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NEWS

News Editor: Heather Bair – zzzx@iup.edu

IUP honor society recognized by national organization HEATHER BAIR News Editor zzzx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

An interdisciplinary national honor society from IUP has been one of 21 to be recognized by a national honor organization.

Phi Kappa Phi, which was founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, is one of the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor societies. IUP’s chapter was founded in 1993 and currently has 393 members. There are more than 1.5 million members across the U.S. The name itself comes from the Greek words that form the adopted motto, “Philosophia Krateito Photon,” which means “Let the love of learning rule humanity.”

The award that Phi Kappa Phi has been given is “The Circle of Excellence Platinum Honor.”

“The honor is given to chapters who scored a perfect 100 on a criteria scale that evaluates chapter health indicators,” IUP chapter President Shannon Phaneuf said.

“By receiving the Platinum distinction, the IUP chapter is recognized as a thriving organization that holds annual initiations, upholds the Society Bylaws, regularly attends chapter training opportunities and submits a chapter-endorsed nominee to the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Program.”

First-year graduates pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees across any academia are supported by the fellowship program.

The honor is not something that can be applied for or nominated for.

Instead, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recognizes outstanding chapters each year through its Circle of Excellence Award Program.

“The awards utilize data submitted by the chapter to the national office regarding yearly initiation efforts and chapter activities,” Phaneuf said. “Circle of Excellence Awards are determined annually by the national organization.”

The awards go in order of silver, gold and platinum, with platinum being the highest achievement. Phi Kappa Phi is one of the few to be

News

awarded the highest.

With the pandemic, the society has not been able to hold its events as normal. Instead, activities have been switched to virtual, but they vary year to year.

“Most recently, we’ve hosted study sessions for students taking graduate study entrance exams,” Phaneuf said. “We are planning to host another virtual study session this semester.”

Phi Kappa Phi also sponsored awards at IUP’s Scholar’s Forum and awards the Reynold’s Scholarship, which is given to the top senior undergraduate student member who plans to continue their education with post-graduate studies.

“The winner of this chapter-level award is forwarded to the national office of Phi Kappa Phi for additional fellowship consideration,” she said.

“Members also help organize and facilitate various service projects and the chapter’s annual induction ceremony.”

Phi Kappa Phi awards $1 million each year to outstanding chapters, institutions, members and students.

The society supports the education pursuits of its members, from $35,000 fellowships to $1,000 study abroad grants.

In 2019, IUP alumna Megan Travers (criminology and criminal justice) was the winner of the $8,500 fellowship award.

Members are also offered discounts and promotions with more than 25 corporate partnerships such as Dell, Geico and Lenovo.

“Phi Kappa Phi provides mem-

bers access to career and graduate school resources, as well as internship, leadership and networking,” Phaneuf said.

Students at IUP can join the honor society based on academic excellence, while alumni, faculty and staff are invited to join on scholarly distinction.

“All initiates must be of sound character,” Phaneuf said. “For undergraduates at IUP, the upper 10 percent of the senior class in each college and the upper 7.5 percent of the junior class in each college are eligible for election to membership.

“Among graduate students receiving degrees, the upper 10 percent are eligible.”

Along with students, a certain number of administrators, alumni, faculty and staff members may be elected each year.

“This rigorous selection process assures excellence in members and maintains the distinction of induction,” Phaneuf said.

Some notable people who were a part of Phi Kappa Phi are former President Jimmy Carter, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, former associate justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and author John Grisham.

Students can support Phi Kappa Phi by joining the honor society if they receive an invitation to do so.

“Eligible students can expect an email notification congratulating them on their nomination for induction,” Phaneuf said. “A formal invitation will be mailed to their permanent address within the next few weeks.”

By joining, students will become part of the global network of the best and brightest from all academic disciplines.

“Our Circle of Excellence Platinum Award puts IUP on the national stage as a thriving chapter that is dedicated to carrying out the mission of Phi Kappa Phi, which is promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.”

January 27, 2021

(Facebook) Phi Kappa Phi was recognized by a national honor organization and was one of 21 to be awarded.

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January 27, 2021

Earth without ‘art’ is just ‘eh’

News

IUP student awarded for volunteer work with library, arts JULIA ROBINS Staff Writer spxbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP An IUP student was nominated for a high title for volunteer work done in the past four years.

Kaitlyn Carey (senior, art education) was nominated as a “Person Who Made a Difference in the Susquehanna Valley” for her volunteer work at the Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library in Northumberland for the past four years.

Carey grew up in Northumberland, about four hours from IUP. She is currently student teaching close to there. She is also the co-president of IUP's Student Chapter of the National Art Education Association and the Secretary of IUP's TOST & Turned Drama Club.

President of the library’s board, John Deppen, nominated Carey and Brendon Strevig. Her and Strevig have known each other since third grade. Carey helped him get a job at the library working with her as an intern.

They are a “perfect team,” Carey said.

When the pandemic hit and the library had to close, Carey and Strevig started making videos together. Carey’s role was mostly in front of the camera while Strevig did behind-thescenes work with video editing.

"Because COVID-19 kept our library from offering its usual array of in-person programs, Kaitlyn and Brendon used their creativity and familiarity with internet technology to offer fun and instructive video presentations on several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube," Deppen told The Daily Item, a newspaper from Sunbury.

"These videos reached library patrons of all ages and allowed us to continue our programming in unexpected and entertaining ways,” he said. “It is no exaggeration to say that Brendon and Kaitlyn's efforts kept our library in the public eye at a time when other libraries were not even open to the public."

Aside from reading stories

Kaitlyn Carey (left) was awarded for the volunteer work she’s done at The Priestely-Forsyth Memorial Library (right). and teaching topics such as the weather, Carey also makes videos frequently dressed as Miss Frizzle from “The Magical School Bus,” and Strevig portrays Darth Vader from “Star Wars.”

“We have just as much fun making these videos as we hope that the kids do watching them at home,” Carey said. “And we hope that kind of reads through the camera that they can tell that we're having fun. It's not just like, ‘oh, we have to do this because it's our job.’ No, this is a good time, and we want you to have a good time, too.”

Carey also does many videos on her own. One of her most recent videos was a commercial for the Playaway Pre-Loaded Audiobooks, showing scenes of Carey attempting to read while doing various tasks like cooking dinner, driving, running and taking care of a baby.

“My director at the library came up to me, and he was like, ‘we need to push these Playaways because they never go out,’” Carey said. “‘And we just ordered like 10 more, and have them on this beautiful display in the front room. But nobody's taking them.’ So, I pulled my knowledge of infomercials [and] channeled my inner Billy Mays.

“I enlisted the help of the youth coordinator, Kim King, and

I was like, ‘I need you to hold the camera while I do these ridiculous things.’ There really wasn't a script. I was just kind of making it up as I went. And then I put them together in a video, took out the sound and then did a voiceover.”

Carey includes tidbits of safety procedures for COVID-19 in most of her videos. In addition to almost always wearing a mask, she shows herself putting books she touched in a special container that indicates they need to be cleaned before being touched again.

“Normally, you browse, and you pull a book off the shelf,” Carey said. “You look at it. If you do not like it, you put it back.

This time, you cannot put it back on the shelf because you touched it. And we do not want to expose everybody else to your

germs, even if you're healthy. We just want to be safe. So, we have these buckets sitting up there, and we do have signs on them.”

