The Towerlight (April 17, 2018)

Towson’s campus and community news source

TheTowerlight.com

April 17, 2018

THE HEART OF CAMPUS

Union expansion and renovations strive to centralize the hub of student life, pg. 7

Photo by Brendan Felch, Photo Illustration by Victoria Nicholson/The Towerlight

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April 17, 2018

Student Award Winners

Towson University Department of History 2018 The Sander Senior Prize Ms. Bethany McGlyn The Distinguished Presidential Scholarship in History Ms. Sophia Zahner John Carter Matthews Memorial Scholarship Mr. Cameron Bell Ms. Abigail Karanja Ms. Amanda McDonald Mr. Christopher Nugent Mr. Matthew Twillman Ms. Sophia Zahner

Douglas D. Martin Sr. History Award Mr. Christopher Nugent Mary Catherine Kahl Prize Ms. Sarah Patarini Arnold Blumberg Prize for Outstanding Achievement in European History Mr. Brendan O’Connor Disabled American Veterans Prize Ms. Bethany McGlyn The Daughters & Sons of the American Revolution Award Ms. Emma Beck

Awards are open to History majors. The competition for awards next year will begin soon. Visit http://www.towson.edu/cla/departments/history/ for more information.

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Social

April 17, 2018

Editor-in-Chief Marcus Dieterle Senior Editor Jordan Cope News Editor Bailey Hendricks Asst. News Editor Mary-Ellen Davis Assoc. Arts & Life Editor Kerry Ingram Asst. Arts & Life Editor McKenna Graham Sports Editor Karuga Koinange Asst. Sports Editor Billy Owens

Senior Staff Writer Sarah Rowan

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Leah Volpe Keri Luise Rohan Mattu Muhammad Waheed Deb Greengold Sophia Bates Meg Hudson Albert Ivory

Assoc. Photo Editor Brendan Felch

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Marcus Dieterle Brittany Whitham Lacey Wall Joe Noyes David Kirchner Tiffany Deboer

Isabelle Bartolomeo Proofreaders Alex Best Sarah Rowan General Manager Mike Raymond Art Director Victoria Nicholson

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THESIS COMPETITION

Hosted by the Office of Graduate Studies, this competition challenges graduate degree candidates to present a compelling presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes.

Join the Towson Alcohol & Drug Peer Educators to learn about marijuana use across the U.S. and also have a chance to grill your own meats!

SMOKE IT! BBQ & MARIJUANA AWARENESS

11 a.m., Paws Patio.

David Fisher Simon Enagonio

Isaiah Freeman Lexi Thompson

Bring your lunch and listen to Towson student-musicians play wonderful jazz music.

10:30 a.m., University Union, Room 305

Staff Photographers Jordan Cope

Amanda Jean Thomas Katerina Duerr

NOONTIME JAZZ

Noon, Cook Library, 3rd floor lobby.

Jill Gattens Jessica Ricks

Anthony Petro

WEEKLY

17-21 CALENDAR.

Staff Writers Desmond Boyle

Senior Staff Photographer Alex Best

APRIL

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STUDY SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Dom Capparuccini Elssa Kenfack

8000 York Road University Union Room 309 Towson, MD 21252 (410) 704-5153 editor@thetowerlight.com thetowerlight.com The Towerlight print edition is published by students of Towson University on Tuesdays.

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Please Recycle!

Learn different study strategies so you’re not cramming every time! Finals are right around the corner, Tigers!

11 a.m., Cook Library, Room 513

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The Senior Show features student-works like painting, sculpture, graphic design, crafts and much more!

MORE EVENTS CAN BE FOUND AT

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Webmaster Circulation Staff Shawn Halerz

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TOWSON

TRENDING. @laurainegenota Baltimore’s Inner Harbor will be all lit up starting tomorrow night as Light City returns for its 3rd year!

@RonMatzWJZ A special Light City Manic Monday on WJZ with a fabulous performance by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts @ LightCityBmore

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Loving life at Light City! Opening Night Parade is tonight at 8 pm!

@Kaaps_Loc Baltimore Light City is terrible this year. There is barely any light installations compared to last year, Crowd control is non existent. It was just very boring compared to previous years.

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Opinion

April 17, 2018

Why we carry pepper spray EMILY FRIESNER University student Towson

A few weeks before I was about to start my freshman year of college, my mother and I ventured to Walmart in search of pepper spray.

When we arrived, we were directed toward the back of the store where the hunting section was located.

We passed guns, fishing rods and knives until we finally spotted the hot pink pepper spray. It felt like such an odd location, as though I’d be using it to hunt predators, rather than ward them off. Both my mother and I thought that I wasn’t allowed to have the spray on campus, but every college survival guide I had read recommended it [Editor’s note: According to TUPD Captain Woodrow Myers, people are allowed to carry oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray -- known colloquially as “pepper spray” -for self-defense purposes]. So, we strutted up to the cash register, showed ID and purchased the little self-defense tool.

It never occurred to me that I was not the only one who decided

to arm themselves before heading to college. The more I looked around, the more I noticed identical pink pepper spray canisters attached to people’s keychains and lanyards. I felt a connection to these women.

In my women’s studies class last semester, we were asked how many of us were afraid of being outside alone, especially at night. Nearly every woman in the class raised her hand. Some of us had been assaulted or harassed before, while others feared the inevitability of being attacked. We were taught to walk in packs, be aware of our surroundings, and to use our keys as last-resort weapons. We have heard too many college horror stories about sexual assault, and so we take every precaution to ensure we were not another statistic, another #MeToo. While I could not picture myself spraying a chemical at an attacker, temporarily blinding them, there was something comforting about having it in my hand when I walked to my dorm alone at night. Being the small, 5-foot woman that I am,

this was the best defense mechanism that I had available. When a stranger approaches or gets a little too close, I clutch it a little tighter and speed walk a little faster. I make sure I avoid the darkest corners of campus, and let the blue lights guide my way home.

There is something unifying about pepper spray. It says, “I am just as afraid as you are” while simultaneously saying “I am tired of being afraid and will not let fear rule my life.” We still go out at night, be that alone or with a group. We keep as far from strangers with wandering gazes as possible, yet keep our heads held high.

We wear our “inappropriate,” “suggestive,” and “sexy” outfits, and we wear them well. This is not us hiding our fear but pushing it to the back of our minds because we deserve to go outside in the dark.

All the while our pepper spray sits in our purses or palms, ready to be used at a moment’s notice.

- To submit your own letter to the editor, email senior@thetowerlight.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Photo by Kerry Ingram/ The Towerlight Associate Arts & Life Editor Kerry Ingram attended the 2018 International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) in New York City this weekend. IMATS is the make-up world’s biggest gathering to discuss, display and collect the best the industry has to offer consumers.

Trump overlooks ethical duties as president

U.S.-led attacks on Syria received no approval from the Congress

CONNOR McNAIRN Columnist

Late Friday night, the United States, in conjunction with the United Kingdom and France, launched a series of strikes that targeted Syrian chemical weapons hubs and research centers. The bombings were motivated by a chemical assault – sponsored by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad – that occurred last Saturday and predominantly targeted rebels and innocent civilians.

The U.S.-led attacks, which were ordered by President Donald Trump, received no congressional approval or justification and have sparked intense debate among lawmakers.

For Democrats, Trump’s unilateral order recklessly disregarded potential international ramifications and unconstitutionally established military authority abroad. Contrariwise, most Republicans have lauded the assault and commended the president for his leadership.

While Trump’s attack on Syria may seem ethically justified given Assad’s inhumane and illegal attacks on his own citizens, Trump’s failure to seek Congressional approval for the strikes contributes to his larger disregard for constitutional processes and diplomatic norms.

