. Just get the ball rolling."

So maybe, despite what Henry says and how he approaches music, he's in fact deliberate with his creative decisions. And just because those choices lack the specificity that mark those of his peers does not mean that they are any less interesting or important to the creation of Henry's catchy, memorable music.

In 1967 at the Regal Theater in Chicago, WVON radio's Pervis Spann presided over a coronation of sorts. A crown was placed on the head of a gifted, 25-yearold singer dubbed "the Queen of Soul" in the most literal fashion.

The singer was Aretha Franklin, and 50 years later, the Queen of Soul she remains.

At 75, Franklin is still carrying the torch, or a torch for the music she loves and a career that's had its share of setbacks.

But Franklin doesn't dwell in the past. Listening to her speak is like listening to someone who knows how the game ends, so self-assured at this point of her life that stories about performances or records are just great stories as opposed to milestone moments in a career that has captured 18 Grammy awards, sold more than 75 million records and given life to songs such as "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," "A Natural Woman" and "Think."

She has nothing left to prove,

(TNS)

Music legend Aretha Franklin brought her 2016 Tour to the Durham Performing Arts Center May 19, 2016, in Durham, N.C.

no record to set straight, but she's grateful the time was taken.

"Those were just wonderful, wonderful days," Franklin said via telephone. "Lovely artists I was on with, a lot of them Detroit artists but some Chicago artists, what a great time. Yikes, I wish we had that on film ... " she trailed off, then deadpanned, "But it's basically the same."

Franklin is capable of giving a truly electric performance, one that comes from the evolution of her craft and is also unteachable. Live albums such as 1971's "Aretha Live at Fillmore West" and its 2005 expanded version that includes saxophone virtuoso

King Curtis, his band the Kingpins and Ray Charles capture the raw energy and fire Franklin could let loose on stage while maintaining control of her booming vocals. "Amazing Grace" (1972) displayed a mastery and understanding of gospel with a gentility that's just as captivating.

She's starting a collaboration with Stevie Wonder, which includes a duet with Jamie Foxx, at the end of April, and said it will be some of the "best and greatest music you've ever heard."

"He sang 'Happy Birthday' to me on my voicemail," she said.

"That's a keeper, I won't delete that one."

April 7, 2017

Culture

17

Smurfette finally gets her due in ‘Smurfs: The Lost Village’

Visit online ThePenn.ORG

(TNS)

Joe Manganiello, Demi Lovato, Jack McBrayer and Danny Pudi lend their voices in “Smurfs: The Lost Village.”

By KATIE WALSH

Tribune News Service TNS

Hollywood is so enamored of existing intellectual property, sequels, reboots and franchises that a 60-year-old joke from Belgian cartoonist Peyo continues to be recycled, refurbished and redone.

Its latest form: "Smurfs: The Lost Village."

"Les Schtroumpfs" were born when Peyo made up a word for salt, and the little blue dudes have lived on through comics, Hanna Barbera Saturday morning cartoons and all the way to the big screen.

In this latest feature film featuring the Smurfs, veteran animation director Kelly Asbury steers the ship, while writers Stacey Harmon and Pamela Ribon spin an identity tale about one of the most unique Smurfs, Smurfette (Demi Lovato).

Smurfette always felt like an outsider within the oppressive patriarchy of Smurf Village, struggling with her lack of descriptive name.

"What is an '-ette'?" she ponders.

That tells us nothing about her.

Helpfully, a young boy in the pre-release screening audience shouted "It means girl." Rigid gender divisions are ingrained early in our children. And that's exactly the problem, young man.

Can't Smurfette be defined by her personal qualities, not her gender? Is there any reason why she can't also be Grouchy or Jokey or Nosy? She's much more than just a pair of oversized white pumps and a fit-and-flare dress, but what?

