4/25/2017 by The Penn

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LGBTQIA COMMUNITY TO HOLD ART SHOW WITH QUEER THEMES

ROTC CADETS TEST PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES TO EARN BADGES PAGE 3

NEWS | PAGE 3

TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017

CULTURE | PAGE 8

VOL. 107 NO. 48

SPORTS | PAGE 12

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

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SENIOR CHASES DREAMS ACROSS THE PACIFIC

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WIND, BAND TO COME TOGETHER FOR CULMINATING PERFORMANCE

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IUP TENNIS TEAM TAKES HOME PROGRAM’S FIRST PSAC TITLE

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Correction:

In The Penn’s April 14 issue, the Steelers were said to be playing basketball against Indiana community members April 21. This was incorrect. They will be playing Friday, April 28.

NEWS

THE PENN

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

(Katie Mest/ The Penn) Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets completed a pistol qualification at the shooting range in Pierce Hall for their badges.

ROTC cadets test physical capabilities to earn badges By KATIE MEST Staff Writer K.A.Mest@iup.edu

Approximately 110 cadets competed Saturday at IUP for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. Four other Pennsylvania universities joined IUP students in six events to earn a bronze, silver or gold medal. Those who won medals could then wear them on their uniforms for the rest of their military careers. Every year, IUP hosts the GAFPB competition for a few surrounding schools and nearby National Guard units. This year, cadets from Edinboro University, Slippery Rock University, Gannon University and

(Facebook) More than 100 ROTC cadets from IUP and four other Pennsylvania universities competed Saturday at IUP for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

the University of Pittsburgh joined approximately 25 cadets from IUP. Alyssa Dachowicz (senior, political science) is in IUP’s Army

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and was excited for the competition. “It’s one of the only badges

you can earn as a cadet that you can then wear on your uniform for the rest of your military career,” Dachowicz said. “So from that perspective, it’s really cool to earn as a cadet. It’s also a really cool honor to be able to wear a badge from a foreign service because that does not happen often.” To earn this honor, cadets competed in events each with their own performance standards. They had to run a shuttle sprint, which had to be done in 60 seconds or less. In the flexed-arm hang portion, the competitors had to hold themselves up in a chin-up position for as long as they could. The longer they held themselves up, the more points they

received. They ran 1,000 meters on the track with a points system similar to that of the flexed-arm hang. Depending on whether they were going for bronze, silver or gold, cadets marched 6, 9 or 12 kilometers with a 33-pound rucksack on their backs. They started at Pierce Hall and marched to a turnaround point on the Hoodlebug Trail. Cadets also competed in a pistol qualification, first aid test and NBC MOPP test. In a swim event, which was completed at an earlier date, the cadets had to swim 100 meters in under four minutes, fully clothed in their uniforms. Then they had to undress from their uniforms while treading water.

Sociology class to educate community about impoverished living By NATHAN ZISK Contributing Writer N.Zisk@iup.edu

IUP Sociology of Family students are putting on their fourth annual Hunger Awareness Week (HAW) and The Seedling Project Monday through Friday. HAW is a week of programs that includes a film screening, poverty simulation, food drive and food distribution. The Seedling Project provides a resource garden to individuals who access food banks. HAW and The Seedling Project started in 2014 as a service-learning project for IUP Sociology of

News

Family students. “In the last three years, The Seedling Project served over 140 families,” said Dr. Melissa Swauger, co-founder of HAW and The Seedling Project. “It has grown so much. We keep getting new partners.” IUP Sociology of Family students have partnered with many other groups and organizations since HAW and The Seedling Project started. IUP Food and Nutrition and Anthropology departments, the Indiana Community Garden, Indiana County Community Action Program, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Zion Lutheran

Church and Chevy Chase Community Center all co-sponsor the event. “HAW is an amazing opportunity for folks to understand the struggles of poverty,” House Majority Leader Dave Reed said during a Friday phone call. “It’s an invaluable, eye-opening opportunity for people not living in poverty.” Reed said that he participates in the poverty simulation every year during HAW. “The poverty simulation is such a strong tool that shows people obvious drawbacks of poverty,” Reed said. “It helps people realize challenges of poverty like child

April 25, 2017

care, traveling to school, illness and more. A lot of students – a lot of people, actually – who don’t live in low-income households don’t think about these things.” It’s not only IUP students who participate in HAW and The Seedling Project. Swauger said that Indiana Community Garden master gardeners joined The Seedling Project to teach people how to garden and provide gardening literature, and companies like Lowes and Sherwin-Williams started cosponsoring HAW. “National companies donate things from seeds to buckets to gardening tools,” Swauger said.

