The Towerlight (Jan. 26, 2016)

Towson’s campus and community news source

TheTowerlight.com

Jan. 26, 2016

NEW

PRESIDENT Towson starts the spring semester with Kim Schatzel coming on board as its 14th president, pg. 7

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Photo by Chris Simms, photo illustration by Kara Bucaro/ The Towerlight

ELIZABETH MILLER STUDENT

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January 26, 2016

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January 26, 2016

TOWSON TRENDING Week of Snowzilla

Move-in was delayed, classes were pushed back and traveling in Maryland came to a halt. The blizzard, “Jonas,” hit the area right as Tigers were getting ready to start the spring semester.

Snow!

Towson’s new president is from Michigan which means we’ll probably have no snow days

Breaking: Towson University is closed forever due to snow

Snow is not a factor for these guys. @Towson_MLAX getting it done at practice today. #towsontuff

@TLeonard_TUAD

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It’s everywhere!

Towson University: the school that emails you that Hoverboards are banned rather than snow updates

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Towson’s like “Once the sun melts all the snow the students can move back in”

@kissamour_

#LT chill with your tweets and go shovel some snow. Then let’s talk about Towson maintenance.

@KurtisLAnderson

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Opinion

January 26, 2016

Editor-in-Chief Carley Milligan Senior Editor Cody Boteler News Editor Sam Shelton Assist. News Editors Nilo Exar Sarah Rowan Arts & Life Editor Annie Sragner

Assist. Arts & Life Editor Robert Wood Sports Editor Assist. Sports Editors Jordan Cope Tyler Beard

If the revolution isn’t ratchet...

SEY ELEMO Columnist @__humblepoet

Staff Writers Tim Anderson Kati Day Helen Grafton Kristin Helf Ryan Permison Hailey Miller Tyler Young Christine LaFrancesca Caitlin Wolfarth Photo Editor Assit. Photo Editor Chris Simms Staff Photographers Cody Boteler Adrilenzo Cassoma Nilo Exar Carley Milligan Allen Stewart Video Producer Sarah Chmieloweic Assit. Video Producer Stacey Coles Staff Videographers Tyisha Henderson Proofreaders Desmond Boyle Kayla Baines Kira McCall Chris Pretrides General Manager Mike Raymond Art Director Kara Bucaro

I am Angela Davis. I am Nikki Giovanni. I am Lauryn Hill.

I am Amber Rose. I am Nicki Minaj. I am Cardi B. Honestly, I am Sey Elemo, a first generation Nigerian-American. I’m a junior, and I hold various positions in organizations, both on and off Towson’s campus. I was born and raised in the fourth wealthiest black community in the United States (though it was the first when I was growing up).

I come from a two-parent household. I am the youngest of three children, and my parents sent all of us to four-year universities. I am able-bodied. I am a black woman that benefits from several privileges. I’m a scholar. I read, a lot. I love language, and I regularly use multi-syllabic words in my everyday vernacular. I am woke. I can, and will read you from from A to Z on

I have no shame in who I am. racism, patriarchy, and the like.

It’s no secret that I will give an I twerk, frequently, I love hipimpromptu seminar on white privihop music and culture, very much. lege and its lasting impact on the While I enrich my spirit with, nation.

“To Pimp a Butterfly,” when it’s If “Back That Azz Up” comes finished I am liable to open my on afterward, I will (in that same Spinrilla app and play my favorite moment) proceed to work with Fetty Wap mixtape. some ass, yes, because I am bad, I have an affinity with trap music yes. and my soul smiles when I hear the Being open about my sexuality, words “Metro Boomin’ want some using profanmore...” I curse. ity, and callI party. I milly ing my closrock, on any and est girlfriends every block. By Black joy is understanding my bitches, some standards, that there is necessary doesn’t make I am ratchet. me any less Contrary to work to be done in the respectable what patriarstruggle for our rights, but than the next chy, misogyny, also knowing that there woman who white privilege, does not. male privilege, is a time to laugh, to play I refuse to chauvinism, bigand to be ratchet. bind any part otry, the men in of myself to the movement, fit into anyone’s mold of what a and maybe even your own friends, woman in the movement should peers, and parents tell you, my look like. ratchetery does not negate my inner James Baldwin wasn’t wrong revolutionary.

“

when he said that “to be black and conscious in America is to be in a constant state of rage,” but as a black woman, it is unhealthy for me to constantly wrap myself in a blanket of black rage.

There’s another side to blackness that is frequently overlooked, and that is black joy.

Black joy is understanding that there is necessary work to be done in the struggle for our rights, but also knowing that there is a time to laugh, to play and to be ratchet. Black Twitter beef isn’t always “a distraction,” and having fun doesn’t make me less enlightened.

This is exactly what this column will be, a safe-space for the movers, the shakers and the twerkers.

I don’t claim to be all wise or all knowing, because I’m not.

I’m just here to share my opinions on blackness with you, and I hope that you’ll be open to the things I say. I also hope to hear your thoughts on the things I say.

Yours in Blackness, A Ratchet Revolutionary

Production Assistants Daniel Andrews Christine Kim Webmaster Hafiz Aina Circulation Staff Jasmine Edwards Nilo Exar Shawn Halerz

The Towerlight’s big, fat Greek (life) column 8000 York Road University Union Room 309 Towson, MD 21252 business: (410) 704-5153 editorial: (410) 704-5141 editor@thetowerlight.com thetowerlight.com

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We encourage letters to the editor and online feedback.

Commentaries, letters to the editor, editorial cartoons and other editorials express the opinions of their authors and not necessarily the views of the newspaper.

The Towerlight does not discriminate based on age, color, condition of handicap, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. ©2016 by The Towerlight, 8000 York Rd, Towson, MD 21252. All rights reserved.

Please Recycle!

ALI HINMAN Columnist

What’s up, everyone? My name is Ali Hinman and I’m a junior here.

My major is speech pathology, but I’m planning on being the next Amy Schumer. We’re both blonde Towson Tigers who tell vulgar jokes on stage to strangers in our free time. She gets paid a little more than I do, though.

On campus, you can find me on the second floor of the library distracting my friends from their work.

I love “Sex and the City,” and since I have always likened myself to Carrie

Bradshaw, I’m especially excited to have my own column now.

I’ve been given the absolute privilege of writing about my big fat Greek life, which is one that I never thought I would have.

When looking at colleges, I purposely picked one with a small Greek life. I was completely against joining a sorority. I was the girl who thought “girls were too much drama” and “sororities were just cliques you paid to be in.”

Freshman year was my reawakening. I was just pumped to be able to go places without my mom asking me where I was going. I would just

walk around, rubbing my grubby paws together because no one knew where I was.

