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(02/21/17 5:43am)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Staff Writer
When describing the way in which traditional news media fairs in today’s digital world, China’s most prominent journalism professor said it’s like a “very small ship in a big sea.”
Traditional print media is no longer the dominant force behind how citizens get their news, he explained. Instead, media convergence is the key to future news consumption.
Jianwu Song, who visited the College on Feb. 13, spoke to a group of journalism students in the Beats and Deadlines class about media convergence in China and the ways in which news organizations are adapting to keep up with evolving technology.
Song is a professor at Renmin University of China, where he is also the director of the AsiaInfo Media Convergence Lab. His recent trip to America took him from coast to coast, visiting places like Stanford University and Google, to discuss the current media landscape across the globe.
Song’s research centers on media convergence, which is the way in which traditional print text combines with other forms of media, such as audio and video, to create more engaging content.
“Traditional media has lost its effect on citizens,” said Song, whose talk was translated by Yifeng Hu, an associate professor of communication studies at the College.
As Song explained, 53 percent of the Chinese population uses cell phones as their primary way of accessing news. As a result, news outlets in China have looked to media convergence to adapt and survive. The Chinese government, which has extensive control over the journalism community, is also pushing for this media renaissance.
To embrace media convergence, Song and his team developed what is known as a “Media Hub,” which is a place where content flourishes and attracts a lot of citizens. In addition to news articles, it also features places where users can enjoy digital entertainment like gaming, pay traffic fines and other tickets, interact with government officials and even make cultural industry investments.
Song considers the Media Hub to be similar to a central kitchen.
“These seats are for the main chefs who cook the nicest dish,” Song said. He laughed while showing a picture of where the bosses sit in the hub, which includes a 75-foot-long screen for showcasing content.
While others are trying to mimic Song’s work, he currently has the most advanced media convergence setup in China.
Even with his focus on evolving technology, Song acknowledges that journalism is facing a period of growth and uncertainty worldwide.
“It used to be quite the honorable thing to be a journalism student,” Song said in an interview with The Signal, citing his time as a college student. “Now things have changed. … A lot of individuals who work in the industry have left and switched to other industries.”
He has hope, though, that others will embrace the media’s changes.
“We are thinking of what kind of training can we provide to new students because the media is changing and society is changing,” Song said. “We are exploring these issues, as well.”
(01/26/16 10:29pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Columnist
I’ve been paying close attention to the Academy Awards for the past five years and no matter what films are nominated, there is always one thing you can count on — people being disappointed.
This year’s biggest disappointment doesn’t come from a single film or performer being overlooked — although there are plenty of grumblings about those things, too — but from the Best Actor/Actress race being whitewashed for a second year in a row.
Last year, after nominations were announced, the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite began floating around social media. A year later, the hashtag is back again. Not a single person of color was nominated for an acting award.
Media outlets have taken notice. Following the nominations announcement on Thursday, Jan. 14, many publications rolled out articles about the lack of diversity and the general frustration with Academy members.
Regardless, the 2016 Oscar nominations are bracing to be a stiff competition between seasoned actors and newbies alike. It is one of the most exciting, wide-open races in recent history.
I’ll dive deeper into each of the major categories in the weeks to come. But for now, let’s focus on the biggest snubs.
Best Supporting Actress — Jane Fonda, “Youth” — Fonda, at age 78, is a force to be reckoned with in the Italian film, which also stars Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel. In her role as Brenda, Fonda only appears in the film in one scene. But in those precious few minutes, Fonda proves why she’s still one of the greatest actresses of our generation. She’s commanding, fierce and utterly captivating. While the women nominated may have had more to do, Fonda arguably made the biggest impact of any supporting actress this film season.
Best Director — Todd Haynes, “Carol” — While the film itself received six nominations, director Haynes was severely snubbed here. His masterful camera work helps frame the haunting love story at the core of the film. Performances from Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett help to anchor the film (and thankfully, they were included in the nominations list), but Haynes is the fearless leader taking genius risks that push “Carol” to new heights.
Best Supporting Actor — Jacob Tremblay, “Room” — At age nine, Tremblay has proven he is a star. As Jack Newsome, the young actor gives one of the rawest and most intimate performances of the season. Newsome spends the first five years of his life in one room with only a skylight (due to the fact that his mother, played by Oscar nominee Brie Larson, has been held in captivity for the last seven years). He has grown fond of the room, as it is the only reality he knows. But (spoiler alert) when he plays along with his mother’s plan and has to fake being dead in order to be removed from the room, it is impossible not to be completely captivated by this young actor’s performance. When he sees the world outside of those four walls for the first time, it’s simply one of the most magical moments ever captured on camera. This snub is truly one that hurts.
(09/02/15 3:53am)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Staff Writer
Earlier this month, TCNJ Anti-Violence Initiatives sent out a campus-wide email discussing a new program called “Every Choice.” In that email, the mandatory training was described: “During the program, you can expect to learn more about power-based personal violence and how to safely and effectively intervene in situations where violence may occur in an interactive and thoughtful curriculum.”
The interactive, 90-minute program must be completed by all students at the College by Thursday, Oct. 1. A few days after receiving the email, I sat down to complete the training, which had three major components: physical violence, sexual abuse and stalking.
For those of you who have not completed the program yet, the training features video testimonials, staged scenarios and quizzes to help educate students. When I first learned that the College was implementing this mandatory program, I was extremely excited. However, upon completion of the course, I was outraged and sent the following email to AVI.
“To Whom it May Concern —
First, I wanted to say that I’m very happy that this type of program is being required for students on campus. This is such an important issue that students absolutely need to be educated on.
However, upon completion of the program, I am so upset with the lack of male representation in the video. Not a single testimonial featured a story about a male being a survivor of rape, stalking or violence. Men’s struggles were merely mentioned in passing.
I know you do not make up the program. I applaud you all for doing such great work on spreading awareness on campus. And I know women are affected by this type of behavior more, but it happens to men. All the time. I’ve witnessed it myself.
