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(10/27/10 6:09pm)
Cassandra Jackson, an associate professor of English at the College, understands the power of imagery — it was a single image that inspired her to write an entire book.
While she was on fellowship at Harvard Jackson went to the Peabody Museum to look at Louis Agassiz’s small, 3” x 5 inch” daguerreotypes, early forms of photography, which were held in a small glass case. Jackson recalled experiencing a strange sensation when she saw her own image reflected over the images from antebellum slavery, as if it were cast over top of it. It was in this moment that Jackson began contemplating the relationship between literature and photography.
“When I started, I was just looking at stuff,” she said. “It started with the image of a whip-scarred slave that was popularly distributed as part of the abolitionist movement. Then I ran across images of 50 Cent and started thinking about the intersection between the past and present. Why would contemporary black men be representing themselves this way? What is this saying about our history?”
Jackson recently published her second book “Violence, Visual Culture, and the Black Male Body,” in which she explores past images of black males victimized by violence and examines their influence in today’s society.
“I was interested in thinking about the ways in which images of violated black men have reverberated in our culture,” Jackson said. In her book, she focuses on the “whip-scarred slaves from the 19th century and bullet-riddled rappers from the 20th century.”
“I wanted to think critically about how this particular figure operates and its way of policing black men and their masculinity,” she said. “This image has permeated our culture and has become a part of it.”
She explained how today it is unsurprising to hear about black rappers being shot, and how violence against black males has become viewed as a norm.
“I was fascinated in the previous election when Obama was running for president and a number of publications discussed fear of him being assassinated,” she said. “Here we are in the 21st century, and there has to be this fear? Why is the inevitable result of his success violence against him?”
Such thoughts stuck with Jackson as the writing project, which started with a focus on 19th-century photography, evolved into something greater.
She also perused the photography collection at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City.
It is not uncommon for rappers to emphasize how many times they have been shot or select images for magazine and album covers that depict themselves as victims of racial violence. Examples that she explores in her book include a Nas album cover where he has scarring across his back, which is eerily similar to the 19th-century slave photos.
“It’s a book about visual culture, and how we see and how that impacts and shapes ideology,” Jackson said. “A lot of the images (in the book) are grizzly. I included lynching photography. I had to think carefully about why I was writing about violence and I had the realization that an incident from when I was a little girl influenced this reserach.”
Delving into her own familial past, Jackson shared the story that played an integral role in inciting her interest.
“I had an uncle in St. Louis who I used to visit in the summer. It was always strange to me because my uncle was not an urban person. He wanted to always go fishing and seemed so out of place,” she said.
Through a discussion with her mother, Jackson learned that her uncle had been convicted of breaking miscegenation laws because he was in a relationship with a white woman in Alabama in the mid-1950s. Mobs formed and his life was in jeopardy after the woman admitted to loving him. He had no choice but to escape to St. Louis.
“I found myself wondering how many stories of black migration weren’t just about having a better life, but were about staying alive,” she said. “I was living with the trauma of that hanging over my family, and it has a lot to do with why I focused on these images. The history felt close to me. With this (book), I was working through that experience.”
Her family’s past was not the only catalyst in the book’s creation.
“Teaching and writing have become inseparable for me. They intersect at every level. The biggest influence on this book was the capstone courses of the English department. I’ve taught Violence, Visuality, and Race. So many conversations in that course have shaped my way of thinking about the violence and images,” Jackson said. “When writing, sometimes I thought to myself, ‘What would my class think?’ ”
Initially, Jackson was concerned about showing such horrific images to students and in her book. She worried that, in a way, she was perpetuating the violence.
Through speaking with her class, she attained reassurance and confidence in the fact that these photographs were necessary subjects of discussion.
“I took the students’ responses seriously, and it showed me that the images demanded intellectual investigation,” she said. “Had it not been for the experiences teaching when writing the book, it would have been an entirely different book. Or there may have not been a book.”
(10/27/10 5:07pm)
Students and faculty members learned the benefits of elementary school teachers’ lounges at the year’s first Urban Education Seminar, held in room 406 of Forcina Hall on Oct. 20.
The presentation, titled “The Social Life of Urban Elementary Teachers: Exploring Interactions and Networks in Teachers’ Lounges,” emphasized the importance of teachers being provided with an exclusive environment to vent, relax and share knowledge.
Lynette Mawhinney, an associate professor at the College and the newest faculty member in the Urban Education option, led the interactive discussion.
She began by introducing the topic, which she deemed something “near and dear” to her — teachers’ lounges.
The phrase conjures up various myths and thoughts, often negative. To illustrate this point, Mawhinney had attendees break into groups and create collective lists about what comes to mind when thinking of these lounges.
Lists included “gossip,” “professional support,” “relaxation,” “food,” “recovery” and “venting.”
Although some responses were positive, Mawhinney explained that oftentimes first-year teachers are advised to stay out of the teacher’s lounge.
When she began her research, she said, “People told me I was crazy. They said, ‘Why would you wanna spend time in that nasty place?’ ”
Mawhinney spent two years of ethnography at an elementary school in Philadelphia, which she presented under the pseudonym James E. Farmer School, where she spent 312 hours of observation.
Originally this school had a large lounge, but ran into a problem when they needed a new counselor’s office. Since it’s mandated by law that schools provide a lounge, the school relocated teachers to the Home and School Room, which was where parents worked.
Teachers were dissatisfied and felt this wasn’t a safe place to relax. They couldn’t fully vent with parents around. In time, they created their own “lounges” in classrooms and libraries.
Lounges are important places for teachers to gather, since they are usually surrounded by students and rarely see other adults throughout the day, Mawhinney said. Being provided with congregational spaces, such as lounges, offices and libraries, serves two purposes for teachers — combating isolation and professional knowledge sharing.
