Behind the Scenes of >> p.14 Springfest
Q&A with Student Body President >> p.4 Senior Athlete Spotlight
>> p.10
Relay for Life Recap
>> p.16
Table of Contents 03 Letter from the Editor 04 A Capella 10-Year Anniversary 05 Speech Team Success 06 Student Government’s Dynamic Duo 09 Senior Photo Collage 10 Senior Athlete Spotlight 12 Athlete of the Week 14 Behind the Scenes of Springfest 16 Relay for Life 19 Credits
Letter from the Editor I honestly don’t have words to begin this editorial, as what has happened this past year has truly left me speechless--but in the best way possible. This time last year, I had just received news that I would be the Editor-in-Chief of this publication for the 2018-2019 school year. I was excited to take on the new role, but I was anxious about the unknown of what the upcoming year would bring. And now it’s crazy to think that the year is already over. Thankfully, though, I’m thrilled to say I have the privilege of serving as Editor-in-Chief again next year. I’m so excited spend another year working with our dedicated staff and the newly appointed, and ever so talented, Managing Editor Colleen Boyle. Though, it saddens me that the next year could fly by even faster than this past one. But with that being said regardless of your grade, I challenge you to take complete advantage of your years here at The University. For seniors, whether you are staying at The University post-graduation or not, your undergraduate years are finished. I hope you have all accomplished all of your hopes and goals in the past four years, and that you know you always have a home here in Scranton, PA. I’d like to give a special shoutout to a senior member of our editorial staff, Jill Wall. Jill has been on The Aquinas staff since her first-year and has consistently been a strong member of The Aquinas family. She typically writes our sports pieces, but dabbles in other topics depending on the issue. Jill has been a great writer and asset to The Aquinas staff, and her dedication and humor will truly be missed in the office. So, thank you Jill for everything and good luck in all of your future endeavors, I know you will succeed in whatever you choose to do. And now I apologize for my long list of thank you’s but they are all well deserved. Thank you to Jeffrey Kegolis, Ph.D., and Janet Schieber for your support and guidance every single week. Whether it’s helping with a broken printer or keeping us on track for the next edition, you are both key factors in The Aquinas family and we are so appreciative of all that you do. Thank you to Valarie Clark and Michael Sperazza at Royal Printing for working with us and printing each edition of The Aquinas. All of the back and forth through email can be difficult and technology can be tedious, but we truly appreciate your work and you printing the magazine for us each month. Thank you X100 to our incredible staff. This past year was amazing because of your dedication and hard work. I’m truly so lucky and blessed to work with all of your and I’m ecstatic to do it all again next year. And lastly, Thank you so much to our readers and The University community for continuing to support us each month. We love serving as the student voice of The University, and we are so stoked to continue this past years success into the upcoming school year. Next year is going to be a great one, so be sure to look out for our first edition at the beginning of September! I hope everyone has a healthy and safe summer, and seniors, I wish you all the absolute best of luck in your futures!