On one of these rebellious walks, I found myself at a sorority tabling event. I tried to sneak by unnoticed, but I accidentally made eye contact with a girl who was on her game.

With no valid reason to slip away and an intuitive need to get to know all the humans ever, I talked to her.

I saw how passionate she was about her sisters and the philanthropy work that they do together.

I had always been on a team in high school, and rushing seemed like I was joining a team, but with

a stunning lack of sprints. Since rushing, I have become a sister, a little, a big, a standup comedian, a consistent member of the Dean’s List, a paid writer, a columnist for The Towerlight and an all-around more confident woman.

As cheesy and obnoxious as it is, I really owe it to my sisters.

I spend my life trying to find the humor in everything, and there’s plenty of that in college, especially Greek life. This semester, i’ll be writing hip and #relatable columns that any student can laugh at until they forget about all the homework they haven’t done yet.

Opinion

January 26, 2016

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

It’s OK to ask for help It’s that time of year again. It gets dark as soon as you feel like your day’s really getting started, everything’s grey, it’s cold as frick, there aren’t any good holidays to look forward to for a while and you just don’t seem to really want to get out of bed in the morning.

If you’re feeling down this time of year, there could be a medical reason. It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short (whoever titled this disorder saw an opportunity and, dammit, they took it). SAD is a form of depression that sets in during the fall, amplifies during the coldest months, and lingers until spring.

According to mentalhealthamerica. net, SAD sets in on those between the ages of 18-30, and three out of four people with the disorder are women.

Common symptoms include a spike in anxiety, mood swings, irritability, trouble sleeping, intense

fatigue and a desire to be alone more often than usual.

I know these symptoms seem a lot like those of your typical overworked, under-rested college kid, but seriously. If you notice a change in your behavior or mood as the true winter months set in, don’t ignore it.

Even if you notice a slight change, pay attention to it. Maybe you find yourself sleeping more than usual.

Maybe you just feel a little overwhelmed or stressed out. It’s always a good idea to have someone to talk to for a new perspective.

I can’t emphasize how important it is to be aware of how you’re feeling.

Transitioning into adulthood is a complicated, stressful time. Add in constant dark, grey days and you can easily find yourself less happy than you’d like to be. It is OK to ask for help, even if you’re just feeling a little off.

Take care of yourself, wear a coat when you go out and welcome back, Tigers.

Senior Editor Cody Boteler took this photo on campus Monday, before students were allowed to move back in. Interested in submitting a picture for photo of the week? Email your picture, your name, major and a brief description of the image to senior@thetowerlight.com.

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Cover

January 26, 2016

Schatzel gets

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her stripes

“Move-in day” for Towson University President Kim Schatzel was Friday, Jan. 22, but she didn’t bring anything to hang on the walls of her new office.

It’s by choice, she said. She’s waiting to fill the space with student and faculty artwork, because she “likes to brag on” the people she works with.

Schatzel, who was announced as Towson’s 14th president Dec. 4, said it's a decorating style she’s brought with her from Eastern Michigan University, where she previously acted as interim president and provost simultaneously. Prior to that, Schatzel served as EMU’s provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs.

She said that when it’s time to start running Towson University, her first priority will be “listening a lot.”

Schatzel, whose first official day as president was Jan. 25, said she wants to spend time getting to understand campus and the community.

“The reputation and the quality, as well as the community aspect of Towson is well known and well documented and very much nationally recognized, too,” she said. “That’s a lot of what attracted me to the campus. But now I get to talk to people.”

Afer a drive from Michigan to Towson that took over eight hours, Schatzel went to the basketball game Jan. 21 where she “got to tweet [her] first official photo with Doc,” she said.

“I like all sports,” Schatzel said.

“Seeing the student athletes participate and seeing the students support their participation is a pretty big thing.”

Schatzel played basketball in high school, but said that she didn’t keep playing in college because she “wasn’t that good.”

Schatzel’s tenure as president started just under two weeks after the 90-day legislative session started in Annapolis. Towson is a public university, and relies on state funding. One of the roles of a university president is, typically, to represent the university’s interests in state government.

For Schatzel, that means balancing her time between acclimating to a new campus and making connections in the state legislature.

“I’ll just have to work a lot,” Schatzel said. “And I’ve got a wonderful group of people who I work with that’ll organize me very well.”

During his time as interim president, Tim Chandler worked both on campus and in the state legislature to secure funding for a new science building. Chandler returned to his former role as provost as Schatzel took office Monday, but his work might have paid off.

On Jan. 21, the University reported that Gov. Larry Hogan’s proposed 2017 budget includes $162.8 million in funding to construct a new building for the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics. The budget is subject to committee and floor revisions and voting before the funding is final.

Schatzel called herself “pretty externally oriented,” and said that it would be important for her to have relationships with members of state and local government, businesses and nonprofits in the greater Baltimore area.

“I think the more that we can make connections between the community and the campus the better off we are,” she said.

Before Schatzel was announced as Towson’s next president, Chandler signed a document brought to him by a group of concerned students, pledging to work toward a list of demands.

Among those demands are increasing black tenureship at Towson, implementing a race relations course in the core curriculum and introducing diversity training for faculty.

“I know that the signing resulted from extensive conversation between the administration and the students,” Schatzel said. “I’ve got full confidence in that decision and that process that resulted in the signing of it, so I’m looking forward to working and supporting the commitments that were made.”

Schatzel agreed to a similar list of demands from students at EMU, though she said she never put her signature to anything. She said that she “wanted to understand what was motivating the requests.”

“I feel very strongly that having an inclusive and diverse campus is incredibly important,” Schatzel said.

“You cannot have high quality university education without having that

environment, period.”

Schatzel listed several similarities between EMU and TU, like their histories as normal schools and their “focus on the students.”

“The biggest difference? It’s hilly,” Schatzel said. “That’s the biggest difference. When I was driving from the Midwest, here, one of the first things I picked up on was that there were hills again.”

Student Government Association President Kurt Anderson said that he’s excited to start working with Schatzel.

“I think that she really understands the Towson culture and what makes us unique,” Anderson said.

Anderson and Schatzel have met, but have not yet had the opportunity for a one-on-one meeting. He said that their first is scheduled for Wednesday.

“I think that she’s really going to be present and visible, which was one of the biggest things I was concerned about when the search was happening,” Anderson said.

Schatzel’s presence and visibility

may be unavoidable for her first semester as president—she’s staying in the Towson Marriott. Her husband is still in Michigan, until they can find a house in the area.

“Since I’m going to be living in a hotel for awhile, I’m going to be going and eating dinner on campus, probably quite a bit, so I’ll be sitting down at tables with students and going, ‘Hi!’ I like to do that,” Schatzel said.

She also likes cooking, practicing yoga and participating in charity 5K races help her relax. She hasn’t been running recently, she said, but she’s signed up for a St. Patrick’s Day race in Baltimore.

