Volume IV, Issue X

FIRST PLACE AWARD WINNERS

FROM THE

NEW YORK PRESS ASSOCIATION & AMERICAN SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION

Pace Chronicle The

VOLUME IV, ISSUE X

PACE UNIVERSITY, PLEASANTVILLE/BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY

WWW.PACECHRONICLE.COM

Students for Justice in Palestine Recognized EMILY WOLFRUM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Students for Justice in Palestine organization (SJP) was officially recognized by Student Government Association (SGA) on Fri., Nov. 7, according to SGA Executive Vice President Dan Garcia.

This establishment follows the creation of an SJP chapter at the Pace New York campus this past spring.

Both the Pace Pleasantville and New York chapters of SJP share advisor Dr. Susan Maxam, Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Education.

The organization, which exists on multiple college campuses nationwide, seeks to educate and advocate for ongoing Palestinian issues.

“I think a lot of people are misinformed and uneducated about the issues, so I thought SJP would be a great way to break those stereotypes and misconceptions,” said founder and President of the Pleasantville organization Nihal Al Qawasmi.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 “SJP”

Parking Lot F Closed

TAYLOR LONGENBERGER NEWS EDITOR

Photo from @PaceU_SJP Students at Pace in New York Cite represnent their chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).

MADP and SNAP Host Ban on Blood Drive KAITLYN SZILAGYI HEALTH EDITOR

Photo from slate.com

I

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

N THIS

ISSUE apdfoundation.org

Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs (MADP) held an informational table about the ban on homosexual men donating blood during the Student Nurses at Pace (SNAP) American Red Cross Blood Drive in Willcox Gym on Nov. 12.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a policy that prohibits MSM (men who have sex with men) from donating blood. According to the FDA website, this policy was created because “MSM are, as a group, at increased risk of HIV, hepatitis B, and certain other infections that can be transmitted by transfusion.”

This policy additionally extends to the donation of certain body tissues, a policy which gained media attention this past

summer when a gay teen’s donated eyes were rejected by the FDA. MADP circulated a petition as part of the Banned4Life campaign, which works toward the change of the FDA’s policy.

According to Banned4Life’s website, “[this policy] affects not just those targeted by the discrimination, but everyone who is in a time of need, desperate to receive a blood transfusion.”

The Banned4Life campaign additionally notes that individuals who have had sexual contact with someone with HIV or viral hepatitis are only deferred for 12 months, rather than a lifetime as is the case with MSM. Rachel Simon, Assistant Director of MADP and LGBTQ Coordinator, explained the reason behind the petition.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 “BLOOD DRIVE”

Master Plan construction caused parking in Lot F to be closed off in order to work on the renovating fields in front of the Vineyard building yesterday.

The Master Plan construction team presented at the Student Government Association Senate meeting on Friday in order to notify students of the yesterday’s parking lot closing and an update was made on the Master Plan app to inform faculty, staff, and other Pace goers.

Due to the renovation of the fields, roughly 400 truckloads of material will be moving to the new area on campus over the next few weeks, with expected 40-50 trucks per day.

“Spots will be lost temporarily during this whole process in order to maintain safety and the contractors will be trying not to mix in with campus traffic,” the Master Plan Site for the Pleasantville Campus Team said.

All traffic should be in lots F and D should be exiting the campus via Miller circle and proceeding to exit 2. They expect 40-50 trucks a day going back and forth.

Vehicular traffic on west side of campus will shift until end of December and should resume normal directional functioning after winter break.

More Master Plan updates can be found on Page 2 of this issue, or on the Master Plan website at www.paceplvmasterplan.com. Updates can also be found on the Pace University mobile Application.

IT’S ALL ABOUT IMAGE

SOCIAL ANXIETY Health Page 5

PACE FOOTBALL WINS

Opinion, Page 4

A controversial photo was recently published to a fraternity’s Instagrem, begging the question: is this what Pace Greek Life is all about?

Experts have discovered that social anxiety can affect student success in schools, causing students to not speak up, to not join clubs, and to be nervous over projects.

The past few years have seen loss after loss for Pace’s Football team. That is, until this Saturday, when Pace football beat Southern Connecticut State University.

Sports Page 8

NEWS

The Pace Chronicle

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 PAGE 2

The Pace Chronicle

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OPINION EDITOR

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HEALTH & BEAUTY EDITOR

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ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

CRISTINA CUDUCO CC08636P@PACE.EDU

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“BLOOD DRIVE” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “There is currently a national shortage of blood, and it is very important for people who are eligible to donate blood,” Simon said. “One solution to the blood shortage is to allow healthy people to donate, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

While the FDA website clarifies that deferral is “based on the documented increased risk of certain transfusion transmissible infections,” and “is not based on any judgment concerning the donor’s sexual orientation,” debate has ensued since the policy’s implementation.

Arguments against the policy

have come from notable sources such as American Association of Blood Banks and America’s Blood Centers. They informed the FDA “that the current lifetime deferral for men is medically and scientifically unwarranted.”

Countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Australia, and Switzerland have changed their policies altogether so that MSM individuals can donate blood.