One of Carey’s biggest memories in her childhood is being at the “Creation Station” in the library with her brother.

“My brother and I would sit there after school for two hours until the library was about to close,” Carey said. “And we would just create. We would write stories; we would draw pictures. And King, who I currently work with, would hang them up on the wall, and she just made us feel so important and [that] we were the most creative kids that came into the library.”

When the quarantine started last March, Carey heard from parents, students and teachers that they were struggling. Art, music and other special classes were pushed aside in remote learning so students could focus on their math and reading assignments.

While still working on her coursework for IUP, she created a website, lesson plans and recorded tutorials for her virtual pre-K through 12th grade art class called “Art with Miss Carey.”

“I wanted to come up with a way to engage local students or students from afar with a website,” Carey said. “It was really made out of the want to do

(Facebook)

something during the start of this pandemic when everybody was panicking, and they didn't know what to do. “[Families] were able to do these cool art projects that were also not just fun to make, but educational, and that could hold up to the same standards that I would use in a regular lesson plan in the classroom.

Kind of what I wanted to do is bring the families together.”

Her future goal of teaching elementary art was influenced by the teachings of Christina Landau, her elementary school art teacher. When Carey was in high school, she returned to Landau for more lessons.

“She was really the person that got me interested in art,” Carey said. “We did some fun cultural projects. She made learning the basics of color theory super fun. I just love that she was just a normal person, not the stiff teacher that you are so used to seeing. My goal is to emulate her as much as I possibly can and everything that I teach.”

She also sells some of her artwork on RedBubble, mostly being mediums of acrylic, digital painting, graphite, polymer clay or oil paint.

Her artwork ranges from ceramics, children’s graphics, earrings and serious pieces.

“I believe it is important for me to exist both as an artist and an art educator, and to find the balance between the two,” Carey said.

January 27, 2021

News

5

President Joe Biden offers graduating seniors sigh of relief with order HEATHER BAIR News Editor zzzx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP President Joe Biden extended the order from former President Donald Trump concerning student loan payments.

With the inauguration of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Jan. 20, news came the same day that Biden would be extending the federal student loan payment date to the end of September. This would include current and former students. Because of this, interest will not accumulate during this time.

The student loan moratorium was supposed to end Dec. 31, however in December, Trump announced that it would be extended to Jan. 31. For students graduating this year, it was like a pendulum hanging over their heads.

Some felt relieved that they would have an extra month while others felt the anxiety of loans

(Facebook) President Joe Biden signed executive orders his first day in office. weighing over their heads.

This especially caused stress and anxiety among seniors graduating in 2021.

This means that the freeze on student loans will continue to be in effect, according to Forbes. In a Jan. 20 article, Biden was said to have extended the loans until Sept. 30.

Seniors at IUP are relieved that

they will not have to worry about student loans, for a few more months, at least.

“I find him extending the student loan payment to be quite relieving, especially in these times,” Hannah Duminske (senior, psychology) said.

Most students share Duminske’s feeling of relief.

“I think this is a good thing,”

Dawn Dilliot (senior, fine arts) said.

“I’m hoping he will do more to reduce our student loans in general. The crisis has been an issue with young people for a long time, especially now since we’re graduating, and there are significantly less jobs.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last spring, thousands of people lost their jobs, which resulted in money concerns. Many began working from home but had to pick up a second job in order to be able to save some money.

“It’s nice because now I have a bit longer to get on my feet and feel more secure financially, which is definitely needed,” Duminske said.

It’s a way for Biden to show students that he is behind them, supports them fully and wants to help them any way possible.

“I think it’s important [that it was extended],” Ellen Dusbiber (senior, human development, fashion and interior design) said. “We are living in uncertain times right now, and it seems as though things are still

getting worse. People are losing jobs and struggling to make money.”

Students were among the population that lost jobs, especially with businesses closing due to the pandemic.

“I lost my job, and I don’t get stimulus,” Dusbiber said. “Money is a struggle.

“I think extending the dates would be really important for a lot of people struggling to make payments right now.”

Biden has also signed other executive orders in his first few days, including halting funding on Trump’s border wall, building up COVID-19 vaccination supplies, reversing the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority African countries and imposing a mask mandate on federal property, to name a few.

You can find the full list of Biden’s executive orders on CNN. IUP’s financial aid office can help students who have questions pertaining to their loans.

They can be contacted at financial-aid@iup.edu.

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January 27, 2021

News

IUP receives funding for combating sexual assault on campus HEATHER BAIR News Editor zzzx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP IUP received funding for a campaign used to combat sexual assault on college campuses and help with inclusivity among minority groups.

The $30,000 given to “It’s On Us PA” came through Gov. Tom Wolf’s initiative to “help combat campus sexual assault through a Community Bystander Intervention program,” according to a Jan. 5 news release from IUP. IUP received the funding in 2016, 2018 and again in 2019.

“This funding will help us continue the work that has been happening with the grant itself,” said Tedd Cogar, senior assessment coordinator and LGBTQIA support and deputy Title IX coordinator at IUP. The grant allows for more ways to show that IUP cares about minorities, especially the LGBTQIA community. This includes being able to provide a rainbow on the crosswalks, which is a way of showing the institution cares about the population and allows us to paint a small portion of campus, Cogar said.

“In addition, we can now add a flagpole near the Multicultural Center for Student Leadership (MSCL) on which we can fly the Philadelphia Pride Flag constantly,” Cogar said.

The Philadelphia Pride Flag has the usual six rainbow stripes with a black and a brown stripe at the top to be more inclusive of Black and other people of color in the LGBTQIA community.

Students have also been asking for gender-neutral bathrooms across campus. A part of the money will go toward advertising gender neutral bathrooms as well as having an interactive map that shows where all the gender-neutral restrooms are located on campus.

“Students from the LGBTQIA community come to IUP, and not only have they not seen the Pride flag around campus,” Cogar said, “but they don’t know where gender neutral restrooms are located around campus.”

“We’re thinking of placing something like a map at the entrance of each building to show where they’re located around campus,” Cogar said. “This way, if you’re a student in class in Stouffer Hall, you can find another bathroom on that end of the campus.”

(Facebook) IUP’s Haven Project is available for support and counseling.

Another event that occurred in the fall was a sponsored walk around campus. The walk was led

by Dr. Elise Glenn and sponsored by the Office of Social Equity and Title IX, with which Glenn is the chief diversity and inclusion officer, as well as the Title IX coordinator.

“The idea came from one of the GBTL commission members, Dr. Jonathan Warnoff,” Glenn said.

“He was chair of the commission at the time. He said, ‘you walk around campus as a gay person and you don’t see anything that makes you feel at home. It’s not a big thing, but a constant reminder that you’re different.’

“I thought, well, let’s fix that,” she said. “It shouldn’t be that hard.”

The use for the funding was thought of by looking through the lens of students who feel marginalized for other reasons, as well.

Two different walking groups met with students of color and students from the LGBTQIA community. They walked around campus and, with their perspective, the changes that needed to be made were put into a word document and submitted to the cabinet to see what changes could be made.

“There are little things someone on this campus can resonate with,” Glenn said. “Those things can be a welcoming message and work alongside with what Tedd is doing.”

One of the things the funding was used for last year was to focus on news reporting and having peer educators available.