In the future, please consider a program that has a equal representation across gender, sexual orientation and race. It truly baffles me that in a 90-minute program, they could not even feature one male recounting his experience. As a male student who has experienced this type of behavior first hand, it is very frustrating.”
A few weeks have gone by and I have not received a reply from anyone over at AVI. I am disappointed and confused. There’s no reason why there can’t be equal representation in these types of training programs. With a lack of male representation, the message is being sent that either, one, men don’t experience abuse, or two, that if they have been abused, they are in the minority and do not matter.
I am proud of the steps the College is taking to raise awareness over such important issues. However, in the future, I sincerely hope a different, more diverse program is selected and that students’ concerns are addressed instead of ignored.
Students share opinions around campus
“My freshman year the library did a pass-fail class (IDS 102) and they could look into doing something like that ... It should focus on male sexual assault more, which is something they should address in the future.”
“I feel like sexual assault shouldn’t be happening anymore. I don’t want to be sexist, but it does happen to women more. It’s baffling that it’s still happens though.”
(09/01/15 10:32pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Staff Writer
What do you get when you mix east coast Jersey soul with sun-kissed California melodies?
Brynn Stanley.
Stanley, who grew up in Basking Ridge, N.J., moved to California in 2013 after reaching a standstill in her career.
“I was playing the same cover songs at the same venue over and over,” Stanley said in a recent phone interview with The Signal. “My music career felt a little stale — I was either going to let it go or grow as an artist.”
Before she left for the west coast, Stanley began writing a song called, “Be My Summertime.” Her boyfriend saw incredible potential in her songwriting — something she was trying for the first time. Together, they completed the song, shot a music video and started an IndieGoGo campaign in order to raise funds to record her first album.
Stanley didn’t always dream of being a musician, although she grew up with her father playing classics like The Beatles.
She attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and was originally a psychology major. It wasn’t until her sophomore year, when she auditioned for a production of the musical “Hair,” that she began to consider pursuing music.
“I was offered the lead in ‘Hair’ and I kinda freaked out,” Stanley admitted. “I had this decision to make — take it and face my fears, or not take it and live in regret.”
She ultimately accepted the role, a decision in which she says “changed her life.”
Stanley continued playing leads in musicals, including “Cabaret,” throughout her college career and eventually switched her major to musical theater.
When she graduated, she turned to performing in cafés and private events throughout Jersey before making the move to California in 2013.
Stanley’s debut album, “Hello California,” which is available on iTunes, is a strong eight track record. Her voice is sultry and jazzy and fits smoothly into catchy melody lines. She is reminiscent of a younger Sara Bareilles, experimenting with style and mood throughout her record.
The album’s lead single, “Be My Summertime,” is radio-friendly, oozing with sugar-coated pop melodies. The titular track shows off Stanley’s big, Broadway-style belty voice over a jazzy instrumental. The rest of the album, too, is a delight to listen to.
Stanley’s songwriting is simple. Her lyrics are not bathed in metaphors or undetectable messages. She’s a down-to-earth artist with a pure, unadulterated love for music and singing. Most importantly, she’s representing Jersey all the way on the west coast, serving as an inspiration for many up-and-coming Jersey-based artists.
(08/25/15 8:12pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Staff Writer
One day last spring, The Signal went were many people can only dream of — inside a Mixed Signals rehearsal.
The College’s premier improv troupe, The Mixed Signals, rehearses twice a week in a Kendall Hall classroom. They play games, they practice, they talk about their feelings and most importantly, they laugh. A lot.
In fact, conducting an interview with the troupe is near impossible — there are countless jokes and laughter breaks. While one tells a story, another interjects with a funny anecdote. Their chemistry is, as expected, unrivaled. There is a natural rhythm to the way the members interact, and each of them has their distinctive role in the troupe.
Steven Munoz, a senior English and secondary education double major, is the fearlessly humorous leader. As president, Munoz runs rehearsals and leads each performance. He’s supported by his trusty sidekick and Vice President Rachel Friedman, a senior history and secondary education double major, whose laughter is contagious. They are both quick-witted and deftly skilled in the art of improv, having been in the troupe since their freshman year.
Then there’s Beau Aranosian, a junior interactive multimedia major, who commands scenes with his quirky characters and well-timed jokes. Matthew Steuerer and Max Calsetta offer up a large serving of sass and humorous physicality. Nolan DeVoe, Ian Cooley, Emma Young and Emily Mullin joined the troupe last year and have quickly become favorites among audience members thanks to their contagious energy.
“When I saw my first Mixed Signals show I thought, ‘Wow, they’re so cool. Maybe I could be that cool one day, too,’ ” Friedman said.
Almost every member agrees that they were enthralled by the troupe on first glance.
The instant attraction is understandable — The Mixed Signals have a lot of fun, and on top of that, they are really good at what they do.
“I was a huge, mega-fan,” Mullin said. “I wanted to audition because I thought it would be like going to a show every practice, and I was happily surprised to find out that was the case.”
The audition process, as described to The Signal, is “long and tiring.” After an initial audition in front of the whole troupe, some auditionees are invited back for a second day that spans many hours and includes various activities to test both solo and group dynamics.
“We need to not only see how funny you can be on the spot, but we need to see how well you can work with other people,” Munoz said. “It’s really hard because there are people who come in and who are intensely funny and just don’t work well with us and our aesthetic.”
As many members of the troupe pointed out, improv is a distinct comedy form that takes a certain innate skill. Therefore, starting a troupe and finding the right chemistry is no easy task.
In 1996, All College Theater held a Monologue and Paired Scene competition and was looking for acts to fill the void while judges picked the winners. Matt Chiappardi and Lyndsay (Schaeffer) Korbylo submitted a proposal for an improv troupe, and they were accepted. The duo held auditions to find more members, and the act was such a success that they decided to continue.
Now approaching their 20th year as a troupe, The Mixed Signals are looking forward to adding new members to their group. They will hold auditions in October and encourage everyone to go, whether they have a background in improv or not.
During the course of the interview with The Mixed Signals, there were many questions, but none more important than this: How would you describe your experience with the troupe thus far?
