W H A T T O W E A R @ A U A L F R E D : F A S H I O N C A P I T A L
Stein previews midterm elections,
reviews campaign strategies
B Y M A T T H E W B U T T S N E W S EDITOR
Most people tend not to give much attention to midterm elections.
However, this year's midterms are panning out to be more interesting than usual. ,
Assistant Professor of Political Science Robert Stein presented
"Issues and Strategies in the 2006 Congressional Elections" at the Oct. 6 Women Studies Roundtable in Alfred University's Women's Leadership Center.
Stein's lecture explored why the 2006 midterm elections are more intriguing than usual. It also revealed the strategies that party organizations and individuals use to keep their seats in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.
"I thought it was interesting that mid- term elections are so important and that it has the potential to give power back to the Democrats," said junior psychol- ogy student Kellee-Sue Henry.
According to Stein, voter turnout for midterm election is usually very low - around the 20 -> 25 percent range.
However, there is speculation that one or both houses of Congress will switch hands, which explains why this year's midterms are garnering substantial attention.
Control of Congress may transfer from the hands of the Republican Party to those of the Democratic Party this year. This is important because the switching of power within the Senate or the House does not occur very often, said Stein. When it does happen it becomes a significant issue.
Within the House, states Stein, the Republicans occupy 230 seats and the Democrats have 201, while there are three vacancies and one independent seat.
Democrats need 15 seats in order to take control of the House and six for the Senate.
Stein reports that Democrats believe that they can get the 15 seats neces- sary to control the House because of the problems the Republicans have had in the last two years.
Issues such as Social Security, Hurricane Katrina, the split of the Republican Party over immigration, the War in Iraq and President George W. Bush's dwindling approval ratings have counted against the Republicans and given the Democrats fervor.
Republicans have controlled the Senate since 2002 and the House since
Continued on page 9
1994. Prior to that, the Democrats controlled the House for 40 years, said Stein. He added that there have been six changes within the past 92 years, four of which came in a decade-long stretch around World War II.
The reason why party control so rarely changes is mainly because of incumbency; that is, the act of holding an existing office or title, said Stein.
"[Incumbency] has become such a powerful factor in congressional elec- tions," added Stein.
Within the last five years, the re-elec- tion rates of incumbents have been 94, 9 8 , 9 8 , 9 6 , 9 8 percents - roughly a 97 percent average, according to Stein.
"I think the tactics that politicians use to stay in power are very interest- ing," said junior marketing student Conrado Bowen.
There are three factors Stein focused on that contribute to the effectiveness of incumbency.
First is redistricting. According to Stein, this is the redrawing of district boundaries in order to incorporate more key demographics that are more likely to vote for a particular party.
For example, redistricting improves the chances of a Republican being reelected by possibly including more upscale neighborhoods rather than urban areas.
Another strong suit of incumbency is its accompanying record of constitu- ency services, according to Stein.
A constituent is generally considered to be a person who authorizes another to act on his or her behalf as a voter in a district represented by an elected official.
A significant example of constituent services given by Stein was Hillary Clinton convincing a hospital to pay a mother's medical bills for her child.
Clinton used this to great advantage in her campaign ads, he explained.
"The effect of marketing on elec- tions is very powerful," said Bowen in response to this information from Stein.
Spending power is the third and pos- sibly most significant factor of incum- bency.
Stein stated staggering figures that boasted a 5:1 spending advantage of incumbents over challengers. On average, incumbents spend roughly
$900,000, while challengers budget less than $200,000 to campaign.
According to Stein, total House spend- ing is about $358 million, while Senate spending is $550 million annually.
The strategies employed by both
R A T A T A T
M I S S I N G T H E S H O W W A S A B A D I D E A
B Y A B B Y T R I P P E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F
Dying to see a piece of award-winning architecture?
Thinking you need a ticket to Paris, Rome or Athens to get your fix?
Think again.
Anyone who wants to see an award-winning edifice now needs only to put on a pair of walking shoes and stroll down to the corner of Pine and Main Streets and visit the Alfred University Welcome Center at Fasano House.
On Nov. 8, Fasano House project architects Chambers, Murphy & Burge Restoration Architects, Ltd., will be honored with a 2006 Design Award from the American Institute of Architects' Akron, Ohio, chapter.
Interim Vice President of University Relations Sylvia Bryant said that she was thrilled to learn about the award.
"It was wonderful news," she said.
Bryant says that the honor was not a complete surprise,
however. During the renovation process, many people involved with the project saw that the house had a com- petitive edge.
"We knew that it should be in the running, so to see it come to fruition and get the recognition it deserves was great," Bryant said.
Most members of the Alfred community remember Fasano House as the residence for members of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. After the University's decision to ban Greek organizations in 2002, the fraternity's brothers turned the property over to the University.
Delta Sig brothers then led efforts to raise funds for the house's renovation, ultimately donating more than half of the money needed to fund the project.
The house is dedicated to Delta Sig brother Joseph Fasano '54, his wife Ann Saunders Fasano '53 (a sister of Sigma Chi Nu) and their late son Patrick '80.
The principal architect on the project, Chambers, Murphy & Burge president Elizabeth Corbin Murphy got involved with the restoration effort because of her own AU connections.
Murphy's father, Robert Corbin, is a 1956 AU alumnus
Continued on page 7
Inside this Issue
n
L A T E N I G H T A T M C L A N E P O U N D T H E C O U R T S R A T H E R
T H A N D R I N K S
PHOTOS BY SHAUN LATUUPPE
L A D Y S A X O N S O F F E N S I V E C H A N G E - U P W I L L C H A N G E T H I N G S U P B A C K P A G E
Volume i oi Issue
Fasano House architects receive design award
PBK lecturer to begin at the end (of the world)
B Y A B I G A I L G R I F F I T H STAFF W R I T E R
It's the end of the world as we know it, but it seems as if Alfred University students are feeling just fine.