“About a year ago,” Glenn said, “we brought in speaker Kyle Richard. He came in February and spoke to over 700 students at IUP about bystander intervention.”

Richard, an award-winning sexu-

al violence prevention and positive manhood activist was at a college party when he witnessed a sexual assault taking place. He intervened and was shot in the leg, abruptly ending his football career.

“Part of our focus,” Glenn said, “is to reach men. They need to be a part of the solution. They have special leverage with their friends to say something isn’t cool or they shouldn’t be doing that.”

It’s important that every population available is reached and taught about bystander intervention, she said.

The grant also went toward GreenDot Training, in which someone is trained in a violence prevention program and are created to help the trainee be equipped with the correct ways to intervene and help others intervene when they see a sexual assault happening around campus.

“The grant allowed me to be GreenDot trained,” Cogar said.

“This means that I can help other communities and train them. I also work with the Haven Project, who

are GreenDot trained as well.”

Through the funding, events like Take Back the Night (TBTN) have been able to happen. TBTN is a group walk through campus that occurs to spread awareness about sexual assault. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the walk was unable to happen in 2020, but other events are being thought of to take place instead.

“The most important thing is resources,” Glenn said. “When you go through a sexual assault or misconduct, you can’t deal with life. You can’t go to class; you can’t finish work. You’re depressed, overwhelmed, anxious. We help you work through that. We work with your dean to help you in your classes, and we work with getting you into the counseling center to talk through things.”

Sexual assault can mean possibly an extra semester, academic support and even retakes on academic projects and events needed to graduate.

“The most important thing is that we help you achieve those goals you need in order to get those degrees,” Glenn said. “Sexual assault can derail that. We get you back on track.”

The best way to help someone who’s been a victim of sexual assault is to report to Title IX. They offer support to students in the moment to get them the help they need to deal with the process. Although if the assault happens off-campus, for example in a fraternity house, then there is a different way of processing that, but Title IX is still there to support students, Glenn said.

“Whether the sexual assault happened in Indiana or 600 miles away, we’re here to help,” she said.

Title IX can also help the victim get to a safe place and talk with someone, whether it’s in person, virtual or by phone. The latter two might not give the same comfort as being in person, but it is the support for the person.

“Even if someone just needs somebody to talk to,” Glenn said, “that’s why we’re here. They always have control of the train. We don’t push anything. We’re happy to speak and talk with anybody about a situation and answer any questions.”

Part of the award the grant allows is for Cogar and Glenn to have closer conversations with students who may never report something because of additional stigmas, their identities.

“What we’re wanting to do is reach out in a greater way and have those additional connections with students that will allow students to say, ‘OK, so I do trust the administration and the individuals who care about me but haven’t shown it.’ This is a way of showing that,” Cogar said.

To report a sexual assault, harassment or misconduct, at the bottom of every IUP web page is an “Incident Concern Option.”

Students can report any kind of problem there, no matter what it is, and Glenn will almost automatically respond, within 24 hours.

“We have confidential resources on campus,” Glenn said. “But when you report to Title IX, it is not confidential. We don’t tell anyone, but we are obligated to reach out to a person if we see a pattern developing. We move ahead with a certain type of action toward that person.”

A confidential way of speaking with someone is through The Haven Project or the counseling center, if there is something just needing talked about, but not addressed.

“The process of speaking out can be very healing,” Glenn said.

“It is holding someone accountable and taking them through due process. Making the other person accountable for their actions is therapeutic and can really help in the long run.”

Helpful Contacts Title ix

social-equity@iup.edu (724) 357-3402

the haven project

haven-project@iup.edu (724) 357-3947

iup police

(724) 357-2141

elise glenn

eglenn@iup.edu

tedd cogar

tcogar@iup.edu

News

January 27, 2021

7

Opinion

Why the perfect physique does not exist Humans’ idea of perfection has heightened since the pandemic began.

Before COVID-19 hit, it seemed the younger people spend the majority of their time on social media. Whether it was for personal or professional use, social media played a big role in our life.

Since the pandemic, humans have been spending more and more of their time on social media. With nowhere to really go and nothing to really do, it’s how most of us are communicating and spending time.

Whether it’s scrolling through TikTok or Instagram or getting into arguments on Facebook or even following disputes on Twitter, humans can get sucked into a social media frenzy. It’s our go-to when we’re bored or there’s nothing to do. Next thing you know, you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole of different illusions.

Before COVID-19 hit, humans spend many hours on social media, but since then, virtual reality seems to be in the uprise.

And with that, the perfect image seems to be making a comeback.

Despite body positivity making rounds throughout social media, the hunt for the perfect image is still out there. Granted, it’s not as bad as it used to be. However, girls are still shown the perfect, stick-thin body with long hair and not a single mark of acne on their face. Guys are shown the six-pack, wavy hair and “tall, dark and handsome” model that they’re “supposed” to be.

Quarantine has not helped this matter. Since the beginning of quarantine, there have been a lot of “Quarantine Exercises” to do that aren’t exactly body friendly.

Still, despite the body positivity and “loving yourself before others,” social media is the shark-infested waters it used to be.

Does that make all social media bad? Of course not. But with being stuck at home with nothing to do but stare at the “perfect body,” this can lead to more negative mental health than before.

Staring at the unrealistic,

8

(Mirror) Ken and Barbie have been considered to be the standard when it comes to body image, but that is not true. model bodies that are plastered everywhere can start negative thoughts about yourself. Since quarantine, people have been wanting ways to get even more healthy just to have something to do. There is more staying fit through exercise and eating right, people seem to be more vocal about their emotions and more showing of affection.

There is no such thing as the perfect body. The Barbie Doll isn’t even perfect. If you put her measurements to those of a normal human being, they would make Barbie look like a monster.

And yet, the perfect image is still trying to be obtained even though barely anybody will see it nowadays.

Women are expected to mirror Barbie while men are expected to mirror Ken, Barbie’s equally disproportionate male counterpart.

Ken is always featured with a six-pack, beach-blonde hair or dark, wavy hair with a tan, as well as muscles galore.

However, the typical man doesn’t look like this. Like Barbie’s dimensions, Ken’s would be

demonstrative compared with that of a regular human male.

Even though there is a pan-

January 27, 2021

finding ways to hang out with loved ones. We all want to look our best. Therefore, to some people, their best is achieving the perfect body.

You know how to obtain the perfect body? Smile. Laugh. Tell your friends how much you love them. Spend time with loved ones on Zoom. Remind yourself that, no matter what, those people you love, love you too.

The perfect body may not exist.

Perfection doesn’t exist. But the theory of perfection? Quite possibly.

Ignore the perfection posts on Instagram and Facebook. Go for a walk. Get some air. Take time away from social media. Read a book, watch your favorite movie, listen to the album that makes you get up and dance.

Society’s definition of perfection is never going to be achieved. But your own definition? The easiest thing to have.

demic going on, people are still going out to bars and restaurants, still having parties and

Opinion

Culture

Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown – tbfx@iup.edu

Waller Hall, one of the halls of the Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance, plans to reopen and host events.

(Natalie Stanton/The Penn)

The show must go on

IUP’s performing arts plan to reopen this semester HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP The IUP Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance’s season began with the opening of a University Museum exhibit featuring Ned Wert’s work Tuesday.

The exhibit will run through March 20.

Despite restrictions, the season will feature plenty of events for performance enthusiasts of all tastes. The semester’s events will include a performance from the Shana Simmons Dance Company, an IUP Dance Theater and Percussion Ensemble collaboration.