“That’s the way you do it,” she said. “You sign up for the 5K so you make yourself run.”

Schatzel was born and raised in New York City. She accrued 20 years of corporate, new venture, and start-up experience before joining academia.

She served as founding president and chief operating officer, and

later chief executive officer of a multinational industrial firm that employed upward of 1500 people on multiple continents, according to a statement from the University System of Maryland.

Schatzel filled various positions at the University of MichiganDearborn for over ten years before she spent about four years at EMU. And now, in the midst of TU’s sesquicentennial, Schatzel said she is excited to get to work.

“I think that when you get to be my age, you kind of are comfortable with who you are,” Schatzel said. “It’s a terrific campus and a great group of students, faculty and staff. So it’s not just me, it’s the university, and it’s done pretty well over the past 150 years.

Given that, I’m expecting the fact that the success will continue, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

--Carley Milligan and Sam Shelton contributed to this article.

Courtesy of @kimschatzel. Banner image courtesy of Kanji Takeno Towson University’s new president, Kim Schatzel, poses with Doc the Tiger at a Jan. 21 basketball game.

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News

January 26, 2016

Towerlight staff editorial:

15 Things

Chandler stays on as provost

For Schatzel’s first 150 days

President Kim Schatzel, Welcome to Towson University! We’re excited for you to be starting here, and we can’t wait to see what great things TU accomplishes under your leadership. You’ve got a big job ahead of you. To help get you started, we, as an editorial staff, have brainstormed and consulted with some other student leaders to create a list of 15 things for you to do during your first 150 days in office.

1. Reaffirm the document that was signed by Interim President Timothy Chandler in November. The list of demands that was presented by a group of concerned black students is not only reasonable in the version that was signed, but it’s important. TU should aim to diversify and to increase cultural competency.

2. Eat at every dining hall and dining location at least once. You know, wait in lines, communicate with the sometimes unfriendly staff, navigate vegan or gluten free menu options and the price of a meal... do everything that comes along with being a student trying to stay healthy (or at least full) while living on campus.

3. Try to find parking like a commuter student. Because, honestly, it’s a nightmare at times. Towson has increased enrollment dramatically, but one of the biggest consequences of this is a dire lack of parking for students.

4. Navigate the Liberal Arts Building during a class change. It can be difficult, especially for students new to Towson. It’s a beautiful building, for sure, but it’s pretty much a crowded maze.

5. Go to a basketball game. Or two, or three. And go to other games, matches and meets, too. Towson University has some great programs that, frankly, students don’t always support as much as we should.

6. Get to know all the legislators, community members and politicians that have a say in Towson’s operation. TU is surrounded by vibrant and active communities of residents that have been here for, in some cases, decades. Getting to know the local county council members and state legislators definitely won’t hurt, either--especially since we’re a public institution and have to compete for state funding.

7. Spend some time enjoying the sun on a warm day on the lawn in West Village and then write something on the chalkboard in Freedom Square.

These are two really popular areas for students to spend their free time. The best way to get to know Towson is to get to know the students, right?

8. Come hang out in The Towerlight office. We’re not a student group, but we are a group of students. There’s almost always someone in the office, but you’ll find the most success at trying to meet everyone on a Monday afternoon.

9. Try to get in a 30 minute workout in Burdick while the gym is undergoing renovation. It won’t be easy. It’s crowded, cramped and busy. Students aren’t happy that the renovations won’t be done until after they’ve graduated.

10. Experience the early-morning walk from West Village to 7800 York Road for an 8 a.m. course. Nobody is happy to be awake that early, and not everybody is able to use the on-campus shuttles. It’s not fun, but it’s a big part of life at TU. 11. Try a plate of wings at Bill Bateman’s. And, while you’re at it, maybe grab a drink at the bar. Bateman’s is another hub for students to meet in between or after classes, or to watch a Towson game on TV. 12. Play pool in Paws. Grab some fries, a few students and a pool table. Since it’s right in the University Union and has really, really great hours, Paws is always buzzing with student activity.

13. Spend some time on a late Friday night at the intersection of York and Bosley. It won’t be pretty, but it will be Towson. Hundreds of students flock Uptown on the weekends.

14. Take a walk through the Glen. This will be pretty. Beautiful. Relaxing.

The Glen occupies the heart of campus, and has a few paths for anyone to walk through. It makes a good shortcut through parts of campus.

15. Attend as many student events and gatherings as possible. The student groups here are, without a doubt, what make Towson such a vibrant university.

Take some time to get to know the student groups, what they care about, what their missions are. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

File photo by Patrick Burke/ TheTowerlight Then Interim President Timothy Chandler speaks on the state of the university during an Oct. 7 town hall-style meeting.

Towson University Provost Tim Chandler says that he’s glad to be back to work in the provost’s office following a yearlong stint as the university’s interim president “I think for now I am looking forward to coming back and working [as provost],” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to doing these things in this office, which to me are more meaningful and more satisfying, and then I’ll think about [the future].

It’s hard work being the president.”

Chandler, who came to Towson in January 2013, rose from provost to acting president in August 2014 when the late President Emerita Maravene Loeschke announced that she would take a leave of absence due to health reasons. He became interim president when Loeschke officially resigned that December, and announced in April 2015 that he had entered his name for consideration for the presidency.

When University System of Maryland President Bob Caret announced Schatzel’s appointment Dec. 4, he also announced that Chandler would return to his role as provost and vice president for academic affairs. Chandler and Schatzel officially began acting in their positions Monday.

“I work harder in this role, but I work a whole long longer [as interim president]. Long, long days,” Chandler said. “There is no weekend, it’s just another day. It was a great learning experience and it helps you under-

stand that this is a 24/7 operation.“ He said that with the academic year and state legislature already in session, Schatzel has been thrust into the deep end, where she’ll get a taste of those long days.

“It sounds as if there is going to be a lot going on in Annapolis relating to education in general, particular K-12, but also higher [education],” he said.

“And so that is going to be a learning curve for her there. I know she wants to get to know campus, so I think she’s going to have to work some fairly long, long days early on just to try and become part of the community and get a feel for the community.”

During his term as interim president, Chandler repeatedly advocated on and off-campus for the construction of new a science building to replace the aging Smith Hall. This project could become a reality, following Gov. Larry Hogan’s inclusion of $162.8 million in funding for the building in his budget proposal for 2017.

“I think, from what I hear, we have a reasonable chance of getting the science building on track,” Chandler said.

“That’ll save her trying to go do battle with that.”

Hogan’s budget is subject to revisions and votes before anything becomes final.

Last semester, while still interim president, Chandler also signed a list of demands presented to him by concerned black students following a ninehour sit-in protest in his office.

