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WE D N E S DAY, M A R C H 24, 2021

CULTURE | PAGE 11

VOL. 113 NO. 25

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SENIORS REJOICE, GRADUATION TO BE IN-PERSON

SPORTS | PAGE 17

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NEWS

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IUPatty’s was quiet Courtesy of IUP

IUP Police

In the past, graduation ceremonies have occurred at the KCAC, and it will be the same for this year.

(The Penn Archives)

Cue the ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ Seniors rejoice, graduation to be in-person GABRIELLA BYRNE Staff Writer bmwx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Seniors graduating in May and August will be able to attend in-person graduation ceremonies.

After a year of virtual and remote distance learning for most students at IUP due to COVID-19, the Commencement Committee moved forward with the decision to hold in-person ceremonies for graduates and undergraduates alike Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8, respectively.

Undergraduates will have three separate ceremonies that take place at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex (KCAC).

Each graduate receives two tickets, and a livestream will be available for those that cannot make the in-person ceremony.

Seniors will not be required to have the COVID-19 vaccine; however, current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and PA Department of Health guidelines will be followed.

The KCAC will be cleaned and sanitized between ceremonies by staff with an expected total outcome of 2,000 graduates.

News

Masks and hand sanitizer will be available as well as social distancing guidelines enforced for each venue of around 400 students per ceremony.

Executive Director of Media Relations Michelle Fryling commented on the importance of an in-person graduation for seniors of 2021.

“Commencement is one of the highlights of our university year, and we want to recognize and congratulate our graduates,” Fryling said. “Our graduates and families also tell us they want an in-person ceremony.

“We had a survey in spring 2020, and they were overwhelmingly wanting an in-person ceremony.”

Patricia Pinson (senior, communications media) commented on her reaction to this announcement about an in-person ceremony after an all-virtual one for 2020 graduates last year.

“I think I'm somewhere between relieved and excited,” Pinson said. “An in-person graduation means we're that much closer to hopefully going back to normal gathering standards.

“There are members of my family I usually see frequently that I

haven't been able to hug since last March, and it honestly breaks my heart. So a bit of my feeling is glad that I'll get to physically walk come May, but also hope for the future.”

Hayley Schehr (senior, natural science) commented on her family’s reaction to an in-person graduation.

“My family is happy to see me graduate, and my parents will be attending in-person,” Schehr said. “Although other family members will not be able to watch me graduate in-person due to capacity limitations,

March 24, 2021

they are still excited and will be watching the livestream.”

On the topic of the past year of online learning, Tyler Menichiello (senior, biology) commented on the difference and IUP’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I definitely miss the way class used to be,” Menichiello said. “I think IUP has handled the situation well and remained on top of the testing.

“I don’t think they would have an in-person commencement if they didn’t think it was possible to do so safely.”

The decision for whether or not to hold a graduation ceremony in-person depends on the CDC and PA Department of Health information and recommendations as they are released as well as the situation around the spread of the virus, Fryling said.

“We want to thank the students and their families for their patience as we’ve been gathering information so that we can make a decision that balances our desire to honor our graduates in person with health and safety,” Fryling said.

3 Public Drunkenness citations 1 Open Container citation 1 Other Liquor violation 1 Criminal Mischief 1 Theft 12 Assists to IBPD

Indiana borough police 11 Noise Complaints 2 Disorderly Gatherings 6 Thefts 2 Public Drunkenness 3 Harassment 1 Criminal Mischief 2 Disorderly Conduct 1 Drug Investigation 1 DUI 1 Fugitive from Justice

Public Safety Partnership 2 Vehicle Crashes 1 Disorderly Conduct Arrests 4 Disturbances/Noise complaints 1 Drug Possession arrest 4 DUI Arrests 2 Warrants served 1 Simple Assault

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Police departments work together Men, women in blue keep the crimson community safe BENJAMIN BRUMBAUGH

Staff Writer msqy@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

IUP and the Indiana Borough Police Department (IBPD) work closely with one another to ensure the safety and well-being of IUP students and Indiana residents.

Since IUP graduate Justin Schawl became the IBPD chief in February 2019, IUP, the IUP Police Department (IUPPD) and the IBPD have enjoyed a closer and more collaborative relationship than ever before.

“IBPD and the Office of Student Support and Community Standards, led by Adam Jones, collaborate with a shared goal of supporting IUP students,” Malaika Turner, IUP’s assistant vice president of student affairs, said. “Chief Schawl and Adam Jones can exchange information and keep each other informed.”

“When the borough and the university work together, it improves the community for students and residents alike,” Adam Jones, IUP’s director of student support and community standards, said.

“I came into my position around the same time Chief Schawl and (IUPPD) Chief Clement came into theirs, and I immediately reached out, and we sat down to talk about how we could work together. We all love IUP and Indiana and want to make it the great university and town we know it to be.”

IBPD and IUP communicate with each other on a regular basis to discuss issues related to community and student safety.

“Chief Schawl and I meet regularly to discuss concerns raised by both students and residents, and we then take appropriate measures to attempt to resolve the concerns,” Jones said.

“Our communications are face-to-face, over the phone, via email or on a Zoom platform,” Schawl said, “whatever is most efficient at the time to meet our joint goals.”

This healthy working relationship is mutually beneficial and allows both the university and the IBPD to keep community mem-

(Facebook) Indiana Borough Chief of Police Justin Schawl (left) is working in tandem with IUP Police and Adam Jones (right) to ensure a safe community in Indiana and on campus. bers and students safe and earn their trust.

“The mutual trust we have in each other and [our] combining of resources allows us to move more quickly to solve concerns,” Jones said.

“I’ve seen Adam Jones and Chief Schawl collaborate to solve problems, promote order and civility and support to students,” Turner said. “Just the other day, Chief Schawl and Adam Jones visited off-campus apartments to meet with students during the high celebratory weekend (St. Patrick’s Day weekend) to remind them of the importance of safe behaviors and responsible decision-making.”

“IUP and Indiana are safe environments, and the members of IBPD will continue working to earn trust and continue building safe environments for everyone,” Schawl said. “When a police department and its community share an atmosphere of trust, respect and compassion, everyone is safer and more comfortable.”

“As your community police

department, we cannot positively affect or best serve anyone if trust and understanding are lacking,” he said.

As part of this relationship, IBPD works very closely with IUPPD to maintain community and campus safety.

“The strength of our relationship has only been bolstered by

working more closely with the IUP Police Department,” Schawl said. “IUP has an excellent police department, and [its] Interim Chief of Police, Anthony Clement, was previously the lieutenant of Indiana’s police department.”

“The IUP Police Department has engaged in training with us and have shared their training resources with us,” he said.

“We are in constant contact and are always working to deliver successes to each other and the community we share.”

The IBPD and IUP collaborate in many other ways, as well.

“IUP’s Cultural Anthropologist, Dr. Abigail Adams, has been partnered with our department since 2018 to lead our professional development on subject matter of cultural competencies, social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion,” Schawl said.

“Additionally, we collaborate with the criminology department and Municipal Police Academy to instruct, advise, and engage.”

The IBPD also works with student leaders at IUP to make sure

it is addressing issues that are important to students.

“Since its inception, IUP’s Student Government President, Alex Fefolt, has been a member of my Greater Indiana Collaborative Team, which is comprised of only nine community members who provide support to my office on matters of broad community impact through strategic cooperation,” Schawl said. “In addition to these specific efforts, IBPD also hosts an internship and work study program for IUP students.”

Students can feel comfortable knowing that their safety concerns are going to be listened to and dealt with.

“They can bring their concerns to us, and we are going to listen to them and take their concerns seriously,” Jones said. “We are going to do whatever is reasonably in our power to address and resolve their concerns.”

You can report an incident by going to iup.edu/incidentreport.

You can also call the IUP Police at (724) 357-2141. For emergencies, dial 911.

March 24, 2021

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Nutrition, dietetics program welcomes guest speaker MARIAH MAUSER Staff Writer lmvbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP The IUP Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics (SAND) moves all events virtual amidst National Nutrition Month.

For many activities, clubs and groups, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many having to look for creative ways to still meet.

“Our organization made the switch to virtual to ensure, foremost, our members and participants safety,” Saige Karastury (student chair of SAND) said. “Making this decision upfront has made for easier planning, organization, and less stress.”

SAND has had to make many decisions over the past year to find the best solution to meeting during the pandemic. While it has been hard, they have made it through and are excited to finally be back in session.

“While we did not get to hold a couple of our biggest events, we have learned a lot going virtual,” Karastury said. “One positive impact is teamwork. It was important for us to maintain open communication and build on our team building skills.”

The first event that was offered to all IUP students happened March 23, featuring nationally recognized registered dietician, Melissa Joy Dobbins. She discussed issues such as the facts about nutrition and wellness presented on social media and networks.

Dobbins’s aim was to promote knowledge surrounding what is and is not good advice, as well as what viewers can do to protect and promote their own personal health.