On Oct. 25 and 26, students will get the chance to hear renowned astronomer Chris Impey speak on all things apocalyptic. He will visit the AU campus, talk with stu- dents and deliver a lecture titled "The End of the World:
Astronomy Meets Eschatology." Impey will be on campus as a Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar.
During his time at AU, Impey will visit with philosophy and astronomy classes, in addition to meeting with the AU Astronomy Club. He will also give a presentation titled
"Teaching with Technology" for any interested science faculty.
The climax of Impey's visit to campus will be his lecture on astronomical eschatology, which is set to begin at 8 p.m. on Oct. 26 in Nevins Theater. Impey will discuss the astronomical events that threaten life on Earth every day, including nearby star deaths, space debris and the eventual exhaustion of the Sun.
Scenarios once thought to be only possible in the far- fetched corners of science fiction films will be brought forward and examined for the real dangers they may pres- ent.
Following his lecture, Impey will be available for ques- tions and casual discussion at the John Stull Observatory
Continued on page 9
Spectrum, All's GLBT organization, held its annual "Gay? Fine by me." T-shirt giveaway on Oct. 11. The event was part of All's observance of National Coming Out Day. Spectrum members also held a bake sale to raise funds for and promote awareness of their organization. By the end of the day, brightly colored T-shirts were seen all over campus. Even King Alfred was decked out for the occasion in a bright yellow top.
B E R G R E N
R E T R A C I N G R O O T S : A L O O K A T A R M E N I A N A N C E S T R Y
F I A T L U X
October
The Student Newspaper of Alfred University 24, 2006
'Paß
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Tiat Lux .
AU's priorities in the right place
Elizabeth Corbin Murphy and her team at Chambers, Murphy & Burge Restoration Architects, Ltd.
richly deserve the award that they will receive next month from Akron, Ohio's chapter of the American Institute of Architects for their work on the Alfred University Welcome Center at Fasano House.
By evoking the gracious beauty and vibrant colors of the Victorian period's "painted ladies," Murphy helped to keep a sense of local and national history alive on Alfred's own Main Street.
Murphy is not the only person worthy of recognition for this project, however. We at the Fiat applaud the University's trustees and administrators alike for making the admirable decision to choose beauty, history and artistry over something far less thoughtful and far more institutional.
Collectively, AU and Alfred State College own over 80 percent of the land located within village limits. Because they are educational institutions, neither of the schools is required to pay taxes on most of this acreage.
Because AU and ASC bear no tax burden, one could argue that the schools are beholden to the local community in other ways. It goes without saying, for example, that each school should educate its students to behave responsibly and lawfully while off campus.
There is also an expectation that each school will provide valuable cultural opportunities to the com- munity at large. Both AU and ASC succeed immensely in these respects; as a result Alfred is home to relatively few town/gown conflicts.
As one of Alfred's two biggest property owners, however, AU has gone above and beyond the expect- ed level of responsibility by choosing to restore newly acquired properties to their old gloiy.
It would have certainly been easier and cheaper for AU to perform the minimal level of renovations necessary to turn the former Zeta Beta Tau and Delta Sigma Phi residences into functional spaces.
Instead, the-University turned renovations into a fundraising priority and refused to give the commu- nity anything less than the best. The resulting Fasano House and Cohen Gallery speak for themselves.
Instead of the eyesores that they were or the boring clapboard edifices that they could have become, both spaces are now beautiful and well-kempt landmarks that everyone in the community can be proud of.
As AU students, we are all immensely fortunate to be surrounded by student and faculty artwork on a daily basis. Now, thanks to administrators who proved that their priorities were in the right place, everyone in Alfred can enjoy two little pieces of art every time they go into town. Talk about fulfilling your responsibility to the community! O
College dining: Not so bad after all
"Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger, hot off the grill!"
Walking through Powell Dining Hall during the hustle and bustle of lunch hour, it is not uncommon to hear the upbeat sounds of Yvonne "The Egg Lady" shouting temptations.
Despite the moans and groans of the student body, AVI FOODSYSTEMS, Inc. has more to offer than meets the eye. Apart from the dining card swipe debacle, AU Dining Services has stepped out of its "comfort food" safe haven. This year they have broadened their palate, and expanded their repertoire to include more dining options that should please even the pickiest AU diner.
Among other things, there is a noticeable improvement in the quality and selection of vegetables, meat dishes and vegetarian/vegan options. AU Dining Services now experiments with a variety of foods.
The cornbread seems to be a favorite among students. Once bland, dinner now provides an array of spices and seasonings. Dining is no longer a fruitless hunt for an inevitably disappointing meal. It has become possible to eat a balanced meal with a smile on your face.
There are also several new dishes available in Inspirations area including the taco salad bar and wing night. Although there is still a steady flow of stir fry and pasta dishes, AU Dining Services has made steps in the right direction.
Improvements can still be made, of course. While the hamburger and fiy bar now includes hot dogs, the addition of chicken patties and nuggets would be a notable enhancement. Adding some variety to the Powell staples can only do good things for the comment card board and AU student morale.
Overlooked as readily as improvements in cuisine is the Powell Dining Hall staff. It is the people behind the scenes that truly make Powell the gem it is. Just admit it, without "The Egg Lady" your day wouldn't be sunny-side up; without the warm smile of Sylvia greeting you at the door, your lunch wouldn't taste quite so pleasant; without the witty banter of Dennis, dinner would be dull.
Although the complaints will never cease, it couldn't hurt to take a minute and give Dining Services a chance. Say hello to your food server, compliment the staff on a job well done or step out of your bubble long enough to try a new dish.