According to SNAP President Suzanne Allen, the American Red Cross originally contacted Student Development and Campus Activities (SDCA) in the hopes of running a blood drive on this campus. When SDCA reached out to SNAP, the student organization accepted.

“We decided to hold the drive because, as student nurses, we understand the importance of do-

nating blood and want to spread awareness about how donating blood can save lives,” Allen said.

Allen said that the FDA ban on MSM donators was not necessarily reflective of SNAP’s opinions.

“Since SNAP is not actually running the blood drive, we are required to go by whatever standards the American Red Cross has in place in regards to homosexual men donating blood,” Allen said.

“We are not the ones actually making the rules, and we are simply looking for as many people as possible to donate blood.”

The Banned4Life petition is ongoing. Any student interested in signing can visit Banned4Life. org or speak to Rachel Simon.

SGA Meeting Updates: Nov. 14 TAYLOR LONGENBERGER NEWS EDITOR Student Government Association (SGA) met in Miller Lecture Hall Fri., Nov. 14.

Jim Curry represented the Office of Degree Audit in Senate in order to create awareness of the new Degree Works Initiative that will provide aid to students attempting to verify their degrees prior to graduation.

The Office of Degree Audit (ODA) will be changing its title to the Office of Degree Verification due to student confusion about the office’s purpose.

Prototypes of potential classroom furniture were displayed to Senate in order to gain feedback regarding classroom designs.

Additionally, potential classroom layouts were displayed.

These prototypes included collaborative learning style setups,

which are rising in popularity among many preliminary and higher education classrooms.

This style is seen as effective for focused, and interactive learning and productivity. However, the project is still in the preliminary stages of discussion and brainstorming.

The Office of Administration presented regarding the progress of the Master Site Plan for the Pleasantville Campus and what can be expected in the coming weeks.

During this week Pace received a temporary certificate for occupancy of the new environmental center.

The athletics complex work has begun and the baseball field will be completed in February 2015, the multi-purpose field will be completed in March 2015, the softball field in May 2015, and the field house in October 2015.

There was discussion of possible donations to be made by students in order to have a legacy attached to the Master Plan, such as a “Brick Campaign,” however, Senate has tabled discussion on the topic for next week.

Tunnel of Oppression is still in need of volunteers for tour guides, actors, and others that would be willing to help with the general development of the event.

The Tunnel of Oppression Committee will be tabling in Kessel Student Center this week in order to receive feedback from students regarding ways that they have been oppressed.

Students with comments or questions can find the SGA office located near the Higher One office in Kessel Student Center and can also attend the SGA meeting this Fri., Nov. 21.

A Construction Update: The Week of Nov. 16 Environmental Center Complex Construction of the new farm house is still underway. The building exterior work is complete. The framing of the interior walls is underway, along with the mechanical, electrical and plumbing work.

As a reminder, the contractors working on the new farmhouse will need to use the road leading up to the Administration building as their main entrance to the site.

The building is expected to be complete by years end.

Alumni Hall The foundation work for the East Wing of the building will continue through the next few weeks. The steel work in the North Wing has begun and will continue for the next few weeks. Production on the modular units is progressing. You can expect to see the modular boxes on campus in early December. There will be about 6 modular units delivered a day on campus throughout a 14 week period. Approximately 4-6 units will be assembled a day. The units will all be stored behind the construction fence to minimize the impact to the campus. A large crane that

will be approximately 120 feet tall is expected to arrive on campus around December 1 and will be on campus through the middle of February. The crane will be used to erect the modular units.

complete. The rough MEP work on the second level will continue through the next week. The frame for the large glass wall that will overlook and face the pond will be installed this week.

Kessel Student Center The expansion of the Kessel Student Center is underway and is on schedule to be completed in January. The building is really starting to take shape. The roof work for the expansion of the building has begun and will be followed by the work on the existing roof. Asbestos abatement will need to occur prior to the work on the existing roof. The abatement notification that is required by law will be posted in the building 10 days before the works occurs.

Please note that the building will be safe to occupy as the asbestos removal work will be contained outside of the building. . The framing of the exterior walls has begun and will continue for the next few weeks. The framing of the interior walls on the first level and second level is complete. The rough mechanical, electric and plumbing (MEP) work on the first level is

Site Work Due to the unexpected utilities, additional work in the Choate parking lot was needed and the contractors have been working aggressively to complete this work.

The new parking lot is now expected to be completed and open in early December.

There will be a partial road closure at Miller circle starting November 21 through November 23. This is needed to complete the installation of the new sidewalk with curbs and temporarily repave the circle. The contractors will maintain one active lane of traffic in this area at all times and flag persons will be positioned to ensure safe passage. There will be a temporary shift in the pedestrian pathway in this area while this work is being completed. Security guards will also be posted at the site for the duration of this work.

Choate Pond The installation of the new culvert structure on the northern end of the pond will be begin Saturday 11/15 and will continue through the Thanksgiving break. Over the weekend, the temporary slight shift in the pedestrian pathway between the Mortola Library and the Kessel Student Center will be created. The culvert installation is the first step in creating the walking bridge over the pond.