Lauren Gallagher Editor-in-Chief
A Capella Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary BY JILL WALL Men and Women for Octaves will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its establishment at its annual spring concert on May 11. The club, founded in 2009, is divided into two groups: Royal Harmony and The Octaves. Royal Harmony, the all-female group directed by members Julia McKinney and Elise Molleur, is comprised of 13 members ranging from first-year students to seniors. Similarly, The Octaves, a co-ed group led by members Zach Richards and Makayla Light, is also constituted by 13 members spanning each class at The University. Both groups have been preparing for their annual spring concert since returning to campus after intersession. While a cappella may seem simple to some, both groups work tirelessly throughout the semester to ensure they deliver pitch-perfect performances come concert time. On average, the groups rehearse for at least four hours every week, increasing the practice time as the concerts draw nearer. The spring concert will be extra special this year, however, as alumni of the two groups have been invited
back to help celebrate 10 wonderful years of Men and Women for Octaves. Senior Royal Harmony member Marisa Guardino noted that this special reunion will be a memorable event for current and past members alike. “The spring concert this year will feature an additional reunion weekend for alumni to meet the current members and hang out with their friends again,” Guardino said. “We’re going to have a jam session to sing through old songs together and then the alumni are going to join the current members in singing one of the songs at the concert. It’s going to be a bop.” The May 11 concert also marks the eighth and final concert for Guardino who has been a member of the group since her first semester at The University. Guardino reflected on her time as a member of Royal Harmony, noting that her experience was much more than simply being a member of a club. “Royal Harmony has been like a group of 13 people who have become my sisters over the years after countless bonding adventures and crazy long rehearsals,” Guardino said. “What I’ll miss most about my time in Royal Harmony is definitely the people. We’ve gotten really close considering we’ve spent at least four hours every week with each other for the last four years.” 2018 graduate and former Royal Harmony member Erica Gleason also touched upon the impact a cappella had on her college career and the joyfulness of being able to return for a reunion weekend. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theatre on fourth floor DeNaples. 4
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
Speech Team Celebrates Multiple Victories BY SAMANTHA CALDERONE The University’s Speech Team is celebrating after bringing home seven medals this year. Throughout the fall and spring semesters the speech team travelled and competed in four tournaments as part of the Southern Northern Atlantic Forensics Union (SNAFU). Darla Germeroth, Ph. D. explained that during tournaments students are able to compete in up to four events, students are not required to compete but are highly encourage to do so. A tournament consists of a series two preliminary rounds, in which the students’ performance is ranked against the other performers. At a larger competition students that rank high enough move onto the semifinals before the top six students more onto the final round, however at smaller tournaments students move directly into the finals. Competitions are split into two categories, performance and public speaking. J uliet Baldassarri, an occupational therapy major, explained that public speaking events are often more informative and persuasive whereas the performance events allow for more creativity and expression.
This year students received medals for: prose interpretation, international public debate, poetry interpretation, duo interpretation and novice impromptu speaking. “We are really very proud of what we did this year. I didn’t anticipate that we would bring home six medals because we are competing against teams that have been out there for over a decade,” Germeroth said. Germeroth also explained that considering this was the team’s first year, it was very successful in terms of team numbers, as well as medals won. There are eight students on the Speech Team this year from a variety of majors. Germeroth explained that this number is quite large for the first year, as most speech teams generally have 12 to 15 students. The Speech Team is hoping to make connections with the admissions department so that prospective students will know that Scranton has a speech team. Germeroth said that most high school students involved in forensics do not know they can participate at a college level. Baldassarri is the only student on the speech team now to have participated in high school and shared how she first got involved with her high school team. “I did it in high school actually because my friend convinced
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me to join and I ended up really liking it because I think the speech community is very supportive of each other,” Baldassarri said. She went on to explain how the speech team has quickly become a family to her and her hopes to have a similar experience next year. Andy Franklin, counseling and human services major, also explained that the speech team is like a family. “When I joined everyone was so welcoming, we were all so encouraging of each other, it kind of felt like we were slowly starting to build a family,” Franklin said. Franklin went on to explain that both Darla Germeroth, Ph.D. and Rebecca Mikesell, Ph. D., the faculty in charge of the speech team, have created bonds with the students through their shared experiences. “Honestly Dr. G and Dr. M care so much about us as students, and us as people. It’s not just you’re part of my club and I have to care, it’s I really want to know how you’re doing,” Franklin said. Both Baldassarri and Franklin shared that their experiences with the speech team has helped to shape them as well as boost their confidence. They also shared that the team is hoping for new members for the upcoming year. “It’s still very new and we want more members but it’s a really nice team because you spend a lot of time with each other and you watch them perform and we encourage one another,” Baldassarri said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FAHAD ASHRAF