“One company performing at IUP is the Shana Simmons Dance Company,” said Holly Boda-Sutton, director of IUP Dance Theater and a dance professor.

“They will be doing outdoor site-specific performance[s] around the IUP campus to allow for audiences with greater COVID-19 safety.”

Boda-Sutton said that the IUP Dance Theater would be collaborating with the Shana Simmons Dance Company all semester on a performance piece that the company will include during the outdoor shows.

Culture

There will also be a collaboration between the IUP Percussion Ensemble and the IUP Dance Theater. The collaboration will include the recreation of eight previously performed works. The works were chosen from the productions from the last 15 years.

Boda-Sutton explained that the pieces chosen to be recreated were some of the favorite pieces of both Boda-Sutton and Michael Kingan, the director of the IUP Percussion Ensemble.

The event is called “An Evening of Dance and Percussion” and will take place at 7 p.m.

March 27 virtually.

“I’m looking forward to serving as house manager for this spring’s Theater by the Grove productions of the play ‘Perfect Arrangement’ and the musical ‘Ordinary Days,’” Kyle Chastulik (senior, vocal performance) said.

“The house manager usually heads front-of-house operations, including gathering volunteer ushers and ensuring the safety and comfort of patrons. Much like the performances, this position may look a bit different this semester.”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most of the performances will take place virtually, which, of course, comes with its

drawbacks, but also brings a few perks with it.

“It’s interesting to watch streamed theater productions, as it provides a more intimate viewing experience like that of a movie,” Chastulik said.

Chastulik went on to note that the most obvious difference in performances since the pandemic began was the necessity of mask-wearing and the effect that it has on performers. Masks can hinder performers’ abilities to project their voice, and the shape of a mask can negatively affect performances involving singing, while the challenge of matching the masks to costumes is a new one problem to workshop.

Not only does the need for masks invite new challenges to the physical stage itself, but the virtual presentation of a theater event can cause a sort of disconnect from an audience and a performer.

It may seem like a small issue to those who have never taken to the stage before, but the energy exchange between audience and performer at live events is one of the most motivating, uplifting, and energizing aspects of being a part of a performance.

“Performing to virtual audiences as opposed to live audiences

January 27, 2021

absolutely has a different feel and challenge for the dancers and percussionists,” Boda-Sutton said.

“When performing to live audiences, there is an energy coming from the audience the performers can feel. There is also a recognized and felt connection and engagement between the performers and the audience.

“When performing to a camera for a virtual audience, that energy and engagement are physically missing from the performance environment and must be created in the performers’ minds so that the connection with the camera has that energy and engagement present.”

Not only do professors address this change in connection between audience and cast, but theater, dance and performance students are feeling the loss of in-person momentum that the streaming formats are causing and are not loving the results.

“Performing virtually is definitely a big adjustment,” Chastulik said. “Having done a few performances in various formats since the start of the pandemic, there are many aspects of live performance that I miss.

“Without response from a live, in-person audience, the performances may be differently paced.”

Despite the challenges that the IUP arts departments are facing once again this semester, with COVID-19 still running rampant, arts students are staying positive and recognizing the leadership and encouragement from IUP arts faculty and staff.

“I think IUP theater faculty are doing the best they can to carry out classes and productions in a safe way,” Chastulik said. “Faculty have been very understanding of the needs of individual students who may not be in Indiana or are hesitant to participate in in-person events due to the pandemic.”

Chastulik went on to express that IUP’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance and the music department are defined by “hardworking and knowledgeable faculty” while also being shaped by the “devotion of their students.”

Not only have the IUP arts departments been under fire as of late because of IUP’s retrenchment plans, but they have also been hit hard by the pandemic.

However, the arts departments’ response to these challenges has been a promising one, and they continue to provide the best education and best college experience for their students and their audience members alike.

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January 27, 2021

Culture

Grab your popcorn and take your seat IUP alumni release new book discussing the movies AMARI WALKER Staff Writer jqtbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Two IUP journalism and public relations alumni and former Editor in chiefs of The Penn have written a book about the importance of movie theaters.

Cody Benjamin and Chris Hayes published “What About the Movies?” last spring. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Benjamin and Hayes have taken another pass at the idea, specifically addressing the apparent fall of physical theaters amidst stay-at-home orders and more and more films being released solely online.

This new book, “Why We Need the Movies,” addresses why they believe that theaters won’t go anywhere after quarantine.

At the movie theater, everyone sticks their hands into the most buttery, delicious popcorn ever while enjoying the newest upcoming movies. Movie theaters have been known to be inclusive in many com-

(Twitter) “Why We Need The Movies” discusses the value of the theater. munities by causing so many people to laugh, cry, and jump at the films played on their big screens.

Benjamin and Hayes were inspired to write a book about these nostalgic moments spent at the movies.

Benjamin’s earliest memory at the movie theater was watching “Thomas the Tank Engine” with his mom. He was excited about the

movie and went to tell his mom about a particular scene.

“I turned to my side and was in shock to see that my mom had fallen asleep,” Benjamin said. He believed that his mom just was not as excited as he was about Thomas.

As time passed, movies were starting to be streamed. Streaming must be supported by an Internet connection to allow media titles

and broadcasts to be played. As streaming became more known, the relevance of movie theatres was questioned.

Movie theaters have brought communities together. Movie theaters have also provided a place where you can enjoy a movie on big screen with your family, along with multiple families in the same room.

They are filled with moments of laughter, crying, along with enjoying some of your favorite snacks.

While working as a staff writer for CBS Sports, Benjamin began working with another journalism alumnus, Chris Hayes, a content specialist for the Pipitone Group. The duo began working on “What About the Movies?” in 2019.

The process involved interviewing theater owners, producers and eventually led to the CEO of Cinemark.

“Owners of movie theaters are still optimistic,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin also believes that movie theatres are more relevant than ever because it provides a fun experience for everyone to enjoy.

Through their interviewing people, Benjamin and Hayes discovered that there was an increase in attendance at drive-in theaters during the pandemic.

“The surge of drive-ins shows the desire for an out-of-the-house experience,” Benjamin said.

After conducting and compiling all of their research, they finished the book in March 2020. However, the pandemic began shutting everything down after Benjamin’s book signing.

“Why We Need the Movies” will be filled with a collection of nonfictional essays. There are essays on topics like the price of movie theater popcorn and the effectiveness on society.

“Each essay collects a real-life reaction,” Benjamin said.

As of right now, if you are interested in reading “Why We Need the Movies: Especially in a Post-Pandemic World of Screens, Streams and Smartphones,” you can pre-order it on Amazon’s Kindle for $4.99 or get a paperback version for $12.95.

Students feel ready for classes after syllabus week EVA TILLICH Staff Writer jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Syllabus week is over, and now classes are truly beginning.

However, will this semester prove to be harder than first semester, or will it end of being a breeze for students?

Syllabus week includes going over rules and classroom, or Zoom, procedures and getting to know peers and the professor. This week is typically easy-going and laidback, but once classes begin, the pressure is back on.

“Currently, I feel pretty prepared for classes,” Bridget Gardner (freshman, environmental engineering) said. “I am trying my best to keep a schedule and stay on top of my work.”

Staying on top of schoolwork is a great way to prepare for this semester. Starting off the semester organized is key for success.

