49 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(12/04/18 3:16pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
With the end of the semester approaching, it is commonplace for students to skip meals and go to class hungry in the midst of pre-finals stress. In 1989, The Signal profiled geology professor Frederic Goldstein, who did more for students than just teach classes— Goldstein would often sell students snacks in between classes for just a few cents in case they didn’t have time to grab something to eat.
Although Goldstein was offered a lot of higher paying positions throughout his career, he stayed at the College due to an undeniable commitment to his students. The profile ends with some words of wisdom from the professor to the campus community— he writes, “Enjoy life now, there aren’t any guarantees. But you are here for four years, don’t blow it. Take advantage of the educational opportunities. Life is to be consumed in big bites and swallows."
How does one professor at Trenton State College make life easier for his students? Dr. Fredric R. Goldstein, professor of geology, has coffee, tea, hot chocolate, brownies and scooter pies available for his students during class breaks. Students place a small fee (for example, tea is 5 cents) in a cup and help themselves.
"During breaks, students don't have to rush to the Student Center in the rain and cold," Goldstein said. "These coffee breaks also help to make the students feel comfortable and relaxed."
Goldstein, a native of Brooklyn, New York, became interested in geology through a fascination with dinosaurs. This fascination, which he acquired in third grade, led him to study earth sciences and geology in college.
"I just never outgrew my liking for dinosaurs," Goldstein said. This fascination also led him to a doctorate degree from Rutgers in 1974.
Goldstein's main intentions were to become a teacher. Three major oil companies, Texaco, Exxon and Mobil, were all interested in his services as a geologist. He turned down all of their offers to become a professor at Trenton State in 1973. When he was up for tenure, he had a job waiting for him at Texaco, which included a salary double what he is presently making as a professor.
Goldstein received his tenure and stayed at Trenton State. Money was no factor in his decisions, he said. "My greatest reward in teaching is meeting the people. I am pleased to see that when my students leave Trenton State they are able to compete with students from around the country."
(11/26/18 11:56pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
In some ways, Jason Zujkowski was just an ordinary student. He hated getting up early, loved internet memes and was loyal to his favorite brands, never touching anything but a Samsung cell phone and Lenovo laptop. Although he was a lot like other college kids in some aspects, there was something extraordinary about him — he had an undeniable passion for music.
“Jason surrounded himself with music,” said Sean Zujkowski, his brother. “If he wasn’t playing, he was writing. If he wasn’t writing, he was listening. And if he wasn’t listening, he was just talking about it.”
On Nov. 9, Zujkowski, a music education major, played the Baritone saxophone alongside musician Michael Ray and the Jazz Ensemble in celebration of 100 years of music at the College. Shortly after the performance, Zujkowski was on his way to the reception with some friends when he collapsed due to a pre-existing heart condition. The 22-year-old never regained consciousness.
“We went from such a high to an unbelievable turn of events,” said Gary Feinberg, the director of the jazz ensemble. “I feel as though this concert was one of the highlights of his musical life. It was really a special concert and he knew it.”
Zujkowski’s performance consisted of three prominent solos, which were well-received by the audience. According to Feinberg, one of the key components of jazz playing is improvisation, which Zujkowski mastered with ease.
“As a performer, he had a lot of fire,” Feinberg said. “He was super expressive and that was his moment to show everybody that he owned that solo. I was thinking, ‘He’s been waiting for this moment to do this piece of music every ounce of justice he had within him.’”
This was Zujkowski’s first semester at the College after he transferred from Raritan Valley Community College. In just a few months, he was able to prove himself as a dedicated musician and leave a lasting legacy in the music department. For Zujkowski, playing saxophone at the College meant more than just earning a degree.
“He commuted from Manville, which is a brutal 60-minute commute and he was always on time for the morning class,” Feinberg said. “That is just a small insight to his character. He was really happy to be here. He was really excited about being a student here — this was his dream.”
During his short time at the College, Zujkowski also made a profound impact on other students in the music department. More than 500 people, many of whom were from the College, attended his funeral in Manville, New Jersey. Students organized carpools to ensure they could all be there to honor their friend.
“He made a lot of friends really fast,” said Wayne Heisler, the chair of the music department. “One of the things that was so crazy about this is that he hadn’t been here that long, but everyone seemed to know him pretty well for someone who had only been on campus for a few months. I get the impression that he was just really kind.”
Zujkowski’s brother echoed Heisler’s judgement of his character — on top of his love for music, he was undeniably kind to everyone he met.
“It comforts me knowing that his three months at TCNJ were probably the best of his life and that his kind and gentle soul left an obvious impact,” he said. “Life without Jason has left a void, but I feel his love every time someone he knew shares theirs. I feel its cliché to refer to Jason as ‘the best brother ever’ or anything along those lines, but it’s not a lie that Jason was one of the dearest people in my life.”
Although Zujkowski was at times reserved, his loved ones recall that as soon as he picked up his saxophone, he was comfortable and confident.
“He played the baritone saxophone for the Jazz Ensemble's concert with Michael Ray and, while he had been clearly nervous about performing, the second he picked up his instrument, it seemed as though he was a different person,” said Jonathan Andersen, a senior music major. “Everything else had seemed to fade away whenever he performed.”
Andersen was also quick to comment on his character.
“Jason was one of the kindest people I know,” he said. “He never turned down anyone who needed help.”
After his death, his family received video footage from the concert and was overwhelmed with gratitude. Many agree that the video of his final performance captured his passion for music.
“When I watched the video, there are a couple places where he is just throwing his head back and laughing,” said Kim Pearson, a journalism and professional writing professor who helped plan the concert. “He just looks like he is having a great time.”
According to Professor Kathy Mitchell, Zujkowski’s saxophone teacher, her student’s dedication and passion for his instrument will live on in the College’s music department.
“He gave it his all,” she said. “Jason has inspired the saxophone studio and myself. We all agree he has brought us closer together. He is with our studio always.”