Athletics Erosion control at the baseball field is complete and underway at the multi-purpose field. The baseball field work is expected to have around 50 truck trips a day of fill between the new location of the softball field and the baseball field through December 31, 2014. In order to prevent student, faculty, and staff traffic to interact with the truck traffic, a dedicated route on campus will be established for the trucks. This will require for a section of Parking Lot F (the lot behind Miller and Lienhard Halls) to be taken offline, along with the roadway on the west side of campus which is used to exit the cam-

pus. This is the roadway that circulates through parking lots D and C and follows behind Costello and Dyson Hall to entrance 1. This will require changes to entrance 1 and 2. The road leading to entrance 2 from entrance 1 will become a two way street, so vehicles leaving the west side of campus from Miller and Lienhard can make a left hand turn onto Route 117. These changes will be effective starting Tuesday November 18th. Please see the logistics plan on page 3 that highlights the upcoming changes.

The foundation for the Field House will begin once the permit is received. All of the new athletic facilities are on schedule for completion for the fall 2015 semester with the baseball and multi-purpose field coming online in February.

All work is weather dependent; we will promptly notify the community of any changes.

Information distributed by Pace University. Updates can be found at paceplvmasterplan.com

FEATURE

The Pace Chronicle

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 PAGE 3

Panhellenic Council Welcomes Thirteen Women

HOLLY BERLANDY FEATURED WRITER Pace University’s Panhellenic Council (UPC) welcomed in 13 new sorority women on Mon., Nov. 10.

The sisters of Alpha Lambda Sigma welcomed in the Alpha Zeta class which consisted of Brittany Rodriguez, Christina Sassone, and Natalie Slusher.

Delta Phi Epsilon welcomed in their Delta Tau class which comprised of Maria Biondi, Gina Lora, and Brianna Perriello.

Both Nu Zeta Phi and Sigma Iota Chi made great strides this year in initiating their Omega classes.

Nu Zeta Phi’s Omega class included Cassaundra Gehan, Maia Gordon and Mackenzie Meyers.

Sigma Iota Chi’s Omega class consisted of Kleri Shehu and Amani Taylor.

Lastly, Phi Sigma Sigma had the pleasure of initiating their Beta Theta class which consisted of Meaghan Kane and Stephanie Liu. New Member educators were Lauren Jaworski (Alpha Lambda Sigma), Victoria Zacharuk and assistant Katie Paronich (Delta Phi Epsilon), Sara Annese (Nu Zeta Phi), Sonia Vazquez (Sigma Iota Chi), and Stephanie Georgioudakis (Phi Sigma Sigma).

“SJP” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Al Qawasmi’s SJP interest began while she was still in high school.

Among the misconceptions Al Qawasmi seeks to address is the belief that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is merely a dispute over land “People look at it like a headache, like ‘those people, they just keep fighting over land,’ but it’s not just land—it’s basic human rights,” she said. “It’s more like an oppressed-oppressor relationship than a war.”

SJP Vice President Seja Alkhatib added that even the precise history of the conflict

is something that many do not know.

“Prior to the establishment of Israel, and contrary to popular belief, Palestine had a place on the map. It was home to millions of Palestinians and many Jews living peacefully together,” Alkhatib said.

In addition to combatting misconceptions about Palestinian issues, SJP seeks to eliminate stigma attached to the organization.

“I don’t want people to feel intimidated and think of just the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” she said.

“I don’t want people to feel like they can’t be a part of it.”

Although Al Qawasmi is Palestinian, she notes that SJP’s eboard is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds.

“I had known very little about

the human right’s issues in Palestine myself,” SJP Treasurer Mariah Jusino said, “but after speaking with [Al Qawasmi] and doing a bit more research on my own, I decided SJP was something that I found important and worth being a part of.”

According to Al Qawasmi, this connection to the cause can be made by anyone.

“People don’t know that the [chemicals and tear gas] used on people in Ferguson [Missouri] are always tested on Palestinians.

They’re like lab rats,” Al Qawasmi said. “[We can connect] those two struggles, and show how colonialism and militarism aren’t just third world issues. Oppressed people need to stand together.”

This specific connection was also a topic of conversation at this year’s National SJP Conference

at Tufts University. Al Qawasmi, who attended the conference, noted the impact that a reverend from Ferguson had when he spoke at the event.

“It was one of the most inspiring weekends of my life,” she said. “It motivated me even more to come back [to Pace] and push the recognition process.”

Al Qawasmi was born in Jordan, where her grandparents immigrated to after the establishment of Israel.

“We’re a family of refugees, and knowing the struggles that they went through is the ultimate connection. For me, always having that history and carrying it with me everywhere makes me who I am,” she said. “For people to misinterpret my story, it motivates me to go out there and do whatever I can to educate.”

While Al Qawasmi says she would like to be able to fundraise, limited access to Palestinian borders makes global aid difficult.

SJP’s e-board plans to begin tabling in Kessel to increase awareness of their organization and its presence on campus before hosting events to educate students about issues.

“It is always important for those witnessing unjust actions to speak up for the voiceless.

SJP is about spreading awareness regarding the Palestinian issue to those who are unaware, especially since we are the leaders of tomorrow,” Alkhatib said. “We hope to bring forth many events for the students to participate and engage in, while learning a few new things as well.”