According to an IUP press release, Dobbins is best known as the “Guilt-free RD” Throughout the presentation,

Melissa Joy Dobbins (left) the speaker at Tuesday’s event, held by SAND. Dobbins discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s consumptions rate and how people might be cooking and exercising more. However, there are also people who are snacking and eating more than they should given their new schedules and lives.

Dobbins was quick to point out the silver linings of the pandemic.

She was happy to announce that the top four health food risks such as foodborne illnesses have greatly decreased due to increased focus on public health.

Dobbins talked about how people are becoming more aware about how food is made and how to make the industry more sustainable. She also focused on how it is necessary for people to continue to buy and eat fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether it is organic or not, or if it is considered dirty or not.

“In many ways there is nothing we do that has a bigger, more negative impact on the planet than agriculture, but there is also nothing more critical to our daily survival,” said Jack Bobo, one of Dobbin’s associates, in relation to how farming affects the world and the environment.

The thing that Dobbins recommends for people is to focus on how to choose foods that have a high nutrition density so that they can easily reach their daily nutrition goal.

“I think this presentation is important because there are so many confusions in today’s food world,”

Maddy West, president of SAND (senior, nutrition and dietetics, exercise science), said. “Even as

a nutrition student, there was not a lot of this information I did not know because the true research

(IUP) is hidden behind what’s been the ‘status-quo’ or what certain companies want us to believe.”

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March 24, 2021

News

‘I don’t do fashion. I am fashion.’ ~Coco Chanel

Guest speaker talks empowerment, independence during event AMARI WALKER Staff Writer jqtbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP IUP celebrates National Women’s Month by having empowered and independent women come to speak at certain events.

On Thursday, the Social Equity and Title IX Office celebrated National Women’s Month by hosting an event guest speaker, Camillya Taylor. She is a designer, hairstylist and the owner of Camille’s House of Style Salon and Boutique.

Taylor started her career at Holiday Hair as a salon assistant. She has been a hairstylist for 26 years.

Aside from her hairstyling career, Taylor has been a designer for the last 10 years.

As a single mother of two girls, she started her business, she noticed there were barely clothes that were true to her size. This inspired her first collection, which consisted of her velcroing fabrics together as she learned how to sew from her aunt.

As she was getting one of the models ready at her first showcase, the model rudely asked, “Really?

Velcro?” Since then, Taylor has kept a shirt and a dress from her velcro clothing line in her closet.

“It is okay to hold onto a part of your first creations,” Taylor said.

For her, it provides her something to look back on and say, “This is where I started, but look at where I ended up.”

Society tends to be unaccepting when it comes to peoples’ weight.

From her experience as a plus-size woman, she realized that there were not many representations of clothing lines for plus-size people.

As a mother, Taylor made sure that her daughters understood that who they are as people and their character is not defined by a jean size.

Her business incorporates clothing for people and models of all sizes. Whether it is personally designed by her or by another manufacturer, Taylor makes sure all her products are appealing and true-to-size for everyone.

Originally, her business was named Complete Elegance. It had started out as a building that had

(Twitter) IUP welcomed business owner, designer and hair stylist Camillya Taylor Thursday to speak for National Women’s Month. She is the owner of Camille’s House of Style Salon and Boutique in Johnstown. a dance studio in front, which was taught by her sister, and her salon was in the back.

Growing up, everyone called her Camille. Over time, she changed the name to Camille’s House of Style Salon and Boutique. Her business is located 42 minutes from IUP in Johnstown.

As she was cleaning out her

first building, a landlord invited her to an entrepreneur class where she was the only woman in the room. At the class, she was asked, “What’s your business plan?”

After explaining her plan, a man offered to help bring her vision to life. Taylor showed the man the building that she was clearing out.

As he looked around, he asked her “Where do you want to be in by the end of next week? Next month? Next year?” Taylor didn’t have an answer to any of these questions.

Within that moment, she was taught, “Thinking means to dream. Saying it is making a wish.

If you write it, plan it.”

That lesson has been her motivation to grow her business and to take more opportunities. During her recovery from COVID-19, she met a manufacturer from Turkey at a fashion show.

Her first instinct was to be cautious; however, they exchanged contacts.

After a while, the manufacturer

contacted Taylor and asked her, “Is there anything that you would like to make?”

At the time, Taylor had drawn up a design for a handbag and sent it to him. She paid him $50 and received her product after a couple weeks. She loved it.

During the National Women’s Month event, Taylor was asked, “If a retailer was to offer you $1 million for your business, would you sell?”

Surprisingly, she said that she would sell her business. If she were to sell, it would provide her another learning experience from which she could grow from. Life has brought everyone through trials in which they have learned and grown.

Based on personal definitions of wealth, everyone can become the wealthiest version of themselves. Wealth can mean a piece of mind, knowledge or health.

One of Taylor’s biggest goals is wealth. There is no deadline for wealth because we can obtain it at any time. Whether it’s taking a walk to find a little bit of peace

or completing an accomplishment, it is possible to be one of the wealthiest people in the world.

“Sometimes we look outside for wealth instead of within,” she said.

One of Taylor’s most significant memories is her dad telling her, “There’s no gender in leaders.” This memory helped mold her into the entrepreneurial, brilliant-minded woman that she is today.

Taylor’s experience has shown that creating a successful career involves taking the opportunity to learn something when presented to us.

If you’re ever in Johnstown, make sure to check out her designs or get your hair done at Camille’s House of Style Salon and Boutique. The business is currently opened Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

However, you must make an appointment ahead of time to shop and for hair appointments and can do so by calling (814) 659-0706.

March 24, 2021

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The luck o’ the Irish present in Indiana IUPatty’s different than years past, still celebrated among students OLIVIA CARBONE Staff Writer kxxw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Another IUPatty’s is in the books, even though this year looked a little bit different than most.

Many students stayed within their small groups of friends, but there were a few bigger gatherings as well. Overall, the IUP community handled the weekend well, and it was calmer than in the past.

At the beginning of the month, the Indiana Borough Police Department talked to the Indiana Gazette expressing concerns about IUPatty’s happening this year due to public safety.

With COVID-19 impacting everyone’s lives for the last year, some students are dying to get out and have something to look forward to.

(The Penn) The IUPatty’s of years past have seen crowds of people, but this year, the crowds dispersed.

“I hung out with my friends at my house,” Meghan McCreary (graduate student) said. “We only had about 10 people over, and we kept it outdoors.”

“I kept it small,” Vanessa Potts (junior, early childhood and special education) said.

“I had a group of friends outside my house, and we all just

people-watched. It was a fun and safe time.”

Not all students stayed in small groups. There were still many people congregating in huge groups on the streets, at Sheetz and certain houses along Frat Row. But it wasn’t nearly to the extent that it usually is.

Some students chose to not

even stay in Indiana for the celebration.

“I wasn’t even in Indiana,” Michael Marinelli (senior, communications media) said. “I figured if things aren’t normal, I didn’t really have an interest in celebrating.”

Other students chose to celebrate at places that enforced COVID-19 restrictions.

“I went to Culps on Friday and had some of my family up on Saturday,” Tori Garzarelli (senior, communications media) said.

Safety has been made a priority at IUP throughout the whole pandemic. The COVID-19 cases have been kept under control, with IUP’s reporting of no new cases Friday.

It is hard to judge if this past weekend will impact the number of cases in Indiana County.

One difficulty is the fact that students from other schools still came to the celebration. Even

though COVID-19 might not be spreading through IUP students, it is difficult to say what the case numbers look like at other schools.

Restrictions are easing across the country, including Pennsylvania. Starting April 4, alcohol sales can resume without the purchase of food, restaurants can serve up to 75 percent capacity, and the curfew on alcohol sales will end.

This news is causing citizens to let their guard down and think that it is okay to just “get back to normal.” Top health officials have indicated that this is the light at the end of the tunnel, but this is no time to let your guard down. This news also made students want to celebrate IUPatty’s even more.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health and CDC still urge people to keep three feet from others and continuing wearing a mask in public or around people who do not live in your household.

Students share thoughts about being vaccinated against COVID-19 ISABELLA BENSON Staff Writer hpjy@iup.edu @ThePennIUP While the COVID-19 pandemic has been raging for over a year, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel in the form of several approved vaccines.

For approximately a year, students have been trying to live normal lives on campus. Whether they still moved back to their houses around campus or did online schooling, normalcy has gotten away from them in every direction.

Bars and restaurants have had limited capacity, and a lot of normal school activities have been moved online or shut down. The social lives of students have also changed a lot from a year ago.

Although, the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed relatively quickly, and most students have hopeful thoughts about receiving it and the long-term effects for our community.

“I would get the COVID-19 vaccine,” Alyssa Lingo (freshman, business management) said.

“There have been many trials, studies and research done for this

The COVID-19 vaccine can help someone stay safe against the virus. vaccine. I’m so ready for our life to be back to normal, so I will take the steps needed to do so.”

Many people hope that “normal life” will resume with the vaccine.

Even if the general college-aged person isn’t up to get it yet, students are excited that the ball is rolling in the right direction.