Since 2011, civil war has crippled the state of Syria and resulted in either the displacement or death of millions of individuals. While Assad, backed by majority-Shia actors within Iran, Iraq and Hezbollah, has violently attempted to quell domestic uprisings and protests originating from the Arab Spring, U.S.-backed anti-Assad rebels have waged war on the Syrian government for nearly a decade.

Each side of the conflict has framed the issue for its own political expediency. For Assad, anti-government rebels are “terrorist groups” and threaten the efficacy of government. But to Western powers, rebel groups are justifiably fighting back

against a brutal Assad regime.

Russia’s involvement in this conflict, however, adds another level of complexity to American decision-making.

Russia has repeatedly backed and continues to support Assad’s government, as it has referred to Syrian rebels as terrorists and participated in several bombing campaigns aimed at thwarting rebellion. Because the United States and Russia maintain a highly necessary – albeit contentious – relationship, it is crucial that the U.S. approach all military aggression toward Syria with caution and forethought.

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and the United States Constitution, in order for an American president to use military provocation for war, he must achieve congressional approval or notify Congress within 48 hours of using military force. But before Trump’s most recent strikes on the Syrian government, which have surely left immediate impacts on America’s relationship with its Russian counterpart and all other proxies fighting in the state, Trump secured no formal congressional approval.

In 2013, then-President Barack Obama planned to use a military strike in response to a horrific sarin gas attack administered by Assad.

Congressional leaders at the time, however, refused to vote on and authorize Obama’s plan, thereby forcing the president to pursue alternate strategic routes.

The path forward for the United States in Syria, even in the face of horrific chemical weapons attacks, is one paved by cooperation in the executive and the legislature. Given the multiple competing proxy interests in the war-torn state, Trump’s failure to secure congressional approval for a strong and calculated response further prolongs the implementation of an effective Syria strategy and threatens American international relationships.

Opinion

April 17, 2018

uninterrupted

A spotlight on discrimination The double standard that black people face in public

KYNDALL CUNNINGHAM Columnist

From Paul Ryan announcing his retirement, to the FBI raiding Michael Cohen’s home, to Trump launching airstrikes on Syria, this past week has been jam-packed with newsworthy events — not to mention Beyonce’s Coachella performance. But one event in particular that I discovered over the weekend on Twitter struck me in a personal way, as do many current events that happen in this country.

On April 12, two black men sitting inside a Philadelphia Starbucks were arrested after being asked to leave because they hadn’t purchased anything. According to The Washington Post, the store manager approached the two men and told them to leave after they had attempted to use the bathroom. They told the manager that they were waiting for a friend, a real estate developer, who they planned to discuss business investments with. The store manager then called 911 for assistance. A witness posted a video to Twitter of officers taking away the two men in handcuffs, and the video has since made waves on the Internet.

Bystanders in the video are shown telling the police everything they witnessed and asking why the men are being handcuffed.

This video hit close to home

for me as I’m sure it did for many black people. While our country has upheld a national conversation about police brutality and unarmed deaths of black men, incidents such as the one that played out in the Philadelphia Starbucks are a fundamental part of the black experience in America.

Black people have to carry themselves in stores, restaurants and other places of business in a way that demands respect, although it’s not guaranteed. My personal experiences dealing with managers and store employees watching my every move at departments stores, being questioned about expensive purchases and even getting kicked out of a store with my friends has made me walk into businesses with a different demeanor. Even when employees aren’t around, I feel eyes on me. If I walk into a store just to look around without purchasing anything, I wonder if the employees assume I stole something when I left. I even feel weird putting my hands in my pockets because I don’t want them to think that I shoved something in there.

It’s an odd and unique feeling having that onus on you when you simply want to use your hard-earned money on a shirt, a pair of shoes or makeup.

While the incident at Starbucks was an awful experience for the victims, and I wouldn’t wish it

“

”

While the incident at Starbucks was an awful experience for the victims, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I am glad that people are having a dialogue about racial profiling, not just by police, but by ordinary individuals and lower-level workers who deem our idle presence as threatening.

KYNDALL CUNNINGHAM Columnist

on anyone, I am glad that people are having a dialogue about racial profiling, not just by police, but by ordinary individuals and lower-level workers who deem our idle presence as threatening. Hopefully, this will spark a larger, longer debate on who we view as suspicious in public places and treating black people with the respect they deserve.

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News

April 17, 2018

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Union to become “vibrant center for student life” MARY-ELLEN DAVIS Assistant News Editor @Mel_Davis_1998

After completing renovations on Burdick Hall earlier this year, Towson University is continuing to build up the heart of campus with upcoming renovations and additions to the University Union.

According to Towson University architect David Mayhew, construction on the Union will begin in October. The expanded portion of the building is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2020, and renovations in the existing parts of the building are slated for completion in fall of 2021.

Mayhew said he is excited about the transformation of the Union.

“The new Union will be more open and spacious, with more windows and daylighting. Large open stairs will connect the three levels,” Mayhew said. “In addition to the expanded dining and services, there will be a variety of informal student lounges and spaces for students to meet and hang out.

This project has been designed with our students’ needs as our main priority.”

The Union expansion is part of TU’s mission to centralize student life in one easily accessible area of campus.

“The expanded Union will be sized to accommodate our growing student population and will truly become a vibrant center for student life on campus,” Mayhew said. “The food market will open onto a new plaza on the north side of the building connecting with ‘Tiger Way’ and linking the College of Liberal Arts Building with the expanded Burdick Hall Rec Center.”

The project, which is part of Towson’s 2015 campus master plan, will add 85,000 square feet and include a complete renovation of the existing building, according to Mayhew.

With a total project budget of approximately $108 million, the new Union will be a total of 255,000 square feet. It will feature a new ballroom, a 300-seat theatre for

movies and lectures, and a relocated Career Center, Mayhew said.

The space will also have a new food market with venues like Chickfil-A and Dunkin Donuts.

Community members can expect to see preparations begin as early as August with the installation of temporary safety walls, Mayhew said.

Between watching buildings like Burdick Hall and Residence Tower undergo renovations, and seeing the start to brand-new academic buildings like the Science Complex, students at Towson University are no strangers to construction on campus.

Sophomore graphic design major Gabi Castillo said increased foot traffic and noise were some of her biggest concerns.

“I think the most inconvenient part will be if there are any detours and construction zones that make getting to different buildings difficult,” Castillo said.

Even with construction, however, Mayhew said students will have access to the Union and its amenities during the renovations.

“Entrances and walkways around the existing building will be adjusted as needed to accommodate the construction activity,” Mayhew said. “At times there will likely be some noise from construction during the day, but we are committed to ensuring safe, usable access to the existing building throughout construction.”

For Student Government Association President James Mileo, one of the biggest effects that the Union construction will have on student life will be the limited space for student organizations to meet.

However, Mileo said he and SGA Vice President Breya Johnson have been talking to Towson University President Kim Schatzel, Vice President for Student Affairs Deb Moriarty and Interim Vice President of Administration and Finance Robert Campbell about ways to make that period of construction as seamless of a transition as possible for student groups.

“We’ve actually been having conversations … on ensuring that as we start to close down spaces, we’re

Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight Banner photo courtesy of Towson University

The Union’s renovation and expansion are expected to be completed by fall of 2021. The new Union will feature a new ballroom, a 300-seat theatre for movies and lectures, and a Dunkin Donuts. finding other spaces on campus to open up,” Mileo said.

Mileo said that one of the major issues is that there is no streamlined process for reserving academic rooms. Just as students would for any other room, organizations can file to reserve academic rooms through the Event and Conference Services Office, but ESC does not approve these cases. Instead, the building manager approves the request.

“A lot of times they’ll deny student org meeting spaces, and so we’re trying to work towards creating a process to where student orgs are able to reserve large lecture halls for their meetings,” Mileo said.

Another space the SGA is trying to open up for student organizations during the renovations is Towson Center, which Mileo said would be a good space for large scale events.

“Were trying to open up more space as we’re about to lose a lot of space,” Mileo said.