Pearson noted that his preservation and dedication to his art, despite health challenges, should be an inspiration for the College community.
“So often I learn about some of the challenges that students have here.” Pearson said. “You never know what somebody is going through and what it took for someone to be sitting where they’re sitting. You should never assume. This is just another powerful reminder of that.”
Heisler honored Zujkowski at a Department of Music recital on Nov. 13 by equating his everlasting spirit to that of American jazz icon Sun Ra.
“Among those present at Friday’s jazz ensemble was Sun Ra,” he read. “Not physically, in the flesh, but in spirit, or the imaginary, or whatever we choose to call it. Sun Ra once said, ‘if death is the absence of life, then death’s death is life.’ May the life force of today’s recital match up with Jason’s — somewhere.”
(11/26/18 11:34pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
In a May 1981 issue of The Signal, a reporter began a two-part investigation on why the College wasn’t receiving ample funds to fix electrical and plumbing issues, as well as other maintenance projects. It seems that this low funding boiled down to the state’s refusal to prioritize higher education.
John Whitlock, the director of planning, facilities and construction for the New Jersey Department of Education at the time, admitted that “the day of higher education being highly respected by the community is gone.” Today, the campus community continues to point out infrastructure and facilities that are need of repair.
The buildings and facilities at Trenton State College are slowly wearing out, but administrators say they can only stand by and watch the erosion because of a shortage of state funds needed to do the repair work.
Some of the problems cited, which at Trenton State would cost over $4 million to remedy, may pose potential health and safety hazards if not attended to according to a request filed with the state Department of Higher Education Capital Improvements Program by Peter Mills, vice president of administration and finance.
"We are in the hands of the legislature and the voters," John Whitlock, director of planning, facilities and construction for the Department of Higher Education, said. Whitlock said that "everything" in the state budget has been reduced because of "severe statewide revenue problems" and that deferred maintenance would receive virtually nothing from the legislature except for a few small annual appropriations.
Much of the state's hope in catching up with its deferred maintenance projects lay in a $95 million bond issue that was voted down in the fall of 1979.
(11/13/18 2:30am)
By Emmy Liederman
Columnist
In the 1960s, it was commonplace for collegiate women to participate in beauty contests, and many were oblivious to the sexism behind the pageant ranking process. In 1962, sophomore Karen Marcason was chosen as the College’s representative for Glamour Magazine’s “Best Dressed Girl on Campus” contest. Participants were judged by a variety of criteria, which included having a “good figure,” “beautiful posture,” and an “appropriate —- not rah-rah — look for off-campus occasions.” The article specifies that if Marcason wanted to win the competition, it was of the utmost importance that she maintained “shining” hair that was “not just neat but impeccable.”
These standards of beauty have had a long-lasting effect on American women, and this article is a reminder how far society has come in promoting equality, but also how much work must still be done. Although the body positivity movement has skyrocketed in recent years, the same shaming that existed in 1962 can still lead to eating disorders and unrealistic body expectations for young girls.
Miss Karen Marcason, a sophomore elementary major, has been selected as Trenton State's representative in the Glamour's "Best Dressed Girl on Campus" Contest. Each year the fashion magazine sponsors a nation-wide contest to select the ten best-dressed college girls. The winners are featured in the August issue of the magazine.
Miss Marcason will be judged on these points: 1) good figure, beautiful posture, 2) clean, shining, well-kept hair, 3) good grooming—not just neat but impeccable, 4) a deft hand with make-up, 5) a clear understanding of her fashion type, 6) imagination in managing a clothes budget, 7) a workable wardrobe plan, 8) individuality in her use of colors, accessories, 9) a suitable campus look (she's in line with local customs), 10) appropriate—not rah-rah—look for off campus occasions.
(11/06/18 1:14am)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
In December 1993, a story documenting a fast-growing computer virus dominated the front page of The Signal. The virus had spread to two computer labs at the College, which caused mass confusion among faculty and students alike.
Today, most technical difficulties at the College are promptly handled by the IT department. Internet access is constantly at our fingertips, and it is hard to imagine that a computer virus would cause such an uproar.
A computer virus named the Form virus has recently infected two of the computer labs at Trenton State College.
"The virus started over in the Crowell Lab when someone put it on their disk," Barton Wendel, manager of Crowell computer lab, said. "The virus was then transferred to the next computer they used."
Three of the computers in both the Humanities lab and the Crowell lab had viruses on them. The computers were checked and the hard drives were cleaned off.
A virus is a program designed to replicate and spread on its own. The Form virus attacks the computer's data files and fragments the information on the disk. The virus copies itself on to the boot sector of a computer's hard or floppy disk.
It will then replace the disk's original boot sector with its own code so that the virus is always loaded into memory before anything else is. Once the virus is in the computer's memory, it can spread to other disks.
When the information is fragmented, the information is shredded and disorganized. As a result, the information is no longer useful.
"If someone comes in with the virus and unknowingly put it on the computer [not the system], it is there until the next day when the virus check finds it," Wendel said. "The better the virus is made, the harder it is to find it. The harder ones to find arc copied into the computer boot sector."
Wendel said that the person who has the virus keeps coming back to Crowell lab.
"The person is probably not aware that they arc carrying the virus," Wendel said.
According to Jeff Kerswill, lab coordinator, the person with the affected disk used it in the library, infecting the Humanities lab. "The original computer software did not detect the virus," Kerswill said. "We put in a newer virus detector and got rid of the virus."
(10/29/18 10:57pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
For some, homecoming is a time of nostalgia — some alumni come to reflect on their time at the school they once knew as Trenton State College, while others reconnect with old friends. This fall’s Homecoming Spirit Week was an opportunity for the campus community to reunite with alumni, showcase school spirit and get to know our new president, Kathryn Foster.