“The most difficult point [of his presidency] was probably the student sit-in and the most rewarding

piece was probably the student sitin,” he said. “I am still amazed by that, by the courage of those young people to take that on.”

Acting as interim president allowed him to see student, faculty and administrator perspectives differently and helped him get a “better handle on the administration and finance of the institution as a whole,” Chandler said.

“I think I have, I hope I have, a greater appreciation for the joys and perils of my fellow vice presidents,” he said. “I have a better understanding I think of their worlds and how they contribute to the overall well being to the place.

Going forward, Chandler said that his top priorities are implementing a broader view of who is qualified to be a faculty member, and trying to grow TU’s graduate programs and means of continuing education.

“Shaking hands with legislators, yeah it’s okay,” Chandler said.

“Someone’s got to do it and it’s important and I’ll continue to do it. But I’ll get a lot more pleasure hiring a more diverse faculty, looking at trying to improve the quality of the academic experience and the educational experience for our students, and providing opportunities for them to grow in ways that will enrich their lives long term.”

What he said he’ll miss most about his stint as interim president is, however, something rather private.

“Having my own bathroom,” Chandler said. “Seriously, that’s the only thing I worry about.”

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January 26, 2016 September 15, 2015

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In a unanimous Jan. 19 vote, the Baltimore County Council decided to enact a “pilot program” in parts of Baltimore County wherein “unruly social gatherings” will be declared a nuisance—and punishable by fines starting at $500.

Under the legislation, both tenants and landlords could be punished if a police officer decides to write a citation. Penalties for the “responsible person,” or party host, start at a $500 fine and 20 hours of community service. Penalties for subsequent citations can get as high $1,000 and 48 hours, respectively.

Property owners, too, can face fines up to $1,000 and potential revocation or suspension of their rental license.

“We have to hold the adults responsible,” Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger said at a Jan. 12 county council work session.

The amended version of the legislation changed the definition of an “unruly social gathering” to necessitate at least four or more people, instead of two, provided exemptions from the penalties in the case of sexual assault or domestic abuse victims and gave more protection for property owners whose tenants are fined.

As the proposed legislation is a pilot program, it does not

affect the entire county. The area includes, among other neighborhoods, Cardiff Hall Apartments and Donnybrook Apartments.

County Councilman David Marks, whose district includes Towson University, sponsored the legislation along with County Councilman Tom Quirk. Marks said that the original pilot area was chosen because it has a high number of rental units.

The amended version of the bill that passed the council vote expanded the pilot program to include part of Arbutus, next to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. According to Quirk, who spoke before the council voted, residents of Arbutus requested that the pilot program include them.

Marks said that the legislation “passes legal luster” when asked if he thought there was any credence to the claims by some—including Towson’s Student Government Association—that the bill “unfairly targets” Towson students.

“If you’re not a student and you’re involved in unruly behavior, you can also be cited,” Marks said.

“It’s not just students.”

After the bill’s passage, the SGA released a statement saying that they would “continue to monitor the status of this law and its execution.”

“The SGA is hopeful that the concerns of both Towson students and our gracious local neighbors can continue to be addressed

through a positive and constructive dialogue, which serves to benefit everyone who lives in Towson and the greater Baltimore area,” the statement said.

The bill was discussed in a work session Jan. 12 and was voted on at the council’s Jan. 19 meeting. The spring semester wasn’t scheduled to start at Towson until Jan. 25, and campus was relatively empty until this week.

Marks said that the timing of the bill was not to intentionally cut Towson students out of the conversation, but a matter of pragmatism.

“We wanted it to be in effect for the spring semester,” Marks said.

Marks also said that this type of policy and issues have been in discussion with the University Relations Committee, made up of Towson University officials and community members alike, for “several months.”

Towson University has not taken a stance on the bill. President Kim Schatzel said that it was a situation she’d have to catch up on and pay attention to.

Thomas Tompsett, a representative for the Maryland Multi-Housing Association, which represents landlords, said that his organization originally opposed the bill, but supports it with the amendment that allows property owners to appeal citations if they’re taking steps to show that they’re attempting to deal with tenants.

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January 26, 2016

COMMUTER STUDENTS

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Lots of variety on campus for dining.

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Kappa Sushi (Susquehanna) hand-rolled, made-to-order sushi rolls, extensive menu and fresh product

Visit dining.towson.edu for more information, menus, hours and location Like us on Facebook and Instagram to find out about all the specials and deals

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January 26, 2016

1860

1870 1880

1968

1968

1969

1972

1972

1973

1977

1977

1890 1900

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960 1970 1980

1990

2000

2010

The fifteen-year period from

1962–1977 brought about massive changes.

The State Teachers College at Towson entered the 1960s as a small college with under 2,000 future teachers, and by the end of the 1970s it was a thriving, vibrant, and diverse university with an enrollment of over 15,000.

In 1963, the State of Maryland, in response to the Curlett Commission findings, made the five State Teachers Colleges into liberal arts colleges, and Towson’s name changed to Towson State College. After specific guidelines established the difference between a college and a university, Towson State College became Towson State University on July 1, 1976.

In 1972, the Pledge to Teach tuition waiver was abolished — over one hundred years since it was first put into place. However, Towson still focused heavily on education for teachers, as it does to the present day.

New Construction from 1962–77 Dowell Health Center

1963

Scarborough Hall

1964

Smith Hall

1965

Burdick Hall

1968

Linthicum Hall

1968

Albert S. Cook Library

1969

General Services

1970

Administration Building 1972 (Later Enrollment Services) College Union (Later University Union)

1972

Residence Tower

1972

Center for Fine Arts (Later Center for the Arts)

1973

Hawkins Hall

1977

Lecture Hall

1977

Minnegan Stadium (Later Unitas Stadium)

1977

15,000

Psychology Building

1977

10,000

Towson Center

1977

Unprecedented Enrollment Growth

1977: 15,845

5,000

1965

1969

1973

The rapid growth in both programming and enrollment necessitated facilities growth, and this fifteen-year period included three different building ‘booms’ that resulted in sixteen new buildings, most of which form the backbone of the current campus.

To be continued…

Share your memory: TU150.towson.edu

1977

Arts

January 26, 2016

15

Dress exhibit celebrates 150 years ANNIE SRAGNER Arts & Life Editor @anniesragner

In honor of Towson University’s 150th anniversary Julie Potter, an assistant professor and costume designer, has sorted through over 2,000 garments to create a fashion exhibition that features the evolution of women’s clothing over the last 150 years.

“They are all real clothes that someone wore,” Potter said. “Some of them have a lot of story that go along with them that we know, some of them have no story.”

The collection synthesizes both fashion and history while highlighting notable aspects of the Towson and Baltimore area.