In line with the Union expansion’s centralization of student life, the Career Center will be relocated from its current location in the 7800 York Road building to the renovated portion of the Union.

According to Lorie LoganBennett, Director of the Career Center, the center will be where Patuxent Bistro currently is located.

Logan-Bennett believes the Career Center’s move will provide students with greater visibility and access to career resources.

“Where we’re going to be placed in the Union in particular will give us greater visibility to even prospective students because we’re going to be right near the enrollment and marketing area where prospective students are coming in for their overview and the launch of their tours,” Logan-Bennett said.

The new Career Center will increase the amount of space dedicated to on-campus interviewing and increase the number of employers that the Center can accommodate. The new space could also increase opportunities for student-to-student advising, according to Logan-Bennett.

“Right now we have quite a few peer advisor type roles, so I think that the space will allow for an expansion of that, which will allow for greater accessibility to students to meet with folks for one-on-one assistance,” she said.

Collaborations with other groups in the Union may also be made easier.

“We’ll have the Center for Student Diversity, we’ll have Campus Life, we’ll have Civic Engagement, so I think there will be quite a few areas within the Union -- that we do currently collaborate with -- but I think

it will increase our different kinds of collaborations, just being present in the same building.”

With the increased space, the SGA office is also looking at some renovations down the line. According to Mileo, part of the space will be turned into a student organization suite where various student groups will have their offices.

“In the blueprints, [the SGA office] is going to be the same,” Mileo said. “The only difference is New Student Programs is moving out of that section, and we’re going to pretty much open up this whole thing. It’s going to be like a student center type thing.”

Although Castillo said the renovations may inconvenience students in the short term with noise, detours, and decreased meeting places, she believes the construction will be worth it in the long run.

“I think it will be a lot nicer to have a brighter and more open space because that seems more inviting,” Castillo said.

Mileo believes that the expansion will only further reinforce the Union as Towson’s center of student activity.

“I can’t see into the future but I do think it’s going to affect student life drastically,” he said. “This is sort of the epicenter of the University and of the campus.”

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News

April 17, 2018

Governor touts campaign goals Vigil remembers Hogan makes a case for political bipartisanship

Holocaust victims

WADE McCARTIN Contributing Writer

Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan discusses bipartisanship and how he used persuasion in his political campaign while talking to professor Richard Vatz’s advanced persuasion class on April 12.

SOPHIA BATES Staff Writer @sbrookebates

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan made a case for political bipartisanship while speaking to Towson University professor Richard Vatz’s advanced persuasion class on April 12.

With Maryland’s gubernatorial primary elections on June 26, Hogan faces no Republican challengers. But the incumbent governor is still gearing up for the general election on Nov. 6. as he looks to appeal to a dominantly “blue” Maryland.

Hogan said he doesn’t look at issues at a Republican stance, but instead by addressing problems straight on and working issue by issue.

“I don’t really care that much about Democrat and Republican politics,” Hogan said. “I just care about getting things fixed.”

Hogan hopes to persuade moderate voters to cast their ballot for him.

“Most people, I believe, in Maryland are somewhere in the middle,” Hogan said. “In our country, there is a small percentage of those that consider themselves very far left, and another small percentage that consider themselves very far right. In our state, there are mainly people who consider themselves moderate, or somewhat left and right of center.”

Hogan addressed his campaign’s mission of sticking to their original goals and message as much as possible, and how this is a key factor in decision-making.

“People said that we had reales really well with the students, ly great message discipline, that and it’s good when they feel free to we always stuck to the message,” open up and ask questions.”

Hogan said. “We really did focus Hogan spent most of his talk on what we thought was importanswering students’ questions, ant. If everything turns into a including what his favorite method priority, then nothing is really your of persuasion is. priority.”

The governor described himOn April 9, Hogan signed a bill self as being direct, and that he into law that addressed school “doesn’t put a spin on things.” safety and security following the “I just tell it exactly how it is,” shooting in Hogan said. “People February in know that when I Parkland, say something, I am Even if you are a Florida. saying exactly what passionate “Right I think, whether Democrat, or after the people will agree or tragedy in disagree with it.” passionate Broward Hogan emphaRepublican, you County, we sized the impormust admit that proposed tance of working dramatic together, saying that the divisiveness legislation “‘cooperation’ isn’t and what we see in that was a dirty word.”

Washington is not some the “Even if you most aggresare a passionate working. sive in the Democrat, or pasLARRY HOGAN c o u n t r y, ” Maryland Governor sionate Republican, Hogan said. you must admit that “Maryland the divisiveness and already has one of the toughest what we see in Washington is not sets of gun laws in America. What working,” Hogan said. we proposed is that out of the casiSophomore Nia Fitzhugh respectno revenue, we would put about ed Hogan’s bipartisanship. $200 million into school safety.”

“The main point he was statVatz explained the tradition of ing is that he stands on middle inviting the governor to speak as ground, and I think that really an opportunity for students to helps voters when they have to feel more engaged in the political address who to vote for,” Fitzhugh realm. said. “I think that now, everything “I think that students are always is so one side or the other, which very distant from the governor,” puts a lot of strain on who the Vatz said. “They read about him, person is rather than what they stand for.” but they never meet him. He engag-

“

Members of Towson’s chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and Towson Hillel remembered the victims of the Holocaust, as well as victims of gun violence and marginalized individuals, during the “Never Again” candlelight vigil on April 12.

The vigil coincided with Yom Hashoah, also known as National Holocaust Remembrance Day, which began on the evening of April 11 and ended the evening of April 12.

For most of the school day, members of AEPi set up at Speaker’s Circle outside of Hawkins Hall where they invited students to light candles and read the names of those who lost their lives.

“We cannot let anyone forget what happened, because that is when we will let it happen again,” said freshman Jeff Pollak, who is a brother of AEPi Alpha Epsilon Pi, which is known nationally as the “Jewish Fraternity,” focuses on “developing future leaders of the Jewish community.”

Pollak said he was inspired to become more involved in his fraternity after returning from the Holocaust Remembrance Museum in Israel. He attended the candlelight vigil to read the names of Holocaust victims in remembrance.

Throughout the day, people stopped to light a candle in honor of those who lost their lives during the Holocaust. Students were also invited to remember those victims by reading their names aloud for

five-minute periods.

Sophomore Jodi Teitelman helped coordinate the event as a member of Towson Hillel.

Since 1997 Towson Hillel has served as a network for Towson’s Jewish undergraduate and graduate students.

Teitelman said she had a cousin who was a Holocaust survivor.

Like Pollak, Teitelman said she had also been inspired to get involved with the National Holocaust Remembrance Day after returning from the March of the Living in Poland. She said she “made it a priority” to get out to Poland for this event.

“It was such an incredible experience,” Teitelman said. “And you learn so much more by going to events like this than you ever do growing up in Hebrew school.”

In addition to the vigil, Teitelman said Towson Hillel also hosts an annual Holocaust speaker. Previous speakers included Halina Silber, a Holocaust survivor who worked in Schindler’s factory during World War II, as well as Howard Kaidanow, who lived in Poland during the war.

Brothers Eric and Alex Goldstein, have helped coordinate these events with Towson Hillel for two years now.

“We want people to know that this ceremony is for everyone,” sophomore Alex Goldstien said.

“Not just people who are Jewish.”

Over six million lives were lost during the events of the Holocaust.

As members of the Towson community read the names of these victims, organizers noted that the names and ages of many victims are still unknown.

Photo by Wade McCartin/ The Towerlight

Hillel and Alpha Epsilon Pi host a vigil to remember victims of the Holocaust and gun violence, as well as marginalized people.

News

April 17, 2018

Pres. addresses growing campus

TU embodies “momentum,” Schatzel says

April 15: A guest of the Marriott Conference Hotel was found intoxicated and naked near the parking garage elevator. The subject was arrested for indecent exposure.