During the annual homecoming lip sync competition, Foster danced and moved her lips to the song “Respect” as a tribute to the late Aretha Franklin, which was well-received by the audience. While Foster has been welcomed with open arms, it is still hard to imagine homecoming without reflecting on all former College President R. Barbara Gitenstein did for the College during her 19-year career. In an October 1998 issue of The Signal, the campus community predicted how her role would contribute to the advancement and progression of this institution.
The faculty approved the appointment of Dr. R. Barbara Gitenstein as president and hoped she will bring a sense of trust between faculty and administration to the college.
Dr. Ellen Friedman, coordinator of women's and gender studies and professor of English, said she is looking forward to Gitenstein’s arrival on Jan. 2.
"This is an extremely positive move," Friedman said. "The faculty all regarded her very highly."
Dr. Terry Byrne, chairman of the communications studies department, said Gitenstein was the most qualified candidate.
"I rated her number one amongst the three candidates," Byrne said. The faculty believes Gitenstein will help heal the wounds created between them and administration during the last few years of Dr. Harold W. Eickhoff's reign as president.
"Dr. Eickhoff did not communicate, he was an authoritarian, and had no respect for the faculty," Friedman said.
"(Gitenstein) has very good communication skills," Friedman said. "She comes from a college faculty and knows how to talk to her constituents."
Donald Evans, chairman of the African American studies department, said he looks for Gitenstein to bring a period of stability to the college.
"She needs to heal this college," Evans-said. "The past year hasn't been very comfortable, a lot of unrest. If she can't heal this college community, then we are in trouble."
But Evans said the college should not expect Gitenstein to solve all of its problems.
"I am just looking for improvement," Evans said. "I don't expect her to walk on water or perform any miracles.”
(10/24/18 5:26pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
On Nov. 13, 1972, “The Greatest” spoke to a group of 200 students in Packer Hall about racial tensions in the U.S. Ali wanted to make it clear that he did not come to the College for publicity or personal benefit — he used the speech to initiate a call of action, saying, “the problem between white and black people is the worst problem in the whole world, and for the last 450 years we've gotten nothing but conceit, conniving, and jiving.”
Ali’s words were well-received by students — his speech was followed by a question and answer segment, and The Signal reported, “He proved to be as articulate in responding to questions thrown out by the audience as he was during his entire lecture."
Muhammad Ali, ex-Heavyweight Champion and probably the most colorful sports personality in America today, spoke to an audience of about 200 here on Monday night in Packer Hall. Ali dressed casually and using no notes, spoke primarily about his religion, the Islamic faith.
In opening his speech he said that he was scheduled to fight Bob Foster, "the Light Heavyweight tramp, I mean champ", on November 21 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Ali said that he first started speaking publicly after being stripped of his title for refusing induction into the Armed Forces.
Ali, who was born Cassius J. Clay, said he changed his name because this was the name given to his ancestors by slave-owners. Thus, "Mr Clay's slaves", after the Emancipation Proclamation, "took on his name. We don't belong to Mr. Clay anymore."
Referring to the allegation that Blacks are violent, Ali said that "we can't be violent 'cause we don't have nothing.' " Commenting on the racial atmosphere in the U.S. Ali said that "the problem between white people and black people is the worst problem in the whole world, and for the last 450 years we've gotten nothing but conceit, conniving, and jiving." Ali received $2,500.00 for his appearance. He remarked that "I'm not here for the publicity or the change. I want to do all I can to help my people. I keep hearing all you saying power - that's cause you broke probably. As soon as you get on top, you act like Jim Brown, Diana Ross, Sidney Poitier and Sammy Davis, Jr."
(10/10/18 12:31pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
When Kate McKinley (’11) received a letter from Trenton Water Works six weeks ago that stated her water contained toxic chemicals, she began to think about the lack of transparency between local government and its residents. She then received a voting ballot in the mail and noticed that many Ewing candidates were running for office with no opposition.
As an alumna of the College and a longtime Ewing resident, she knew she had to do something to change the way her town was run, so she decided to run for town council.
The 29-year-old believes that she can contribute a fresh perspective to a group that lacks young voices. As a town council member, McKinley would attend meetings twice a month, take questions from community members and advocate for the needs of residents.
“I kind of just decided that it was something I had to do,” McKinley said. “I noticed that there was no one around my age or the student population age here on town council. I have the perspective of both student and resident.”
McKinley felt that she could not just sit back and watch Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann win without facing any competition. She teamed up with Ron Prykanowski, who is running for mayor, and Dick LaRossa, who is also running for town council. She says this partnership will allow for a more democratic voting process.
“I’m running independently, but the three of us are on the same ticket,” she said. “What makes this interesting is that I decided to run with two gentlemen that are much older than me because the mayor had absolutely no opposition for the general election in November. He would’ve won by default, and that’s unacceptable.”
Due to her former business administration major at the College and her current role as a financial reporter at Princeton University, McKinley is well-versed in budgeting. As a town council member, she hopes to reduce the salaries of certain government officials and use that money to hire a public safety director, which the town currently lacks.
“The township has no public safety director, which is kind of important,” she said. “The mayor is filling in for this role with no experience in any EMS or the education and certifications that a public safety director would have. He has a lot of power without the necessary training or experience.”
If McKinley were to be elected, she would reduce all five town council members’ annual salaries from $12,000 to $2,000 and the mayor’s salary from $50,000 to $30,000. This would leave room in the budget for a public safety director salary, allowing the government to fund an additional position without increasing the budget.
As a member of the town council, McKinley would also work to strengthen contact between the police department, residents and the College community. She cites how the town was notified of the shooting of resident Devon Green that took place just a few blocks away from the College last October as an example of poor communication.
“That information needed to get to the students and residents a lot faster than it did,” McKinley said. “There needs to be better communication channels and more transparency between the mayor, residents and students.”