“I would get the COVID-19 vaccine,” Bella Shrewsbury (freshman, anthropology) said. “I think it’s great how efficiently they started

to produce it and get it out.”

According to the CDC, a COVID-19 vaccine will help you with three main things. First, it will help you create an immune response in your body against the virus. Second, it also may help you from getting severely ill, even if you do get the virus. Finally, something that we all look forward to, it may protect your family, coworkers or patients.

Speaking of patients, this

(WXOW)

vaccine is important to the nursing majors of IUP. “Being a nursing major, I think it is important to be vaccinated for things we will be in contact with,” Katie Connell (senior, nursing) said. “After graduating and before getting a real job, I will get vaccinated.”

Although, a few students are still a little weary on the idea.

“Although right now, I’m going to wait,” Connell said. “I want

to feel more comfortable with reading statistics on the different vaccines given.”

Some students are scared for their futures and what long-term effects will come out of this new vaccine.

“There are still clinical trials going on, so the side effects are unknown,” Amanda Ceccarelli (senior, journalism and public relations) said. “I’m only 22; I would hate to harm my future health.”

Some students are content with taking their chances with this virus.

“I would probably not get the vaccine,” Chloe Sossong (freshman, business) said. “I believe you have a 97 percent chance of survival without the vaccine. I [would] rather take that route than get a vaccine that was made very quickly.”

On another note, there are ongoing trials for the COVID-19 vaccine, and this puts some students' minds at ease.

“I would get the COVID-19 vaccine because there have been many trials on it, and I feel like it is one of the steps to going back to normal.” Rachel Schemp (freshman, nursing) said.

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March 24, 2021

News

‘Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love’ ~1 John 4:8 Students, religious leaders react to Vatican’s decision on same-sex unions MARTY WEAVER Copy Editor zglz@iup.edu @ThePennIUP HEATHER BAIR News Editor zzzx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP On March 15, the Vatican, in its denouncing of same-sex unions, said that “God cannot bless sin.”

This came as a bit of a shock to the world, considering that Pope Francis seemed to have made some strides to be more tolerant since his election to the papacy in 2013.

“The Vatican decision was pretty disappointing,” Justin Berghoff (junior, studio art) said. “I’m not personally religious, but as a member of the LGBTQIA community, I was definitely impressed with Pope Francis and what he’s said about homosexuality in the past, so it’s sad to see that his words don’t really seem to mean much.

“I know quite a few gay and lesbian Catholics, and I can’t even begin to imagine how let down they must feel.”

While he was archbishop of Buenos Aires in his home country of Argentina, Francis made some encouraging statements about the rights of LGBTQIA people, which can be found in this article by the AP: tinyurl.com/ycv2vd4b. However, those comments did not apply to the rights of LGBTQIA people inside the framework of the Catholic Church.

“Personally, I choose to respect all people and who they choose to love, but I can understand where the Vatican’s decision came from, from a religious viewpoint,” Mackenzie Barr (sophomore, psychology) said.

“I can’t say whether it’s right or wrong, or whether I agree or disagree, because I don’t believe it’s my place to judge in situations like that.

“No one can know for sure what God thinks, but I’m sure they made the decision they thought was right.”

The Vatican, Pope and Catho-

(Facebook) Pope Francis (left) and the Vatican denounced same-sex unions March 15. The First Unitarian Universalist Church in Indiana (right) is an inclusive congregation and performs same-sex marriages. lic Church in general have faced an outpouring of backlash from Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

“So I am Roman Catholic,” Leah Natushko (senior, communications media) said. “I do not believe it’s a sin, and the priest of my parish doesn’t, either. You should be able to love who you love.”

The Rev. Elizabeth Mount of Indiana’s First Unitarian Universalist Church, located on Twol-

ick Drive, echoed Natushko’s sentiment.

Mount’s congregation does not fall under the traditional label of “Christianity.”

“Rather than being bound together by a single scripture or theology, [the Unitarian Universalist Church] subscribe[s] to a set of common values,” Mount said.

Among those values is the “inherent worth and dignity of every person.” “[We] believe in every person’s capacity for love and in every person’s worth, and therefore the fact that they deserve to be loved,” Mount said.

“The thing I most want to say is not that any other denomination has any obligation to do the same thing (as the Unitarian Universalist Church)… but we believe every person is created the way they are supposed to be.”

Many religious leaders, including bishops, in the Episcopal Church have condemned the Vatican’s declaration. The Episcopal Church traces its roots to Catholicism and does not exactly fit into either the “Catholic” or “Protestant” labels. It is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion of churches, which includes

the Church of England.

You can read more about the actions of individuals in the Episcopal Church – though not the Church as a governing body – in an article from the Episcopal News Service here: tinyurl.com/2ptv9hrc.

Individual religious leaders from nearly all denominations have spoken out against the Vatican’s declaration, including in the United Church of Christ, which is known for its tolerant

and open theology.

And, like Natushko, many Catholics are upset by the news. In fact, a faction of Roman Catholic priests have been performing blessings of same-sex couples for years and vow to continue to do so. You can read more about it here: tinyurl.com/2utz77fe.

“Love is the most beautiful thing and should never be a sin,” Natushko said. “I think a portion of Catholics are stuck on the fact that the definition of ‘marriage’ in the Bible states that it’s between a man and a woman.

“I’ve met some Catholics that feel as though same-sex couples should be allowed to join in union, but that it should be called something over than ‘marriage,’ since it doesn’t fit the definition in the Bible. But I think we need to consider that maybe instead of calling it something else; we should change the definition.

“We have to remember that the Bible was not written by God; it was written by humans. And humans make mistakes. There is no account of Jesus ever saying anything about same-sex couples being evil.

“The God that I know is love, so I can’t see how loving could ever be a sin,” Natushko said.

March 24, 2021

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COVID-19 restrictions change for PA CAIO GOMES Staff Writer hysbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP On March 15, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that, starting April 4, Pennsylvania will lift some of the COVID-19 restrictions.

Indoor events will be able to host up 25 percent of a location’s capacity (15 percent currently), while outdoor events will allow up to 50 percent capacity (20 percent currently). The state, however, is taking a step further for certain business such as movie theaters, casinos, malls and salons. In those spaces, the capacity limits will be increased to 75 percent of full capacity (50 percent currently).

This comes as Pennsylvania increases vaccine distribution. As of Sunday, around 4 million doses have been administrated, and 1.6 million people have been fully vaccinated in the state.

“Pennsylvanians have stepped up and done their part of help

Gov. Tom Wolf announced the lift of some restrictions. curb the spread of COVID-19,” Wolf said in his statement announcing the changes. “Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining, and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week – all very positive signs.

“The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily, and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

(Facebook)

Restaurant owners are among the people seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, as most of the lifts affected them more than any other business owners. Like other indoor business, restaurants may fill up to 75 percent of their full capacity (50 percent currently). Additionally, restaurants may resume bar service and alcohol service without the purchase of food, and

the early curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables will end.

These changes come in a graceful time for many, as they come at the same time the MLB starts its season. The changes also come amid the 2020–21 NHL season, which is expected to last until July.

Many Pennsylvanians, especially Pittsburghers, welcomed those timely changes.

“For [people] who like sports, this is really great news,” Kendall Gomez (freshman, international studies) said. “In Pittsburgh, it’s basically a tradition to go out when the Pirates, the Steelers or the Penguins and watch the game in Primantis, while eating some good food.

“The lifts will make it easier for more people to do that. In regular times, is already difficult to get a table because [the restaurant] gets packed. With capacity at 50 percent, it became nearly impossible.”

This is the second wave of COVID-19 lifts announced by the

governor this month.

The first, announced March 1, increased indoor and outdoor capacities to what they are currently, but most importantly eliminated the out-of-state travel restrictions. Prior to the announcement, travelers and Pennsylvanians coming from other states needed to either provide a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine for 14 days upon entering Pennsylvania. Many reacted positively to this lift as well.

“I think it’s good because now that we got the vaccine things can slowly go back to normal, you know?” Ashley Tejeda (freshman, criminology) said. “I’m hopeful that, by summer, we’ll be able to go on vacations and see the beach. It’ll be a relief, but we’ll see.”

Although vaccination is increasing and more lifts are being made, the use of a mask is still mandatory in the commonwealth as it is a key factor from preventing another surge in infections.

Opinion

Why IUP made the right decision to have in-person graduation Spring is in the air, and everything seems to be looking up lately.

Despite all the disappointments and hardships that IUP and its students have had to endure, it is comforting to know that, come May 7 and 8, seniors will be able to enjoy their graduation ceremony.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, IUP is going to have its graduation ceremony for seniors graduating this semester. Even though graduation proceedings are planned, they will be under modified rules for everyone’s safety.

Festivities are set for a ceremony for graduates receiving masters and doctoral degrees on the evening of Friday, May 7. Undergraduate degrees will be conferred Saturday, May 8, at three separate ceremonies.

Doors open for family and friends attending the Friday

(The Penn archives) IUP announced March 16 that graduation would be held in-person for the first time since December of 2019. ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The commencement ceremony will begin at 7 p.m.