“It’s a project that brings together the community and the university on an important subject.” Swauger said that more than 12,000 Indiana residents live in food-insecure households, and 65 percent of residents live on incomes that are below 160 percent of the poverty threshold. “It’s an important social problem in Indiana that needs addressed,” Swauger said. “There’s often a divide between the university and impoverished community. But HAW and The Seedling Project help everyone come together to raise awareness and bring forth social change.”

April 25, 2017

News

Police Blotter Senior chases dreams across the Pacific By STEPHANIE BACHMAN

I won’t lie and say I did not have any fears while I was abroad.

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

Between a longtime fascination with Japanese culture and a semester studying abroad, Leah Brockman (senior, communications media and theater) hopes to use her language skills to do Japanese voiceovers for movies. After being interested in the culture for several years, Brockman decided to start learning the language as a freshman at IUP in spring 2014. She also expanded her knowledge of Japan’s culture during this time. “I figured learning Japanese was a good start for my career,” Brockman said. “It’s very different from American culture and fascinating in ways I never thought, too. “Plus, I’ve been watching anime since the end of my middle school days – you’re never too old for cartoons. I learned very quickly that Japanese culture is not only anime, and they have a rich and unique history, which is really cool to learn about.” Brockman said she finds it funny when she tells people she is able to speak Japanese be-

-Leah Brockman (senior, communications media and theater)

(Submitted photos) Leah Brockman (senior, communications media and theater) learned how to play the Koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, while studying abroad.

cause they often think it is “really weird.” In fall 2016, Brockman had another opportunity to immerse herself in Japanese culture when she studied abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata City. While there, she took language classes and studied Japanese communications. “It’s hard to acclimate to a new place,” she said. “I won’t lie and say I did not have any fears while I was abroad, but the experience led me to having a group of friends from all the corners of

the world.” Brockman said one of her good friends told her before she flew to Japan “to not always stick with the Americans or those who were fluent in English.” She said that her friend noted it wouldn’t be easy, “but in the end, you’ll find it all worth it.” During her time abroad, Brockman also learned how to play the Koto, which is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, and joined the university’s volleyball team, which traveled to Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima. “[It] was the coolest thing,” Brockman said. “They welcomed me like part of the team but barely spoke English, so I had to adapt by listening more so I could understand them and then speaking Japanese so they could understand me.” Continued on page 5.

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Alcohol Violations

• David Lee, 39, of Rochester Mills, was cited for public drunkenness and retail theft at 2:52 a.m. April 20 in the 300 block of Philadelphia Street, according to the Indiana Borough Police Department. • Raymond Solis, 24, of Clearfield, was charged with public drunkenness at 2:53 a.m. April 20 at Sheetz, 768 Wayne Ave., according to borough police.

Drug Violations

• Ahmed Doumbia, 23, of Indiana, was charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia at 1:01 a.m. April 16 in the 1200 block of Maple Street, according to IUP University Police. • Shoshanna Carlos, 23, of Coraopolis, was charged with DUI and possession of a small amount of marijuana at 1 a.m. April 18 in the parking lot of Noble Stein Brewing Company, according to university police.

Disorderly Conduct

• Lisa DeJesus, 21, of Philadelphia, was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and trespass at 12:58 a.m. April 19 in Stapleton Library, according to university police.

Theft

• A bike was reportedly stolen between 10:15 p.m. April 23 and 8:30 a.m. April 24 in the 100 block of North Fourth Street, according to borough police. Anyone with information is asked to contact borough police at 724-349-2121.

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April 25, 2017

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Students network, converse at Business Day By JASON ADAMS

Communications student hopes to become voice actor

(Submitted photos) Brockman, who spent a semester abroad in fall 2016, said she hopes to use her knowledge of the Japanese language and culture to be an English voice actress for anime. One of the most popular anime movies in the U.S. is Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro,” the title’s namesake character whom Brockman posed with above.