As for Trenton Water Works, McKinley is appalled that residents only receive notifications about toxins in their drinking water after the problems are solved.
“Trenton Water Works is way understaffed and there’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be replaced,” she said. “It’s old and it’s been leaking toxins into the water source. As a resident, I think I’ve received four or five letters saying the water is fine now, but telling me about past issue I didn’t know about. TCNJ kids are drinking it. The main reason I’m running is for public safety.”
McKinley also hopes to increase tax revenue by encouraging the development of more local businesses, which would help students at the College secure more job opportunities.
“We’re looking for businesses with long term viability, which will help TCNJ students in the long run with internships and jobs,” she said. “My main goal would be to increase tax revenue without increasing the actual residential population. If you increase the population, you put a burden on the police, the fire department and the schools.”
McKinley recognizes the potential for local government to eventually make changes on a larger scale. She encourages students to get involved as much as possible and advocate for their beliefs.
“I think local government is the most important focus for everyone right now,” she said. “The change is never going to come from the top — the change comes from the bottom. The more voices you have at the bottom pushing up, the more tension on the person at the top to change.”
She encourages young people like herself to educate themselves on the community’s needs and try to take matters into their own hands.
“Always be an active listener and understand why people are passionate about something,” she said. “If you share that passion, find a practical, polished way to be an advocate for it.”
(10/09/18 5:22pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Columnist
TCNJ Students for Life planted blue and pink flags across green lawn last April in a displayed titled The Graveyard of Innocents. Each flag represented 10 fetuses that had been aborted in New Jersey in the past month. This display caused an uproar among pro-choice students, who decided to vandalize the display and post a video of the vandalization on social media.
The pro-life group fought back, arguing that the vandalization was an infringement on their freedom of speech. In an April 2002 issue of The Signal, a “shouting match” between students and Survivor, a pro-life youth ministry, was documented as a contested issue. Sixteen years later, abortion still remains a highly-controversial issue at the College.
The campus community was confronted by signs and pictures used by members of Survivor, a pro-life youth ministry, that came to the College last Tuesday.
Survivor arrived on campus shortly after 10 a.m. and left shortly after 2 p.m. after a group of students in front of the Brower Student Center engaged in a shouting match with adviser Cheryl Conrad and Kathy Benskin, a chapter leader from Dayton, Ohio.
"I am very mad at this," Mike Young, freshman biology major, said. "It's a gross exaggeration of the truth. They are so sure they're right, they force their views on people who don't want them. It's an exaggeration of the truth and constitutes propaganda. They are using shock value."
However, members of Survivor felt the campus was open to their message.
"We got here around 10:30, and students have been fairly receptive," Benskin said. According to group members, it's the last 30 minutes that are the worst.
"By then, most people have found out that we're here," Benskin said.
Six members of Survivor, which is based in Southern California, came to the College to "inform people about the truth of this issue, so if they are to make decisions, they are informed about it," Keith Mason, chapter leader from Denver, said.
Some students were angered by the posters the Survivor members were carrying around. One was a large picture of an aborted fetus with the words "Choice is Abortion," and the other compared abortions to the Holocaust, saying, "Hitler's Holocaust, America's Holocaust."
(10/02/18 4:07am)
By Emmy Liederman and Miguel Gonzalez
Features Editor and News Editor
Between clubs, schoolwork and social obligations, it is common for students at the College to become so wrapped up in campus life that they forget to engage with the larger community. This is where Ewing Community Fest — an annual festival featuring music, food trucks and representation from local businesses –– comes into play.
Ewing and Trenton locals of all ages united with students on Saturday, Sept. 29 in celebration of community diversity, and there was a lot of activity to soak in. Children eagerly waited in line to paint pumpkins, get temporary tattoos and play trivia games.
“It’s cool to see people come out,” said Brandon Barge, a senior criminology major and senator of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Student Government sponsored most of the activities for the children. “I think this event is great for students to interact with local Ewing and Trenton residents.”
Celine Mileham, a senior secondary education and chemistry dual major, showed children how to make ice cream using dry ice as part of a science experiment.
“I love interacting with all the kids and the community,” she said. “It’s really cool to teach them about science and everyone loves ice cream. I think it’s really important to know where we go to school and how we can help the community members.”
The Mighty Monkey Wrenches, Ewing High School’s robotics team, demonstrated two devices they created — a catapult that shoots a yoga ball several feet into the air, and a large slingshot that shot colorful streamers. The team is affiliated with the competitive league, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, and travels around New Jersey to compete with other participating high schools.
“We want to spread awareness about the stuff we’re doing,” said Sterly Deracy, a senior at Ewing High School. “We’re building skills that will help us later on.”
Students from many different fields of study were eager to present their work and seek volunteers. Larissa Woods, a junior elementary education and psychology dual major, represented the College’s Cognitive Development Lab. The lab’s station featured a variety of toys and seeked children to volunteer for research.
“We study babies and children in learning and memory,” she said. “We take participants from the Ewing community and surrounding communities. We try to communicate with families so we can work with them in our research.”
As a new business in Campus Town, Frutta Bowls was eager to participate in the event and connect with the Ewing community. Representatives gave out free samples while Jamaican music played from a nearby booth. Brooke Gagliano, the Chief Executive Officer of Frutta Bowls, started the franchise at age 23 and she has watched her business grow ever since.
“It’s super important to engage,” she said. “No one will know about Frutta Bowls unless you engage with everyone. For us, it’s super important to let everyone know what we’re all about. We’re a healthier alternative compared to a fast food restaurant.”
Gagliano has high hopes for her new location in Campus Town. She was eager to share her excitement about both the festival and her newfound affiliation with the campus community.
“We are very excited to be here, especially on this beautiful day,” she said. “All the parents and kids are out there. There’s food trucks and live music— it’s going to be a great day.”