The responses sum up the troupe’s unprecedented dynamic pretty well: “Damp. Growth. Dream. Leap. Opportunity. Cult. Inspiring. Joy. Wild.”
(04/30/15 2:43am)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
“Fix your hands!”
“Watch your toes!”
“You’re a monkey — act like one!”
These exclamations and many more can be heard ringing throughout the dance studio at the Mill Ballet School in Lambertville, N.J. every weekend. It’s where Mark Roxey, founder and artistic director of The Roxey Ballet Company, can be found giving notes to a slew of cast members, ranging from little girls in tutus to professional dancers soaring across the rehearsal space.
The company is currently in rehearsal for their spring production of “Mowgli: The Jungle Book Ballet.” The ballet, which features original music by Czech composer Milan Svoboda, has original choreography from Roxey.
The choreographer received the music from a friend years ago. He kept it aside until recently, when he decided to dust it off and see what he could make of it.
The original production of “Mowgli” was over three hours long. For Roxey’s purposes, he condensed the show into an hour-long, family-friendly production.
“The story begins with Mowgli as a young boy and we follow him as he grows older,” Roxey explained during a rehearsal of the production in the Lambertville studio.
Born in the jungle, Mowgli has to navigate life on his own. Along the way he encounters both friends and enemies, including snakes, wolf cubs and bees. As the ballet progresses, Mowgli gets the courage to fight his enemies and protect those he loves.
“The show is all about facing your fears and discovering who you are,” Roxey said.
The ballet features 65 dancers of all ages, ranging from amateurs to professionals. The performers were cast after an intensive audition, Roxey explained, and most of the cast trains at the Mill Ballet Studio or in the surrounding area.
Some highlights from the group include Young Mowgli, played by Julien Erickson, a boy full of wild energy and wide-eyed curiosity. During the rehearsal he bounced around the studio, interacting with dancers of all ages.
The cast also includes Tara Seymour as Bageera and Kristen Smith as Baloo. Both of the women are phenomenal dancers who are showcased throughout the ballet in featured numbers.
In addition to impressive choreography, Roxey focuses on making sure his dancers truly tell the story behind the ballet. The dancers send intensive time practicing facial expressions and theatrical gestures in addition to complicated dance moves.
Still, Roxey always likes to leave the audience in a little suspense, which he notes is where the fun lies in a whimsical ballet such as this one.
“There’s a lot of wit in having the audience not really sure what’s going to happen,” Roxey said, teasing the suspenseful ending to the ballet.
By the end of the rehearsal, the dancers were exhausted but happy, eager for an audience in the weeks to come.
During a round of notes, Roxey provided the company with constructive criticism to make the moves sharper and the facial expressions bigger.
The show, which is open to the public, will be presented with full costume, set and light design in Kendall Hall on Saturday, May 2, at 2 p.m.
(04/11/15 7:38pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Every few weeks, the College’s only improv comedy troupe storms the Library Auditorium and performs to a packed audience. On Sunday, March 29, The Mixed Signals took the stage for one of their many shows of the semester — but this time, with a twist.
The first half of their set included the Signals performing their regular routine. Games included “Time Warp” and “La Round,” classic audience favorites. Senior Garrett Verdone starred in a skit, “Border Cop,” in which he had to guess which crime he had committed based off of audience suggestions while he was outside.
After their regular games, the Signals invited senior psychology major Mariah Black to the stage to perform a monologue based off an audience suggestion (in this case, the word chief). She then went on to discuss catholic guilt, her middle school’s D.A.R.E program and her overbearing mother. After she finished, the Signals took the stage again to perform long-form improv skits based on Black’s monologue.
“We’ve always wanted to try long form,” said Rachel Friedman, a junior history secondary education major and vice president of the troupe. “A lot of the comedians and troupes we look up to do long form. Upright Citizens Brigade, the professional troupe that performs at our comedy festival R.O.C.K. every year, take a monologue from the audience as well. We always enjoy their performance and admire what they do, and we’ve wanted to try it ourselves for awhile.”
While it was a certainly a risk, the long-form game paid off. Various members of the troupe took the stage to perform skits surrounding every detail in Black’s monologue. Some highlights included players portraying “drug dealers” who sold everything but drugs and police officers warning children about the dangers of rock and roll. Friedman and other members of the troupe, including President Steven Munoz and new member Nolan DeVoe, thought quickly on their feet as they switch from skit to skit. The audience was enthralled by the performance and appreciated the new type of comedy that the troupe had to offer.
After a while, Black took another suggestion from the audience (this time the word pineapple) and proceeded to talk about how she’s allergic to pineapple but drinks pineapple juice anyway.
Black’s hilarious monologues and the troupe’s engaging performance made for a dynamic and fun evening.
“Short-form games like the ones we usually play follow a very specific set of rules, a very specific format. Long form isn’t like that,” Friedman said of their decision to try a different medium. “Because it starts with a normal monologue, it allows us to do more natural scenes born from real life situations. And because there are no rules, those real life situations can go anywhere, become anything.”
After receiving positive acclaim for their performance, the Signals hope to tackle more areas of improv in the future.
“Eventually, we’d love to work our way up to an entirely long-form show,” Friedman said. “I’d hate to entirely lose the short form games we play, because those are so fun, too. But in doing more long form, I think we can grow and improve so much as a troupe.”
(03/26/15 10:19pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
For most students, Thursday, March 12, was a pretty normal day. It included studying for midterms and packing for home, all the while anxiously awaiting the moment they could finally begin their respite from the College for a few days.
Others, however, had coffee with the New York Times bestselling author and transgender rights activist Janet Mock.
Mock, who visited the campus to give a lecture in Kendall Hall, met with students and faculty in the Biology Building Lounge prior to the event for a series of intimate conversations.
Donning stiletto heels and a trendy outfit, Mock walked into the room and was greeted with enthusiasm and smiles by inspired students clutching her book to their chests.