OPINION

The Pace Chronicle

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 PAGE 4

For Greeks, It’s All About Image, Like it or Not EMILY WOLFRUM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Two weeks ago, fraternity Alpha Phi Delta celebrated their centennial anniversary. The same day, Pace Pleasantville’s Gamma Iota chapter posted a number of photo collages to their official, public Instagram, one of which featured a topless woman with their letters, APD, written across her chest.

As I write this, Tue., Nov. 18, the photo remains on their profile, 13 days after its initial posting.

The picture in and of itself presents few concrete problems: the woman seemingly consented to the photo and is likely of-age.

The publishing of nudity and partial nudity can be considered freedom of expression. And, although it is inferably part of a long-held Greek tradition of collecting photos of bare individuals bearing letters, even this cannot be proven or truly considered hazing.

Yet, something about the fraternity’s decision to include this

photo in a public celebration of their organization’s fortitude and longevity still doesn’t seem right.

At a time when Greek organizations are consistently appearing at the wrong end of sex scandals and misogynistic mishaps, the blatant boasting of such a tasteless photo raises serious questions about the way modern fraternities present themselves.

This semester alone, students at schools including Rutgers and Stanford University have called for a major revision or end to Greek life based upon its promotion of rape culture.

According to a study by the NASPA Journal, fraternity members are three times more likely to commit sexual assault than their non-Greek counterparts, while sorority members are also three times more likely than non-Greek women to be victims of the crime.

Several factors contribute to this statistic including the prevalence of alcohol abuse within Greek organizations and the traditional and restrictive binary

gender system its very structure upholds.

Much has been written comparing the Greek pledging system to rape, stating that the coercion of pledging members into activities beyond their control mirrors the power struggle that exists within sexual assault.

While this information is all startling and true, I whole-heartedly believe that it is not an accurate reflection of the Greek organizations on Pace’s campus.

That being said, all students must execute greater caution in the way that they represent themselves publicly, especially on social media.

And, for Greek organizations the responsibility to build good will is much greater. A certain stigma is attached to each individual, the moment they put on Greek letters, whether that be the values they uphold or the negative stereotypes the media has created for them.

The route that you choose is entirely up to you.

Photo from @apdgammaiota instagram A recent photo on Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity’s Instagram page shows a topless woman with their letters, APD, written across her chest.

THIS WEEK’S PACE POLL Do you think that this post was inappropriate? Or does the fraternity have the right to post what they want?

Vote online at PaceChronicle.com, or send a letter to the editor at pacechronicle@pace.edu

HEALTH

The Pace Chronicle

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 PAGE 5

Technology’s Long-Lasting Effects KAITLYN SZILAGYI HEALTH EDITOR Growing up in the information age, and watching younger siblings and cousins grow up in the technological age, various debates have arisen regarding constant academic, professional, and personal use of technology.

One of these issues is the lasting effect that consistent use of technology can have on one’s hearing and vision.

One growing concern is termed by doctors as computer vision syndrome, which creates dry eyes due to a lack of blinking while focusing intently upon a computer screen.

According to the American Optometric Association, symptoms of computer vision syn-

drome include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, as well as neck and shoulder pain.

Computer vision syndrome can be caused by poor lighting, glare on the computer screen, sitting too close to one’s computer screen, poor posture, or a combination of all these.

The best things to do in order avoid computer vision syndrome is be cautious of sitting too close to your computer screen, lower the brightness on your screen, take breaks in the middle of long periods of work, and rest the eyes.

Another concern is hearing and potential hearing loss, specifically given the use of ear bud headphones while listening to music.

Particularly using ear bud headphones at high volume for long periods of time can lead to hearing loss and or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

The reason this happens is because ear bud headphones do not normally block out background or surrounding noise which people do not want to have to hear while listening to music, audio books, etc. Therefore, volume increases until noises such as buses, construction, or conversations are no longer being heard along with music or videos being watched.

New York Times writer Stephen Castle wrote in 2012, “Maximum volume on some devices can generate as much noise as an airplane taking off nearby.”

Castle continued by saying,

“Users listening at high volumes for more than an hour a day each week risk permanent hearing loss after five years.”

This problem can be combated in a few simple ways.

First, over-the-ear headphones are recommended rather than ear bud headphones as they rest outside the ear and do not sit inside the ear.

Furthermore, do not consistently listen to music, videos, recorded lectures, etc. on maximum volume. Try to be aware of how loud your devices are.

If others around you can clearly hear what you are listening to, you are most likely listening too loudly and risking your longterm ability to hear.

Social Anxiety Affects Student Success KAITLYN SZILAGYI HEALTH EDITOR At Pace, as with universities and secondary schools throughout the world, social anxiety is a known concern, keeping several students from getting involved in organizations, pursuing leadership opportunities, or making friends outside the classroom.

Symptoms of social anxiety can be both cognitive and physical and often result in one’s avoidance of social situations altogether due to emotional discomfort, confusion, shaking, pounding heart, muscle tension, and even upset stomach.

The real issue that arises in an academic setting, given the presence of social anxiety, is how it can impact students’ social and academic success. Several studies have been conducted on the

subject.