Continued from page 4. Brockman’s experiences have helped influence her post-graduation plans for spring 2018. She said she hopes to be a voice actress for companies such as FUNimation or Sentai Filmworks, and would also like to do voiceovers for commercials. “I want to be an English voice actress for Japanese anime because I love watching interesting shows,” Brockman said. “I know a lot of people on campus have heard about classic titles like ‘Sailor Moon,’ ‘Cowboy Bebop,’ ‘One Piece’ and ‘Studio Ghibli’ titles. “It would be an honor to get the chance to act with my voice, since I’m not really inclined to be on the stage. I love the field of audio recording, too, since I want to take on more of a director’s role in the future.” Brockman said she would like to get back to Japan again, especially for the 2020 Summer Olympics, which will take place in Tokyo. She advised students who are interest-

It would be an honor to get the chance to act with my voice, since I’m not really inclined to be on the stage -Leah Brockman (senior, communications media and theater)

ed in study abroad opportunities to not be afraid to ask for help. “It costs a lot more than people think to travel around the world, but there are ways to make sure you get the funding or financial aid you need,” Brockman said. “Opportunities to travel abroad, depending on your major, are hard to come by.” She said, however, that traveling is “an experience you’re likely to never forget, and it is so worth it,” and people interested in visiting non-English-speaking countries should learn some of the language before traveling.

Staff Writer J.C.Adams3@iup.edu

IUP students had the opportunity Thursday to attend the 39th annual Business Day, one of the biggest events for the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. At this year’s Business Day, students networked with employers, attended seminars pertaining to their majors and listened to an induction ceremony while enjoying a meal provided for attendees. The day kicked off in the lobby of the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, where students registered for the day’s event. Students then attended business seminars tailored to their specific areas of study. These conference sessions included experts sharing advice and insight topics such as social media marketing, information systems, traveling abroad and more. Dave Mastovich, CEO of MASSolutions, urged students to achieve their happiness and fol-

(Jason Adams/ The Penn) The Eberly College of Business and Information Technology held the 39th annual Business Day Thursday in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.

low the paths that feel right to them. “Nobody can outdo ‘you,’ so tell your story your own way,” Mastovich said. Once the conference sessions ended, students were ushered into the KCAC gymnasium, where employers lined the walls to converse with students hoping to gain some clarity on their goals. “I love being here,” said Nadav Baum, an IUP graduate who now works at Janney Montgomery Scott. “It’s about giving back. Talking to students about their goals and finding out their passion is exciting.” Students conversed and gained more insight with one another, employers and business

professionals over a meal. Lunch transitioned into a presentation recognizing all the good that Eberly organizations have been engaged in, and individual recognition of notable achievements from business students, such as Josh Restauri (senior, finance and legal studies), who took first place at the Association for Corporate Growth. There was also an induction ceremony of the IUP Hall of Distinction for alumni who have achieved great heights in their careers. “What I got from Eberly was a foundation for my career, even though I did not know what to expect in my future,” said hall inductee Carol Washington, CEO at Life’s Work of Western PA.

April 25, 2017

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FRESH IDEAS AND FRESH AIR: students, organizations celebrate earth day

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(Photos by Amanda Ramsey) Earth Day was Saturday, and members of IUP organizations, including the IUP Environmentally Conscious Organization, held festivities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday in the Oak Grove. Students had the chance to learn what they can personally do to improve the environment in which they live. There were also games and activities for students to take part in, like Frisbee, jump rope and hula-hoop. In addition to ECO, 13 other organizations took part in the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events.

OPINION

EDITORIAL

The French election: Why you should care With all of the assignments and responsibilities that college students have on their plates at this time of year, a presidential election in France might not seem like an important topic to keep on your radar. However, this year’s French election has some significance not only to the U.S., but to the entire world.

what’s going on: On Sunday night, the first round of voting concluded. Candidates Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front party, and Emmanuel Macron, a centrist who backs liberal but business-friendly ideals, will go on to the second and final round of voting Sunday, May 7. Most former candidates encouraged their supporters to vote for Macron, according to a Monday article in The Tele-

graph. One warned his followers that Le Pen would lead France “to ruin and European chaos.”

why you should care: Experts are saying this election is just the latest event in the recent epidemic of global populism that led to Britain’s separation from the European Union and President Donald Trump’s election. Le Pen’s candidacy makes the race especially controversial due to her party’s legacy of xenophobia and anti-Semitism. She has taken a hard-line approach on immigration and Islamic terrorism. She also wants France to ditch the euro and get out of both the EU and NATO. On the other hand, Macron wants to stay in the EU and strengthen France’s euro zone. This presidential election is bringing about the same feelings many Americans experienced in November: unpredictable changes and impending doom. The two races are almost eerily similar, complete with surprising candidates, accusations of corruption and alarming scandals. Plus, in case you forgot, the EU is already dealing with Brexit, the UK’s recent decision to leave the union. The group could struggle to survive after losing two of its richest and most populous members. Anyone with travel plans to Europe this summer could face the obstacle of obtaining visas for each country they plan to visit if Le Pen is elected. And anyone from war-torn