It may take some restraint, but next time you enter the dining hall, take the Fiat Lux staff challenge:
go an entire meal without complaint. It may just leave a satisfying taste in your mouth.O
In the article "BASIC brings music ministry to campus" (Vol. 101, Issue 2, Sept. 19,2006) we incorrectly listed Michael Wanberg as a graduate student in electrical engineering. He is in fact a senior electrical engineering major. We sincerely regret the error.O
Opinion R KA October 24, 2006
The Fiat Lux welcomes your opinion.
Anyone may write a letter to the editor.
Submissions must include name, address, phone number and class year (for stu-
dents). Letters to the editor should be limited to 250 words; guest columns should be limited to 700 words. The Fiat
Lux reserves the right to edit all letters for space, clarity, brevity and fair play.
E-mail your thoughts to fiatlux@alfred.
edu. Submissions should follow the rules of fair play (i.e. get the facts straight).
TiatLux
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Editor-in-Chief
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Next issue: Nov. 7 Copy Deadline:Oct. 31
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Editorial Policy: The Fiat Lux welcomes feedback from its readers. Letters to the editor \yill be subject to editing for space and content purposes. The Fiat Lux reserves the right not to print any letter.
Letters must be accompanied by name, address and telephone number. E-mail:
fiatlux@alfeed.edu or mail letters to: Fiat Lux, attn: Editor, Powell Campus Center, Alfred, N.Y. 14802.
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The Fiat Lux is printed by Rochester Democrat and Chronicle and is typeset by the production staff. It is funded in part by Student Senate. The Fiat can be reached at (607) 871-2192.
Make a difference:
Mentor
A B B Y T R I P P EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Who was the first person to tell you that all of your goals were achievable?
Who helped you see the world of possibilities available to you? Who gave you the constructive criticism you needed and the praise you deserved?
Who was your first mentor?
Mine was my high school principal, Mary- Margaret Zehr. While I was blessed with loving and supportive parents and a cadre of caring rela- tives, Mrs. Zehr was the first person outside of my family to nurture my talents and help me see that anything was possible.
She helped me hone my leadership skills by putting me in charge of a committee that pro- moted tolerance and service to others. She helped spark my own passion for service by involving me in a program that connected juniors and seniors in my school to at-risk students in the middle school. And above all, when it was time for me to send out my college applications, she encouraged me to look beyond my safety schools and apply to my dream institutions.
I came to Alfred and found other mentors who gave (and continue to give) me personal and professional guidance. I never forgot Mrs. Zehr, however, and I decided early in my college career that I wanted to help others in the way that she had helped me.
During summer 2005,1 got the opportunity to give that gift when I began my internship at the Women's Leadership Center and received the opportunity to plan and organize a mentoring partnership between Alfred University women
and Wellsville High School students. After over.
a year of planning and promotion, my longtime dream became a reality this fall when a group of Alfred students met and began a year-long e-mail mentoring partnership with some fabulous WHS students.
Even though we are only a few weeks into the program, I think that it has already made an impression on the AU women involved. I, for one, am fortunate to be partnered with a fabulous girl whose passion for life has taught me a lot.
We also get the opportunity to teach our men- tees a great deal. E-mail discussions are structured around weekly topics that include time manage- ment, career planning and the college admissions process. The goal is to help our mentees, many of whom will be first-generation college students, see all of the possibilities that the world holds for them.
My challenge for you is to find a way to reach out to a young person and provide them with a positive role model who can offer guidance, sup- port and advice.
A great starting point would be the guidance office at your high school. Check back in with the people who helped get you to where you are and see if they know someone who could use your help to get to the same point.
You can also ask around at your YMCA, com- munity center or house of worship. There is a chance that there is already a mentoring program of some kind in place. (And if there isn't, then maybe you are just the person to start one.)
By getting to AU and succeeding here, you have already proven yourself as a potential role model. All you need to do is put that potential into action and reach out to a teen that could probably use some guidance right now. Who knows? Maybe it will be their turn to mentor a youngster in four years. O
The CW: Caught between a rock and... a rock
K A R L I E - M A R I E R E Y E S A & E EDITOR
Click, MTV. Click, TNT.
Click, ABC. Click. Click.
Click. Click. This is ridic- ulous! Where's my One Tree Hill?
Although I may not echo the sentiment, this seems to be a dilemma of many AU students in recent weeks. Clearly, the merger between UPN and the WB has caused some chaos and confusion among Alfred TV viewers.
Though both networks launched just over 10 years ago, declining viewership forced the stations to come together. Despite the merger, it seems that their problems are far from over.
Out of the WB (owned by Time Warner) and UPN (owned by the CBS Corporation) two new broadcast networks were bom: MyNetworkTV and the CW (C for CBS and W for Warner Brothers).
Unfortunately for Alfred, the only channel that Time Warner currently carries is the less popular MyNetwork.
Despite the WB and UPN's carry-over fan base, the C W is caught up in an ongoing dispute between its parent companies (CBS and Time Warner) with... drum roll please... Time Warner Cable.
Rivalries among corporate cousins, parents and siblings like this make Thanksgiving at my house look like dinner at the Cleavers'.
While I cannot pretend to understand the inner- workings of corporate America, I must say that
Time Warner's big business-play seems to be caus- ing more harm than good, at least to the Alfred com- munity.
While the C W is being carried by most cable pro- viders around the country, Time Warner's battle has left many of our TV sets in the dark. While there are now CW affiliates established in Buffalo and Rochester, Alfred, being in a small broadcast mar- ket, gets the short end of the stick.
In the long run though, it is the.CW that will sufr fer. If merging was a way to get back into the ratings game, this certainly isn't doing them any favors. If people can't tune in, they certainly cannot boost ratings.
As far as AU is concerned, we still do not get the CW. Time Warner is aware of the problem and are doing their best to rectify the situation. My hope is that tilings will clear up just in time for November sweeps.
If you still feel like ranting, feel free. It can't hurt to give Time Warner Cable a call, but don't blame me if they give you the same PR drivel they've given to everyone else.