For Gardner, classes this semester seem to be about the same lev-

not seen before. I think that I will manage and do well.”

Because classes are still remote and are using distance education, students feel like this semester is more manageable than the first semester. All of the challenges that students encountered are things that they worked through on their own and know how to handle now.

The class that Gomez is excited for is Spanish.

(Natalie Stanton/The Penn) Since classes are on Zoom again this spring, students feel ready. el of difficulty. Because classes were online last semester, this semester will not be something new.

“Most of my professors are working hard to make it go as seamlessly as possible,” Gardner said.

Gardner is excited for classes, though. She is most excited for her calculus and English classes this semester.

“I really enjoy both of these subjects, and they are taught using lots

of discussion,” Gardner said. ”It is more interactive than a lecture.”

Like Gardner, Kendall Gomez (freshman, international studies) said she, too, is not only prepared but excited for her classes as well.

“It is pretty much the same routine as last semester, so I will not have to adjust anything new,” Gomez said. “I do not think that this semester will present any new challenges or things that I have

“I love being able to practice and improve my Spanish,” Gomez said. “I am also excited about

the professor that is teaching this course. I feel like I will learn a lot from this class.”

Being excited and looking forward to classes will definitely add to students’ preparedness.

“I am definitely prepared for classes now after doing online classes entirely in my first semester at IUP,” Evan Orr (junior, actuarial mathematics) said. “It was a difficult transition as a transfer student, but I am ready for what is ahead of me.”

Orr also feel like he can tackle any chances due the distance education set up of the first semester.

“I am used to receiving lectures or homework from different platforms now,” Orr said. “However, it is about the same when it comes too learning the material and preparing for exams.

Orr said that he is excited for all of his classes because he gets to meet new professors, peers, and even see some familiar friends along the along. Orr also looks forward to making some new friends in addition.

Culture

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January 27, 2021

‘Hospital Playlist ’ does not play into medical stereotypes

The Clarks

Small town to big stage

CAIO GOMES Staff Writer hysbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Medical drama is not a new concept to television, and neither is musical drama; however, “Hospital Playlist” innovates by mashing both concepts together.

The story follows five doctors who have been best friends since they were college students because of their shared love for music. Such passion led them to form a band as a hobby. This portrayal of health care students as more laid-back was received with positivity, as it broke the stereotype that nursing and pre-med majors are generally cold and more serious than everyone else.

“I am an extrovert and love meeting and talking to new people, yet I am a nursing student,” Tatiana Cleffi (freshman, nursing) said. “I think it’s important to remember that health care students are just like any other students and we have interests apart from our majors.”

What makes “Hospital Playlist” different from other medical dramas is that the show does little to portray “the lives of doctors,” but instead it tells the lives of commonfolk who happen to be doctors. When watching the drama, you will quickly switch back and forth between “oh my god that’s me” to “oh my I don’t know how I’d go through this.”

The characters are relatable and will remind you of your own friend groups, but at the same time they will make you empathize with health care workers, as they face hardships that people working in different areas do not deal with. One example of that is the character of Lee Ik-Jun (Jo Jung-Suk), an emergency surgeon who is first presented to the public as the goofy friend that brightens the mood, but throughout the series reveals to have a more serious personality and to use humor to cope with being in an environment that can be very negative.

“I believe that every medical student feels the pressure of their own track of choosing” John Kroh (freshman, biology/pre-med) said.

(Wikimedia Commons) The Clarks’ music is heavily influenced by Pittsburgh.

LANE LANNAN Contributing Writer ffpcc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

(Facebook) “Hospital Playlist,” a Korean drama, aired on Netflix in 2020.

“Medical dramas we mainly see surgeons [but] if you care about human life, then you should be a little nervous about their life being in your hands.”

Throughout the drama the viewer gets a couple of glimpses of their lives as students, which can be slightly confusing to an American viewer, who might find it strange that they are in medical school at the same time as they are in their undergrad years. This is due to the fact that in most parts of the world (including South Korea, where the drama takes place), medicine is not a graduate degree.

While here in the U.S., a student would get an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry or any pre-med and would apply to a graduate-level medical school only after graduating college, in most parts of the world high school graduates apply to medical programs and go through eight years of only one program.

Throughout these eight years, the students rotate between learning medical theory, studying the gen-eds and completing their residency. At the end of these years, the student receives a medical degree, which is not considered a “grad diploma” but is higher than a regular bachelor’s and grants the honorary title of Doctor.

“I find it conflicting that in some countries you can become a doctor in a few years, but in America,

it’s at least 10 years” Madison Reddick (freshman, biology/pre-med) said. “While you want to know that your doctor is completely trained, if the process was shorter it wouldn’t be so unappealing.”

Despite focusing in making its “hospital” side realistic, the drama also crafted the “playlist” side very carefully. Composed of remakes of songs that were popular when the characters were in school (the drama takes place in modern times, meaning they were college students in the early 2000s) as well as songs composed especially for the drama, the “Hospital Playlist” Original Soundtrack (OST) rejoiced commercial and critical success.

While six out of the 12 songs present in the OST were nominated for “Best OST” at the Seoul Music Awards, which is set to take place Jan. 31, the biggest star has been Jo Jung-Suk’s rendition of “Aloha.” The song achieved the “All-Kill” status after topping all major charts in South Korea, won “Best OST” at four major award shows and even notched a nomination for Song of Year at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

Because of its great portrayal of a doctor’s life, college friendships and wonderful soundtrack, the drama gained popularity and was the eighth most watched drama by a non-public broadcast company in Korean history. A well-deserved success.

While one would not assume that a small-town school would have much to offer, IUP proves this wrong with the hidden gem, The Clarks.

The Clarks, made up of Rob James, ‘87; Greg Joseph, ‘85; Scott Blasey, ‘87; and Dave Minarik, ‘88, came together during their time at IUP in 1986. While The Clarks don’t have the biggest following, their local fans are passionate and loyal.

“I like the sound of The Clarks,” Kendall Gomez (freshman, international studies) said. “There’s a lot of references to Pittsburgh, so it’s like bringing the city with me.”

Gomez said that the music of The Clarks is nostalgic and brings back many good memories, namely from having listened to the band for her whole life, but also from seeing them perform live multiple times.

“My favorite song by The Clarks changes a lot, but currently it is ‘Apartment Song,’” Gomez said.

This choice is a popular one with fans. Additionally, it is featured on a compilation album released in 2005 called “Between Now and Then.”

The band has a very strong following in the Pittsburgh area. Because of their location and attitude towards the city, this contributes to the style and to the way in which the music sounds. Also, Pittsburgh has influenced how the lyrics are written and what they are about.

“The guitar is easily the best part of the song,” Olivia Wanat (freshman, history) said. “It makes a good base for the song, and

its solos are a great peak of the song.”

Wanat also said that the lyrics, while not often being the most direct and poignant, are still able to convey the emotion and meaning that the writer had in mind for them.

Wanat said that the song “Cigarette” is her favorite song of theirs.

She described the song as being very catchy and easy to listen to.

According to Sam Shelenberger (freshman, music education), the style of the music also has a nice feel that works to accompany the catchy and well-written lyrics.

“Their music is very stylistically rock, but it has a lot of elements from folk music thrown in,” Shelenberger said. “It has a nice blend and kind of makes a softer style of music.”