Good reasons for Trump to stay in Paris accord The following editorial appeared in Newsday on Thursday, April 20: To the list of issues dividing President Donald Trump’s fractious advisers, add Paris. The battle over whether the United States should remain in the historic Paris climate change agreement of 2015 underscores how difficult it’s become for this White House to move forward on big policy initiatives. Whatever the reason for postponing a meeting Tuesday on the topic, Trump should use the pause to listen to his closest aides and to a growing list of energy industry officials who are saying the same thing: Stay in the pact. The Par-exit faction is led by chief strategist Stephen Bannon and Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt. Those urging no break in-

Opinion

clude daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner, top economic adviser Gary Cohn and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the former chief executive of ExxonMobil. Trump should heed the latter group – not because it is the ascendant influence in his administration, but because it is right. Tillerson cites the diplomatic repercussions of pulling out; other nations could become uncooperative on issues important to the U.S. Some experts envision countries retaliating with carbon tariffs on U.S. exports, setting off a trade war. Some major fossil-fuel players say they can be more competitive globally if the United States remains in the Paris agreement. It makes little sense to exit when electricity producers are abandoning emissions-heavy coal

for economic reasons, and solar and wind power are taking root – the same reasons it makes little sense for Trump to try to roll back former President Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan, a departure that would make it more difficult to meet Paris’ goals. Some conservatives suggest staying in the pact but easing Obama’s emissions pledges, or stopping promised payments to a fund to help poorer nations expand clean energy. Both would be mistakes. The Paris agreement is not perfect, and it might not be enough to stop global warming, but it’s an important first step the world has agreed to take. Candidate Trump promised to “cancel” the Paris agreement. After the election, he said his mind was “open.” Good, because it’s time to cancel that campaign vow.

April 25, 2017

countries looking at France as a potential safe haven might have to reconsider. Trump, a supporter of Le Pen, said in a Friday interview with the Associated Press that the Thursday shooting that left a French police officer dead would “probably help” Le Pen. After the incident, she called for the closing of all “Islamist” mosques in the country and an immediate expulsion of those on France’s terror watch list, according to a Saturday CNN article. “[Le Pen] is strongest on borders, and she’s the strongest on what’s been going on in France,” Trump said. Conversely, former President Barack Obama has expressed his support for Macron. “Make sure that, as you said, you work hard all the way through,” Obama told Macron in a Thursday Twitter video. “Because, you never know – it might be that last day of campaigning that makes all the difference.” The Penn encourages its readers to stay up to date on this election, the global controversy it’s influencing and how the results could affect U.S. citizens and the rest of the world. Remember, just because something isn’t happening directly to you doesn’t mean it’s not going to affect you or those around you.

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CARTOON How do they know what we taste like?

(Lexie Wyandt/ The Penn)

Culture

THE PENN

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

(Submitted photo)

The IUP Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble will be joining forces for one big show at 7 p.m. Saturday in Fisher Auditorium.

Wind, band to come together for culminating performance By STEPHANIE BACHMAN Lead News Writer S.L.Bachman2@iup.edu

The IUP Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble will perform a joint concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Fisher Auditorium. The concert will be the last performance of the semester for both ensembles. “Besides graduation, this concert is the culmination of a year's growth in one concert,” said Timothy Paul, director of the wind ensemble. “The Wind Ensemble's goal was to do a lighter concert of wind classics.” The show will feature different pieces that are all connected to Spain. Some of the pieces include “Amparito Roca” by Jaime Texidor, “Fiesta del Pacifico” by Roger Nix-

on, “La Virgen de la Macarena” by Rafael Mendez and “La Boda de Luis Alonso” by Gerónimo Giménez. Both the Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble are comprised entirely of students, though not all are music majors. Some music faculty members will be featured soloists in the concert or will be performing alongside their students. Jason Worzbyt, IUP Symphony Band director, said the band is going to feature Heidi Lucas, IUP horn professor, as a soloist. She will perform “San Luis Snapshots,” which was written by Dr. Jack Stamp, the former director of band studies at IUP. Worzbyt described the piece as “[capturing] the elegance and beauty of the south-

western United States.” Additionally, Paul said all student members of the Wind Ensemble were encouraged to invite their studio faculty members to join them in performing next to the students at the concert. He said he is excited to have the faculty members participate “as a celebration of the year of music-making.” Kevin Gebo, a trumpeter from the United States Army Band and professor at George Mason University, will be another featured soloist in the concert. Gebo has played concerts all across the United States and in other countries such as Canada, Austria, Australia and Germany. He is a Grammy-winning classical musician who has performed for multiple presidents.