In February of 2014, Mock published her memoir, “Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More.” Many professors in the Women’s and Gender Studies department assigned Mock’s book to their syllabi this semester — a decision that was met with positive acclaim. Students were eager for the chance to talk to Mock one-on-one, including members of PRISM, who co-sponsored the event.
Later in the evening, Mock took the stage in Kendall Hall and was met with thunderous applause.
“Thanks for putting me ahead of ‘Shondaland,’” Mock laughed, referring to the Thursday night block of television that students were missing to see her lecture.
Mock’s lecture, “Our Bodies, Our Lives: Trans Women’s Legacy at the Intersections,” focused on Mock’s life and included a brief history of transgender rights activism.
Growing up in Hawaii, Mock faced conflicts with her community and family when she embraced her gender identity.
“It became a constant battle. It was something that went on from 11 years old until I was 16 or 17,” Mock explained in a private interview with The Signal before the lecture.
Yet the struggles she faced did not stop her from having success in her personal and professional life. Mock attended The University of Hawaii for journalism and later continued her studies at New York University.
“I think journalism became the track that I chose because it was a practical way to work as a writer,” Mock said. “I got internships at magazines that I read growing up and I guess People Magazine was my first major job, and I was there for a bit over five years working as a staff editor.”
While Mock enjoyed her time working for the magazine, she longed for something more substantial — a desire that led her to tell her own story.
In 2011, Mock came out publicly in an issue of Marie Claire magazine, which served as one of the her first major steps to becoming a transgender activist.
“Everyone that I loved in my own personal life knew my story, so I felt safe there … The next level was more of a political level,” Mock said. “Having worked in media so long, I never saw a story that represented me, that felt like me, and this was probably what also led me to writing my book. But it was Toni Morrison who said that ‘If there’s a story or book that you have never been able to read, then you should go out and write it.’”
Mock further explained that she wanted to publish her story specifically in Marie Claire because it is one of the smartest womens magazines on the market.
“I felt it was important that a transwoman takes up space as part of womanhood in a magazine that is for women, so that was vital to me. It was kind of the first step in me then being able to write my own story on my own terms in the memoir,” Mock said. “Journalism gave me really unique tools to make complicated concepts or life experiences accessible to people who may not have lived those same life experiences. My training as a journalist really helped me tell my story in a way that almost anyone who could read English could get.”
Publication of her wildly popular memoir was a catalyst for Mock’s success as both a writer and a trans-activist. After publication, Mock accepted a position as contributing editor for Marie Claire magazine. She also hosts a weekly culture show on MSNBC called “So POPular,” and is a correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight.” She has been featured in many publications, including being named one of the “12 new faces of black leadership” in Time magazine.
Yet even Mock admits that her success has been “exceptional” and outside the norm for most transgender individuals. This is why she continues to tour the country, speaking at universities in hopes to educate, spread awareness and give advice to anyone grappling with gender or sexual identity.
“My biggest piece of advice would be that nothing is wrong with you, that your experience of self, identity and community is valid and that you should surround yourself with people who validate you and affirm you,” Mock said.
After hearing Mock’s journey, it’s clear that she is living a happy and fulfilling life, and hopes for the same for those around the world.
“We need more spaces of affirmation — building that communal support and care that you need, whether it’s through friends, a GSA group or great teachers and counselors who kind of ‘get it,’” Mock said.
“I think that’s what we need more of — people who kind of ‘get it.’”
(03/26/15 10:15pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
There’s something strangely intriguing about the world of the “Divergent” series. It’s set way in the future, and the only place left in America is Chicago. The crumbling city is surrounded by a giant wall, and inside lives the only remaining citizens on Earth. They survive by living by a new set of government — one that divides its denizens into five factions. There’s Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Erudite and Dauntless. Citizens are born into the faction that their parents live in, and when they come of age, they take a test that will place them in their “true” faction. It’s up to them whether they stick with their old faction or pick the new one.
The point of this system? Each faction is responsible for a part the success of the city (Amity deals with crops, Candor runs the judicial system, etc.). In theory, this actually seems like something that could work. And it would — if it weren’t for Tris and the rest of the Divergents.
It should come as little surprise that, of course, our heroine is “different.” She is a Divergent — she does not fit into any of the factions. Rather, all of the factions apply to her in some way. But by the time “Insurgent” starts, we already know all of this. Tris (played by the always impressive Shailene Woodley — more on her later) and her lover, Four (a strong Theo James), are on the run from Erudite, who is trying to take over the city.
The Erudite leader, Jeanine (a wickedly icy Kate Winslet), wants to rid the place of Divergents and keep the peace the best way she knows how.
Of course, our heroes can’t let her get away with this. So they develop a plan, join with the Factionless (those who were rejected or chose to leave their original faction) and set out to kill Jeanine, or at least stop her plan.
If the plotline sounds cliché, it’s because it is. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before. Girl falls for guy. Guy and girl team up to save the world. Girl gets captured. Girl gets away. Girl is extraordinary … you know the rest.
Yet, despite this, “Insurgent” is a drastic improvement over the original “Divergent” film. Stuffed with action-packed sequences and quips of witty dialogue scenes, “Insurgent” rumbles on like a freight train.
The film, based on the book of the same name by Veronica Roth, does not waste time recapping what was previously explained in exhaustive length in the first installment. Instead, audiences follow Tris and Four on their epic adventure. The storyline may scream cliché, but expert acting from a young cast and careful direction gives a fresh spin on an old plot.
Plus, there’s no denying that the world Roth has created is utterly unique. Sure, it may sometimes march to the same beat as “The Hunger Games” or “The Maze Runner” series, but “Insurgent” has enough originality to make it feel fresh. Tris is not as whiny as Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss, and there’s no unnecessary love triangle to deal with. Tris and Four are in love, and there’s no doubt about that.
Luckily for viewers, the film focuses more on the action than the romance anyway. Tris isn’t dependent on her man for self-satisfaction or verification. She’s one of the strongest female characters in the young adult world, and that’s thanks in part to Woodley’s focused and dynamic performance.
By the end of the film, the world of the “Divergent” series has taken a dramatic turn. For those who haven’t already read the books, it’s unclear where the story could go next.