All events will take place at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex (KCAC). For safety reasons, all participants and guests will need to wear

face masks or coverings inside the KCAC, and the number of guests in attendance will be limited.

Because of gathering limits, each graduate will receive two tickets for guests. All others are encouraged to watch via

live stream.

While every family member may not get to come to graduation, it is amazing that IUP has put together a graduation ceremony so that these students can have their moment that they have worked years for.

Commencement ceremonies are being planned according to current CDC guidelines concerning gathering and capacity limits.

A community communication event has been set up for spring commencement to provide students, families, and guests with general reminders, inclement weather advisories, COVID alerts, parking updates, or emergency information.

IUP has partnered with Grad Images to take photos of graduates at Commencement, so students can remember this day forever.

Safety is the No. 1 concern for

IUP, and it is taking every precaution it can to minimize exposure.

This year has been anything but normal. Students have missed out on a multitude of activities and normal college events. This graduation will hopefully one of the events that help push IUP towards a state of normalcy again.

IUP has been under scrutiny for some decisions this year that had to be made under duress. It is nice to have something to thank the university for. As someone who wants the opportunity to walk for their graduation, I am grateful that the university made this a priority and made this event possible for some of IUP’s brightest individuals.

Brought to you

By THE PENN STAFF

CARTOONS

(The Week)

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March 24, 2021

Opinion

Culture

Culture Editor: Eva Tillich – jxsbc@iup.edu Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown – tbfx@iup.edu

(IUP Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance) An Evening of Percussion and Dance will feature the IUP Dance Theater Company and the IUP Percussion Ensemble for one final collaborative performance.

Curtain call

IUP’s An Evening of Percussion, Dance prepares for final show HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP The IUP Dance Theater Company and the IUP Percussion Ensemble will collaborate one final time Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Fischer Auditorium’s Performing Arts Center.

The performance will be allowed to be attended in-person by only a limited number of IUP students, faculty and staff, and masks will be a requirement throughout the performance. The seating will be socially distanced to ensure the audience’s safety.

Tickets for the performance can be purchased via the Lively Arts website or by calling (724) 357-2787 for assistance with purchasing tickets. There will be no walk-in ticket sales for this event. In-person I-Card holder tickets will be priced at $8. The event will also be streamed online live during the performance. The tickets for streaming are priced

Culture

at $12.

The final performance of IUP’s An Evening of Percussion & Dance, directed by Holly Boda-Sutton and Michael Kingan, will be titled “Legacy.” The two groups will work with one another to create the perfect combination of movement and sound and pay homage to the nearly 20 years of their history.

“Except for one piece, the dances and songs featured in this performance feature my choreography from repertoire,” Boda-Sutton said. “Dr. Michael Kingan and I have co-directed every Dance and Percussion collaboration dating back to 2005.”

The performance will feature a new piece also called “Legacy” which will showcase the different generations of dancers all the way up through the alumni participating in this performance. Each group will perform within the piece by reviving movement they have performed during previous IUP productions. Because of this, the piece in itself is a part of Bo-

da-Sutton’s legacy.

The performers will recreate nine favorite pieces from previous years of these collaboration performances reworked and produced by IUP Percussion alumni and IUP Dance Theater alumni.

The nine pieces will feature work from those alumni as well as include performances by current company members.

“What is unique about Dance and Percussion shows is that some of the pieces feature percussionists moving with the dancers on stage, or dancer’s contribution to the rhythmic sounds alongside the percussion ensemble,” Boda-Sutton said.

Not only does this event promise to leave a lasting legacy for years to come, but it explores the past work that has been done in the name of art and holds a special place in the hearts of many of the student performers.

“This event is incredibly special to me, because, as a graduating senior, this show feels like a farewell concert,” Chris Singer (senior,

March 24, 2021

theater) said.

“It’s like our ‘Greatest Hits’ album so far before we all embark on the next eras in our lives. This company has played a vital role in the cultivation of so many artists.

Without this company, my mentor, Ashely Tait-Weller, would not have become the artist she is, my friends wouldn’t be the artists that they are, and I certainly wouldn’t be the artist that I am today.”

Not only does this performance collaboration hold sentimental value for the student performers, but the directors feel especially proud of the production because of the history that is tied to it and the mark it is sure to leave behind.

This is an especially important and proud production for Boda-Sutton because she plans to retire at the end May. “I’m excited to share this experience with my students, and I’m thankful for the time, talent and dedication that all of the dancers, percussionists, production team and design collaborators have put towards the success of this

production,” Boda-Sutton said.

“I am grateful to know that my ‘legacy’ lives on through the talent and work of my students.”

The collaborations between Boda-Sutton and Kingan will not only be missed by IUP theater and music lovers but will be sorely missed, yet fondly remembered,

by Boda-Sutton and Kingan as well.

“It has been a fabulous history working with Dr. Kingan on the development and the productions of Dance and Percussion collaborations over the years,” Boda-Sutton said “I am also thankful for Dr. Gary Olmstead, with whom the original conception and original productions were produced with prior to his retirement.”

This final performance featuring both the IUP Percussion Ensemble and the IUP Dance Theater Company promises to be moving, exciting and long-lasting in the memories of those who helped produce it and all those who attend.

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March 24, 2021

Culture

STATIC lines up crafts, comedy night STATIC HALEY BROWN tbfx@iup.edu

I am Haley and will be writing weekly about the upcoming events for STATIC. Stay tuned.

Another week of promising Student Activity Committee (STATIC) events is coming up, and this week consists of a Netflix & Chill Comedy Night, a Spring Fling DIY craft-making event and a Virtual Art Gallery Trip.

On Friday, STATIC will host the first Comedy Night of the semester for the Netflix & Chill event series. The event will take place virtually via Google Chrome’s Teleparty Extension and will run

(The Penn/Eva Tillich/Facebook) Egg coloring (left), one of the Student Activity Committee’s (STATIC) crafts this week, is a popular activity to do for Easter. STATIC is also hosting a Netflix & Chill Comedy Night. Students can vote online for a movie like “Superbad” (right). from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Students were given the choice to vote for the Comedy Night movie on Instagram.

The four movies students could vote on were“17 Again,” “Superbad,” “Pete Davidson: Alive From New York” and “Chris

Rock: Tambourine.”

“We come up with the different movie options, and we’re in charge of hosting the voting on Instagram and also the event itself,” Cassidy Krug, STATIC’s executive chair, said.

“We searched around on Netflix and went with two ‘normal’ movies and two comedy specials for this one to give a little variety.”

On Sunday, STATIC is hosting Spring Fling: DIY Craft Tutorials & Egg Dyeing event. The event will be hosted via Zoom as well as on Instagram and will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Spring Fling event will celebrate the arrival of spring as well as get students in the mood for Easter, which is April 4 this year.

Participants will need to register for one of the craft kits that STATIC will provide. There are a limited number of kits, so the sooner, the better for participants to pick theirs up at the STATIC office. Students can retrieve their kits between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Hadley Union Building (HUB) 215-216.

If a participant is unable to get one of the kits, the list of craft supplies will be posted on STATIC’s web page. The event will be led by Sophie Weingrad, STATIC’s entertainment chair, and Erin Wilhelm, STATIC’s vice entertainment chair, who will be prerecording the instructional videos and hosting the event as the videos are played on Zoom.

“We had a lot of success with

our Fall Fest event last semester, which we adapted to work virtually, so we were like, why not Spring Fling,” Krug said.

“Since we’ve always had really good engagement and attendance with our kit events.

We are making a pom-pom wreath, which looks adorable, a personalized flowerpot, pinecone flowers, wooden chick and bunny magnets, bumblebee bottlecap magnets and then the egg dyeing.”

Participants are encouraged to send a picture of their favorite dyed eggs to the STATIC Instagram page to possibly be featured on its Instagram story.

On Tuesday, STATIC is hosting a Virtual Art Gallery Trip.

Students who attend via Zoom will be given some choices as to which art galleries they would like to visit. The event will run from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

“It’s going to be pretty similar to the virtual field trip event that we did,” Krug said.

“We’re still choosing the guided tour videos that we are going to use for it, but it will be over Zoom and then hosted with the screen-sharing feature.”

Students will be able to choose one of four breakout rooms to go into during the Zoom for their choice of guided tour, and then screensharing will take care of the rest, and the virtual art gallery exploration will begin.

For more STATIC events and activities, be sure to stay tuned for next week’s article.

Culture

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March 24, 2021

Round of 16 set to determine IUP’s Favorite Bite Best Restaurant Steven Langdon Jr. pbyw@iup.edu I am Steven and love to eat local food. Join me to determine the Best restaurant in Indiana.

Sixteen down, 16 more are left.

The first round of IUP’s Favorite Bite took place last week, and there were not too many surprises. Many of the favorite restaurants from a couple years ago remain the same.

The winners of each match-up were determined by The Penn’s Instagram and Twitter followers. The results were collected from polls from Wednesday to Monday.

We start on the pizza side of the bracket, and there is zero change from 2018’s bracket. The same four restaurants to win then are the

same this year.

