The Connector 9/30

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DifferenceMaker

TM

DifferenceMaker

◄ UMass Lowell’s organization for entrepreneurs. ►Page 5

Entrepreneurship Month

EXPLORE PROBLEMS • CREATE SOLUTIONS • MAKE A DIFFERENCE

DifferenceMaker Season Kick-off Thursday, October 9 6 -7:30 p.m., Atrium, Saab ETIC, North

THE UMASS LOWELL

Come learn more about DifferenceMaker, eat and greet! Meet other students whose ideas are making a difference.

Digital Credit Union and Manning School of Business Innovation Contest 30, 2014 Team Registration bySeptember Friday, October 24

DifferenceMaker Entrepreneurial Speaker Series October and November, 2014 6 -7 p.m., University Crossing

Pitch your cutting edge banking or financial innovation to an industry leader.

Do you have an idea you want to pursue, but question about the process? Then come hear the pros discuss funding, IP, and other topics critical to the success of your entrepreneurial pursuit.

https://innovation.dcu.org/UMass-Lowell

Details online at www.uml.edu/differencemaker

Serving the Student Body Since 1976

River Hawks overtime miracle

In This Issue

SAVE THE

Bianca Jones’ hat-trick goal leads to field hockey victory over UC Davis DATES

Support Our Students

December 1, 2014 Shane Foley

UMassâ–şPage Lowell 4Creative Venture Competition

DifferenceMaker $35K Idea Challenge Connector Registration Opens

Sponsored by The College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Science

Editor

April 2015 The UMass Lowell River DifferenceMaker $35K Idea Challenge

Creative Writing

Team Registration by Friday, October 24

Roommate Wars, Compete for the best product, service or program Work Study: The Kid’s Corner, capable of delivering a tangible social benefit or The Vending Machine launching a new business venture.

Hawks women’s field hockey team took the field last Friday with a mission to redeem their previous loss over UC Davis. Almost 83 minutes later, the River Hawks had just enough in them to pull off a game-winning shot. Leading the crew for the River Hawks was Bianca Jones, who capped off a hat trick with her overtime goal. Jones had played all 82:36 of the game. Jones was not only the last to score, but the first as well. Early in the game, Christa Doiron was able to whack the ball past the

Final and Awards Ceremony

www.uml.edu/differencemaker â–şPage 6

Volleyball Hosted by The UMass Lowell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. River Hawks down NJIT 3-1 For full contest details, visit: www.uml.edu/differencemaker. Questions? Email DifferenceMaker@uml.edu.

â–şPage 12

Final River Hawk Scores Team

Score

Overall Record

M. Soccer vs. Sacred Heart

W 2-0

3-7

Field Hockey vs. UC Davis

W 3-2 (OT)

4-5

W. Soccer vs. St. Bonaventure

W 1-0

3-6

Volley Ball vs. NJIT

W 3-1

2-15

UMass Lowell Athletics

defense from midfield. The ball found its way to Jones, who popped an uncontested shot in the upper left hand corner. Kristin Rodgers scored first for the UC Davis Aggies. She took a pass from Agustina Singh and shot it through goalkeeper Kelsey Federico’s legs to tie the game.

â–şSee Sports, Page 12

Community, police cross at UCrossing Al Gentile Connector Editor

On Wednesday Sept. 24, several members of the UMass Lowell Police Department, The National Park Service and the Lowell Municipal City Police Department gathered at University Crossing to meet with members of the community to participate in an open forum as part of the “Coffee with a Copâ€? event. As community members and police officers mingled, one couldn’t help but draw a comparison to a cocktail party with its laid-back persona. This casual setting was, according to all officers in attendance, exactly the point. “The premise,â€? UMass Lowell Police Chief Randolph Brashears noted,“ is to bring the community and the police together in an informal setting to talk about issues,â€? One concern that this event was geared to remedy, according to detective Sgt. Scott Childs, was that many see police officers as “just a uniform.â€? “This gives [the community] the opportunity to find out that we’re people too; just like them, we have families,â€? Childs said. “It’s about relationships that we like to have with the kids, with the civilians that are out here because, without that, we’re useless.â€? â–şSee Police, Page 3

Sections Op/Ed.......................... 2 A&E.............................. 8 News............................ 3 Calendar .....................10 Campus Life................. 6 Sports ......................... 11

â–şSee Field Hockey, Page 11

Christopher Tran/Connector

(Left) Jones scores the game winning goal against the UC Davis Aggies, her ninth goal of the season.

Saboury dominates Fat Chicken Eating Contest Marlon Pitter Connector Editor

While the other 19 contestants in the Fat Chicken Eating Contest seemed unable to hold their sandwiches, let alone eat them, Saede Saboury annihilated Suppa’s specialty sub and took home first place in the competition. Saboury, a senior majoring in finance, said he had just eaten dinner before participating in the challenge hosted by the Fox Common, but that didn’t stop him from eating the sandwich – stuffed with chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, French fries

and marinara sauce – in less than ten minutes and being the only competitor to finish it last Tuesday night. “Mentally, I wasn’t ready for it, but I knew I wanted it,â€? he said. Other contestants, like Jean Lafontant, say they were discouraged from trying to win the competition by Saboury’s ability to eat an entire Fat Chicken so quickly. “I didn’t think it was going to be a problem,â€? said Lafontant. â–şSee Fat Chicken, Page 6 Marlon Pitter/Connector


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September 30, 2014

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

Let me tell you something you don’t know UMass Lowell Greek Life Lately on social media, Greek life at UMass Lowell has been attacked. And I don’t just mean insulted, I mean slandered. False accusations of rape have been thrown around via anonymity on YikYak. Comparing girls to animals, accusing fraternity men of drugging women, and everything in between. Let me start by telling you that these accusations have no actual merit, they simply stem from a misinformed person typing on their phone, taking advantage of this anonymous application and ignorantly thinking that rape “jokes� and cyber bullying are laughing matters. However, this misinformation stems past YikYak. Walking around campus or hanging out in the dining hall, you’ll overhear people discussing their opinions of Greek life on campus and often how the Greeks are just “alcoholics,� “lazy,� “stupid,� or “nothing.� Some people are even entirely unaware that Greek life exists on campus; meanwhile, the Greek organizations and Greek Council organize and sponsor numerous events that we, as stu-

dents, attend. We want the student body to know who we are and what we do. We want to openly take a stand against these false accusations and attacks by telling you the truth about UMass Lowell Greek life; we want to inform the uninformed and the misinformed. We want you all to know. Students in Greek life are engineering majors, science majors, business majors, music majors – odds are you can find at least one member of Greek life in any major on campus. Students in Greek life are in the Honors College, in Omicron Delta Kappa and other honor societies; they are leaders on campus. They participate in the same clubs as you, they make Dean’s List, and they are Student Alumni Ambassadors. They are the students volunteering or the ones working in the dining hall. They are the ones that helped you move in and the ones that show you where to go when you’re lost. They are your tutors and lab partners. Students in Greek life are everywhere on and off campus, not just where the kegs are. To begin, UMass Lowell Greek life is comprised of three sororities and six fraternities. These organizations

THE UMASS LOWELL

Serving the Student Body Since 1976

UMASS LOWELL CONNECTOR

EDITORIAL BOARD

MADDIE KOUFOGAZOS Managing Editor

CHRISTOPHER TRAN Editor-In-Chief

SARAH PACHT KACI MCLAUGHLIN Copy Editors MARIE PIERCE Advertising Manager MELISSA ALMONOR Web Manager JENNIFER VIVIER MICHAELA HYDE Social Media Managers LUCAS BROWN Distribution Manager