But as long as Woodley’s on board, I’ll follow the series anywhere.
(03/04/15 11:07pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25, began with a high-volume request from the College Union Board for its annual event, “Funival.”
According to the proposal, this year’s end-of-year event will have a circus theme, featuring a fully-equipped one-ring circus with training sessions, sideshows, inflatable attractions, food trucks and more. The organization hopes to hold the event on Friday, May 8, the last day of classes for the spring semester. Due to a smaller amount of staffing, the organization will not be bringing a band to campus this year. Admission for students is free and $10 for non-students.
SFB used the remainder of its yearly high-volume budget on this event, which was allocated funds of $132,157.40.
PRISM proposed next for its annual Queer Wedding, an event that has been featured on campus for the last 12 years. According to the proposal, the event is used to shed light on the inequality of marriage benefits for non-heterosexual couples. PRISM plans to hold a reception immediately following the wedding.
The event, which was allocated funds of $449, will take place on Monday, April 6, in the ABE Drawing Room.
The next organization to propose was the Alternative Break Club, who presented its “Mardi Gras Masquerade” event. According to the club, this year’s event is extra special due to the fact that its the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The event will serve as a celebration of New Orleans, in addition to providing students with an opportunity to learn more about the organization and all the positive work it does in Hurricane Katrina restoration.
Scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 1, in the Brower Student Center, the event was allocated funds of $5,554.96.
The Student Film Union also presented for Campus Moviefest, the world’s largest student film festival. The Moviefest has been brought to campus for the last two years and gives students full access to technology needed to make a short film, which they have a week to complete. According to SFU, the event “fosters the creative community at the College.”
The competition, which was allocated funds of $14,000 will begin on Wednesday, April 15, and end on Tuesday, April 28, with a finale in Kendall Hall.
CUB returned later in the meeting to propose for two big spring events — the first being its 2015 Spring Lecture. The club hopes to bring RJ Mitte III, American actor and producer best known for his role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr. on “Breaking Bad,” to campus. Mitte was born with mild cerebral palsy and suffered from bullying as a child. He plans to speak about overcoming such obstacles.
The event, which was allocated funds of $10,925, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 9, in Mayo Concert Hall.
The second event proposed was a performance from “Baby Wants Candy,” a world- renowned musical comedy troupe. The troupe performs a 90-minute improvisational musical based on audience suggestions. The event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 24, in Mayo Concert Hall, was allocated funds of $2,500.
All College Theater proposed next for “Rock,” an improv comedy festival. The event was tabled.
TCNJ Net Impact, a new organization, proposed for its Social Innovation Challenge, scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 12, in the Business Building Lounge. The event was allocated funds of $733.84
Finally, Student Government proposed for its “TCNJ EPCOT: Celebration of Diversity” event. The purpose of the event is to engage student with the many diverse cultures that are represented on campus. Scheduled for Thursday, March 26, the event was allocated funds of $3,430.81.
*Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.
(02/26/15 9:16pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Say what you will about award shows, but there’s something utterly intriguing and captivating about some of the worlds finest artists coming together to celebrate each others works for one night each year. The Academy Awards are known as the most prestigious award show, and this years broadcast did not disappoint.
Let’s start with the biggest award of the night — Best Picture. Despite massive momentum and nonstop critic support, “Boyhood” did not walk away with the night’s ultimate prize. Instead “Birdman” snagged the award, in addition to director Alexandro G. Inarritu winning for his work behind the camera. Both are worthy wins, for “Birdman” is cinema at its finest, featuring incredible writing, stunning technical effects and passionate performances from an all-star ensemble.
Per usual, the acting awards elicited memorable speeches from the honorees. J.K. Simmons kicked off the evening by accepting his award for Best Supporting Actor for his work on “Whiplash,” reminding everyone at home to call their parents — not text or email — and thank them for everything.
When Patricia Arquette was announced as Best Supporting Actress for “Boyhood,” the entire theater rose to their feet. Arquette has had a long career in both television and film, but this was her first nomination and win. During her speech, Arquette demanded that equal pay be given to women, which elicited a thunderous response from the audience, including Meryl Streep who literally hollered in passionate agreement.
Best Actor winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) took the stage to accept his win in front of a standing ovation from the audience. Redmayne jumped up and down with pure excitement, bliss and shock.
Finally, there was Julianne Moore, who won for her stunning performance in “Still Alice.” The actress, who has had a long career in Hollywood and a total of four previous Oscar nominations, was the clear favorite — and deservedly so. Tears of joy ran down her face as she accepted her first Oscar and thanked everyone who has ever helped her in her career.
In addition to the awards, the broadcast also featured musical performances from artists such as Adam Levine, Jennifer Hudson and Tegan and Sara. The highlights, however, came from Common and John Legend and Lady Gaga. Common and Legend performed “Glory” from the film “Selma,” (which ultimately won Best Original Song later in the evening). Their performance left the audience in tears, and was met with a long period of applause.
Gaga performed a medley of songs from the hit movie-musical “The Sound of Music,” which is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year. Normally a pop artist, Gaga shocked viewers with her pitch-perfect rendition of the classical Broadway hits. The moment was only sweetened when Julie Andrews herself appeared and congratulated Gaga with a loving hug.
Other standout moments included a stellar opening from host Neil Patrick Harris, and Graham Moore’s (Best Adapted Screenplay winner for “The Imitation Game”) moving and inspiring speech. After revealing that he had attempted suicide at age 16, Moore urged everyone out there who is hurting to “stay weird” and never give up on life.
This years Oscars were entertaining, surprising and inspiring — everything a good awards show will be.
(02/26/15 8:49pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, included a special hearing with the Inter-Greek Council, which violated SFB policy multiple times in conjunction with TCNJam, an event that took place Saturday, Jan. 31.
The IGC was charged with three violations in the following areas — charity, food and advertising. According to the board, fundraising money was collected at the event. SFB policy states that SFB-funded events are not allowed to collect money for a fundraiser at the event — only beforehand. Instead, the event was supposed to be a celebration that raised awareness of childhood cancer.