(10/02/18 3:14am)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
A September 1980 issue of The Signal documents the sexual assault of a female freshman. The student came back from a party under the influence and “awoke in the woods with her pants and panties removed. She was bruised and was bleeding from the vaginal area.”
Since 1980, there has been a heightened awareness of rape culture through campaigns like the #MeToo movement. In addition, Christine Blasey Ford’s has accused Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her at a high school party in 1982. Although Ford has been praised by many for her bravery, she has also been accused of waiting too long to come forward, which Kavanaugh supporters believe makes her story lack credibility. Support for sexual assault survivors has become a major on-campus initiative, and events like the Slut Walk highlight students’ willingness to believe and support survivors.
A suspect has been questioned in the sexual assault of a Trenton State College freshman, which occurred in a wooded area behind the Travers/Wolfe residence halls early last Friday morning, according to campus police.
Sgt. R. Thomas Hagaman, community relations officer for campus police, said police received a call from the student's roommate reporting the assault at approximately 4:40 a.m. Friday morning.
Hagaman said the student was attending a party in Travers residence hall and left between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. due to sickness.
Another student followed her, and the last thing the victim remembered was being in the parking lot behind Travers/ Wolfe, according to Hagaman.
THE STUDENT TOLD police she awoke in the woods with her pants and panties removed. She was bruised and was bleeding from the vaginal area, according to Hagaman.
The sexual assault occurred two days after a noted expert on the subject conducted a two-day workshop on rape awareness and prevention on campus.
Hagaman said that a suspect had been identified and questioned and that Ewing Township and campus police were continuing an investigation.
The suspect is a male Trenton State student who had been living in a residence hall without authorization. If the victim files charges, the suspect would be arrested this week, Hagaman said. Since charges have not been filed, it is not known whether the suspect has been prohibited from attending classes. Jere Paddack, dean of students, refused to comment on the suspect’s status as a student.
(09/24/18 10:23pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
In a February 1977 issue of The Signal, two student members of the LGBTQ+ community, Carol and Keith, were profiled on what it was like to come out to both their families and the campus community. Although the students were accepted by some of their peers, they were ostracized by others.
Carol shared that after coming out, her dad cried for a week, and after telling her friends at the College, she “wasn’t one of the girls anymore. One girl was afraid of me; maybe afraid I'd rape her or something."
Keith, who identified as bisexual, told The Signal that he had yet to come out to his father due to fear of rejection. Carol also noted that it is not just the personal reactions that made revealing her sexuality difficult, but also her lack of legal protections and right to marriage.
With the legalization of gay marriage in 2015 and an increasingly widespread acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, it is clear that we have come a long way since 1977.
Last month a lesbian became an ordained Episcopalian priest. All over this country barriers are being broken down. Gay liberation has come to America. Gay liberation is also coming to Trenton State College and recently the Signal interviewed two members of the gay community trying to find out what gay life is like.
"Being gay is a pleasure and a difficulty. I never know who I'm going to be attracted to. I try to meet people as people, not as sex objects," said Keith.
Keith is currently working so he can come back to TSC and get his degree. According to him, he is a bisexual.
"Once I came out I didn't want to see women. Then I realized that I wanted to." He thought for a moment and said, "I couldn't put myself in a certain role."
It's difficult to be bisexual. Some gay people even reject him, according to Keith. "I don't feel I have to limit myself, but I feel the pressure too," he added.
Carol, a member of the Gay Union of Trenton State (GUTS) said, "I know it's not a phase. . . if I were to try straight life it would be like giving up... it's my heart."
As a sophomore campus resident, Carol has experienced numerous difficulties. As soon as people found out, Carol says, "I wasn't one of the girls anymore. One girl was afraid of me; maybe afraid I'd rape her or something." She shook her head in disbelief.
According to Carol, she tried talking with them and told them to ask her questions, but they didn't even try. Carol's roommate knew she was gay, but when the floor members found out, her roommate was afraid they'd think she was gay too.
(09/18/18 4:47am)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
In October of 1993, the College established a smoking policy that was considered strict for its time. The policy banned smoking throughout campus except for designated areas and dorm rooms, given that the residents had had their roommate’s permission to smoke and that the door was closed. Many students were angered by the news — Dae Rebeck, a non-smoker, told The Signal she thought it was “...an outrage. Smokers pay so much money to be here, and if they can't smoke, it is a violation of their rights. Next they'll be running around bagging methane gas out of my ass."
In the last decade, cigarettes have been stigmatized and widely replaced with electronic smoking devices. These devices are growing in popularity, which raises the question of whether the administration will crack down on these devices like it did with cigarettes in 1993.
A new smoking policy, to take effect Oct. 16, bans smoking all over campus except in residence hall rooms and designated outside areas, according to a letter from Associate Vice President of Facilities Management and Planning Greg Bressler to the Committee on Quality of Campus Life.
According to state regulations, indoor smoking areas can be created in areas that are physically separated from areas the public uses or passes through. Bressler's letter, however, says Trenton State has no such areas.
The state regulations cited are listed under Subchapter 11, “Indoor Air Quality Standards and Procedures for Buildings Occupied by Public Employees," under the State Uniform Construction Code Act and the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act. Copies of these regulations are available through the Office of Campus Safety.
"No smoking" signs will be put up in the main entrances and foyers of all campus buildings. Once they are up, "the College will officially be declared a smoke-free institution," according to the letter. Smoking will also be forbidden in state-owned vehicles.
Designated smoking areas will be established outside, away from building entrances. The letter states that "all members of the College community are responsible for achieving and maintaining a smoke-free environment."
Faculty and other personnel will be held responsible for those they supervise that violate the policy. The Human Resources department will be consulted for recommendations of disciplinary action to be taken against any students. A visiting smoker in violation of the policy will be informed of the new regulations by a representative of the office of Campus Safety. According to the letter, "if compliance is not immediately obtained, the Campus Police shall escort the visitor off the premises." Section seven of the smoke free campus policy dictates that "staff members, faculty, students, and volunteers who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action and possible fines, as assessed by the Department of Labor in accordance with the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act."