POSITION AVAILABLE Operations Manager AL GENTILE DAVE RUDDERHAM News Editors SHANE FOLEY NICHOLAS GIANNINO Sports Editors MARLON PITTER Campus Life Editor REGINA ALONGI JEN DESROSIERS Arts & Entertainment Editors KELLY FREITAS JENNA FREITAS Graphic Designers

JONATHAN SILVERMAN Advisor

SAM LINSTEAD-ATKINSON BENJAMIN ST. PIERRE HENRY ST. PIERRE GREG ALEXANDROPOULOS

KARLA GARCIA AMANDA DYSART JULIA BELLEFONTAINE TYLER COTE

Writers

Phone | 978.934.5017 ext. 45017 Address | University Crossing Club Hub Suite #241 220 Pawtucket St. Lowell, MA 01854

General: The UMass Lowell Connector is a non-profit student public forum serving the University of Massachusetts Lowell community. The paper is published weekly and distributed free to the university community every Tuesday. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please be aware that members of the University community are entitled free newspapers. Please take one! All UMass Lowell students, regardless of major, are invited to join the Connector staff. Interested students should contact an editor or manager listed above, or visit the Connector Office in University Crossing 241. Advertising: The UMass Lowell Connector advertisements reach an estimated 16,000 UMass Lowell students--their friends and families. To tap this group of

teamed with one of UMass Lowell’s fraternities, were the top fundraiser for UMass Lowell’s Relay for Life. AO is strongly involved with Toys for Local Children as well as other non-profit groups and charities, and genuinely enjoy giving back to the community. Going Greek may have negative connotations in some communities, but it has affected these girls’ lives so positively that even if it may be considered pointless or stupid then they “are quite alright with being stupid for the rest of [their] lives because the people [they] get to be stupid with are what make it the smartest thing [they] have ever done.� Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) – National Panhellenic sorority Alpha Sigma Tau was founded in 1899 and promotes the ethical, cultural, and social development of its members by: - developing the character of each member through a study of ethics so that she will show in all her relationships sincerity, honesty, love, and understanding. - helping each member enjoy the cultural advantages in life so that she will know how to select those things which are most worthwhile. - establishing in each member the social graces to the extent that she will be able to take her place in life with true dignity and poise. In a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, one will find a woman who is active, self-reliant, and trustworthy. AST is a diverse group with a common dedication to advancing their

future high-income earners, contact our Advertising Manager at 934-5009. DEADLINE for ALL advertising (TO INCLUDE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS and ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF THE UNIVERSITY) is Tuesday, 12 p.m. for the following Tuesday’s publication. No exceptions will be made. Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted. Classified advertisements are free for students. The UMass Lowell Connector does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any product or service advertised in this publication. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The UMass Lowell Connector disclaims all liability for any damage suffered as the result of any advertisement in this newspaper. The UMass Lowell Connector reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Editorial: Letters to the editor must be less than 500 words in length and may be

come together via representatives to form Greek Council. Alumni from these organizations also come together via representatives to form the Greek Alumni Council. Now, here’s what we do. Alpha Omega (AO)– Local sorority Alpha Omega was founded in 1968 as the first sorority on campus. AO remains the only local sorority at UMass Lowell. Being local allows them to govern themselves and create their own systems of rules and bylaws. From help with physics homework to providing a sister with a place to live, no questions asked, to working at a benefit to support an alumna injured in the Boston Marathon, the sisters of Alpha Omega share a strong bond like no other. Being a chapter of lower numbers (typically twenty or under), they know each other backwards and forwards. Their sisters would do anything for each other. To find a “club� at UMass Lowell that provided us with this support system is something none of them could have anticipated happening, but now they can’t imagine it any other way. AO uses their close bond to work efficiently to improve the community. This past spring they,

members, serving their communities, building lifelong friendships, and fulfilling the purpose of the sorority. The five core values of Alpha Sigma Tau are graciousness, respect, intellect, connections, and excellence. As the only National Panhellenic Sorority on campus, AST has a national philanthropy and national service project that they raise money for: Pine Mountain Settlement School and Habitat for Humanity, respectively. On campus they are responsible for organizing events such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes for rape and sexual assault awareness as well as Make-a-blanket for Children’s Hospital. In the community, AST participates in various charities and service projects and helps with Wish Project every semester as well as volunteering at the Lowell Humane Society and other locations. As an organization, they were awarded Most Philanthropic at UMass Lowell’s Leadership Banquet. AST is also an academic sorority and as such they maintain both a local and national GPA requirement and encourage their members to push themselves academically. As the largest sorority on campus, AST sisters are represented in an abundance of academic fields and extracurricular activities, as well as honor societies. Though they are large, they support each other and push each other to surpass and succeed in all things. Delta Kappa Phi (DK) – Na-

submitted via campus mail, e-mail, or in person. All letters must bear the author’s name, relationship to the University and student body, and a phone number. The author may request to have any part of this information withheld, if published. Opinions expressed in individual columns, the Opinions Section, advertising, and/or features are those of the author, NOT of the Connector. The Opinions and Editorials section will not be edited in any way, to include spelling/grammar mistakes. Submission: The deadline for all submissions (to include Letters to the Editors and Opinions) is Friday at midnight for the following Tuesday’s publication. Submissions must be e-mailed to Christopher_Tran@student.uml.edu, attached as a Word document (any version). Accompanying visuals must

tional fraternity Delta Kappa Phi, Beta Chapter was started in 1902 by a group of likeminded individuals seeking to better themselves through education and friendship. Beta chapter is now the oldest textile fraternity in America and still seeks to better itself through the quality of those that they call brothers. DK is dedicated not only to their house, but also to their community and school. Through donations from alumni and community service, they are always seeking to improve their surroundings. Around Lowell, the brothers of DK have been involved with organizations such as the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, UTeach, and Long Board for Life. Kappa Delta Phi (KY) – Nationally Affiliated sorority The purpose of the Kappa Upsilon chapter of Kappa Delta Phi is to promote higher education, good citizenship, individual character and fellowship, and to achieve togetherness through unity. This year and the year before, the sisters of KY participated in many philanthropic events, such as volunteering at an Alzheimer’s walk and participating in walks for both breast cancer and diabetes, which directly affect some of our sisters. They will also be participating in Omicron Delta Kappa’s Day of Service this fall and are currently raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. ►See Greek Life, Page 10

be submitted separately; do NOT include graphics in Word file. All press releases, articles, advertisements, and photographs submitted become the property of The UMass Lowell Connector and will not be returned. The Connector reserves the right to edit or refuse all submissions for copy, content, and length. The Connector will make every effort to prevent inaccuracy, but assumes no responsibility for errors in advertisements or opinion letters. The Connector will reprint without charge any advertisement which is incorrect. Credit for errors are made only for first insertion.


September 30, 2014

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NEWS Community, police cross at UCrossing ►Continued from front page

A popular comment among the officers was that many students and community members alike are afraid to speak to the police. “A lot of times people are afraid to approach the police because they don’t know if they are going to ask a silly question or they’re going to bother them,” Childs says. Each officer was easily approachable, and throughout the room there was laughter and good spirits along with pointed questions regarding safety and the work the police force does. The adversity to approaching police officers is likely the key reason why many concerns go unanswered. The lack of blue emergency telephones along Pawtucket Street between North and South Campuses is a major concern that many students hold. At this event, one could find out there is an easy and perfectly logical answer.

“This is an opportunity to meet and greet.” Brashears told The Connector that, simply put, the University does not own that stretch of property “It involves city ordinances [and] power ordinances,” Brashears said. He was then able to put the problem into a more reasonable context: “It’s probably more advantageous to pull out your own phone where you can call it in and keep moving.” Brashears was also able to corroborate a story about a new RAVE app that is in developmental stages, one with many concerns that a civilian or student might not think about. “The option is being investigated.” “It sounds great, it looks great,” Brashears noted, but made sure to express that there were logistical concerns that haven’t completely been flushed out, such as technical and connectivity issues. Still, he was sure to say that students can always call the emergency phone number and talk to a live person. UML PD Deputy Chief Ron Dickerson was also in attendance and echoed the anxiety surrounding approaching officers as a civilian. “You can ask me anything you want!” he stated. “I remember when I was a kid going and talking to a police officer was a little intimidating.”