Researcher and educator Cassie Dobson of Northern Michigan University wrote in 2012, “Students with anxiety problems tend to show lower levels of academic achievement, self-efficacy, and self-concept.”

In her research, Professor Dobson also brings to light the issue of self-prescribed perfection, where a student places high expectations of social and academic perfection upon his or her self, versus socially prescribed perfection, in which others place these expectations upon them.

It was noticed, “Sociallyprescribed perfectionism tends to be more harmful to students.

Students may develop anxiety problems because they are very worried about fulfilling others’ expectations.”

Avoiding such anxiety re-

quires a supportive and encouraging environment from friends, teachers, and family from an early age. However, once social anxiety has developed in students, there are several ways to help students cope.

If students are provided attention and support by their professors and advisors, they often feel more confident and secure in their ability to communicate and feel less self-conscious when they make mistakes or misunderstand.

Of course, a tried and true method of coping with social anxiety is to face one’s fears head on.

One can start small, by simply volunteering to answer a question in class. This can help students grow more comfortable speaking up in crowded spaces as well as positively reinforce their confidence with class material.

Students can attend a social gathering on campus, and try to meet at least one new person.

Through continuously trying, one may likely become more socially comfortable and confident.

Last but not least, should one find his or her social anxiety truly debilitating or overwhelming either when preparing to go out or while out in public, find a quiet space and partake in mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness meditation is as variation of Buddhist Vipassana meditation in which one closes their eyes, engages in deep breathing, and focuses all their energy towards becoming aware of his or her emotions and thoughts in that direct moment.

This technique can assist in relaxation and centering oneself from their anxiety.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Off-Broadway Show Comes to Pace DANDRE CHERY FEATURED WRITER Omega Phi Beta (OPB) sorority hosted the off-Broadway, romantic comedy production Platanos y Collard Greens in the Briarcliff Dining Hall on Wed., Nov. 12.

According to its official website, the play “asks if love between Blacks and Latinos can survive.”

The play began with spoken word poetry, as character OK set the tone with an offbeat sense of humor he continued to push throughout the play. Main character Freeman then recited a poem that questioned current interracial

relations through a comparison to chicken wings and macaroni.

Detailed in the play is Freeman, an African-American and his love at first sight relationship with Angelita, a Puerto Rican.

As they embark on their interracial relationship, hilarity ensues, especially from Freeman’s best friend OK and his wacky antics used in pursuit of characters Nilsa and Malady.

Ultimately, Platanos y Collard Greens sought to show how Freeman and Angelita’s love was tested and how they confronted the prejudices held by others.

Nothing was held back as issues surrounding race and relationships were boldly stated,

mixed in with humor to ease any tension.

According to Ariana Abramson, Vice President of OPB, such issues are a regular part of her organization’s mission on campus.

“We brought Platanos y Collard Greens here because it is really indicative of the things that we talk about in our community such as racial and cultural diversity,” Abramson said. “We hope that this play really sheds light to the different cultural issues that we may face as a general population and that the Pace community really enjoys it.”

OPB sister Kellyanne PerezVera agreed.

“We decided to do this event last semester and bring it to Pace because we value cultural diversity so much, and [the concept of] interracial couples is something that has come a long way, but still has its struggles,” she said.

“When we do events, we want [them to] correlate with our core values and what we embody and believe.”

Despite the production’s strong story, the event was not well-attended, a fact that PerezVera deems a missed opportunity.

“This is something that a lot of people would’ve enjoyed,” Perez-Vera said. “An amazing play happened that a lot of people didn’t know about.”

A Universal University KAITLYN SZILAGYI HEALTH EDITOR While not often a part of an individual’s required curriculum, philosophy and religion are universal topics that can impact one’s life and overall well-being, while helping them complete some Areas of Knowledge.

Pace’s Philosophy & Religious Studies Department is offering numerous option for students for the Spring 2015 semester.

For any interested in introducing themselves to philosophy as a subject, Philosophical Problems, PHI 110, is being taught in two sections by both Dr. Everette Mitchell and Dr. Lawrence Hundersmarck.

“The quest to understand the world and how we relate to the world motivates the search and study of many philosophical issues,” Mitchell said. “This is one of my favorite courses to teach because it allows me to re-examine these fundamental philosophical topics with new students who bring new perspectives to the adventure.”

Philosophical Problems is a three-credit course that can satisfy academic requirements such as AOK II, AOK V, and Inquiry & Exploration.

Ancient Philosophy, PHI 113, is advertised as an “exploration of ancient patterns of thought…from about 600 BCE to about 200 CE.” Its topics include exploration of mankind’s relationship with both the physical and spiritual worlds.

This course is also worth three credits and can fulfill AOK II as well as Inquiry & Exploration requirements.

Normative Ethics, PHI 115, is a three-credit course, also being taught by Dr. Mitchell. “[This course] deals with ethical theory applied to everyday, and, perhaps to some, less than everyday situations in the life of humans,” Dr. Mitchell said. “As we explore the questions related to how we should live, we drill down into how we should live in the context of a wide variety of issues and situations that confront us.”

For anyone with an interest in ethics, this course also helps satisfy AOK V, and Inquiry & Exploration requirements.