She explained that ways to combat isolation include humor, food, storytelling, reassurance and affirmation through sharing similar stories. These provide ways for teachers to cope with any stress they encounter throughout the day.
Veteran teachers often share their wisdom with novice teachers. At the Philly school, a student teacher named Kate worked with Shanae, a teacher within one year of retirement. Through her time spent with Shanae, Kate gained new, effective techniques in carrying out lunch detentions and dealing with students.
Teachers who ate by themselves at this school were more likely to leave, and those same teachers had been told in their undergraduate years to avoid the lounge. Interaction in the lounges eases the hardships of the emotional labor the teachers perform, Mawhinney said.
Implications from her research include teachers being able to channel their voices into a discourse, encouraging school districts to ensure a place for teachers and providing insight into retention and attrition rates of teachers.
Mawhinney concluded by offering this advice to student teachers or those conducting field notes: “People who have gone in say that those teachers are the nastiest things (after hearing them gossip or talk about students). But by going in and then venting afterwards, how are you using your time the same way? It’s structured into it. Think of it with a critical eye and look at it that way.”
In other words, discussion is a healthy and necessary means of coping with daily stresses.
After the presentation ended, Jason Voss, sophomore chemistry major, said “ I’ve been in teachers’ lounges in my high school. The presentation was really accurate. After seeing teachers lounges from my perspective, she did a good job of providing a similar depiction.”
“I liked it because it gave me a better insight into the lounges,” said Erica Roberts, freshman urban education and English major. “It’s not just all gossip, and it serves as a way for teachers to come together and support one another.”
(10/27/10 4:50pm)
Many have seen Hassan’s white vehicle parked behind the Towers and heard him shout, “Five dollar pizza!” out the window, or dialed his number in desparation and awaited his arrival as he came to deliver pizza in the wee hours of the morning.
But besides his phone number, what do students really know about this man?
Hassan Emara, who will be 45 years old in December, is from Egypt and came to the United States about 20 years ago. He previously worked at a company and then inside a pizzeria, only to realize he prefers the social satisfaction of assisting hungry students at the College.
“I used to work in Domino’s and we got a lot of calls from the College, even after we were closed. I talked to the owner and we came up with the idea to deliver $5 late-night pizza,” Emara said.
Emara works for Dominator Pizza and Grill. He said, “(At the College) nobody knows the name of the place we work for. They just know Hassan.”
His famous deliveries have been occurring “for a long time — since 1994 or 1995, so almost 15 years.”
Emara refrained from divulging any stories of the extreme student belligerence that he has undeniably encountered. Seemingly flustered, he laughed and said, “What I see I’m not repeating. Sometimes it’s overboard.”
“Too many stories. I don’t want to say the bad things. Sometimes I see a lot, but I’m just there to bring pizza,” he said. “At parties, they (students) offer me beer. I tell them, ‘No, I can’t.’ I’m working, not drinking.”
Although Emara initially delivered for Domino’s pizza, he began delivering for Dominator pizza on Spruce Street in 2005.
After midnight until 3 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the late-night deliveries occur. According to Emara, Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest nights.
“Sometimes it’s fun, but sometimes it’s a hard time too. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I love the job,” he said.
“Everyone knows me from hearing about it from others. Freshmen see me and ask, ‘Are you Hassan?’ Everyone starts to know me and I try to make something that everyone likes for late-night food,” he said.
Word spread about the pizzas, and according to Emara, business has grown over the past five years.
Originally, he only delivered to different locations around campus, but as business spread, he started receiving calls from houses off-campus. His business branched out and resulted in him knowing the area very well.
“I know all the houses by name. Phi Psi, the Big House, different frat houses. People ask how I hear or know about parties, but I have connections. I receive calls from regular customers and bring them pizza.”
Emara relies on his brother Sam for assistance because they “work well together and Nobody can deliver all that pizza by themselves.”
Coming from a big family, Emara is married with five children — four boys and one girl, ages ranging from 4 to 17.
When he’s not busy delivering pizza or spending time with his family, he enjoys playing soccer.
Many have heard those outlandish stories from friends who have been driven home by Emara, or had him on their beer pong team, but Emara explained the reason behind these occurrences.
“If people need a favor, I’ll help them out. I find a lot of people lost wandering in the road. I help them (get back to campus) because I know the area well.”
When students sometimes ask him to assist in their beer pong games, he obliges. “I just shoot the ball to make them happy. I never drink or smoke with them,” he said.
“Almost two years ago, a girl from the volleyball team took a picture with me, a pizza and a $5 bill for a fundraiser. She made t-shirts with the picture and wrote on the back of them. She sold them in the (Brower) Student Center.”
When asked about his pizza preferences, he admitted to getting tired of it. If he has to, he makes pizza himself because he knows what he likes best — any pie with a thin crust, but he prefers “anything Italian, especially pasta.”
The Emara brothers also tackle the students’ hunger cravings at the neighboring Rider University.
Over the years, Emara has accumulated quite a fan base, as evidenced by the Facebook page devoted to him with more than 700 members.
“I’m not good with computers and technology. I heard from my son, ‘Dad, you’re on Facebook,” he said.
Each year in October he gets calls from students asking to borrow a Dominator’s shirt so that they can dress up as him for Halloween.
“Two nights in the year we are the busiest. Homecoming is the busiest full week, and Halloween night,” he said.
(10/27/10 4:31pm)
“Baby Wants Candy presents the opening and closing night of Lion King in Space: the Musical,” said the improv comedy troupe, as they introduced their show, presented by the College Union Board, on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
Baby Wants Candy began by inviting everyone in the Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall to shout out potential titles for their signature piece — a performance created entirely from scratch.