DYNAMIC DUO AQUINAS STAFF SAT DOWN WITH FUTURE PRESIDENT ASHRAF TO DISCUSS PLANS FOR 2019-2020 WITH V.P. COLUCCI BY DOMINICK M. MELARA Q: When did you first get involved in Student Government, and what motivated you to do so? A: I’ve been a part of Student Government ever since my first semester on campus. As a first-year student, the election process begins in the first or second week we’re on campus, which is definitely daunting but also challenging in a lot of great ways. You’re just as nervous 6
as everyone else starting college but you need to break out of your comfort zone and try to connect with as many people as you can right away. As a first year, I really wanted to get involved and make the most of my college experience not just in the classroom, but also in other ways. I wanted to serve the community, make connections, meet more people, and really understand all the great resources we have on campus; Student Government was definitely a great way to do so. Q: What areas around campus besides Student Government are you involved in? A: Along with serving on Student Government, I’ve also been involved with a few other areas on campus. I was an Orientation Assistant for two years, which was another great way to meet new people, directly impact others’ Scranton experiences, and strengthen the love I have for this community. I went on an ISP trip to Belize and a Medical Mission trip to Haiti, which inspired me endlessly and taught me so much about the world and myself. I am also in the SJLA and Honors Programs, a member of a few honor societies on campus, and a participant in the Faculty Student Research Program. I also participate in the Health Professions Organization and Biology Club, and I will be doing research on campus this summer through a fellowship. Q: Talk to me about your relationship with your running mate Jeff Colucci. How do you think each of your individual styles will translate to this new role as President and Vice President? A: Jeff and I actually go way back—I was his OA during the summer before his first year, and I told him all about my experience with Student Government. He was actually inspired to run, and here we are now as President and Vice President. In terms of our dynamic, we have similar personalities in the sense that we both strive to be friendly and approachable to all. We can generally get along with anyone, and we hope to make good use of that trait next year. At the same time however, we come from a completely different Student Government background. When I was on Senate, I was Chairperson of Academic and Scholastic Affairs, while he was Chairperson of Appropriations and Student Transitions. These are very different areas and we can work off both of our experiences, in conjunction with the other committees, to culti-
vate a varied but informed approach for the coming year. As the Vice President for the 2018-2019 year, I have first-hand experience with the role and I will be able to offer guidance to Jeff on every level. Furthermore, even though Jeff and I get along very well, we are not afraid to challenge each other on certain ideas and initiatives. With the formation of a cabinet that will also work towards the best interests of all students, we are very excited to see what we can do in the coming year. Q: What is one aspect of The University of Scranton you think needs some improvement? A: The University of Scranton is an absolutely incredible community and I have had a fantastic experience thus far. However, there is still one area in particular where I know we could continue to grow. While we have made great strides, placing more emphasis on diversity and inclusion should be one of the primary areas of further improvement. We need to make sure everyone on this campus feels comfortable and welcome to be exactly who they are unapologetically, and they need to feel supported. People need to feel heard. We know everyone matters equally, but that is not relevant unless everyone FEELS like they matter. While we cannot really do much ourselves to increase the diversity on this campus, we can make an effort to strengthen the culture that does exist an try to minimize the sense of disparity that some might feel as they walk through this campus. Q: What ideas do you have for the University? A: There are a few ideas we know we want to work on implementing, such as working towards getting the third floor of the library open for 24 hours to offer more quiet study space for students after hours, establishing a block meal plan where meal swipes are no longer wasted at the end of the week, and making students more aware of all the great resources we have on campus. Q: What will be your first order of business once you take office? A: Our first order of business in May will be to survey the campus and pinpoint initiatives that the student body wants to see. We’ve already started gathering student feedback during our campaign, and by the end of this semester, we will have a full plan for the coming year. Q: How do you plan on connecting with the stu-
dent body, and making sure their voices are heard? A: Along with focusing our year around student voiced concerns, we plan to build on the transparency efforts of the 2018-2019 year. We’ve made great progress but there is always more we can do to give students more opportunities to raise their voices and feel comfortable sharing them with us. We are looking into having more Meet and Eat events where we give out bagels to students in DeNaples, town hall events where we can interact with members of different groups, and we will continue participation in the newly established Executive Committee for Diversity and Inclusion.
Q: Do you plan on collaborating with other campus clubs/groups on future projects? A: Looking to show students what resources are available to them on campus. Raise awareness to the awesome clubs and different events going on. So many people don’t know about clubs, organizations and resources. Want to use their platform to expose students to things like the counseling center, cross cultural center, off campus and commuter student life, and even student government and all we have to offer. Make people more aware. Also, integrating more with OAs and RAs. They have most connection with student groups. Going to floor meetings, talking at orientation, letting all students know that student government is there for them and will give them an opportunity to tell us what they want, and this upcoming year can be what you want it to be.