“We’re featuring this suit that was worn by Lillian Cannon of Baltimore, who was one of the first women to attempt to swim the English Channel,” Potter said. “She’s a pretty well-known athlete who is from the area.”

The exhibition also features items from popular local department stores including Hutzler’s, which set up business in Towson from 1952 to 1990.

“We’re featuring these to show what used to belong to that department store because everyone has such fond memories of it,” Potter said.

“That’s what’s been drawing a lot of people in, people who remember shopping there.”

The collection launches with items from the 1860s because Towson first began to accept students in Jan 1866.

This starting point allows current students to see what some of Towson’s first students were wearing on and off campus.

“Some of these aren’t appropriate for school-wear, which is where we started to take a little liberty because we really wanted the opportunity to not only show students’ fashion, but to also show higher fashion because they are fun to look at,” Potter said.

“It’s just suach a nice way to bring history to life and make it real for people.

Clothing is so personal.”

Senior theatre major Nicki Seibert has enjoyed learning about Towson’s fashion history while supervising the exhibit during gallery hours.

“It’s great to walk around and see what young ladies would wear to their graduation here and how different it is from what they wear now,” Seibert said. “We were talking about what

kind of exhibit they would put on 150 years from now for us. It would probably be a lot of short shorts and crop tops.”

Potter hopes that students from all departments find both interest and value in these high-quality artifacts.

“I share these things with my students in ‘Costume, Dress and Society’ and we look at the changing of fashion and the changing of the times and society and how that is all tied together,” Potter said. “It’s a lot of fun but I think it is an incredibly valuable tool for learning about our culture and our society over time. It’s a great way to have a look at these three-dimensionally and to see the craftsmanship.”

Although the exhibition ran from Jan. 5-22, Potter said this exhibition is just the first phase of this collection.

She plans to catalog this collection and other pieces waiting to be seen into a database over the next school year.

For now, keep a lookout for announcements of future shows and exhibitions from Potter and the CFA. “The collection will be streamlined into something very showable and I’m hoping to have one to two shows each year,” Potter said.

Courtesy of Lauren Castellana

Some of the selected dresses from the exhibition that celebrates Towson’s 150th anniversary.

Alumna awarded for inspiration JESSICA RICKS Staff Writer Jan 28: Moon Taxi Rams Head Live

March 9: State Champs & Neck Deep - Baltimore Soundstage

Feb 13: Cherub Baltimore Soundstage

March 10: Nick Carter Baltimore Soundstage

Feb 25: Kevin Gates Rams Head Live

March 16: The Maine & Mayday Parade - Baltimore Soundstage

Feb 26: Chris Young Lyric Opera House

March 17: They Might Be GiantsRams Head Live

Feb 29: Janet Jackson Royal Farms Arena

March 20: The Rocket Summer Ottobar

March 1: Titus Andronicus Ottobar

March 22: We the Kings Baltimore Soundstage

March 8: Blessthefall Rams Head Live

March 24: The Expendables Baltimore Soundstage

March 8: Tonight Alive Baltimore Soundstage

March 26: Mutemath Rams Head Live

March 9: Metric - Rams Head Live

Mar 31: Chon - Metro Gallery

Grayson Gilbert was the fifth person ever to be diagnosed with a form of cancer known as pancreatoblastoma in 1995. His chances of survival were small, less than 2 percent.

Since then, he’s been cancer free for 20 years, graduated from Towson and received the Children’s Hope Medal Of Honor.

At only five years old, Gilbert’s mother noticed he wasn’t acting like his normal, active self. After taking him to the hospital, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The disease is typically found in adults, but Gilbert was the first ever pediatric case.

Over the next two years, he went through many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation and a several operations.

“Now that I’m older, I reflect and I can understand what I was up against and how surreal the situa-

tion was,” Gilbert said.

The surgery, which reroutes the digestive system after the pancreas is removed, was very invasive and most diagnosed people do not survive.

However, at such a young age Gilbert’s body grew up adapting to it, which may have contributed to why he survived.

After remission, Gilbert turned to charity work in order to raise money for children with cancer. He began by holding fashion shows, telethons, radiothons and worked with groups such as the Children’s Miracle Network.

Soon after, Gilbert started an organization called The Inspirational Medicine Foundation.

By use of social media and donations of iPads to hospitals, his foundation helps the patients communicate with people who know their experience.

“The key idea is to give children in the hospital someone to talk to, whether it’s a patient who has been through something similar or

a friend,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert was recognized for his work in inspiring cancer patients by the World Health Foundation.

He was honored with a ceremony and awarded the Children’s Hope Medal of Honor at Grace Methodist Church in December.

“I give back because I understand what it’s like, and it makes me happy to help people realize that the things they’re going through don’t have to be so bad if they don’t look at it in a bad way,” Gilbert said. “There are so many people that do amazing things for the community, and to be recognized as one of them was a really cool acknowledgement.”

Gilbert is all about having a positive outlook on life. A big part of his recovery process is staying positive and having faith that the best will happen.

“Nothing is set in stone. They gave me a 2 percent chance of survival and coming up in October I’ll be 20 years cancer free,” Gilbert said. “That’s insane.”

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Arts

January 26, 2016

The Division for Student Affairs offers the

Student LIFE Line

This telephone line assists students with any question they may have about the University. LIFE Line is staffed and ready to assist callers Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After these hours, a voice mail message can be left and

Fallen rockstar KRISTIN HELF Columnist @kristinelise_

The night after David Bowie died, I sat in my minimester class lamenting with my desk-mates the death of a musical luminary. My professor played “Under Pressure” and “Changes” over the computer speakers after one student claimed she’d never heard any of his songs before.

Everyone else in the classroom seemed thoroughly shocked by Bowie’s sudden death from cancer on Jan. 10. My professor said that “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” was one of the best albums of all time (agreed, dude).

Students briefly interrupted class to talk about where we, a small group of 20-something millennials, had first heard of the musician/artist/fashion icon who some might say had reached the height of his career in the 1970s, decades before any of us were even born.

One girl in the room said that both she and her mom are into 80s music (the decade that ushered in famous Bowie albums like “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” and “Let’s Dance”), and when they heard news of his death, one called the other on the phone and they sang the song “Fame” together.

Someone else remarked that an entire generation of Bowie fans had been introduced by the movie “Labyrinth”—and even though that came out in 1986, many of us grew up with the Jim Henson fantasy.

I held myself together in class that night, but just the day before I cried as I drove to Towson while doing the worst thing you can do for your emotions when some-

one you love passes—which is, of course, listening to your favorite albums.

And how could we fans have been so stupid?

Earlier this month, David Bowie’s 25th and final studio album, “Blackstar,” was released along with the music video for the song “Lazarus.”

In the song, he’s lying in a hospital bed and his eyes wrapped in bandages as he literally sings, “Look up here, I’m in heaven.”