"I think it's kind of harsh," Missy Foley, a sophomore English education major, said. "I don't smoke, but I feel kind of bad for those that are addicted and have to run back to the room every five minutes."
Her roommate, Dae Rebeck, also a non-smoker, agreed. "It's an outrage. Smokers pay so much money to be here, and if they can't smoke, it is a violation of their rights. Next they'll be running around bagging methane gas out of my ass."
Jim Romaine, a senior psychology major, believes the regulations are a good idea. "I don't smoke, so it's better for me," he said. "If I'm in a room that's smoky, I get headaches. I guess that makes it good for me."
Jasiri Miller, a junior education major and a smoker, feels that smokers should have respect for non-smokers and should only smoke in designated smoking areas. "But it seems a little unfair to commuters that don't have anywhere to smoke on campus," she said. "It's like we're back in high school smoking in the bathrooms again."
(09/11/18 3:18am)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
Today, T-Dubs is the perfect spot for late night dining, satisfying your sweet tooth and filling up on deep fried cravings. In the past, the Towers had a traditional dining hall in the lower level known as the TW Cafeteria.
While it was a convenient place to eat, the cafeteria soon became a recipe for roaches, grime and many health violations. In February of 1980, the cafeteria reopened after being shut down by the State Department of Health because its closure limited dining options for students at the College. The mandatory closing in 1980 marked the first time in six years that a dining facility at a New Jersey college was shut down by the state.
Travers Wolfe dining hall reopened yesterday after a state health reinspection last Wednesday revealed, according to one official, "grossly insanitary conditions hazardous to public health." This is the only known incident where a Trenton State College cafeteria was ordered to close due to unsatisfactory conditions, and is the first time in six years a New Jersey college eating facility was ordered closed by the State Department of Health.
A notice signed by State Health Commissioner Dr. Joanne Finley, and sent to the campus food service (Cuisine, Ltd.) said the Health Department "cannot permit these conditions to continue." The note accompanies last Wednesday's inspection report, which included nearly 11 pages of specific reasons leading to the eating establishment's "unsatisfactory" evaluation.
Cuisine was told to voluntarily shut down operations at the Towers dining hall or face possible legal action. Food preparation and serving ceased after last Wednesday's lunch and did not resume until Monday's dinner.
PERSONS NORMALLY EATING in the cafeteria, which feeds the greatest number of people at TSC (about 1,200), are advised to use the facilities at Decker and Phelps Halls for lunch and dinner. Breakfast was served only in Decker.
According to Edward Deep, assistant coordinator for the Retail Food Program at the state heath department, the two main reasons for the closing were a "massive infestation of roaches" in the food preparation and serving areas, and a “high accumulation of filth" in the food preparation area.
(09/04/18 2:37pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
For some students at the College, the convenience store is not much more than a place to stock up on toiletries, microwavable meals and overpriced candy. Meanwhile, other students will find themselves in the store for hours on end with nothing on their shopping list — they just came in to pay a visit to their friend, cashier Malaysia Ford.
“If you ever need a good laugh, go to Malaysia,” said Tian-na Green, a junior criminology major.
Ford started working for Sodexo at the College in 2014, when she worked at the pizza and pasta station in Eickhoff Dining Hall. In January, she was transferred to the convenience store, which she prefers due to her frequent interactions with students, which she says have made her more confident and sociable.
“When I worked at Eick, conversations were limited to ‘Would you like red sauce or white sauce on your pasta?’ At the C-Store, I interact with more students and the conversations are personal and one-on-one,” Ford said.
One student in particular stands out for Ford— Elijah Buckwalter, a sophomore psychology major. After establishing that they were both members of the transgender community, the two had an immediate connection.
“Elijah stood out because his ID had his birth name and I asked whose ID it was, so then we started talking about being trans,” Ford said. “He was so open with it and I’m so open with it. We understand each other.”
Buckwalter makes frequent visits to the store to visit Ford.
“I come in here just to chill and talk to her,” he said. “Malaysia is always tricking the freshmen. They ask if they can use their student ID to pay and she says ‘No, you need cash’ until they actually take out their money.”
After graduating from Trenton Central High, Ford immediately started working at an Educational Testing Services warehouse. She held a few other jobs before coming to the College, but her current position is by far her favorite.
“The students are what make my job fun,” she said. “Students at TCNJ are down to earth, open to meeting friends and conversational. This is the longest I've ever been at a job, and I know I can work my way up.”
Ford also praises Sodexo for the benefits she receives, as well as their involvement and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Most companies will say they’re not discriminating but still won’t hire you,” she said. “Sodexo is very involved with the LGBTQ community — I went to Asbury Park Pride with the Sodexo union rep.”
Although Ford has always felt accepted by those around her, she admits that it was difficult for her to begin to accept herself.
“In high school, I struggled socially because I wasn’t a fan of myself,” she said. “I was trying to figure out who I was, and I didn’t think I was going to be accepted. I was too worried about how others would evaluate me and about things that weren’t in my control. I would always have a mask on.”
Because many assume that Ford is a cisgender female, it has often been difficult for her to identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
“Things would definitely be different for me if i didn't look cis,” she said. “Because I’m so passable, people are envious. If I wasn't passable, maybe I would have more friends in the community.”
Ford also believes it is harder for her to make connections in the transgender community due to a difference in values.
“I don't think I mesh with many people in the community because we don't value the same things in life,” she said. “At one point in time, I had no self-worth. I felt like I was gonna fall into the system of sex work, which is a stereotype that transgender women are known for.”
Ford notes that it takes a certain level of self-worth to be able to break the mold and take control of your own career path in the transgender community.