Q: What is your message to the student body? A: Jeff and I ran on making it less about what we
want. It’s about the students. Governing bodies can often get carried away trying to pursue way too many ideas that are impossible to all accomplish. Instead, we hope to have a more focused approach, seeing projects through and making them projects that students have indicated interest in. Voicing student concerns, student projects, things that the student body want. We’re not here for ourselves, we’re student representatives. We want to serve the student body as best as we possibly can. As for my message to the student body: get involved. In any way you can. A lot of times people are uncomfortable, specifically at the beginning of y. Push yourself. Challenge yourself. Go outside your comfort zone. Share what you have to offer and see what others have to offer. You never know who you can meet or where you’ll end up. But I know you’ll be so grateful that you did. 7
Student Scholars Celebration BY COLLEEN BOYLE PHOTOS COURTESY OF AQUINAS STAFF
MADDIE SUNDAY Biology major, Biochemistry and Philosophy minor Researched how cancer cells are affected by their extracellular environment
Gabe Ragusa & Sarah White Biology and Spanish majors & Biology major and Mathematics minor Compared diverging life histories between perennial and annual plants to see if there was any change in reproductive isolations 98
Nicolette Sorensen & Nicolette Spaccavento Occupational Therapy major and Theology minor & Occupational Therapy major and counseling minor Studied using non-medical methods such as exercise yoga and mindfulness to improve aspects of sexuality like body image, sex drive and self-perception
Liz Pattera Biology major, Biochemistry and Psychology minors Studying the effects of hight-fat, western diets on the performance of arteries in mice
Jackie Mauro Biochemistry major, Mathematics minor Studied the most effective method to produce the highest yield of an amino acid through various approaches
Griffin Mulvihill Physics major Recreated a formula used to prove the existence of a non-existent ether outside of the earth that supposedly allows light to travel through space 9
Senior Athlete
Spotlight
BY JILL WALL student-athletes. The end of the 2018-2019 school year marks the Bridgette Mann of the women’s basketball conclusion of the careers of 81 senior student-athletes team expressed her gratitude to The University comacross the 23 men’s and women’s sports teams at The munity, fans and teammates while reflecting on her University. Among the graduating seniors are some of time as a Lady Royal. the most-decorated and winningest athletes in Uni- “My experience here at Scranton definitely versity history as well as some of the most respected surpassed every expectation I ever had. If you asked and notable students on campus. me on my first day of school here that I would fall in Spending the last four years as Royal athletes love with this school and my teammates as quick as I has undoubtedly changed the lives of each senior did, I would say you were crazy. I have learned so much who participated on a team during his or her time from being a lady royal—the importance of togethhere. As grateful as The University community is to erness, what it takes to push through adversity and all the senior athletes who dedicated their time, hard how to adjust when something sets you back,” Mann work, dedication and love of Scranton Athletics, the said. “Along with this, I grew as a person and learned senior athletes are equally as grateful for all of those a great deal about myself. I’ve become someone who who have supported them during their journeys as I am proud of and learned how to be a true friend 10
based off the teammates I have had to play side by side with over the years. I’ll never forget my time here at Scranton, and looking back I know for a fact there is not a single game, practice, or day that I would change. Go Royals!” Field hockey senior Katherine McVeagh had similar feelings about her four years spent as a Royal athlete. “Coming into college I just wanted to get to play the sport I love for four more years, on a team that I enjoyed playing with. I definitely got to do that, in addition to transforming myself as a leader, and forming a bond with my teammates, coaching staff, trainers and fellow student-athletes that made my time here as a student-athlete very memorable,” McVeagh said. She also noted that it was the love for the sport and The University that really fueled her and her
teammates’ passion to play over the past four years. “The student-athletes at The University are all so dedicated to their sport. Being a Division III school, we do not get sports scholarships or free apparel; we all play for the love of the game. Every player puts so much hard work in; we have respect for each other and want to see everyone succeed,” McVeagh said. “We are often cheering on our fellow student-athletes at their games/meets/matches, or congratulating each other when we do succeed. It’s motivating when you have so many like-minded people all going through the same journey.” Although the many beloved senior athletes like Mann and McVeagh’s careers have come to end at The University, all 81 of the seniors’ impacts on their respective programs will be remembered for years to come.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCRANTON ATHLETICS 11
Athlete of the Week March 18& April15
Connor Harding Baseball March 18-24
Season So Far: Our season is going well. We are 6-7 in conference play and still have a great opportunity to make the playoffs, if we play well. Personal Achievement: I had my 100th hit of my career against Moravian College. Favorite Moment at Scranton: Beating Catholic this year in come from behind fashion. Plans After Scranton: Enter the insurance industry.