Struggling to make sense of who she is – a Smurf or just a lump of clay created by Gargamel (Rainn Wilson) to infiltrate Papa Smurf's (Mandy Patinkin) bizarre all-male nature commune, Smurfette embarks on a hero's journey. Discovering Gargamel's plans to hunt an undiscovered Smurf village, she is drawn to warn and protect them from his greed. Her crew of Hefty (Joe Manganiello), Brainy (Danny Pudi) and Clumsy (Jack McBrayer) Smurf come along for the adventure.

"Lost Village" is basically "Smurfs: The Matriarchy." Remember in "Mad Max: Fury Road" when Furiosa discovers the grandma motorcycle gang and she wants to go back to "The Green Place"?

Well, "Smurfs: The Lost Village" imagines that they actually made it – that the Green Place is real, a matriarchal heaven. The motorcycles here are dragonflies and Michelle Rodriguez voices the tough warrior, Smurfstorm. The Lost Village is an explosion of bright pastel colors, new girly best friends

and a spa. It's a place where Eiffel 65's 1999 club hit "Blue" is always bumping.

2011's Smurfs reboot "The Smurfs," and the sequel "The Smurfs 2" mixed animation with live actors including Neil Patrick Harris and Hank Azaria doing an impressive performance as Gargamel. It was an inspired choice to update the quirky kids cartoon, and there was much humor to be mined from the human adoption of "smurf" as a slangy catch-all term.

There was at least some verve and energy. This fully animated version just feels like three Saturday morning cartoons stitched together, like "The Smurfs" series happened to be on Netflix and the "are you still watching" button hasn't yet popped up.

It's a lackluster way to round out the trilogy.

The jokes are sodden, relying on tired wordplay and sarcastic delivery to draw the faintest of laughs.

Like most kids movies these days, the soundtrack pumps with electronic dance music, but it pales in comparison to the trippy music-filled rave that was "Trolls."

Though it's nice to see Smurfette get her due, the whole endeavor just feels tired and tiring.

S PO R T S IUP wraps up series with Gannon; THE PENN

Sports Editor: Sean Fritz – S.D.Fritz@iup.edu Lead Sports Writer: Jarrod Browne – J.W.Browne@iup.edu

takes three out of four

By SARAH MOLTZ Staff Writer

S.J.Moltz@iup.edu

On Monday afternoon, IUP hosted the Gannon University Knights in its home opener for Games 3 and 4 of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West series.

Monday’s games were originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon but were postponed due to rain.

In the rescheduled home games, IUP split with Gannon, taking the first game, 10-4, and then fell, 10-1, in the second.

Shining for the Crimson Hawks in the first game was junior Dan Sepic (hospitality management), who blasted two home runs, along with Scott Hess (senior, safety sciences), who had four hits.

The two homers by Sepic give him four on the year, including three in the four-game set with Gannon. Sepic finished the series 3-for-8 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Hess was a combined 4-for-7 with a double, RBI and two runs scored.

Junior Anthony Rigous (accounting) and freshman Chris Eisel (undecided) each grabbed a double and drove in a pair for the

BASEBALL

18

(IUP Athletics) The Crimson Hawks have an overall record of 6-14 on the season. After getting off to a slow start, the team hopes to build upon its series victory, in which it took three out of four from PSAC opponent Gannon University.

(IUP Athletics) Wes Carson (junior, criminology) took a lead after reaching first base in a game against Gannon University. Carson is second in on-base percentage for the Crimson Hawks this season with an OBP of .438.

Crimson Hawks.

IUP dominated in the sixth inning, scoring nine runs to help them get the win over the Knights.

Trailing, 4-1, in the beginning of the sixth, the Crimson Hawks impressed with nine runs on eight hits to take a 10-4 lead.

One after another, 13 batters touched home plate in the inning.

Rigous collected a pair of hits with two RBIs, and Sepic destroyed a two-run shot to left field.

Eisel also had a two-run double in the inning, as IUP totaled three extra-base hits.

