The Spectrum Vol. 68 No. 1

THE SPECTRUM VOL. 68 NO. 1 | JULY 2, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, SINCE 1950

Data Trackers:

How UB uses student info Departments gather what students do, record habits with the UB Card BENJAMIN BLANCHET SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR

all the data. Campus Living has 24/7 access to dorm and apartment swipes and its administrators share these swipes with University Police, who use the information to search for missing persons. A few third parties — including the CBORD Group’s GET and Ticketmaster — have access to student data, but UB insists third parties don’t share or sell that data.

UB does not give students the names of the dozens of people in over 25 departments who can see their data, nor would UB provide those names to The Spectrum. The departments include academic departments like social work, engineering and psychology, and broader departments like Campus Living and Parking and Transportation.

“Personally, I don’t think departments are

TOP 10 STORIES OF 201718 AT UB

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UB can track your location every time you swipe your UB Card.

Card readers across campus track when you eat dinner, go home and ride the bus. The card registers when you get Moe’s and if you are a loyal Bulls fan. All your swipes are recorded and some departments share your habits with people outside of UB. For example, if you go to football games and swipe into your dorm, Athletics might advertise future events in your building.

UB insists the UB Card is not a system for gathering, packaging and selling personal data.

But, a twomonth investigation by The Spectrum shows reams of student data is collected, researched and kept throughout UB and that students have little idea who has their data and when it gets collected.

MADISON MEYER | THE SPECTRUM Many students After students use their card on a reader, data is gathered by individual departments. Students The Spectrum who want their card access data have to contact spoke to are con- each department and some departments choose not to release data to students. cerned about this lack of transparency with their data. Their concerns come doing a good - Andy Cruz, an undecided three months after Facebook admitted to sell- job of informfreshman people ing the personal data of 87 million users and ing one month after Amazon’s Alexa — a device who has their widely used by students — recorded and sent information, out the private conversation of a Portland because no student really has a solid answer,” Syed said. couple.

“Overall, I would say I’m concerned with what happens when we use our cards and who could see it,” said Sana Syed, a sophomore political science major. “If I heard more clarity and a logical explanation from the school as to why they need [to use] this information, I would feel a lot better.”

Each of the departments set “their own Finding out about UB data collection is not regulations” for the UB Card, according to easy. The Spectrum filed Freedom of Informathe UB Card policy statement. The Spectrum tion requests to get data on one of our ediasked four different departments for their tors, but only got some answers about what policies, but got no answers. Departments UB collects. We asked dozens of staff and were either unable or unwilling to tell us their only some have shared how they use student policies. data.

Kate McKenna, director of issues manPart of the problem is that UB does not agement and stakeholder communication, have a centralized office that manages all data said UB has policies to protect student data on students. This means one student’s data and that most data stays within the university. can not be seen by one department or UB McKenna said there are “only a few instancemployee. But it also makes tracking who is es” where data is shared outside UB but “sencollecting what tricky. sitive information is never shared” or “sold.”

At least 25 departments and UB offices Third parties like GET collect student card collect student data, but only select admintransactions, according to McKenna, but data istrators, including President Satish Tripathi remains “completely confidential” and GET and Provost Charles Zukoski, have access to

“

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They may know what that third party is doing with my data, but I don’t know what they’re doing with my data. It would be [good] if UB could break it down more for me, so I’m more aware of where it’s going and who has access.”

Who’s looking at your data?

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> SEE DATA

TRACKERS PAGE 4

UBSPECTRUM

OVERRATED OR UNDERRATED? VP A. Scott Weber and the SA e-board weigh in on everything from chicken wings to Cardi B

MR. EVERY THING UB alum Samuel Vespone balances his passion for music and his love for medicine

COURTESY OF CAMPUS DINING AND SHOP

A FAMILY AFFAIR UB softball’s biggest fans: Laureen Jacobs and the Jacobs family

TO LONG ISLANDERS A primer on what to expect in Buffalo and how to not be so Long Island-y COURTESY OF SARAH SIMONE

MEET THE 201819 BULLS UB Division I team guide for new students and fans

2 | Monday, July 2, 2018

NEWS

ubspectrum.com

Financial aid office anticipates increase of Excelsior Scholarship recipients Number of recipients projected at 2,400 to 2,500 for the new academic year BRENTON J. BLANCHET CO-MANAGING EDITOR

The financial aid office projects a 200 to 300 student increase of Excelsior Scholarship recipients for the 2018-19 academic year, according to Janessa Givens Daniels, acting senior assistant director of financial aid. As of May 31, the office anticipates roughly

2,400 to 2,500 students with the scholarship.

The projected increase comes after the scholarship’s income eligibility increased from last year’s $100,000 to $110,000. In the 2019-20 academic year, families of recipients will be allowed to make up to $125,000.

The scholarship is available to New York state residents who attend a SUNY or CUNY school and take 30 credits per year.

Students must live in the state for the length of time they utilize the scholarship. The scholarship allowed for 53 percent of SUNY and CUNY in-state full-time students to attend school tuition free, according to

New York state’s website. This accounts for 210,000 NYS residents.

Over 2,200 UB students were Excelsior recipients last academic year. This is an estimate based on financial aid data, according to Daniels.

The financial aid office did not have information available regarding students’ average Excelsior award during the 2017-18 school year.

UB has recorded increases in overall undergraduate student enrollment for the past three years, including in-state enrollment, according to Vice Provost for

UB Council holds summer meeting One World Café, Boldly Buffalo campaign discussed at June meeting MAX KALNITZ SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

The UB Council discussed the $650 Boldly Buffalo campaign, One World Café and a tentative on-campus food pantry at its summer meeting on June 11. The nineperson council is made up of prominent community members, alumni and student representative Mike Brown.

Various administrators were in attendance, including new Athletic Director Mark Alnutt. President Satish Tripathi was stuck in a Chicago airport and could not attend the meeting.

Graham Hammill, vice provost for educational affairs and dean of the graduate school, announced construction will begin on the newly named One World Café in the fall and is expected to be completed during the 2020-21 academic year.

The dining hall will be housed in an allglass building connecting Norton Hall to the Capen Hall entrance of Silverman Library. It will be a two-story building with 500 to 650 seats, a hearth area and multipurpose rooms.

Hammill reinforced the purpose of the eatery as a method to match the growing dietary needs of students while promoting the education of students as global citizens.

The dining hall will have five dining stations, each focusing on a different part of the world.

“When you come to North Campus, it’s often really difficult to know where to go. This will serve as a beacon and show prospective students and new students where the center of campus is,” Hammill said.

Rodney Grabowski, vice president of university advancement, delivered an update on the university’s Boldly Buffalo campaign announced in April on UB Giving Day. As of the council’s June 11 meeting, the campaign raised $457.7 million of its $650 million goal from more than 61,100 donors, according to Grabowski.

Grabowski said he expects donations to reach more than $460 million by the end of June. The campaign will hold regional fundraising events between November and next June in cities with large concentrations of UB alumni. Grabowski said the energy surrounding the campaign hasn’t ceased since its announcement, an encouraging sign that its historic goal may be achievable.

“We’re planning already through 2020

and beyond because we do not have an end date for this campaign,” Grabowski said. “This campaign will last as long as the university feels that the marketing, branding and fundraising is working.”

Student representative Brown, a senior computer science and political science major, brought up issues concerning an on-campus food pantry and awareness concerning student’s mental health during his report.

Brown raised concerns about the absence of an on-campus food pantry after a National College Health Assessment report showed 25 percent of UB students experience some degree of food insecurity.

The statistic coincides with complaints from graduate students who have spent the last year protesting for a “living wage.”

The university partnered with the Presbytery of Western New York to create an off-campus food bank. However, Brown expressed concerns regarding accessibility to the South Campus location, lack of advertisement and issues with it being housed in a religious building.

Council chairman Jeremy Jacobs questioned the need to provide students with free food in addition to free tuition under the Excelsior Scholarship.

“The state has now agreed to no tuition,

Enrollment Management Lee Melvin. But this increase can’t be directly correlated with the Excelsior Scholarship’s introduction, he said.

“Strategies and goals were already in place to increase enrollment prior to the announcement of the Excelsior Scholarship.

It would be difficult to directly correlate the enrollment increase to the Excelsior Scholarship, as many factors can be attributed to our growth,” Melvin said. email:brenton.blanchet@ubspectrum.com twitter: @BrentBlanchSpec

embracing that financial burden to the state instead of perhaps students or their parents,” Jacobs said. “At what point do we believe we should be feeding students as well as educating them for free?”

Brown also called for more mental health awareness on campus.

He informed council members that during the last 12 months, 53 percent of college students reported feeling hopeless and 39 percent reported feeling so depressed it was difficult to function, according to a 2016 survey by the American College Health Association.

The council also approved the Dr. Romesh K. and Mrs. Neelam Kohli Medical Student Scholarship Fund, the Mario and Donna Rocci scholarship in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Rosenthal Family Fund in the School of Dental Medicine. It also named the Moog professor of Innovation award in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Only one of the three named scholarships will be available to students in the fall, as two of the three will be realized upon the death of the donors, according to Joelle Haseley, executive assistant to the vice president.

The council’s next meeting is set for September 25. email: max.kalnitz@ubspectrum.com twitter: @Max_Kalnitz

OPINION

ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum Monday, July 2, 2018 Volume 68 Number 01 Circulation: 4,000

An open letter to freshmen Long Islanders A primer on what to expect in Buffalo and how to not be so Long Island-y

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Hannah Stein MANAGING EDITOR Brenton J. Blanchet Dan McKeon CREATIVE DIRECTORS Phuong Cam Vu Chase Wilcoxen, Asst.

COPY EDITORS Savanna Caldwell, Asst.

Cassi Enderle, Asst.

Lauryn King, Asst.

NEWS EDITORS Max Kalnitz, Senior FEATURES EDITORS Benjamin Blanchet, Senior Erik Tingue Kirsten Dean, Asst.

ARTS EDITORS Brian Evans, Senior Samantha Vargas, Asst.

SPORTS EDITORS Thomas Zafonte, Senior Nathaniel Mendelson MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Shubh Jain, Senior Madison Meyer, Senior Jack Li, Asst.

CARTOONISTS Ardi Digap Taj Taylor

PROFESSIONAL STAFF OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Helene Polley ADVERTISING MANAGER Ayesha Kazi AD DESIGN MANAGER JuYung Hong

ABOUT THE SPECTRUM The views expressed – both written and graphic – in the Opinion section of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or news@ ubspectrum.com. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number, and email address.

For information on adverstising with The Spectrum: VISIT: www.ubspectrum.com/advertising CALL US: 716-645-2152 The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-2100

JOIN OUR STAFF Do you have an interest in journalism, graphic design, photography, social media, advertising, cartoons or copy editing? The Spectrum is always looking for enthusiastic students who want to be part of our team.

Join our 45-time award winning independent student newspaper for hands-on, real-world experience in your field.

Monday, July 2, 2018 | 3

COURTESY OF SARAH SIMONE

DAN MCKEON CO-MANAGING EDITOR

Hello all incoming freshmen from the pizzeria-strewn, lighthouse-encircled island that everyone loves to hate: Long Island.

As a reformed Long Islander myself, I get where you guys are coming from.

When you fly into town, you’ll scoff at Buffalo’s one terminal airport. When you take the train up to Exchange Street, you’ll be confused as to why the station is a small cabin under a highway. If you drive up, you’ll spend the last hour of the trip wondering what barren hick town you’ve decided to dedicate the next few years of your life to.

You’ll think you’re real high and mighty, coming from some town in Suffolk County no one has ever heard of that has, like, the best bagels in the whole world. Maybe Tina Fey once ate at your pizzeria, or your friend’s uncle went to high school with Billy Joel.

You’ll look on in morbid curiosity at a line jutting out of some weird, not-Dunkin-Donuts place called Tim Horton’s. Your assigned roommate, who’s from Hamburg or East Aurora but basically Buffalo, will drink

strange beers like Genesee or Labatt’s that you think tastes like piss. You know what real beer is.

It’s Budweiser and Natty Light.

You get it. You know what’s what.

And this, my sad dear Jets fans, is why everyone’s going to hate you until you learn to turn it down a notch. In fact, to help you learn when to shut your “Lawn-GuyLand” mouth, I have a few key points to remember as you adjust to living in a city like Buffalo.

1. They’re called “chicken wings” and you’ll show them some respect.

They aren’t Buffalo wings.

You’re in Buffalo. Don’t be redundant.

You may be wondering, “Dan, how can I show a chicken wing respect? I’m a Long Islander, I barely know how to respect homeless people!” It’s simple.

Don’t go to Buffalo Wild Wings.

Why in the name of all that’s good and holy would you go to a place like Buffalo Wild Wings?

You’re in a city where even bowling alleys are serving up wings that’d make your daddy cry.

Go to Duff ’s. Go to Anchor Bar. Go to Cole’s. Go to literally any bar in a 30-mile radius and you’ll be better for it. Also, you should really be respecting homeless people.

2. I hate to break it to you but the city of Buffalo is actually not the city of New York.

Also, I hate to break it to you, kid from Hempstead, but Hempstead is actually not the city of New York either. You’re not from the city. I grew up about a five minute walk from Queens, and I wouldn’t dare say I’m from New York.

Researching research

How science students can get involved outside the classroom

KIRSTEN DEAN ASST. FEATURES EDITOR

Getting into undergraduate research is an essential part of college for science students.

It helps teach practical knowledge and life skills, makes you stand out from your peers when competing for internships, jobs and graduate schools, and helps you figure out what you want to do with your life.

When I began searching for colleges in high school, I knew I wanted to study biology. I wanted to pursue research as a potential career. I thought I wouldn’t have the chance, however, to research as an undergraduate.

Oftentimes, large colleges don’t afford undergraduates the opportunity to try research during their first four years in

Let’s be real here: your biggest experience with New York is going into Penn Station –– transfer at Jamaica –– and taking some cool pictures around Central Park or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You’d only claim to be from New York because you know how culturally bankrupt Long Island is and how your favorite pastime is leaving it.

So when you walk around Elmwood or Hertel Avenue and say, “Wow, it’s like Brooklyn if Brooklyn sucked,” remember that you only want to move to Brooklyn now because you crave a nice delicious slice of gentrification. I bet you’re still afraid to go to Harlem. But that’s a whole other column.

3. Buffalo’s … cool.

A Gothamist* piece back in 2015 titled “Millennials Are Moving To Buffalo & Living Like Kings” makes a great case for Buffalo being the kind of city that can actually accommodate the up-and-coming generation.

The article says Buffalonians would feel that moving to the city now “is like dating the girl next door who’s undergoing a She’s All That-style transformation.”

You’re going to think the city’s lame, the people are lame, the weather’s terrible and everything sucks. But, dear reader, this is only because you have yet to truly discover a city.

Let’s face it: New York City for Long Island teens is nearly impossible to personally discover.

It’s too big, too full of histories already known and written, and certainly not financially accessible for young adults –– unless your parents pay for that kind of stuff.

But Buffalo has many changing neighborhoods, plenty of cheap houses and places to rent, and more than its fair share of excellent cuisine and cafes. college.

UB, however, welcomes undergraduates into research positions and encourages them to pursue whatever topic they may be interested in.

I can’t speak on behalf of other academic disciplines, but I know from experience that having undergraduate research under your belt puts you miles ahead of your peers.

You are thought of as more serious, intelligent, mature and focused the moment people find out that you conduct research.

You are immediately able to apply to so many more experiences, like internships, outside research and careers.

Last summer, I had a lab-based internship. This summer, I have another internship. If I didn’t

Once you’re done whining about how much the pizza sucks, go find something you actually like. That, young bagel connoisseur, is called personal growth and you’re going to need to start doing it if you want to stick around.

4. Keep an open mind, friend.

Look, I’ve been maybe a little harsh on you, maybe a little unfair.

You’re fresh out of high school and are still figuring yourself out.

I was once in your shoes, too.

I came to UB a psychology major and graduated last year an English major with a certificate in creative writing and have worked for The Spectrum off and on for four years. I had never really read much or written, and I barely understood how the news worked when I arrived. I harped on the pizza thing, made fun of my Sabres-loving friends and was generally a cocky little dork. In many ways, all of those things are still true.

But I started writing poetry and editing for the newspaper, both somewhat on a whim. And through both, I made the sort of friendships that keep you going and growing, and discovered the wonderfully weird city of Buffalo.

I learned the world is much more than wineries, beaches, endless suburbs and train rides into Manhattan.

So long story short: forget everything you think you know for sure, keep an open mind and follow your whims. Welcome to Buffalo. *If you’re one of those Long Islanders who wrongfully claims the title of New Yorker and you also don’t know what the Gothamist is, then I’m afraid there is no saving you. email: dan.mckeon@ubspectrum.com twitter: @Dan_McKeon_

have research experience working in a lab as an undergraduate, I would not have qualified for these jobs and wouldn’t have been given a second look.

In order to obtain some of these highly sought-after positions and even a job in some sort of lab after graduation, you need to have lab experience.

There are extensive training periods that accompany internships and those beginning entry-level positions, yet companies do not want to waste their time teaching you basic skills that you could have easily learned beforehand. This also helps companies know that you are competent and can be trusted with lab work.

Research experience is also > SEE RESEARCH PAGE 15

Visit your national parks, before they’re gone America’s public lands still in danger

Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s editorial staff can email Hannah Stein at: eic@ubspectrum.com.

Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s professional staff or advertising team can email Helene Polley at: hapolley@buffalo.edu.

MAX KALNITZ SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

In 2017, the United States population was roughly 324 million people. That same year, more than 330 million people visited national parks. Visitors spent more than 1.44 billion hours in parks, breaking old and setting

new records for park attendance across the board, according to the National Park Service.