Matt Kinback Track & Field March 25-31
Season So Far: I’ve been having a fairly successful season this year. I have thankfully been able to avoid injury so far and have consistently been running faster times every race. Personal Accomplishments: This season I have finished top two in every 800m race I have ran. I am ranked second in the Landmark currently for the 800m .01 seconds behind the leader, and I was the 19th D3 800 runner in the nation after my first race of the year. Pregame Rituals: I always chew run gum. Favorite Memory at Scranton: Breaking my high school PR for the first time.
Erin Putnam Lacrosse April 1-7
Season So Far: Our season is going great so far! We’re currently ranked 18 in the nation, and we’ve never been ranked before. We also are currently tied for the most wins in season which has been really awesome. Pregame Rituals: Before every game I like to get to the field super early and get mentally ready before everyone else gets there. I like to step onto the field and clear my head of everything else before the game. Favorite Memory at Scranton: My favorite memory is beating Haverford this year. It was one of the first times we beat a ranked team. After the game the whole team stormed the field and the celebration was something I’ll always remember. Plans After Scranton: After I graduate, I am going to be staying at Scranton for Physical Therapy school. 12
Nikki George Track & Field April 15-21
Season So Far: Thankfully, my season is going very smoothly. I’m happy to report that there haven’t been any injuries, and my times are dropping in accordance with all of the hard work that I am putting in. Also, I’ve really grown close to my teammates, as the team itself has developed great chemistry despite track and field being a relatively new program for Scranton. Though I have yet to attain a personal best in either the 800m or 400m, I am certain that with continued training, I’ll be able to surpass these times and find myself a spot on the podium. Pre-game Rituals: Before I begin to warm up for my race, I get pumped by listening to some hard rock. This consists of all those generic bands you hear from the ‘80’s; Van Halen, Def Leppard and AC/DC are just to name a few. Biggest Superstition: I have a credulous belief in praying before every race. If I don’t, it’s certain that I will perform poorly. Though this action is brief, it allows me to center myself so that I can focus on my event. Typically, I pray that I have the strength to run a good race and I also wish the best for my competitors. Pro Athletes You Look Up To: Being that the 800m is my main event, I look up to Brenda Martinez, a world championship 800m silver medalist. Additionally, I’m inspired by Emma Coburn and her journey to become the world champion in the 3000m steeplechase.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCRANTON ATHLETICS
behind the scenes of
Springfest USPB EXECUETIVE CHAIR GIVES AN INSIDE SCOOP ON HOW THE ANNUAL EVENT COMES TOGETHER
BY LAUREN GALLAGHER Near the end of the spring semester many students begin to think about Springfest, but the University of Scranton’s Programming Board (USPB) started planning for the event before the spring semester even began. So what actually goes into planning Springfest? Well first, there needs to be performers. USPB received confirmation that Jonas Blue would be the headliner at Springfest this year during this past intercession. “Me and my vice execs decided to look on our Spotify for people that we listen to and who we thought people would enjoy,” USPB Executive Chair Deanna Leicht said. “And we settled upon Jonas Blue as a great choice because we thought he would appeal to all crowds with the genre of music.” After he was confirmed,
they were then able to go ahead and secure the opener, Tyler Hilton, whom people may recognize from his role as Chris Keller in One Tree Hill. “We thought people would be excited about One Tree Hill, and we thought it would be a drawing factor,” Leicht said. USPB revealed the Springfest performers to The University community on April 17 in a different way than usual. “We decided to make a carpool karaoke which is something different than what we’ve done in years past. We wanted to make sure people knew their music and their songs so we decided to take a different route,” Leicht said. “A couple members of our board decided to get together and film that, and that was a great day and a great bonding activity for us.” In addition to the musical performers, every year USPB or14