The only props the troupe used were five chairs set up on the stage and the accompaniment of the Yes Band, who provided the show’s live music.
After fielding audience suggestions, the troupe settled on “Lion King in Space.”
The song “A New Home For Us” opened the show, as Captain Simba, played by Stuart Ranson, takes it upon himself to lead the animals in their outer space journey.
Conflict arises after Snakey, played by Eliza Skinner, recruits the giraffe (Jon Karpinos) and his sidekick/secret lover Larry the Hippo (Micah Sherman) to help her overthrow Captain Simba.
The newfound, potential power gets to the giraffe’s head in the humorous number “Height is Power,” where he sings with the hippo about how his long neck and legs are evidence of his superiority.
After her babies are eaten by Snakey, Diane the Warthog (also played by Skinner) begrudges Captain Simba for it: “You put a snake on this ship? Are you stupid?”
The warthog’s statement sums up the conflict of the entire musical. It is not until the end, when all the animals trample Snakey, that order is resumed.
Mistakenly believing that Nala (Ashley Ward) is Simba, the giraffe uses its herbivore teeth to attack the lioness, which she describes as “excruciatingly painful as he ground my jugular to a pulp.”
After losing his lion lover, Simba calls the animals together and apologizes for not being a good leader, as the band joined in with sentimental music.
The final song, “Land Ho!” expressed the animal’s excitement about finally landing: “We’ll reach our new home, where we’re free to roam. A new savannah. Land ho!”
Other songs included “There’s Always a Snake,” sung by Snakey as the others slithered and danced around her, and “Lions in Love,” a ballad between Simba and Nala.
Recurring references to Simba’s incessant desire for love-making, the muskrats being forced to “sleep in shit” (due to the shuttle’s lack of sanitation) and the repressed romance between the hippo and giraffe always received laughs.
This musical of deception, love and the power struggle in the hierarchy of jungle animals seemed like it required some planning, but that wasn’t the case.
“We use the basic tenants of improv,” Ward said. “There’s not a formula per say. We know we start with an opening number and just go from there.”
“It’s a whole lot of listening and enjoying your peers. We’re performing, but really we just get to play with our friends,” Skinner said.
The live band also works entirely on improvisation. “When they reach the apex of emotion, we start vamping into a song and launch in from there,” said Joel Esher, pianist.
Skinner provided a possible explanation for the group’s ambiguous name choice.
“The name was an early suggestion,” she said. “It’s the attitude of the ensemble. Once there’s candy or fun on stage, everyone wants to be a part of it and just joins in.”
Overall, students left this one-of-a-kind production pleased with what they saw.
“It’s amazing how they’re able to completely improvise everything,” said Christine Buber, sophomore psychology major. “It was better than I thought.”
“I thought it was hilarious and really good improv,” said Matt Maerten, sophomore communication studies major.
Mixed Signals, the College’s own improv group, opened the event. The group performed four different games, with the most memorable being the final where “peanut butter” was the phrase selected by the audience to be integrated into various scenes.
Editors note: Due to the nature of this event, song titles were derived from prominant, repeated lyrics.
(10/14/10 3:21am)
Members of the Bonner Center recently traveled to Washington D.C. to be honored as recipients of the 2010 Higher Education Civic Service Award.
The College’s Bonner Center for Community and Civic Engagement was among six institutions across the country to receive recognition from The Washington Center for internships and academic seminars.
On Monday Oct. 4, the group spent time in the nation’s capital, where they attended a luncheon at the National Press Club and a gala at the National Building Museum.
“I was excited for everyone at the College and our partner organizations, who have worked so hard over the last few years to be excellent educators and agents for positive change in the community," Pat Donohue, director of the Bonner Center, said. “We rarely have a moment to stop and take stock of how much we are doing and why. It was great to take a day and celebrate in D.C. I think it put a little bit more fuel in all our tanks to keep plugging away.”
Donohue was not the only one excited about the Center’s award. Student scholars of the Bonner Center also reflected on the achievement.
“This award is well deserved. Each year I am inspired by the staff’s commitment to improving the ways that the program develops students into civically engaged leaders and simultaneously makes a tremendous impact on the local community,” said Justin Freedman, senior history and secondary education major, Bonner Scholar, and member of the education team, where members of the Bonner Center focus their volunteer efforts.
“As students, we are asked to bring our passion to the table every day and are empowered with the freedom to use that passion to create projects that are our own,” Freedman said. “My passion for improving education in high-poverty schools would just be an untapped interest if not for Bonner. I have been transformed from an idle observer to an advocate for children and education reform.”
Similarly, Kathrine Avila, junior international studies major, is passionate about bettering the education in impoverished school systems. The reason behind her involvement stems from a personal connection with the cause.
“Winning a national award for the service we do in my very own town, Trenton, means a lot to me,” said Avila, site leader for the high school education team. “Trenton residents, specifically kids, need people that really believe in them and their city. I was a product of the service the Bonner Scholars gave at my high school and for that I’m very thankful.”
“In my years as a Bonner, I have been able to see that our program has helped make this city a better place,” Avila said. “I am very proud of our program.”
The Bonner Community Scholars spend time involved in local projects, but also branch out nationally and globally.
“The key is (our) unique student leadership model,” Donohue said. “Bonners form 12-issue based teams and each one works closely with a specific non profit partner organization. These teams develop and implement a one year plan that addresses a range of needs.”
These teams focus on everything from juvenile corrections to education to hunger. There is even an immigration team that spends time teaching language classes to Hispanic families in the surrounding area.