As more and more people opt to explore the national parks, a system of over 417 areas, facilities are experiencing wear and tear like never before, leaving the system with $11.6 billion in maintenance backlog.

To help address the system’s debt, President Donald Trump and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke proposed legislation to establish a Public Lands Infrastructure Fund. The fund would provide the National Park Service with $18 billion to help offset costs.

But there’s a catch.

Trump plans on raising funds for infrastructure projects for the Department of the Interior by

opening the nation’s parks for oil and gas lease sales, according to The Washington Post. These leases include on and offshore drilling, which would drastically upset the ecosystems of parks, especially those in coastal areas, like Acadia National Park in Maine or Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and Mississippi.

This announcement came after a series of damaging blows to the NPS by the Trump Administration during the last 10 months.

President Trump announced a proposal to increase entrance fees to 17 of the most popular national parks last October, calling for cars to pay $70 instead of $30. The NPS supported the proposal and received backlash from tens of thousands of angry parkgoers. It’s currently reconsidering the price spikes.

In December, Trump drastically

reduced the size of two national monuments in Utah –– Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante –– by roughly two million acres.

President Obama established the monuments in a presidential proclamation before leaving office.

In January, 10 out of 12 National Parks System Advisory Board members resigned in frustration after Secretary Zinke refused to meet with them and failed to convene a meeting last year.

The idea of giving big oil companies the keys to our public lands is nothing new.

Prior to leaving office, George W. Bush had plans to sell oil and gas leases in Utah’s public lands, and during John McCain’s 2008 Presidential run, he and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin donned the slogan “Drill, baby, drill.” > SEE

YOUR PARKS PAGE 15

NEWS

4 | Monday, July 2, 2018

Jason Kelley is a STANLEY regional technician. STANLEY Security installs and provides services for UB’s card access system, but the university hasn’t explicitly said STANLEY “does not sell” or “use it for any other pur- is the school’s official vendor of swipe card pose.” services, according to Kelley.

UB, she said, primarily collects data like Some schools take a centralized approach your person number, card number and name. to their card system, Kelley said, leaving one Some departments, however, can access more department responsible for all card access deinformation. Parking and Transportation cisions.

Services, for instance, can see class standings “The idea of an integrated system is that it based on collective data. Campus Dining & can be used to accomplish the tasks that the Shops can see stucustomer requires or dent sporting event wants it to be used attendance and recfor, from the munreation center use, dane to the extraor24/7. dinarily complex,” Adam Levin, a Kelley said. “UB consumer advocate falls somewhere in and former director the middle of that of the New Jersey range.”

Division of ConLevin said the sumer Affairs, said issue with a nonit’s important for integrated system is students, faculty and some departments staff at UB to know may not be as comwho is collecting petent or qualified at their data and what data management as the purpose is. other departments.

“Some people A centralized syswould say, ‘Well look tem, he said, can be at the benefit we give properly managed you [by collecting with secure protodata], because we cols and provide make you aware of university-wide data all these terrific opeducation to staff portunities in terms and students. of food or upcomThe opacity of ing athletic events.’ the UB Card policy That’s fine, but I may upset incoming -Adam Levin, a consumer think people need to advocate and former director European internaknow,” Levin said. of the New Jersey Division of tional students even UB owns all card Consumer Affairs more than domestic access data, inforstudents as they are mation gathered particularly sensitive to data collection. In the from your card usage. A number of academic past year, various European countries and the departments get rid of card access data after European Union have passed laws allowing a year but others, like CDS, maintain all data consumers more access to information on from a student’s time at UB. how and why their data is collected. SpecifiOver 25 departments can view your card cally, on May 25, the EU passed the General access data, yet it isn’t collected into one place, Data Protection Regulation. The GDPR gives meaning one student’s card use history can’t EU citizens more rights over their data and be seen by a single department. requires organizations to explain why they CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

DATA TRACKERS

“

Some people would say, ‘Well look at the benefit we give you [by collecting data], because we make you aware of all these terrific opportunities in terms of food or upcoming athletic events.’

That’s fine, but I think people need to know,”

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ubspectrum.com

collect data.

UB’s Data Access and Security Policy says Levin said there should be a clearly under- “senior management,” including President stood, opt-in policy for any place data is being Satish Tripathi and Provost Charles Zukoski, are “eligible for access to enterprise-wide unicollected.

“An interesting question to ask is if there versity summary/aggregate data.” Under the are students from the EU at UB and is there policy, senior management can give office an instance where they could have an issue staff access to data “as deemed appropriate.”

The policy does not name data custodians, with GDPR,” Levin said.

“I don’t see the EU coming after a univer- trustees and administrative data users but sity and hitting them with a €20 million fine. does say administrators like the “executive But in light of Facebook and the Cambridge vice president for finance and operations” Analytica situation, and Facebook’s commit- and the “vice president for student affairs” ment to bring their policies more into light, — now the vice president for student life — I think this is where we’re going. It’s going are data custodians. Currently, that would be to create a paradigm shift and the question is Laura Hubbard and A. Scott Weber.

“Those who have access to card system how quickly.”

In March, The Guardian revealed how Cam- data must agree to university and department bridge Analytica, a firm that collected social policies regarding data security and must acmedia data, used information from close to knowledge that the data they have access to 87 million Facebook users and then sold it for will remain confidential –– that it will not be used unethically or for purposes beyond the profit.

“It would be fine, personally, if depart- scope of what it is intended for,” McKenna ments explain to me where exactly my data is said.

Cruz said people should have the right to going instead of saying it’s just going to third parties,” said Andy Cruz, an undecided fresh- know who has access to their information.

“It’s what you’re up to and there’s no reaman.

“They may know what that third party is son for [departments] not to give you your doing with my data but I don’t know what data, even if it’s owned by UB,” Cruz said. they’re doing with my data. It would be [good] Card systems, like the one used by CDS, don’t if UB could break it down more for me, so register date of birth, credit card numbers or I’m more aware of where it’s going and who social security numbers. Some departments, like Athletics, are able to see where students has access.”

Other students shared Cruz’s concerns. live, though.

“Athletics works in partnership with CamEven if UB is not sharing much of their data now, students wonder how UB might, in pus Living and has made a business case to link Campus Living address data to Athletics’ coming years, use their data.

Both McKenna and UB spokesman John card system data,” McKenna said. “In this DellaContrada insist UB will not sell student case, only building names for students are data for profit or use it to do anything but en- linked from Campus Living to Athletics because there was no business need for Athletics hance student services.

For instance, McKenna said CDS uses data to have students’ full address information.”

Only departments that make a “business to research how students purchase food. CDS can then offer what students want and make case” to use students’ addresses can access that data, according to McKenna. changes to UB dining experiences.

Levin said departments should “absoluteBut some data is shared outside the university. Third parties, like GET, Ticketmaster ly” inform students when the information and First Transit, have access to your data they gather goes beyond basic information.

“The truth is [departments] lose nothing by and some can use it to summarize how you telling you they’re use your UB Card. doing this and, in McKenna said fact, might gain most data collected more respect from stays within UB students from and is not shared. what they’re do“That data is ing,” Levin said. used for providing “Students may a better experience even pay more for students withattention, underin those departstanding that adments,” McKenna vertising doesn’t said. “There are show up because only a few instancthere was an es where transepiphany and [UB] actional data is decided they were shared outside of there. When it the university, and comes to privacy when it is only necand security, the essary information. only way people Sensitive informaare going to be tion is never shared more focused on and information is privacy is the more never sold.” aware they are of Mark Barwhere their data is tholomew, a UB going.” law professor with There are some a focus of intellecthird parties, howtual property and ever, which can recyberlaw, said it’s - Mark Bartholomew, a UB law ceive student data. good practice to professor GET, an app for let consumers, like the UB Card, restudents, know as much as they can about how their data is be- ceives card users’ identifier information, but does not sell UB data, McKenna said. ing used.

There are policies and laws that protect UB’s “These things should be as understandable as possible for students,” Bartholomew said. non-public information against unauthor“To the extent that different rules that depart- ized access, disclosure or misuse, McKenna ments make it harder for students to realize said. Policies and laws include UB’s Data Achow their data is being used, it should be in- cess and Security Policy, the Personal Privacy cumbent upon the departments to let them Protection Law and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that limit sharing data know.” without individual consent. The data access and security policy says state agencies, including UB, must “notify individuals if there is a security breach involving their restricted confidential data.”

UB Card data is classified as both internalIf students want their card access data, they use and public data, according to McKenna. have to make a request.

Each of the 25 departments has people The Spectrum requested an editor’s card acwho can access the department’s data. These cess data from CDS and CSE IT. Both CDS people are data custodians, trustees and ad- and CSE IT emailed The Spectrum card acministrative data users. Data custodians and cess data following our request. The requests trustees are able to grant access to UB data. showed meal credit uses, sporting event atMcKenna did not provide names of data tendance and a door access history. Campus custodians, trustees and administrative data Living did not respond to our request and reusers and said the list is “not public informa- ferred us to Student-Wide Judiciary or UPD. tion.”

UPD provided The Spectrum with data on our

“

These things should be as understandable as possible for students.

To the extent that different rules that departments make it harder for students to realize how their data is being used, it should be incumbent upon the departments to let them know.”

Protecting your data

ubspectrum.com editor, following our request. The Spectrum attempted to get the same editor’s data from Campus Life multiple times and did not receive the department’s policy on obtaining card records.

The UB Card policy allows departments to create and enforce their own policies for how they give data to students, faculty and staff.

The Spectrum reached out to multiple departments about their card usage policies, including Campus Life, the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the School of Social Work. All these departments said they either did not have policies, were not aware of policies or did not respond to our questions.

“When an individual inquires about their

NEWS ing to Austin, and can research any additional support like individualized data reports.

“As for research, it provides useful institutional information on passenger counts, locations and trends that is invaluable to our transportation management efforts,” Austin said. “It has not been used for marketing, or monetized in any way.”

Parking and Transportation Services uses Passio Technologies, a third party software, to count passengers on Stampede buses. The Spectrum could not get an editor’s card access data from Austin because of a “dollar cost affiliated with the additional technical support” but with the support, Parking and Transportation could research individual student data.

COURTESY OF UB PHOTO DATABASE The UB Card Office in 1Capen is one of two offices that produce the card through Campus Dining & Shops. Approximately 64,000 active UB Cards were used this past spring, according to CDS marketing manager Ray Kohl.

own data, it is up to the discretion of the department to decide how the request is filled,” McKenna said.

On April 20, The Spectrum requested all of an editor’s card access data from UB under the Freedom of Information Law. The Spectrum received records kept by CDS on June 15 but received no other department’s records at UB. Chris Austin, director of parking and transportation services, said the card system provides his department with passenger counts by bus stop and route. Austin said his department is also aware of class standing and a “general sense of transit use” by on-campus students versus off-campus students. The data, Austin said, is truncated and encrypted to maximize integrity and security.

Stampede buses are equipped with card readers — a total of 26 swipe card stations across all buses, according to Austin. The card system is part of a contract with First Transit, another third party.

UB and First Transit management can login to a secured software system and server to run reports on passengers based on time, date, semester and bus stop.

Both use aggregate information, accord-

The basics of BASIS

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering Information Technology manages the card access system, BASIS. The system is composed of a card access security server and a separate database server that stores card access data.

Each card reader connects to a panel in a nearby closet or space. The panels can access the BASIS servers. From there, BASIS keeps track of card access data, and departments can generate reports based on a person’s card usage.

Christian Miller, CSE IT director, is the system administrator. Miller oversees administrator accounts, UB cardholder accounts and access rules for physical spaces.

Matt Stock, a former CSE IT director, started the BASIS system in 2001 when CSE began rehabilitating the department’s office spaces.

Stock said CSE had an older card access system for student lab access but other common spaces, like the mailroom and TA offices, used keys. The older system, according to Stock, required CSE to program each door using a laptop.

“Each semester, the administrative staff in the department needed to collect and hand out hundreds of keys,” Stock said in an email.

“As IT director in CSE, I decided that using the BASIS card access system to replace the locks for most of the common spaces made sense.”

There are hundreds of UB spaces that use card readers. The university doesn’t provide card readers for the system, and departments must pay for their own readers. BASIS users pay a software licensing fee and a service fee based on how many readers they have. Each reader costs $100, according to CSE’s website.

“It’s a grassroots solution to a problem because it was something the campus needed.

CSE makes absolutely no money on the system,” Miller said.

Stock said BASIS was originally only for CSE and individual card data was manually entered into a database. He said he built a tool that would integrate databases throughout UB to make things like physical space access more efficient.

“This allowed us to create rules to automatically add people to doors if they were registered for a specific class, if they were faculty in a particular department, etc.,” Stock said.

Stock said the school of medicine and the nursing school began using the system after CSE created it. CSE contributed software and hardware maintenance as schools shared the system’s infrastructure.

“UB now has much better security, an improved audit trail on who accessed spaces and when and UB spends a fraction of the time as it did when everyone handled keys,” Stock said.

Some places at UB have their own standalone systems, separate from BASIS. In 2016, the Student Association introduced a separate card system for event management. The system is operated through Computer SOS, a third party, and uses an updated student database, according to SA Entertainment Coordinator Marc Rosenblitt.

SA pro-staff have access to the system, as do a limited number of university administrators,like University Events Director William Regan.

Rosenblitt said SA built the system for crowd management rather than as a marketing tool.

“We’ve never used it as a marketing tool, but there’s been some discussion about it to be able to reach out to those individuals that have registered [for SA events] in the past,” Rosenblitt said.

The card of the future

In October 2017, CDS introduced MiFare chip cards to medical school faculty, staff and students. CDS has issued over 12,000 chip cards to the medical school community, and all freshmen will receive the card starting in June, according to Ray Kohl, CDS marketing

belongings stolen out of the men’s locker room in Alumni Arena. The student later found his backpack placed in another locker, but was still missing $60 cash. Patrols report the subject, a 6-foot-2-inch white male, calling for a cab.

Did you make this summer’s blotter?

NEWS DESK

5/2 6:37 p.m: Six students were trapped in a Spaulding Hall elevator on the building’s second floor.

9:19 p.m: A student requested to speak with an officer regarding harassment directed towards them on Facebook.

10:15 p.m: A female student asked for assistance regarding a feral cat that climbed into her backpack at the Hamilton Loop.

The cat left the area shortly after the student notified UPD. 5/4 11:49 a.m: A male student reported his PlayStation was stolen from his dorm room. The student said his room was shut but not locked.

5/5 3:32 p.m: Patrol extinguished a mulch fire on Coventry Road and Millersport

Highway.

6:38 p.m: Students reported the theft of a backpack containing wallets, cell phones and keys from the Oozefest Mud Pit. 9:36 p.m: Officers assisted a female student who was vomiting in the first floor bathroom in Alumni Arena. Paramedics were notified and the student was taken to Erie County Medical Center.

5/8 9:26 a.m: A female student reported she received a bomb threat via email.

12:30 p.m: A male student’s car was struck while parked and unattended in the Hochstetter B Lot on May 7. The suspect’s vehicle was parked next to his car. The subject left a note including a name and an incorrect phone number.

5/11 10:25 a.m: A female student’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle on May 10.

Three other individuals witnessed the incident and recorded the subject’s license plate number as the subject fled the scene.

1:27 p.m: A male student had all of his

5/12 7:28 a.m: Police received reports of a possible burglary in Flickinger Court. A bottle of alcohol was stolen and the victim’s PlayStation was tampered with.

9:09 p.m: A male student’s cell phone was stolen from Main Street Market Dining Center.

5/13 1:50 p.m: An individual who lives off campus attempted to stab a male student with a knife in his dorm room, but the student grabbed the knife. The student called an Uber at Michael Hall and went to the hospital. The suspect was found at 2:14 p.m. in Clinton Hall. Suspension papers were issued to the suspect, who was arraigned and released.

5/14 5:21 p.m: A student reported a hitand-run in the Clark Lot. 5/15 6:43 p.m: A caller reported a male sitting in a red Chevrolet vehicle completing a lewd act in the Parker Lot. 11:57 p.m: A female student notified UPD of a male student on the third floor of Richmond Hall near the elevator who was scaring people with a toy gun.

5/17 11:01 a.m: An employee reported an

Monday, July 2, 2018 | 5 manager.

Kohl said CDS will be able to offer new technology, like wearable IDs with new UB card readers. The UB Card agreement informs users their card contains a magnetic stripe, a computer chip and/or a radio with an antenna.

Joshua Sticht, deputy chief of UPD, oversees UPD dispatchers, who are officers that can constantly see Campus Living door usage. Sticht said the new card readers at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have caused issues for his officers at the downtown campus.

“The issue we bumped into is they put all these new card readers in the medical school and now, those don’t [communicate] with the other card readers in other buildings that are already existing there,” Sticht said. “As much as we might like to look at the technological capabilities of the system, our biggest hurdles is for my officers not to have four different IDs to get into all the different buildings down there.”

Sticht said UBIT is in the process of updating or replacing existing card readers at several downtown buildings, and he’s confident things will be in place by August, when officers will be stationed downtown.

A single card system isn’t used throughout UB. For instance, UPD has immediate access to the Campus Living system for missing persons reports. UPD has to submit requests to CDS for any card access data, but Sticht said there has never been a situation where someone didn’t cooperate in an emergency.

“If you could imagine a missing persons incident where someone could be a danger to themselves and we’re talking about a weekend, at 2 a.m., it would streamline our process when we’re looking to see all that in real time,” Sticht said. “But we have access to the Campus Living one which really, of all of them, is the one that is most important for us.”