April 13: A commuter student reported fraudulent transactions on a lost Onecard.

Isabelle Bartolomeo/ The Towerlight

Towson University President Kim Schatzel highlights the University’s growth during her spring address. This was the first year the address wasn’t held in Stephen’s Hall due to construction.

ANTHONY PETRO Staff Writer

Towson University President Kim Schatzel said April 11 that the University is calling its continuing community partnership “Together Towson,” as the University works to gain RISE Zone designation from the state of Maryland.

The RISE Zone designation would increase its economic development impact with community partners.

Schatzel highlighted the University’s ongoing growth during her annual spring presidential address in the Recital Hall of the Center for the Arts building.

This was the first year the presidential address was not held in Stephens Hall, due to construction on the new Science Complex. To make up for the Recital Hall’s limited capacity, the address was live streamed for the first time on the TU website.

The word “momentum” embodies Towson University in 2018, Schatzel said.

“I hear that word again and again when I talk to faculty, staff, students, legislators and partners,” she said. “We see strong evidence of that momentum all over this beautiful campus.”

Schatzel said the number of applications for the fall 2018 semester has increased by nearly 10 percent compared to last year’s historic number.

Over 1,200 students transferred to Towson this spring, marking the University’s largest spring enrollment ever, Schatzel said.

“Best of all, Towson University’s six-year graduation rates – often cited as the indicator of a University’s success – are strong and growing even stronger,” Schatzel said.

Since 2001, Towson’s graduation rate has risen from 66 percent to 72 percent, which is 13 points higher than

the national average of 59 percent.

The graduation rate for black students is 74 percent, greater than the University’s overall graduation rate.

“This data tells us that for the 23,000 students enrolled at TU, the second largest university in Maryland and the 73rd largest in our nation, student success is defined as inclusive of all our students,” Schatzel said.

Schatzel said Towson University’s diversity gives students an advantage as they enter the professional world as “mediators and solution-seekers,” two traits she said are always in high demand.

“A diverse and inclusive campus supports student success during and after college,” she said. “Students who learn to thrive and support other to thrive inclusively are completely advantaged when they enter the global world of work.”

Schatzel continued by highlighting the triumphs of Towson’s athletes academic success.

“TU athletes once again have the highest NCAA graduation rate of all Division 1 USM (University System of Maryland) institutions,” she said.

According to Schatzel, Towson’s baseball team has the highest graduation rate in the Colonial Athletic Association, and the field hockey, women’s soccer and women’s swimming and diving teams have 100 percent graduation rates.

Schatzel recognized the successes of several Towson University faculty members, including a team of computer and information sciences faculty who secured a $3.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation to expand Towson’s Cyber Corps program.

“Momentum is not just about moving – it’s about moving forward, leading in the right direction, world-class teaching and research standing as an anchor for our community and a sought-after partner that is commit-

ted to making a difference,” Schatzel said. “That is what our outstanding faculty are doing and that is how TU is leading in a way that sets the standard for higher education in this nation.”

Schatzel said the 2018 Maryland legislative session, which ended on April 9, showed that Governor Larry Hogan and state lawmakers are “eager to support” Towson.

This support comes in the form of funding for the new Science Complex to be completed in two years, the upgrades to the South Campus athletic fields, plans for a brand-new building for the College of Health Professions, and a total renovation and 85,000 square foot addition to the University Union.

“I hope you’re getting used to the cranes and cones,” Schatzel said.

“Because we are just getting started.”

Partnerships Manager Kathleen Crostic enjoyed hearing about the Towson’s momentum as an institution.

“It is exciting to hear about everything moving forward,” Crostic said. “It is always interesting to hear updates.”

Physics professor Vera Smolyaninova said she was very impressed with the University’s progress.

“It is very good to hear what Towson is doing great at,” Smolyaninova said.

“As faculty, we are usually so focused on our specific teaching that it is refreshing to hear about the overall picture.”

Schatzel, who became Towson’s president a little over two years ago, reflected on the progress the University has made in that time and promised “great things ahead” for Towson University.

“When I look back on the University as it was then, it was and it continues to be a campus with a growing reputation for achievement and excellence,” Schatzel said. “A campus that is vibrant and vital to the future success and prosperity of Greater Baltimore and Maryland.”

April 13: Four residents students were found on the roof of the building in violation of a posted no trespassing sign at Glen Complex Tower A. April 12: Two resident students were each cited for marijuana under 10 grams at Barton House.

April 10: A resident student was issued a criminal summons for assault resulting from an altercation over an unclean bathroom at Glen Complex Tower B. April 9: TUPD is investigating a threatening phone call at Millennium Hall.

April 9: A contract employee reported a theft from a locker at West Village Commons.

April 8: A resident student was cited for possession of marijuana less than 10 grams at Paca House.

April 8: A resident student was issued a criminal citation for falsely activating a fire alarm.

April 6: TUPD is investigating an indecent exposure incident on Cross Campus Drive.

April 6: A non-affiliate with an active no-trespass order was arrested at the University Union.

April 4: A commuter student reported a mobile phone stolen at the Liberal Arts Building. An investigation determined no theft occurred.

April 2: A resident student reported an ongoing harassment from an unknown person at Barton House.

April 2: A customer at Bill Bateman’s was encountered by restaurant management and police in the parking garage for theft of service. The customer decided to pay the bill in lieu of criminal charges.

April 2: The odor of marijuana resulted in a resident student cited for possession of marijuana under 10 grams at Paca House.

March 31: A resident student reported theft of clothing from the laundry room that occurred in November at Marshall Hall.

The Towerlight’s “Police Blotter” is a representative sample of crimes occurring on and off campus. The blotter is not intended to be all inclusive.

For a list of all crime reports, visit www.towson.edu/police.

9

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12 April 17, 2018

Arts & Life

Top trends versus trends to trash KERRY INGRAM Associate Arts & Life Editor @glaminista08

Never in my entire collegiate career have I seen as big of an abundance of fashion and beauty trends in one season than I have this spring. From social media influencers sharing their latest finds, to conventions and showcases premiering the newest unique looks, there seems to be a new trend popping up every single day.

And to put things quite simply: I’m shooketh.

Considering the name of this column, it’s assumed that I have a slight obsession with looking out for the latest and hottest new things and sharing them with Towson students. However, I have never done a seasonal trend update twice in one semester.

That is, until today, my friends.

I found it necessary to not only compile new trends that have been birthed since the beginning of this semester and notify you about them, but ALSO to warn you of the “trends” that I think are absolutely ridiculous (because somebody has to be honest).

To make things fun, I’m also going to be mentioning trends outside of beauty and fashion -- from social media trends to things people just seem to really be into all of a sudden.

So buckle up your designer brimmed pant belts, Tigers, because we’re in for a bumpy seasonal ride.

SPRING TRENDS: BEAUTY Yellow - So remember when everyone was talking about the Pantone Color of the Year and how cool tones were taking over 2018? Well, let’s forget all of that for now, because the warm tones are here to stay (much to my enjoyment)! Yellow has replaced the trendy eye color to wear (R.I.P. all warm orange and red makeup looks of 2017’s past). This fun and bright color only makes sense -- the warmer weather that is *hopefully* approaching totally compliments the golden hue.

Gloss/Metallic Lips - Mattes are never going anywhere; sometimes the best lip looks come sans the shine.

However, people are craving more hydration in their beauty routines, and that goes for makeup as well. With different well-known brands leaving their matte comfort zones for a more glistening look, from Urban Decay to Tarte, the glossy/metallic lip is sure to

make waves this season.

Gel-Cream Moisturizers - This one is for my skincare fanatics. Everyone needs moisturizer (and if you’re reading this and rolling your eyes because you have oily skin, you actually need it the most -- your skin is drier than “dry skin,” hence why it’s over-producing oils to make up for the neglect you’ve been showing it) and brands have been formulating new versions of the skin savior to hydrate your face. From Belif’s Aqua Bomb to Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench moisturizer, your skin now has the option to be well-moisturized, minus the heaviness.