Despite these positive receptions from people in and around the Pittsburgh area, there is still the mystery of why The Clarks have not reached much national fame. According to an article from Forbes magazine, written

by Charles Taylor, there may be some reasons as to why this is.

“Overall, music industry revenues have declined by nearly half of its peak size,” Taylor, a senior contributor to Forbes, said.

Despite these hardships in the music industry, The Clarks seem to be able to overcome them with the help of their dedicated fans. Collectively, the band has sold more than 500,000 albums in their 30-year career and has amassed a rather large 10 million Spotify plays.

So, if you are looking for some fun, classic Pennsylvanian rock and roll, stream The Clarks.

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January 27, 2021

Culture

Students are connecting with just a click

How social media has helped staying connected to love ones during pandemic EVA TILLICH Staff Writer jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Seeing friends and family has been hard considering the need to stay distant during the COVID-19 pandemic, but social media has been uniting people.

The internet and social platforms have become a way for individuals to connect during these challenging times. Apps like Snapchat, TikTok and Twitter are just a few of numerous mobile platforms that have increased in popularity since the beginning of the quarantine.

“Throughout the pandemic, social media was the one thing that could bring everyone together and make no distance [between us while we social distanced],” Hannah Roth (freshman, anthropology) said.

Social media has made people not only feel more connected but more informed as well. The many social platforms have spread information about politics, health and wellness, beauty and more.

Mariah Mauser (freshman, music education) said social media helped her feel closer to her loved ones and more educated about what is happening in the world.

“Social media has helped me stay connected to those I care

Social media platforms like Snapchat (left) and TikTok (right) have experienced an increase of users in recent months. about,” Thomas Valcukas (freshman, biology) said, “I don’t think I could have lived without it since my friends and I were not able to see each in person for quite a while.”

To keep users involved, several apps have released more content and different features during the past months. Snapchat added the spotlight features which showcases popular stories and clips. TikTok has been expanding in terms of creators and content.

Apps like these have become favorites during the pandemic. Many elements, like instant connection, have been a positive for people.

“I really enjoyed Snapchat and TikTok over quarantine,” Roth said.

“TikTok is such a large platform with so much knowledge, art, information, comedy and creation.

TikTok almost acts as a platform for cultural renaissance for our generation.”

“My favorite platform is TikTok,” Mauser said.

She likes it the most because of the multiple forms of entertainment and people.

TikTok users have been naming similar videos as different kinds of pages. There is dance TikTok, beauty TikTok and even frog TikTok. “My favorite platform is Instagram,” Valcukas said.

Social media has affected

society for better and for worse.

While social media has many good benefits, there can be negatives such as misinformation and toxic communication.

“The impact can be both good and bad,” Mauser said.

Recognizing that something with so many benefits can have negative effects is important.

“Social media could bring darkness,” Roth said. “The trends we become exposed to, the expectations of beauty to adhere to and the darkness of the entire country and globe can easily be overwhelming but balancing what we absorb helps.”

Taking a break from social media

(Facebook)

and processing the information users see is necessary. Users must be cautious and weary of some of the content. Furthermore, doing independent research should be considered when statements are being presented as fact.

“It is obvious that social media has affected society both negatively and positively,” Valcukas said.

“However, I would say that the positives outweigh the negatives.”

Social media is a good thing for keeping people interconnecting and making the world a smaller place but like anything, usage should be within moderation, and individuals should recognize when they need to step away.

MSCLE helps students “Warm Up” to organizations AMARI WALKER Staff Writer jqtbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP The Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement (MSCLE) kicked off its annual Winter Warm-Up on Monday.

Every year, MCSLE is in charge of hosting the Winter Warm-Up. As of right now, there will be more than 70 different organizations available to interact with students via Zoom.

This year’s annual Winter Warm-Up will not be hosted in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex (KCAC). Instead, organizations will post one- to three-minutelong videos on Flipgrid throughout the week. The schedule can be found on IUP’s Crimson Connect website.

“I don’t think more people will attend since it is [online],” Thomas Valcuckas (freshman, biology) said.

“I personally feel that you don’t get

the connections to the members of the organizations.”

Through Crimson Connect, students can view a list of all the organizations and upcoming events that will be hosted by them. Also, students will be able to meet with MCSLE’s staff along with student leaders.

This week started with a meeting Monday in which students were free to ask any questions about how to become involved. Monday’s meeting was followed up by a meeting with all fraternities and sororities at IUP on Tuesday. On Wednesday, students interested in leadership organizations and opportunities will be able to ask questions, while Thursday will be reserved for those interested in sports. Lastly, Friday will close the Winter Warm-Up week and will be a day open for general questions.

Joining organizations is a great opportunity to boost resumes and to gain experience for your

(IUP) MSCLE hosts many events to get students involved on campus. future career path. They also may be a great way to strengthen your network by forming connections that can be used as references in the future.

Academic and leadership student organizations are not the only types of clubs that bring benefits, however. Being part of a social organization also has its high points.

It can help students make friends, find a place in their community or

simply make the college experience more fun.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the ghost club along with the LGBT organization,” Darius Clayton (freshman, English education) said.

Although engaging in clubs brings benefits, however, being part of a soical organization during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised uncertainty among many people who are now unsure if there is anything

good about joining organizations at this time.

“Activities give students a sense of belonging to something and if they are interested in them, they have more pride for their school,” Sydney Greitz (freshman, exploratory) said. “But since this year is so different, I’m not sure it’s that simple.”

Greitz added that keeping the organizations going virtually instead of completely ceasing all activities was a good decision.

“As long as a student can do the activity in a safe way, whether virtually or socially distancing, organizations [would be] a great way to make friends with similar backgrounds and passions,” Greitz said.

If you would like to get more involved at IUP, please make sure to check the Crimson Connect website available on MyIUP to stay updated about all of the upcoming events happening virtually or in-person on campus.

Culture

13

January 27, 2021

New Netflix original stars two big names MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer bbcx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

“Malcom & Marie,” a new Netflix original film slated for release, is a drama and romance film centered around the relationship between a filmmaker and his girlfriend.

The film, directed by Sam Levinson, is shot in black and white, which is rarely seen in films anymore. It stars just two actors: John David Washington, who plays Malcom, and Zendaya, who plays Marie.

“I think it’s pretty unique to only have two actors in a film,” Thea McCullough (senior, fashion merchandising) said.

Whether or not the film having exclusively two actors is a negative or a positive toward the film remains unknown.

“I think having only two actors will be interesting to see if it’s enough to keep the attention of viewers,” Olivia Tavoletti (senior,

(Facebook) Critics predict “Malcolm & Maire” will be nominated for an Oscar. marketing) said.

The film begins as Malcom and Marie return home from Malcom’s film premiere. A fight arises due to the fact that Malcom left Marie out of his speech at the premiere. The fight turns into an entire night of drama and investigation into why the couple is even together.

“I am interested to see how

they will make the movie flow with only two actors,” McCullough said.

A second plotline in the film surrounds filmmaker Malcom and his new film they had just attended the premiere of. Malcom, an African-American filmmaker, complains that he is often only compared to other Black filmmakers and the wording used to

describe his films is different from that of white filmmakers.

The film scored a 71 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic gave it a 56 percent.

“Because of its unique structure with only two actors, I think there is a lot of potential for the movie to win awards,” McCullough said.