Jamie Kang, an industrial and systems engineering professor, researched the UB Card’s potential to track students and their campus activity in December 2017. Kang said her research proves the card is a good data source for mining activity-mobility information, or tracking people in real-time based on card usage.

Miller said an integrated system throughout the university would probably be more intrusive than what CSE IT would want to manage.

“We really don’t use the system as a surveillance tool to track where people are going,” Miller said. “There’s no ulterior motive. We just put the minimal amount of information we need to make sure various users are authorized to get into certain spaces they can enter.” email benjamin.blanchet@ubspectrum.com twitter: @BenjaminUBSpec

elevator entrapment in O’Brian Hall. The victims had been in the elevator for 15 minutes but did not place a call.

5/18 10:33 p.m: UPD received a report about a skunk outside a female student’s dorm room eating garbage neighbors left outside. Patrol was able to remove the skunk.

5/22 12:37 p.m: An employee reported the keys to Sherman Hall and a card containing $100 cash was taken sometime between May 9 and 20.

5/23 11:04 a.m: Eggs were thrown at two windows on the east side of Kapoor Hall, but there was no damage reported.

5/29 7:20 p.m: A smoking garbage can was extinguished near the rear entrance to Alumni Arena.

6/4 8:40 a.m: A female student’s vehicle was struck while parked and unattended in the Alumni A Parking Lot. 4:52 p.m: A female student reported she struck another vehicle in the Furnas Lot. She left a note on the window explaining what happened.

6/13 12:01 p.m: A victim reported food stolen from Parker Hall. Positive camera footage from the room was retrieved. email: news@ubspectrum.com

6 | Monday, July 2, 2018

NEWS

ubspectrum.com

Out with the old, in with the news A lot happened at UB and within the Buffalo community last academic year.

Here’s a breakdown of the past year’s highlights and what to keep an eye on this upcoming year.

which at that point had already raised $451 million since it first began privately in 2013.

Tripathi announced the campaign on the fourth annual UB Giving Day. Boldly Buffalo, which at the time of its announcement was 69 percent into its stated goal, aims to use 70 percent of its $650 million goal to fund student support with scholarships.

Eighteen percent will go toward faculty support and the remaining funds will go toward “community” support, according to university officials.

The campaign has no scheduled end date.

What you may have missed last year:

3. Living Stipend Movement pushes for higher stipends for graduate student TAs

Top stories from 2017-18 and what to keep an eye on this year NEWS DESK

5. SUNY audit recommends 29 changes to UB Foundation finance, management operations

In SUNY’s first-ever audit of the UB Foundation, officials recommended 29 changes to the financial and management policies the private nonprofit has in place to oversee the university’s $1 billion endowment.

The report examined the 2014-16 school years and identified at least four instances where UBF board members failed to disclose conflicts of interest. Board members also violated foundation bylaws several times over the two-year period by voting on official matters without the required number of members present.

Auditors also recommended a number of changes regarding payroll and procurement policies. The report found that although the foundation established written policies for almost all other key business functions, it does not have a written policy regarding payroll.

UBF Executive Director Ed Schneider thanked audit officials in a letter and said he would work with SUNY and UB officials to address each of the report’s recommendations.

4. UB announces $650 million fundraising campaign, Boldly Buffalo

In April, President Satish Tripathi an-

Last fall semester saw the Living Stipend Movement, a group of graduate students petitioning for a “living wage” TAs, hold its first public protest against the university.

In September, around 100 participants marched along the Academic Spine to deliver a petition to the administration calling for a $21,310 minimum stipend level.

In October, the movement protested outside UB’s academic excellence ceremony.

The roughly 30 participants chanted, “UB works because we do,” and held signs reading “President Tripathi, raise our wages.”

To end last fall semester, the Living Stipend Movement staged a sit-in outside of administrative offices in Capen Hall.

The movement has been officially supported by various governing bodies on campus, including the Graduate Student Association.

The most progress the movement has seen came in February. The English Department raised the Ph.D candidate stipend by around $3,000 for the next year. Still, it remains to be seen if stipend levels will be raised across the university.

2. UB senior adviser resigns after relationship with student

A UB senior adviser resigned after his consensual relationship with a female student surfaced in April.

ucational Opportunity Program had sex in his office on multiple occasions, and sent the female student sexually suggestive photos and videos taken in his office during work time.

Crosby and the student began their relationship in August 2016. UB removed Crosby from his job as counselor and put him on “special assignment,” which allowed him to work from home until April. He resigned April 21.

1. Dennis Black and Andrea Constantino plead guilty to grand larceny

Former UB Vice President Dennis Black pleaded guilty to two felony charges in the first and second degree and former Campus Living Director Andrea Costantino pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree last September.

Black paid $320,000 in restitution to the school, while Costantino repaid $14,664.

Black also pleaded guilty to falsifying tax information and paid $22,238 back to the New York State Taxation and Finance Department.

Black avoided jail time despite heavy backlash from the Buffalo and university community. He was sentenced to five years probation, 2,500 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine in January.

Stories to keep an eye on this academic year: 5. One World Café begins construction in fall

Construction of UB’s newest dining hall, the One World Café, will begin in the fall and is expected to be completed during the 202021 school year. It will seat between 500 and 650 people and offer spaces for students and on-campus organizations to utilize.

The café will be housed in an all glass building connecting the Capen Hall entrance to Silverman Library to Norton Hall. It will be a two story building with 500 to 650 seats, a hearth area and multi-purpose rooms.

The dining hall is planned to feature five different culinary stations offering new food options that haven’t been available to students before. Based on a survey asking students what types of food they’d like to eat, Caribbean, African and Indian food are likely to be offered at the dining hall.

At a UB Council meeting in June, Graham Hammill, vice provost for educational affairs and dean of the graduate school, reinforced the dining hall’s purpose to match the growing dietary needs of students while promoting the education of students as global citizens. Not only will the university’s increasing international student population largely benefit from the café, but students looking to expand their culinary pallet have a new place to do so.

4. Where does South Campus go from here?

With the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences opening downtown, South Campus now has even more unused space than before. The medical school’s relocation opens up space for the redevelopment of South Campus as described in the

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The campus is moving towards becoming a graduate education-oriented campus. The master plan calls for the renovation of the former medical school buildings to be used for other health-focused fields, such as public health and the dental school.

The plan also calls for a new building to provide spaces for the graduate school of education.

Recently, Hayes Hall was renovated, reopened in 2016, and the new Kapoor Hall finished construction in 2012.

3. How will the new SA e-board do?

In March, 650 students voted in the unopposed SA e-board elections, roughly three times as many students as 2015’s unopposed election.

The R.E.A.L. party, comprised of President Gunnar Haberl, a senior political science and legal studies major, Vice President Anyssa Evelyn, senior health and human services major, and Treasurer Tanahiry Escamilla, senior chemical and biological engineering major, hopes to follow through on their campaign promises.

The party’s platform advocates “restoring effective, accountable leadership.” They hope to improve mental-health care on campus with the possible addition of a campground, address clubs finding spaces on campus and helping club members better understand their budgets.

Haberl said he and his team are also considering downsizing the two Spring and Fall Fests into one fest due to budgetary reasons as well.

The e-board is one of the most experienced in recent memory, and it will be interesting to see how they serve in the three highest student-leadership roles on campus.

2. How will the new medical campus affect the Fruit Belt and Allentown?

The new $350 million Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences opened for classes in January of this year to a mix of apprehension and excitement in the two neighborhoods surrounding it.

To the east, the historically poor Fruit Belt neighborhood already faces an encroaching wave of gentrification from the medical campus. Long-time residents are seeing more and more medical campus employees and students parking in front of their homes and businesses. Rising property values also pose an existential threat to the historic neighborhood, and UB’s stronger presence in the area could make the situation worse.

To the west, the equally historic Allentown, a more affluent neighborhood, has also seen a surge in property values. The renter-heavy district could see much of its artistic reputation eroded.

Both neighborhoods stand on a precipice: either UB’s investment in downtown will bolster the businesses in the area and strengthen the local economy, or overwhelmingly gentrify it.

1. What’s next for the Living Stipend Movement?

After a year of organizing protests and demonstrations, the Living Stipend Movement has only seen in an increase in the English TA stipends.

The movement, which calls for a minimum $21,330 stipend level for graduate TAs, has been vocal throughout the last year about the impact the current stipend levels have on the quality of life and education at UB. “We don’t want to live in poverty,” said Elif Ege, a Ph.D candidate in global gender studies at a protest outside the Academic Excellence ceremony in October 2017. “We just want to be excellent like the people who receive these awards and we congratulate them, but in order to achieve that for ourselves the administration has to meet our demands.”

University officials have thus far said the stipend levels are set at the departmental level and any changes would have to be made there. email: news@ubspectrum.com

NEWS

ubspectrum.com

Monday, July 2, 2018 | 7

For UB SA President Gunnar Haberl, giving back to the community inspires his work Haberl hopes to raise mental health awareness during presidency MAX KALNITZ SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

Most high school students are attracted to sports or clubs, but Gunnar Haberl always gravitated toward student government. As president of his high school class, Haberl loved being involved with decision making at his school.

Now, the senior legal studies and political science major is preparing for his role as Student Association president.

After winning the position unopposed, Haberl has a long agenda he hopes to complete this year.

Haberl served in the SA Assembly his freshman and sophomore year, leading to his selection as SA Chief of Staff in the fall semester of 2017. He also completed an internship with the New York State Assembly. Following his internship, the assembly hired him, making Haberl the youngest legislative aide in New York state history. He currently has a seat on the Elma School District Board of Education to continue improving his alma mater.

Haberl said he finds fulfilment in giving back to others. With roughly 20,000 undergraduate students falling under his control, he said not everyone will like his decisions, but he’s prepared to make a difference.

“One of my core beliefs is giving back to others. I know it’s a cheesy catch

LEONARDO ROMERO | The Spectrum Newly elected SA president Gunnar Haberl stands outside the Student Union. As SA President, he hopes to raise awareness about mental health issues among college students and re-examine how the mandatory student activity fee is utilized for some of SA’s largest events.

phrase, but you get a sense of fulfillment when you are helping others,” Haberl said. “I’ve learned over time that when you voice your opinion, people will listen, and thankfully people have listened to me.”

Haberl’s father, Matt Haberl, said his son’s passion for student government has prepared him for his role as president.

“What he does is speak up for himself and those who need a voice,” Matt said.

“He’s always got the backs of those people. If there’s a question that he doesn’t know the answer to, he looks it up and figures it out, which has always impressed me.”

As promised during his campaign, one of Haberl’s first goals is to increase awareness of mental illnesses on campus.

Haberl said students are held to high expectations concerning involvement, grades and social life during college.

He’s witnessed the negative effect these

pressures have had on fellow students and said he wants to raise more awareness about illness.

“We’re seeing [all of these factors] take a toll on the mental health of students across the board,” Haberl said. “I really want to take a look at how the university is addressing mental health issues, because the university itself is acknowledging it’s an issue, yet we’re not providing more funding or more resources towards solving the mental health crisis.”

Last year’s SA President Leslie Veloz said she admires Haberl’s interest in mental health. She said if anyone is able to raise more awareness and bring change to campus, it’s Haberl. “[In] the survey that I conducted, mental health was actually the number one survey result of what students felt was the biggest issue on campus, and one of the things that was being addressed inadequately,” Veloz said. “I think that for Gunnar to take that on next year is appropriate. It shows that he’s listening to the needs of students and is working towards addressing them.”

Haberl said he plans on working with Student Affairs to create mental health awareness programing. He hopes to work with Russ Crispell of outdoor pursuits to create more opportunity for outdoor activities, which have proven beneficial when trying to improve mental health.

Haberl also wants to change how the student mandatory activity fee is used to maximize the potential of events like Spring and Fall Fest.

SA controls nearly $4 million of student money through the mandatory student activity fee of $104.75 per semester. As chief of staff, Haberl had experience overseeing money within the organization. He said he wants to make

sure students get the most out of the more than $200 they give to SA per year.

He said students may not like the decision, but SA is considering downsizing Spring Fest and Fall Fest to one bigger festival.

“Funding is going to be tight next year because our mandatory student activity fee hasn’t been raised and we’ve compensated our staff with the minimum wage increases,” Haberl said. “Events like our fests are growing to the size where we can’t sustain them. Students have to realize it’s either two fests that are not to the scale of what they currently are, or one large fest at its current scale, with the rest of the money set aside for smaller shows, like the comedy series.”

Although SA has dealt with numerous problems in recent years, Haberl is optimistic.

He said some administrations did have issues in the past, but that there hasn’t been an e-board with all three members coming from the same ticket in a long time.

He’s confident that working with Vice President Anyssa Evelyn and Secretary Tanahiry Escamilla will provide a smooth year in office. He knows it’s impossible to make everyone happy, but thinks he and his team will handle the job well.

“Being in the public eye, I know that people will be watching what I’m doing.

As long as I continue to work the way I work and fulfill the promises that I make –– because I don’t make promises very often –– I’ll be fine,” Haberl said. “I don’t think every student at UB will support every decision that we make. As long as we keep students informed and are transparent with everyone on decisions, we’ll have a great year.” email: max.kalnitz@ubspectrum.com twitter: @Max_Kalnitz

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8 | Monday, July 2, 2018

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Improvement of Metro Rail system coming before possible expansion to Amherst

University leaders still committed to expansion MAX KALNITZ SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

Months after approving a study for extended Metro Rail service from downtown to UB’s North Campus, many community members have mixed feelings regarding the future of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

The NFTA board approved a $4.8 million study to extend light-rail rapid transit transportation to UB’s North Campus in February. The study is projected to take between two and three years to complete and will analyze the environmental impacts of the proposed six-and-a-half-mile expansion to North Campus.

The planned route would include three stops on North Campus. An above-ground rail car would enter North Campus at Rensch Road and stop at Capen Hall, Lockwood Library and the Ellicott Complex.

The $1.2 billion endeavor would take years to complete. As the university is establishing itself as a powerhouse in Buffalo’s downtown corridor, some think an expansion to North Campus isn’t the right move for the NFTA. Congressman Brian Higgins originally supported the expansion, but his support waned in the midst of funding challenges from the Trump administration and concerns from the community.

Based on those concerns, Higgins said officials have come to the consensus that improving the already existing system is needed before expanding into Amherst.

As a part of the newly approved state budget, the NFTA received $9 million from the state to improve its Metro Rail system in April. The state funding is dedicated to refurbishing the authority’s aging infrastruc-

ture. Government officials are hopeful this is only the start of many long-overdue improvements.

Higgins is excited that the system will finally see improvements, but is skeptical that an expansion and renovation will occur simultaneously.

“The NFTA seems to be moving towards improving the existing system,” Higgins said. “We might want to [improve and expand] at the same time, but I think the community has influenced its decision making.

Not to say that they’ve given up on expanding the system to Amherst, but there’s no sense in trying to expand a system that’s old.

It has cars that are 40 years old. They’ve been rebuilt but they’re still old, clunky, loud and inefficient. I think trying to find a modern system to replace our existing system before expanding is smart.”

Higgins credits the rise in transportation technology as a main reason why Buffalo’s public transportation is seen by some as lackluster. With ridesharing and rental services offering convenience and competitive prices, Higgins said the expansion might not be worth it.

“Transit ridership is down across the country. It’s hard to invest a lot of money into this system when you have Uber and Lyft,” Higgins said. “All of these new modes of transportation as a result of better technology is leading to a decline in riders, not an increase. If these trends continue, by the time we finish the study, there might not be a funding mechanism for an expansion, because that’s not where the funding mechanism will be.”

Kelly Hayes McAlonie, director of campus planning, sat on NFTA’s project advisory committee to provide ideas and feedback for the study. She’s a supporter of the expansion and said it’s the future of the Buffalo Niagara region.

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area so we need a single-seat connection to downtown,” McAlonie said. “We’re not relocating North Campus, so we’re actively looking to partner with NFTA to provide our students with an easy connection to their educational and research opportunities downtown.”

McAlonie said she understands community members concerns about financing the expansion and previous attempts falling through. She said she’s confident the improved metro service will improve both students’ and community members’ quality of life.

“A lot of community members in the downtown area expressed a need for students to have an easy way to migrate from North Campus to downtown because a lot of pre-med students are located on North, but their research partners are located downtown,” McAlonie said. “Citizens who live downtown and want to travel to Amherst or vice versa will also have an eco-friendly, cost-efficient method of traversing the city.”

Mohamed Camara, a sophomore computer engineering major, has never utilized Buffalo’s subway system. He said having a route from North Campus to downtown is something he wants to see in the coming years, as he hopes to explore more areas of Buffalo.

“Not everyone has a car, and UB’s busses

are slow because they make so many stops,” Camara said. “From North to South, the bus can take a while. Then having to get on the subway to go downtown is really a hassle. The idea of having a single-seat system is really amazing.”

Camara said he’s unimpressed with the light rail’s minimal coverage of the Buffalo region. Compared to other cities with numerous miles of rail service, he said Buffalo should focus on expanding instead of refurbishing the existing infrastructure.

“NFTA barely covers six miles of Buffalo. There’s really not too many options as to where you can travel using the subway,” Camara said. “Expanding to North would add so many stops and would really benefit the area.”

McAlonie is a firm believer that expanding the Metro Rail will add to Buffalo’s rapidly growing renaissance. As UB continues to invest in the downtown area, she’s excited to watch Buffalo’s transportation mimic the university’s growth.

“In the long-term, it’s the sustainable decision for the community,” McAlonie said.