He also performed at Pope Francis’s Papal Mass in the United States and was a guest performer on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” “It will be a great concert,” Worzbyt said. “All of our university band concerts are a celebration of the work that we do throughout the semester, and it is always a pleasure to share this work with the university community at large.” Paul also added that the recital “appears to be a fun concert, and we look forward to a good crowd.” Tickets for the concert are available online, by telephone at 724-357-1313 or at the Hadley Union Building box office. Regular tickets are $10, senior tickets are $8 and children and student tickets are $6.

If a room is full of people with headphones on, what do you hear?

(Photos by James Neuhausel)

STATIC (Student Activity Committee) hosted a Silent Party Saturday in the Hadley Union Building Ohio Room featuring DJ David (center) and DJ Kariim (right).

April 25, 2017

Culture

April 25, 2017

LGBTQIA community to hold art show with queer themes By LAITH ZURAIKAT Staff Writer Laith.Zuraikat@iup.edu

The LGBTQIA community will showcase an art exhibit from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday in Wallwork Hall G98. Throughout history, art has been used as a method and means for giving voice to the expressions, interests and stories of different groups. Many people have used art to share their personal experiences with the public, and there are numerous examples of art shows serving as vehicles for minority groups’ experiences. The upcoming Queer Art Showcase will serve a similar purpose for the IUP campus by providing members of the LGBTQIA community with an opportunity to share their personal experiences and creative works. Co-sponsored by IUP Pride Alliance, MASS, the Office of LG-

(Kelsea Oravic/ The Penn)

The Queer Art Showcase is at 2 p.m. Friday in Wallwork Hall G98.

BTQIA Support and the University Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, “this queer-themed art fest is a celebration of creative works and

open to anyone who would like to display their talents.” One of the driving members behind the showcase is Adam Clark (senior, sociology), who created

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the event with the hope of educating the campus community about the queer presence at IUP through the use of art. “I had the idea of showcasing queer students’ artwork as a way to create more visibility on campus,” Clark said. “I love art, and I am a musician. I also have many queeridentified friends that are amazing artists. Lisa Dunlap (senior, music) and I wanted to provide a space for students who are artists and queer. “We are lucky that MASS was kind enough to sponsor this event. Their donation allowed us to provide refreshments and prizes to students who submit art. Lisa and I also saw a need for more queer visibility in all forms on campus.” Any artists are welcome to participate in the showcase, as long as the art contains queer themes, as that is the only guideline for

the show. The LGBTQIA community has posted flyers around campus to ensure more participation. According to Clark, the event will be about more than just showcasing the artwork of these students, as students will also perform live music. In fact, the showcase serves as just one of the recent aspects of a campaign at IUP to help raise awareness and acceptance of the queer community. “Pride Alliance and the Office of LGBTQIA Support have been creating new policies and events to create visibility on campus,” Clark said. “These events include the new preferred first-name policy, the queer conversation workshops, diversity vigils [and] #pronounsmatteriup, the preferred pronoun campaign at IUP.” The show is free, and will feature a variety of art from 10 artists.

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April 25, 2017

Culture

Appreciate, don’t appropriate By ADJOA AGYEMAN AND VICTORIA ANN WAINAINA True Culture University

This article contains opinion. Looking back now, I am so surprised at how shallow kids were for making fun of me. Kenyan-born, I came to the United States when I was 7 years old. I thought I’d easily make friends with the kids that looked just like me, but this was a mistake. It all started in middle school when the teacher would call names out for attendance. I would literally cringe knowing my last name was about to be butchered, giving the class something to laugh about. Then the question comes: “Victoria, where are you from? Your name is so unique.” That opens the floor for all the jokes. “Do you guys wear clothes? Why do the kids on TV have such big stomachs and flies on their faces?”

(Wikimedia)

Women from Ghana danced at an event to raise community awareness about healthy behavior Jan. 11, 2012.

I would get questions about my complexion being light, since I was from Africa. I remember reading a book in class one day in which the female character did not have clothing. The kids in my class made

fun of me so much to the point I was in tears, and my mom came in to correct my teacher for not defending me. They called the city of Philadelphia the City of Brotherly Love.