The teams then organize Community Engaged Learning (CEL) days and projects that all first-year students must complete. This encompasses nearly 40 projects where students, the Bonner Center and professors work together.
“The Center tries to cultivate the common ground between the College's civic and educational missions with the needs and interests of the local community,” Donohue said. “We try to develop innovative opportunities for professors and students while addressing some of society's most challenging problems, such as hunger, homelessness and recidivism.”
Even after students graduate, their lives continue to be influenced by their involvement in the program. Esther Brahmi graduated in 2010 and believes that not only did the Bonner program shape her undergraduate years, but it has played an integral role in her life post-graduation. She currently works for the center and plans on pursuing a career helping those who are disadvantaged.
“I think that winning this award is a huge milestone for all of the people who have made a commitment to Bonner over the years,” Brahmi said. “We have such strong corps of people dedicated to service and the success of the program. It is very rewarding to see that our work is being noticed by others so that they too may follow our lead in serving those less fortunate.”
According to Donohue, prospective projects include partnering with a nonprofit in Nicaragua, forming a Trenton Central High School team, co-directing a prison education program, and creating CEL projects for upper level classes.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the Bonner Center aimed high,” said Ryan Pilarski, sophomore philosophy major, Bonner Scholar, and member of the juvenile justice team. “In fact, I'm sure many thought the center was taking on too much in too little time. We have far more to give and to keep giving. Around communities the impact of our service can be both felt and seen – a rare accomplishment for a school of our size.
“We know we're not the only ones doing this service of bettering our world, but we’ve done community service our way,” Pilarski said. “We’ve dug out a niche, or several, in New Jersey and it makes us all proud to know that others can see it too.”
(10/14/10 12:31am)
Police found a male student under the influence of marijuana at 9 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 5 in Townhouses South, after receiving complaints of an odor believed to be an illegal substance. According to reports, officers located the unit where the odor was the strongest and knocked on the door. After the resident opened the door, officers explained why they were there. The student said “sorry,” as he handed over a 6.5-inch multicolored glass water pipe commonly used to ingest marijuana. He received a complaint summons for being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use. He was given a court date and released from police custody on his own recognizance.
…
An intoxicated female with a head injury was met by police at 5 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 2 in the walkway by Lots 4 and 6. Upon the officers’ arrival, she was sitting in a chair. There were multiple lacerations on her face and her nose was bleeding, police said. Lions EMS arrived to provide treatment. She stated that she had tripped and fallen while walking. While speaking to officers, her speech was severely slurred and her breath smelled strongly of alcohol. Her eyes were glassy and she was unable to sit still, as her head repeatedly fell forward, reports said. She confirmed that she had consumed alcohol. She received a summons.
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A Yamaha public address speaker was reported missing at 2 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 29 from the Spiritual Center. According to the president of the Gospel Choir, the speaker was last seen in a storage closet on Wednesday Sept. 22. The speaker is described as a black Yamaha S115V valuing approximately $350, according to reports.
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An iPod was reported as stolen at 3 p.m. on Friday Oct. 1 from Travers Hall. The male victim last remembers seeing his iPod when it was docked in the iHome on his end table before he went to sleep at approximately 3 a.m. on Thursday Sept. 30, reports said. The silver iPod Touch values $180 and its black soft case is worth $10.
(10/13/10 8:09pm)
On Friday Oct. 8, an armed robbery occurred at the West Trenton home of College students.
Ewing Township police told The Times of Trenton that the home, located on the 2000 block of Stuyvesant Avenue, was invaded right before 11 a.m.
Prior to the robbery, a man knocked at the door, asking for someone named “Tyrone.” When one of the four residents informed him that “Tyrone” did not live at the house, he left. Shortly thereafter, two armed robbers forced themselves into the home, one through the front entrance and another through the rear entrance, The Times wrote.
The residents gave up a wallet, an iPod, money, and a payroll check to the suspects, who were described as wearing dark clothing and having covered faces, police said. No injuries were reported.
The incident was deemed unusual by police since daytime home invasions are not common in the township, The Times stated.
Another home was invaded in Hamilton Township.
The Hamilton incident, which also occurred during the day, took place on Reeger Avenue. Nothing was stolen, but police said one victim was pistol-whipped.
Detectives in Hamilton will be speaking with nearby police departments about similar crimes, police said.
Ewing Township's Lt. Jerry Jacobs offered this advice to the College community: “If you see anything suspicious, or as soon as something happens that makes you feel uncomfortable, contact police and let us take care of it ... be aware of your surroundings.”
(10/06/10 6:31pm)
After a week of dreary, rainy days, the skies finally cleared up and members of the College community came together for a day filled with burgers, beer and tradition.
On Saturday Oct. 2, the annual festivities of Spirit Week culminated in an ultimate display of Lions pride, as Homecoming 2010 transformed ordinarily quiet parking lots into an atmosphere of energy and school spirit.
As early as 10 a.m., music could be heard blasting from speakers, and attendees were already beginning to set up tents and fire up their grills.
Over the course of the day, individuals of all ages migrated to Lots 3 and 4.
Whether alumni came to reconnect with their former classmates, or family members came to visit current students, the day fostered an undeniable sense of togetherness.
Although the College lost in its game against SUNY Cortland, with a score of 37-0, this did not put too much of a damper on the day.
Despite the team’s loss, Katie Tedesco and Kevin Hodulik were victorious in being crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen and Homecoming King.
“I’m so excited because obviously I really wanted to win. I didn’t even realize I won until they said my name,” Tedesco said.
Not only was it a memorable occasion for Tedesco because she was voted homecoming queen, butunfortunately, it was also the first time she ever got stung by a bee.