“If you look at vibrant cities throughout the world, they have robust transit systems. It’s the future of the region, being able to travel the city without cars.” email: max.kalnitz@ubspectrum.com twitter: @Max_Kalnitz

COURTESY OF FLICKR USER JASON PARIS When a study exploring an expanded metro rail with service from downtown to UB’s North Campus was announced in March, members of the community were excited by the possibility. Now, some people are reconsidering supporting the expansion.

FEATURES Features desk writes about a number of lifestyle topics, primarily covering issues related to the student body, from long ticket distribution lines to fire alarms on campus and Distinguished Speakers. Last year, features writers and editors covered North Campus’ microbiology, student difficulty with general education courses, UB’s body donation program and the lack of menstrual product services on campus. Readers this semester can find more stories about South Campus’ University Heights, ongoing research, campus speakers and other new stories as this year unfolds.

CAT CAFE Students prepare for city’s first cat cafe, Purrfect Cafe and Gallery

p.12 p.13 p.14

OVERRATED OR UNDERRATED VP A. Scott Weber and the SA e-board weigh in on everything from chicken wings to Cardi B

LIFE ON THE EDGE Jean Kopperud takes musical risks

FEATURES

10 | Monday, July 2, 2018

STORIES TO KEEP AN EYE ON NEXT SEMESTER

What’s buzzing in print as the summer turns to fall BENJAMIN BLANCHET KIRSTEN DEAN, ERIK TINGUE FEATURES DESK

Drop your books and pick up a newspaper.

Although the school year hasn’t started up just yet, it’s never too late to stay updated on what’s happening in the media. Here are just some of the stories you should look for as the fall semester approaches.

UPDATED PRIVACY POLICIES

In late May, you may have received a few emails from companies on altered privacy policies.

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation was the cause of some of these changes. The regulation, passed on May 25, asks companies to give consumers more control of data collected on them.

The new law also requires companies to inform consumers of data breaches within 72 hours. This is similar to the New York State Information Security Breach and Notification Act, which required UB, a state agency, to inform users when their email accounts were breached in May. As a result of the regulation, some U.S. news sites who don’t comply with the regulation like Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times are blocked for EU users, according to Digital Trends.

Due to ad-revenue sources, some of which can tally in the hundreds for news organizations, it will take time for full compliance to the new regulation.

Time will tell if the new regulation can change existing laws in the U.S. but in the media, its effects are already here for some international readers.

THE #METOO MOVEMENT It’s been less than a year since more than 80 women in the film industry accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, assault and rape.

On May 25, Weinstein was formally charged with rape, committing a criminal sex act, sex abuse and sexual misconduct, according to the New York Police Department.

In the #MeToo era, hundreds of entertainment figures have faced similar allegations. Actor Kevin Spacey, comedian Louis C.K., TV personality Matt Lauer and others have lost movie publications and contracts as a result of accusations.

As Weinstein faces charges, others accused of misconduct and assault have already faced trial. Bill Cosby was convicted of three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault in April.

More male entertainers are likely to face accusations in the coming year but whether accused entertainers will face charges is not yet known.

SAFETY IN THE WAKE OF SCHOOL SHOOTINGS Just three months after the Parkland, Florida shooting, another mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas left 10 dead in May. There has been nearly as many mass shootings in the U.S. as days this year, according to Business Insider, as 101 mass shootings have occured in 2018 as of May 18.

On average, 96 Americans are killed with guns each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are roughly 13,000 gun homicides a year in the United States and seven children or teens are killed with guns in the U.S. on an average day.

Some politicians, like Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, have blamed the number of doors in schools as the problem.

Others, like Tennessee congresswoman Diane Black, have blamed pornography.

No matter the case, mass shootings are on the rise and becoming more prevalent in schools. As more awareness regarding gun violence is brought to the public’s

ubspectrum.com

attention, the pressure is mounting on the NRA and government officials to make changes.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IN NEW YORK

What do Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Washington D.C. have in common? The answer: legalized, recreational marijuana.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who once called marijuana a “gateway drug” and opposed recreational marijuana use, is now softening his stance toward the drug.

“The facts have changed,” Cuomo said in April. “You have states that have legalized it now. ... It is no longer a question of legal or illegal.” Earlier this year, he appointed a panel to study the issue of marijuana legalization.

As Cuomo seeks re-election in the 2018 gubernatorial election this fall, look out for other candidates’ stances on the issue and who gets weeded out by voters.

Nine states and the nation’s capital are already on board. Is New York next?

COURTESY OF BRETT LEVIN Legalized, recreational marijuana will be one of ongoing debates in New York State this fall.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is seeking reelection, once called marijuana a “gateway drug” but is now looking at the issue from a softened perspective.

UNITED STATES AND NORTH KOREA RELATIONS From North Korea testing long-range nuclear missiles in 2017 to President Donald Trump’s “fire and fury” threat, U.S.-North Korea relations have been rocky in the past year.

But relations between the two countries may shift during a June 12 summit in Singapore.

®

The summit, originally announced on May 10, went through its share of ups and downs.

On May 24, Trump announced the summit was off. He wrote to North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un, explaining the summit was canceled “based on tremendous anger and open hostility,” likely referencing North Korea’s anger toward the U.S. and South Korea’s joint military drills.

Nonetheless, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the summit was still on five days later. Trump confirmed the summit on June 1 after meeting with North Korean diplomat Kim Yong Chol in Washington.

The talks could prove to be either a step toward denuclearization or a risky move for the Trump administration. Still, the summit was the first time a North Korean leader met with a U.S. president.

NIPAH VIRUS Move over, Ebola and Zika Virus - there is a new zoonosis in town. Nipah virus (NiV) is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans and is making headlines this summer.

NiV causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, according to the CDC. The disease can progress to cause comas and respiratory issues, and has a 74.5 percent average mortality rate, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In May, a family in the southern state of Kerala, India contracted NiV. Fifteen people have died from the virus as of May 31, according to Reuters.

Health officials first identified NiV in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia and again in Bangladesh in 2001. NiV transmission can “occur after direct contact with infected bats, infected pigs, or from other NiV infected people,” according to the CDC. As of now, there is no Nipah virus treatment or vaccine.

Pay attention to the disease’s progression, death toll and spread, too. NiV is listed on WHO’s 2018 list of Blueprint priority diseases that could cause a “public health emergency” and “need accelerated research and development.”

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FEATURES

Monday, July 2, 2018 | 11

Starting up the start-ups New DECA chapter at UB formed to help entrepreneurial students

Corbett is the founder and president of UB’s collegiate DECA chapter. DECA is a student-led, entrepreneurial organization that aims to help develop emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, according to the club’s website.

KIRSTEN DEAN ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR “There were a few things factoring into my [transfer] decision, but one was that UB Benjamin Corbett started out his collegiate didn’t have collegiate DECA,” Corbett said. career at the University of Pittsburgh in 2015.

“I had joined [DECA] at Pitt and absolutely He planned on joining the university’s ROTC loved it. UB has the biggest business school program to give back to the community, but in the SUNY system, but didn’t have DECA. officials discovered a scar on his back. The That was a good opportunity for myself, but scar, they said, would prevent him from other students as well. I decided to transfer carrying the heavy ROTC backpack. to UB mainly because I saw a lot of potential He was discouraged from joining and there.” transferred to UB in the spring of 2016.

As president of the club, Corbett wants Now, Corbett, a senior accounting major to help members develop professional skills from Rochester, finds a different way to give and train to be future business leaders and back to those around him. creators.

“I would have to say that creating UB’s DECA chapter is now my way of giving back. It’s all about the members - it’s not about what [the club] does for me,” Corbett said.

“If people enjoy coming to meetings KIRSTEN DEAN THE SPECTRUM and events and Senior accounting major Benjamin Corbett is president and founder of UB DECA. Corbett (third from left) has invited speakers to club meetings like Emfeel that they my-winning Channel 2 News Reporter Dave Cash (second from left). are getting

opportunities and experiences they wouldn’t get elsewhere, then I have been successful.”

Nathaniel Feldman, a senior business administration major, is Corbett’s friend and said he is an “insightful and productive leader.” “[He] has the ability to bring out the best in those he comes into contact with. A man like Ben Corbett is hard to match,” Feldman said. “I know he will go very far in life and will guide many people along the way.”

DECA has weekly club meetings, speaker events with local business leaders, case competitions, community service outings and social events with club members.

Corbett said he believes that DECA’s largest role is showing club members that entrepreneurship and leadership is possible.

He often invites local entrepreneurs to speak to the club’s members.

“We see guys like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk who are huge, huge successes and everyone tries to compare themselves to them,” Corbett said.

“You can do that, and I encourage that, but it’s pretty encouraging to see guys who are Buffalo natives or from the local area starting their own local businesses. UB DECA brings in that local leader, that local entrepreneur, and says, ‘Look, this guy was in your shoes 10 years ago and look at where he is now.’”

Justin Ninivaggi, an alum and former UB DECA vice president, helped Corbett found the club’s chapter.

“Ben [Corbett] has worked hard to foster

an environment for students to be able to come learn and network outside of the classroom,” Ninivaggi said. “We started DECA as a place where students can gain experience in an enjoyable atmosphere and make new friends, and be able to connect with new people.”

Corbett, on top of his 20-plus credit hours and his role as DECA’s president, is also a member of UB’s Accounting Association, the Beta Alpha Psi chapter, a head official for intramural football, a community service volunteer and an avid reader.

He said he doesn’t get a lot of sleep often, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I am never sitting still and always, constantly have something to do,” Corbett said.

“DECA is a leadership and entrepreneurship club and I’m a big encourager of entrepreneurs - doing [their] own thing. Growing up, I have always done my own thing and I think a lot of successful entrepreneurs relate to that,” Corbett said.

As UB DECA gears up for the fall, Corbett said he hopes to see even more club growth and that some great entrepreneurs are made through club membership.

“We as a club want to create success stories.

I want to get you that right connection, put you in that right situation, and boom.

Hopefully, you realize that this is what you want to do,” Corbett said.

Students have mixed feelings about paying for unlimited bus and train pass

with his office’s assessment that a $3 million investment in the program “is not something a majority of students would support.”

Nimah Araf, a freshman psychology major, said she wants to save as much money as possible as an incoming freshman and is “all for” the CRAM pass.

“Fifty dollars for an unlimited bus pass is a great deal since you would usually have to pay [more] per month for unlimited rides,” Araf said. “With this pass, students would be able to save more money and visit the city more often since transportation wouldn’t be much of an issue.”

Jake Feerick, a fifth year applied mathematics major, said he probably would not take $50 worth of rides with the pass. Still, Feerick said, he is unsure why UB would not want to put it up for a vote.

“I think others would actually use it less than me, [and] I use the rail more than almost anyone I know, so I doubt it would really benefit other students,” Feerick said.

“Most of the money [toward the pass] would end up just going to the NFTA, and so I think it wouldn’t really be beneficial

to the students. Especially with ridesharing now in Buffalo, if anything, the school should explore any sorts of student discounts though those ridesharing apps.”

But a partial solution is in the works at UB’s downtown campus.

After UB opened the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences last year, Austin said UB began partnering with NFTA in January on “a pilot CRAM pass program that provides an alternative” to parking at the downtown campus. Students using the pass at the school receive unlimited bus and train use, according to Martineck.

“We continue discussions with the NFTA on how we can potentially partner on a larger programs, perhaps an opt-in alternative versus requiring all students to ‘buy in,’” Austin said.

“Both entities are hopeful that the pilot program started in January will expand to something more students can take advantage of in the future.”

email: features@ubspectrum.com

Discounted NFTA pass not offered to all UB students

BENJAMIN BLANCHET SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR

Students at Buffalo State College and Canisius College can use Buffalo’s light rail and buses, free of charge.

But at UB, a number of students have to dig into their own pockets for each $2 ride.

Buffalo transit company NFTA offers area colleges and universities the CRAM (College Riders Accessing Metro) pass.

The pass offers students transportation throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region at a discounted rate.

UB doesn’t have a full CRAM pass partnership with NFTA, despite South Campus’ University Circle being home to city bus routes and a Metro Rail stop.

NFTA has offered the pass to local colleges and universities since 2004, according to Martin Martineck, NFTA superintendent of communications and advertising. The price for a school’s full participation in the program requires students to pay $50 a semester, or $100 every academic year, according to Martineck.

“All of the schools that participate, participate fully. We can’t speak to your [approximate] 30,000 number [of students], though we can say the program was intended for undergrads only,” Martineck said in an email.

“At $75 a month – the price of a Metro Pass – public transportation is already the most efficient way to get around the region. Discounts can only be justified by the assumption that college students as a whole will not be using the pass to the same extent as individual buyers. The CRAM pass discount is significant. A school’s commitment should match.”

While Buffalo State and Canisius College offer the service to students, the colleges both have less buses and services than UB. Christopher Austin, director of parking and transportation services, said the barrier to a full CRAM pass program for

students is “cost and quantity.”

“The base program requires each of our approximately 30,000 students to pay $100 per year, a $3 million commitment the university cannot support while also providing transit service that connects the North and South campuses,” Austin said in an email.

“Even if the program was only made available to undergraduate students, it is cost prohibitive to use transportation fee dollars to support it.”

The transportation fee varies depending how many classes a student is enrolled in. Students taking 12 credit hours this past spring paid a transportation fee of $232.50, according to the Office of Student Accounts.

Buffalo State students approved a fee to cover the cost of the CRAM pass program in 2005. Austin said around that same time, both the Student Association and the Graduate Student Association agreed

email: benjamin.blanchet@ubspectrum.com twitter: @BenjaminUBSpec

STOCK PHOTO | THE SPECTRUM NFTA’s CRAM pass would offer students unlimited rides on Buffalo buses and the train. The pass would cost students $50 a semester, according to Martin Martineck, NFTA superintendent of communications and advertising.

FEATURES

12 | Monday, July 2, 2018

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Cats, coffee and crafts pouncing into Buffalo Students prepare for city’s first cat cafe, Purrfect Cafe and Galler y BENJAMIN BLANCHET SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR

Put your paws in the air and wave ‘em like you just don’t care.

Purrfect Cafe and Gallery at 1507 and 1509 Hertel Ave opened in June. Purrfect, Buffalo’s first cat cafe, features around 12 to 15 cats who will roam about and play in the cafe’s lounge area. Besides the lounge, Purrfect will hold adoption events, offer party rentals and sell local artwork and crafts.

Owner Jessica Brandon said local adoption agency Ten Lives Club is providing about seven of the cafe’s cats. Brandon said several of them are her own foster cats, and a handful of the cats are permanent residents in the cafe.

“It’ll be good to have a staple of cats that live there that are always very friendly and used to people [in the cafe],” Brandon said.

Brandon visited Aberdeen, Scotland in 2017 after overcoming her cancer diagnosis.. While there, she noticed a cat cafe and was inspired to start one in Buffalo. She said Purrfect is different than some cat cafes she’s seen in cities such as Ottawa or New York because of its large size and full-service restaurant.

Ryan Walser, executive chef at the cafe, said Purrfect offers bistro-like food, such as

paninis, flatbreads, sandwiches and soups.

“There are a lot of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. There’s still going to be regular protein but with the changing landscape in the culinary industry, it’s important to stay up to date with changing dietary needs,” Walser said.

Walser said Purrfect offers specials as well, like a vegan burger bar on Wednesdays. Walser, born and raised in Buffalo, said working with cats is an added accessory to his position.

“Even if you come in to see the cats or if you’re hungry, it gives the added ability to do more at your place then simply having a quick meal. It makes [Purrfect] a destination instead of a stop,” Walser said.

Students were excited for Purrfect’s arrival, including Snigdha Motadaka, who has never been to a cat cafe before.

Motadaka, a freshman computer science major and international student from India, said she loves cats and a cat cafe would be an “instant stress buster.”

“I’m very excited because I’ll definitely miss my cat [back home] for the four years I’ll be away from him,” Motadaka said. “It’ll be great to have some delicious food while playing around with cats, and I would also love to appreciate the arts and crafts being sold as I’m into art.”

As Purrfect settles its paws on the ground, Brandon said she thinks her cafe and gallery will fit in well with other establishments on Hertel.

“There’s a lot of eclectic, fun new things

COURTESY OF PURRFECT CAFE AND GALLERY Roughly a dozen furry creatures will roam Buffalo’s first ever cat cafe. The cafe will be located just a few minutes from UB’s South Campus and feature an adjacent, full-service restaurant.

going on Hertel. The fact that we’re bringing in local artists to display and sell their works fits into the area well, too,” Brandon said.

“College students have emailed or messaged me, asking if they can sell some of their works and if they can be apart of [Purrfect] in some way. So, the community outreach and response has been really

wonderful. I personally know some of the owners on Hertel and they’re excited to see something unique come to the area.”

Purrfect Cafe and Gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays. email:benjamin.blanchet@ubspectrum.com twitter: @BenjaminUBSpec

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Monday, July 2, 2018 | 13

Overrated or underrated? my dad. I would often go to the opening day where the president would throw out the first pitch, and those memories were very iconic for me. I go to the Bisons games, and I was actually there for the Celery win. … That’s the thing, it isn’t just a game. You can go [to the ballpark] and you can relax, too. It’s an event.”

Video games: underrated. “They build community for a great group of students that I think is really important. I’m really interested in e-sports and how the University at Buffalo might participate in that. Of course, we had a great [Heroes of the Storm] team. That was amazing, they reached the finals. And so, I think [video games] are a celebration. … I have a lot of respect for it, and I’m a pinball guy. [laughs] I grew up with pinball, there weren’t any video games.”

Small talk: underrated. “I think small talk is not small talk. I think small talk is trying to engage somebody and find out what they’re interested in. I mean, most human beings are inquisitive, and certainly people I work with are and our students are. So, the idea you’d want to meet somebody new, understand what they’re about. … No one wants to get on the elevator with me because I’m going to have your story by the time we get to the fifth floor.”