Additionally, pizza was used to draw attendees, and “SAF Funded” was not put on advertisements. Ultimately, the board ruled to deactivate IGC for the remainder of the semester (except for the use of copying and fundraising), in addition to charging them a $3,000 fine for policy violations.
The meeting also featured normal special appropriation requests, which began with a proposal from the Class of 2016 for “TCNJ’s Got Talent.” As stated in its application, the purpose of the event is “to showcase the talents of TCNJ students.” This event has been organized for the past five years, and the council hopes this year will continue to develop it into a “legacy event.”
The event was allocated funds of $1,316 and is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 11, in Kendall Hall.
The College Union Board proposed next for “Ratfest ’15,” an outdoor spring concert to commemorate the Rathskeller (which will close at the end of the semester as the Brower Student Center undergoes renovations) with a farewell concert. Headlining options include Mayday Parade and Jukebox the Ghost, while the list of openers includes Modern Baseball, Surfer Blood and The Menzingers.
The event, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 19, was allocated funds of $28,305.
CUB also proposed for their Solo Circus event, which will include a circus-like performance by Michael DuBois and Viktoria Grimmy. Scheduled for Thursday, March 12, in the Student Center, the event was allocated funds of $7,695.
The meeting also included multiple cultural organizations proposing for events, the first of which was Union Latina for “Platanos and Collard Greens y Callaloo.” According to their proposal, the event is a “hip-hop theater play” that aims to educate the student body about prominent issues within the Latino and Black Community. The event, which is schedule to take place on Wednesday, March 4, in the Don Evans Black Box Theater, was allocated funds of $6,628.
The Eurasia/Middle East Society (EME) also proposed for “Nowruz: Celebration of the Persian New Year.” According to their proposal, the celebration “aims to introduce students to an important holiday that is celebrated throughout the Middle East, Eurasia and Southeast Asia,” and to “bring important elements of Persian culture to the campus community through music, food, dance, etc.” The event, which is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 23, in the Education Building, was allocated funds of $4,965.
Next, The Asian American Association proposed for their annual “Mystique of The East” event, which includes multiple performances from various Asian clubs on campus. The event, which will be free for everyone this year and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 11, in Kendall Hall, was allocated funds of $4,430.
Finally, MEDLIFE (Medicine, Education and Development for Low Income Families Everywhere) presented for an event entitled “A Taste of South America.” According to their application, the event will involve “traditional South American Food, with a specialization of Peruvian food, which will provide students the opportunity to be subjected to the foods of a different culture than their own.”
The event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 2, in the Lions Den, was allocated funds of $2,482.50.
*Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.
(02/18/15 6:41pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Over the last two weeks, the Student Finance Board has been met with a number of requests from various organizations across campus.
The meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4, kicked off with a request from The Association for Computing Machinery for “HackTCNJ,” the College’s annual hackathon, which is a 24-hour programming competition. The event includes competitors from the College as well as from other institutions. The event, which was allocated funds of $1,500, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Feb 28 through Sunday, March 1.
The Outdoors Club proposed for the first time this semester for their Belleayre Mountain Ski/Snowboarding Trip. The trip, which was allocated funds of $1,500, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Next up was The Haitian Student Association, proposing for their “Ambiance” cultural event, which aims to foster appreciation for diversity on campus. The event was allocated funds of $12,250 and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 7, in the Education Building.
The Chinese Student Association (CSA) proposed next for their Chinese New Year Celebration, which showcases a variety of food, traditions and activities to celebrate the holiday. The event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 4, in the Lions Den, was allocated funds of $2,505.
During the meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Class of 2015 proposed for a cooking class, as part of their “Real Life” series to teach seniors how to cook on a budget. The event was allocated funds of $600 and is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the 1855 Dining Room.
Circle of Compassion returned to SFB for a second week in a row after adjusting from their previously failed proposal. Their proposed event highlights a lecture with Dr. Jackson Katz on “American Manhood and Violence Against Women.” According to their special appropriation request, the organization hopes the lecture will “create a safe space for men to openly communicate about their role in prevention” and “break down gender barriers.” While the board was split on their decision, the event was allocated funds of $5,836.20 and is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 12, in Kendall Hall.
Next, the French Club proposed for their “Got Heritage?” event with lecturer Gary Kraut, who will speak about the preservation of French culture against American influence. The event was allocated funds of $300 and is set to take place on Monday, March 2, in the Library Auditorium.
The College Union Board proposed next for two events. The first of which was “An Evening with Cristin Milioti,” who is a Broadway actress known for her roles in “Once” and in the television sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.” The event was allocated funds of $9,820 and is scheduled to take place sometime this spring.
The second event was a Spring Latenighter with a “Flashback Friday” theme. The event was allocated funds of $22,760 and is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 6.
Finally, TCNJ Student Alliance to Facilitate Empathy proposed for an Assertiveness Workshop with Dr. David Krauss. The event, which was allocated funds of $200, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Student Center.
*Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.
(02/11/15 6:50pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The categories of Best Supporting Actor and Actress are two of my absolute favorite races each year, thanks to dynamic and versatile performances from both veteran and new actors alike. This year’s nominees have portrayed roles including three mothers, a father, a daughter, a brother, a physicist, a judge and a crazed music teacher. All 10 of the nominees are superbly talented and have made their mark in the world of cinema this year with outstanding career-defining supporting roles.
For the women, the race is packed with five outstanding females playing complex roles. Meryl Streep, breaking her own record for the most nominations for a single actor with an astounding 19 nods, showcases her vocal chops as the Witch in “Into the Woods.” She’s a scene stealer, as is Emma Stone as narcissistic Sam in “Birdman” and Keira Knightley as the inspirational Joan Clarke in “The Imitation Game.”
However, the two most defining and engaging performances come from Patricia Arquette and Laura Dern. Dern is heartbreaking as single-mother Bobbi in “Wild,” and Arquette is equally as impactful in “Boyhood.” Having swept the awards season thus far, it’s only fair to give this one to Arquette — it may be predictable, but damn does she deserve it.