While recovering from the sting, she said, “The whole reason why I ran was to make a statement. It started as a joke, but became reality. I wanted to prove that anyone can run for homecoming queen. It
doesn’t matter what organization you’re from. It just matters the type of person you are.”
Tedesco ran on behalf of College ambassadors and Women in Learning & Leadership.
Homecoming King Kevin Hodulik, also an ambassador, participated on their homecoming team, which includes the Leadership Development Program and Delta Sigma Pi.
“I’m really honored. It was definitely unexpected,” he said. “Thank you, campus. I’m really happy.”
When Hodulik was asked why he decided to run, he said, “I didn’t. My team nominated me. I felt like I was on cloud nine just being nominated and then made it to the court. And being voted king, I’m ecstatic.”
Hodulik was not the only happy person. An overwhelming feeling of joy was prevalent on campus.
For hours, swarms of people milled about the parking lots as they reminisced about old times while creating new memories.
Fraternities, sororities, clubs and the WTSR all marked their territory in the parking lots, joining together alumni and current members of these organizations.
“Sigma Pi honestly has the best tailgate,” said Matt Fargione, sophomore accounting major. “You can hear their music all across the parking lot. This is the best event on campus. It’s awesome. I love homecoming.”
“Homecoming brings the school together. There’s a sense of camaraderie,” said Mike Finley, senior technology education major.
Finley spent a majority of the day visiting the tents of the crew team and technical education students. As a Community Advisor at the College, he also used the day to reconnect with previous residents, while dancing and having fun with his friends.
Games of corn hole, beer pong and ladder ball were assembled throughout the parking lots. A moon bounce shaped like a tiger and a gigantic red, blue and yellow obstacle course were among the inflatable entertainment provided to children and College students alike.
While most people wore blue and gold apparel, there were some outlandish fashion choices. Cowboy hats, sombreros and suits made out of aluminum foil seemed almost normal compared to senior Carlo DiMeo’s ensemble.
Dressed like the Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear, DiMeo explained his costume choice by saying that he made the connection between the similarly sounding “Bud Light beer” and “Buzz Lightyear.” Whenever anyone pushed the red button on his costume, he proceeded to drink his Bud Light.
Lorraine Crum Pavlisko, class of ’52, and husband Philip Pavlisko, ’54, came back to see how the campus has grown since their years here. The two met at the College and have been together ever since.
Ellen Eliasen Knakal, physical education major from ’54, was spending the day with the couple and described her return to the campus as “just amazing.”
Knakal said, “Perhaps there were 10 buildings on campus when I was here. It’s changed so much. Naturally we’re hoping to bump into someone we recognize. Seeing if there are any others with gray hair, glasses …”
“And slight limps and pot-bellies,” added Philip Pavlisko, jokingly.
Erick Doyle, class of ’04, also returned to campus to see how the campus has changed and to catch up with old friends.
“I just went into Eickhoff. It used to be known as Community Commons when I went here. Now it looks like a mall food court,” he said.
“It’s always strange to come back,” Doyle said. “Year after year a new building is thrown up or a parking deck is built or a new softball field. It’s good to see the progress of the school, but it’s still kind of weird.”
Unlike the alumni, homecoming was a new experience for some students at the College.
“This is my first homecoming,” said Ali Wesson, sophomore art major. “I got to meet a lot of new people and I’m definitely having fun.”
Wesson was not the only student participating in these festivities for the first time.
Likewise, management major Jennifer Ponton said, “I’m a junior now and I actually regret that I’ve never been to homecoming before today. Everyone knows there’s a sense of community between freshmen that live in the Towers, but today there’s a sense of community within the entire campus.”
“I’m thoroughly enjoying myself and being able to wander around and visit friends,” Ponton said. “If I had realized homecoming was this fun and socially integrating, I would have came before.”
Diane Gioia-Bargonetti, alumna from the class of ’69, was found admiring and taking a picture of her brick in the Alumni Grove.
When asked why she decided to come back for the day, she said, “I was the Distinguished Music Alumni of 2010. For years the school had lost my (academic) records and I never heard from them and never got the alumni newsletters. One woman in the alumni office found my information at the bottom of the stacks and gave me the award. I feel so connected after all these years.”
Gioia-Bargonetti previously worked as a music producer with artists like Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick. She feels that the College prepared her for her career and success.
“I love it here. I always buy a t-shirt or sweatshirt whenever I come,” she said. “I’m reconnected and I’m back.”
(10/06/10 6:25pm)
A significant decrease in crimes on campus occurred from 2008 to 2009, according to the recently released 2009 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which was made available to the public Oct. 1.
According to the report, there was a noticeable drop in burglaries with only six in 2009, compared to the 34 in 2008 and the 26 in 2007.
“The amount of burglaries was mainly attributed to having less summer camps on campus. A lot of those burglaries occurred over the summers. (The decrease results from) not having as many of them,” Police Captain Timothy Grant said.
There were no aggravated assaults or robberies on campus in 2009, which is an improvement from two aggravated assaults and one robbery last year.
No acts of arson occurred on campus, following the trend of the past three years.
Drug-related and liquor law violations evidently decreased since 2008. In 2009, there were 433 alcohol violations, although there were 512 in 2008 and 590 in 2007.
The category of Liquor Law Violations encompasses those who are caught drinking underage by residential staff and those who are charged criminally for misconduct by police.
Because of New Jersey’s new Lifeline Legislation, if someone who has been drinking calls 911 for a friend who is in need of medical attention after alcohol consumption, the person who calls the police will not be charged criminally.
When asked about the decrease in alcohol violations, Grant said, “Students can be given credit for that. We enforce it the same way. Also, credit to the (Alcohol and Drug Education Program) and Joe Hadge.”