Fine dining: overrated. “I don’t enjoy food enough to make it worth the cost. … I love food, truck food, I’m a college student at heart. For me, it’s more important to go out to eat three or four times and enjoy the experience with a person I’m with than it is to go out one time and the food just doesn’t meet the standard.”

Pancakes: underrated. “I love pancakes, and I love blueberry pancakes, and I love them with my own maple syrup which I make.”

VP A. Scott Weber and the SA e-board weigh in on everything from chicken wings to Cardi B DAN MCKEON CO-MANAGING EDITOR

Opinions: everyone’s got them.

As students, we often hear decisions made by or general messages from those in leadership positions. A. Scott Weber, vice president of student life, plays an important role in the day-to-day to life of students –– as the name of his position implies. The Student Association executive board plays an even more direct role by facilitating student clubs, music festivals and other oncampus events.

While all that’s important, you may start to wonder: what’s Weber’s opinion on pancakes? What does SA President Gunnar Haberl think about Cardi B? Or how does Anyssa Evelyn, vice president of SA, feel about memes? SA Treasurer Tanahiry Escamilla’s opinion on walking barefoot?

Wonder no more. They each spoke with The Spectrum and were read a list of random items, ranging from food to pop culture icons. We then asked a simple question: overrated or underrated? Here are their answers.

A. Scott Weber Vice President of Student Life Chicken wings: overrated. “It’s just not a food group that I find particularly appealing.

I know it’s an integral part of the Buffalo food scene, I get that they are iconic to the city. But you know, it’s a personal thing. They are not overrated when it comes to the city, but on a personal level, they’re overrated for me.

Baseball: underrated. “I love baseball. I used to go the Washington Senators games with

Gunnar Haberl Student Association President Bubble gum: overrated. “I’m a mint

gum person. I mean, at least with mint gum you’re freshening your breath a little bit. With bubble gum, people who chew it -- at least some people I know -- they’re obnoxious about it. Smacking it and blowing bubbles, it’s annoying.”

Cardi B: underrated. “I think people did not expect her to rise as quickly as she did.”

New Star Wars movies: overrated. “I mean, you just can’t compare them to the originals. I think they’re good, but people hype them up so much that you go and, not leave disappointed, but it just can’t match the hype.”

Snapchat: overrated. “I think Instagram is boosting up more than Snapchat. Now that they have the stories and stuff on Instagram, people are using those stories more than Snapchat. Adding stories was a critical update for Instagram, and Snapchat took a pretty big hit there.”

The debate over if hotdogs are sandwiches: overrated. “Yeah, it’s not a sandwich so the debate is overrated. …

There shouldn’t be a debate. It’s not a sandwich, it’s a hotdog.”

Anyssa Evelyn Student Association Vice President Youtube: underrated.

“YouTube is such a great outlet for people to be creative and show parts of their lives. I believe in humans helping other humans, and YouTube gives us the ability to do just that: help others. Whether it be life hacks or lifestyle vlogs, there are so many ways to help one another.

Frozen yogurt: underrated. “It is such a great snack. My favorite is cake batter.”

Memes: overrated. “Anything can be a meme. I don’t know, I like to use memes in messages, but sometimes too much can make something lose its purpose or when

people use memes the wrong way, it doesn’t make sense.”

Amtrak: underrated. “It is so much better than the bus. It’s a lot more enjoyable, especially when you happen to be on one of the long-travel trains that have the seats recline further back and footrests. Also, if you get tickets early, they are cheap.”

Camping: underrated. “It is such a great bonding experience for those who you go with. I absolutely love camping. I love camping food, too, like s’mores or hotdogs and burgers. I feel so much comfort in camping food.”

Tanahiry Escamilla Student Association Treasurer Craftbeer: overrated.

“I am known to have a sweet tooth and I won’t deny it.

If I had to choose between a chocolate and vanilla ice cream with brownies on a waffle cone over a beer, I would any day.”

Winter Olympics: underrated. “The Winter Olympics have less fanfare. Sports like bobsleigh, curling, snowboarding, et cetera, require equal physical and mental strength as other sports.”

Fireworks: underrated. “Everyone is always moved by the beautiful colors, patterns, shapes and forms produced during fireworks. Most importantly, fireworks teach us all something interesting about physics and chemistry. Just pay close attention to sound and light and determine which travels the fastest.”

Walking barefoot: overrated. “Best to keep your feet clean and safe even by wearing socks or slippers at home.”

Buffalo Zoo: overrated. “The experience at the Bronx Zoo is just unbeatable.” email: dan.mckeon@ubspectrum.com twitter: @Dan_McKeon_

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UB professor lives life on the edge Jean Kopperud takes musical risks BRANDON BORZILLIRE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After finding out she was misdiagnosed with an ovarian tumor, Jean Kopperud became less involved in city life and went after her dreams. She traded her apartment for a farm in Westchester and bought her first horse two weeks later.

Since then, she’s played her clarinet on horseback and jumped out of an airplane 60 times –– 29 times while playing the clarinet.

“It took a fair amount of strength to hold the clarinet,” Kopperud said. “I was travelling at a rate of about 120 mph toward the earth with a clarinet. I did all my jumps in an unpopulated part of Florida, so if I dropped the clarinet nobody would get hurt.”

Kopperud, a professor in the music department, loves her instrument. She teaches private lessons, a freshman seminar and her “On The Edge Performance” class.

The class examines the risks individuals take before going on-stage in a number of performance capacities. “On The Edge” is open to anyone, but the class is composed of mostly musicians, actors and dancers.

Kopperud said she reads constantly and works hard to find tools to help her students to the best of her ability.

“I concentrate on my students so they can grow into what they want to be,” Kopperud said. “Working in the way I do is wildly interesting, yet, it is very exhausting, but I do it for my students.”

Before teaching at UB, however, Kopperud said she thought her life was over following an operation in her mid-40s.

She said she was scared and didn’t want to have a life full of regret.

“I was laying there and was saying, ‘Oh my God, I’ve never had a house in the country, [I’ve] never had a horse,” Kopperud said. “I didn’t have anything else, I wasn’t married

and didn’t have children.”

Following her surgery, Kopperud said she turned her life “upside down” in two weeks.

“I had what we call in the horse world a half-halt, where suddenly I sat up and stopped for a second,” she said.

Kopperud became more involved in farm life and moved to Buffalo and began her career at UB in 2005.

The professor owns two farms on top of teaching at UB: one in Buffalo and one in West Palm Beach, Florida. Kopperud flies to her farm in Florida every Thursday and stays until Tuesday. She has animals at both farms, but all of her horses are in Florida.

Kopperud was born in Lake Preston, South Dakota, a small town of 700 people.

It’s there where she said she learned a life of passion and optimism from her father, James. Kopperud started playing clarinet at ten-years-old after her mother, Bernice, forced her to play piano.

“The piano was not my [passion],” Kopperud said. “I never had a calling for it [and] I had a mean teacher and at that time it was okay for the instructor to take a ruler to your hands.”

In eighth grade, Kopperud’s teacher told her parents that she had to go to a college to study clarinet because they simply couldn’t teach her anymore. She was advanced for her age.

“At 14-years-old, I drove myself to clarinet lessons and back every week, 50 miles each way,” Kopperud said. “Since it was a farming community, I was able to get my license at 14, and never got pulled over.”

After two years studying clarinet at the University of Iowa, she dropped out.

Kopperud moved to New York City and said she didn’t have many plans once she arrived.

“I unexpectedly went up to Leon Russianoff ’s office, a famous clarinet teacher. [I] told him, ‘I want to study the clarinet with you,’” Kopperud said.

“Russianoff said OK, showing really how

COURTESY OF JEAN KOPPERUD Jean Kopperud rides her horse, while playing the clarinet. The music professor teaches a class about on-stage risks for any performer and also owns two farms: one in Buffalo and one in Florida.

crazy he was to give me that chance.”

A few weeks later, however, Russianoff told Kopperud that she could not play in NYC due to her innocence.

But Kopperud refused to give up. She enrolled in Purchase College and went on to graduate from Julliard. Kopperud, a freelancing musician, also did acting after graduation, and toured in Australia and North America with Jenna Cunningham.

Today, she inspires students like Emily Belote, a junior industrial engineering major, through her “On The Edge” performance class. “[The class] actually applies to everyone as a way to approach life with goals, planning, confidence and emotions,” Belote said.

Belote feels Kopperud’s career and attitude toward life are “truly inspiring.”

“She is willing to go to great lengths to make sure her students realize they are limitless in their potential,” Belote said.

Cunningham, a UB alum, said Kopperud teaches her students to perform with confidence in their abilities.

“She holds herself with well-deserved

confidence and encourages her students to do the same,” Cunningham said.

“Kopperud made me think that I was performing to myself, not the audience in front of me. I no longer have the fear of playing in front of an audience.”

Jonathan Golove, chair of the music department, said he admires Kopperud’s work ethic.

“Jean always shows up as prepared as humanly possible, and [is] always on time,” Golove said. “I find her to be a true master teacher. One who has firm ideas and provides clear structure for her students, but at the same time deals with each student as an individual.”

Kopperud said teaching isn’t her only passion, however.

“I’m passionate about my job, I love working with students,” Kopperud said.

“I’m also passionate about my horses and dogs. If you lead your life right, you get everything.” email: features@ubspectrum.com

Start your week off right and go to Mass!

The Newman Center 495 Skinnersville Road Amherst, NY 14228 Saturdays: 5PM Sundays: 9AM, 10:30AM Student Mass: 6:30PM Daily Mass: Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at 12PM

Free Dinners: Wednesday Night’s beginning at 6PM (Check the UB Newman Center Facebook for more information)

St. Joseph University Parish 3269 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14214 Saturdays: 4:30PM Sundays: 8:30AM, 10AM, 11:30AM Student Mass: 8PM Daily Mass: 8:30AM (Parish Center Chapel)

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OPINION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

RESEARCH great to add to your CV when you’re thinking about going to graduate schools.

Not only does research give you an edge in the academic and professional worlds, but it teaches you important life skills like time management, communication, collaboration and independence.

Sometimes, if you’re lucky and are a hard worker, the positions are even paid.

To get started, take the time to dive deeper into your different scientific interests: Do you want to do computerbased research or wet lab bench work?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

YOUR PARKS It’s easy to overlook these threats to our public lands. Some protected sites, like Yellowstone National Park, have been around for hundreds of years. Most people think of Old Faithful and bison when they hear Yellowstone, not the thought of impending gas and oil leases.

These threats hit home for me as an avid lover of the outdoors.

There’s nothing I love more than spending the day outside. I experience a bit of seasonal depression during the long Buffalo winters and feel rundown during the semester. Being outdoors during the summer and breathing in some crisp mountain air is what I look forward to more than anything else.

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to three national parks in the last year, most recently, Alaska’s Denali and Kenai Fjords with Outdoor Pursuits Director Russ Crispell and 13 fellow students in May. Before traveling to Alaska, I thought I knew what to expect on the trip –– tent camping, a few moose here and there, and a lot of hiking. We saw our fair share of moose and hiked to the peaks of beautiful ridges, but what resonated with me the

FEATURES

Monday, July 2, 2018 | 15

Do you want to work in a microbiology lab or a genetics lab? It is important to first figure out your personal preferences about the research you would like to do.

Next, look up different professors at UB to explore the different types of research going on. It is important to look at research labs on both North and South Campus, and even at nearby Roswell Park.

From there, narrow down which research labs you find interesting after a basic search. Then, go more in-depth.

Read some of the lab’s publications, especially recent ones, and give yourself a better idea about the lab’s focuses.

If you decide to work in this lab, those papers and publications may be related to the project you will be working on.

Last, contact the professors whose labs

you are interested in. Sending an email is probably easiest, and ensures it’s from your buffalo.edu address.

Start by introducing yourself, where you are in your academic career and why you are getting in contact with him or her.

Make sure to express your interest in the lab’s research and ask if the lab has any openings for an undergraduate to join.

Don’t be disappointed if the professor doesn’t have any openings — many labs just don’t have room. Pick yourself up and start looking at other possibilities. At least you tried!

It can be nerve-wracking to put yourself out there, but you will never get into research without putting in the effort.

Take advantage of all of the resources UB provides to aid undergraduates in their

search for research. When you begin the process, talk to professors in-person or after class, seek the help of your advisor, and make sure to get to know UB’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities.

CURCA’s purpose is to help students get connected to research opportunities and once you find a lab position, they can even provide funding for your research and potential conference opportunities later down the road.

UB is a large research university and alongside research professors, postdoctoral, doctoral and graduate students, is a place for undergraduates, too.

most is the sheer beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

Every morning I woke up at the feet of giant mountain ridges, with Sitka spruces and yellow aspens lining the hills and turquoise-blue rivers weaving throughout the landscape. Every night, the alpine glow illuminated mountain peaks off the coast. It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.

comprising Alaska’s national parks. In Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier has shrunken to a fraction of its original size during the last 200 years. Signs outline miles of the glacier’s recession since 1899, and it’s still melting at a faster pace than ever.

Our public lands are literally melting before our eyes. As climate change continues to rapidly affect the geography of our national parks, I’m beyond grateful I traveled to areas of these parks before they disappear forever.

When I told my friends I was traveling to Alaska, the only things they associated the state with were Sarah Palin, halibut and moose. They didn’t seem to care about the nature at first, but after posting photos on social media, so many people told me how beautiful they found Alaska and that they wished they came on the trip.

And that’s the problem. Despite the hundreds of millions of people who visited parks last year, so many Americans have never visited a National Park let alone realize the destruction coming from Capitol Hill.

Not everyone enjoys camping and the outdoors, and that’s OK. What’s important is that it’s no longer a matter of Democrats versus Republicans, it’s a matter of recognizing our repeated mistreatment of

the earth throughout history and voicing our opinion against the president’s further abuse of our public lands .

People need a chance to experience America’s national parks. If our president thinks investing in oil and gas outweighs some of our longstanding treasures and places the fate of our public lands in the hands of wealthy businessmen who have never set foot on trail, there’s a serious problem.

Experiential education opportunities like my trip to Alaska are the perfect way to educate Americans about the importance of our public land. I’ve traveled all over the world, but nothing has taken my breath away or left me speechless like Alaska did.

The more people utilize these amazing resources, the harder it will be for lawmakers to take them away from us. If you’ve ever considered camping or traveling to a national park, do it. t will be a life-changing experience.

In the words of Terry Tempest Williams, who I was fortunate to hear speak during this year’s Babel Series: “Our public lands – whether a national park or monument, wildlife refuge, forest or prairie – make each one of us land-rich. It is our inheritance as citizens of a country called America.”

COURTESY OF MAX KALNITZ

We saw the parks’ landscapes through so many different lenses: sea kayaking, horseback riding, boat tours and of course, our 15-person sprinter van dubbed “the magic bus.” We saw 600-pound brown bears and other animals in their natural habitats. It was a magical experience.

We also saw –– what’s left of –– some of the glaciers that formed the mountains

email: features@ubspectrum.com.

email: max.kalnitz@ubspectrum.com twitter: @Max_Kalnitz

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Stop by the Office located at: 1325 Millersport Highway, Suite 109 to see an apartment today! (directly across Millersport from the Marriot) Now accepting donations for the 2018 through 2019 school year.

Within Walking Distance Of North Campus!

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Arts desk focuses mainly on the entertainment and cultural aspects of UB and the greater Buffalo community. The desk covers concerts, plays and dance performances, and offers previews and reviews of new albums, films and video games. Regular arts section readers can also look forward to profiles of student artists, Q&As with touring musicians and breakdowns of what shows are in town.

MR. EVERYTHING UB alum Samuel Vespone balances his passion for music and his love for medicine

p.18 p.21 p.22

ALY & AJ Pop rock duo talks industry problems and perks of independence

MOVIE GUIDE Your seasonal collection of cinematic selections

18 | Monday, July 2, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Mr. Everything UB alum Samuel Vespone balances his passion for music and his love for medicine ERIK TINGUE FEATURES EDITOR

When Samuel Vespone isn’t studying for a chemistry exam or volunteering in Honduras, he’s working on his next song.

Vespone, a UB ‘18 alum, can hit riffs on the saxophone, blow the harmonica, toot the trumpet and strum the ukulele.

In short, he can play it all.

Vespone spends half his day making music in his studio apartment, working both with instruments and his own vocals.

He also loves to make beats for other student artists.

But Vespone isn’t just a musician. He graduated in May with a 3.74 GPA; now, he’s searching for a biomedical engineering position.

“School and music have always been my main priorities,” Vespone said. “Going out and having fun can be great, but nothing compares to the feeling I have when I get a good grade on a test or produce a beat that everyone loves.”

During his freshman year in high school, Vespone said he thought of music as just a hobby. But his passion blossomed when he realized his talent as instrumentalist and began working his voice into his craft. He began collaborating more and realized he was good enough to write music for other artists.

Vespone remains humble, and he often takes inspiration from others.

“I think the music I work on could be better, and I always tell people the more minds you have on a project, the better the project will be,” Vespone said.

Vespone was born and raised in Spencerport, a suburb of Rochester. He attributes who he is today to his family and the people around him –– people who help him through his insecurities.

“I will try to explain the whole caveats of the music industry to my parents, and they are so interested in learning, but I

know a lot of other people are not in that situation, so I am just super grateful for that,” Vespone said.

In the studio, Vespone said he and his friends spend a lot of time writing “top lines” –– vocal melodies –– in their music.