While television is not one of my vices, I do understand the need for a quick visual fix. Those of you who are desperate for drama Could always tune into MyNetwork in the mean time, not that I would suggest it.
Since there's nothing we can do about the situ- ation but complain, I would suggest re-channeling your focus. Pick up a book or take a walk. Heck, you could even call your mother. Hmm, maybe that's crossing the line. O
Halloween event to build community
The goal of developing community is something that we can see students and organizations work- ing toward across cam- pus.
Resident Assistants host "community build- ers." Last year, Student Senate resolved to push for a diversity director
• on the Alfred University campus, in addition to beginning "How-To"
programs meant to teach skills and promote bonding. These are all examples of the sense of community that is being created everywhere we look.
One area of community that is often over- looked is the local community; that is, Alfred citizens and their families. As an effort to fix this problem and enact positive change in the com- munity, AU Student Senate has called on Alfred State College's senate and A.E. Crandall Hook and Ladder Company.
On Oct. 31, these three groups will host a com- munity Halloween party at the fire hall. The free event will take place from 7 - 9 p.m., and free food will be provided courtesy of Alfred University Dining Services and AVI FOODSYSTEMS, Inc.
There will be a costume fashion show with four
categories to compete in: best pair, scariest, fun- niest most original and best over-all costume.
This year, Student Senate is focused on build- ing AU's relationship with the local community, while giving back to the Village that has given us so. much.
This event is unique in that it will include a mix of students from AU, ASC and the commu- nity. We hope to see everyone from kindergarten on through graduate school. It is an opportunity to bring everyone together to celebrate an event for children of all ages.
This is also an opportunity for student orga- nizations to reach out and serve the community.
If your group is interested in getting involved, e-mail the Senate account at senate@alfred.edu to let us know how you can help.
This is just, one of the many events taking place this year to develop community, From the CSA fashion show to Umoja's AIDS Charity Basketball game against ASC students to the many projects of Alpha Phi Omega and Student Volunteers for Community Action, we can see community all around us. You don't need to look too far on campus (or off) if you want to get involved.
Community is all around us and you wont have to look far on campus (or off campus) if you want to get involved. O
Editor's Note: Ad manager Jason Weeks is also the Publicity Chair for Alfred University Student Senate.
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Octooßer 24, 2006 Tiat Lux
J » i t o r i n f h o F s i i t n r
Dear Editor,
I can't believe how much the Fiat Lux teaches me about America. I'm an ( exchange student from Japan, and I used to regularly read my school news-
paper, Ritsutnei-Shinbun, at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. I've noticed many differences between these college newspapers. Here are some examples:
First, at Alfred, anyone who wants to write articles for the school newspaper is allowed to. However, at Ritsumeikan, just school council members can.
Second, the Fiat Lux is often 10 pages long! It looks like a real newspaper. My old school newspaper is only three to four pages long!
Third, the Fiat Lux covers various topics - from club activities to local news, and even publishes some cooking recipes! On the other hand, the Ritsumei-Shinbun covers just three topics: the annual school festival,
club game results and student life.
What has the Fiat Lux taught me about the United States? That America is a melting pot and filled with people from different countries offering various views. U.S. students also have a "can-do" attitude and actively seek information in classes, while Japanese students are passive and often sleep through them!
As for AU students, they tend to be more independent, energetic and assertive than Ritsumeikan students. And that's why I'm delighted to be here!
Thank you Fiat Lux staffers for making my life in Alfred enjoy- able!
Sincerely, Ycshiko Shinoda
AU professor's research uncovers personal roots
B Y A B I G A I L G R I F F I T H STAFF WRITER
The Turkish city of Izmir could hold the key to unlocking the murky past of many modern Armenian families.
This was the message of Associate Professor of Art History Gerar Edizel's speech "Smyrna Between East and West," that was presented at the Bergren Forum on Oct. 5 in Nevins Theater.
, The Bergren Forum is sponsored by the Division of Human Studies.
Edizel discussed the extensive history of Smyrna, now present-day Izmir, and the origin of its Italian and Armenian populations. Studying the former metropo- lis allowed Edizel to gain not only a better understanding of the city's history, but of his own personal history as well.
"The story of Smyrna is not my story, really, but the story of my ancestors,"
said Edizel.
These ancestors were of Italian and Armenian descent, and Edizel centered his speech on the movement of these two groups into Smyrna.
The Mahona Italians came to Smyrna in the late 16th century from the tiny Greek island of Chios, where they had ruled since the mid-1300s. However, a Turkish invasion and the subsequent suppression of the Roman Catholics caused many Mahona to flee and take refuge in Turkey.
"this is to the benefit of [Smyrna] which takes [this] population in and begins to grow," Edizel stated.
However, Smyrna's population also grew due to its prime location at the end of a trade route. According to Edizel, the route gave Armenians a strong tie to the city because they often carried goods to Smyrna on camels.
While Smyrna continued to flourish in the east, the Armenians were fac- ing warfare in the west. The Ottoman Empire was fighting the failing Safavid dynasty in a battle that left many Armenians trapped.
"One tiny Armenian village, known as Nakhitchevan, the home of my ances- tors, was caught between these two sides," said Edizel.
The people of Nakhitchevan made the difficult decision to leave their village and flee to Smyrna. There, the Catholic Armenians were accepted with open arms by the Italians who understood what it meant to be "kicked out of one's
country," Edizel said.
In Smyrna, the Gregorian Armenians became "Italianized" and merged with the native population. The only Armenian element to remain in Smyrna was the Armenian surnames of some its population.
"The memory of Smyrna's Armenian past disappeared," said Edizel, shaking his head.
Edizel's family, like so many others, hid their Armenian heritage in an attempt to escape persecution by the Turkish government during the 20th century.
Edizel's own grandfather was believed to have been murdered during this bleak period in Turkish history.