According to Dickerson, this communication is integral to their job of protecting the student body. “We’ll get more input on their quality of life if they could just come up and talk to us.” Childs expanded on the atmosphere: “It’s not a car stop, it’s not because your house got broken into. This is just an opportunity to meet and greet,” he said. When asked whether or not this type of event could be transformed into something more student-centric, Brashears said, “If it goes well tonight, it will be.” The Emergency Number for the UMass Lowell Police Department is 978-934-4911. Any general questions for the Police Department at UMass should be directed to their non-emergency phone number at 978-934-2398. If you have any comments or questions for the author, email Alexander_gentile@ student.uml.edu.

UML students, alumni walk for a cure Tyler Cote Connector Staff

Terrifying, chilling, scary, unknowing; those are just a few words to describe the feeling you get hearing the word “cancer.” However, support and love come to make a lasting difference and that is what was done in Boston on Sept. 21. For all the bad that comes with cancer, the rally of individuals moving forward to a common goal is heartwarming. Last Sunday, 8,500 walkers participated in the 2014 Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk along the Boston Marathon route, in support of the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year, the cause raised a record-breaking $7.5 million toward the search for a cure. People from all over the country came together as one to walk in a fight against the dreadful disease. UMass Lowell’s own Andrew Jefferson, a senior enrolled in the five-year civil engineering program, was a participant in the walk for his younger cousin, Sicilia. She was just two years old when she was diagnosed with cancer, but is now in remission, standing strong at age eight. Jefferson, like many others, walked the full 26.2 miles spanning across Boston on the sunny Sunday. “It opened up my eyes a little more to how much cancer affects people.” Jefferson noted. “It was just a thought, I knew it was a fact that people get cancer, but it really wasn’t something I took personally ‘til it happened to someone close to me.” The operation was a very uplifting experience for all involved, putting aside the upsetting reason behind the event. Jefferson was a “pacesetter,”

which is the title given to a participant who raises $1,500 or more. He achieved this status by raising over $2,000 dollars for the event through a yard sale, an annual fundraiser by his family. However, Jefferson said he wishes that UMass Lowell could partake in the festivities and put together a team for the wonderful cause for years to come: “Maybe the school can start promoting the Jimmy Fund year-round and create a team and raise awareness for the coming years.” Andy Thomas and David Mitchell, best friends and members of the class of ’85 at UML, are in the middle of their fight against cancer. Christine Rathje, a freshman math major, is an active participant for the team supporting Thomas and Mitchell in their battle. “We are just being really supportive and they are two of the most positive people I know in my life,” Rathje said. “They will both beat it, no doubt in my mind.” The Jimmy Fund walk is a way to reconnect and bring together a large community to fight a battle that everyone strives to win. The annual walk was full of smiles and fists to the sky. It was a time to reflect, but walk forward to a bright and healthy future. The hope to bring a UMass Lowell Jimmy Fund team into fruition is

high and it is hoped that members of the UMass Lowell community can come together and walk for those colleagues that have fought or are currently fighting their battle. “The Jimmy Fund does not have a ‘people don’t want to talk about it’ attitude. It’s something that you get the elephant out of the room,” Jefferson said. “You talk about something that’s a serious issue. It’s something that goes along with cancer nowadays. It’s incredible and life changing.” For questions or comments about this article, send an email to tyler_cote@student.uml.edu.


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September 30, 2014

NEWS Support Our Students begins their uphill battle David Rudderham Connector Editor

Food insecurity. The definition of the phrase is “inconsistent access to adequate food” and some students at UMass Lowell suffer from it. A new non-profit organization that just launched this semester, Support Our Students, or SOS, aims to create solutions to it. UML financial records have indicated an increase in students whose families make less than $30,000 annually. In 2007, roughly 28 percent of the UML student body came from these families. In 2012, that number went up to 38 percent. Mary Tauras, a master’s student in community social psychology and one of the six co-founders of the organization, outlined just how serious the issue is. “We do have homeless students,” said Tauras. “Some live in their car or use the campus recreational center to shower.” Tauras and her colleagues plan on running the organization to get rid of the social stigma placed on people suffering from food insecurity and poverty. “We’ve developed a very easy process. We didn’t want to be invasive at all.” The organization has cooperated with University Dining to create a program where students can donate one of their guest meals to those who need it through SOS. The non-profit wants to use this program, as well as their meal scholarship and coordinated events, to raise awareness, fight the social stigma against the poor and help students find sustainable solutions to food insecurity in the community.

“We advocate a more long-term solution. Right now, students in need are really only receiving a couple meals a week through us,” says Tauras. Still, the organization’s uphill battle against food insecurity is far from hopeless.

“We do have homeless students.”

SOS was founded by a group who won a DifferenceMaker challenge. That challenge had yielded $7,000 dollars to their recently-launched organization. They’ve continued to raise money through spreading awareness and using UML’s independent crowdsourcing program Hawk Hatch. They have also planned to get help through “Entrepreneurship For All,” (formerly known as “Merrimack Valley Sandbox”). “Entrepreneurship For All” is a non-profit that gathers local businesses and tries to help entrepreneurs, which could help with economic issues in Lowell. SOS also has corporate sponsorship from Chowder Factory, #CollegePower and MinutemanPress International Inc. Support Our Students has also received cash donations from around 200 students. While these numbers may seem small against the alarming statistics of impoverished students, keep in mind that the organization was just launched last month. The launch has been planned since December of 2013 and SOS plans on only growing from here. In order to get an idea of what they were up against, they released a campus survey at the end

SGA president comments on “Share Fresh Air” Michael Caizzi Connector Staff

UMass Lowell’s recent campus-wide ban on smoking has created a great deal of controversy among students. The initiative for the ban began last fall and successfully went into effect this semester, leaving both smokers and non-smokers in confusion about its execution and enforcement. Student Government Association (SGA) president Amanda Robinson emphasized that this was strictly a cultural initiative. The ban is part of an effort to create a culture of non-smoking on campus, rather than an enforced rule. According to Robinson, there were no measures taken to hand out fines or citations. “We don’t want to fine any students who smoke, we want it to become a social norm,” said Robinson. Students, both smokers and non-smokers, were quick to criticize the ban and its execution. Martin Wyatt, a smoker on campus, says he has not been influenced by the ban at all. “It’s a joke,” said Wyatt. “They got rid of the ashtrays and called it smoke-free. With no negative consequences, there is no ban, just more litter.” Wyatt also stated he would be in favor of designated smoking areas on campus. Fritz Sylvester, a nonsmoker who was in favor of the ban, was unhappy with its execution. Sylvester said, “If there’s a ban, obviously they should enforce it somehow. It’s common sense.” Sylvester, who is very against smoking, indicated he would

be in favor of designated smoking areas, allowing “everyone to be happy.” Also critical of the ban was Camden Chapdelaine, who is a smoker. Chapdelaine felt that students’ opinions were not accurately represented by the SGA in this initiative, referring to the results of a survey conducted via email last fall. The survey, which was sent to every student,

“We want it to become a social norm.”