“When I tell someone I’m transgender, they often view me as an object,” she said. “I’m not a sexual object or a fantasy — I'm a human being. I want to decide the standards for how people are going to treat me. I have to show them that I respect myself before they respect me.”
Although Ford has generally felt comfortable in her circle of friends and coworkers, she notes that there is a lot more work that needs to be done in terms of transgender equality. She emphasizes the need for more affordable surgeries and widespread acceptance in the workplace.
“We are all human at the end of the day,” she said. “There should be no discrimination based on skin color, how you dress or who you choose to be with. It doesn't affect your ability to work or your ability to do anything.”
Ford hopes to start studying psychology at the College next fall and eventually become a school therapist or counselor for the LGBTQ+ community. She hopes to inspire and encourage young people with her story.
“I didn’t go to college because high school was such a drain and I had no one to push me,” she said. “It was only recently that I thought about studying psychology. It’s never too late. As long as I’m still breathing, I can strive for my dreams.”
(09/04/18 12:17am)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
For many students at the College, safety does not seem to be a concern — students feel comfortable roaming the campus alone at any time and even sometimes leave their dorm rooms unlocked. But in February of 1980, a Travers resident was held at knifepoint, robbed and physically abused by two men after declining to give them marijuana. The men showed the security desk a non-Travers room key with no form of identification, and signed in for a room number that did not exist, yet they were still let in. Although this case is almost 40 years old, it raises the question whether campus safety should remain at the forefront of students’ minds.
A Travers resident was assaulted and robbed at knife-point early Sunday morning, according to campus police reports. Jeffrey Schnier was watching television in his room on tenth floor Travers at 2:35 a.m. when two men knocked on his door and entered asking for marijuana, claiming one of the other floor members said he would have some, according to the report of Lt. Renito Williams. According to reliable sources, the room Schnier lives in was a drug disposal last year. When Schnier said that he didn't have any marijuana, one of the men allegedly pulled out a hook knife and demanded all the marijuana and money he had, the report said. Schnier later told The Signal that one of the men said, "You've been had. Where's your money?" While one of the assailants held the knife at Schnier's neck, the other ransacked the room, finding approximately five grams of marijuana, $12 in cash and clothing and other items worth about $102, the report said. They allegedly forced Schnier to take off his clothes and throw them out the window. They made him lie on the ground and lied his hands behind his back with a string of beads, Schnier said. When they tried to take other beads off the ceiling they knocked beer bottles over and fled by the stairs near the elevator, Schnier said. Schnier described the two suspects as black, around 5'9", medium build, short cropped hair and between 20 and 25 years old. One was wearing a brown corduroy jacket and dark pants and the other was wearing dark clothing. Police are testing a fish bowl that the men might have touched to see if they left fingerprints behind, Sgt. R. Thomas Hagaman said. The two men showed a room key with a "C" stamped on it when checking in at the Tracers security desk but the key should have had "T" on it, according to Williams' report. "C" keys are replacement keys. The men allegedly gave their names as Keith Williams and Herbert Ellison and had signed to go to room 920. However there is no room 920 in Travers, the report said. "It is quite likely that they are aliases", Hagaman said. "Without security asking for identification, they could give any name." Schnier suffered a cut hand on the broken glass and was taken to the infirmary for treatment and was then released.
(08/29/18 3:42pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
On Tuesday, August 21, 20-year-old University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbets was found dead after she was missing for more than a month. After learning that an undocumented immigrant was charged with her murder, I held my breath—- I knew people were already using the young girl’s death to fuel their anti-immigration beliefs and generalize the intentions of an entire population.
I spent the summer working and growing close with immigrants from Guatemala and Mexico, many of whom I hope to remain in contact with. I have seen firsthand that making blanket statements about immigrants undermines and disrespects those who have risked it all in hopes of a better life.
When I heard this story, I thought of Josue. He busses tables six days a week and moves at the speed of light to get his job done. I can honestly say I’ve never heard the man complain. He speaks about missing his home country and family, but he is thankful to be here. Unfortunately, he knows he has something to prove.
I thought of Maria, a young Guatemalan girl who was eager to start work and support her family. I knew I would be able to get through my shift when she greeted me with open arms and a beautiful smile. During the dead business hours, Maria would help me improve my Spanish while I helped her with English. When I told her it was admirable that she started working at a young age, she shrugged it off. For Maria, starting work as soon as possible to support the family is nothing out of the ordinary— she was simply doing her part. At her age, I don’t think my friends and I even possessed a fraction of her motivation and work ethic. She is truly inspiring.
I thought of the head chef, who spends hours behind a hot stove and is responsible for countless happy customers. If I went into the kitchen in a panic because something went wrong, he remained calm and had an immediate solution. His food was always brought to the tables in a timely manner, and tasted great too. I don’t know many people who wouldn’t crack under the pressure of that job.
I challenge those who find themselves generalizing the actions of immigrants to try to survive even a few hours doing the demanding work that defines these people’s lives. I challenge them to consider whether they would want to move to an unfamiliar country to find work and seek a better life only to be denied well-deserved respect. Maybe then they would understand the harm caused by their flawed mentality.
(08/28/18 2:08pm)
By Emmy Liederman
Features Editor
Welcome Week at the College usually consists of settling into the dorms, attending icebreaker activities and scoping out the best spots on campus to eat, study or simply spend time with friends. For many students, it is also an opportunity to meet people they connected with on social media in the flesh. Before social media, people used to walk into freshman year blind. But now, platforms like Facebook and GroupMe help students meet people in their class before arriving on campus.
“TCNJ Class of 2022” is a Facebook page created for incoming freshmen to communicate and learn more about what the College has to offer before move-in day. It has become a platform for students to introduce themselves in the hopes of finding a compatible roommate, buy discounted textbooks from upperclassmen and gather information about extracurricular activities on campus.
“I find the Facebook group very helpful because it gave us an opportunity to hear about some of the clubs we can get involved in when we move in,” said freshman early childhood education major Heather Collins.