Although areas such as alcohol-related violations lessened in quantity, there was one reported sexual offense last year, there were none in 2008 and three reported in 2007.
There was only one Motor Vehicle Theft, compared to 14 in 2008. This can be attributed to speculation about a supposed car theft ring operating out of the campus. After suspects were arrested elsewhere, the thefts stopped on campus, Grant said.
There were three interior fires reported. The fires occurred within Eickhoff Hall, Townhouses East and Townhouses West. Townhouses West topped the list of unplanned fire alarms with 11.
The fires in the townhouses resulted in a total of $1,800 worth of structural damage.
“For the future, there is a camera proposal, but it will probably take over a year before stages of that take place. There are 63 cameras on campus (currently), mostly in the newer buildings. (Adding cameras) was put into the planning of those buildings,” Grant said.
While cameras were integrated into the construction of the new Art and Interactive Multimedia Building, Hausdoerffer Hall and Phelps Hall, there are still no cameras in the parking garages, which Grant says is “the number one recommended action for the overall camera plan.”
The full report is available at tcnj.edu/~tcnjpd/documents/security_report09.pdf or can be found through the Campus Police website.
(10/06/10 5:19pm)
Three males were witnessed jumping over vehicles at 10:05 p.m. on Monday Sept. 27 in Lot 8. When the officer arrived and asked what they were doing, they stated that they were jumping around walls of the parking garage and doing various “tricks” and jumps, according to reports. This activity is known as “parkour.” Further investigation revealed scratches and footprints on the hood and roof of a vehicle. The footprint on the car matched the tread on one of the male’s sneakers. He was then handcuffed and transported to the College’s Police Headquarters for processing. He received a court date and a summons for criminal mischief. He was released on his own recognizance.
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A male spoke with officers at 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 28 at Campus Police Headquarters regarding an assault that occurred at Travers Hall on Sept. 22, in which he was arrested for. He told the officer he had been “having words” with another male after hearing him make negative comments about his girlfriend. An altercation ensued and the other male suffered several injuries, reports said. Because of the severity of the injuries, the accused male was charged with aggravated assault.
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A fire extinguisher was found empty in its wall case at 9:15 a.m. on Monday Sept. 20 on the top level of Lot 9. The plastic cover for the case was broken, police said. The College’s office of Risk, Occupational Safety and Environmental Services was notified and replaced the extinguisher. The cabinet is valued at $25 while extinguisher refill cost was $20.
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An officer was dispatched at 6 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 25 to the employee parking side of the first floor of Lot 8. A Building Services worker had gone to start a vehicle used to set up and take down tables and chairs for campus events, when she noticed the rear window had been broken, police said. The officer observed broken glass on the roadway and a shattered window on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
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An intoxicated female was found at 1:35 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 25 sitting on the sidewalk behind Cromwell Hall supported by another student. She tried to stand when an officer approached, but had difficulty balancing. According to reports, the student denied having any form of identification. The student who had been assisting her informed the officer that the female did have her College ID in hand, but was sitting on it. She refused to give the officer the ID and Lion’s EMS arrived to evaluate her. She admitted to consuming beer off campus.
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An intoxicated male was found at 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday Sept. 29 in the men’s bathroom of the sixth floor of Wolfe Hall. The individual was alert and conscious but seemed unstable when attempting to stand, police said. He smelled like alcohol and said he had consumed shots of vodka. While Lion’s EMS evaluated him, he began to vomit. Pennington Road EMS then arrived and transported him to Capital Health Systems at Mercer. He was issued a summons.
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A black wristlet was reported stolen at 11:40 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 26. According to reports, the female victim said someone removed her wristlet from the New Library Café at 11 p.m. and searches for it were unsuccessful.
(09/29/10 4:35pm)
A male used offensive language directed at two students attempting to break the world record for longest continuous kiss at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday Sept. 19 in the Alumni Grove. According to reports, he yelled the word “faggots” at the students participating in the kiss. The individual smelled like alcohol and said he had consumed beer. He then apologized to the audience watching the event via webcam, and to the two students in person. He received a thumbs up from the pair, which was a sign of their acceptance of his apology, reports said. He received a summons for underage drinking.
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An intoxicated female was being evaluated by Lions EMS at 10:30 p.m. on Friday Sept. 17 when police arrived at her room on the ninth floor of Travers Hall. A male had contacted Res Life after hearing vomiting coming from the women’s bathroom, police said. Officers observed vomit on the female’s jeans and she admitted to consuming 4-5 shots of alcohol in Wolfe Hall. She was issued a summons.
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After being found unconscious in a shower with vomit on his pants, an intoxicated male was receiving care from Lions EMS at 4 a.m. on Friday Sept. 24 in Decker Hall when police arrived. According to reports, he admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages earlier in the evening. Pennington Road EMS arrived and transported him to Capital Health Systems at Mercer. He was issued a summons.
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An amount of $236 was reported stolen at 6:10 p.m. on Friday Sept. 17 from the Recreation Center. The victim left his white and blue wallet on a bench while playing basketball at 5 p.m. and the money was missing when he returned. A staff member from the Rec Center witnessed someone removing money from the wallet, police said. The accused male was located and processed for theft. He was released, pending a court hearing, and all money was returned to the victim.
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A laptop computer owned by the College was reported missing. A female misplaced it sometime between noon on Wednesday Sept. 15 and 3 p.m. on Friday Sept. 17. The victim said she last saw it in either the Library’s first floor conference room or Allen Hall. It was a Dell Latitude laptop. Searches for it were unsuccessful, according to reports.