indicated that around 2,000 students were in favor of a smoke-free campus, in a university of 17,000 students. “It was very clearly not based on the feeling of the majority, who honestly probably didn’t give a crap who smoked,” Chapdelaine said. Stephanie Chaddock, a nonsmoker, felt the ban is causing more harm than good through litter alone. With the ashtrays gone, students who are still smoking on campus are left with nowhere to throw their cigarette butts, making much more litter than there needs to be. “Kids are still smoking,” says Chaddock, “so if they’re not going to enforce it they should have at least left the ashtrays. The campus is a mess.” Chaddock was in favor of designated smoking areas, which “would solve all the problems.” If you have questions for the author, he can be contacted through email at michael_caizzi@student.uml.edu.

of August. From the sample, 24 percent of students were experiencing food insecurity. A mentor to the program, Professor Khanh Dinh, was the primary investigator of the survey. All of this planning, coordination with other organizations and searching for funds has kept the founders, workers and volunteers for SOS very busy. “It’s been a crazy three months,” says Tauras, in reference to this past summer in which they were gearing up for the fall launch. In addition to operating their meal scholarship and donation program, SOS has coordinated with others to create events intended to spread awareness. On Thursday, Oct. 23 there will be a blindfolded food-tasting contest where participants will have to guess which food is the healthiest. This is done in collaboration with UTEC, as they’re letting SOS use their café for the event. SOS will also host an event in preparation for National Food Day on Friday, Oct. 24. “Poverty is stigmatized,” says Tauras. The ultimate goal of these events is to battle against poverty and food insecurity and to create a culture where students in need can ask for help according to Tauras. If you have any comments or questions for the author email david_rudderham@student.uml.edu


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September 30, 2014

Page 5

NEWS

DifferenceMaker is bringing ideas of students, community to life Al Gentile Connector Editor

and project director, brings up the Idea Challenge, a competition that is independently judged where groups vie for seed money. At this competition teams compete to win funding for their ideas, money which comes from

alumni and other donors who want to give students and community members resources to encourage change in society. Butler talks about leading teams to this competition to develop their ideas: “If they come to us, we guide them through the idea challenge process, teach ™ them more the business way of Entrepreneurship Month defining problem, opportunity, talking to people.” Events “Our main goal is to try to create DifferenceMaker Season Kick Off an environment for entrepreneurEntrepreneurial Speaker Series: ship and innovation on campus,” Tech Start-Ups Pho says. Pho and Butler meaEntrepreneurial Speaker Series: sure their success by how many Art & Music Start-Ups people approach them to seek out UMass Lowell Creative Venture Competition Registration through Email to Francis_Talty@uml.edu success, not by counting winners. DCU/MBS Innovation Contest “I think one of our goals is to Registration online https://innovation.dcu.org/Umass-Lowell or email to UMLinnovations@dcu.org create a social responsibility ethos Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition within our students,” Butler said. Registration through Email to Nancy_Ficarra@uml.edu Pho and Butler couldn’t stress DifferenceMaker program at the Fall Festival enough that DifferenceMakWorkshop Series: er is open to all majors, and Business Model that they look to bring students Entrepreneurial Speaker Series: from all studies to engage in Non-Profit Start-ups interdisciplinary ideas to live that DCU/MBS Innovation Contest Executive Summary Due ethos. Entrepreneurial Speaker Series: On Thursday Oct. 9, DifferSeed Funding Source on Campus enceMaker will be having their UMass Lowell Creative Venture Competition Executive Summary Due season kickoff from 6 p.m. to Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition 7:30 p.m. at the Saab Emerging Executive Summary Due Technologies and Innovation Entrepreneurial Speaker Series: Center at Perry Hall; students MV Sandbox Program Entrepreneurial Speaker Series: will showcase their ideas and Intellectual Property Protection have a vital opportunity to 2015 DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge network with other students, Registration Open Submit online at www.uml.edu/differencemaker faculty and alumni. DCU/MBS Innovation Contest For more information on Competition Day DifferenceMaker or the Idea ChalUMass Lowell Creative Venture Competition Competition Day lenge, contact Holly Butler or Ha Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition Pho at Holly_Butler@uml.edu and Competition Day Ha_Pho@uml.edu.

Have you ever had an idea for a business or a non-profit that, with just a little help and guidance, could turn into the next big thing? Have you ever wanted to bring the right people and resources together to work towards a positive change in the community? Is there an entrepreneurial spirit inside all Date/Times Location of us that just needs a little push? October 9, 2014 Atrium, SAAB ETIC, North 6 – 7:30 p.m. Enter DifferenceMaker. October 16, 2014 University Crossing 490 Located next to the Starbucks 6 – 7 p.m. on North Campus, DifferenceOctober 21, 2014 O’Leary Mezzanine, South Maker is equal parts think-tank, 6 – 7 p.m. resource center and counseling October 24, 2014 Deadline service to bring big ideas to life. “DifferenceMaker is a program that aims to create an innovation and entrepreneurship environment on campus,” project October 25, 2014 Tsongas Arena Lawn 2 – 6 p.m. manager Ha Pho says. It invites October 28, 2014 University Crossing 490 students with innovative ideas to 6 – 8 p.m. work with them to build those October 29, 2014 University Crossing 490 ideas into organizations or start6 – 8 p.m. ups to begin making a difference November 3, 2014 Deadline in the community. November 4, 2014 O’Leary Mezzanine, South DifferenceMaker offers a 6 – 7 p.m. wide range of services for those November 10, 2014 Deadline with the entrepreneurial itch. Workshops for building ideas, identifying problems and November 13, 2014 University Crossing 490 6 – 7 p.m. drawing solutions are the backNovember 18, 2014 Kitson 309, North bone of what they do. 6 – 7 p.m. “We examine the problem the December 1, 2014 solution is trying to solve and what kind of opportunities that December 3, 2014 Atrium, SAAB ETIC, North come out of that problem that 6 – 9 p.m. haven’t been served,” Pho said. O’Leary 222, South They also offer coaching for December 4, 2014 Cumnock Hall, North student and community teams 6 – 9 p.m. for whenever problems arise in their development process. Holly Butler, entrepreneurial initiatives FOR FULL CONTEST DETAILS, VISIT: www.uml.edu/differencemaker

DifferenceMaker

Questions? Email DifferenceMaker@uml.edu


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September 30, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

Fat Chicken defeats competition ►Continued from front page

“And then we got started and I was like, ‘Okay, everyone’s going about the same pace.’ When the first guy got up and I wasn’t even halfway done, I was like, ‘I’m just going to take the free meal right now.’” As for the sandwich, Lafontant said the Fat Chicken did not faze him, as he had successfully eaten one in the past. “Honestly, I didn’t think it would be too bad,” he said. “It didn’t look so intimidating at first. I’ve eaten this kind of sandwich before.” To win the contest, Saboury took an approach that no others had thought of at the start of the Marlon Pitter/Connector

Saede Saboury took first place in the Fat Chicken Eating Contest.

competition: Saboury hydrated his sandwich by says he sees himself competing in other eating consoaking it in a large Taco Bell cup filled with water. tests in the future. “I saw the bread was very crispy and hard,” Sab“If you ask any of my friends, they know I love oury said. “I don’t know if it had been sitting out, eating,” Saboury says. “I’m down to participate just but I just decided to moisten it up a little bit and for the food.” [figured it’d] be easier to swallow.” As both a spectator and employee, Agyemang While most spectators were there to enjoy the says he was pleased with the turnout of the event competition, Vanessa Adebayo says she was skep- and watching it unfold. tical to some competitors’ motives for entering the “CAPA originated it, but we took the idea and contest. embraced it and took it to a whole new level to“It’s funny how some people came for free food,” night,” Agyemang said. said Adebayo, “but shout-out to the winner; I don’t know how he did it and didn’t throw up.” Duvivier Guignard, another contestant, says he was motivated to complete the challenge, but the sandwich may have been the true incentive: “I like the Fat Chicken. I got a good meal out of it.” Like Adebayo, Fox Common employee Nana Agyemang says he also noticed differences between many of the students who entered the competition. “I think it’s always cool to see who’s eating [to win] and who’s actually eating for the fun of it,” he said. On the heels of victory in the Fat Chicken EatMarlon Pitter/Connector ing Contest and earning a 100-dollar prize, Saboury Two competitors were ready for their chance to take on the Fat Chicken.