Modern Philosophy, PHI 116, being instructed by Professor Kobolakis, is another option for interested students.

This course is “a selective introduction to the works of philosophers from Descartes to Nietzsche,” and provides students with material for deep thought and reflection about how they view their own lives and how those who came before them viewed the world around them.

Last, but certainly not least, is Eastern Religious Thought, RES 202, taught by Dr. Hundersmarck.

This course “examines the great ideas in Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.”

While taking this course, students read about the basic principles and beliefs of each religious practice.

Students are provided the opportunity to read and evaluate texts and proverbs of each religion as well.

This course can satisfy academic requirements such as AOK III, is an Enhancement course, and provides Honors credit.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Pace Chronicle

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 PAGE 6

Artist Spotlight: LeeAnn Reynolds CRISTINA CUDUCO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Sophomore English major LeeAnn Reynolds is a student of many diverse talents.

A self-identified creative writer, Reynolds has penned poems and short stories, and is currently working on her third novel. Reynolds believes her love of writing to have begun at a very young age.

“I distinctly remember going to a workshop at my local library when I was maybe six and making my own picture book, so I definitely think that had an impact on me,” Reynolds said. “My mom also read to me a lot when I was little, so I’ve always appreciated books. I started reading a lot on my own during middle school, and I realized that I wanted to write my own novel.”

SPORTS

In May of 2013, Reynolds did just that and began her first novel, Stolen, which she finished within three months.

It became apparent to the young author that a second installment to the tale was needed and so in August of that same year she began work on Copied, which she completed the following June.

The focus of Reynolds’s writing has been primarily on young adult fantasy, however, many of her poems and short stories have been inspired by non-fiction, both real stories of her and others’ lives.

Although her first two books may be done, Reynolds believes there is more to be edited but has put the endeavor on hold to begin a new novel entitled Dragon Wed. “I started this past summer and I have 38 pages done,” Reynolds said. “This third one isn’t related

to the other two. This one takes place in a fictional word, while the other two could take place in present day earth. The first two are part of a series, but I’m not planning on writing any more in it. But nothing’s ever certain!”

Reynolds attributes her creative nature to her upbringing.

“My parents always encouraged my brothers and I to be creative. My mom actually works as a children’s entertainer [clown, magician, and fairy godmother], so a lot of creativity goes into her job!”

In addition to this, Reynolds has been breeding and raising goats since 2007.

“I was looking for something that would make me unique,” said Reynolds. “I have two older brothers who excelled in sports and school, and I wanted something I could call my own. For some reason, I looked up goats

on Google, and I decided that I wanted to get my own.”

Today, Reynolds has eleven goats that she breeds, milks, and shows most notably in 4H competitions, which are youth programs administered by the USDA. “My goats have won Best of Breed, Grand Champion, Best Udder of Breed, and Highest Butterfat,” Reynolds said. “Raising them has helped me to be more outspoken and confident.”

As for her future, Reynolds hopes to become an English teacher, but does not put down the possibility of getting her works published and even going into the field of publishing as a profession.

To see some of her work, look out for future editions of Vox Literary Magazine, or the most recent Spring 2014 edition.

NE-10 Tournament Coach Brandon Peifer NATALIA ALVAREZ PAGEN SPORTS EDITOR The Pace Soccer season seemed to be over after a 2-0 loss in the NE-10 Tournament against the College of Saint Rose, but hope was renewed when Pace earned a bid to the ECAC Tournament.

The Setters reached the semifinals taking on #1 seeded Adelphi University, and though they lost 2-1 much was gained for this Pace team.

The team’s performance during the ECAC Tournament gave the Setters a chance to continue their run with players such as Alyssa Zeoli continuing to break records.

Zeoli scored the only goal in the game for the Setter’s which ended up being her 18th goal of the season, extending her record for most goals in a given season.

The goal cut Adelphi’s lead in half but it wasn’t enough as the

Panthers were able to hold on and advance in the tournament.

Despite the loss, the tournament provided the Setters with an opportunity to learn what it takes to compete in the pressure-driven post-season.

“ECAC was great for us, it gave our young program another chance to experience what it takes to compete in the post-season and extended the season for our three seniors who have had a great career for us,” Winn said. “I was very pleased with our team’s effort and it gave us an opportunity to learn what it takes both physically and mentally under the pressure of the post-season.”

The Setters capped off their season with 11 wins, since 2005.

Zeoli, as mentioned, extended her single-season record for goals with 18 while also finishing with 40 points. Jillian Ferro broke the record for all-time points and goals scored with 69 and 27 respectively.

Photo from Stockton Photo Inc.

NATALIA ALVAREZ PAGEN SPORTS EDITOR The hiring of New Swimming and Diving coach Brandon Peifer is one of Pace Athletics many new hires this year. With a background in problem solving, he now takes on the puzzle that is the diving section.

The season is currently underway and thus far the women’s team has achieved a record of 3-2, while the men’s team has struggled at 1-3. Peifer comes to a team that had no diving coach for the first six weeks of the season which Peifer considers to be the big flaw.

“I’ve been working really hard, I got everyone on the team to have six dives on one-meter for this upcoming meet and the next challenge is to get them six dives on three-meter to be able to compete both boards,” Peifer said.