Mike Klingensmith (junior, kinesiology) started on the mound for the Crimson Hawks, but senior Dillon Swanger (criminology) was

our guys come out and swing the bats well against a strong PSAC West team like Gannon,” manager Anthony Rebyanski said.

“Our pitchers continued to give us the opportunity to win each game. The bullpen has done a great job coming late into the games, to hold a lead or to give us a chance to come back and win.

“After being swept by Mercyhurst in the first series, this past weekend put us back in the thick of things. As of right now, it looks like the top four spots for the conference tournament could be up [for] grabs until the final weekend, which shows how competitive the West will be all year long.”

The Crimson Hawks have been

credited with the win in relief.

Klingensmith went five innings, striking out four and gave up three runs, two of them earned, on six hits. Swanger is now 2-0 on the year.

In Game 2, however, the Crimson Hawks looked to continue their hot offense from Game 1, but could not produce.

Gannon collected 11 hits, capitalizing on four IUP errors. The Knights opened a big lead, scoring four runs in both the third and fourth innings.

Sophomore Brian Albert (criminology) took the loss on the mound, giving up six hits and four earned runs in three innings.

“Offensively, it was great to see

April 7, 2017

outscored, 134-83, on the season, but their pitching staff has performed better of late and has been able to keep them in games.

They will continue to try to limit the free passes. With a combined 88 walks on the season and an opponents batting average of .326, the staff still has some room to improve.

IUP improves to 6-14 overall and 3-5 in the PSAC. The Crimson Hawks are back in action this weekend with a fourgame series against Clarion University.

IUP will host Clarion for Games 1 and 2 Friday afternoon, and then will travel to Clarion for Games 3 and 4 Saturday.

Sports

April 7, 2017

Sports

19

Crimson Hawks suffering growing pains, but will use them as “teaching moment”

By JARROD BROWNE Lead Sports Writer

J.W.Browne@iup.edu

The IUP softball team has experienced some difficulties starting the season out on the right foot with a sub-.500 overall record of 10-11.

Although the Crimson Hawks have started the season off slow, they believe that they are experiencing growing pains due to the surplus of youth on the roster.

The team currently has six freshmen on its roster: pitcher Macy Mularski (nursing), outfielder Megan Little (studio art), third baseman Kaitlyn Beers (criminology), Alaina Laverick (natural science and mathematics), Krista Berzonsky (athletic training) and Kassie Kesneck (English).

Out of these six freshmen, four of them receive significant playing time. Beers, Little, Kesneck and

SOFTBALL

Mularski have all made an immediate impact on the field this year.

As for Laverick and Berzonsky, manager Bill Graham believes that these two have an impact despite receiving less playing time.

“They all contribute in different ways,” Graham said.

Although a large portion of the softball team’s freshmen class has made an immediate impact on the field, Graham still believes there is room for improvement.

“It happens with young kids, and they’re making the transition from high school to college ball,” Graham said. “They’re used to their travel teams, where this is more of a year-round training schedule.”

Although the transition may be tough for incoming freshmen, this class has been a key part in the Crimson Hawks offense and pitching staff.

Beers is second on the team in batting average at .323. Little sports a .200 average, and Laverick closes it out with a .167 average.

Mularski found herself a home on the pitching staff, as she leads the Crimson Hawks in earned run average (1.24).

Despite Mularski’s impressive ERA, she has been able to record only two wins in five games.

Although Graham did antici-

It’s not so much a challenge as it is a teaching moment.

-Bill Graham, manager

pate some growing pains with a young team, he remains confident in the talent of his freshmen.

“It’s still 60 feet to the bases, so the game hasn’t changed that much,” Graham said. “They’re talented enough to be on that field.”

With such a young team, the Crimson Hawks are bracing for the inevitable growing pains that will come at one point or another this season.

Although these moments are anticipated, the team is choosing to approach these as opportunities to improve as opposed to sitting back and watching it play out.

“It’s not so much a challenge as it is a teaching moment,” Graham said.