Only Bowie himself and his loved ones were aware of his cancer diagnosis—to everyone else, the hospital garb and fatalistic lyrics were just props to another character akin to Aladdin Sane or the Thin White Duke.

While I may never get over the fact that the last of my artistic heroes has passed on, now jamming out in heaven with Elvis and Lou Reed, that Monday night class eased my mourning heart.

David Bowie doesn’t just mean a lot to me, he means a lot to everyone. With the strides he made in music, art, fashion and film during his lifetime, Bowie will continue to inspire artists for generations until all of humankind is obliterated by aliens resembling Ziggy Stardust.

A few years ago, musician Gerard Way tweeted, “When an artist passes away, I like to think that they return to the cosmic dust and become part of the place where ideas come.”

To anyone who’s still feeling emotional distress over David Bowie’s death, listen to his song “Starman,” think of how Bowie might have descended to Earth back in the 40’s and of his imminent resurrection that I can only hope will someday occur; “look out your window, I can see his light.”

will be responsed to on the next business day.

You can also contact us with your questions via e-mail at studentaffairs@towson.edu.

(5433) 33) 410-704-LIFE (54 E-mail: studentaffairs@towson.edu Courtesy of Fact Mag

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January 26, 2016

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18

Arts

January 26, 2016

mo vie s 201 RYAN PERMISON Staff Writer

Best Films of the Year 1. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”- Without question this is the most fun I have had at the movies this year. After 32 years of waiting for a “Return of the Jedi” sequel, a lot was riding on this film.

The film delivered on all fronts from the directing, writing and acting to bring what we wanted and more.

This brought “Star Wars” back in a big way by reuniting back the original cast while introducing us to new characters that will carry on the legacy.

as the title character. While that film tried, it failed to balance between the positive and negative attributes of Steve Jobs. This biopic starring Michael Fassbender has some of the best acting and writing I have seen this year on screen. The audience gets a better idea of both how smart and how flawed Steve Jobs really was.

4. “Inside Out”- Pixar nine times out of ten gives us some of the best animated films ever made. This time, they went for an original story that tells how emotions work inside our heads. This is the best animated film of the year because of the characters, the story and of course the tearjerker moments.

aters but soon disappeared within a few weeks. Although many may not have seen this one, believe me when I say this was a gut-wrenching movie with strong performances from its cast. The film features a man trying to provide for his family after losing his house, which forces him to make some hard choices. You will be thinking and talking about this movie long after it’s over.

7. “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation”- The franchise has been on fire since the very beginning in 1996. Now five movies in, the film is continuing to get better by adding bigger action sequences and great comedic timing with its supporting cast. Tom Cruise and company take the franchise to another level of action-packed excitement.

2. “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials”- Many of you may be shocked as to why this film made the number two spot, but this film built upon the compelling story started in “The Maze Runner” by introducing some new characters. It has some really good twists and turns, as well as some of the best action scenes of the year. Plus, it ended on a major cliffhanger that makes me more excited to see the next chapter.

5. “Creed”- Having not seen any of the previous “Rocky” movies, I was not sure how this was going to work with Sylvester Stallone in a supporting role. After watching it, it is one of the best inspirational and emotional films of the year. The story of Apollo Creed’s son with Rocky Balboa training him was incredible to watch. Audiences will be cheering by the end of this film.

3. “Steve Jobs”- A few year earlier, there was a biopic that came called “Jobs” with Ashton Kutcher

6. “99 Homes”- This film inspired by the housing crisis of 2008 premiered for a quick moment in the-

8. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2”- Having not read the last two books, I was not sure how it was going to end. Katniss and her team of rebel fighters take the fight to the Capitol to take out President Snow and rescue their friends. Tonally, this was the darkest and most shocking installment of them all. It is not easy to watch because of the death and destruction, but it does end the franchise in a powerful way.

SIERRA UNDERDUE Columnist

Whether you are a frequent eater of pho or a newbie, I highly suggest ordering D7, which is the beef pho. It had beef stock and thinly sliced beef, so good. I usually add soy sauce and Sriracha for a little kick. The noodles are really soft, thick and filling and they are very generous with the meat portions. This coupled with this nice warm welcoming taste of the broth makes for the perfect winter meal.

If you have leftovers (which you probably will, because the portions are huge and the meal itself is so filling), ask for two containers. One is for the broth and the other is for the noodles and meat. The texture of the rice noodle tends to absorb the broth when left in it for too long, making it weird when you’re trying to eat it later.

When you order, you are always given this plate of fresh bean sprouts and other green veggies. If you are not skilled in eating with chopsticks, they provide silverware as well. There are also menu options for vegetarians and vegans too. Plus if you’re not in the mood for pho, you can choose from a wide array of stir fry, sushi and other traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

I really like the “feel” of the restaurant itself. It’s small, cozy and casual, which makes it a great place for a nice lunch outing. Don’t be surprised if you find other Towson Tigers or local families gathered here.

The waiters are nice, but I will warn you that if you need something, you kind of have to flag them down to get their attention versus having them constantly coming to check up on you.

If you’re like me and you eat on a budget, no worries because the most you’ll spend here is ten dollars.

9. “The Peanuts Movie”Having been a fan of Charlie Brown and his friends for years, I was very excited to see them come to the big screen. They stayed true to the spirt of the original comic strip and its characters. This movie is for everyone and audiences will enjoy it because of the comedy and life lessons that come with it.

10. “Spotlight”- Based on the true story of the Boston Globe’s investigation into the Catholic child abuse scandal of the last three decades, this is a story that must be told. From the acting to the shocking truth, this movie shocked me more than any other film this year.

Worst Films of the Year 1. “Jurassic World”- From the trailers, this film looked like it could be the true sequel to the original that audiences have been waiting for. Instead, it became a disaster with terrible writing, directing and acting.

The only saving graces were the dinosaur action scenes and Chris Pratt’s character, Owen.

2. “Avengers: Age of Ultron”- From the trailers, this film looked as if it would build upon and

be better than the first installment.

Unfortunately, it ended up being a giant mess with some bad accents, left-field subplots and too much focus on the comedy rather than the story. This was a bad contribution from the Marvel offices in my opinion.

3. “Spectre”- Coming from a big James Bond fan, this was the weakest of the Daniel Craig 007 era.

The film dragged in some spots and took too long to move on to the next scene. Plus, the running time could have been cut by 30 minutes.

4. “Terminator: Genesys”With so many twist and turns, it was hard to keep up with this film. It was also aggravating that the movie was completely spoiled in the last trailer before it premiered. Arnold’s return and some of the action scenes were good, but the ending made no sense.

I do not see a sequel in this reboot’s future.

5. “Tomorrowland”- Once again the trailers made it look great, but it ended up being a disappointment in the end. The film had its heart in the right place, but the vision was not properly executed.