Dry Shampoo - I have no clue why this has become a trend recently, but I’m happy about it. As a curly-haired individual, I’ve never had to use dry shampoo since my hair never really gets greasy (curly folks usually have to worry more about dry scalps and hair than trying to get rid of moisture).

However, I have numerous friends with naturally straight hair who feel like they have to wash their hair everyday to keep grease at bay. The gag is: NO ONE IS SUPPOSED TO WASH THEIR HAIR EVERYDAY! Unless you work as a construction worker and get tons of dirt and debris lodged into your hair every shift, you can go at least a day or two without washing -- over-washing dries out your scalp and, much like oily skin, can be the cause of greasiness all together. With dry shampoo, you can absorb oil without stripping your hair of the necessary moisture. Bonus: you save time by only having to wash your hair three to four times a week. Seems like a win-win situation to me.

BEAUTY TREND TO TRASH: UNICORN/MERMAID-THEMED PRODUCTS - Can we please let this go already? The majestical obsession started last year, and although the product packaging tends to be cute and glittery, it’s also getting old. Too Faced Cosmetics launched its unicorn-themed collection earlier this year; Tarte just released another line of mermaid-themed brushes to Sephora; even The Makeup Eraser, a brand known for its microfiber cloth that takes off all of your makeup with just water (side note: I own two of these and they are amazing), revealed their new branding plans to use mermaids at New York City’s 2018 IMATS convention Saturday. I think it’s been a fun ride, but it’s time for something new.

SPRING TRENDS: FASHION Tie-Front Tops - A lot of influencers have been hauling or showcasing these types of tops lately. From floral print designs to solid colors in bright hues, tops that tie in the front are going to be this season’s spin on the traditional crop top.

Straight Necklines - A trend I’m truly excited for, straight necklines have been showing up on an abundance of dresses and tanks lately. Rather than having a traditional V-shaped cut or a rounded bust, the straight neckline clothing pieces provide that same body-hugging flirtiness but with a bit more class. I think this is a trend that’ll last well into the rest of the year.

Racer Styles - This is something I don’t usually go for, but the more I’ve seen it done, the more I understand it. From check-print crop tops that make you lowkey look like you work at Checkers, to cool jogger styles with racer stripes down the sides, this punky style has been making its way into the closets of many, without looking tacky. I’m interested to see where this trend goes, or how long it lasts.

Logos - This season is all about showing off what you worked hard to earn! Designer logos are in, however in casual forms, like accessories and tees.

Rather than shelling out thousands of dollars that we don’t have for one extra piece of clothing, the designer trend this season is all about incorporating subtle nods to designer labels into everyday outfits, making it an affordable trend for college students to partake in.

FASHION TREND TO TRASH: “DAD SHOES” SNEAKERS - I’m sorry but this is hands-down the ugliest trend I’ve ever seen people trying to make happen. These sneakers, which look HORRENDOUS, first became popularized when celebrities and influencers began wearing designer versions of the style, the most popular being the Balenciaga version. This sneaker first emerged last fall, but has slowly grown in popularity this season, and I think this is absolutely ridiculous. Who in their right mind would pay over $800 to wear shoes that are the epitome of “What are those?” I seriously cannot with this trend.

SPRING TRENDS: SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram Takeover - Move over Snapchat, because Instagram is coming for the gold. As Snapchat begins to bounce back from its recent public-

Courtesy of gq.com

These Balenciaga “dad” sneakers are just one of the new and questionable trends that have emerged in fashion this spring season. ity struggles, from Kylie Jenner bashing the platform to its lawsuit with Rihanna over an ad that poked fun at domestic violence, Instagram has become the go-to source for storytelling through socials. I predict that by the end of 2018, more people will be using Instagram’s story feature than their Snapchat accounts in general, especially since it’s a bit easier to track your analytics and following through Instagram. With Instagram also recently changing its algorithm to showcase more posts in chronological order again (although not all posts), the social media giant is sure to be the platform of the year, let alone season.

Live Posts - Another trend that seems to have been growing in popularity these past few months is the notion of live social media posts. Why show your followers something that’s already old news when you can showcase your experiences and interact in-time, as things are actually happening? From the success of influencers who engage their followers through live stories, to the amount of people who stayed up late Saturday night in order to watch YouTube’s live feed of Beyonce’s Coachella performance, living in the moment on social media seems to be hot this spring.

Yodeling Boy - If you haven’t seen the video of the boy yodeling in Walmart, where have you been? Extra points if you have heard at least one of the many music remixes of his voice.

SOCIAL MEDIA TREND TO TRASH: MEGA INFLUENCERS - I admit, I have a love-hate relationship with this idea. I love me some mega influencers -- Jackie Aina, FunHaus, and All Def Digital are my top three YouTube channels to watch and soak

in. However, mega influencers seem to be making an abundance of sponsored posts lately, and although the ones I previously mentioned are transparent with this, others are not as clear. With social media allowing for just about anyone to have an influence nowadays, more people are looking towards their own circle of friends and/or micro influencers for ideas on products to use, things to do, what to follow, etc.

Time will only tell if influencer impact will live on.

SPRING TRENDS: LIFESTYLE Gym Memberships - Maybe it’s because we’re only four months into a year’s resolution; maybe it’s because summer is right around the corner.

People have been emphasizing the fitness lifestyle lately, and I am living for it. Getting a gym membership is made easy nowadays, and with personal trainer access being readily available online, for those who can’t make it to a gym, there are very few excuses people can use as to why they aren’t taking care of their physical health.

For Towson students, we have literally no excuse -- Burdick Hall is new and improved, and already paid for within our tuition. If a gym’s intimidation factor is what scares you, sign up for a group class -- it’ll get you outside of your comfort zone while also placing you in a support system with people going through a similar experience.

Bullet Journals - I give major kudos to people who do this. A bullet journal, which is basically like if a planner, a diary, and a scrapbook had a baby, is something that allows for you to be creative and productive at the same time.

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com.

Arts & Life

April 17, 2018

13

Jazz artists millennials can enjoy Some classics will always stay current CHLOË WILLIAMS Columnist

The era of jazz is not only an extremely crucial point in American history, but an integral part of music history as well.

Born in New Orleans in the late 19th to early 20th century, jazz music paved the way for soul and rock ‘n’ roll. Jazz is borrowed and sampled from in almost every modern genre today, making it a highly influential piece to the overall puzzle that is music. Here is a selection of my personal favorite jazz musicians and songs that any music fan is sure to enjoy.

1. Louis Armstrong (1901- 1971) Nicknamed “Satchmo,” Louis Armstrong was a highly influential jazz composer, singer and trumpeter, wellknown for his gravelly baritone voice.

Born in New Orleans, the home of jazz music, Armstrong made his name in Dixieland and swing music. He picked up the cornet at a boy’s reform school and pursued a life of musicianship from that point on. His most notable arrangements include “What a Wonderful World,” “Heebie Jeebies,” “St. Louis Blues,” and “Jeepers Creepers.” As a founder of jazz, Armstrong helped to popularize scatting and improvisation, which are two essential elements of jazz music as a whole.

2. Glenn Miller (1904-1944) Glenn Miller was an extremely influential jazz composer, bandleader and trombonist to the swing era. He led the Glenn Miller Orchestra, which was one of the most popular big bands of the time. Its recordings are still played today. Miller’s iconic arrangements included jazz standards such as “A String of Pearls,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000” and perhaps of one of the best-known jazz songs of all time, “In The Mood.” Miller was born in Iowa and freelanced in several bands before starting the Glenn Miller Orchestra and solidifying himself as a jazz legend. Miller’s death has become something of a mystery, as the plane he boarded from London in 1944 was never seen again.