The Armenian origins of Edizel's family were so suppressed that many of his relatives were shocked at the results of his intensive research. Edizel himself found the experience of finally being able to stop this suppression and release his fear through his studies very freeing.
"It was terrible, this fear, that, in a confused way, was passed onto me," he said. "It was an entire piece of my history I had to suppress."
Unfortunately, much of the history of Nakhitchevan and the Armenian mem- bers of the Smyrna population remains unknown.
Smyrna burned in 1922, and was rebuilt as the modern city of Izmir. Many historical records were lost in this great fire, leaving historians with very few primary sources to go on.
Nonetheless, Edizel said he has not lost hope that he will one day find the documents he needs to finally piece his past together.
One possible source of information could come from two itinerant Nakhitchevan priests who traveled to Spain, Portugal and part of Latin and South America shortly after the Armenians moved to Smyrna. They worked hard spreading the word of Nakhitchevan's "trials and tribulations" to encour- age others to donate money for a new convent. Edizel believes that somewhere a copy of the Nakhitchevan story that these two priests told survives.
"The history of Nakhitchevan remains a mystery, for now," said Edizel. "I'm very interested in finding out about what these two priests were talking about ... Somewhere there's some book that has not rotted yet that I would like to find." O
R o v i n g
Reporter
P H O T O S A N D Q U O T E S B Y J E S S I C A W E B S T E R
"What is your favorite part of Halloween?"
"Well, it's my birthday week- end every year, so I enjoy hav- ing a double party."
Nicole Perry, Junior Art & Design
"My favorite part of Halloween is all of the girls thinking it's okay to walk around in minimal clothing."
Kian Merchant-Borna, Senior Biology
mmmmiM
"Ahhhhhh!!!!!"
Hear that? It's the sound of me skydiving. Or you; or your girlfriend; or anyone else at Alfred University who wants to experience this extreme adrenaline rush.
Skydiving Club is here. With slight complications: it won't be an officially recog- nized club. But that hasn't let down anyone's spirits.
The first informational meeting lead by co-founders Alyssa Blittersdorf and Chad Melvin was attended by many students interested in taking the plunge. Some were first-timers, while others had skydived over 20 times!
"I can't explain it—you've gotta try it!" gushed senior business administration major Gary Stratiev when asked what he liked best about skydiving. Stratiev has skydived 26 times and now only pays about $20 per jump.
Obviously, the main interest in Skydiving Club is skydiving. But why join a club for such an individualized activity? Discounts, my friend—discounts.
Many skydiving companies offer group discounts as low as $165 per person for
diving Club takes flight
a first jump. That may seem like a pretty big chunk of change, but compare that to around $200 without a group discount and you're actually saving a lot.
And then there's the issue of safety.
"You're more likely to die in a car accident on the way to the skydiving place than you are to die from skydiving," explained junior art and design major Blittersdorf.
If a person decides to skydive, not only must he spend a day taking a skydiving course, his first jump is usually tandem. Tandem basically means that there's a guy strapped to your back the whole time who knows what he's doing and helps you navigate safely back to Earth—preferably in one piece.
As junior fine arts major and possible future skydi ver Celia Helander stated when asked about the safety of the sport, "My grandma skydived on her 80th birthday.
And then she went again when she was 85. She loved it!"
As for Skydiving Club not being officially recognized by the University, Director of Student Activities Dan Napolitano explained that "even though skydiving loca- tions have insurance and make people sign waivers, making Skydiving Club an official organization gives the impression that the University is comfortable with the risk and safety procedures. We cannot support the club because we feel the risk is too great." That said, Napolitano also added, "If students choose to orga- nize unofficially for skydiving trips, then the transaction is between them and the skydiving business."
So what does all of this mean? Basically just that the members of Skydiving Club won't get any Student Senate funding for their trips. However, with independent fundraising and collaborations with outdoor-adventure organization Forest People, Skydiving Club should be taking off and making jumps in no time.
For more information on Skydiving Club and how you can take the fall, email Blittersdorf and Melvin at alfredskydiving@alfred.edu. I'll meet you at the bottom. O
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"The last time I tried to cel- ebrate Halloween, I ended up in Canada. They had haunted houses, so it was fun."
Ian Watkins, Junior Psychology
B Y T O M F L E M I N G COPY EDITOR
The Oct. 4 meeting of the Student Senate began with committee chairpersons stating goals for their committees. Attendance was taken and it was noted that the College Democrats have used four of their allotted absences.
Finance Chair Danielle Sayegh announced a benefit for Julio Fuentes that will take place in Olean, N.Y., on Oct. 28.
Publicity Chair Jason Weeks announced a Community Halloween Party that will take place on Oct. 31 from 7-9 p.m. at the fire department. Persons who feel like they were not recognized in their high school senior superlative polls shall have a special opportunity at this event to garner recognition and adulation from their peers with prizes awarded for the funniest, scariest, most original and best all-around costumes.
Vice President Jessica Cabrera spoke about the absence of The CW from the University's cable system. (The CW is a new station created by the merger of two other TV stations, WB and UPN.) Jessica explained that The CW's absence is the result of a regional problem with Time Warner Cablesystems.
In new business, nominations for three finance committee positions were taken to be voted on the next week.
Most notable in open forum was a question of why the mailroom has been closed on Saturdays. The response was that not enough people come to get their mail on Saturdays,
At the Oct. 11 meeting of the Senate committees met, very few officer reports were given, and new finance committee members were elected.
Elected to the finance committee were Jameson Pownall, Jeff Golden and Anne Halbart-Brooks.
During open forum it was asked whether Late Night at McLane could be every weekend, but the problem was said to be a lack of funds due to a budget cut.
The Senate met for a semester record of ten minutes on October 18. President Jessica Henderson announced that there is a color printer available to students in Scholes Library and recommended that students go through Office Services to get needed color copies. She also announced that the deadline for the student goods and services directory will be Nov. 1.