The first match-up had Tom’s Pizza beating out Josephine’s Pizza 58.6 to 41.4 percent.

Tom’s will go against the winner of the next match-up. Bob’s Pizza beat Capri’s in a 78.6 to 21.4 percent match-up.

Venice Pizza was the third location to advance to the next round after winning 71 to 29 percent against Italian Village Pizza.

Finally in a landslide victory, Romeo’s Pizza, a finalist in 2018, won against H.R. Steinhouse 93.8 to 6.2 percent.

Now to move onto the international side of the bracket. The first match-up was Thai@Indiana winning against recently opened Casa Jalisco 51.5 to 48.5 percent.

It was the closest battle as it was separated by two votes.

Tres Amigos is arguably the favorite to come out of the international part of the bracket.

It beat out Fortune Buffet 68.2 to 31.8 percent.

The Kim Moon against Teerack Thai proved to be one of the more interesting match-ups this week.

When the poll finished on Instagram, it was a tie. After it finished on Twitter, Kim Moon won it 53.7 to 46.3 percent.

Finally, UMI won the final matchup, 80.3 to 19.7 percent, against India Grill. It was the only match-up where one location received all the votes on either social media pages, as UMI collected 100 percent of the vote on Twitter.

Next up is the bar bracket. This competition was held in 2019, and both finalists that year advanced this year.

H.B. Culpeppers was the first to advance. It edged out Al Patties 74 to 26 percent.

Levity Brewing became the second location to advance winning 85.5 to 14.5 percent over Villa Pub and Grill.

Brunzies, one of the finalists from 2019, won the third match-up of the group against Benjamin’s 82.1

to 17.9 percent. Brunzies and Sub and Suds use the same kitchen, so instead of separating the two, they are combined for the competition.

The other finalist from 2019 was The Coney, which won its match-up against Voodoo Brewing 64.9 to 35.1 percent.

This will setup an interesting match-up between two local favorites. Brunzies won the last time it battled, but will it happen again this year?

The final group was “other.” This included restaurants that did not fit into any of the categories, but they are not to be taken lightly.

The first match-up had Bob’s Subs winning against Donatello’s Restaurant but was tied at the end of voting on Twitter. After it closed on Instagram, Bob’s won 61.6 to 38.4 percent.

Bruno’s Italian was the next to advance, winning against Spaghetti Benders by a score of 52.2 to 47.8 percent. This was the only match-up in which both social media pages

agreed. On Instagram, participants voted for Spaghetti Benders, but on Twitter they voted for Bruno’s.

Crouse’s Cafe soon followed, winning against Philly Street Station 74.4 to 25.6 percent.

Finally, arguably the favorite to come out of the other group was 9th Street Deli winning against Nap’s Cucina Mia 81.2 to 18.8 percent. 9th Street Deli was a finalist in 2018 and will look to get there once again.

With the Round of 16 set and ready to go, there are some integrating match-ups. The first one that immediately catches the eyes is the two finalists of the Best Bar Bracket between Brunzies and The Coney.

If you want to have a chance to decide the winners, make sure the follow us on Instagram at @thepenniup and on Twitter @ThePennIUP. The match-ups will start to be posted Wednesday and end Monday afternoon.

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Culture

Culture

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March 24, 2021

Spring weather brings joy among students

Uncased

This year’s plans for IUP’s pep band LANE LANNAN Staff Writer ffpcc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

(The Penn Archives) For many, springtime means new flowers and leaves growing on trees again.

EVA TILLICH Culture Editor jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Although it is just the beginning of spring, the weather in Indiana makes it seem like spring has sprung for a couple weeks now.

Because of the warm weather and high temperatures this week, many students are excited. They can now spend more time outside without worrying about getting cold and can do more outdoor activities like running and biking.

“I am living for this weather,” Emmy Scheg (freshman, international studies) said. “It’s not too hot and not too cold, and the sun is out. It’s all I can ask for.”

Scheg said her plan is to get outside as soon and as often as possible to take advantage of the weather. She also plans to do her schoolwork outside.

“I love the weather right now,” Natasha Khela (freshman, nursing) said. “I prefer this weather.”

Khela said she plans to go to Philadelphia and spend the day there.

Bridget Gardner (freshman, environmental engineering) also prefers the warm temperatures that the springtime brings.

“It’s so gorgeous, and it makes time between classes much nicer,” Gardner said. “I plan to go hiking up at Yellow Creek or maybe White’s Woods while the weather lasts.”

Gardner spends a lot of time walking her dog, exploring and fishing as well, so the nice weather provides her with plenty of opportunities to do so.

“It feels great to see some

beautiful weather after some pretty crazy snow in the winter,” Evan Orr (junior, actuarial mathematics) said.

Orr said that he enjoys this type of weather because it is easier to drive around because the roads are free of snow. Orr does appreciate winter and the snow that comes with it, though. He said it is beautiful seeing it in his backyard, and it also provides a good excuse to stay home.

“I have plans to reunite with some friends, go to different restaurants and also go bowling, which I haven’t done since I played on the bowling team at Penn Highlands last year,” Orr said.

The springtime brings a lot of positive things like emotions and new opportunities. Even the word “spring” alone can bring good memories and thoughts.

“When I think of spring, I think of days where I am able to walk outside without a heavy jacket, being able to wear shorts and enjoy being outside,” Scheg said. “I also always think of flowers.”

Khela too said that, when she thinks about spring, the first thing that comes to mind is the blooming flowers.

“Spring to me is ‘thank God winter is over, and I can do things outside again,’” Gardner said.

Orr said that when he hears “spring,” he thinks of spring break and beautiful days.

“Spring break may be different this time around due to [COVID-19], but it is really nice to have some time off once in a while since the spring break days are split up.”

Although spring may be different this year, the nice weather stays the same.

You hear the crowd cheering and see the lights gleaming down when suddenly wonderous music starts playing.

The source? The IUP Pep Band.

What is the purpose of a pep band? Simply put, it is to provide a sense of excitement and thrill at a sporting event like a basketball game. Pep bands also exist to drum up student spirit and energy. The IUP Pep Band is no different.

The reach of pep bands often extends beyond playing at basketball games and similar events. Additionally, community ventures are not uncommon for a pep band to participate in as well.

The IUP Pep Band engages in sporting and community events.

Last year, in January of 2020, the pep band hosted the first “Jammin’ in the Gym,” which was meant to be a recruiting opportunity for local high school musicians to experience what the IUP Pep Band did.

Despite the drive to play music and be a source of entertainment, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way that the pep band can rehearse and play this year.

According to the band’s graduate assistant, Anna Zurawski, who is in her first year of a major in horn performance, there were some changes that had to be made to ensure everyone’s safety and to comply to the CDC’s guidelines.

“We rehearse in a large space, which is a different listening environment than we are used to,” Zurawsk said. “Every member is spaced six feet apart and has a bell covering on their instrument and wears a mask.”

A lot of the changes that the pep band had to make this season are similar to those that the IUP Marching Band, The Legend, had to make in the fall semester.

The change in environment and other necessary precautions might have proposed some initial challenges and required some adjustment for

(Facebook) This year’s plans for the pep band look different from previous years. participants, but the band pulled through. The pep band still has a lot of drive and motivation to keep practicing this season.

According to Zurawski, the band has been practicing new and old music. Some songs include one of Kesha’s most popular songs, “We R Who We R,” and the Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars hit “Uptown Funk.”

Zurawski went on to say that, considering the conditions, she feels that the band is nonetheless prepared and ready to serve the student body when the time comes to do so.

With the obstacles of COVID-19, it could be easy to suspect that there would be doubt placed on the pep band.

Despite that doubt, Zurawski still feels that the pep band has the ability to share their music, as long as it is safe to do so.

Furthermore, with vaccinations becoming more readily available to more people across America and the world, a sense of safety may return sooner as opposed to later, which is great news for the pep band.

Zurawski is optimistic about the pep band’s situation and is looking forward to making music with the group.

The IUP pep band, as well as the music department in gener-

al, takes great pride in the music that they do. The groups have bonded over a love of music and a commitment to the program.

There is also a sense of community that comes with doing an activity like pep band.

Also, since a pep band is more likely to play classic songs that everyone will know, that only adds to the excitement and thrill of the experience.

“Pep band is great for building community and student pride at sporting events,” Zurawski said. “I personally love getting to make music with this great group of people.”

Zurawski went on to say that numbers of members in this academic year are lower than usual, but that is to be expected, given the circumstances. With that in mind, however, Zurawski feels that next year, when basketball games return, there should be more members in attendance.

If interested in participating in the future, the IUP Pep Band is open to any member of the IUP community, as there is no musical prerequisite to join.

So, with all that in mind, stay tuned for the upcoming sports events, and you may get the chance to see the IUP Pep Band in action by playing great music to hype up the audience.

March 24, 2021

16

The Cynics

Garage rock at its finest

Culture

The Meadows

The sweetest place in Indiana

Local Bands LANE LANNAN ffpcc@iup.edu I am in the top .001 percent of The Beach Boys’ fans on Spotify.