Peifer brings a different approach to the Pace waters with his background in science and math.

Currently Peifer is working towards a Master’s degree in electrical engineering at New York University, saying that if any Rubik’s cube is put in front of him, he will solve it.

There is one particular project that Peifer worked on that relates back to diving, and could be a glimpse at some of Peifer’s possible methods for the team.

“The whole project was based on figuring out how far the board would bend based on the force applied at the end of it,” said Peifer, who graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor’s degree in physics and a minor in math.

“After that, I went on and still had quite a bit of video that I chewed

through and I found out the correlation between the forces applied at the end of it and the period of the oscillation of the board, which really helps with front and back approaches in diving allowing for divers to get higher based on where they place the fulcrum.”

Peifer is not only bringing physics to the table, but also some history, having worked with head coach Dan Allen before. Both coaches can trace their roots back to Geneseo with paths crossing when Allen spent time as coach at Buffalo State, a school Geneseo had meets against during Peifer’s diving days.

“I’ve known [Allen] all four years that I was diving,” Peifer said.

A native New Yorker from Monroe, Peifer’s love of diving goes back to his middle school days, with Peifer later joining the swimming and diving team at Monroe Woodbury High School.

During his time at Geneseo, Peifer was a three-time qualifier in the diving one-meter and three-meter events. But Peifer’s proudest accomplishment is his conference record in diving.

“Having the conference record was pretty cool,” Peifer said. “You hear about all these guys that went through the SUNYAC system that were just incredible. It was the best meet I ever had, everyone on my team did very well and all the coaches were like, ‘I can’t believe that [Peifer’s coach] had a team like that’.”

Peifer has hit the ground running with the team taking on Roger Williams University and Fairfield University during the coach’s first two weeks at Pace.

As the Cookie Crumbles...

A bite-sized taste of the Netflix menu MAYRA MARADIAGA FEATURED WRITER Netflix has recently updated its vast library with a selection of movies from the 1990s, a decade for which cinema is remembered for its light, bubbly romance and comedy films. However, movies like Seven, available on Netflix since early November, shows the other side of the 90s motion picture spectrum, showcasing a grimy and haunting thriller.

The film tells the story of two detectives who are on the hunt for a serial killer who relates each of his victims to one of the seven deadly sins, finding dark and shocking ways to kill people he believes are ultimate sinners.

At first, Seven comes off as your run of the mill crime story.

Yet early on and as the film progresses, it gets darker, making the audience question if the detectives will catch the murderer, and not in the usual clichéd way.

Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt provide the strong, polished performances needed to have viewers root for their characters during the cat and mouse chase seen on screen.

Freeman plays Detective Somerset, a wise and veteran cop who is tired of living in a city full of crime and lack of morals.

Freeman manages to bring life to a character that could have come off as stoic and two-dimensional.

Pitt plays the young and headstrong Detective Mills, a recent transfer to the homicide department who partners up with Somerset. At a time when he was thought to be just another pretty face, Pitt showed Hollywood that he could in fact act, making his character likable and appealing at times when he shouldn’t be.

The film’s suspenseful story line is emphasized and defined by director David Fincher’s unique visual style. For instance, the film’s setting is never mentioned, yet it is clearly a city full of crime, constant rain, and gloom, mirroring the tone of the film.

This psychologically dark and thrilling film is definitely not for the squeamish or faint of heart, seeing as the way the crime scenes are depicted may come off as over the top, yet are exactly what is needed to establish just how twisted the serial killer is.

The ending is original and haunting, and what truly makes this film come full circle and be honored as one of the best pieces of cinema in the last couple of decades.

If you want to see a film where direction, acting, story, editing and just about every aspect of film is on point, Seven is the movie to watch.

SPORTS

The Pace Chronicle

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 PAGE 7

Pace Football Earns First Win Since 2011 NATALIA ALVAREZ PAGEN SPORTS EDITOR JAMES BEST CONTRIBUTOR Pace Football won their first game since the fall of 2011 on Sat., Nov. 15 when they defeated the Owls of Southern Connecticut State University 10-7. The win comes in the final game of a trying season for the Setters, finishing 1-10.

The first half saw both teams battle it out defensively as the teams traded drives before the Owls broke free with Seth Sheridan rushing in from three yards for the touchdown.

Down 7-0 the Setters came right back later in the quarter as junior Valentino Miles broke away for a 48-yard run down the Owl’s sixyard-line. Three plays later, senior Brian Beeker scored the touchdown from the three yard mark to make it 7-7.

Coming back from the half the score was still tied up with Pace receiving possession of the ball, taking advantage of a 44 yard kickoff return by freshman Jhalen BienAime, setting it up for Pace at the 41-yard line.

The Setters continued their drive, stalling momentarily at the 10-yard-line but Pace ended up taking the lead as freshman Jan Strzelecki booted a 27-yard field goal, making it 10-7.

“The key in that situation, as with every play in football, is to do your ‘1/11’,” said senior defensive back Akwasi Degraft about the play mentioned above. “There are 11 players on the field and each one has a specific job to do. As a player you trust that your brother will

Photo from Stockton Photo Inc. get the job done and he trusts that you’ll get your job done.”