According to some critics, the film is not worthy of any awards in the upcoming film award season.

Some critics took issue with the lengthy monologues scattered throughout the film.

“I feel like the film could win an award, though I feel like I haven’t seen a lot of promotion for the movie,” Tavoletti said.

They have also tackled issues about race and Black artists struggles during the films too. These points are delivered by Black actors, but they were written by a white man.

Many critics feel that the acting in the film is good, but no amount of good acting can save bad screenwriting.

“I really like Zendaya,” Danielle Zdrale (senior, marketing) said.

“I think she is very classy and a sophisticated actress.”

Director and screenwriter Levinson is best known as the creator of HBO teen drama show “Euphoria,” which also stars actress Zendaya.

“Malcom & Marie” was one of the first blockbuster films to be created under COVID-19 guidelines. Production began when Levinson’s “Euphoria” production filming had to be halted due to the pandemic.

The decision for the film to be released on Netflix is due to the pandemic and the lack of filmgoer’s ability to frequent in-person movie theaters.

“I believe this movie has potential to be more successful on a streaming service like Netflix, compared to a movie theater or expensive OnDemand prices,” Zdrale said.

The film will be released to Netflix on Feb. 5.

Sports

Sports Editor: Jeff Hart – J.R.Hart2@iup.edu

(The Penn Archives) Can IUP take advantage of the extra time and get a meet victory?

IUP Swimming looks to win first meeting since pandemic AUSTIN SMITH

Staff Writer A.S.Smith7@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Jeffery Hart

Sports Editor J.R.Hart2@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Splish, splash, the IUP swimming teams are back.

The men’s and women’s teams will hit the water Saturday at Clarion.

Head coach Chris Villa was excited about the opportunity to finish the season for both teams.

“It was an exciting day for the PSAC swimming community when the conference made the decision

14

to move forward with a championship for our sport,” Villa said in an IUP athletics press release.

The meet against Clarion should be an interesting one.

The men’s team will look to improve upon its 0–3 record from last season.

With the COVID-19 pandemic going on, there will be no attendance allowed at the meets, but updates on the teams will come as quickly as they can to keep the IUP community updated. Both the men’s and women’s swimming teams will be the first sports to compete in a season since COVID-19 hit.

With the first meet against Clarion, IUP should be clawing to get some kind of redemption. Last

season, IUP fell short at Clarion in a dual meet by the score of 165110. One of the successful events was the 200-meter backstroke. Taylor Auger (junior, MIS) managed to post a time of 2:01.40 and the 400 IM at 4:23.29.

On the women’s side, Olympic hopeful Amber Baldani (sophomore, management) will look to impress and help her squad succeed in their first meet at Clarion.

Even though this squad dropped its meet last season at Clarion, there were some standout performances like the one from Paige Miskell (junior, kinesiology).

Mikesell represented Hawk Nation and took home individual honors in the 100-meter freestyle (53.53), 200-meter freestyle

January 27, 2021

(1:55.27), and the 100-meter butterfly (57.65). She also swam the third leg of the second place 200-meter medley relay squad.

Rachel Johnson (junior, hospitality management) also stood out and put up two individual wins for the women, taking home top honors in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:07.87) and 400 IM (4:53.67).

Last season, this squad showed that it has the individual talent to make a big impact. With all the extra time off, many are hopeful that the Hawks can take home a team win this time around.

When asked about the upcoming conclusion to their season, Villa expressed his enthusiasm to IUP Athletics.

“I feel optimistic in how the

season may play out,” he said.

“We know a lot of other PSAC sports and student-athletes were not given the same opportunity so we're going to work very hard to not squander it.” he said.

The other remaining meets that IUP has will be against Wheeling, Gannon and Alfred State. The last meet will take place Feb. 28th at home.

While some sports may not have had a chance to play or finish their seasons, sports like swimming will have the opportunity to have the payoff for all of the hard work they have had to put in during this pandemic. It will be a different experience without fans there, but Hawk Nation stands with our teams during this chaotic time.

Sports

January 27, 2021

Sports

15

Former IUP assistant coach named Eagles head coach From Jan. 24 IUP Athletics press release Former Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) assistant football coach Nick Sirianni was named the new head coach of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, announced Sunday morning.

Sirianni becomes the third member of the IUP football family to earn an NFL head coaching position, following Jim Haslett with the New Orleans Saints (2000) and then-St. Louis Rams (2008), and Ben McAdoo with the New York Giants (2016).

IUP was Sirianni's second stop on his coaching career after two years at Division III juggernaut Mount Union College (2004-05). After a standout playing career with the Purple Raiders (2000-03), Sirianni spent three years on the IUP campus as the program's wide receivers coach from 2006-08. He helped IUP to a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship and 8-2 record in his first year under head coach Lou Tepper.

In 2007 and 2008 he tutored first team All-PSAC West receiver Ken Witter, who combined for 133

catches, 1550 yards and 16 touchdowns in those two seasons.

"Nick did a great job coaching the wide receivers here at IUP," said head coach Paul Tortorella, who was an assistant during Sirianni's stay on campus. "He had a ton of enthusiasm and was only out of college for two years. I had been here for 11 years before Nick interviewed. After the interview, I remember telling a couple of assistants, 'This is a no-brainer, hire him right now before he leaves!'

He was very composed and knowledgeable but also had passion and great relationships with his players and fellow coaches."

Sirianni parlayed his work at IUP into a NFL coaching career, working mostly with receivers and quarterbacks. He started with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009-12 before moving to the San Diego/ Los Angeles Chargers where he coached from 2013-17. For the last three seasons he has been the offensive coordinator (OC) with the Indianapolis Colts under head coach Frank Reich, with whom he worked with in San Diego.

As the OC in Indianapolis, Sirianni helped the Colts to two playoff

appearances in three seasons. He worked with several quarterbacks during that time, including Andrew Luck in 2018, Jacoby Brissett and Brian Hoyer in 2019, and Philip Rivers in 2020. With a new QB taking the reins in Rivers last season, and despite several injuries, Indianapolis finished ninth overall in the NFL in total offense.

A native of Jamestown, N.Y., Sirianni won three NCAA Division III National Championships (2000-02) as a wide receiver at Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. A three-year starter, he earned All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors as a senior after a career-high 13 touchdown catches. Sirianni spent one season (2005) playing in the Atlantic Indoor Football League with the Canton Legends while coaching.

Sirianni's brother, Mike, is the head coach at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa. A seven-time Presidents' Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Mike Sirianni is the winningest football coach in school history with a .813 winning percentage (156-36).

He led the Presidents to their 26th PAC title in 2018.

His brother, Jay, is a former head

coach at their alma mater, Southwestern Central High School in Jamestown where their father, Fran, also spent nine years as the varsity head coach. Under Jay, Southwestern Central won New York state championships in 2008 and 2009.

He stepped down from coaching at Southwestern Central in 2015.

Sirianni and his wife, Brett, have two sons, Jacob and Miles, and one daughter, Taylor.

"As an athletic department, we are extremely proud and excited for Nick," said athletic director Todd Garzarelli. "He's experience tremendous success at each stop of his NFL career and we expect him to continue that success in Philadelphia. Nick is part of a long list of former IUP football staff members in the NFL and a group that we recognize as part of the great foundation of our football program."