I also like playing games and vibing with my party lights.

Many people fantasize about playing music with friends, but very few accomplish this. The Cynics did just that.

The Cynics are a rock band originating from Pittsburgh. The band was founded in 1983 and was inspired by garage rock that got its start in the 1960s. The original lineup featured Gregg Kostelich on guitar, Mark Keresmann on vocals, Bill von Hagen on drums and Pam Reyner on bass.

After several years spent doing small gigs, the band assembled, along with new members Michael Kastelic, Amy Mathesius and Richard Schnapp, to produce the band’s first album in 1986, “Blue Train Station.” The Cynics made their own independent record label in 1986, called Get Hip Records, which distributed the album. A standout track from this album is the title song, “Blue Train Station.”

“I liked the way the song’s (‘Blue Train Station’) instrumental sounded,” Alyssa Hixson (freshman, history) said. “The singer’s voice really threw me off.”

Hixson went on to say that the song would fit into their music taste, but because of the style of the vocals, they were not sure it would make the cut. The vocals on this song are done by Kastelic, after he replaced Keresmann on vocals.

Following the release of “Blue Train Station,” the band went on to record a second studio album, which was called “Twelve Flights Up.” It was released in 1988 and was reissued in 2000 with the alternate title of “Sixteen Flights Up.” A standout track from the album is “Abba,” which is a reference to the famous Swedish pop group ABBA. “The song (‘Abba’) reminded me of something you would hear in a ‘90s show,” Gabby Probst (freshman, early childhood education) said. “It’s not something I would typically listen to, but I liked it.”

Probst went on to say that the

(Facebook) The Meadows has a wide variety of flavors to choose from.

A Taste of Indiana CAIO GOMES hysbc@iup.edu I am Gordon Ramsay’s biggest threat. I like discussing politics and making music puns.

(Facebook) On vocals is Gregg Kostelich, and the drum player is Pablo González. song’s lyrics were nice. She said this is because they told a story as the song progressed. Probst also said that the instrumentals for the song did a good job at complimenting the lyrics and being fun and upbeat.

In 1989, The Cynics were preparing for another studio album. The band was undergoing a number of lineup changes. Thomas Hohn joined the band in 1989 on drums.

In 1990, Kris Kasperowski replaced Steve Magee on bass.

These changes all led to the band recording an album in 1990 called “Rock ‘n’ Roll.” The song “Way It’s Gonna Be” is a standout on the album, with 89,226 streams on Spotify.

“I definitely liked the song (‘Way It’s Gonna be’),” Sam Shelenberger (freshman, music education) said.

“The style of music felt very early punk rock, and I liked it.”

Shelenberger said that the organ in the background instrumental reminded him of The Doors, specifically with the well-known The Doors song “Light My Fire,’’ which features a similar sounding instrument at the start of the song.

Following the release of “Rock

‘n’ Roll,” The Cynics went through more lineup changes. Those culminated in the band recording and releasing the album “Learn to Lose” in 1993, as well as the album “Get Our Way” in 1994.

Following the release of “Get Our Way,” The Cynics broke up.

They stayed separated for eight years, until deciding to return to music and record a new album, “Living is the Best Revenge,” which released in 2002.

In 2007, the band recorded and released “Here We Are.” This album marked the last time that the band would feature dramatic lineup changes, as in 2008, Pablo González joined on drums, and Angel Kaplan joined on bass. These two new members joined original members Kostelich on guitar and Kastelic on vocals.

Together, the new lineup recorded the album “Spinning Wheel Motel,” which was released in 2011.

The band has stayed silence since its release. So, if you are in the mood for some early garage rock with a bit of punk mixed in for good measure, go stream The Cynics wherever you listen to music.

Located on Oakland Avenue about 20 minutes right off campus, the Meadows is a frozen custard shop that became a hot spot in Indiana.

The Meadows first opened in 1950

by J.V., Richard and Delbert Meadows in Duncansville, Pennsylvania.

They opened the Indiana store only a couple of years later. The iconic frozen custard quickly became a sensation, as it is not only delicious but also refreshing.

Frozen custards differ from ice creams in the way they are made.

Custards take egg yolk in their making and are initially cooked in boilers and then kept in the freezer, which is why they have a thicker consistency.

Ice cream, on the other hand, is just the mix of milk, cream and flavors taken to the freezer. This is why ice creams generally melt faster than custards.

“I didn’t even know there was a difference,” Winter Cunningham (freshman, interior design) said. “But honestly, I think I like both ice creams and custards because I like what they have in the Meadows.”

Frozen custards, however, are not the only option on the Meadows’ menu. They also sell sundaes, milkshakes, Italian ices, gelatos, smoothies, frosts (which are milkshakes so thick that you need a spoon to eat them), cakes and arctic swirls (which is a custard blended with your choice of nuts or Oreos, M&Ms, Nestle Crunch, Twix, Butterfinger, Reese’s or cookie dough).

Flavors vary from traditional flavors, such as strawberry and vanilla, to more unique flavors such as root beer. Their banana split is very popular and is featured in the “Meadows Favorites” section. Other options in the “favorites” section include the brownie sundae and black cow.

“They have so many options [it] is even hard to pick from,” Brandon Kimmel (freshman, exploratory) said.

“Good thing they have a ‘flavor of the day;’ it kind of help choosing something, I guess.”

With prices ranging from $3.85 to $8.25, the pricing has divided opinions.

In general, the prices are very cheap but can cost more than some competitors in the Indiana area. IUP’s North Dining Hall offers free gelatos once you scan into the dining hall with a meal swipe, and the Crimson Creamery (not affiliated with IUP) not only is closer to campus but also has lower prices compared to the Meadows.

On the other hand, while the Meadows can cost a little more, you do get what you pay for. North offers only a small scoop (though you can get seconds), but since it’s a dining hall and not an ice cream shop, the options of flavors are more limited.

And while the Crimson Creamery might satisfy your craving for ice cream, it doesn’t offer an array of frozen sweets like the Meadows.

“The price is a little more expensive but is nothing terrible,” Darius Flewellen (freshman, English) said.

“Besides that, you get what you pay for. The portions are gigantic; I almost never can finish mine in one sitting.”

When asked if he thought that the Meadows had the best ice cream (custard) in Indiana, Flewellen said he thinks so.

Take advantage that spring is coming and pay a visit to the Meadows. The creamery is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Sports Home is where the pool is

Sports Editor: Jeff Hart – J.R.Hart2@iup.edu Lead Sportswriter: Austin Smith – A.S.Smith7@iup.edu

Paige Mikesell crowned national champion during historic weekend STEVEN LANGDON Editor-in-Chief S.Langdon@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

What better way to come back home than a police escort?

That is exactly what happened for Paige Mikesell (junior, kinesiology health and sport science), who won a national championship, and the rest of the IUP swim team.

The team traveled to Birmingham, Alabama to compete in the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving National Championships, which were held Wednesday to Saturday.

Five IUP athletes competed throughout the week. They racked up nine individual and three relay All-American honors. The nine individuals were the most won by IUP since the 10 won in 2014.

Paige was the standout collecting a national championship in the 200-meter freestyle, seven All-American honors and five IUP records.

She was the first IUP national champion since long jump during the 2011 indoor track and field championships.

“Winning the 200 freestyle at the national championship this year was so unexpected,” Paige said. “I would have never in a million years thought I would win a title in this event, but it was such an exciting experience. “...It was such a humbling experience, and I am just so fortunate that I was even able to compete at the championships.”

Paige finished the race with a time of 1:48.36, a school record, and just edged out Lexie Baker of Queens (N.C.), who finished in 1:48.52. Even more impressive was that Paige went into the event seeded 30th.

“As soon as we saw that my time was faster than any of those girls, everyone was screaming and cheering, and it was such an exciting moment,” Paige said. “I will never forget the happiness of that moment seeing that I won a national

Sports

(IUP Athletics Twitter) The IUP swim team collected nine individual and three relay All-American honors. Pictured above with their awards are Paige Mikesell (top left), Luke Mikesell (bottom left), Iliana Oikonomou (top right), Rachel Johnson (middle right) and Claire Mikesell (bottom right). title out of heat two and was able to represent IUP on the podium.

It was such a bittersweet moment with my teammates and coaches that I will never forget.”

She competed in six other events: the 100-yard butterfly (second place), 200-yard butterfly (second place), 200-yard freestyle relay (eighth place), 400-yard freestyle relay (10th place), 200-yard medley relay (11th place) and 100yard freestyle (12th place). Paige’s other individual record also came in 100-meter butterfly (53.63).

Paige owed most of her success to the ones that helped her even through the struggles of this season.

“My coaches, Coach Villa and Coach Stoner, have put in countless hours of hard work to give us everything we need in order to be successful,” she said. “Without them, we would not be able to

compete at this level.

“My family has supported me from the very beginning. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and I know that has helped me to be successful.”