Open forum was met mostly with murmurs and crickets until someone won- dered when Ade Hall was going to have cereal bowls available. Henderson said that there might be some cereal bowls coming soon to dining halls.
Announcements were also kept short. The Holy Byzantine Mission is going to have a liturgy on All Saint's Day on Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. Myers Math Club will meet on Oct. 25. On Oct. 27 the Taste Buds will host a Halloween party at Susan Howell Hall from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. People without costumes will be charged $3 for admission; a costume will get you in for $ 2. The Laramie Project will be shown at Alfred State College's Orvis Activities Center on Oct.
30 at 7 p.m. O
"I like dressing up and it's around my birthday, so I get double the candy. I also like making caramel apples!"
Laura Rodgers, Sophomore Business Administration
"I like scaring trick or treaters and seeing the reactions of the parents with their kids."
Jonathon Villegas, Freshman Art and Design
Tafle 4
(Tiat Lux
:October 24, 2006
not stopping RHC
Hill Suites Shults received a foosball table.
For some time, Shults was the only suite without a recreational item of some sort.
Resident assistant and senior elementary education major Liz Melasi said that she stressed the importance of RHC to her resi- dents. "Get involved in RHC, because it can really affect the building," Melasi said.
Last year, funds were given to Kruson Hall to create a cozy atmo- sphere for the women's bathroom.
Junior psychology student Ebony McMillian said that RHC was very helpful and said that she hopes funds will be available for similar projects in the future.
Each residence hall has a certain amount of money that it is allot- ted. If the funds are not used, then the money is lost.
During the next few weeks, RHC will be having a few upcoming events. On Oct. 27, it will co-sponsor a fundraiser with the Alfred Police Department and the Alfred Fire Department. The event is scheduled to take place outside the second floor of Powell Campus Center; it will move inside in the event of rain.
RHC and Student Volunteers for Community Action will be host a trick-or-treating event for local children at the end of this month.
On Nov. 17, RHC will be having another fundraiser. This event will feature the Acafellas. At the end of the semester it will host its annual winter formal in the Powell Campus Center Knight Club.
In the spring, RHC will once again host tours to show students the different living arrangements available in upperclassmen halls.
RHC advisor and Pine Hill Suites Area Coordinator Claire Gonyo said that she appreciated "the e-board and the members who come consistently because they are able to accomplish so much despite the low level of participation in the organization as a whole."
RHC executive board members have office hours this year.
Students are encouraged to stop by the Student Organization Suite to ask questions or chat about their concerns. O
Join the Dean of the School of Art and Design Joe Lewis as he paints us a picture of life in the art world. Bring a bag lunch and
enjoy the lecture hosted by the Division of Human Studies.
Haunted Hospital
Friday, Oct. 27 & Saturday, Oct 28 from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. in Davis Gym
In the spirit of Halloween, come get spooked in a scary hospital brought to you by Psi Chi. Visit the morgue, a crazy receptionist, an ER and much more! Fee TBD.
Saturday, Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. in the Knight Club
Once upon a time, at a glam slam far, far away. ..come check it out! And meet Jay from Project Runway!! Dazzle his designer senses with your glitzy and glamorous fairy wings!
rovides ES
B Y E R I N B R U M M E R SPORTS EDITOR
After three years of operation, Late Night at McLane.was almost discontinued due to a lack of funding. However, a grant from the National Collegiate Athletic Association ensured that this program will still be offered.
Late Night at McLane is a non-alcoholic alternative for students on the weekends. In previous years, Late Night included the opening of the fitness center, pool, basketball court and table tennis set. Pizza and soda were also provided.
According to athletic director Jim Moretti, "Late Night at McLane was working, but the cost was'exbrbitant" To continue the program, Alfred University turned to the NCAA.
The NCAA is sponsoring a grant program for alcohol education called CHOICES. The CHOICES purpose statement declares that iiie NCAA "Provides funding for NCAA member institutions and conferences for the development, implementation and evaluation of effective alcohol education and prevention programs on college campuses."
AU obtained this grant through a proposal written by Dean of Students Norm Pollard, Health and Wellness Educator Pam Schu and Moretti.
All schools sanctioned by the NCAA can apply for the grant, and their proposals are rated on a point system. When the grant money was being allocated last May, AU was not one of the NCAA's original picks, although according to Pollard, "Alfred scored really high."
The NCAA received additional funds, making it possible for Alfred to be included in the grant allocation.
While Late Night at McLane will still take place, it will be more limited than in previous years. The fitness center and pool will no lon-
ger be accessible, and instead of every weekend, six nights a semester will be designated for Late Night.
Junior mechanical engineering major Clive Bogle said he is disap- pointed by the limited Late Night schedule.
"The past few years Late Night has been a great place for my, friends and I to get together and have a good time. As silly as it may sound, Late Night has kept many people out of trouble on the week- ends," Bogle said.
Although some aspects of Late Night have been cut back, Moretti believes improvements have been made. rv< ' • m^stf •,"•1
In the past there were problems with local high school students attending. Now there will be someone checking student identification at the door. Students will be allowed to bring a friend from aH&tfter college.
Another goal of the CHOICES program is to "involve groups on campus to promote non-alcoholic activities," said Moretti.
One group getting involved is Phi Beta Lambda, which co-spon- sored Late Night on Oct 6. Although Late Night cannot be brought back to its previous extent, Pollard said that further improvements can be made "by increased student participation and expression of interest."
Expanding on the idea of involving student organizations, Moretti is working with Schu to establish Student Athlete Mentors by the end of the semester.
This organization will consist of two athletes from each varsity team that will work together to promote safe and healthy lifestyles among the student body.
Hopefully, said Moretti, with the NCAA's backing of Late Night and the continued involvement of student organizations,"athletics will become less isolated on campus,"
The remaining dates for Late Night this semester are Nov. 3, Nov.