Where? My middle school days were the worst, and now parts of my culture were embraced by the same people who taunted me. Growing up in the public school district in Philadelphia with the name Nana Adjoa Agyeman was hard for me, but without it, I would not be the strong, confident and culturally rooted young woman I am today. From being called (addjoe-A) to ahj-a, and correcting everyone each time reminded me to love my name, my culture and myself. I always got teased because my skin was too dark and because my hair was “nappy” by other little brown girls and boys who looked just like me and always wondered, “How are they different from me?” when, in fact, I came from the motherland: West Africa – Ghana, to be exact – where the Asante Tribe flourished in Kumasi and the Gas aspired their dreams in Accra.

Then I considered the history of black Americans that I had learned, a history of slavery and oppression, but those are not the stories of my ancestors. This was the story of their ancestors, those who are only rooted back to a cotton plantation in southern Georgia. My ancestors were not oppressed and forced into labor by white men. They were free, free to live life among others who looked just like them. On many occasions, my fellow classmates asked me if I walked down the roads accompanied by lions, or if clicking noises were a part of our language. Now, as a young, college-educated African female, I know that ignorance is not bliss. Once those become aware, not even knowledgeable, they try to cop your swag. But no; my rich, Ghanaian culture is not just any swag. It is me, my people and our richly rooted way of life. Read the rest of the story at TrueCultureUniversity.com

April 25, 2017

The Southern Belles are set to ring

The crow caws again

Culture

By SETH WOOLCOCK Lead Culture Writer S.M.Woolcock@iup.edu

The Southern Belles will be bringing its southern psychedelic rock ’n' roll to Indiana when it performs at The Brown Hotel this week. The performance is scheduled for 9 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday. The band was formed in November 2011 by its four original members. At the time, Adrian Ciucci (guitar and vocals), Tommy Booker (keys and vocals), Aaron Zarrow (drums) and Mikey Sellemi (bass) were just four best friends hanging out in their Richmond, Va., homes. “We have all been friends since we were kids, and all started playing instruments relatively young,” Ciucci said. “If you hang out long enough and drink enough beer, you are going to end up starting a band, so be careful, kids.” The Belles’ music is often described as elements of jazz, funk, country and rock ’n' roll all blended together.

(Facebook)

The Southern Belles is set to perform 9 p.m. Thursday at The Brown Hotel.

“We strive to write songs that take you somewhere,” Ciucci said. “There has to be a story, and that story has to be descriptive enough to take you along, but open enough for interpretation. The story has to be accompanied by music, and we work to make the music as descriptive as the story. Sometimes you’re happy and sometimes you’re not. That’s life.” The Belles have picked up steam of late, playing hundreds of shows each year for the last few years. They played at large festivals in summer 2015, including Lock’n and FloydFest. They have also played at large clubs, such as the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.

The Belles recorded its first album, “Sharp as a Knife,” at the Sound of Music studio. It released its second album there in 2015, titled “Close To Sunrise.” The band is now in the process of releasing its third studio album, “In the Middle Of The Night.” The album will also be released as a vinyl, which is something the band has wanted to do for a long time. “It sounds like we are going to have a hell of a party in an old hotel with the fine folks of Indiana,” Ciucci said. “Come check it out. Worst that happens, you hate it. Maybe you find something you like. Don’t be afraid of the word ‘southern’; we have good humor.”

(TNS)

Sheryl Crow released a new album, “Be Myself,” Friday, on which she collaborated with Jeff Trott.

S PO R T S IUP tennis team takes home

THE PENN

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

program’s first PSAC title By AMBER BAILEY Staff Writer

A.L.Bailey2@iup.edu

Saturday afternoon was a very special day for the IUP tennis team when, for the first time in the program’s history, it won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championships. Before the women took home the title, they had to first make it through the semifinal round against No. 1 seed West Chester University. The team did just that after defeating them, 5-0, earning IUP its seventh consecutive trip to the championship round. The victory began with an 8-1 win in doubles play after Sophie Butland (senior, exercise science) and partner Katya Minchenkova (freshman, undeclared business) defeated their opponent, giving up only one point along the way. Following their lead, Rachel Wood (senior, criminology) and Raquel Gonzalez (senior, business management) earned an 8-3 win. Finishing up doubles play was Jarka Peterkacova (senior, international business) and Luise von Agris (junior, international business) with an 8-4 victory. At No. 6 singles, Butland managed a double set (6-0, 6-1), while Wood was right behind her with a 6-2, 6-1 victory at the No. 5 spot. The semifinal win over West Chester was the sixth straight win for the team. On Saturday, the IUP nerves were palpable with so much on the line. A push was needed to stay above Mercyhurst University after