Both teams put themselves in positions to score, with Pace attempting a fake field goal but missing at one point in the game, but the Setters were ultimately able to hold off the Owls for the win.

“We came out fighting in the second half; we knew if we kept the momentum on our side we would be celebrating in the locker room afterward,” said Beeker who led the team in passing with 59 yards.

“Jan did a great job getting the ball through the uprights to put us in the lead. Overall we just stayed focused and didn’t settle for being ahead.”

Staying focused or “keeping it

tight,” as head coach Andrew Rondeau refers, is all about maintaining focus and not letting outside distractions that are out of one’s control defer you from the task at hand.

The win was not only the first one for the Setters since 2011, when they beat Stonehill College 23-20 in the second game of the season, but it also represents the first win the program has ever had against Southern Connecticut State in 21 meetings.

Rondeau expressed happy sentiments for his team, especially for the seniors to be able to win in their final game.

“We lost some players before the game, but that turned out to be a good thing because now the other

players can see just how important they are when they commit to doing good. It was good the guys got to see the fruit of their labor,” Rondeau said. “I’m very happy for the seniors especially.”

According to senior running back Blair Wyn,n, the younger players wanted to win the game for the seniors, five of them being the only remaining players from that 2011 team.

Rondeau mentioned that this meant that only five players on the team had experienced a college win in their careers. But that’s not the case anymore.

“Every game, we come focused and ready to play, but this last game especially you could feel the inten-

sity and focus in both the offense and the defense,” Degraft said.

“For us seniors we knew it was the last time we were strapping on our helmets for Pace.”

Looking ahead, the graduating seniors seem to share the same sentiment, that this win will provide the team with a foundation to keep moving forward in order to become better next year, as noted by running back Jashon Dawson.

“Now we take this as an opportunity to spring-board into recruitment and hopefully get more involvement from the campus. We want people to give us a chance, to say ‘hey they won a game, they’re getting better’

Newcomers and Veterans Join as Season Begins NATALIA ALVAREZ PAGEN SPORTS EDITOR

Photo from Stockton Photo Inc.

The Setters basketball teams kicked off their seasons with weekend road trips.

As the women’s team took on NYIT and LIU Post on Fri., Nov. 14 and Sat., Nov. 15 respectively, the men’s team took on the University of Rhode Island on Friday followed by two games in the STAC Tournament against Molloy College and St. Thomas Aquinas College.

On the men’s side, transfers Kyle Pearson and Shelton Mickell led the way in the first game of the season against the University of Rhode Island, but the Setters ultimately fell to the Rams 94-54.

Pearson netted 17 points and eight rebounds while Mickell shot for 10 points and three assists.

Saturday’s match-up with Molloy College proved to be a nail-bitter with Pace falling 5957. Pace led the way for most of the game with Mickell and Mike

Demello starting the off with a few three-pointers to give Pace the lead.

Pace continued to build on their lead in the second half and lead for most of the half until Molloy went on a 7-0 run in the last few minutes of the game to pull ahead 54-52. A clutch-layup

by Mickell put the Setters two points away but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lions.

Starting off 0-2 the men’s team notched their first win of the season against St. Thomas Aquinas, winning 75-68, improving their record to 1-2.

The Knights pulled ahead first, but Pace chipped away at the lead, rallying to a 27-11 run that saw Pearson net nine points along with six points from Mickell. Returning senior Jaylen Mann capped the run with a triple at the 7:17 mark to put Pace ahead at 28-18.

Come the second half Pace pulled ahead to a 20 point lead at 54-34 but the Spartans came right

back to make 65-62 with just 1:26 left in the game.

Mickell converted a threepoint play with 1:02 left to extend Pace’s lead and then came-up clutch in the free throw line, hitting all six of his three throws to lock up the victory.

The women’s team finished up their road-trip 0-2.

Their Friday opener saw the women’s team take on the New York Institute of Technology, with the Setters coming back from a 13 point deficit in the second half, but they ultimately fell 70-65.

Newcomer Gabriella Rubin lead the way for the Setters in her collegiate debut netting 20 points with 18 contributing to the Setter’s run in the second half.

Veterans Margo Hackett and Yuni Sher netted 12 points each, while Sher pulled 11 rebounds for her first double-double this season.

Saturday’s game saw the Setters once again start off at a dis-

advantage, but they rallied in the second half to get to take the lead but it wasn’t enough as LIU Post earned the victory with a 58-56 score.

Hackett led the Setters with 18 points while also climbing up the leader-board in Pace records with four three-pointers. Her final triple tied her with alumni Lisa Welsome for fifth all-time in Setters history.

Trailing 11-2 early on, Pace went on a 20-4 run in the first half with 11 of Hackett’s 18 points contributing to the run.

Pace took a 32-25 lead into the half but the Pioneers came right back, ultimately taking a 58-55 lead with 1:11 remaining.

Both team’s return with their first home game of the season on Wed., Nov. 19 with both teams taking on the College of Saint Rose at the Goldstein Fitness Center. Game time will be 5:30 for the women’s team and 7:30 for the men’s.

PACE WINS

Photo from Stockton Photo Inc.