ganizes hours of games, food and inflatables before the concert begins at 7 p.m. That portion of the day begins at 2 p.m. on the Dionne Green. “There’s inflatables, free food and free t-shirts. And we have all of our different board members stationed at different parts of the day to make sure we keep all of the events organized,” Leicht said. “We have a good system down to keep everything operating smoothly.” Leicht said that she was unsure of what the University students’ responses would be to this year’s Springfest performers, but she ended up being pleasantly surprised. “We got some superfans emailing us saying they were super excited and overall it was a really welcoming thing and we were really excited about it,” Leicht said. photo courtesy of USPB’s Facebook
PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK 15
BY LAURA FREEDMAN
Relay for Life
Every year the American Cancer Society fights to create a world with more birthdays. The University of Scranton’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter embraced this mission by giving this year’s Relay for Life a birthday theme. More than 300 participants attended what the Relay for Life event planners dubbed “the biggest birthday party at The University of Scranton” on April 26. More than 25 teams signed up for this year’s Relay for Life, collectively raising more than $32,000 by the day of the event. However, by the time Relay for Life concluded at 3 a.m. on April 27, the teams reached the event’s main goal of $40,000. Members of The University’s Colleges Against Cancer committee worked hard throughout the fall and spring semesters to spread the word about Relay for Life. They hosted a variety of events, including a pumpkin painting event in October and a cupcake decorating event in April. They even hosted events outside of The University, including a fundraiser at Jitty Joe’s. Relay for Life was supposed to take place on the Dionne Green. However, Relay for Life was moved into the 16
Byron Center because of rain. The event officially kicked off at 5:30 p.m. The Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J., led participants in an opening prayer. The highlight of Relay for Life was perhaps the luminaria ceremony. As the lights in the Byron Center dimmed around 9 p.m., every participant was given a glow stick. During the luminaria ceremony, participants were asked to crack their glow sticks when their reason for relaying was said aloud by one of the Relay for Life event planners. The glow stick portion of the luminaria ceremony allows participants to really reflect on their reasons for relaying. “I relay because my first experience with cancer was my grandma,” Courtney Tampone, junior nursing major and co-chair for Colleges Against Cancer, said. “During my junior year of high school, three of my best friends’ parents passed away, and I saw how devastating the effects of cancer can be. Every year since then, I’ve met someone who had
cancer or met someone who lost someone to cancer. We just need to put an end to it.” Like Tampone, many Relay for Life participants relay to honor loved ones who have fought or are fighting cancer. Others relay because they hope to spread awareness and raise money to support a good cause while having fun with their friends. One way Relay for Life participants were able to honor loved ones who are battling or have battled cancer was by purchasing a luminaria bags on their behalf. Participants were able to decorate their luminaria bag however they wished prior to the luminaria ceremony. The bags were then lit up by tealights and placed around the Byron Center. After the ceremony, participants were encouraged to take their luminaria bags home. Relay for Life teams were able to raise money for the American Cancer Society throughout the event. Some of the booths set up during Relay for Life included a sticker booth run by the University’s Circle K, a mocktail booth run by the Equestrian team and a T-Shirt and succulent booth run by the Relay for Life committee. Relayers were able to participate in various activities throughout the night. Participants had the opportunity to partake in Tug-of-War, Knock-Out and karaoke. A raffle also took place during Relay for Life. Prizes included gift cards to local restaurants, Air Pods, a TV and a highly coveted kayak. Performances were made throughout the night by the University’s dance team, the Urban Beats Dance Team, Royal Signers and the University’s A Capella group.
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Gallagher MANAGING EDITOR Samantha Calderone GRAPHIC DESIGN Colleen Boyle SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Laura Freedman DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Abbey Donaldson EDITORIAL TEAM Dominick M. Melara Liam Shea Jill Wall
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Looking to join The Aquinas student publication? Email Editor-in-Chief Lauren Gallagher lauren.gallagher@scranton.edu