Work Study: The Kids Corner ever meet. She was also missing her two front teeth so she looked extra innocent. One day, I was working behind the welcome desk The best words to see on your financial aid packwhen Janet came up to the window with a white age are “work study.” box in her hand. Now, if you’re smart, you’d get on the work-study “Can you hold my marbles at my daddy’s desk?” search immediately. If you procrastinate like me, she asked. you get stuck with whatever job is left. I had the “Of course,” I said. And just as I put my hands lovely opportunity to work at The Kids Corner, an out to take the box from her, she opened it and gave after-school program for kids six to 12 years old. me the biggest marble in the bunch. The day I went in She was so sweet. for my interview, I saw Soon after, Janet’s mom came to a brawl between five pick her up, and there was hysterical boys, all under the age crying coming from the girls’ coat of seven, over which room. Legos belonged to Kelsey had lost her box of marwhom. bles, or at least that’s what she had Every Monday, thought. What she hadn’t thought of Wednesday and Friwas that Janet had stolen her box of day, I spent six hours marbles, and that I was an accomwith over 150 kids. On plice. Janet had done something a regular basis, I would similar to this before, so Jeremy deal with crying, wasn’t shocked at all. fighting and the occaAbout a month later, I came in sional puking on the and dropped my belongings behind staircase. At The Kids the welcome desk and went to set up Corner, if a child misin the art room. When I came back, behaved they would Jeremy handed me my wallet and be sent to the time-out said, “Count to see if you’re missing wall. It never amountanything, Janet went through your ed to enough of a punpurse.” ishment to keep them After my work study was over, out of further trouble, Courtesy Photo they tried to hire me. I kindly deas the wall was never Misbehaving children can be a source of frustration for those appointed to supvervise them. clined. without children. Melissa Almonor UML Student

And surprisingly, a co-worker of mine, Jeremy, had two misbehaving children, Michael and Janet. Michael was the oldest and was often sent to the time-out wall for talking back and saying repeatedly, “You’re not my mom. You can’t tell me what to do.” Michael may have been a handful, but it was Janet who was really smart. Janet was the cutest blonde-haired, green-eyed six year old you would

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CAMPUS LIFE Roommate Wars: The Free Spirit To live on campus means to co-exist in a tiny room with one other person: your roommate The next morning Natalie and Rebecca said their goodbyes with anticipation for the upcoming school UML Student year. The two made sure to exchange numbers and My friend Natalie began her freshman year at immediately began texting one another. college in 2009. She met her roommate, Rebecca, A few weeks later, the two met up again, but this through orientation. The night of orientation, all of time in their official dorm room. They spent all afthe incoming freshmen got the chance to spend the ternoon decorating the walls with zebra-print evnight in the dorms to get a feel for college life. That erything. night, Rebecca and Natalie hit it off and found out Everything seemed to be going well until they they had a lot in common. They were both from out actually started living together. The first morning of state, and they were both education majors who after moving in, Natalie woke up to Rebecca in her wanted to go on to teach elementary school. birthday suit. “Morning, roomie,” Rebecca said. “Wanna get something to eat?” After a brief moment of silence, Natalie responded. “Yeah, let me just get dressed,” she said as she got out of bed. Natalie tried not to flinch while Rebecca seemed to be touching everything in their room. Rebecca was about 5’5”. She had long blond hair, brown eyes and didn’t like wearing clothes to bed; and, unfortunately for Natalie, Rebecca didn’t Courtesy Photo see the rush in getting College roomates can easily become best friends or complete strangers. Melissa Almonor

The Vending Machine Sam Linstead-Atkinson UML Student

That smell is in the air again, The antiseptic surfaces surrounding, And in the White Room You’re dying. The light is so unnatural, Shadows slide along the floor. The evening air is ushered out. A lovely thought dances in your mind-That dreamy state that frightens me. A smile slides and rewinds across your face. D3 gets stuck in the vending machine, I have no money left. I feel everything At once. My fist pierces The clear plastic shield, The anger swallows My vision, Something pulses on my tongue. I almost scream, The taste of grief lingers in my teeth, My cheeks sting, My eyes stick to other people. How can I hear laughter, When peace itself is dying? When beauty ups and leaves? When all my sanity escapes me?

The room is thick and viscous. Do I just drive myself home? That smell is in the air, How can I live on? Have I now forgotten how to walk? I stumble like a drunk. And out the door, I’m running somewhere. The parking lot is an ocean I’d love to drown And resurface somewhere new. The hot pavement against my face, The blood running from my lip, And that skateboarder laughing, I will lie here until my insanity recedes, I’ll live this life until it kills me.

dressed first thing when she woke up. Sooner rather than later, Rebecca felt absolutely comfortable being completely naked in the tiny dorm room they shared together. Every morning, Natalie would wake up to Rebecca getting her school things together in the nude before getting dressed and heading out. Because of the extreme openness of her roommate, Natalie avoided having guests spend the night. Every once in a while, Rebecca would go home for the weekend and Natalie would take full advantage of the space to herself. One Saturday night while Rebecca was away, Natalie invited a few friends to sleep over. At one a.m., Natalie and her friends walked into the dorm to find Rebecca fast asleep on top of the covers. After the initial shock, the ladies left and decided to stay in another dorm that night. Natalie, being the sweetie that she is, didn’t have the heart to say anything. She began to spend as little time as possible in the room they shared together.


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September 30, 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Indie Game Spotlight: puzzle platformer ‘Antichamber’ Brendan Jacques Connector Contributor

Created by developer Alexander Bruce as a labor of love, “Antichamber” is a first-person puzzle-platformer designed to mess with your head in every way possible. Dropped into a labyrinth with no context or clues to their surroundings, the player is tasked with exploring their environment in order to find the lone exit which, tantalizingly, can be seen just beyond a window in the starting room. However, getting to that exit is no easy task as the labyrinth is designed specifically to mess with your mind. How, you may ask? Well, the labyrinth doesn’t confine itself to real-world logic: constantly breaking the laws of physics, geometry, and general reasoning helps to throw the player off the trail. For example, early in the game I was going through a plain white hallway when I came to two staircases, one going up, one going down. For the time being I chose to go down the second staircase only to find myself once again standing in a plain white hallway in front of two staircases. After several tries going up and down staircase after staircase, it occurred to me to try turning around and going up the staircase behind me; I turned, only to find the staircase had vanished and revealed a new area for me to explore.