Moving forward, the Crimson Hawks will travel to Bloomsburg University to take on the conference-leading Huskies.

The game against Bloomsburg will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday.

(IUP Athletics) The IUP softball team is currently 10-11 on the 2017 season and 2-2 in PSAC play.

(IUP Athletics) The freshmen of the IUP softball team have stepped in and contributed early in their college careers and will look to continue to improve and adjust to the college game.

April 7, 2017

Sports

20

Crimson Hawks fall in road match at Mercyhurst; win streak snapped

By AMBER BAILEY Staff Writer

A.L.Bailey2@iup.edu

The IUP tennis team fell, 6-3, to Mercyhurst TENNIS University Wednesday evening, ending its previous winning streak. There is a possibility that this matchn decided the winner of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Mercyhurst currently

leads the race, 3-0, while IUP sits at 4-1.

IUP started strong after its No. 1 doubles team, Jarka Petercakova (senior, international business) and Luise von Agris (junior, international business) overcame the Lakers’ No. 1 doubles team.

Not long after the victory from Petercakova and von Agris, the Lakers’ No. 2 doubles team defeated Raquel Gonzalez (senior, business management) and Rachel Wood (senior, criminology), 8-1.

Following the loss was another setback from Sophie Butland (senior, exercise science), who fell, 8-1, as well.

With the opening of singles

play came some hope for IUP, but that turned out to be short-lived.

Luise von Agris managed a 6-1, 6-2, win, while Gonzalez racked up a 6-2, 6-2, victory.

Unfortunately, Petercakova dropped a 6-2, 6-2, decision shortly after. Following Petercakova’s loss came three more losses that decided the match.

Due to inclement weather, the home match set for Thursday against West Virginia Wesleyan was postponed. Tentatively, the match is rescheduled for Sunday.

The Crimson Hawks will be back in action when they head to Charleston in a non-conference match Sunday.

(IUP Athletics) The IUP tennis team’s seven-match win streak was snapped Wednesday when the team suffered a 6-3 defeat at the hands of PSAC foes, the Mercyhurst University Lakers.

April 7, 2017

Sports

21

IUP lacrosse falls short in comeback attempt against Seton Hill

By BRAD O’HARA Staff Writer

B.L.Ohara@iup.edu

IUP lacrosse was back in action Tuesday as they faced off against a Seton Hill University team that is ranked No. 18 in the country in Division II. Even though IUP mounted a comeback in the secLACROSSE ond half, the Crimson Hawks could not make it all the way back for the win.

The team had a less-than-impressive first half, as Seton Hill outscored them, 9-2.

The Griffins also out-shot IUP and got to more loose balls.

(IUP Athletics) Kim Hooven (senior, elementary and special education) scored her eighth goal of the season in the team’s loss Tuesday night. Hooven also caused five turnovers.

Despite all this, IUP made a comeback only to fall short by one

goal. Carissa Smith (senior, sports administration), Kim Hooven (se-

nior, elementary and special education) and Ally Burrows (sophomore, biology) came out firing right out of the second-half gate, as each scored a goal in the first 10 minutes of the half. Burrows scored four more goals, too, giving her a total of five on the game.

This loss was IUP’s first conference loss, lowering its conference record to 3-1, and brought its overall record to 4-4.

The Crimson Hawks will be back in action Friday and Saturday when they host two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference opponents.

Friday, the team will host the No. 16-ranked Lock Haven University squad. Lock Haven is 6-4 on the season overall and 3-2 in the conference, which should be a good challenge for IUP as they try to regroup following Tuesday’s loss. Friday’s game will be held at 4 p.m. at George P. Miller Stadium.

Saturday, the Crimson Hawks

(IUP Athletics) Ally Burrows (sophomore, biology) had five goals for the Crimson Hawks in their loss to Seton Hill University Tuesday.

will host another PSAC opponent, Bloomsburg University, at 4:30 p.m. The Huskies roll into Indiana with a 6-4 record and a 3-3 conference record, similar to Lock Haven.