AU wellness educator receives national certification
Advisement Week
Monday, Oct. 30-Friday, Nov. 3
Make an appointment to see your advisors. Don't hesitate, you need those PIN numbers to register for class! And seniors, make sure you have all your requirements fulfilled.
Women's Money Workshop I: The Liberating Power of$
Thursday, Nov. 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the WIC Commons Join a guest professional finance planner in learning the ways to minimize debt, maximize savings and invest wisely. Space is limited. Reservations accepted until Oct. 27.
B Y B R I T T A N I E F I T Z G I B B O N S STAFF WRITER
Alfred University Health and Wellness Educator Pam Schu is now a Certified Health Education Specialist.
In order for Schu to receive this certification she had to send her aca- demic transcripts to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Once her transcripts were approved, she regis- tered for the CHES certification test and passed.
With her newly acquired CHES certification she is able to train oth- ers, teach various special health topics and act as an overall health education resource.
Schu earned her bachelor of science in nursing from AU, and a master of science degree in health education from SUN Y Brockport.
She also is a registered nurse and certified health teacher who has worked in medical schools and public education.
At AU, Schu is responsible for the planning of campus-wide health education and prevention events. For example, she has assisted resi- dent assistants with sex education programming. She has also been trying to encourage student involvement in special events such as World AIDS Day, National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week and AU's own Health Fair.
Aside from planning events, Schu has a duty to educate. For example, if students violate a campus alcohol or drug policy, she will meet with them for their educational sanction. According to Schu, some past offenders have created great projects and commu- nity service activities as a result of participation in alcohol educa- tion.
Schu already has more events and programs planned for this year.
She .has started a program called Healthy Monday. It takes place every Monday in Powell Campus Center. She usually has a table set up to try to encourage students to incorporate a new healthy habit into their lives. Last Monday's healthy habit, for example, was hand washing. The "Hand Washing 101" station that she ran helped students learn proper techniques to prevent the spread of germs.
Sophomore performing arts student Caitlin Gallagher admitted that she was unaware of Schu's program but said, "I like the idea behind it."
Schu also advises AU Peer Educators, who staged their first event on Oct. 3. Their health fair for area middle and high school students addressed alcohol use and other risky behaviors.
Participants each had the chance to wear "beer goggles" that simu- lated some possible effects of alcohol. The Peer Educators then administered field sobriety tests and had thé teens perform simple tasks like writing.
Schu called the event a success.
Schu plans to expand AU's peer education program to include student athletes. Her hope is to recruit and train a team of Student Athlete Mentors (SAMs). SAMs will be another source of peer education on the AU campus. This program will be funded by a National Collegiate Athletics Association's CHOICES grant.
With NCAA funding behind her, Schu also plans to administer the National College Health Assessment to AU students in 2007. This survey will help her accumulate data about college students' health behaviors, attitudes and perceptions, grant will assist in bringing back
Fine arts and psychology sophomore Sharee Allen said that she thinks Schu is already an asset to AU.
"I feel that her educating students will help our college as a whole,"
she said.
Schu said that all of the events she has hosted so far have been suc- cessful, adding that students who attend always learn something new. She did admit to concerns about publicity for and attendance at events.
Schu said that giving students information alone will not work;
they must be able put their skills and strategies to action.
"I want all AU students to have the opportunity to become health literate, to have the know-how and the can-do to take care of them- selves and develop a healthy lifestyle," she said. O
CDC
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Department in hosting Debra Fink for a ychology and Sociology majors should con-
\ opportunity to learn about the difference between Bring a lunch.
Bergren Forum: Art, Cyberspace, Education and Short Stories Thursday, Oct. 26 at 12:10 p.m. in Nevins Theater
B Y C H A R L O T T E J U D D STAFF WRITER
Over the past two years, Residence Hall Council has dedicated itself to becoming a better and stronger organization.
RHC deals with students' concerns about their residence halls and allocates funds. With RHC as a resource, students are able to create a more comfortable and warm living environment.
Even though membership numbers are not as high as RHC would like, it is still doing what it can to make itself known.
Junior art and design major and RHC president Alicia Tanner has a lot of plans for the organization, and believes that changes for the better will be made.
Last spring, RHC began its World Tour, where it traveled to dif- ferent residence halls and held meetings.
More participation Was gained by having meetings in the halls, as opposed to in the Kenyon-Allen rooms in Powell Campus Center, says Tanner. This fact still remains true, with three to four consistent members attending scheduled meetings. The next stop on the World Tour will be Barresi Hall on Oct. 26.
Although RHC is not as large as other campus organizations, they make major contributions to campus life.
Last year RHC and the Noteables - now known as the Acafellas - sponsored the Dr. Gail Walker benefit concert. RHC also spon- sored Laser Tag with the Student Activities Board and the Alfies after party with the SciFi club.
And, if RHC does not have an active role in an event, it always donates funds. It did so this fall for Spectrum's "Gay? Fine by me."
t-shirt campaign for the second year in a row.
In addition, RHC has made numerous changes within the resi- dence halls.
Over the past few months, televisions have been installed in all of the lounges in the Pine Hill Suites and a carpet and coffee table was placed in the common room of Tefft Hall, while Cannon Hall will soon be receiving pots and pans for their kitchen. In the Pine
Glam Slam
Take a practice GRE, LSAT,
! Contact the CDC to sign
International Folkdancing Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to 1 Kick up your heels with, friends while learning
exotic locations. No to the public.
1
October 24, 2 006 Tiat Lux "Page 5
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B Y S A R A H H A R R I S O N STAFF WRRREA |
You' re in your warm, comfortable bed wearing your favorite pajamas.
You roll over and realize that you completely; slept through your alaïm' and woke up late for your 8:20 a.m. class that meets across campus. .