That example is one of the many different ways “Antichamber” successfully confounded me over the eight hours I spent with the game. The puzzles only get more complex the deeper into the maze you move, with paintings acting as doorways, glowing eyes that transport you into new areas and doors that only exist while you can see them. What makes the game brilliant, though, is that,

is the reason for many of the game’s shortcomings. From a graphical standpoint, the game is nothing to boast about. The majority of the labyrinth is painted in monochromatic black and white with primary reds, blues, and greens used to highlight important details; while the effect serves its purpose, it isn’t very visually interesting and led to eye strain after a two-hour play session. The game also lacks any kind of musical score, instead opting to fill the background with natural white noise, birds chirping, wind blowing, etc. This comes off as a bit lazy, though, to be fair, a normal game score might have taken away from the game as a whole. Overall, while the graphics and sound aren’t very good and the puzzles themselves jump in difficulty a little too much around the midpoint, if you’re interested in playing a game that will push your mind way outside of its comfort zone, Photo Courtesy of Antichamber-Game.com “Antichamber” is well worth the purchase. The game is availfor all its complexity, it very clearly follows a fixed able on PC and Mac for $20. set of rules and all the areas of the maze follow those rules - it just leaves the player to figure out those rules for themselves. It’s impressive how well designed the game is for having been developed by only one guy. Final Grade: B Sadly, the fact it was made by only one developer

UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Yik Yak Attack: week three Henry St. Pierre Connector Staff

This is week three of the Yik Yak Attack section of the Connector, and this means three times the fun! Just kidding, this section’s always lots of fun. It’s been another week of humorous, grotesque, and disturbing Yaks, and I have once again had the privilege of weeding out some of the best posts for Connector-reading humans to enjoy. There are no standard criteria for these posts whatsoever and bias is completely in play, but I do the work by scrolling on my phone so I make the decisions. Perhaps your Yak made the list. If it did, props to me for including it. Let’s begin! (You know the disclaimer by now, but it’s my obligation to note that the truly extreme Yaks can’t exactly be posted. I also leave any grammatical or spelling errors, as they are to ensure truthful reporting. Also, I censor any Yak that needs to be censored because this is a university newspaper and not your dad’s barbershop.) “A white girl saw her shadow today which means six more weeks of pumpkin spiced lattes” “It’s weird how British people say ‘lift’ instead of ‘elevator’ just like how my dad says ‘you’re a disappointment’ instead of ‘I love you’.” “I don’t go to school here I’m just a construction worker but I have to say you guys are all out of your minds.”

“Shout out to the kid that burst into our class 20 minutes late all sweaty, asked when our paper was due and when the teacher said next Tuesday just got up and left #NoF***sGiven” “That moment when u see a girl walk into a pole as she is trying to take a selfie>>>” “Professor who make C the correct answer 5 times in a row, you’re the reason why I have trust issues.” “Don’t expect me to be mature if you have a white board on your door” “Today’s been great! Girls keep winking at me, with both their eyes” “Due on Monday. Do on Monday” “My professor told us he likes to stay up until midnight to watch students miss the deadline. Chill out satan” “Just watched a girl google “can you get pregnant through your jeans”… WTF YOU ARE IN COLLEGE”

“If only 15 minutes could save me 15% or more on my exam grade”

“UML>IOS8”

“today I had to inform my roommate that dry shampoo, deodorant, and a lot of perfume isn’t the same as a shower. he hasn’t showered in 2 weeks”

“UML>Amherst” “UML>Harvard”

“If you high school tour groups wana see what this college is really like, just scroll on yik yak.”

“a rare species: a student walking to an 8am with a smile on their face”

Bryce Vine sets ‘Trend’ at UML

Emily Toomey Connector Contributor

Milford, NH-based band Hold Ups hosted an EP release show on Friday, Sept. 16 at the 119 Gallery in Lowell. Hold Ups pride themselves on being a sloppy melodic hardcore pop-punk band and they certainly live up to the title. For fans of sad songs about your hometown or just pop-punk in general, this was the show for you. The other acts included Coven, Settler, Dead Ocean, Landing Feet First and The Dirty Looks. Every band put on a great show and The Dirty Looks even covered Fall Out Boy’s infamous “Sugar We’re Goin’ Down.” Coven, from Lowell, was the first act to perform and they put on a great show. Bands such as Paramore and We Are The In Crowd are known for having a female lead singer, and Coven is similar in that regard. To get a taste of the band, check out the video they recently released for their song “Nothing Sticks.” Next up was Settler, who has a more hardcore vibe, resembling bands such as A Day To Remember and Beartooth. Their set attracted the most moshing someone even got a bloody nose while crowd surfing. Landing Feet First was definitely my favorite act of the night. Their lyrics are deep, much like Real Friends. They consider themselves to be “melodramatic ambient radness.” I feel their lyrics are the most relatable and, to be honest, somewhat sappy. The Dirty Looks also have a similar aesthetic to Landing Feet First, with standard pop-punk lyrics such as, “I’ll stay where you want me to stay if you’ll say you’re not fading away.” That song, “Skin/Bones,” was clearly a crowd favorite, shown by the crowd chanting along. Headliners Hold Ups were the last to perform and definitely closed the show with a bang. Naturally, everyone was most excited to watch them. Everyone there was able to receive a free copy of their EP “Living.” They played songs from their new EP and the crowd was extremely receptive. Hold Ups’ drummer, Al, was also seen during previous sets crowd surfing and moshing, as he usually is. To anyone that couldn’t attend: you missed a great night. It was certainly a show to remember.

“UML is more of a wifi-free campus than it is a smoke-free campus”

“Yo construction worker, why you watering the bridge?”

“I got 99 problems and their all due at 11:59pm”

“UML > the moon”

Hold Ups EP release

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Regina Alongi Connector Editor

Courtesy of Facepalm Games

Photo Courtesy of Meg Makiej UML music student Tom Berak performs with his band Landing Feet First.

Party-goers, college kids and teenage girls take notice – if you see the name Bryce Vine again, do not be surprised. Bryce and his partner-in-crime, DJ Skizz Markie, graced the stage at UMass Lowell’s brand new Moloney Hall, located on the second floor of University Crossing this past Saturday, Sept. 27. Opening the show was Lowell-born-andraised Professor Lyrical. True to his moniker, Lyrical is actually a math professor at Northeastern University, having earned his master’s degree in mathematics here at UML. From his incredible freestyles to his intricate lyrics, Lyrical had the crowd both bouncing to the beat and watching in awe. Onstage he noted that a group of his students from NEU were in attendance, which shows the affect he has on his students. He has strong passions for teaching, rapping and music in general, which shows in every conversation had with him; he strives to use these three together to educate the masses. Up next was the headliner, nationally touring “hip-pop” artist Bryce Vine. Though the name isn’t familiar to you now, his tunes will be gracing your top 40 radio stations soon. However, if his name is familiar, maybe you heard it while watching the 2014 X-Games – his song “Where The Wild Things Are” was the official theme song. LA raised and Berklee educated, Vine has a musical style similar to that of Shwayze and Gym

Class Heroes. He does a great job of bridging the gap between pop music and hip-hop, making his

“Lazy Fair.” Through the show, he performed the entirety of the EP, which included the fun “Sour Patch Kids,” a tune that makes reference to being a kid, listening to a Walkman and “chillin watchin’ Rocko’s modern livin’ wishin I could find a way to bring back Music Television.” The tune also features Swizz on trumpet, which was an exciting change in live instrumentation from just turntable and vocals. Though the EP is loaded with catchy hooks, “Take Me Home” may be the most likely to get stuck in your head upon first listen. The lyrics of the chorus, “Hey, we don’t really got another place to go, and I know you don’t want to sleep alone, so take me home tonight,” are both cliché but relatable. This song demonstrates another example of the instrumentation straying away from the typical rap kind, featuring Vine singing with a piano track in the background. The duo also performed the unreleased “I Just Wanna Be a Thug,” a song performed over the notable power-chord progression of Green Day’s “Brain Stew,” which went over with the crowd exceptionally. Despite the small crowd, Vine succeeded to put on an entertaining and energetic show, grinning and dancing around the stage with his signature gestures and mannerisms. Their music Regina Alongi/Connector and performance is one that will be remembered and won’t go overlooked next time they are in music friendly to fans of both genres. the area. His set kicked off with the intro track “Welcome to Lazy Fair,” the namesake of his most recent EP,


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ng happeni What’s us on camp th?! this mon SUNDAY

CAMPUS CALENDAR

October MONDAY

29

28

TUESDAY

30

WEDNESDAY

1

2 Second Annual Latin Leadership Panel 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Moloney Hall University Crossing

Piper Kerman from “Orange Is the New Black” Book Signing 6:30 p.m. University Crossing

6

5 Women’s Soccer vs. Binghamton 1:00 p.m. Cushing Field

8

9

Christian Student Fellowship Weekly Worship 7:35p.m. Univ. Suites 106

13

12

7

Holy Mass Moloney Hall, University Crossing 7:00p.m.