IUP took a slight 2-1 lead in doubles play. The only victories seen in doubles play came from the No. 2 and No. 3 spots. Unfortunately, top-ranked doubles team Petercakova and von Agris fell short to Mercyhurst’s top doubles duo, 8-4. Gonzalez and Wood picked things up and earned doubles points for the team after defeating their opponents, 8-5. After a close match from Butland and Minchenkova, they, too, secured a win of 7-6. As for singles play, von Agris avenged her doubles loss, moving the team’s lead higher to 3-1 after a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Butland added points shortly after von Agris with a win of 6-2, 6-0. At the No. 3 singles spot, Gonzalez defeated her opponent, 6-1, 6-4, earning the team the championship win it had worked so hard for. The title was netted with a final score of 5-2 over Mercyhurst. Wood was quick to put words to how the moment felt for her and her teammates. “It was honestly one of the best feelings I ever had,” she said. “We worked so hard for the last couple years, and this year. To finally come out on top was incredible.” Butland said the team doesn’t plan to stop here, as it is now headed to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Championships. “Our win in PSACs has given us all great amounts of confidence and brought us closer as a team,” she said. The team will find out its first opponent in the tournament at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

(IUP Athletics) The IUP tennis team secured the PSAC Championship with a 5-2 win over Mercyhurst University Saturday afternoon. The title is the program’s first conference championship.

(IUP Athletics) Luise von Agris (junior, international business) earned a huge win in her singles match for the Crimson Hawks in the championship match against Mercyhurst University.

April 25, 2017

Sports

April 25, 2017

Sports

IUP picks up three conference wins in pair of weekend doubleheaders By JARROD BROWNE Lead Sports Writer

J.W.Browne@iup.edu

The IUP softball team won three out of four conference games this past weekend. The Crimson Hawks opened the weekend by welcoming Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Central leading Bloomsburg University for a doubleheader. In Game 1, the Crimson Hawks sent Lauren Zola (sophomore, hospitality management) to the mound. After four innings, Zola allowed six runs and recorded five strikeouts. IUP then turned to Macy Mularski (freshman, nursing). Mularski allowed two runs in three innings. Offensively, Hannah Mercer (senior, marketing), who hit a threerun home run in the bottom of the ninth, led IUP. Despite the late-game effort, the Crimson Hawks still fell, 9-5. For Game 2, IUP went with Megan Risinger (junior, nursing) to pitch. Risinger recorded a complete game, allowing two runs and recording four strikeouts. Thanks to Risinger’s strong performance from the mound, the offense took a relaxed approach at the plate and only needed to score five runs to secure the victory. Kaitlyn Beers (freshman, criminology), Mackenna Miller (junior, kinesiology) and Mercer all batted in a run, while Zola batted in two for the Crimson Hawks in the 5-2 win. “It was a big win for us just

SOFTBALL

because we needed a win, but beating Bloomsburg was a big confidence-booster,” manager Bill Graham said. Although the Crimson Hawks did split the series, IUP was playing short-handed due to the amount of injuries on the team. “To beat a team like Bloomsburg with your third catcher and seventh outfielder is tough,” Graham said. “I was so proud of them for overcoming that adversity.” For the second series, the Crimson Hawks traveled to Clarion University to take on the Golden Eagles, who currently sit in last place of the PSAC Central. The Crimson Hawks swept the series, starting out with a 9-0 shutout win in Game 1. Zola, Mularski and Ashley Smith (junior, athletic training) all threw gems in the shutout effort. In Game 2, the Crimson Hawks earned another large victory despite losing going into the fourth inning. After a four-run inning, Risinger and Simone Sollisch (sophomore, fashion merchandising) limited Clarion to two runs and secured the 9-3 victory. Not only did the Crimson Hawks have a strong performance as a team this week, but Mercer was recognized as IUP’s Female Student-Athlete of the Week, PSAC Central Athlete of the Week and a PSAC Scholar Athlete. “It’s nice to see her get all the recognition after all the work she’s done,” Graham said. Moving forward, IUP will have the week off and wait until Friday, when they will finish off the season on the road with a doubleheader at Mansfield University and another doubleheader at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. With the most recent wins, IUP improves to 21-16 overall and 10-6 in the PSAC. The team is in third place in the PSAC Central division.