Oluwafemi Popoola, a UB ‘17 alum, records with Vespone as part of their duo, JUSCOVA. Popoola, who was profiled by The Spectrum in 2017, goes by the stage name Frank Pierce. This summer, JUSCOVA is working on a new, eight-song EP. The two rebranded their initial work from their freshman year at UB together.

Vespone said the two are headed toward a more novel sound that fuses together different styles of music, like jazz and EDM. “After our first session in the studio together, I knew I wanted to do something more permanent, so we ended up doing a project together,” Popoola said.

Popoola enjoys the carefree environment they create while working on music.

“Before we write, we spend an hour talking about everything we are excited about and then we start working,” Popoola said. “When we’re focused though, we can be in the studio for over eight hours without a break, but we always find a compromise [for] what we both want.”

Popoola said he does not usually use the word “gifted” or “talented” to describe other artists, but Vespone is an exception –– his creativity has no boundaries.

To his loved ones, Vespone is more than just a talented student and musician.

Brianna Vespone, Samuel’s sister, said their grandma always used to tell them Samuel had the “full package.” Brianna taught him how to play the piano at four years old. Since then, her brother’s talents quickly surpassed her own piano skills.

“Being the big sister, I would naturally take charge in trying to teach him how to read music so we could play duets together and impress our family,” Brianna Vespone said.

Vespone said he’s always embraced learning instruments besides the piano.

In the fourth grade, Vespone’s band teacher asked him to choose the three instruments he wished to play. He chose percussion, tenor saxophone and trombone.

ubspectrum.com

Vespone played the baritone saxophone “At the auditions, I couldn’t reciprocate a long rhythm on the percussion that the in Osborne’s concert band. The first monband director approved of, so I crossed ey Vespone ever made as a musician was that off my list,” from playing the Vespone said. saxophone.

“Next, he gave “I played a sixme the mouthpiece jazz compiece of a tenbo for [a member or saxophone and of] our jazz band’s a new reed to see high school gradif I could make uation party,” Veany noise with it, spone said. “It and sure enough, was only $20, but I would later enter I remember being jazz bands playlike ‘Oh my God, ing the tenor saxmom, I just made ophone in high $20 playing the school and colsaxophone. This lege.” is so lit.’”

Benjamin OsAside from the borne, Spencersaxophone, Vesport High School’s pone has a knack band director, said for vocals. it did not take long In seventh for him to figure grade, Vespone out Vespone had bought his first a “rhythm dying to microphone and get out from inside started practicing him.” using Audacity, a From that obfree computer reservation, Oscording software. borne recom“I don’t think I mended he join am a good singthe high school er by any means, drumline. but I am fascinat-Samuel “I met Sam for ed with the ways the first time when you can use the Vespone, UB ‘18 alum he was a freshman human voice,” Vein high school, and spone said.

I could tell how muVespone took full advantage of opporsically gifted he was from the beginning,” tunities to use audio and visual elements in Osborne said. > SEE MR.EVERYTHING PAGE 21

“School and music have always been my main priorities.

Going out and having fun can be great, but nothing compares to the feeling I have when I get a good grade on a test or produce a beat that everyone loves.”

SHUBH JAIN | The Spectrum When he is not studying for a chemistry exam or volunteering in Honduras, Samuel Vespone, a 2018 graduate from UB, is producing and making music in his own bedroom. His bedroom is set up like a studio, which allows him to express his creativity with the instruments he knows how to play..

Summer, summer, summer time

Festivals to check out in Buffalo over break ERIK TINGUE FEATURES EDITOR

UB can be bland in the summer since most students are gone.

If you’re taking summer classes, staying in Buffalo to work or visiting the area for the first time, don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend some of the most popular festivals happening these next few months.

TASTE OF BUFFALO - ALONG DELAWARE AVENUE FROM CHIPPEWA TO NIAGARA SQUARE Saturday, July 7 - Sunday, July 8 Taste of Buffalo is a weekend food festival with a healthy dose of music as well. It begins at 11 a.m., and what’s best is there is no admission charge.

Attendees can purchase rolls of tickets, which can be exchanged for food, drinks and treats from local vendors.

For anyone that loves beer on tap, beer tents are located on Delaware Avenue and Huron Street. The festival equipped some tents with karaoke, a live DJ and bands.

Vendors will serve over 250 drinks and foods, according to the festival’s website, with all items ranging between $1 to $5.

The website claims its the largest twoday food festival in the United States and roughly half a million people attend the festival each year.

Campus food can get old quick, so don’t miss out on trying something new and having a good time in downtown Buffalo.

the festival’s website, however this year’s entertainment schedule has not been posted yet.

The cooking stage presents recipe ideas and food demos from Chef Marco, of Marco’s Italian Restaurant, and attendees can stop by the stage for free recipe samples with Galbani Italian cheese.

Everybody is welcome to stop by the festival, as you do not have to be Italian to eat, drink and enjoy your time.

ELMWOOD AVENUE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - ELMWOOD AVENUE Saturday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Aug. 26

GALBAN I TALIAN HERITAGE The best artwork Buffalo has to offer FESTIVAL - OUTER HARBOR is featured on one of the city’s favorite Thursday, July 12 - Sunday, July 15 avenues.

The Galbani Italian Heritage Festival, now over 30 years old, is a staple in the city.

From entertainment to traditional Italian vendors, the festival should delight Buffalonians’ taste buds and ears.

On the festival’s main stage, singing and dancing is expected to entertain attendees.

The festival contacted a professional entertainment company, according to

The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts will have over 150 artists and craftsman displaying and selling their work this August.

In addition to artwork, over 50 live performances, including singing and dancing, will take place on three different stages. The festival will be free and open to all throughout the day.

Elmwood is not a far drive from South Campus, so if you have the time and love

art, then this may suit you.

Over 30 local cultural organizations will be represented at the festival and a number of food vendors will be on the streets if you need a quick bite.

NATIONAL BUFFALO CHICKEN WING FESTIVAL - COCA-COLA FIELD Saturday, Sept. 1 - Sunday, Sept. 2 The festival, now in its 17th year, is recognized as one of the best in the state

by Huffington Post.

Over the last 17 years, Wing Fest has brought more than 865,000 people to the Queen City and served 4.6 million wings, according to the festival’s website.

Admission is just $5 a day, and $1 food tickets are only available for purchase at the festival.

If you have yet to taste what Buffalo is most famous for, then this is your chance to get the best of what Buffalo has to offer in the wing department.

There will be different bands playing, games, eating contests and plenty of chicken wings. email: erik.tingue@ubspectrum.com twitter: @TingueErik

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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The Grapevine

Your seasonal collection of Buffalo’s sonic selections Beck - Albright Knox Art Gallery Monday, July 16

ARTS DESK ARTS EDITORS

With summer underway, live music is fruitful in every corner.

Buffalo’s music scene offers something for everyone year round, for multiple genres and areas of interest. Rock, country and rap acts are all making their way to Buffalo in the coming months, visiting popular spots like the Albright Knox Art Gallery and Canalside.

The Spectrum compiled a list of some of the most prominent performers making their way to Buffalo.

3 Doors Down & Collective Soul Seneca Niagara Events Center Saturday, August 18 With a mix of hard-hitting alternative rock mixed with grunge, 3 Doors Down and Collective Soul bring thrilling music this summer.

With hits like “Shine” and “The World I Know,” Collective Soul emerged from the grunge scene with their 1993 debut album “Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid.” On their sophomore album “Collective Soul,” the band produced an album of enjoyable singles as well as providing significant depth to a continually change sound.

The early 2000s saw 3 Doors Down experiencing immense of success, with “The Better Life” and “Away From the Sun” both reaching top ten positions on the Billboard 200. Spawning hits like “Be Like That” and “Here Without You,” 3 Doors Down have made a name for themselves in the alternative rock world.

Both groups take to the Seneca Niagara Events Center on August 18.

taking her listeners with her to the depths of every emotion on her records.

From “Loser” to album of the year, Beck has built a career immersed with exponential success.

The slacker rock icon has forged a music career that has garnered continual success with the release of each album, beginning with 1994’s “Mellow Gold” which was released to surprise success.

Beck had all but given up, and lead single “Loser” was written to blow off frustration with his music career. Ten albums later, Beck has amassed four platinum selling albums, two of which are included in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.

The Albright Knox Art Gallery doesn’t often host musicians, only one or two a year if any, making this a true one-off show at the historic museum. Past acts include Wilco, My Morning Jacket and the B-52’s

Fleet Foxes - Artpark Amphitheater Friday, July 27

Former Fleet Foxes drummer and backing vocalist Josh Tillman continues to find success under his indie singer/ songwriter moniker “Father John Misty.”

His newest album, “God’s Favorite Customer,” reached the top 20 on the Billboard 200 chart and has received critical praise. Father John Misty is one of the most recognizable names in the Canalside concert series this summer.

But opener Lucy Dacus has just as much to offer as the headliner.

With her second LP “Historian,” Dacus has hit her stride as a songwriter and performer that goes beyond prowess for emotion. She has found a true voice as a genuine storyteller, and is capable of

remain an attractive live band that consistently stir the pot with each tour.

Credited with popularizing the ska punk genre in the late 1990s, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones reached their peak with the platinum “Let’s Face It” with the aid of tracks like “The Impression That I Get.” The Bosstones have continued tour extensively following a fall from the mainstream, reaching corners large and small.

Nostalgia acts are all but welcomed and spared from criticism as of late, and the Bosstones are no different.

Hipster-bait Fleet Foxes returns to Buffalo after ten years. Their newest album, 2017’s “Crack-Up,” marked the return of the band after a six year hiatus.

The indie-rock group joins the Artpark Amphitheater summer roster along with touring companion, Nilüfer Yanya.

The group has received a massive amount of critical praise over their long career. Their iconic soft, cafe-ready sound has taken the group around the globe.

Singer Robin Pecknold’s poetic lyrical arrangements coupled with backing vocal harmonies work together to showcase their honest sound.

Mighty Mighty Bosstones Canalside Father John Misty with Lucy Dacus Friday, August 17 - Canalside With bombastic tracks and performance antics, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones Thursday, July 26

Beyonce & Jay Z - New Era Field Saturday, August 18

Monday, July 2, 2018 | 19 Superstars Beyonce and Jay Z will be gracing our humble city with their presence over the summer. The power couple brings their tour to upstate New York after years of patient waiting. Their “On the Run II” tour will feature Chloe x Halle and DJ Khaled as openers.

Jay Z is still riding the success of his recent album 4:44; although Beyonce has not released any individual work since “Lemonade”, the power couple recently released an album together in June called “The Carters. It is speculated that their tour will feature hit songs spanning across their respective careers.

G-Eazy & Lil Uzi Vert- Darien Lake Amphitheater Friday, August 24 Performing artist G-Eazy is jumping right into “The Endless Summer Tour” following his tour through Europe. The tour will be a follow up to his 2016 tour of the same name. G-Eazy will be promoting his most recent album, “The Beautiful and Damned.” The artist is accompanied by some of hip hop’s biggest names like Lil Uzi Vert and Ty Dolla $ign.

Recently, the artist has received criticism for the narcissistic lyrical tone on his recent album. His incessant touring suggests that he is looking to reach out to his fan base to compensate for producing such an unpopular album.

Jason Aldean - Darien Lake Friday, August 10

Popular country singer Jason Aldean will be at Darien Lake to sing about drinking beer and driving a truck.

The artist has been granted the position of molding the new age country genre and appealing to a wider audience. Aldean is known for combining country minimalism with meta hip-hop.

Following the release of his newest album “Rearview Town,” Aldean has been touring the country to promote with Michael Knox. The performance is bound to be full of new releases and older hits.

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Smoked pulled pork served over our homemade mac & cheese.

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NEW! BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE $12.69 Tender chicken sautéed in buffalo sauce then tossed with Rotini pasta and our homemade cheese sauce. Topped with butter crumb topping and melted Jack-cheddar cheese. Served with garlic bread.

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Grilled haddock stuffed with homemade spicy seafood filling and then baked with a butter crumb topping. Served with seasoned rice and coleslaw.

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SHRIMP AND CRAB ALFREDO $13.99

Tender shrimp and imitation crab tossed with roasted red peppers and fettuccine in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Served with a side salad and garlic bread. *MENU ITEMS AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

20 | Monday, July 2, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Monday, July 2, 2018 | 21

A decade later: A conversation with Aly & AJ Pop rock duo talks industry problems and perks of independence BRENTON J. BLANCHET CO-MANAGING EDITOR

Aly & AJ is still the sister-powered pop rock group from the golden age of Disney, but Aly and AJ Michalka are no longer under anyone’s creative control.

They make their own decisions.

Last year marked an entire decade since the duo’s last album, “Insomniatic,” an appropriate time for Aly & AJ to release their first independent project “Ten Years.”

With a new perspective of the creative process and years of success under their belts, the Michalka sisters took their string of ‘80s-inspired and synthinfused anthems on tour to Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre on June 13.

Before the duo embarked on their tour, The Spectrum caught up with them to discuss the show, upcoming releases and Disney Channel-oriented music festivals.

Q: “Ten Years” is something special.

We’ve seen this massive resurgence of ‘80s sounding synth in music, and you guys use it magically. Did anyone from that era directly influence this EP or did you draw inspiration from those who have made the sound their own recently?

AJ: A little bit of both actually. I think there needs to be modern elements in order for people to really relate to this type of music. I think if you start and go down the rabbit hole of old ‘80s tunes, you can alienate some fans that have stuck with us for so long. So there’s a modern element with synth references from Beach House, Tame Impala and some people that I think have done electronic pop in a really cool way. And then trying to not emulate but at least restore some ideas from people like Peter Gabriel, Duran Duran and Depeche Mode. Those were artists that kind of led the influence for this new record.

Q: Seeing both sides of the industry: independence and label support.

Comparing the two, which would you say has been the most enduring?

AJ: I think the most enduring and the most fulfilling is doing it on our own. Now CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

MR.EVERYTHING high school class projects, too.

Osborne said creativity is Vespone’s middle name.

“We would be playing percussion ensembwwle, and I could faintly hear Sam beatboxing in the back practice room,” Osborne said. “He was amazing at coming up with different musical ideas and rhythms on the fly.”

Vespone also uses his vocals to guide his harmonica.

Vespone enjoyed the sound of the harmonica in old blues records, so he ordered a set of them in high school. He manipulates recordings of him playing the harmonica when he needs a more structured performance for an idea he has.

Vespone hopes to go to a physician assistant school in New York and become a certified BPA within the next three years. Vespone wants to pursue a career in music, but he said the music industry is “sketchy” and “nothing is guaranteed.”

“I have to plan a lot because of my focus surrounding music and school, but music is definitely secondary right now, and is not a means to support myself at the moment, but that does not mean music isn’t important to me,” Vespone said.

For Vespone, just the sight of someone tapping their foot to his music makes him satisfied.

“Music will be around forever,” Vespone said. “It is like dreaming because you can wake up from a dream terrified or wishing the dream never ended.” email:erik.tingue@ubspectrum.com twitter: @TingueErik

that we’ve really locked in our sound and we make every decision. That power is wonderful, not that it’s power, but because you have a vision and you’re able to apply it. You can have a vision all you want and most of the time you’re younger and under a major label, you can’t necessarily apply that vision. I think it’s really a cool thing that Aly and I are behind every element.

The fans then can truly look at every image or every song title or every lyric or every social media post or whatever and know that it directly comes from Aly and AJ. With major label artists… you don’t necessarily have a say unless you’re Beyonce. It was great being under a major label because I think it spread our music out to a large base and now has carried us this long. But now that we’re independent we make our own decisions and coming up with the ideas and being able to actually launch ourselves is really cool.

Q: You tweeted a couple days ago that before you guys pursue the next full length studio album, you’ll need a label backing it. With the Aly & AJ brand along with your Disney past, do you think that attracts label attention, or do you think there’s a stigma that comes along with it?

AJ: I think both. It’s weird. It’s such a tricky thing because there’s already a fanbase which means the label – in a weird way – is like “there’s less work to do because there’s already a foundation built therefore you’re not starting from ground zero. However, it’s not always the sexiest thing either because it’s like “well they’re already established, they’ve been gone for so long and now they’re back, their Disney past” and they also probably know that you can’t take advantage of an artist that’s already been around the block. There’s a beauty of starting out from the ground up because the full control of what the big man can do is a lot bigger than what you’re able to control when the artist has been there and done that. To me it’s attractive but it’s also not. It’s really just going to be about the right pairing and not really just the label but the person who we end up signing with; an a&r guy that really listens to the music and understands our sound

COURTESY OF STEPHEN RINGER Former Disney duo Aly & AJ re-emerged on the music scene last year with the release of their first independent project “Ten Years.” The Spectrum caught up with the sisters for an exclusive Q&A before their recent tour.

just like our manager does. Aly and I will have to be super cognitive of our decision because I don’t want to end up in a position again where we’re with a label that doesn’t understand exactly who we are.

Q: Being in the whole Disney circuit years back gave you plenty of memorable business ventures. You guys had an MTV Cribs, which is wild and you performed at the White House and even had a Nintendo DS game – which I hope you play every day. Is there anything you often reflect on or do you hold onto this stuff ?

Aly: We definitely thought it was cool in the moment. But I don’t think we also knew how lucky we were to have been given some of those opportunities. I think now we look back on it like “that was really not normal and that was something that we might have taken at least for granted just because we were young and naive.” [We were] never ungrateful but I think other things in or life were sometimes taking the front seat so we didn’t realize like “woah, that was actually a really big deal that we were able to be a part of that.” We definitely thought playing at the White House was a big deal.

I would’ve loved if it had been Obama’s

The 2018 season at the Center for The Arts Upcoming shows from the summer through the fall at the CFA BRIAN EVANS SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

With dance, music and comedy, the Center for the Arts offers something for everyone this year. The Spectrum compiled a list of some of the many noteworthy performances happening this year at the CFA.