For the men, the race is equally as impressive. There’s Robert Duvall, one of the oldest nominees in history playing the powerful Joseph Palmer in “The Judge.” Ethan Hawke plays opposite Arquette as a struggling father in “Boyhood,” a role in which he spent 12 years portraying. Mark Ruffalo also has a career-defining performance as Olympic wrestler David Schultz in the film “Foxcatcher.”
Then there’s Edward Norton, playing egotistical Broadway actor Mike Shiner in “Birdman” with devilish force and intensity, and finally J.K. Simmons as the psychotic music teacher Terrance Fletcher in “Whiplash.” Like Arquette, Simmons has been sweeping this season so far, and for good reason. As Fletcher, he breaks out of his usually comedic mold and delivers his best, most terrifying performance to date.
Don’t be surprised when his name is announced come Oscar night.
(02/04/15 3:34pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Edtior
The first man up for the Oscar is Bradley Cooper for his portrayal of America’s deadliest sniper, Chris Kyle, in Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper.” Cooper, who gained weight and muscle to portray the real-life Navy SEAL, plays the role with steely concentration and internal conflict.
Steve Carell portrays the wealthy psychopath John du Pont in “Foxcatcher,” a role for which the comedian completely transformed. He is almost unrecognizable in the role, which he plays with understated force.
The most heartbreaking performance comes from British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrayed Alan Turing in “The Imitation Game.” Turing, the real-life mathematician who helped crack Nazi codes during World War II, was punished for being a homosexual and forced to undergo chemical castration.
Despite these three performances, the real race is between Michael Keaton for “Birdman” and Eddie Redmayne for “The Theory of Everything.” Keaton portrays Riggan Thomson, a fading Hollywood star trying to break back into the scene by directing, writing and starring in a new Broadway show. Redmayne plays Stephen Hawking, the famous physicist, with real conviction.
All the men are powerful in their own right, but I’m voting for Keaton.
(02/04/15 3:21pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Student Finance Board met for the first time this semester on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to discuss proposals from two different organizations.
Chabad was he first group to come in, presenting for two events. The first was The Shabbat Experience — a weekly dinner in order for “Jewish students to fully celebrate their culture as well as share the beauty of it with the wider campus community.” The event was run throughout the fall semester.
After a vote, the SFB decided to fund the event to occur once a month, allocating Chabad funds of $2,498.
Chabad also proposed for a Passover Seder to take place on Friday, April 3, in the 1855 Room. The purpose of the event is to engage the campus community in a traditional Jewish experience for the holiday. The event was allocated funds of $1,699.99.
The Black Student Union then proposed three events. The first of which was “Kickoff,” which serves as an opening event for Black History Month. The event, which will take place on Monday, Feb. 2, in the Lions Den, was allocated funds of $1,055.
The second event was Caribbean Trio, Ewabo, which will spread culture through music. It will be on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the T/W Lounge, and was allocated funds of $1,500.
Finally, the Sankofa Ball — a closing ceremony for the month — was allocated funds of $168.58 and will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Business Building Lounge.
(01/28/15 10:15pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Academy Award nominations, announced on Thursday, Jan. 15, were met with immediate backlash. The biggest uproar came from the acting categories containing no people of color (the first time this has happened since the 1990s). More criticism came from the fact that, once again, no women were nominated for Best Director, despite critically acclaimed work from Ava DuVernay (“Selma”) and Angelina Jolie (“Unbroken”).
Hollywood has classically been a man’s game from the beginning, but take a jump to the East Coast and land on Broadway, and you won’t notice much of a difference here. In fact, theater in general still has a long way to go in giving equal representation (and power) to women.
Some might find this odd, for there are arguably more women involved in theater than men, especially at the regional and collegiate level. Yet more and more men are popping up as directors, stage managers and producers, while women are appearing solely onstage or not at all.
The College has two student-run theater organizations: All College Theater and TCNJ Musical Theater. This year, the two organizations are run by senior music major Shannon McGovern and senior psychology major Mariah-Lynn Black, respectively. They lead their organizations in presidential positions, as well as producing shows.
“When I was a freshman and sophomore especially, there would be moments where my male peers would be recognized for their leadership skills and accomplishments — which were nearly exactly the same as mine — and I would be left in the dust. And it hurt,” McGovern said, addressing her path to becoming president of ACT.
Despite these struggles, McGovern never gave up. In fact, the lack of appraisal and acknowledgement fueled her desire to work harder. In her junior year she served as the publicist for the organization before becoming president in the fall of 2014.
Alexa Logush, senior history and english double major and vice president of ACT, had similar obstacles to overcome on her way to recognition and success.
“It was often difficult and frustrating because everything seemed much more male-centered and a little less accepting,” Logush said, reflecting on her years as an underclassmen in both organizations. “I’ve been a lead set designer for five productions at TCNJ, and my first experience as a lead designer was particularly challenging because the director neglected to recognize that I was the lead designer and not just an assistant.”
Like McGovern, Logush has used this experience as a reason to work harder. She became secretary her junior year before taking over the role of vice president.
While men seem to dominate leadership positions, both women seem to agree that there has been a shift in the way that females are portrayed in plays and musicals.
“I think it’s been a slow mobilization, but (a shift) certainly exists,” Logush said. “I feel like women are aiming to share their stories and situations more so than ever before, and whether that is through acting, designing or writing, it’s a strong effort.”
She’s right — over the past 10 years, there have been a slew of new Broadway shows containing dynamic and complex female roles. These shows, such as “If/Then,” “Wicked” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” contain great stories of female empowerment while also flaunting commercial successes. This is a type of theater that did not grace the stage during most of the 20th century.
“I am hopeful that musicals like this will continue to make it in the Broadway scene and that full, complex female characters will not be such an anomaly in the entertainment side of the industry,” McGovern said. “I think Maggie Gyllenhaal put it so well at the Golden Globes. We’re not searching for … superhero women on screen or on stage; we want an honest portrayal of these women as people, whether they are good, bad or somewhere in between. I think we are moving in that direction, and I’m super excited to see where it will bring us.”