(James Neuhausel/ The Penn) Hannah Mercer (senior, marketing) was named IUP Female Athlete of the Week and PSAC Central Athlete of the Week. Mercer is leading the Crimson Hawks with a .377 batting average, a .403 on-base percentage and a .549 slugging percentage and is tied for the team lead in RBIs (19).

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April 25, 2017

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Classifieds

April 25, 2017

Sports

IUP baseball splits with Seton Hill By SARAH MOLTZ Staff Writer

S.J.Moltz@iup.edu

The IUP baseball team took two out of four games from PSAC opponent Seton Hill University Friday and Saturday. In the first doubleheader, the Crimson Hawks hosted Seton Hill and won, 9-8, but dropped Game 2, 6-3. Catcher Wes Carson (junior, criminology) was a combined 3 for 7 in the two games with a triple, home run, three RBIs and three runs scored. Right-fielder Nate Dickey (junior, criminology) also had a solid day, adding a double, two runs and an RBI against the Griffins. In the first game, Seton Hill held a 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning on three base hits. The Crimson Hawks put runs on the board with an RBI groundout from junior Ted DeSanti (criminology). Seton Hill took another lead in the top of the fourth, 7-5, before IUP tied the game on a solo home

VISIT: WWW.SKRENTALSIUP.COM FOR PHOTOS!

(IUP Athletics) Wes Carson (junior, criminology) was named IUP Male Athlete of the Week.

run from DeSanti and an RBI single from Dickey. Scott Hess (senior, safety science) then singled up the middle and two Crimson Hawks scored, winning the game, 9-8. Pitching in the first game was junior Dan Roan (sports management). Roan earned the win in relief after tossing 1.5 innings, striking out two and allowing only two hits. Roan is now 2-0 on the season. In Game 2, IUP took a 2-1 lead in the third inning on an RBI single from third baseman Dan Sepic (junior, hospitality management) that scored Cory Wheeler (junior,

exercise science). Seton Hill answered back with two RBI singles in the fourth and fifth innings, putting them ahead, 3-2. The game remained close throughout, but the Griffins scored a two-run single and an unearned run that pushed their lead to 6-2 before IUP scored one more late in the game, making it 6-3. Sophomore Colin Claus (health/ physical education) started on the mound for IUP in Game 2. He suffered the loss after pitching five innings while striking out six and allowing four runs. The Crimson Hawks then traveled to Greensburg Saturday afternoon for the final two games against Seton Hill. IUP won Game 3, 3-2, but lost Game 4, 5-4. Game 3 remained scoreless until the top of the fourth inning, when senior Matt Eperesi (accounting) singled home Carson for a 1-0 lead. The Griffins came back with two runs in the bottom half of the fourth to take a 2-1 lead. Redshirt

junior Anthony Rigous (accounting) hit a two-run home run to get IUP the win in the sixth. Carson scored two runs and had two walks. Rigous tacked on two RBIs and a run for the Crimson Hawks. Starting pitcher Mike Klingensmith (junior, exercise science) shined, throwing a complete game and earning the win. Klingensmith stuck out seven batters and allowed just two runs. Game 4 started with a quick 1-0 lead for Seton Hill. IUP answered back by tying the game on a wild pitch, which scored Wheeler in the top of the third. The Crimson Hawks tied the game once more in the fifth, 4-4. Sepic led off with a single, advancing to second on a bunt single from Hess. That followed with Sepic stealing third and Hess stealing second. Rigous then grounded into a double play that scored the tying run. However, the Griffins scored the winning run in the bottom of the fifth. Junior pitcher Christian McClure

(criminology) suffered the loss for IUP after pitching three-and-a-half innings in relief and striking out four. “We had an all-around awesome weekend of baseball against a very good team,” McClure said. “Every game could have completely changed with one swing of the bat, and our entire team contributed in every game. “Our pitching coach always tells us, ‘Bend, don’t break,’ in stressful situations. We definitely took his advice this weekend and kept our cool no matter how stressful the situation was.” The Crimson Hawks are now 15-21 overall and 11-9 in PSAC play. The Griffins improved to 26-15 overall and are also 11-9 in the PSAC. IUP is currently ranked fourth in the PSAC West division, jumping ahead of California University of Pennsylvania, which is now 10-10 in the conference. IUP travels to Lock Haven University for a non-conference doubleheader at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Sports

April 25, 2017