14 Christian Student Fellowship Weekly Worship 7:35p.m. Univ. Suites 106

THURSDAY

15

FRIDAY

3

SATURDAY

4

Volleyball vs. University of Albany 6:00 p.m. Costello Gym

10

UMass Lowell Open House 9:30a.m.-1p.m. Tsongas Center

11

Career Fair Prep Workshop with Career Services 5:00 p.m. Dugan Hall 102

Men’s Hockey Home Opener vs. BC 7:00p.m. Tsongas Center

16

17

Men’s Soccer vs. University of Albany 1:00 p.m. Cushing Field

18

Drop-in Resume Makeovers with Career Services 12:00 p.m.4:00p.m. Alumni Hall

Calendar listings are FREE when space is available. To better ensure your listings placement, get your information in two weeks in advance by e-mailing Christopher_Tran@student.uml.edu Continued from Greek Life Omicron Pi (O Pi) – Local fraternity In 1902, when Lowell Textile School was just seven years old, seven men met and formed the first fraternity to be established at the Tech, Omicron Pi. Choosing to remain independent, Οπ was founded with the intention of promoting brotherhood and forming a society of men having common interests and ideals. Our motto, “Unity in Progress,” speaks volumes about what the fraternity stands for. The brothers are dedicated to standing together and always moving forward, not just as an organization, but bettering themselves as human beings. Each member is expected to hold himself and his fellow brothers to a high moral standard. They are committed to having a positive impact on the community and aspire to be upstanding members of said community. Omicron Pi has recently participated in many fundraising charity events for causes such as Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Relay for Life event. Moving forward O Pi intends to continue supporting these and any and all causes they are able to. Phi Kappa Sigma (Phi Kap) – International fraternity Phi Kappa Sigma’s seven core values are trust, honor, respect, knowledge, wisdom, responsibility, and integrity. Phi Kappa Sigma was founded at the University of Pennsylvania in 1850 and has 46 active chapters in the United States and Canada. Sigma Beta Rho (Sig Rho) – National fraternity Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc. is a professional, national, multicultural fraternity. Their vision is “Brotherhood Beyond Barriers,” as their goal is to unite people from

all different races, backgrounds, ethnicities, creeds, religions and beliefs into one brotherhood. What makes an individual unique is not something they try to suppress when someone joins the fraternity, but rather they celebrate and embrace it. Sig Rho prides itself on diversity, as well as their three pillars of society, brotherhood and remembrance. Nothing is more important to them than their community and philanthropy, staying close and connected as brothers and remembering where they came from, as well as those who came before them. Sigma Phi Omicron (Sig O) – Local fraternity Sigma Phi Omicron has always had a high level of commitment to their university, their community and their brotherhood. They promote academic success and are dedicated to helping each member achieve his academic potential. Beyond their involvement on campus, the brothers are extremely active within the community, trying to better it as much as possible. Through tradition, philanthropy and campus lifestyle Sig O provides to its members the highest quality of brotherhood and the most beneficial college experience. Sigma Tau Gamma (STG/Sig Tau) – National fraternity Founded in 1920 at the University of Central Missouri, Sigma Tau Gamma was started by seventeen veterans of World War I, who firmly believed that as social beings, the friendships of college men are lasting ones. In 1992, a colony of Sigma Tau Gamma was created at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, becoming the official Epsilon Delta chapter in April of 1995. Although one of the younger chapters on campus, the Epsilon

Delta chapter strives to uphold the principals and the creed set forth by its founders. Every year Sig Tau holds various philanthropy events, working closest with the Mike McNeil Foundation, a foundation started by brothers and friends of Mike McNeil, a brother of the Epsilon Delta chapter who lost his battle with cancer five years ago. Working with the organization last year, Sig Tau helped raise over $20,000 to aid cancer research. Below is a statement from UMass Lowell Greek Council: Since Greek Life has become re-affiliated with the school, the number of students in Greek Life has doubled. At the beginning of each semester, Greek Life comes together to host Greek Week where we have multiple events to benefit the whole campus. While each organization does their own community service events, we also work together as a whole to help the community. Every spring we do a community clean up and every fall we help at the Pawtucket Congregational Church by helping unload their shipment of pumpkins for their annual Pumpkin Patch fundraiser. Within the past year we had an alcohol awareness event where we raised money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a Jail and Bail at a hockey game that raised $1,182 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This year we are hosting Up ’Til Dawn, which is a fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This event is held at college campuses across the nation, but this is the first time it is at UMass Lowell. On November 8th at University Crossing, the doors will open at 11 p.m. and starting at 12 a.m. all participants will be celebrating their hard work with fun challenges against other teams throughout the night!

Now, a statement from the Greek Alumni Council: The primary purpose of the Greek Alumni Council (GAC) is to aid the University in fostering the relations amongst the undergraduate student body, the active Greek students, and the Greek alumni for the perpetuation of Greek life. The GAC also serves as an advisory board to the undergraduate Greek Council and to assist the active Greek Life in accessing the opportunities and resources granted by the University for the promotion and welfare of a stronger Greek life. GAC is proud to take part in many events on campus including Homecoming weekend, a Greek Alumni Gala, and speaker series. The speaker series is an event for active Greeks, Greek alumni and Greek affiliates to learn more about career possibilities and future directions for a specific major from graduates currently working in that field. Last year, the School of Engineering was featured and this Nov. the School of Business will be featured. It is a great opportunity for students to make networking connections and receive answers to any questions they may have. Members of GAC can also be found at events hosted by the actives of Greek life and at hockey games. If you see a member, do not be afraid to introduce yourself and ask any questions you may have! We look forward to meeting you! Next week you can expect a Q&A with various Greek life members as well as random students as we continue to address this and continue to openly show the student body who we are and what we stand for. Thank you for reading!


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SPORTS

Fantasy advising center: week 5 Shane Foley Connector Editor

Congratulations, fantasy players! You have now arrived at one of the busiest weeks in the season. This is where you should start creeping on the free agents page a lot. After four weeks of football, we are now aware of certain players who might have not been drafted that will fit your team. Matt Asiata and Rashad Jennings are two off-the-bat players who should be owned in every league. The deepest Courtesy of AP photo

teams at this point in the season get wins. Your team might get a win too if you start/sit these players. Start Em’ Eli Manning: He should still be reeling off of that 300 yard passing game against Washington. It also doesn’t hurt that the Falcons have the 24th ranked passing defense, and are top five in most passing yards allowed for 10 yards or more. Drew Brees: I don’t know why you wouldn’t be starting him, but Tampa Bay gives up the most yardage for passes 10 yards or more. Have fun! Eddie Royal: The Jets defense is making a name for itself by getting lit up. Royal is also very streaky, which leads him to not being owned in a lot of leagues, but he should be having a good day this Sunday. Look for Royal to get into the end zone at least once. Ben Tate: If Cleveland ever gets their prayers answered, Ben Tate’s knee should be good to go. Tennessee gives up the 24th ranked run defense, so Cleveland should run the football. Tennessee also has the 2nd ranked pass defense, so Cleveland should not pass, and run the football. Anquan Boldin: Kansas City has one of the best front-7 squads in the league. The same does not go for their secondary. Teams usually do well against Kansas City when throwing the long ball. Q should Chargers wide reciever Eddie Royal caught two touchdown passes in a week three victory over the Bills.