Sirianni's Coaching Career • 2004-2005 Mount Union Defensive Backs • 2006-2008 IUP Wide Receivers • 2009-2011 Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Quality Control

•

2012 Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receivers • 2013 San Diego Chargers Quality Control-Offense • 2014-2015 San Diego Chargers Quarterbacks • 2016 San Diego Chargers Wide Receivers • 2017 Los Angeles Chargers Wide Receivers • 2018-2020 Indianapolis Colts Offensive Coordinator • 2021- Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach IUP's presence in the NFL Sirianni was among eight former members of the IUP football program who were on teams that advanced to the NFL's postseason.

Aside from Sirianni, the group included Chad Henry (area scout), also of the Colts; Brandon Hunt (pro scouting coordinator) of the Pittsburgh Steelers; Jim Haslett (linebackers coach) of the Tennessee Titans; Kevin Weidl (area scout) of the Baltimore Ravens; Luke Getsy (quarterback coach) of the Green Bay Packers; Jim Hostler (receivers coach) of the Washington Football Team; and Anthony Piroli (strength & conditioning coach) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

IUP mourns the passing of Hall of Fame coach Chuck Mills From Jan. 20 IUP Athletics press release.

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Athletic Department, along with the campus and Indiana communities, mourns the passing of its former head football coach, Chuck Mills. Mills passed away Monday, January 18 in Hawaii at the age of 92.

Mills spent two seasons as the head coach of the then-Indiana State College Indiana in 1962 and 1963. He led his squads to a combined 12-3-2 record, including a 7-1-1 mark during the landmark 1963 season. Mills and ISC were set to play Montclair (N.J) State in the Boardwalk Bowl on Nov. 23, 1963, but the game was canceled following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Following his two seasons in Indiana, Mills spent time as an assistant coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the University of Arizona, and with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs. He became the head coach at Utah State University in 1967 where he would stay for six seasons. He compiled

a 38-23-1 overall record, finishing his time there with back-to-back 8-3 seasons in 1971 and 1972.

Mills then spent five seasons as the head coach at Wake Forest University (1973-77) and also coached at Southern Oregon and the Coast Guard Academy, finishing his career in 1997 with a 9-2 record.

Mills was inducted into the IUP Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

Fourteen of his players at ISC who were either recruited by him or played for him during his two seasons in Indiana - are also in the IUP Hall of Fame.

“He was just unique. A lot of people would say that he was a great coach ... because he knew the Xs and Os. He knew them, but Mills was more of a psychological coach. He got in your head and worked to better you through the psychology of things you do.”

“He was a little bit of a different guy, I used the term Renaissance man. IUP and the athletic department never saw anything like that before him. I think he had an influence everywhere. He was very solid in the things he did. I wish

he would have stayed longer, but he went on and did the same kind of good things for a lot of other people. There were a lot of kids who benefited from his influence, no doubt about it.”

Ron Peters, former player and assistant for Mills (1962-63) “Coach Mills worked very hard to stay in touch with all of his former players. He started the “Brothers & Cuzins” reunion where the players from IUP were my “Brothers” and the players from the other schools he coached were my ‘cuzins’ but we considered all of us as “Brothers” due to the link with Coach Mills.

Coach Mills never hesitated to help any of his players when we had a life changing situation. The numerous contacts within the ‘Brothers & Cuzins’ group normally had someone with the expertise to help with the situation.

When Coach Mills was inducted into the IUP Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009 over 60% of the players who played for him at ISC were in attendance. This is one indication of the love and respect we all had for this great individual. Coach

Mills was a great friend to me and all of his other players for over fifty years and he will always have

a special place in our hearts.”

Barry “Buck” Lippencott, former player for Mills (1963)

January 27, 2021

16

Sports

Super Bowl LV: Who do you have your money on?

Sports Betting Jake Taylor @JakeTaylor8726 Jake Taylor is not your typical analyst. His versatile skill set to win you money against the books in unparaleled.

Get ready for a Chiefs vs. Buccs Super Bowl showdown.

Many 2020 pre-season predictions have come true. The Kansas City Chiefs were the odds-on favorite for the Super Bowl at +600.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were slated at +1600. Kansas City started as AFC favorites and finished AFC Champions.

Tampa Bay started favored behind San Francisco and New Orleans but now sits as champion of the NFC.

It’s looking to be a Super Bowl match-up that makes football fans buck-wild. The face of the NFL will come down to Tom Brady against the new-age poster boy, Patrick Mahomes.

Las Vegas has many things to consider before setting the lines for this game. The first is fact that the Super Bowl’s host city’s team has made it, Tampa Bay. The second is that there will be limited fans, so does it really matter?

The lines are set; Kansas City stays the Super Bowl favorite. The spread is a modest 3 points in the Chiefs’ favor. While the over/under seems a bit generous starting out at 56.5 at (-110).

Odds from Fan Duel as of Tuesday. Chiefs -3 (-122) moneyline M/L (-176) Tampa Bay +3 (+100) M/L (+148) Forget the numbers, let us look at the facts.

Tom Brady is playing in his 10th Super Bowl, a number us mor-

tals could never fathom being a reality. The 43-year-old has defied Vegas odds the past two games.

Defeating the New Orleans Saints in the Super Dome 30–20 seemed a bit of a shock. However, if I told you Tom Brady was going to throw three interceptions in Lambeau Field and the team still comes out on top, you would not believe me.

History repeats itself; Aaron Rodgers put up Hall of Fame numbers and his team/coaching staff let him down. Rodgers threw for 346 yards, three touchdowns, one interception and finished with a 101.6 passer rating and has the honor of watching the big game from his vacation house (let’s hope it isn’t in Tampa, Florida).

It is hard to talk about this match-up and not jabber on and on about the quarterbacks. Therefore, I will not.

The honest difference maker in this game is Travis Kelce. The

These are two betting lines that our staff at The Penn think you should put your money on.

tight end breaks a record every time he sees the post-season field. Ironically, the man, the myth, the legend who started the tight end X-factor is on the other side in Rob Gronkowski. Think back to the days when Gronk was the game-breaker defenses couldn’t contain; that is now Kelce.

Hence, why the spread seems so modest. He is a 3-point difference-maker. Kelce, paired with Hill, with Mahomes slinging the pigskin; say your prayers, Tampa, the spread-train is coming.

All week long you are going to hear Brady this, Mahomes that, Andy Reid blah. Tampa Bay will go as far as their defense gives them the opportunity to.

Now, pull out that sportsbook and get ready to gamble. Bet with your head or bet with your heart.

Bet with the head, Kansas City -3 (-122). Kansas City comes into the game 25-1 in its last 26. They have punted the ball two times in

their last six playoff games. The team is reminiscent of the the 2003–04 New England Patriots, the 2016–17 Pittsburgh Penguins and the 2017–18 Golden State Warriors.

All teams won back-to-back championships. The better quarterback and coach win 95 percent of the time. In the case of Mahomes/Reid vs. Brady/Arians, bet with Kansas City.

Bet with the heart, as Brady does not lose. Time and time again, the G.O.A.T. either steps up to make the big play, or his defense plays shut down or the referees give him a hand.

All the money will be on Kansas City this game, so do not expect Vegas to go down without a fight.

Tampa Bay has a shot to make history and rob the bookies blind.

Bet with Hot Take Jake, Tampa Bay M/L (+148). Antonio Brown SB MVP (+5500) Sit down, shut up, Hammer the over.

(Teddy Jeanette/The Penn)