Paige’s older sister Claire (senior, kinesiology health and sport science) also competed at the championships. She collected five All-American in the 200-yard breaststroke (second place), 200-yard freestyle relay, 100-yard breaststroke (ninth place), 400-yard freestyle relay and 200-yard medley relay.

Claire was close to joining her sister with a national championship but fell short. She finished in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:14.48, which was 0.89 seconds off from standing atop the podium.

Rachel Johnson (junior, hospitality management) finished with five All-American honors which

March 24, 2021

were in the 200-yard freestyle relay, 100-yard breaststroke (10th place), 400-yard freestyle relay, 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard breaststroke (15th place).

She was part of the IUP record breaking competed in the B final of the 200-yard breaststroke.

Rounding out the women’s team was Iliana Oikonomou (senior, sociology). The transfer from Miami University and originally from Greece had All-American honors in the 200-yard freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay and 200-yard medley relay.

Johnson, the Mikesell sisters and Oikonomou also broke the school records in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:34.14), 200-yard medley relay (1:43.28) and 400-yard freestyle relay (3:26.93). The team overall finished 13th of 29 teams, which is the best since coming in seventh in 2000.

You cannot talk about the

Mikesell sisters without including Luke (freshman, criminology), their brother.

The lone male athlete representing the Crimson Hawks also collected some hardware. He earned All-American honors in the 500-yard freestyle (fourth place), where he broke the IUP record, finishing in 4:24.92. His other was in the 100-yard freestyle, which he finished in 45.08.

“I had a rough first day of racing; the anxiety and pressure of swimming my first national event was a lot to handle, while I wasn’t happy with my first swim, I valued it the most because it prepared me for the next couple of days,” Luke said.

“I had a good 500, almost setting my personal best, and for my size and not being a sprinter, I had an excellent 100 (and) just fumbled my second turn.“Overall, I am happy with my performance and excited for next year.”

Being the only freshman might seem intimidating, but Luke did not see it that way.

“I wasn’t intimidated or worried by being the only freshman on the team to make it to nationals,” he said. “I was allowed to bring my roommate Blake Hendricks (freshman, pre-dental) to have someone to hang out with while we were at nationals and so that he could get a feel for what it would be like next year.”

Overall, it was a sensational performance for the team and one that they will not forget.

“Just cheering for my teammates and seeing their hard work payoff is so exciting and fun,” Paige said. “Rachel, Iliana, Claire and Luke are so hardworking and deserve every bit of success, and I am so glad they were able to do so at this meet.”

The team will be competing in two PSAC virtual meets Saturday and April 10. Their final meet of the season will be April 21 – 24 for the PSAC Swimming Championships in York, Pennsylvania.

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March 24, 2021

Sports

IUP Lacrosse wins nail-biter in overtime Zeiler puts up career-high six goals

JEFFERY HART Sports Editor J.R.Hart2@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

With only two seconds left in overtime, things were beginning to look bleak for the IUP lacrosse team Saturday.

That was until Leah Hunter (junior, speech pathology) scored the tie-breaking goal that put IUP up 12–11 against Lock Haven.

It was a tough matchup all the way through for the Crimson Hawks. This game put the Hawks’ record at 2–2 on the year. This was a scenario that head coach Brenna Gallagher has prepared this squad for.

“In a game like Lock Haven, we started slow and were making mistakes that were self-inflicted,” Gallagher said. “At the half, we made some adjustments on attack as well as pointing out that we needed to limit turnovers and have better shot selections.

“The draw is a crucial part of the game, especially in sudden death overtime. So, going into the overtime, we made it clear that if we won the draw, our

chances of winning the game were way higher. Freshman Chantal Jimenez came up big for us in that last draw, and she also was the reason we got into the overtime segment with that goal in regulation with 22 seconds left.

“We just must always play tough and with grit. We did both of those things in the second half.”

The game was close throughout the first half until Lock Haven reeled off three goals in the last two minutes to take it 6–2 going into the half.

The Crimson Hawks opened the second half with five consecutive goals in the first 15 minutes to take a 7–6 lead, with Kayte Zeiler (senior, exercise science) scoring three goals straight. Lock Haven then answered with three straight

goals of their own to take a 10–8 lead.

Goals by Katie Hibinger (junior, nursing) and Zeiler tied the game with six minutes to go, and Lock Haven went back up 11–10 with 3:46 left.

Lock Haven controlled the ball with under a minute to play when Rylee Wilson (freshman, physics) forced a turnover. IUP quickly cleared it, and Chantal Jimenez (freshman, biology), working off the rightwing, charged the net and scored with 21 seconds left to tie the game.

In overtime, after each team had multiple looks and with time running down, Hunter whipped a shot past the LHU goalie while falling

Kayte Zeiler

to the ground for the dramatic victory.

Zeiler stood out in this matchup as she put up a career-high six goals, including four in the second half. She also had one assist, a team-high five ground balls, two draw controls and a caused turnover.

“Kayte never stops fighting in games like that and just has an intensity about her that is contagious,” Gallagher said.

“Kayte works the inside super well in our offensive motions, and we knew that if we could get her open inside, she would have herself a day on the offensive end. I would say her athleticism and her lacrosse IQ are what sets her apart.”

The Hawks were expected to play against Gannon on Tuesday, but the game was postponed to April 22.“ Our mindset going into this week is to start the game strongly and to never take our foot off of the gas pedal,” Gallagher said. “The last two matches we have had to pull ourselves out of a hole, and we need to stop doing that to ourselves. We have

set goals to limit turnovers and win hustle stats.”

The Crimson Hawks are ready for anything; a big reason for this is Gallagher’s awareness of this team’s strengths and weaknesses.

“I would say our biggest strength right now is that we never stop fighting when things get tough. Our draw circle is super strong, with a freshman duo (Sarah Reustle [freshman, academic affairs] and Jimenez),” Gallagher said. “Those two in our last match collected 14 out of our 18 draw controls, which is huge. We are young, but everyone is stepping up. We are doing well on the redefend, and our defense and senior goalkeeper Lauren Piecknick (finance) have been very consistent the last two matches.

“The areas that we will focus on going forward are limiting turnovers and raising our shot percentage.”

The Hawks’ next matchup will be Edinboro on Saturday at 1 p.m. This squad has fought hard all season and will be ready to take the field against yet another tough PSAC opponent.

(IUP Athletics)

March 24, 2021

Sports

19

IUP softball takes down Mercyhurst in dramatic fashion AUSTIN SMITH

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

The Crimson Hawks softball team keeps soaring to success after a quartet of games against Mercyhurst this weekend.

The Hawks improved to an 8–4 overall this past weekend with a 6–2 record at home. Several games against opponent Mercyhurst were close with a good amount of offense in them.

The first game Saturday resulted in a close 3–2 loss. Mercyhurst took the early lead at 1–0. IUP would respond to tie the game and then eventually take the lead with Kaitlynn Beers (graduate student, criminology) hitting a solo home run.

The talented Hope Jones (sophomore, psychology) was phenomenal in the game. In six innings, she racked up nine strikeouts and allowed only four hits. Jones has a had strong start to the season for her fellow Hawks and has been a big contributor to the team.

“I would say just working on being more present mentally at practice and thinking about what I am doing while I pitch,” Jones said.

“I’ve been more focused lately on being able to feel each part of my pitch and carrying that over into games. Knowing how each pitch is supposed to feel makes it easier to make an adjustment if that pitch is not working the best or moving how it should be.”

The Lakers would tie it up in the bottom half of the sixth inning and then would take the lead back to win the game in the seventh inning when they had a runner on third in scoring position.

Game 2 of the doubleheader Saturday was more of an offensive fury for both teams.

The Hawks took the victory by the score of 11–8. It all started with the game being knotted up at 2–2 in the first.

In the fourth inning, IUP managed to take a 6–2 lead. There were a bunch of swinging bats coming from Beers, Sarah Hull (senior, sociology), Ra-

chael Rodriguez (senior, dietetics) and Haleigh Zimmerman (sophomore, safety science).

All these Hawks had RBI’s, which gave them the 6–2 and then eventually a 7–2 lead. Mercyhurst managed to tie the game back up.

IUP then would explode a four-run inning in the eighth with Jacy Henderson (freshman, exploratory stem) and Amanda Fisher (freshman, biology), who knocked in three runs to get back on top and eventually take the victory.

The Hawks would have another set of close games at Ruth Podbielski Field on Sunday. They took a victory in Game 1 by the score of 12–8. Mercyhurst early on took the lead 6–3 after three innings.

The Hawks came storming back with one of the biggest innings of the season, scoring eight runs in the fourth. IUP scored eight runs on six hits. Hull had a go ahead RBI before Sara Russell (sophomore, physics/pre-engineering) hit a three-run home run in the left-center field. The Hawks would take a 12–8 victory with Jones getting another win on the mound.

In Game 2 of the doubleheader Sunday, the Hawks managed to nab a 6–5 victory. Fisher got the start on the mound for the Hawks and did well in the few innings she started. Beers had started the scoring for the Hawks and gave them an early 2–1 lead.

The Lakers went back up 4–2 with some offense themselves.