EDDIE B: TEACHERS ONLY COMEDY TOUR Saturday, August 11 Eddie B knows teaching can be frustrating.

With his current “Teachers Only Comedy Tour,” the standup comic presents an uncensored set of jokes and humor tailored for teachers, with specific stereotypes and experiences only they can understand and appreciate.

Adapted from a set of videos originally entitled “What Teachers Really Say,” Eddie B has been selling out shows at comedy clubs and theaters alike, wowing crowds with his uncut and untamed performances.

Whose Live Anyway?

Monday, September 10 Adapted from the TV smash “Whose Line is it Anyway?,” Whose Live Anyway presents the cast of the Emmy-winning television show on tour, showcasing a collection of improv through performance and immense crowd involvement.

The live show includes cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray. The cast will exhibit some of the classic games, routines and jokes made famous on the television show. Attendees should enjoy an evening with this hilarious cast of characters.

4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince Wednesday, September 19 With a multitude of Grammy wins and millions of albums sold, Prince’s death left an unfillable void in music when he passed away.

Planned and approved by Prince’s estate, 4U presents Prince’s music in a new light, through use of a symphony orchestra as well as a soundtrack taken from the entirety of Prince’s catalogue.

With aid from the Roots drummer Questlove, 4U creates a lively evening that

era but there’s definitely been some cool milestones that we’ve reached. A goal of ours is to play the Greek Theatre at the Hollywood Bowl. If we get to a place like that we’ll really be tripping on how big that is just because of seeing shows at those venues. If we can get to that place in the next few years, that will be amazing.

Q: Moving forward, I know there’s talks of a follow-up EP in the works.

Is there anything that this followup may have that maybe “Ten Years” didn’t musically or lyrically?

Aly: I don’t know. I think more than anything it just feels like a progression even from the EP that was released in November. We’ve even grown from that point in time. With these new songs, they’re a little bit more upbeat, like not looking back with disappointment. The subject matters are more like inspired and feeling good about the relationship that you’re in, where as “Promises” and “The Distance” and “Take Me” are more like “I couldn’t do this” or “it didn’t work out” or that kind of sentiment.

For the full interview, visit ubpectrum.com. email: Brenton.Blanchet@ubspectrum.com twitter: @BrentBlanchSpec.

will impress and thrill avid fans and music lovers alike with mainstream hits and lesserknown crowd favorites as well as a video presentation set to accompany the show.

Chris D’Elia Thursday, September 27 From the stand-up stage to Netflix, Chris D’Elia has established himself as an influential voice in the comedy world.

After his 2016 CFA show, the comic and occasional actor is making his return through his “Follow the Leader Tour.”

D’Elia’s most recent stand-up special, “Man on Fire,” is currently streaming on Netflix. D’Elia is also known for his appearances on NBC’s “Undateable” as well as his signature podcast series “Congratulations with Chris D’Elia.”

Modest Mouse Monday, October 1 Throughout its 20-year career, Modest Mouse has raced to the forefront of the indie rock scene.

With six studio albums to its name, Modest Mouse has amassed both a contemporary and deep collection of tracks that makes its live performances worth attending.

The band’s most recent release, 015’s “Strangers to Ourselves,” reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart, bringing Modest Mouse back into the mainstream with hits like “The Ground Walks, with Time In a Box.” email: arts@ubspectrum.com

22 | Monday, July 2, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ubspectrum.com

Summer movie guide

The summer months call for competitive movie releases all fighting over who can be named “Movie of the Summer”. From long awaited sequels to low-budget independent films, the scheduled releases provide entertainment for all walks of life.

Your seasonal collection of cinematic selections SAMANTHA VARGAS ASST. ARTS EDITOR

The summer is a time to relax, sip some lemonade and enjoy the influx of blockbuster films that premiere between June and August. For the last few years, release dates have been orchestrated specifically to compete for the title of “Movie of the Summer.” From superhero flicks to horror films, these are the titles that viewers are most looking forward to.

being released. Pixar fans have anticipated this sequel ever since the open ending of the original film and the release of other popular Pixar sequels. The plot follows Elastigirl as she pursues a career in crime fighting, all while Mr. Incredible is given the task of taking care of their three children. The film brings back multiple fan-favorite supporting characters like Frozone and Edna Mode.

“ANT-MAN AND THE WASP” JULY 6

Relying on the success of the original film, “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), this starstudded remake features an all-female cast in contrast with the original. The concept calls back to the “Ghostbusters” (2016) remake that drew in a lot of criticism from fans. The plot follows Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), who puts together a team of specialists. Instead of going after a casino, the team plans a heist of the Metropolitan Museum of Art during its annual gala.

Marvel has had an incredibly busy year with its consistent releases. “Black Panther” and “Infinity War” both drew in millions of dollars for the company, and they continue to one-up themselves with another Ant-Man film. Just kidding.

Although Ant-Man isn’t the most popular Marvel character, and was even omitted from “Infinity War,” Marvel’s ability to continue a consistent production rate is impressive. The film follows Scott Lang as he tries to balance fatherhood with crime fighting alongside his newly appointed partner, the Wasp.

“HEREDITARY” JUNE 8

“Eighth Grade” July 13

“Ocean’s 8” June 8

Similar in tone to “The Witch” (2015), “Hereditary” takes a step back from the jump-scare culture that modern horror films have resided within. The plot follows the Graham family after the death of their elderly matriarch. The family begins to discover secrets about their ancestry and their reserved grandmother. Rather than rely on cheap CGI, the film focuses on the tension that surrounds the relationships between family members.

“INCREDIBLES 2” JUNE 15 The long anticipated sequel to the original “The Incredibles” (2004) is finally

The eighth grade has long since been repressed, but writer and director Bo Burnham is able to bring all of that awkwardness back to the surface. The film takes a fresh look at the coming-ofage genre. Rather than use a model-esque actress in her twenties to portray thirteenyear-old Kayla, Burnham uses acne-clad Elsie Fisher. The film is grounded by these child performances without coming off as forced.

“MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN” JULY 20 Another sequel that fans have been waiting for is a follow-up to “Mamma

Mia” (2008), or at least my mom has been waiting for a sequel. The ABBA-filled film returns for a look into Donna’s past and her relationships with Sophie’s three fathers.

In order to compensate for the callback plot, the film has been recast to show the characters in their youth. This means that Meryl Streep won’t be singing ABBA for another two hours, which is unfortunate.

“Christopher Robin” Aug 3 Disney continues its callback to original animated films through live-action films, however, “Christopher Robin” looks at the story of Winnie-the-Pooh through the eyes of an adult Christopher Robin. The film combines animation with live-action in different segments. Rather than following the path of the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) or “The Jungle Book” (2016), “Christopher Robin” doesn’t just remake the original content but instead offers a new story.

“The Meg” Aug 10 This film sits right between “Sharknado” (2013) and “Deep Blue Sea” (1999). It’s not completely laughable, but it can’t be compared to “Jaws.” The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes the giant CGI shark way more entertaining.

Filled with one-liners and explosions, the summer is not complete without at least one shark film.

“Crazy Rich Asians” Aug 17 Based on the popular 2013 novel of the same name, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a romantic comedy about family and class relations. The plot follows Asian American Rachel, who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend only to find out he comes from an incredibly wealthy family. Problems arise when her boyfriend’s mother begins to disapprove of their relationship because of her different class status. email: arts@ubspectrum.com

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SPORTS This year sports desk will look to cover as much Division I action from UB Athletics this season, coverage for other major Buffalo sporting events and sports clubs coverage.

The paper has covered MAC Championships, UFC events and unique sporting events around campus in the past. We will start the year with football, soccer and volleyball coverage while looking to highlight some of UB’s fall sports clubs.

Expect coverage for basketball later in the year along with other Division I teams like softball and tennis.

MEET THE BULLS UB Division I team guide for new students and fans

p.26 p.27 p.32

LOOKING TO TOP UB soccer team anticipates big season after under performing last year

A FAMILY AFFAIR UB softball’s biggest fans: Laureen Jacobs and the Jacobs family

SPORTS

26 | Monday, July 2, 2018

Meet the 2018-19 Bulls UB Division I team guide for new students and fans

THOMAS ZAFONTE SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Football(Last year’s record: 6-6, 4-4 Mid-American Conference) The football team had one of its strongest seasons since joining Division I in 1999, becoming bowl eligible for the first time in four years. Lead by junior quarterback Tyree Jackson, the Bulls have become a force on offense, scoring over 30 points in the final three games of the season, all of which Buffalo won. Head coach Lance Leipold now enters his fourth year with Buffalo and has helped recruit some serious talent such as star senior wide receiver Anthony Johnson and junior running back Emmanuel Reed. If the Bulls can stay healthy, unlike last season, they have a chance to have one of the strongest years in the history of the program.

Soccer (Last year’s record: 7-9-3, 5-4-2 MAC)

victories over big conference teams like the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Georgetown Hoyas. Sophomore outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic and junior outside hitter Polina Prokudina were great additions last season, giving the Bulls needed power on offense.

The two combined for 765 kills last year.

With a more experienced group of returning players, the team looks primed to be a top presence in the MAC.

Men’s Basketball (Last year’s record: 27-9, 15-3 MAC) Last year was by far the most historic in UB basketball history. The men’s basketball team cemented itself as a MAC dynasty, winning its third MAC Championship in the past four years. The Bulls also won their first program NCAA Tournament game against the Arizona Wildcats and won the MAC season. The team will be poised to continue its success next year with returning top scorers senior forward Jeremy Harris and

The Bulls were unable to get beyond .500 last season after failing to have a winning record the year prior. The team has depth in both the backfield and frontline, but have had consistency and scoring issues these past two seasons. Head coach Shawn Burke said he is confident the team will return to its winning ways this season.

Read the full story on page 27.

senior CJ Massinburg. Massinburg averaged 17.0 points per game while Harris averaged 15.5 points per game last season. The two will be a focal point for the team’s strong three-point shooting. Head coach Nate Oats, who signed a contract extension last season, also said the upcoming recruiting class is the best he has seen since taking over as head coach in 2015. The Bulls had great success last season, breaking the program’s season win record, and it seems Buffalo will be up to more of the same moving forward.

Women’s Basketball (Last year’s record: 29-6, 16-2 MAC) The men’s basketball team wasn’t the only team making history, as the women’s basketball team set several program firsts last season. The program won its first two NCAA Tournament games, set the record for wins in a season, had its most successful MAC season and received national media attention for its accomplishments. Junior guard Cierra Dillard had a breakout season, averaging 16.2 points and being the leader on offense for the Bulls for both the MAC and NCAA Tournaments. The team also has notable returns in junior forward Summer Hemphill and senior guard Autumn Jones.

With head coach Felisha Legette-Jack signing a contract extension in May and having an impressive recruiting class, the Bulls will look to enhance themselves and attempt to make it to the Elite Eight this season.

MADISON MEYER | THE SPECTRUM Junior forward Jeremy Harris looks for the layup in heavy coverage. The men’s basketball team is looking to repeat its success from last season this year.

It will be hard for the Bulls to repeat last season’s success with the absence of UB great Megan Burns. Still, the team has plenty of talent that shined last year who could have record-breaking seasons of their own. Sophomore Nicole Roitenberg put up solid times last season that she will look to improve upon. While Burns’ sister, sophomore Katelyn Burns, will attempt to build on the legacy her sister started. With head coach Andy Bashor at the helm, expect the Bulls to improve and to be one of the best academic teams at UB.

• • • • • • • • • •

6 71

Cross Country The Bulls will look to break records this season, despite having one of the shortest seasons and fewest events of the Division I teams. The women’s team took fifth place at the MAC Championship this past season while the men’s team took sixth.

Junior Stephanie Ward has the best chance of taking first place at multiple meets this season after coming off her best year at UB which saw her run for the third best time at the MAC Championship this past year.

Men’s Tennis (Last year’s record: 13-10, 5-2 MAC)

ended up in second place in the MAC last year while also taking on four Ivy League teams. If the Western Michigan Broncos hadn’t had such a strong season, the Bulls could have been back-to-back MAC Champions. Buffalo will be losing some key players heading into next season but have strong returns in junior Vilhelm Fridell and sophomore Nickolas Frisk. With head coach Lee Nickell still leading the Bulls, expect to see big improvement from the more experienced players on the team. > SEE 2018-19

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

3 83

MADISON MEYER | THE SPECTRUM Junior guard Cierra Dillard tries for a shot with a defender on her. Head coach Felisha Legette Jack has already said her goal for the team is to make it to the Elite Eight.

Swimming and Diving (Last year’s record: Despite some tough matchups, the Bulls 8-0, 4-0 MAC) are coming off a strong season. The Bulls

Volleyball (Last year’s record: 15-13, 8-8 MAC) Last season, the volleyball team took massive strides in the right direction. Having gone 4-25 the season prior, the over .500 season is a testament to head coach Blair Brown-Lipsitz and her staffs’ ability to improve the team in such short time. The Bulls started last season strong, winning seven of its first ten games, while picking up

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SPORTS

Looking to the top UB soccer team anticipates big season after underperforming last year THOMAS ZAFONTE SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Inconsistent road play, scoring problems and mental lapses are not scenarios the Bulls want attributed to their team.

Soccer is looking to return to being the top team in the Mid-American Conference since 2014, when the Bulls won a program’s first MAC Championship, going 16-3-3.

The team has had a combined record of 14-17-8 over the past two seasons, losing in the first round of the MAC Championship both years. This season however, head coach Sean Burke is confident that with a strong core of returning players and 10 incoming “incredibly talented” freshmen, they will be able to return the team to MAC Championship heights.

“I think this year there is something different about the team that reminds me of that MAC Championship team,” Burke said, as he prepares for his fourth season as the team’s head coach. “They’re hungrier than I have ever seen them before. With the talent we have next year and the progress we have already made this spring, I think we are going to be dangerous come August.”

Burke said the Bulls have not started in the best shape in the past two seasons and end up feeling more comfortable on the field when conference play came around, nearly a month into the regular season.

This year, Burke wants to see if the Bulls can compete right at the start of the season.

He will get the chance when the Bulls play their first game Aug. 20 against a tough St. John’s Red Storm. The game will be the first of a four-game road stretch that will start Buffalo’s season.

“We need to know if we can play at a top level right at the start,” Burke said. “We

can’t be dropping games on the road and winning some, we need to be consistent.

The only way to know if we are there is to start the season against four tough road teams.”

Burke said he never knows how the season will go, but this year he is confident the Bulls can produce from the start thanks to improvements on the offensive side. He said the team has found its “killer instinct” offensively and is now ready to address the scoring issues that have plagued the team for the past two seasons.

Senior forward Carissima Cutrona agreed with Burke’s sentiment, claiming the team has “really come together” this past spring and can only improve moving forward.

“Things are clicking already and we can see it in the way we attack the goal,” said team co-captain Cutrona. “We have made some changes that are going a really long way and will help us reach our full potential after under-performing these past two seasons.”

Cutrona is one of the Bulls’ top scorers, leading the team in goals two seasons ago and having a total of seven goals last year.

She said she is disappointed in her own performance the past two years and feels the team hasn’t lived up to its potential. Her hope is that the team can finish better at the net and carry their scoring momentum from game to game.

Cutrona said the incoming freshman she played with have already impressed her and feels they will come in looking to make an impact for the Bulls.

“We are already looking to be a stronger team then we were at the end of last season,” Cutrona said. “The talent we have coming in makes me excited, and we already have a bunch of great players on the team as is. The returning players have all stepped up this spring, getting closer with one another and getting those extra reps in when we can.”

Cutrona said the results can already be seen in practice and feels this is the

season the Bulls can return to the MAC Championship. Burke said he agrees with Cutrona and is already noticing improvements that he feels will fix both the scoring and road issues the team has faced these past two seasons.

“If we can score more, we will obviously win more, which will help keep the team consistent all year,” Burke said. “A strong defense has always been a constant for this team, so it’s really about both sides producing at that high level I know we can reach.”

Burke equated much of last year’s struggle to a new offensive scheme he tried to implement. After the team lost its first three game to start last season, he said the Bulls returned to their offensive scheme from the season prior.

“That falls on me as a coach and not on the girls, I tried to give it a go and quickly realized I was wrong,” Burke said.

Defensively, the Bulls have been solid, only letting up more than two goals in two games last season. Junior guard and co-captain Gurjeena Jandu said that the defense also gained a more attack-oriented mindset and feels they will be even better on the other side of the field. Jandu said that with the returning players they have on defense, it will be easy for the new talent to get accustomed to the team.

“I think my own experience being on the

Monday, July 2, 2018 | 27 team will help in making the new players feel more comfortable,” Jandu said.

Jandu is coming off a standout year on defense where she was a centerpiece to the Bulls’ defensive scheme. Now in her third year as a starter, she said this feels like the season Buffalo will return to their winning ways.

Jandu said the Bulls have never looked better defensively, with plenty of experience and a fresh patch of talented new players.

Even with the loss of goalkeeper Laura Dougall, Jandu is not nervous about how the team will fair defending their net.

“I haven’t played with either of the new goalkeepers but everything I have heard and seen has been really impressive,” Jandu said. “Laura was great but I’m confident we will be just as good at the net as we were last season.”

Burke said incoming freshman goalkeeper Emily Kelly was “serious talent” who he believes will come in and make an immediate impact for the team. Burke even went on to call this past years recruiting class, “the best I have seen during my time here.”

“There is always two or three of the new players who come in and step up,” Burke said. “I really feel she [Kelly] will be one of them and I am interested to see who else will come ready to go.”