Although its main purpose is for incoming students to introduce themselves to each other, this process can become a bit monotonous, according to freshman communication studies major Madison Pena.
“The Facebook group is helpful in terms of having questions answered by upperclassmen,” Pena said. “That being said, there are also times where it felt like it was just the generic ‘My name is (blank) and I like working out and watching Netflix.'”
While some students feel the introductions on Facebook might be lacking in sincerity, many agree that this is made up for by the more intimate group chats that follow.
“I found my roommate through GroupMe,” Collins said. “I chose (her) because we had the same opinions on a lot of things and talking with my roommate was very easy. We communicate almost every day. The group chats give us the chance to see the people who we may connect with and want to get to know more.”
Although commuter students do not have to stress over finding a roommate, many are thankful that social media has allowed them to form a group of friends before coming to campus.
“I’m commuting to TCNJ so I did not get a roommate, but I have made friends throughout these past few months,” said freshman computer science major Kenneth Arias. “A lot of different things are talked about in our group chats, ranging from class schedules or questions to just general random conversation and personally, I have gotten to know several people thanks to this.”
Pena, who is also commuting to the College, finds the more specified group chats, such as a chat for commuters, to be the most beneficial.
“The conversations happening are much more specific to my personal situation and interests,” she said. “I can honestly say that I’ve gotten to know a small group of people pretty well. I think it’s important to get to know people who are in a similar situation as you because you can help answer each other’s questions and work through it together.”
(08/28/18 1:45pm)
While relationships with alumni remain important to the College, the way in which the school interacts with its graduates has changed with time.
In a 1941 issue of The Signal, there is an article titled “Summer Sees Ten Alumni Take Vows; Graycar, Long Among Those Married.” This article lists the summer marriages of 10 different alumni and goes into detail about where the couple will reside, what organizations they were involved in on campus and even the members of their bridal party.
Today, it is hard to imagine that the personal lives of alumni would be as newsworthy.
'36 Miss Bertha E. Whitehurst, of Trenton, became the bride of Horace W. Fallow, of Trenton, on July 19. While at college she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sorority. The couple reside on Edinburg Road, Mercerville.
'37 Meyer Millman married Miss Garie Soloman, of New York, on August 10. The couple will reside in Palmyra. '37 Miss Madeline M. VanArsdale became the bride of Henry Joseph Shyers on August 9. Among the bridal party were Miss Dorothy Cichon, '37; Miss Betty Hopkins, '37; Mrs. George Malone, nee Eleanor Walker, '37, and Mrs. Richard Titus, nee Adelaide Van Osten, '36. Mrs. Shyers is a member of the faculty of the Berkeley Heights School. While at college she was a member of Philomathean Sigma Sorority. Mr. and Mrs. Shyers will make their home in Union.
(05/01/18 6:27am)
The College’s reaction to the Bible Believers’ demonstration is a reminder of students’ willingness to stand up for their beliefs, regardless of what the issue may be. In 1990, students protested against a policy that mandated all courses have a cumulative final exam that made up between 30 and 60 percent of the final grade. Students argued that one exam should not have such a heavy impact on their final average and that the change in policy, which according to one professor was “plotted in some administrative cabal around a boardroom in Green Hall,” was not transparent enough.
Several hundred Trenton State College students loudly protested the College's mandatory cumulative final exam proposal in a "Fight the Final" rally last Wednesday in front of Green Hall.
The hour-long protest began with a singing of the national anthem and featured chants, banners, a short sit-in in in front of the academic affairs office, as well as several speeches which roused the crowd. Dr. Hal Hogstrom, professor of communication and theater, was especially notable in a speech where he condemned the college administration as "the most arbitrary, autocratic and authoritarian of all the ones I have seen."
Hogstrom lambasted the plan as "ill conceived." Under the proposal, all classes next semester will have a mandatory cumulative final exam which will count for no less than 30% and no more than 60% of the final grade. Hogstrom listed three reasons why he felt the proposal was a bad one, attacking the way "it was foisted upon us," saying it would seriously damage the duality of learning, and saying it was a dear violation of academic freedom. Expanding on these three complaints, he said, "policy should be shaped in Macy's window, not plotted in some administrative cabal around a boardroom in Green Hall." He went on to question how, when and where the decision was made saying "suddenly there it was, like some exotic fungus."
Hogstrom also said, "Learning rammed into a short period is far inferior to learning at a moderate pace over a period of time." In decrying the plan as an attack on academic freedom, he said that students from all over the world come to American colleges to learn because of the academic freedom here, and said that is why professors here "get upset when our administrators begin to act the way administrators in Eastern Europe used to act.”
Hogstrom closed by saying, "perhaps at last [this protest] is sounding a tune that can even be heard within the walls of Green Hall," and he called for a dialogue between the students and the administration. Hogstrom was often interrupted with applause and cheers and seemed pleasantly surprised at how well the students reacted to his speech.
SGA President Mike McCormick also spoke, comparing the administration to "Big Brother" and he pointed out that Harvard University had determined that cumulative exams were not useful. "If Harvard is saying that," he said, "who are we to say no?"
Several students held posters at the rally, such as, "I'm going to transfer," "Two study days are bullshit” and “Leave my 'test'icles alone." One bed sheet banner portrayed a grade "A" egg on the left side which said "this is your brain." On the right side was a broken egg labeled grade "D", and was captioned, "this is your brain during cumulative finals."
After the speeches, the students circled the building a few times, chanting, "Fight the Final!" and other slogans. They made a point to stop at the back of Green Hall, where the office of Dr. Eric Brucker, vice president for academic affairs, is located. Several window curtains in several offices were then closed by people inside. Dr. Brucker was believed to be meeting with members of the faculty senate at the time of the rally. The faculty senate has also come out against mandatory cumulative final exams. Dr. Brucker was unavailable for comment.