Beers was on fire and hit an RBI double and made it 4–3. Mercyhurst would respond again and take the lead. Anna Ferrucci (sophomore, criminology, pre-law) and Renee Wall (senior, criminology) both hit RBI doubles to tie the game back even at 5–5.

In the seventh, Beers found herself on base and stole third and then came home after the throw went wide of the bag.

The Hawks would finish off the weekend with a 3–1 record and look to keep soaring into success. The Hawks' next matchup will be against Seton Hill for a four-game series starting Friday at Ruth Podbielski Field at 2:30 p.m.

(IUP Athletics) Kaitlyn Beers has been phenomenal, even earning PSAC West Softball Athlete of the Week.

March 24, 2021

20

Iconic Victory

IUP baseball falls short against Cal U

Crimson hawk roundup

AUSTIN SMITH

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

Peterson gets 200th career win

By IUP Sports Information Playing its first home match in nearly 18 months, the IUP women’s tennis team didn’t have the homecoming the Crimson Hawks imagined.

But the weekend wasn’t all bad, as IUP split a pair of matches and head coach Larry Peterson picked up his 200th career win.

The Crimson Hawks opened the weekend in Latrobe on Saturday with a 6-1 victory over Seton Hill in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference match, giving Peterson his milestone win. It was IUP’s first competition since Feb. 13 after having four matches postponed or canceled due to COVID-19 concerns over the past five weeks.

Already the program's all-time winningest head coach, Peterson is in his 13th season with the Crimson Hawks and boasts a 200-100 career record. He has a winning record in 10 of his previous 12 seasons, including five 20-win campaigns, and has guided IUP to a pair of Atlantic Region and PSAC tournament titles apiece.

The Crimson Hawks made short work of Seton Hill on Saturday, winning five of the six singles matches in straight sets.

Karolin Kirchtag won at the No. 1 singles spot by scores of 6-1, 6-4. At No. 2, Idoia Huerta won by scores of 7-6, 6-1. Katy Graydon and Lydia Vlachou both won by scores of 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3 and 4, respectively. Abby Jones rounded out the day with a 6-1, 6-4 victory at No. 5.

In doubles play, the Crimson Hawks took the doubles point with identical 6-2 victories at the top two spots. Huerta and Vlachou won at No. 1, while Kirchtag and Graydon won at No. 2.

On Sunday, the Crimson Hawks welcomed Carnegie Mellon to the Maple Street Courts for their first home match since the IUP Invitational on Sept. 28-29, 2019. Although IUP lost the match 5-2, the Crimson Hawks were happy to be back on their home court for the first time in 539 days.

In singles play, Graydon won by a score of 6-4, 7-6, and Dunarova won 6-2, 6-0. Huerta and Vlachou won

Sports

(IUP Sports Information) Tennis coach Larry Peterson has a career record of 200-100. handily, 6-1, at the No. 1 doubles spot.

CROSS COUNTRY: The IUP cross country teams completed their truncated season Saturday with a respectable showing at the PSAC Championships in Lock Haven.

Led by senior Sam Lenze, the IUP men finished fourth in the 12-team field with 158 points. Edinboro ran away with the title (22 points).

Meanwhile, graduate student Jessica Jones powered the IUP women’s team to a sixth-place finish out of 15 teams. The Crimson Hawks finished with 173 points. Edinboro also won the women’s title.

Jones posted the best individual finish by an IUP runner in five years, placing 10th with a time of 19:15.6 on the 5K course. In doing so, she earned first-team All-PSAC honors.

The top 30 runners earn All-PSAC honors.

“I was actually really surprised that I finished 10th,” Jones said. “I focus more on track rather than cross country so it was exciting to see my training pay off.”

It was the best individual performance by an IUP women’s runner since Jenna Lezanic also placed 10th at the 2016 PSAC Championships.

IUP’s sixth-place team finish was its best since 2013, and is four spots better than last year’s finish.

Rounding out the top five runners for the IUP women were senior Brianna Herr (26th, 19:39.9), freshman Tori James (27th, 19:40.1), sophomore Paige Wess (52nd, 20:25.7) and another sophomore, Erin McGrath (58th, 20:38.3). Herr and James also garnered All-PSAC status.

“This year has been really important to me,” Jones said. “I had redshirted last season in order to be able to compete this year and so it means a lot to be able to have a sea-

son this year with COVID-19. Even though it has been incredibly difficult to train during the pandemic, having a season this year is so rewarding.”

On the men’s side, Lenze placed 11th in 15:47.4, his best individual finish at the PSAC Championships.

He earned All-PSAC honors for the third straight season.

“I have no idea how to feel about it,” Lenze said of his individual placement. “The shorter race, the shorter season, and the mountain of abnormalities this season brought led to my highest individual finish in the PSAC and a really good 5K time.

“But at the same time, it wasn’t a (personal-record time) nor was it the place I was looking to get. To put things in context, it’s a great finish, but looking at it as my last cross country race kind of sours the pot a little. All of that is miniscule compared to our 4th-place finish. That is what I am really excited about, and knowing I had a hand in that makes me very proud.”

Rounding out the top five runners for the men were sophomore Evan Weaver (33rd, 16:19.3), freshman Marco Cardone (40th, 16:29.1), senior Nathan Skodi (42nd, 16:30.1) and freshman Nate Kuntz (50th, 16:37.3).

For the fifth time in the past seven seasons, IUP posted a top-five team finish at the PSAC Championships.

“I was incredibly lucky,” Lenze said, reflecting on the season. “To me it was just my senior year that was moved online. So many people went through way worse, and my team got to compete this spring. So many athletes out there didn’t.

“That’s what I tried to remind myself of, how lucky we have it. And I think we made the most of it, I have an awesome team that made every moment count, and I think the results showed that.”

The Crimson Hawks baseball team had a busy weekend against rivals California University of Pennsylvania.

They had a two-game slate this past weekend, having one game Saturday at Owen J. Dougherty Field and one Sunday at Cal U. The Saturday game at IUP was a rough day for the Hawks on the diamond as they fell to the score of 18–3. Ben Hudock (fifth year, software engineering) got the start for the Hawks on the mound and did have some solid innings of pitching despite the score.

“Ben pitched well enough to keep us in the ball game,” head coach Anthony Rebyanski said.

“We were shaky defensively, which added to his pitch count and unfortunately plated a few extra runs against us. If we execute some of the plays behind him that were errors or misplayed balls, some of the momenta could’ve stayed on our side.

“We’ve gotten in trouble when we are pitching from behind in the count. If from a pitching standpoint, we work ahead in counts and are efficient, the results of each inning drastically change. When we eliminate the free passes, that also changes how innings are played out.”

The Vulcans had the upper hand on the Hawks in the first game, and the IUP looked to move forward from that game.

They did make it a tight game in the second matchup at Cal U. The final score was a 6–5 loss, but there were plenty of Crimson Hawks that played well. Drew Weglarz (junior, political science/ pre-law) hit a three-run bomb to tie the game.

The Hawks found themselves down early on at 5–0 but had a five-run inning in the fourth.

“We keep stressing that we need to play a complete game, as a team, until the last out is made,” Rebyanski said. “Today, we did just that. We didn’t quit being down 5–0. We had a couple of key hits that inning, especially from Drew Weglarz who came up big with a three-run home run to tie it.

“Our guys battled the entire day, and we had great relief

outings from Tyler Diefenbach (junior, marketing), Jayson Wilbur (senior, sports administration) and Mark Edeburn (sophomore, management).”

The Hawks also got a few RBI hits from Elijah Glass (sophomore, criminology) and Ty Diehl (junior, exercise science). The Vulcans jumped ahead on the Hawks in the fifth to grab back the lead.

The Hawks had runners in scoring position in the ninth, but with two outs, the Vulcans held off to take the victory.

“Defensively, we played better [Sunday], but not flawless,” Rebyanski said. “We have yet to play flawless baseball, but we will get there. We have a big week ahead of us in preparation for Seton Hill. They are a team that runs the bases extremely well and is a big component to their success.

“If we can get them to run themselves out of innings and limit the free passes, it’s going to be a good weekend for us next week.”

Game 2 was a tremendous difference compared to the first game, and they look to turn around the season in their favor and go on a huge run.

“The one thing we keep stressing is having fun, playing loose and playing for each other,” Rebyanski said. “Sometimes, these young men will put too much pressure on themselves.

Baseball is hard enough as is, and adding pressure is only going to make this game harder. Our guys are continuously working hard in every single facet of this game, and we will continue to work hard in each facet.

“There is no quit in this team, and once we catch that spark, I truly believe we are going to run with it to the very end. A new season begins this weekend, and I told the guys today, we look at it as if we (and everyone else) are 0–0 because, in conference play, anything can happen.”

The Hawks will gear up for a huge weekend coming up against Seton Hill and will start the divisional play in their schedule. The Hawks could be looking at a big season turnaround with the first two games being at Seton Hill on Friday at 1 pm and 3:30 pm. The other two games will be at Dougherty Field on Saturday at 1 pm and 3:30 pm.