The Crimson Hawks will have a tough test ahead of them, and will try to focus on putting together a more complete performance than they did in Tuesday’s loss.

IUP athletics legend passes away

By SEAN FRITZ Sports Editor

S.D.Fritz@iup.edu

The IUP athletic community suffered a big loss Monday with the passing of IUP athletics legend Ruth Podbielski.

Podbielski was the key individual responsible for bringing varsity women’s sports to IUP. When Podbielski, who is a western Pennsylvania native and Slippery Rock University graduate, came to IUP in the 1950s, she used her connections to other western Pennsylvania schools and organized a way for female athletes at IUP to travel and compete against other schools and teams.

Her dedication to bringing women’s athletics to the forefront was widely acknowledged by many, and has played a huge

role for the IUP athletics program, which now has 10 women’s varsity sports. Zero were here when Podbielski arrived at IUP more than 60 years ago.

Podbielski served as a teacher, coach and director to many of IUP’s female athletes during her time with the university, and helped set the initiative for not just women’s sports at IUP, but collegiate women’s sports in general.

Her service, commitment and dedication to women’s sports and IUP were recognized when she received the 2013 IUP President’s Medal of Distinction for her accomplishments and hard work.

She will be remembered as a prime contributor to the IUP athletics program and a prime example of service, dedication and hard work during her lifetime.

IUP’s softball field was named in her honor in 2000.

22 APARTMENTS 2017/18 RK Rentals 1 bedroom $2675, 2 bedroom $2275, 3 bedroom $2375 (per person/semester). Tenant pays electric, cable/internet. iupapartments.com. 724-388-5481.

1 Bedroom Fall 2017-Spring 2018.

Neat/Clean. Parking Included. $2000/ semester. Summer Free. 412-309-0379.

2 Bedroom Fall 2017-Spring 2018.

Neat/Clean Parking Included $1,800/ semester Summer Free 412-309-0379.

$1795.00 per semester. No coed.

Laundromat nearby. 724-549-6549 or 412-309-1364.

Fall 2017-Spring 2018. Furnished, 1 bedroom apts, $1900/semester. 2 bedroom apt, $1800 per person per semester.Utilities extra, no pets, call 724-422-1207.

Find, sell, rent, it in The Penn classifieds! To place an ad, call 724-357-1306 or email us at penn-ads @ iup.edu

Very nice unfurnished two bedroom apartment. Two blocks from campus. $2,500 per student. Parking included.

Call 215-284-1655.

OakGroveRealty.net POT O’GOLD Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes PLAY to Win $50 & $150 Gift Cards SIGN a lease GET $100 NOW; OR $200 OFF your 2017-18 Rent!

724-471-1234.

OakGroveRealty.net Closer. Cheaper.

Houses. Apartments.

Easy as 724-471-1234.

Three bedroom, furnished. Includes all utilities. Two parking spaces.

2017/2018. Corner of Church & S 7th St. One 3-bedroom and one 4-bedroom. Spacious, new, furnished. Some utilities included, $2200/student/semester. Call or text 724-396-7912.

February 21, 2017 Fall ‘17- Spring ‘18: 3 Bedroom Apartments. Most utilities inlcuded.

Free parking. Pet friendly. $1,595 per semester. Call 724-840-7190.

2 Bedroom, 1 large living room, Full kitchen, $3,000 for entire school year! Located directly behind the hub (above doctor’s office) 266 S. 7th Street. If interested, please email hgpss@mail.com

HELP WANTED Meadow Lane Golf Course looking for bartender now through the fall.

724-388-0040.

The Penn

is hiring Advertising Sales Reps for the fall 2017 semester. Get valuable sales experience and make great money and bonuses!

Applications available at The Penn office or email us at penn-ads@iup.edu

HOUSES Houses and Apartments. 20172018. 724-840-2083.

Fall 2017, Spring 2018. 2-6 person separate bedrooms house. Easy walk, furnished, utilities included. $1,8002,000 per person per semester.