The Bulls will play their first game on Aug. 20 and their first home game on Sept.

8 against the Canisius Golden Griffins. email: thomas.zafonte@ubspectrum.com twitter: @Thomas_Spectrum

SHUBH JAIN | The Spectrum The UB soccer team stands midfield at UB Stadium. The Bulls are hoping to make it back to the MAC Championship this season.

SPORTS

28 | Monday, July 2, 2018

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Monday, July 2, 2018 | 29

Summer check-in: Softball Head coach Mike Roberts ready to compete NATHANIEL MENDELSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

After starting just two weeks before the beginning of the last school year, it was unclear what Mike Roberts would accomplish as UB softball’s head coach.

Before Buffalo, Roberts was a pitching coach at the University of Washington, helping guide the team to a 50-14 record and a College World Series appearance.

This is a stark contrast to the softball being played at Nan Harvey Field.

In 2017, Buffalo softball was 9-46 overall and 3-21 in Mid-American Conference play.

They finished in last place.

But Roberts took the position and brought a completely new coaching staff and culture.

Assistant hitting coach Mike Ruechel and assistant pitching coach and former UB softball standout Tori Schmidt rounded out the coaching staff. Without being able to recruit and only two freshman coming in, Roberts and his team took the same roster to a 16-31 overall record and 7-16 in conference, falling just shy of competing in the MAC Tournament.

“I thought it was a good building year for us,” Roberts said. “We came in and we were a little slow the last few years, and I thought it was kind of nice that we nearly doubled our win total from the year before. The first bit was for my kids to get to know me a little more, get them to know what we expect and just build here moving forward.”

The Bulls increased across the board on offense. Batting average went up by 30 points, slugging percentage by almost 100, on-base percentage increased nearly 50 and the team increased its home run total to 29 after having 10 the year before.

“Coach Ruechel has been around for a while,” Roberts said. “He’s perfected his craft as a hitting coach and to be able to add a little

bit here and there to make our hitters better.

I give our players credit for spending a little extra time in the cage with coach Ruechel and trying to pick his brain to get better.”

One key member to the offensive improvement was now-sophomore left fielder Anna Aguon. In her first season as a Bull, the Washington state native put up an impressive .359 batting average to go along with a team-high seven home runs and finished second on the team with 35 RBIs. “Individually, I think that I had a pretty solid year as a freshman and as a team we had to build relationships with each other, and I had to build them with everyone being a freshman,” Aguon said. “I felt like the coaches were in the same boat and we meshed.”

Aguon finished her season being the lone Bull to receive first-team All-MAC honors and was named to the all-freshman team.

“Feels pretty good,” Aguon said. “I was working to contribute as much as I could as one of the only freshman on the team. I didn’t know I would have this big role.”

Roberts has been busy recruiting players for next season. The Bulls have four players already committed, and Roberts hopes to bring in around eight total for next year to increase depth and competition between teammates.

“No one has a starting spot, I want everyone to come back in the fall and compete,” Roberts said. “Even the players on our first and second team for conference awards, they’re doing the same thing. I just think it’s a good, healthy position for our team to be in and I’ve got depth at every position so when you come out to practice you have to compete in every one to have a starting spot.”

The players for next season include junior-college transfer and Canadian junior national team member Zoe Hicks and Lexie Matheney from Ohio. Hicks spent the past two seasons at Iowa Western Community College playing as both a pitcher and utility

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UB ATHLETICS Senior pitcher Ally Power winds up for the pitch. Power pitched a team and career high 154.2 innings on her way to a 13-17 record. She’s excited for the new players on the team.

player, putting up .488 average with seven home runs and 106 runs batted in. On the mound, Hicks pitched to a 2.69 ERA and 130 strikeouts in just over 127 innings tossed.

Matheney completed her senior season at Lancaster High School in Ohio batting over .500 and hitting 16 home runs.

Senior pitcher Ally Power is excited for the addition of new players for team. Last season, Power pitched a team and career high 154.2 innings on her way to a 13-17 record.

“Roberts has a good judgement on players,” Power said. “Already with the improvements that he’s made I expect to do really big things next year. I’m excited for the team to have more teamwork instead of more pressure and stress. I’m excited to see what [Hicks] can do to help out.”

Roberts and his staff will have high expectations for the fall as the program looks to be in its best position since 2014, the last time Buffalo made the MAC Tournament.

“Our thing is that everything matters,” Roberts said. “So whether it’s academics, taking ground balls, taking batting practice or whatever it is we want it to be competitive and everything to matter and count. That’s what I want on our Buffalo team.” email: nathaniel.mendelson@ubspectrum.com

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2018-19 BULLS Women’s Tennis (Last year’s record: 17-4, 8-0 MAC) In what was a common narrative for Athletics last year, the women’s tennis team had a historic season for the program. The team won its second consecutive MAC Championship and its first MAC season title last year while also having its best season since joining Division I. The Bulls will only lose three players heading into next season and will have plenty of familiar faces hungry to three-peat. Head coach Kristen Maines continues to impress since taking the team over in 2012 and is on pace to pass Kathy Twist as the most winningest coach in program history.

Wrestling (Last year’s record: 5-11, 2-5 MAC) It was not the best year for the wrestling team as a whole last season. Despite strong seasons from a few key players, the rest of the team failed to put in many notable performances. Senior Bryan Lantry was the sole Bull to make it to the NCAA Tournament, losing on the second day of the event. Lantry, senior Jake Gunning, junior Kyle Atkins and senior Brett Perry were named to the Academic All-MAC Wrestling Team. All four will look to make it back to the NCAA with head coach John Stutzman entering his fifth season running the program.

Track and Field Track and field remains the only Division I sport at UB with a six-month season going from January to June. This past season, it was the shot put team that shined, winning both first and second at the MAC Championship.

The team was able to get five Bulls to the NCAA preliminaries with several team members setting personal bests throughout the season. If the Bulls can get more team members to the preliminaries, this may be the year a Bull, or Bulls, qualify for the NCAA Championship. email thomas.zafonte@ubspectrum.com twitter @Thomas_Spectrum

30 | Monday, July 2, 2018

SPORTS

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family affair affair AA family

UB softball’s biggest fans: Laureen Jacobs and the Jacobs family NATHANIEL MENDELSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

COURTESY OF NICOLETTE JACOBS Softball family members hold up cutouts of senior players. Laureen Jacobs (second from right) holds up her daughter and senior infielder Nicolette Jacobs’ image.

UB softball didn’t officially play a home game at Nan Harvey Field until April 3 –– its 29th game of the season. The Bulls dominated against a 1-27 Akron Zips team, beating them 16-1. The 16 runs were the most scored in a single game all season as freshman left fielder Anna Aguon led the offensive explosion, driving in seven. The Bulls played in sub-forty-degree weather along with 74 freezing fans in attendance.

One fan stuck out among the rest.

Situated behind home plate, Laureen Jacobs was prepared. Wearing two jackets, a scarf, hat, mittens and a blanket, Jacobs looked ready to face a blizzard.

Jacobs sat in the stands saying “hi” and cheering on the players like they were her own daughters, typically calling players “honey,” “sweetie” and saying that she’ll “tell their mothers.” She sat there, taking photos on her phone of all the girls up atbat like any mom would -- one hand holding the phone and the other used exclusively to press the button.

From a bystander’s point of view, one would think she’s a huge supporter of the softball team, when really she was sending those pictures to parents.

Laureen Jacobs is the mom of infielder Nicolette Jacobs, who graduated after last season. In her four years at Buffalo, she opened up her home and family to every girl

UB Athletics’ top 10 moments of the year NATHANIEL MENDELSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

UB Athletics had the most eventful period in recent memory this past year. UB had three NCAA Tournament-bound teams and plenty of record breaking individual performances. The Spectrum compiled list highlighting the top 10 sports moments of the year.

on the softball team.

“You don’t get a better family than the Jacobs family,” said head coach Mike Roberts.

“I can’t tell you, I talk to my players about it.

Nicolette is a quality teammate. She’s good on and off the field and the player you want on your team. She wants to stay around and help people.”

The Jacobs family is from Wheatfield, New York a short 15-minute drive from North Campus. Nicolette is one of the only players from Western New York. But even though she was local, Nicolette had a tough path to UB. Her and Laureen would drive three and a half hours to Binghamton each week just for practices in high school for her travel team.

Nicolette was a catcher and met Buffalo teammate and pitcher Brieanna Baker, also known as “BB.” “Mom, my hand hurts,” Nicolette said after catching for Baker for the first time.

“Do they call her BB because she throws BBs?” While playing in Binghamton, Laureen had a collapsible wagon outfitted for every softball players needs.

“Players would ask for something, and they would tell them to go to Nicolette’s mom, she probably has it,” Laureen said.

But a wagon with supplies would not get Nicolette to Division I. UB softball never placed an emphasis on recruiting from within the area. The team has historically brought in players from across the country, with little emphasis on local talent.

Former head coach Trena Peel recruited Nicolette after watching a video of a home run she hit during a high school game.

Laureen estimates the ball traveled 300 feet and landed in the lacrosse field where a player had to throw the ball back. Peel was impressed by Nicolette’s ability and invited her to a hitting camp.

That year, Peel recruited Nicolette and Charlotte Miller, both from the Buffalo area, who competed against one another in high school. Laureen believes that since Nicolette joined the team, the program has made a better effort to recruit from the softball community in Western New York and Buffalo.

Last season’s roster included four girls from the Buffalo area and a total of six from

the upstate New York. Roberts is already bringing in two more local players in his first chance to recruit and hopes to bring in more.

“We try and have that family atmosphere,” Roberts said. “We want to take care of our teammates, but some of the players you get from the West Coast and the South are moving hours and hours away from their families. It is really nice when you have local people on your softball team where they can go around on a Saturday night and have a home cooked meal with one of our players.”

And that’s what Laureen Jacobs did. She opened up her home to every single girl on the team, beginning when Nicolette was a freshman.

“Let’s put it this way, athletes are always hungry,” Laureen said. “So after a little bit of non-home cooking, they came to our house and I used to tell Nicolette, ‘I’m sure it’s difficult with leaving to school and you might not be too proud to admit that you’re a little homesick and you might want to step away from the act.’ Come over, hang out and watch TV. Feel the vibe of being in a home as opposed to a campus.”

Third baseman Danielle Lallos and center fielder Leandra Jew, UB ‘18 graduates, are both from California, and Laureen quickly adopted them into her family. Lallos and Nicolette met during a pre-season workout where Peel wanted the girls who were up in Buffalo to begin to get together. Nicolette said she was initially quiet but saw Lallos hit one ball off a tee and knew they could be friends.

“The Jacobs family quickly became my family,” Lallos said in an email. “I stayed at their house a lot my freshman year, and I felt like another one of their daughters. Laureen Jacobs referred to me as her ‘California daughter’ and she still does until this day. …

I can’t thank the Jacobs family enough or repay them for everything they have done for me throughout the past four years. I already can’t wait to go back and visit them.”

Former UB player Madison Vaught came in the same year as Nicolette but transferred back home after her freshman season. The Jacobs family welcomed her into her home but injuries and homesickness ultimately made her leave. Vaught came from Hawaii, but felt that she was just too far, according to Nicolette.

Nicolette Jacobs name won’t go down

8. Ryan Cribbin and Devon Patterson win gold and silver in men’s shot put

swimmers in school history with her name on seven different school records.

Buffalo hosted the MAC outdoor track and field championships for the first time since 2010 this year. On day two of the competition, senior Ryan Cribbin and junior Devon Patterson finished first and second in the men’s shot put. It was the ninthstraight year the Bulls have won the gold in shot put and Cribbin’s second gold in three years, with Patterson winning gold the year prior. Patterson went on to finish just shy of a spot at the NCAA Tournament this year, falling just one foot short at the NCAA East preliminaries.

10. Football competes in seven-overtime thriller against Western Michigan

7. Vidit Vaghela and Petr Vodak become first ever nationally ranked doubles team for The Bulls lost the seven-overtime men’s tennis

matchup 71-68 against the Broncos. The game lasted over four and a half hours and combined for the most points ever in an FBS game. Junior quarterback Drew Anderson threw for a Buffalo and Mid-American Conference record 597 yards and tied the single-game touchdown record at seven.

The Bulls had three receivers with over 100 yards for the first time in history, including a performance with 11 catches, 195 yards and two touchdowns by junior wide receiver Anthony Johnson.

Seniors Vidit Vaghela and Petr Vodak finished the men’s tennis season as the number 86 ranked doubles team in the country. The two were ranked as high as 64 this past year and completed their final match together with a 6-3 win against Western Michigan in the MAC Tournament finals. The duo went 12-4 at first doubles this season with wins against the top teams from Notre Dame, Harvard and Columbia.

6. Megan Burns wins fourth straight 50 and 100 yard-freestyle event at MAC 9. Ally Power throws no-hitter for softball Championships Junior pitcher Ally Power opened up MAC play this year throwing her first career no-hitter. Power threw five innings with five strikeouts and three walks. It was the team’s first no-hitter since current assistant coach Tori Speckman threw one in her senior season in 2014.

Senior freestyle swimmer Megan Burns completed her record-breaking career with an unprecedented fourth-straight gold medal in both sprint events. Burns is the first women’s swimmer in MAC history to win more than three titles in either event.

Burns finished her career as one of the best

5. UB breaks ground on new fieldhouse The $18 million Murchie Family Fieldhouse broke ground on October 7 this past year.

UB President Satish Tripathi said the new fieldhouse would be open to all students, but it will only be open to Division I, club and intramural sports teams. The 92,000-squarefoot fieldhouse features a full turf football field, rubber sprinting tracks, a triple jump pit, a pole vault pit and softball hitting tunnels.

The fieldhouse is expected to open spring 2019.

4. Football becomes bowl eligible for the first time in four years The Bulls finished 6-6 on the season, making them bowl eligible for only the third time since joining Division I in 1999. After a mid-season slump where the Bulls played three different quarterbacks, Buffalo was able to rally off three straight wins to end the season, including a victory against a heavily favored Ohio Bobcats team the last week of the season. Buffalo was one of three teams in the country to not get selected for a bowl game that was eligible.

3. Women’s tennis wins second straight MAC Championship Women’s tennis made program history winning back to back championships. Tennis tied a program high for wins at 17 and ended the season on a 14-match winning streak. The team eased through conference play going a perfect 8-0 to win the MAC season. Buffalo went back to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in program history and faced

ubspectrum.com in any record books for her statistical contributions. She played only six games her freshman year after having shoulder surgery immediately following her first career hit.

Nicolette begged the coaches to let her play even with a nagging injury until they allowed her to pinch hit. Once during her freshman year, with the bases loaded, Nicolette stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam but in the moment she only thought it was a three-run shot.

“I was crying in the kitchen,” Laureen said when she saw it.

Still, Laureen never missed a local game.

She would sit in the stands and cheer on the Bulls, no matter what the score or how well they were playing, a trait she carried over from her high school cheerleading days and the reason she’s no longer allowed to throw a softball back on the field.

“I tried throwing it over the fence about 10 or so times until Nicolette yelled from the field to give the ball to a different parent,” Laureen said. “Nicolette and the umpire were laughing.”

Laureen would take her vacation days from work and make the weekday games.

During a doubleheader at Canisius College last season, Laureen went in between the games to buy the girls hot chocolate and doughnuts on the brutally cold day.

The Bulls won 8-0 in the first game before being stopped 15-5 in game two by Canisius pitcher Erika Mackie. After game two, members of UB softball asked if they could have donuts and Roberts answered, “No doughnuts! 15 to 5, and you want to eat donuts. Leave those donuts alone.”

Laureen Jacobs never cheered for recognition. Being one of the few moms in Buffalo, she wanted to do what she had hoped someone would do for her daughter if she went to California. Nothing was planned and it evolved into something larger than she ever thought it would be.

Laureen was always ready to help someone buy a pair of shoes for their first interview or send her husband out to help teammates with car trouble or house repair.

“If you look at the [Jacobs] family, the mom and dad, they are Buffalo people and everything you see in Nicolette comes from them,” Roberts said. “I can’t say enough about the family and how much we enjoyed seeing them at every game.”

Even as Nicolette graduates and won’t play another collegiate softball game again, Laureen still plans to be around and support the program the she has already given so much to.

“A cold day of softball is better than a warm day at the office,” Laureen said. email: nathaniel.mendelson@ubspectrum.com

Northwestern. They defeated the Bulls 4-0, but Buffalo won sets in singles play in multiple matches for the first time ever at the NCAA Tournament.

2. Men’s basketball wins first NCAA Tournament game Head coach Nate Oats led the Bulls to its third MAC title in four years and was selected as a No. 13 seed to play the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Bulls shocked viewers around the country beating Arizona 89-68. Senior guard Wes Clark finished with 25 points and seven assists and looked like the best player on a court crowded with future NBA talent like Deandre Ayton. Buffalo was lights out from three making 15 of 30 shots to move on to the round of 32. The Bulls fell to No. 5 seed Kentucky, but finished the season with a program record 27 wins.

1. Women’s basketball advances to the Sweet 16 After receiving its first at-large bid in history, head coach Felisha Legette-Jack and her team did not waste the opportunity. Heading into the tournament as a No. 11 seed, the Bulls dominated the opening round of the tournament with a 102-79 victory against No. 6 seed South Florida. They followed it up by rolling over the No. 3 seed Florida State 86-65. The Bulls then traveled to Albany for the Sweet 16 to take on last year’s national champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks and lost. Junior guard Cierra Dillard averaged 29 points over the two tournament games, and the Bulls finished the season as the No. 21 ranked team in the country, a program first top-25 ranking. email: nathaniel.mendelson@ubspectrum.com