(09/22/10 5:54pm)
An intoxicated male was found at 12:15 a.m. on Monday Sept. 13 staggering at the main entrance of Wolfe Hall. His speech was slurred and his breath smelled of alcohol. He was unable to stand unaided, police said. After being asked numerous times for identification, he showed the officer a picture in a plastic keychain of himself and another person. He then handed the officer his cell phone after being asked four times for ID. The individual’s parents were contacted and advised to pick him up.
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Two males were found at 12:19 a.m. on Thursday Sept. 16 sitting on bleachers behind the Recreation Center. Upon seeing officers, one appeared to place something behind him. The officer found a glass pipe on the bleacher behind them and observed a green, leafy burnt substance inside it, believed to be marijuana. The officer asked one of the males if the two had smoked marijuana and he said that they had, according to reports. They were sent to Campus Police Headquarters for processing after being arrested for possession of marijuana and controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia. The two were issued summonses and released at 3:33 a.m.
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Lions EMS was called to an intoxicated female at 1:25 a.m. on Sunday Sept. 12 in front of Decker Hall when police arrived. She had been seen walking with the support of two males on the sidewalk. Her breath smelled of alcohol, police said. After refusing evaluation from Lions EMS, Pennington Rd. EMS then transported her to Capital Health System at Mercer Campus. She was issued a summons.
At 1:55 a.m., police met with the two males who had been accompanying the female. They stated that they met her when leaving the party so they decided to help her walk back to campus.
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Buttons from elevator two in the New Library were reported missing at 10:45 a.m. on Monday Sept. 3 and at 5 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 15. The College’s Technical Library Assistant reported the criminal mischief after discovering the first floor button had been removed. It was last seen intact at 11 a.m. on Sept. 12 and reported missing at 11:55 p.m. Similarly, buttons numbered 2 and 4 were last seen on Monday Sept. 13 and reported missing from the same elevator on Wednesday.
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A female reported her Robin’s Egg Blue Schwinn mountain bike missing at 12:55 p.m. on Monday Sept. 13. She last saw her bicycle when she locked it at 10 p.m. on Sept. 2 in front of Hausdoerffer Hall and it was missing when she returned at 1 p.m. Sept. 3. Her lock was found among those collected in the previous incidents of missing bikes in front of Phelps and Hausdoerffer Halls.
(09/22/10 5:11pm)
"Celebrate Choice,” an event to commemorate the progress and rights of women, was hosted by Vox: Voices for Planned Parenthood on Wednesday Sept. 15.
In the courtyard outside the Art and Interactive Multimedia (IMM) Building, students came together to rally for the pro-choice movement.
“This evening will be a night of speakers, stories, hope and positivity,” Casey Olesko, Vox president and junior sociology major, said as she greeted the group.
Seated on blankets in the grass or along the steps circling the courtyard, attendees listened while students, alumnae of the College and others shared stories, facts and personal experiences regarding women and their right to choose.
“The whole purpose of the night is to demystify abortion,” Olesko said. “We want to present a positive image of the pro-choice movement and to have a place to come and celebrate women and the choices they have today.”
The event, held in response to pro-life activities on campus, presented its opinions through the exchange of words.
“It’s not a matter of right versus wrong, but it’s about expressing what we believe in a positive way through this event,” Micaela Ensminger, junior English and secondary education major, said. “This is one of my passions. It’s all about women’s health and the right to our own heath and bodies. That’s all we’re asking for.”
Ensminger and Lauren Rittenbach, junior women’s and gender studies and economics double major, wore homemade pink t-shirts with the phrases “My body, My choice” and “I’m more than just a baby maker” written across the fabric.
Ensminger and Rittenbach further participated in the evening by joining members of Vox in reading passages from “I’m Not Sorry” (imnotsorry.net), a website where women share their abortion stories.
Chaya Himelfarb, sophomore political science major, spoke about her experience as a volunteer at the South Jersey Women’s Center in Cherry Hill.
She spent a morning escorting women from the center’s doors to their cars and protected them from an onslaught of protestors by shielding the women behind a large sign because she “believes women should have autonomy over their own bodies.”
“The group that’s come to campus tries to demonize women for their choices, based on gruesome images and spouting false truths,” Himelfarb said. “Our goal was to do a more positive event, to encourage a discourse and explain what it means to be pro-choice. The (other) group advocates being anti-choice, which doesn’t allow women to fulfill their civil liberties. It’s possible to be personally pro-life and to not force your opinions on other people.”
Donations were collected for Womanspace, a Mercer County organization that provides care and resources to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and the Justice Fund, which financially assists those who cannot afford abortion care.
Although thrown together on short notice, Olesko deemed the event a success.
“I’m really glad that we pulled this together and planned the event so quickly. The pro-choice movement is strong on campus and I’m glad everyone can make it out here and show support,” she said.
(09/16/10 8:04pm)
Hillel, the Jewish Student Union, held a Rosh Hashanah party on Tuesday evening to commemorate the new year, which takes place on the first and second day of Tishrei, the seventh month on the Hebrew Calendar.
In Brower Student Center room 210, chairs were arranged in a circle, while tables were covered with an assortment of apple-related items and heaps of honey.
“(Rosh Hashanah is) a two-day holiday starting in the evening Wednesday until sundown on Friday,” Evan Greenberger, senior philosophy major, said. “(It’s) a happy holiday and a fun event and we want members of the Jewish community (at the College) to have a way to celebrate and to have a family here. We had the same event last year. It was successful so we decided to do it again.”
“Since people are going to temple (on Wednesday), we decided to have the party today so that we can have our cake and eat it too — or in this case, our apple pie,” Greenberger said, referring to the fact that Rosh Hashanah was actually the next day.