3. Count Basie (1904-1984) William James “Count” Basie was integral to the swing and big band jazz eras, composing jazz standards such as the lively “One O’Clock Jump,” the

elegant “Shiny Stockings,” the ever-popular “Splanky,” the jumpin’ “Alright, Okay, You Win,” and the slow and sweet-as-molasses love song “Li’l Darlin’.” Basie, a jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist, had a musical prowess that was virtually unmatched. Born in New Jersey, Count Basie learned to play and perform piano at a young age and was very inspired by Harlem pianists. He was the first African-American male Grammy award winner and worked with many other jazz legends including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dizzy Gillespie.

4. Louis Prima (1910-1978) Louis Prima was an Italian-American jazz trumpeter, singer and conductor well-known for his scatting. Growing up in New Orleans, Prima picked up the trumpet at a very early age and immersed himself in jazz. His music is generally very upbeat with a decided jump. He has covered several jazz standards such as “Harlem Nocturne,” a scat-medley of “Ain’t Misbehavin’/ ‘Way Down Yonder in New Orleans” and an iconic cover of “Sing, Sing, Sing.” Personally, I believe his best work to be in the optimistic “Pennies From Heaven,” which features a call-andresponse with vocals and saxophone.

You might recognize Prima as King Louie from the 1967 Disney movie “The Jungle Book”, in which he sings the iconic tune, “I Wan’Na Be Like You.” 5. Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) Starting out as a dancer, Virginiaborn Ella Fitzgerald fell into her jazz singing career by complete accident.

Since then, she has been widely regarded as one of the most iconic singers in jazz history. Fitzgerald could sing -- and scat -- anything from slow and elastic ballads to jumpin’ swing tunes with extreme accuracy and talent. Nicknamed the Queen of Jazz, Fitzgerald was the first AfricanAmerican female to win a Grammy award, going on to win a total of thirteen. Some of her best-known covers included “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” “Skylark,” “Dream A Little Dream of Me,” and “Summertime,” the latter two performed with Louis Armstrong.

6. Charles Mingus (1922-1979 Aside from being a double bassist and pianist, Charles Mingus composed his own music and led his own band.

Mingus was well-known for layering

several vastly different parts together in a way that ended up blending together quite well. Mingus’ music can be extremely fast-paced and dissonant at times, with complicated soli sections and complex layering. Growing up in California, Mingus was heavily influenced by artists like Duke Ellington. He eventually went on make music with Ellington himself as well as other iconic jazz artists, like Charlie “Yardbird” Parker and Miles Davis. Notable compositions of Mingus include “Better Get It in Your Soul,” “Boogie Stop

Courtesy of biography.com

Ella Fitzgerald was one of the first African Americans to win a grammy award, making her mark as the “Queen of Jazz” during her time.

Shuffle,” “Haitian Fight Song,” and “Moanin,” an audibly traveling piece

with a darker edge and an opening baritone saxophone solo.

14 April 17, 2018

Arts & Life

Ballroom dancing 101 CultureCon shares traditions & artforms Trying TU’s dance class

TU celebrates culture & diversity

JESSICA RICKS

MARCUS DIETERLE

Staff Writer

Editor-in-Chief @marcusdieterle

CultureCon gave Towson University community members a journey around the world all within the University Union Potomac Lounge on April 9.

Members of Capoeira Malês DC demonstrated capoeira, an AfroBrazilian martial art, with kicks, leg sweeps and flips.

S-nemeh Barnes, a junior majoring in information technology, was among the capoeira performers.

Barnes said his mother took him to a capoeira class when he was seven years old, and he’s been practicing the martial art ever since.

Barnes is currently in the process of starting a capoeira club at Towson.

Although he said the club probably won’t officially launch until next semester, he hopes to attract a “ragtag team of capoeiristas” in the meantime.

“I’m from the D.C. area and, while here, I don’t have any capoeira to do,” Barnes said. “What better way to for someone with as much capoeira experience as I have to do capoeira than to teach other people, so we can all do it together?”

Barnes said people interested in getting involved with capoeira can contact him or Foreign Languages Department Chair Lea Ramsdell, who will be sponsoring the club.

Barnes also demonstrated the berimbau, a Brazilian instrument that consists of a wooden bow (verga), a steel wire (arame) and a hollowed gourd (cabaça). The musician plays the instrument with a stick (baqueta) to produce sound, a small stone or coin (dobrão) pressed against the wire to change the

Marcus Dieterle/ The Towerlight

Rhythm step team member Ife Alabi (right) was one of the student volunteers to practice capoeira with Capoeira Malês DC at CultureCon. tone, and an optional rattle (caxixi) to accompany the berimbau’s music.

Freshman biology major Ife Alabi performed a series of routines as part of the Black Student Union’s Rhythm step team.

“Our beats go hard and our moves are so precise,” the team members chanted. “We stomp, we clap, we yell.

Other steppers don’t suffice.”

When the time came for audience volunteers to participate in the capoeira demonstration, Alabi’s Rhythm teammates pushed her onto the stage.

Alabi said she had fun trying capoeira for the first time and that she might even return for round two sometime.

“You don’t really even have to have much rhythm,” she said. “You just have to follow steps. And with the whole group around you, clapping – it was really encouraging.”

Pasión, a Latin American dance group at Towson, performed as well.

Junior Katie Benisch has been dancing with Pasión for three years now.

“I’ve been dancing all my life, but I actually just joined the club my freshman year because I wanted something to do,” she said. “The club is very wel-

Marcus Dieterle/ The Towerlight

Students sample an assortment of food at Towson’s CultureCon, which showcased different flavors from numerous backgrounds.

coming and you don’t need experience to do it or anything.

Benisch, a Spanish and international studies major, said she enjoyed seeing Towson’s diverse campus and student organizations being represented at CultureCon. “You can say we have 350 organizations, but what do they do?” she said. “It’s good to exhibit what they exactly do.”

Erin Frias, president of the Filipino Cultural Association at Towson, said she became involved with the club when she was a freshman to learn more about her own culture.

“When I first joined this club, it really taught me about my culture that I wasn’t really in touch with before,” said Frias, a speech pathology and audiology major. “It taught me my roots, and I just want to share that with the Towson community.”

Now a senior, Frias is happy that she’s been able to connect to her Filipino culture.

“Our club is really big on emphasizing the Filipino culture and making sure that it’s taught well throughout each meeting,” she said. “It made me realize that I do have a passion and a love for the Filipino culture.”

Attendees tried tinikling, a Filipino dance that involves two people tapping and sliding two bamboo poles on the ground, and a third person dancing over and between the poles.

Barnes said CultureCon showcases the importance of learning about cultures different than your own.

“A narrow-minded perspective on your own culture just doesn’t really benefit you as a person,” he said.

“To know more about other cultures and things like that, you elevate yourself. You get to experience things you haven’t experienced, taste things you haven’t tasted. It helps to get out of the tunnel vision type of thing with your own culture.”

I've been dancing since I was four.

I've done ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap and have now been teaching Zumba, which is a mix of Latin and hip hop, at Towson for two years. With so much experience under my belt, I walked into Towson University’s Ballroom Dance Club rehearsals thinking ballroom dance was going to be a piece of cake.

Safe to say, that form of dance was the entire cake, and then some.

I stepped onto the dance floor in Potomac Lounge with about 20 other students, thinking I was going to blow everyone away. A professional instructor stood at the front of the room to teach us the basics of Bachata, a dance style from the Dominican Republic that’s all about hip movements. The moves came to me really easily; it reminded me a lot of Zumba, and so I found myself naturally moving and hardly having to think about it. That’s about as far as my confidence got me.

After learning the basics, it was time to partner up. I got with a guy, named Brandon, who I'd never met before, which is where the first source of difficulty came in. I'd never danced with a partner before, aside from a couple of steps in a contemporary routine in other dance classes, and believe me, it's not as easy as it looks.