You've already overslept your way into 4 absences; so you can't go back to sleep. Instead, you bcgrudgingly climb out of bed and. in your half-asleep state, begin rushing to get to classon time.
Now, there's no chance that .you can just go to class in your pajamas - they're the ones with the feet on them. So what are you going to do?
You glance into your closet and. as usual grumble, "have nothing to wear."
Those sweatpants folded on your desk Sure do look easy. You should resist their pull, however. •
Finding.an outfit doesn't have to take massive amounts of time or effort, and can even be done in a hurry before ¿lass. Picking out what.to wear in the morning only requires a few steps. WM - .
I. The most important rule to remember while coordinating an outfit is to think simple.
Focus on one piece of clothing as your center of attention while creating your look, such as a top or a skirt... ' '
"It's all about key pieces,' according to the Sept. '06 issue of Cosmopolitan • -
Focusing on too many items will make you look foolish and over-exag- gerated.
Don't over-accessorize with earrings, multiple bracelets, a necklace, rings, a scarf and a hat. Instead, keep your accessories to a minimum.
Build your outfit off of the single clothing article. For example, if you choose to focus on a fancy top, pair that with plain jeans and a solid sweater. Or, if you decide to concentrate on a patterned skirt, match it with a solid shirt and simple jewelry ,'< •
If you are in a major time crunch, skip the accessories that you don't need. You don't necessarily need to wear jewelry, You also don't need to have the perfect belt or purse. , , • .
Stick to solid-colored garments and accessories that will.,coordinate . with almost anything. • . m i v '
l or example, choose a neutral belt. Instead of a funky purse, wear a white or a black one. Wear coats that will match almost every outfit; § leather and corduroy aife,bOtft great optLonsr: . ; .
Above all, remember that a pulled together look doesn't.havè to be a complicated look. à
2. When choosing these simple outfits, you must be decisive and con- fident.
The; hardesrtpart aboutfindingsomething to wear is staying with your
; choices. • : P ^ t e ^ m S ^ I . . ; . - : • Make your'outfit selections and stick
| | i with them. Once you have chosen each ' piece: of clothing,
stay with it. Do not go back and forth When you have f ^ K K B s g s B S B B ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ m ; made your decision.
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Kathleen Ennis ¿g|§§ 1
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cemed with whatI f you act as if you like the outfit youchoose andexudejaonfidenee, people.: | will be able to tell.
Dressing "is all about your attitude," according to Glamours "Three Fashion Mantras to Live By."
3. If time is quickly ticking away and you still don't know what to wear, rely on your favorite pieces.
If you have a favorite piece of clothing, such as a top or pair of shorts, go with i t
You can always change up old stand-bys by switching what you pairwith them;
- "One item can be worn three different . ways." according to the Sept. '06 issue of Cosmopolitan. For example, if you have a favorite shirt, wear it with a pair of jeans and some fun jewelry one day and a skirt another day.
Caroline Falcone Sophomore Math and Education
4. When you're putting together your in-a-flash outfit, heed some basic fashion rules.
Per) Bad-Matching your entire outfit oriedolor looks ridiculous, f'
(W,Ww»»ii0'.all bluqpoks like a blueberry.
flower) Good-
(upper) Bad -®.er-accessorizing ana the lack of «focal point will.
look too exaggerated.
(lower) Good - Silnple outfits look focused and well put together.
. There a r e a few foolproof fashion guide-
lines to know before preparing.a cute outfit. •
| First: mix, don't match.
"Just make sure that pieces go together,"
says Stacey London of TLC's What Not To Wear.
Socks don't always need to match the ' shoes that you are wearing, but instead must
¿coordinate with your overall look.
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a blue purse and blue jewelry doesn't work.. --r_
You will end up looking like a blueberry. / - ^ ^ i m ^ M o ^ J » : : On the other hand, a blue skirt with a white • "
shirt, white shoes, blue and white jewelry and a multi-colored purse looks good.;
Speaking of white, white after Labor Day is okay, as long as you' re not covered from head to toe in it. White should instead be done minimally.
According to Cosmopolitan fashion editor Kàren Lorrain, "White is always in "
But certain color combinations are not fashion forward.
Navy blue and black never work.
Unless it is.July 4th, red, white and dark blue looks ridiculous.
You should proceed with caution when wearing blàck andorange, except on Halloween. In that case, don't forget to add those skeleton ear- rings. •
Remember that a bejeweled cowboy hat is acceptable as'an accessory only if you are starring in a program on HBO between thé hours of mid- night and 3am.
We are in college; therefore, a hoodie"is okay. Just make sure that it ysn't the same ratty hoodie every day. •.- : ;
What yeâris it? That"s right it is not 1980. So acid wash is out of style, and it will always be out of style. Absolutely no acid wash of any kind is.tolerable. If you see any acid wash on campus, please let the offender know of their fashion crime and direct them toward something more up to date.
Sparkle does not have to be reserved for evening wear;
; "You can add bling to your outfits by wearing something with à few rhinestories, but keep sparkle at a minimum" during thé day, says What Not To Wear's Clinton Kelly.
And according to the Sept "06 issue of Cosmopolitan, "a touch of glim- mer will make a simple style look luxurious,"
Deciding what to wear when you're short on time is easy. Just follow the few simple steps above. I
.. Of course, now that you know what to do, I expect to see far fewer sweats on the AÙ campus in the weeks to come. O :
In future issues of the Fiat, Sarah will be answering your fashion cjties- i tions. . Need to know what to wear? E-mail fiatlux@alfred.edu with a
: subject line of '[fashion. " '
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Helen Demier
Sophomore Fine arts §
Brian Palmer ^ i " ^ f y ^ g L Senior
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(left) Bad - Wearing sweatpants lookssloppy.
(right) Good - Simple outfits like a polo and khakis take a little time but work much better.
(right) All three f|
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