Apple crisp, apple slices, apple bread, Appletini mocktails and apple-grape juice were among the items that filled the blue-clothed table.
The honey was available in sticks and bear-shaped containers because, according to Greenberger, “everything is better in bear form.”
But, what’s with all the apples? “Usually (for Rosh Hashanah) we eat apples and honey and go to temple. The apples represent a bountiful harvest,” Greenberger said.
Junior psychology major Brittany Gilbert echoed Greenberger’s thoughts. “It’s about equating good food with the New Year. Apples and honey represent a sweet new year, which is ultimately what you want.”
Described as a holiday of reflection and celebration, Rosh Hashanah is about more than just eating saccharine snacks.
“It’s important to reflect on the past year and to be thankful for what you have and to ask for forgiveness,” Gilbert said.
Activities at the party mainly included eating and socializing, but there were other options.
Later in the evening, one student led Israeli dancing and at 8 p.m. they had a pretend countdown to the new year. There was a table set up with construction paper and markers where participants could make Rosh Hashanah cards.
The cards were taken to Abram’s House, an assisted living center in Ewing, to wish its residents a pleasant new year.
“We’ve done work with them before,” Greenberger said. “One to two times a month we bring students to visit.”
Not only does Hillel reach out to the community, but they have also created an undeniable sense of community within their organization.
“It’s hard being away because for me (Rosh Hashanah) represents time with family,” Ava Boxer, sophomore special education and English double major, said. “Even if you can’t be with your family, it’s about community. So it’s nice to have people come out to these events and get that feeling.”
Similarly, Gilbert said, “I transferred from a school with a large Jewish population. We have the inverse here, but I like the close-knit community (of Hillel). I know everyone by name.”
(09/16/10 6:54pm)
An unidentified male was found sleeping in a room at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 1 in New Residence Hall. Residents said the individual tried to climb into bed with them and proceeded to fall asleep on the floor, according to reports. After being escorted from the room by Campus Police, he admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages after the campus’s Lollanobooza event that evening. He was issued a summons.
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A female was found sitting on a flowerbed near the Eickhoff and Packer Hall walkway at 1:30 a.m on Monday Aug. 30. She was seen earlier in the evening near the tennis courts, unable to walk without the support of a friend, police said. The individual’s breath smelled like alcohol and she said she consumed alcoholic beverages at an off-campus party.
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An intoxicated male was found at 12:45 a.m staggering in the Travers Hall basement on Monday Aug. 30. Reports say he smelled strongly of alcohol and told Campus Police he had consumed three to four beers in addition to an unknown number of shots at an off-campus party. The individual was issued a summons and transported to Capital Health Systems at Mercer Medical.
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A Vera Bradley wristlet containing a student’s College ID, check card and driver’s license was stolen from a cubby in the Packer Hall Physical Enhancement center on Thursday Sept. 9. Police said the victim left the belongings (valuing $65) unattended at 9:30 a.m. and all were missing when she returned at 10:15 a.m. A search for the items was unsuccessful.
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A man distributing menus in Travers Hall was reported as trespassing on Wednesday Sept. 1. The individual was wearing a black t-shirt, baseball cap and a backpack, reports said. Police found a man matching this description exiting the stairwell. A similar incident occurred on Friday Sept. 3 involving a different man from the same restaurant. Both were issued summonses.
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Three dents were found on Thursday Sept. 2 on the roof of an individual’s car in Lot 9. The victim stated that the damage resulted from an unknown person or persons stepping on her vehicle’s roof, according to reports.
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A Blackberry device, ATM card and driver’s license were stolen on Tuesday Aug. 31 from a table in the Eickhoff Dining Hall. Police said the victim left her belongings unattended and returned to find them missing.
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An intoxicated male was found laying on the ground in Lot 9 when police arrived at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 4. He was alert and conscious, and said he consumed alcohol earlier that evening, reports said. Lions EMS evaluated the individual.
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An intoxicated female was found at 1 a.m. on Sunday Sept. 5 leaning against the wall in the rear of Wolfe Hall when police arrived. She had difficulty standing and her breath smelled of alcohol. She stated she had attended an off-campus party. After evaluation by Lions EMS, she was issued a summons and given a court date, Campus Police said.
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A male and female were evaluated for intoxication at 2:15 a.m. on Monday Aug. 30 after entering New Residence Hall. Upon interviewing them, Campus Police observed the odor of alcohol and contacted Lions EMS. Both individuals were issued summonses from the township for underage possession/consumption of alcohol and were given court dates.
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A male and female were seen holding a two-to three-inch white cigarette, walking along the sidewalk at 9:55 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 2 near Decker and Cromwell Halls. Passing police officers observed a strong smell, believed to be marijuana. As Campus Police approached the couple, the male rubbed the white cigarette out on the black top and placed it in his pocket. The two were arrested and processed for possession of controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia, according to reports.
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Six bicycles were reported stolen from the same bike rack in front of Phelps and Hausdoerffer Halls between Aug. 31 and Sept. 2. At 12:55 a.m. on Friday Sept. 3, a suspicious vehicle was observed on campus and the operator of the vehicle admitted to stealing the missing bicycles. Police said the man had cut the locks and taken the bikes. The individual was arrested and charged.
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A black and lime green Blackberry Curve was stolen sometime between 12:30 p.m. on Friday Sept. 3 and 9:50 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 7 from the Loser Hall basement. Reports say the phone’s owner was in class at the time. The phone values $129.99.
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Leaving items unattended can result in theft. If you don’t want someone to take your belongings, don’t leave them where someone else can find them. Also, if you see suspicious activities occurring, especially in parking garages or near bike racks, report it to Campus Police immediately.