Field Hockey continued from Front Page

“I know I should have made that save,” said Federico. “That frustration got me going [though].” She would later give up one other goal and make four saves in the game. UC Davis struck again before the half. Jamie Garcia this time took a corner from Linnea Whitney to give the Aggies a 2-1 lead. “We worked a lot on [corners] in practice,” said Federico. The second half started with a bit of controversy on a would-be goal for UMass Lowell. Jones, on a 2-1 breakaway, passed it to Fiona Fitzgerald, who got a shot off. The referee, however, signaled that the ball never crossed the line, indicating that there was no goal. The River Hawks quickly shook it off as Jones scored an unassisted goal later to tie the game at two points apiece. Neither team could settle the score in regulation. They would therefore have to face what would turn out to be a long overtime. UMass Lowell dominated time of

possession in overtime. They had the ball deep in the other end, but couldn’t quite put the ball in. “It stinks not scoring,” said Jones. “We just wanted the game to end.” Later in the game, UC Davis played a corner that gave the crowd a scare. The ball was played, and a UC Davis Aggie received the pass from behind the circle. She then sent the ball in, but nobody got a stick on it when it broke the defense. It got past the net, and the crowd reacted like UC Davis had just won the game, but the referee called it a no-goal since it was shot from behind the circle. The game was almost looking at double overtime with three minutes to go. It was then when Chelsea Chronopoulos passed the ball to Jones, who dribbled around her defender and put the ball in the cage that put the game to bed. Jones sealed her hat trick, and UML sealed their fourth victory. When asked about what this win does for the team, Jones simply said, “It gets us prepared for our next game on Tuesday.”

UMass Lowell celebrates their overtime victory vs. UC Davis on Saturday.

get at least a couple long looks. Sit Em’ Denarius Thomas: Arizona’s defense is proving to be for real. Their entire squad is putting in work, but more specifically, Patrick Peterson will be on Thomas. Beyond that, Manning has other options. Nick Foles: It’s not like he will do badly. Only one other team has worse run defense than the Rams. Ergo, they will feed Shady McCoy the ball, and probably end up with an early lead. Foles won’t need to throw that much. Sammy Watkins: I know Detroit’s secondary is hurt. A lot of people will play Watkins for that reason. However, Detroit’s secondary did a pretty good job with the Packers two weeks ago. That front four will be pressuring Manuel all day. The Bills will need short options, not Watkins over the top. Stevan Ridley: Last time the Bengals played the Pats, New England only scored six points. Looking for revenge, New England may air it out. Also, Cincinatti’s run defense is still considerably stout, and Ridley is…Ridley. Tony Romo: I know I usually say to start him. Now is not the week for Romo-time. Dallas still has trouble protecting Romo, and Houston has Merciless and Watt. Conversely, Houston cannot stop the run for free gift cards at Sal’s Pizza. Murray will have a good game, Romo will not.


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September30, 5, 2014 September

SPORTS Men’s soccer ends skid with win over Sacred Heart UMass Lowell Athletics

LOWELL, Mass. – Guilherme Rodrigues (Lowell, Mass.) scored the decisive goal in the first half, and the UMass Lowell men’s soccer team ended its five-game losing skid with a 2-0 win against Sacred Heart University. In the 22nd minute, Carlos Ruiz (East Boston, Mass.) won a loose ball around midfield and sent a through ball to Rodrigues, sending him on a breakaway. Near the edge of the 18-yard box, two defenders closed in on the striker, and after a few steps into the box he sent a low shot into the bottom left corner. The River Hawks (3-7-0) had two great scoring chances earlier in the half, in the 13th and 14th minutes respectively. Wuilito Fernandes (Praia, Cape Verde) made a move in the box to get around a defender and sent a shot past the Pioneer (0-8-1) keeper, but it glanced off the post. The rebound got out to Homero Morais (Somerville, Mass.) who was standing about 20 yards out and sent a rocket on target but Tucker Hackett made a leaping save. Head Coach Christian Figueroa continues to be impressed as his young team grows throughout the season as the losing streak came to an end, and as they earned their first home win of the season. “It’s good, we agree that it’s been a long time coming. We’ve had a couple close games, tight ones at home especially. We’re still young and still growing, we’re still trying to find our way. We had a couple young guys step up for us today, but again we have a long way to go.” Both teams had seven shots in the first 45 minutes, and Austin Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) shut the door making saves on all four shots that reached him. During the second half both teams played to not make any more mistakes, but Sacred Heart almost fell behind 2-0 in the 64th minute. After a foul on the Pioneers Fernandes lined up to take a free kick from 25 yards out. The shot looked destined for the back of the net, but Hackett came up big for the visitors again; knocking the ball off the post. UMass Lowell finally got the insurance goal the team needed off the foot of Bryan Amaris (West Haven, Conn.) in the 81st minute. Morais found Amaris streaking down the left wing towards the box and fed him a ball that sent the sophomore on a breakaway. The goalie came out to challenge and Amaris buried the shot into the bottom right corner.

Sacred Heart outshot the River Hawks 15-12, but Kroll shut the door with eight saves. The decision was Kroll’s third collegiate win and second career shutout. Hackett made four saves for the visitors. Rodrigues and Fernandes led the team with three shots and Mahmoud Kafel had a game-high four shots for the Pioneers. The win gives UMass Lowell its third on the season, and even though last year’s team did not have three until the end of October, Figueroa is more focused on the momentum going into conference play. “It’s big, not only because it’s the third win, but because it’s a win leading into conference play. I think that’s more important for us, we just got to make sure we’re on a high note.” The River Hawks will have a week off before opening their America East schedule on the road with a clash against the Retrievers of UMBC on October 4.

U P C OM I N G

River Hawk Games Tuesday, Sept. 30

6 pm

F. Hockey at Harvard

Tuesday, Sept. 30

7 pm

Volleyball at Bryant

Thursday, Oct. 2

6 pm W. Soccer at Hartford

Friday, Oct. 3

7 pm

Volleyball vs. Albany

Saturday, Oct. 4

1 pm

F. Hockey vs. Albany

Saturday, Oct. 4

7 pm

M. Soccer at UMBC

For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com

River Hawks down NJIT, 3-1, in home opener UMass Lowell Athletics

LOWELL, Mass. -- Freshman outside hitter Masha Yelsukova (Santa Clara, Calif.) notched a match-high 16 kills to lead the UMass Lowell women’s volleyball team to a 3-1 victory (23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-20) against NJIT in its home opener on Saturday afternoon at Costello Athletic Center. With the victory, the River Hawks improve to 2-15 overall on the season, while the Highlanders fall to 4-12 overall. “There is a lot of adrenaline that goes into your first home match, so we just talked about using it and we wanted to come out fired up,” said Head Coach Resa Provanzano. “We keep talking about playing like the score is 0-0, we need people to step up, want the ball and want to put it away. We saw people start working harder, transitioning and wanting to be available in helping open things up

for our setter and give her a lot of options, which helped out a lot. It’s great to finally be at home and I love the energy and hope that we can capture that energy all the time and use it as a learning experience.” Seniors Ella Merrill (Bermuda Dunes, Calif.) and Anisa Smith (Moraga, Calif.) also finished the match with 13 (.419 hit%) and 12 kills (.344 hit%), respectively. Smith also totaled a team-high 16 digs in the win for the River Hawks, while junior setter Kylee Chun ran the River Hawks’ offense with 43 assists and 10 digs. Senior libero Hannah Rey (San Diego, Calif.) and freshman defensive specialist Mallorie McIver (Austin, Texas) both anchored the UMass Lowell defense with 12 and 11 digs,

respectively. UMass started the first set with a 6-0 lead on the strong serving of Chun, but NJIT went on an 8-1 run to end the match. The River Hawks notched 15 kills to go along with a .256 hitting percentage to take the third set by a 25-21 score. Smith ended the match with a service ace to give the River Hawks their first Division I victory at home. The River Hawks return to action on Friday, October 3rd against conference foe Albany at the Costello Athletic Center (7 p.m.).


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