I was constantly apologizing for stepping on his feet, and following his lead was more difficult than I imagined. I discovered that I'm actually not very good at letting another person lead me. I found myself directing him a few times and had to stop myself. As the instructor began to add on more moves, I had to focus on not only trying not to injure my partner, but

also remembering choreography that I wasn't familiar with.

Throughout the class, we rotated partners, so I danced with most of the class at least once. My partners had varying dance levels. For some, it was their first time too, so the experience was less intimidating knowing I had others to connect to. However, most of them had been coming for weeks. Luckily, they were understanding when I tripped over them, and laughed with me when we completely butchered the choreography.

I learned from Laura Pomeroy, president of the Ballroom Dance Club, that the group does a lot of different kinds of ballroom dances, from waltz to swing, to cha-cha, and even salsa.

Each week, TU students meet up in the Potomac for free to do a different level for the dance they're on. Pomeroy then told me that this week was level three of Bachata.

That explained a lot.

Not only do they dance every Tuesday; TU’s Ballroom dance club does performances throughout the school year, as well as host a few events. Although the group does not formally compete, Pomeroy told me that the group is set to perform at Allure Dance Team’s showcase in a few weeks, and that they had events like their End of Semester Ball, to celebrate months worth of dancing.

The group also meets on Thursdays throughout the semester in Freedom Square, for social dancing. I was definitely impressed, to say the least.

By the time the class started to wind down, we had learned all of the choreography for the bachata dance and all that was left was to practice.

The more we did it, the more I started to catch on.

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com.

Photo by Jessica Ricks/ The Towerlight

Towerlight writer Jessica Ricks (bottom center) tries her hand at ballroom dance lessons with Towson’s very own Ballroom Dance Club.

15 15

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Sports

down but not defeated Towson rallies to third place in the CAA tournament DESMOND BOYLE Staff Writer

Towson made a furious comeback on the final day of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament to place a program-high third-place.

“We struggled on the first day and set ourselves back, but we did a great job of just fighting back,” Head Coach Lisa Ferrero said. “The girls made up a ton of ground today and just put in a solid performance.”

After shooting a 315 in the first round and not making up any significant ground in the second, TU sat in fourth-place coming into Sunday’s final round.

The team was nine strokes back from third-place UNC Wilmington.

Senior Alexis Hios led Towson shooting a 76 in three consecutive rounds to finish seventh overall, and five strokes behind leader, Lyberty Anderson of UNC Wilmington.

Junior Alix Lowe and sophomore Erica Han also finished in the top20.

“Alexis played really consistent for all three days and helped us a lot by coming up with birdies when we really needed them,” Ferrero said. “For her to finish her last collegiate hole with a birdie was really special.”

Ferrero oversaw an improvement in her first year in charge of Towson.

At the same Tournament and

course just two years ago, the team finished 54 strokes worse than this past weekend.

“All of spring our practices outside were really limited because of the weather and it was tough for the girls to adjust,” Ferrero said.

“To just keep working week after week and to finish off the season with a performance in the back nine like this was really special.”

Towson looks to keep improving under Ferrero next season as they will will have the bulk of players returning as Hios is the only player on the roster who is graduating this year.

“We all did so well and really held it together for the last round,” Hios said. “To finish the way we finished is the perfect way to end the season.”

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18 April 17, 2018

Sports

tigers prepare for caa tournament Towson finishes the season with an 11-11 record heading into postseason play BILLY OWENS Assistant Sports Editor

Towson closed out its regular season with a win over Villanova, but fell in two other close matches to Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) foes College of Charleston and Delaware this past week.

Friday, Towson once again fell to a .500 record in a 6-1 loss to conference rival College of Charleston in a neutral site contest at the UNCW Courts in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The match marked the final conference matchup of the regular season, leaving the team with a 1-5 record against CAA opponents.

The Cougars took an early lead by seizing the opening doubles point, as Anastasia Palaska and Christi Woodson defeated No. 1’s AJ Gomer and Renate van Oorschodt

6-3, while Helena Nyikos and Rachel McNeely beat No. 2’s Jane Shusterman and Lucy Gloninger 7-5.

The Tigers prevented a sweep as No. 3’s Nicole Shakhnazarova and Barbora Vasilkova defeated Laura Arciniegas and Turner Yates 6-4.

In singles, Towson could not overcome the early deficit as Charleston clinched five singles flights for the overall win.

Woodson defeated No. 2 Gomer 6-3, 6-2, McNeely edged No. 3 Shusterman 6-2, 5-7, [10-8], and Palaska beat. No. 4 van Oorschodt 6-1, 6-2, while Yates defeated No. 5 Vasilkova 6-1, 6-3 and Arciniegas beat No. 6 Gloninger 6-4, 6-1.

The Tigers’ single point came when No. 1 Shakhnazarova came back to defeat Nyikos 4-6, 7-6 (4), [10-4].

“We had a few disappointing singles performances, but Jane and

Nicole were right there and AJ played pretty well,” Head Coach Jamie Peterson said. “Give College of Charleston credit, they played a solid match all up and down their lineup.”

Wednesday, Towson suffered a 5-2 defeat to conference rival Delaware at the Tiger Tennis Complex.

The Blue Hens started strong by sweeping all three doubles flights, then earned four singles victories to claim victory.

The Tigers earned two singles wins, as No. 4 Shusterman closed out Annie Jaskulski 6-3, 3-6, [104] and No. 3 Gomer rallied to beat Amanda Studnicki 0-6-, 6-3, 6-2.

The team nearly added a third, but Sarah Hall came back to beat No. 5 van Oorschodt 5-7, 6-1, [10-4].

“Delaware and College of Charleston are very similar teams, and they’re just very solid all the

way down the lineup,” Peterson said. “They don’t give you a lot. If you don’t play well enough down the lineup, it’s going to be a difficult day, and we fell short.”

Tuesday, Towson won its 11th match of the season with a 4-2 triumph over Villanova at the Villanova Tennis Complex in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

The match was originally slated to take place back in March, but inclement weather forced the teams to reschedule.

In doubles, the Wildcats won two of three flights to take the early lead, with the remaining flight going unfinished.

The Tigers stomped back in singles, as No. 1 Shakhnazarova defeated Lexi DeNucci 7-5, 6-2, No. 2 Gomer beat Lindsey Evans 6-3, 6-4, No. 5 van Oorschodt defeated Alexandria Krogius 7-6, 6-2, and No. 6 Alexa Martinez beat Paulina

Bajet 6-4, 6-2.

“We were facing adversity right from the start,” Peterson said.

“They got down a little in singles in the first set, which was concerning for sure, but they all stepped up to the plate in the first set and finished strong.”

The team will travel to Elon, North Carolina, Wednesday morning for the upcoming CAA Tournament, hosted at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center on Elon’s campus.

Towson, seeded eigth, will face Hofstra, seeded ninth, in the first round of the nine-team tournament Thursday morning.

If Towson wins, they would advance to Friday’s quarterfinal round and face top-seeded William & Mary.

Despite ending the season with two losses, the team looks to go deep into the tournament with five seniors set to finish their careers.

swing and a miss, tu falls to citadel The Tigers fall to 10-24 on the season following two losses against the Bulldogs JILL GATTENS Staff Writer

Towson dropped two out of three non-conference contests to the Citadel at Joe Riley Park in Charleston, South Carolina, this weekend.

In game two of Saturday’s doubleheader, the Tigers (10-24, 4-5 CAA) fell to the Bulldogs (14-21, 3-6 SOCON) 4-3 in seven innings.

The Citadel pushed across two runs in the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead.

Towson got on the board in the fourth inning with a solo home run from junior infielder Richie Palacios.

Junior outfielder Craig Alleyne

added another home run in the top of the fifth inning, but the Bulldogs answered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning.