Though, the cast did the best they could with a weak script.

Local pho hits the spot Hot in Hollywood Nested between Torrent Lounge and The Horoscope Shop on York Road is Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Dat Thanh. Fun fact: they’re Zagat rated!

I must admit, before starting school at Towson, I’d never known or even heard of pho. When a friend invited me to go for the very first time, I was super nervous. But over time, I became a frequent customer.

For those who do not know what pho is, don’t worry because I got your back. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup. It has broth, rice noodles, choice of meat or vegetables and you can add spices to make it even better.

CAITLIN MOYNIHAN Columnist @cmmoynihan

Welcome back, Tigers! While 2016 started out with a majority of us questioning if winter would ever arrive, it has now shown us its wrath and has me dreaming of warmer days from 2015. It also has me hoping for a happier 2016 for all of my favorite celebrity couples. In 2015, we suffered through too many breakups, divorces and separations.

From the beloved Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck to Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, no one could escape from the heartbreak.

Thankfully, 2016 is giving us some relief and proving to be able

to bring people back together. The couple in question is, of course, Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus. Before you roll your eyes and flip the page to another column, hear me out! When these two first got together while filming The Last Song, everyone lost their minds.

Many of us thought that they would be a perfect couple and that they would be great for each other, and everyone lost their chill even more when Cyrus was seen wearing an engagement ring.

In 2013, no one was prepared when tragedy struck and the pair split, which cued the reinvention of Cyrus.

- To read the rest of the column, visit thetowerlight.com.

Puzzles

January 26, 2016

19

Crossword Sudoku

?

?

Turn to page 20 for answers to today’s

Puzzles

?

9-15-14

● Each row and each column must

contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

● The numbers within the heavily

outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

● Freebies: Fill in single-box cages

with the number in the top-left corner.

KenKen® is a registered trademark of Nextoy, LLC. ©2014 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Universal Uclick for UFS. www.kenken.com

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January 26th, 2016

follow us on @TheTowerlight

like us on facebook.com/Thetowerlight

in print every Tuesday Need your news fix daily? Sign up for our Towerlight Today email at: thetowerlight.com/register

and get it delivered to your inbox, Monday thru Thursday.

For awesome giveaways, including FREE PIZZA, MOVIE

TICKETS, and MORE, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

s on Solutions to Puzzle w Page 19. Look for ne y. puzzles every Tuesda

9-16-14

● Each row and each column must

contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

● The numbers within the heavily

outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

● Freebies: Fill in single-box cages

with the number in the top-left corner.

KenKen® is a registered trademark of Nextoy, LLC. ©2014 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Universal Uclick for UFS. www.kenken.com

20

Solution words for Play4: CODE, ABEL, MONK, SETS

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January 26, 2016

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22

Sports

January 26, 2016

secu hosts pathfinders for autism

Orioles’ Buck Showalter and Ravens’ John Harbaugh headline as event speakers JORDAN COPE Assistant Sports Editor @jordancope26

The organization Pathfinders for Autism hosted its second annual leadership conference Jan. 13 at SECU Arena with Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh, and Baltimore Orioles Manager Buck Showalter headlining the event.

The event also featured former American soccer player Mia Hamm and former Orioles outfielder B.J. Surhoff in the daylong conference that was filled with inspirational stories from everyone involved.

“My dad always talked about something that I thought was really big,” Harbaugh said. “He just said, basically, that anyone that’s ever done anything, anybody that has ever accomplished one thing ever, had somebody somewhere along the way that believed in them and told them they believed in them.”

While the event featured personal stories, Harbaugh and Showalter dis-

cussed the recent happenings with their respective teams and the importance of their teams to the Baltimore community.

“I told the guys that they already won the season with four or five games left in the season with how they handled the adversity,” Harbaugh said.

The Ravens had an uncharacteristic year that was riddled with injuries which resulted in a 5-11 record and no playoff appearance.

The Orioles also had a down year as the team finished with a .500 record of 81-81 after being crowned American League East Champions and reaching the American League Championship series the season before.

“Let’s not throw pats on the back to me and John on .500 seasons,” Showalter said. “I know we’re both not happy with that.”

Although Pathfinders for Autism is still busy wrapping up this year’s event, they were pleased with the outcomes from the conference.

“There were over 700 in attendance, and we’ve had wonderful feed-

back from sponsors and attendees regarding the speakers and their messages,” Jenn Hobbs, event coordinator, said. “It’s a great day for both Baltimore’s leaders and the autism community and we are always grateful for the opportunity to share our mission and spread autism awareness.”

- Tyler Beard contributed to this article.

“

It’s a great day for both Baltimore’s leaders and the autism community and we are always grateful for the opportunity to share our mission and spread autism awareness.

JENN HOBBS Event coordinator

Jordan Cope/ The Towerlight

Pathfinders for Autism hosted their second annual leadership conference in SECU Arena Jan. 13.

sSports

January 26, 2016

23

Tigers nip huskies TYLER BEARD Assistant Sports Editor @tylerbeard2

Towson’s 27 free throws led the team to a 79-72 road win over Northeastern Saturday afternoon.

“I think we’re actually around third in the country in scoring the most percentage of our points from the foul line, which is pretty good,” Head Coach Pat Skerry said. “It’s a great bounce-back win, but we’re still taking this game by game.”

The Tigers (14-7, 5-3 CAA) jumped out to a 14-10 lead seven minutes into the first half after sophomore guard Eddie Keith hit a 3-pointer.

Towson kept a consistent lead in the first half and sophomore guard Byron Hawkins’ jumper extended the lead over Northeastern (12-9, 4-4 CAA) to 25-19 right before halftime.

The Tigers only shot 37 percent from the field in the first half and got to the foul line just two times.

However, the team turned it around the second half and shot 56.5 percent from the field, while also attempting 40 free throws.

Junior forward John Davis made eight free throws in the second half and finished with a team-high 20 points.

“He’s our leader and brings energy every time he’s out there,” Skerry said about Davis’ play. “John was an absolute warrior for us.”

Northeastern came back in the second half and went ahead 44-43 off of two free throws with nine minutes left in the game.

However, the Tigers pulled away with a 16-0 run in five minutes. The run included two 3-pointers from sophomore guard Mike Morsell, who finished with 15 points.

Towson was able to hold off Northeastern in the end, but their senior guard David Walker didn’t make it easy for Towson.

Walker finished with a game-high 32 points, including 26 points in the second half alone.

“I’ll be excited when he graduates,” Skerry said about Walker’s performance. “He’s going to make a lot of money playing basketball.”

Towson’s defense also played its part in the win, as the team had 12 steals in the game, including four steals from Morsell. The win moved Towson into a tie for fourth place in the CAA standings.