724-422-3559. 724-840-2498.

Classifieds

1-5 bedroom house/apartments. Call Indiana Rental Group LLC 724-349-7368.

2017-2018. Great houses. Close. 2 Bedrooms. Marble and Hardwoord inside. 724-388-6535.

Fall 17 Spring 18. Two bedrooms.

Furnished. Utilities included. Parking.

Close. $2,750. Call 814-341-5404 Fully remodeled house 5 bedroom, bath, free laundry and parking, 2 blocks away from campus, utilities included, $2,500. 724-762-4680.

Fall 17 Spring 18. 2-6 bedroom. Furnished. Free parking. Utilities included.

Patio. Yard. W/D. 724-549-5681.

3-5 Bedroom Houses. Newly remodeled. Close to campus. Free parking.

Free laundry. Utilities paid. Call or text: 724-762-4418.

HOUSING Remainder of semester lease, Spring 2017. 1 bedroom in house, 1 tenant only. 724-784-0196.

Summer 2017 1-2 Bedroom $950 Nice, close to campus. Tenant pays electric and cable/internet.

724-388-5481. www.iupapartments.com A whole new way to rent and find housing and special deals is coming soon to The Penn! Curious? Email us at penn-ads@iup.edu or call Nicole at 724-357-1306.

sports writers needed

contact sean fritz S.D.Fritz@iup.edu

Sports

April 7, 2017

23

The Masters weekend begins: A tradition like no other

By BRAD O’HARA Staff Writer

B.L.Ohara@iup.edu

It’s another April weekend at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., but this weekend is special.

The tournament began Thursday morning and will last until Sunday.

The club will be the battleground for the first Professional Golf Association major of the season, the Masters.

The 81st annual tournament will play host to 94 of the best golfers in the world fighting for a green jacket and a lifelong title of Masters champion.

One player to watch during the tournament is Jordan Spieth. Spieth will look to capture his second Masters victory after winning the tournament in 2015 and ending last

(TNS) Danny Willett will attempt to defend his green jacket at the 81st annual Masters. The championship round will begin Sunday.

year’s tournament tied for second.

His victory in 2015 tied the lowest score in a Masters tournament at -18, and his win made him the second youngest golfer to win a green jacket.

It’s no question that Spieth has

the accolades under his belt that are needed to be picked as a favorite to win a second green jacket.

Spieth has nine PGA tour wins at the age of 23.

The question, however, is whether he can continue his dominance

in Augusta this weekend.

Dustin Johnson, the No. 1 player in the world, hurt his back Wednesday while slipping and falling on wooden stairs.

He attempted to play Thursday, but walked off the first tee and declared he couldn’t continue. He has withdrawn from the tournament.

Rory McIlroy will be teeing off at this year’s Masters in hopes of achieving a career grand slam by winning all four majors.

McIlroy won a U.S. Open title in 2011, The Open Championship in 2014 and two PGA Championships in 2012 and 2014.

McIlroy is also a two-time leading money winner, a two-time PGA Player of the Year, a three-time European Tour Golfer of the Year, a three-time McCormack Award recipient and the 2016 FedEx Champion. After having a rough start in 2016, McIlroy ended on a couple

of high notes, picking up his first PGA Tour win at the Deutsche Bank Championship in September.

An ongoing narrative this weekend will be whether McIlroy can exercise his Masters demons.

As is the case a lot of years, this tournament is anybody’s to claim.

Just look at Danny Willett, who won last year’s Masters.

Willett’s win at the Masters in 2016 was not only his first major championship win, but his first PGA Tour win altogether.

The win for Willett was unexpected and beyond anything that had been done previously. Willett’s win did not even earn him a spot in the Top 20 golf rankings.

Every competitor in this competition is there for a reason, and keep that in mind this weekend because any one of them can win this year’s Masters and walk away with a green jacket.

24

April 7, 2017