And while women may be carving out defined roles on stage, they are still underrepresented on the production-staff side. In a New York Times article published in 2013, females reportedly make up only 15 to 20 percent of Broadway directors. It’s an increase from previous decades, but still an indication that there is work to be done before equality — and respect — is achieved.
“I just want to stress how important it is to believe in your abilities and the abilities of those around you,” Logush said of leadership in theater. “Being on the executive board of a theater organization for two years has taught me how great it is to be a part of a team. It’s always a team effort, and it’s such a privilege to be a part of it.”
McGovern, who is preparing for her final semester at the College, had similar sentiments while reflecting on her experience.
“I’m really proud of the theater community we have here at the College,” she said. “It’s come a long way since my first year here in 2011. I think we’re doing a good job at making sure that the people leading our organizations are capable, qualified and dedicated people, no matter what their gender is.”
(01/28/15 7:58pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Edtior
In recent years, the Academy Award for best actress in a leading role has gone to some of Hollywood’s biggest names, such as Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock.
This year, the women who were nominated prove that they deserve a spot among those aforementioned legends.
Felicity Jones for “The Theory of Everything” and Rosamund Pike for “Gone Girl” are hardly household names, yet they give intimate performances in stunning films. Pike is wildly psychotic and sickeningly sweet as Amy, the central character behind “Gone Girl,” and Jones is a visionary as Jane, the husband of the famous physicist Stephen Hawking.
Then there’s Marion Cotillard, who snuck into the race for her portrayal as struggling factory worker Sandra in the little seen, but well-received “Two Days, One Night.”
Perhaps the real race, however, is between veterans Julianne Moore for “Still Alice” and Reese Witherspoon for “Wild.” Moore is a tour de force as a professor suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, while Witherspoon portrays Cheryl Strayed, an author who embarked on a 1,000 mile hike to find herself.
While all the women are superb, I have to give this one to Moore. With four nominations and no wins, she is more than overdue for a win. While the other women may be princesses of their own genres, Moore is the queen of them all.
(12/04/14 10:25pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, featured a variety of requests, including one new club and three large events from The College Union Board.
CUB first presented for their overnight bus trip to Boston, Mass. Having successfully run similar trips, CUB now plans to bring students on a tour of Fenway Park and allot time to explore Harvard Square for shopping and dining.
The event, which was allocated funds of $2,926, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12.
The next event proposed was the 2015 Welcome Back Lecture, which CUB also holds every year. Top choices for next semesters lecture include T.J. Miller, the voice of Fred from “Big Hero 6,” Josh Radnor from “How I Met Your Mother” and Josh Hodgeman of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”
The event, which is scheduled to take place sometime between Tuesday, Jan. 27, and Thursday, Jan. 29, was allocated funds of $28,598.
The last event proposed was the Spring Comedy Show. CUB hopes to get its first choice Adam DeVine, who created and stars in Comedy Central series “Workaholics” and is also known for starring in “Pitch Perfect.” Other options include American comedy troupe The Tenderloins and actor Nick Kroll.
The event, which will take place sometime next semester, was allocated funds of $50,680.
Student Government also presented for Finals Fest, which they have hosted in the past. This year, SG hopes to include BodyZen Massage Therapy and free pizza and smoothies.
The event was partially funded an amount of $7,220 and is scheduled to take place during the week of finals.
The Black Student Union also proposed for two events. The first was the Sankofa Ball, which will serve as a closing ceremony and final event for Black History Month. The event was partially funded an amount of $865 and is scheduled to take place in the Brower Student Center on Saturday, Feb. 28.
The second event that BSU proposed for was Pride Rock Fashion Show, which aims to bring attention to African inspired fashion designs. The event was tabled.
The Indian Student Association was the last to propose for its Coffeehouse, which will host performances from acts like Jiva and Taiko while serving coffee and traditional Indian desserts. The event was allocated funds of $500 and will take place sometime in December.
Finally, the Association of Students for Africa, which aims to increase the awareness of the African culture, diversity and its people at the College, was picked up as an SAF-funded club.
(11/21/14 8:28pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12, featured one high-volume request and four new clubs hoping to become funded through the Student Activities Fund.
The first request came from the College Union Board, which proposed for its annual Welcome Back Concert. The organization sent out a survey to the campus community asking which bands and artists they would like to see perform at the College. According to CUB, over 3,000 students took the survey, and the organization was able to brainstorm ideas based on both student requests and the typical budget allocated to the Welcome Back Concert.
CUB aims to get Mayday Parade as a headliner with Misterwives opening. Other possible headliners include Ingrid Michaelson, Nico and Vinz and Say Anything. Options for openers also include Four Year Strong, Ace Enders and This Century.
The event was allocated funds of $35,370.50 and is scheduled to take place sometime between Thursday, Jan. 29, and Saturday, Jan. 31, in Kendall Hall.
The first club to request recognition from SFB was the Student New Jersey Education Association (SNJEA). As stated in its constitution, the purpose of the club “is to bridge the gap between the many education groups on campus and provide them with resources that all education majors can use in their daily and professional lives.” In the past, they have offered events such as iPad workshops and panels on special education. With funding, they hope to do more of these events to benefit the campus community.
Following its presentation, the club was picked up as an SAF-funded organization.
The second club was Net Impact, whose purpose is “to foster and inspire a new generation of students who use their education to tackle the world’s toughest problems; to apply their business skills to make a difference in every sector of business … and promote Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.”
Net Impact was picked up as an SAF-funded organization, as well.
The Students for Disability Awareness (SDA) club was also recognized as an SAF-funded organization. Its purpose is to raise awareness of “the harmful social and medical constructs associated with people who have disabilities” to both the students of the College and the members of our community.
Finally, The Society of Creative Endeavors — which strives to create a “fun, interesting and educational environment for those interested in the pop culture of Japan, including anime, manga and video games” — was the last club to be picked up as an SAF-funded organization at the meeting.