Next up for the Tigers is a road game against the Drexel Dragons (3-16, 1-7 CAA).

The Tigers won by 19 points against the Dragons in their first matchup this season.

Tip-off is Thursday at 7 p.m.

Davis breaks the bank JORDAN COPE Assistant Sports Editor @jordancope26

The Baltimore Orioles coughed up the dough last week and signed free agent first baseman Chris Davis to the richest contract in franchise history worth $161 million over the course of seven years. While the signing has the Baltimore fanbase buzzing, the contract has crushed the Orioles bank, triggering the question of the offseason: is Davis worth this much money?

Career, Davis has batted .255 with 203 home runs and 549 RBI. There is no doubt about it, Davis can crank out the longball and drive in runs, but with just a .255 career batting average the 29-year-old has a pedestrian .330 career on base percentage, a very underrated stat in today’s game.

O’s fans also know that Davis has a problem, he has little to no discipline at the plate and, in turn, is prone to striking out. In four of his five years in Baltimore, Davis has struck out over 100 times. Last season, Davis struck out over 200 times and in 2013 was just one

punch out shy of 200.

Aside from a statistical standpoint, Davis’ new contract has handcuffed the Orioles in the free agent market for this year and likely years to come.

This is by far the biggest problem with Davis’ new contract.

Last season, the Orioles ranked 25th out of 30 teams in team pitching statistics as the team’s starters went just 51-62 with a 4.53 ERA. Let’s not forget Wei-Yin Chen, who had the best ERA of any starting pitcher on the Baltimore staff, has departed for Miami in free agency.

The Orioles are also lacking big in the corner outfield positions after the departure of right fielder Nick Markakis two years ago, and the departure of left fielder Gerado Para this season.

As it seems to be every year, the Orioles need pitching help and there will be a revolving door in the corner outfield positions.

Now, unless Baltimore makes

another splash in the free agent market or makes a trade in the remainder of the offseason, Davis’ new contract has a firm grasp of the team’s pocketbook.

And how could we forget about the young star Manny Machado, who’s coming into his own as a ballplayer in this league?

In just four seasons, the 23-yearold third basemen has batted .281 with 215 RBI, not to mention a pair of gold gloves.

For the next two seasons, Machado will be arbitration eligible and in 2019 will be set to hit the free agent market unless a long term deal is struck.

The old saying goes, “chicks dig the longball,” which Davis will certainly be doing for the Orioles before he starts to age and decline.

However, when the day comes that Davis has grown old, he will be crushing more than just baseballs, he will be crushing Orioles fans hearts for signing a contract for an absurd amount of money.

John Davis Men’s Basketball Junior forward John Davis scored 20 points, one assist and one steal in 26 minutes of play during the Tiger’s 79-72 victory over CAA opponent Northeastern University Saturday, Jan. 23 in Boston at Matthews Arena.

24

Sports

January 26, 2016

Pom squad leaves it all on the floor

Courtesy of The Towson University Pom Squad

The Towson University Pom Squad placed 9th out of 23 teams in the Division I Jazz Category at their national competition.

home with a national title, we still said. “Also, we came back in early reached our goal of making finals January and practiced every day for and even placed better than we a week straight to make sure that did last year, which was in tenth our stamina and technique was up place,” Desz said. “They truly perto par.” formed their hardest and left it all Even after hours of practice to on the floor.” increase their stamina, Desz said The team of 22 dancers, which that, overall, the team’s greatest splits into two separate teams of 16 strength is their ability to support in order to particione another. pate in Nationals, “At the end of also competed in the day, no matthe Division I Pom It’s very rare that a ter how we place category where in any competifirst year team makes tion, all we have they placed 11th out of 14 teams. left is each other,” it to finals, and we They danced came strong and we she said. “They to a mash up of are like a family came strong again several fast paced and their cohesive songs, including hard work really this year.

“Break Free” by shows it.”

JASMINE LEE Ariana Grande, Lee said the Pom Squad Secretary “Hey Mama” by squad is a true David Guetta, “Black Magic” by team who works together and Little Mix and “Sledgehammer” always has each other’s best interby Fifth Harmony, among others. ests at heart.

Their dance was choreographed in “Our goal is to always continue to a more traditional “pom” style, have fun and remember that this is which Lee describes as “hip-hop about the experience and not everymixed with jazz.” thing is about winning,” Lee said.

“It’s like a mixture of everything,” “No matter what happens we are she said. gonna still be a strong team, and to Desz said that the team plans to just make each moment count, and continue to improve on their techto just enjoy and remember why we nique and skills over the next two are dancing.” semesters, in order to continue their If students are interested in jointradition competing in Nationals ing the Towson Pop Squad, Desz and striving to come home with an recommends that they attend one even higher placement. of the team’s prep clinics in either Although the team only competes April or at the beginning of the once per year, they perform weekly school year. at Towson football and basketball games and practice twice a week.

As they get closer to Nationals, Tryouts for the squad are however, the frequency and length held in early September, of their practices do increase.

“We had once a month two-day and their practices run long weekend practices that were from September to March. five hours long each day,” Desz

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Courtesy of The Towson University Pom Squad

Freshman Kaitlyn Murphy prepares to compete with the Towson University Pom Squad in the Universal Dance Association National Competition in Orlando, Florida from Jan. 15-17.

CARLEY MILLIGAN Editor-in-Chief @CarleyMilligan

On the Towson University Pom Squad’s Instagram account, you’d normally find group shots of the team decked out in black and gold for a halftime performance, short clips from their practices and performances, or photos introducing their followers to one of their teammates.

If it’s a Thursday, there might be a #trickthursday video, where the squad shows off some of their skills.

But for the last two weeks, the account has acted as a countdown for the prestigious Universal

Dance Association (UDA) National Competition held in Orlando, Florida from Jan. 15-17.

Senior and Pom Squad Secretary Jasmine Lee made sure to keep the account up to date with the team’s recent activities and successes at UDA Nationals where they made it into the finalist round of the Division I Jazz Category when they placed 9th out of 23 teams.

“Making it to finals was awesome,” Lee said. “It was a big improvement from last year because last year was our learning experience, it was our first year ever and we still made it to finals. It’s very rare that a first year team makes it to finals, and we came strong and we

came strong again this year.”

The jazz team performed to a remixed version of Calvin Harris and Disciples’ “How Deep is Your Love” performed by Ali Brustofski.

“It was a really pretty version of that song, and that dance was very sharp and staccato but also smooth at the same time,” Lee said. “Last year we did a very soft and pretty dance, but this year we came with a different kind of style.”

Their coach, and Towson Pom Squad alumna, Nicole Desz agreed that it is tough for newcomers to the competition to make finals, and that she was proud of how the team competed.

“Even though we did not come