In the seventh inning, senior infielder Billy Lennox scored on a sacrifice fly and junior infielder Richard Miller singled to put runners on the corners, but the Tigers could not score the tying run as their comeback attempt fell short.

“We elevated play this weekend,” Head Coach Matt Tyner said. “This was two evenly matched teams and it was a good test, physically and mentally.”

Senior pitcher Michael Adams (3-3) took the loss after allowing four runs on eight hits over six innings of work.

In game one of the doubleheader,

Towson shut out the Citadel en route to a 6-0 victory.

Palacios and redshirt junior outfielder Mark Grunberg both scored on an error after senior outfielder Colin Gimblet hit a chopper to third base.

In the sixth inning, redshirt freshman infielder Dirk Masters scored on Alleyne’s single to right field.

Towson added another run in the seventh inning when junior catcher Trey Martinez scored on a sacrifice fly.

The Tigers added two more runs on a single by Alleyne to seal the victory.

Senior pitcher David Marriggi earned the win. He allowed just three hits and struck out four in seven innings of work.

“I’m happy to see the development of the offense,” Tyner said.

“We’re earning it. We cannot forget what we’re made of.”

In Friday’s series opener, Towson could not overcome a four-run scoring burst by the Citadel en route to an 11-3 loss.

Towson took an early 1-0 lead when Lennox singled to score Palacios, but the Citadel plated four runs in the second inning to take the lead.

In the seventh inning, the Tigers added two runs as Miller tripled to score Masters. Sophomore outfielder Andrew Cassard followed with a bunt single to score Miller as the Tigers looked to rally.

However, the Bulldogs answered back with a bases-clearing double

and added three more runs in the eighth inning to secure the win.

Sophomore pitcher Bo Plagge (1-3) took the loss after allowing four runs on six hits over two innings.

The Tigers powered past Coppin State 9-4 Wednesday afternoon at John B. Schuerholz Park thanks to two home runs by Miller.

Coppin State got on the board in the third inning after scoring on a wild pitch, but Towson answered back as Palacios doubled to score Grunberg and senior catcher Tristan Howerton.

Lennox followed with a single, scoring Palacios to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead.

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Sports

April 17, 2018

19

climbing the conference The Tigers pick up a pair of CAA wins on the road

Alexis Hios Women’s Golf

File photo by Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Junior attacker Natalie Sulmonte sprints downfield in a match against Georgetown earlier this season.

Sulmonte posted her 100th career goal in Towson’s 10-4 win over Elon Friday afternoon at Rudd Field.

KARUGA KOINANGE Sports Editor

Towson women’s lacrosse extended its winning streak to seven with two convincing victories on the road against Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) opponents.

The Tigers (12-2, 4-0 CAA) displayed their explosive offense in a 17-5 victory over the Tribe (4-10, 0-3 CAA) Sunday afternoon at Martin Family Stadium.

Junior attacker Carly Tellekamp scored the first goal of the game for Towson, but William & Mary evened the score just under two minutes later.

Junior attacker Natalie Sulmonte quickly answered back with a goal to regain the lead and spark a 7-0 run for Towson. Four different Tigers scored during that run, helping the team take an 8-1 advantage with nine minutes left in the first half.

“It’s fun to watch [this offense],” LaMonica said. “We have high expectations so we continue to challenge this group to get better, which is necessary if we want to continue playing very deep into the tournament this year.”

The home team showed a pulse with a score on a free position chance, but Towson closed out the period with

three more goals and took an 11-2 lead into the break.

William & Mary kicked off the second half with a goal less than 30 seconds into the stanza, but Towson rattled off a 4-0 run midway through the period to seize the win.

The visitors got contributions from a multitude of players as Sulmonte and Tellekamp combined for seven goals, while sophomore goalkeeper Kiley Keating continued her strong season with seven saves on the day.

The team took advantage of its opportunities and stayed disciplined defensively as they were rewarded 14 free position shots while, William & Mary only mustered four.

Towson grinded out a tough 10-4 win over Elon Friday afternoon at Rudd Field.

The Tigers started off strong, taking an early 2-0 lead over the Phoenix (2-10, 1-2 CAA) after two free position goals.

Elon responded with a goal, but Towson answered back with two scores. The second Towson score gave Sulmonte her 100th career goal.

“Natalie has been an impact player for us in her finishing ability and her ability to create scoring opportunities,” LaMonica said. “She has been an outstanding player for us and being a junior there’s going to be more to come from her. It’s been really great to see

her growth and the chemistry that the offensive unit has been playing with.”

The Tigers closed out the first half with two goals in the final four minutes and took a 6-2 lead going into halftime.

The road team came out aggressive defensively in the second half with physical play as sophomore defender Olivia Conti forced two turnovers in the first eight minutes of the period. She finished the game with seven caused turnovers.

“I think she’s one of the best defenders in the country and I see that every game,” LaMonica said. “She makes great reads and [is] a determined competitor.”

Keating also had another solid showing as she registered 10 saves on the day, marking her fourth double-digit save performance of the season.

“Kiley has such [great] composure,” LaMonica said. “She continues to make big plays for [the defense]. She is really steady, highly consistent and makes the saves she should as well as some bonus saves that set her apart from the crowd.”

Towson held Elon to just two goals in the stanza as the team held on for the victory.

Towson looks to build upon its winning streak as the team returns home to face CAA foe Hofstra Friday night at Johnny Unitas Stadium. Opening draw is slated for 6 p.m.

Senior Alexis Hios had a strong performance in her final competition for the Tigers at the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championships this weekend. She led the team with eight birdies and averaged 4.20 on par 4’s. Hios finished tied for seventh overall with a final score of 228, just five strokes behind the first-place golfer.

20 April 17, 2018

Sports

Tigers run away with first place Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

The Tigers compete in an event in this weekend’s TU Invite Saturday morning at Johnny Unitas Stadium. The team won the annual event with 189 points as they totalled eight first-place finishes with three of those finishes coming during throwing events. Junior Taylor Giles placed first in the discus throw with an impressive distance of 148-3.

MUHAMMAD WAHEED Staff Writer

Towson track and field won the annual TU Invite with 189 points Saturday morning at Johnny Unitas Stadium.

The Tigers had eight total firstplace finishes at the event, with three of those first-place finishes coming during throwing events.

Junior Phontavia Sawyer placed first in the shot put with a 50-5.5 mark.

“She had a personal record here last year with her previous team when they came to our meet,” Head Coach Mike Jackson said. “Then she had a personal record again in the shot put with us, so just again she’s getting better and better every single week. She’s showing how great of a competitor she is.”

Senior Ksenia Safonova came in

first-place in the hammer throw with a 192-5 toss while junior Taylor Giles finished second with a 168-6 mark.

“Safonova won by a mile in the hammer throw, and working on being the conference champion is her main focus,” Jackson said.

Giles also placed first in the discus throw with a distance of 148-3. Several Tigers also had strong performances on the day.

Junior Naja McAdams won the high jump with a 5-3.75 leap.

Sophomore Jamila Brown won the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.93 seconds, while junior Jaina McLean placed second timing 12.11 seconds.

Junior Victoria Jones-Alleyne won the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.89 seconds, while sophomore Helnsarah Penda came in second-place with a time of 14.19 seconds.

Sophomore Shelby Francis placed

sixth in the same event with a time of 15.18 seconds.

Senior Megan Kelly won the 400meter hurdles with a time of 1:00.46, and fellow senior Emily Johnson won the 1,500-meters with a time of 4:41.39.

“I think that our hurdlers did an amazing job,” Jackson said. “There’s still so much more room for improvement for them. I’m very excited about how they’ve progressed. Emily had an outstanding year and I’m just really

proud of her efforts.

Jackson was excited about how his team performed in the lone home meet of the season.

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Owen DiDonna/ The Towerlight

Former Towson track and field athletes were given rings at a commemorative ceremony Friday night.