Month: March 2017

Brandywine Job Fair

Posted By under Uncategorized

Mike Ryan, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, mpr5198@psu.edu

With May graduation fast approaching students may still not have a job lined up. With students all of over the world applying to what, hopefully, is a long and successful career, some students may be stuck about how to get their name and resume out there. For the second time this school year, Penn State Brandywine hosted a career fair, inviting varied employers from many different companies and industries. Some students may be skeptical that they can find a job at a school job fair, but after speaking with many representatives, they expressed their need for employees and a job fair is a great way to find them.

“We are looking for students who are eager to learn, and have the ability to try things that are outside of their comfort zone. We look for students that challenge themselves, and work hard. “That’s one of the most important things that companies look for,” said Elizabeth Schroeder, manager of university relations at InternU. “It’s a great way to get your foot in the door. A lot of times the organizations here is a great way to get started on the job search,” said Brad Sabathne, campus recruiting specialist for United Airlines.

Not only were companies looking for future employees, they were also offering part-time jobs for students. Speaking with Edwin Hernandez, lead scientist for MadScience, a program that hires college students to go do science shows at after school clubs and summer camps at the elementary level in southeastern Pennsylvania, he said, “All we look for is if the person has had experience working with kids. Everything else you get with the training, so you don’t need to come with a science background; we provide all of the training that will be needed do the job well.”

With the fair a huge success many students felt this career fair was a great way to find a career after graduation.

Alumni Insider: Who is Meaghan Paige?

Posted By under Alumni, Campus News

Story by Tito E. Orjih, Lions Eye Staff Writer & Editor, teo5055@psu.edu

Meaghan Paige is an American designer and founder of Meaghan Paige, a local woman’s wear design company. Paige is a recent graduate from the Penn State Brandywine campus with a major in communications arts and sciences.

Paige first became interested in art when she was five. Paige said, “I remember drawing everywhere with my parents. We would go on vacations and I would always find little notepads at hotel rooms and I would just start drawing anything.” Paige was influenced from a young age to explore and express herself through drawing, which eventually led to fashion design and entrepreneurship.

Meaghan Paige’s main role models in her life were her great aunts, who embraced her like their own child. While attending Penn State, Paige’s great Aunt Beth passed away. Her Aunt Beth personally inspired her to sew and pursue art. In order to remember her aunt, Paige kept sentimental artifacts.

Meaghan said, “she left behind a bunch of bobbins, pins, and buttons that were used for sewing. I basically took them and started making clothes and that was sort of the inspiration behind all of this.” Paige’s late aunt’s death was a turning point and a catalyst for her involvement in the fashion industry, which inevitably led to her success as an entrepreneur and saleswoman.

The young designer’s work is incredibly influenced by art, music and culture. Meaghan debuted her first collection at New York Fashion Week in 2015 after being invited to showcase on behalf of a non-profit organization. Since then, Paige has been on a mission to globalize her brand and business. Paige has traveled with her team and photographed her designs at locations in Paris, Italy, Spain, and Ireland.

When asked if she could share some inspirational insight for aspiring fashion designers and entrepreneurs.

Meaghan said,

First, “Say yes to any opportunity or offer even if it doesn’t interest you that much. The worst thing that could happen is that you don’t learn anything, but if you didn’t know anything about it in the first place, then you obviously have already learned something.”

Second, “Be open and willing to change. It’s a major process of evolving and mastering your craft.”

Last, “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and speak to people that may not look anything like you — you may find that you have more in common with them than you think! I’m friends with people from all over the world because I was always curious about where they were from.

Meaghan Paige is currently overseas in Ireland with her integrative team preparing a photo-shoot for their new campaign. If you want some more information about Meaghan Paige and her design company visit her website at [ http://www.meaghanpaige.com/ ]

 

Soul Steps

Posted By under Entertainment

Soul steppers Photo

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer Lauren Tweed, lmt5428@psu.edu

The Soul Steppers are dancing their way around the world and they made a pit stop at Penn State Brandywine. The Soul Steppers, founded by Maxine Lyle in 2005, are a dance group that originated in New York City. Lyle is a dancer, choreographer and a producer. The group has traveled the world performing and conducting workshops. They specialize in crowd participation; hand-clapping, stomping and even dancing alongside the steppers. The crowd was also involved in a Soul Steppers roll call, which included reciting name and major.

The steppers even taught a bit of history while performing a dance. Step dance resembles Gumboot Dancing, the way African mine workers communicated behind their bosses back during the late 1800s. The mining job itself and oppressive bosses, made it difficult to communicate. To compensate, they would slap the sides of their boots and stomp out rhythmic codes to each other to speak about their pain, sorrow, and also mock their bosses. The workers were asked, by their bosses, to come and show off their skills. Their bosses did not realize they were being mocked the dancers and continued to promote the dance. Stepping started in the 1920s on college campuses. The students would march and clap to show solidarity. The Soul Steppers also incorporated this form of dancing into their routine.

“That’s an interesting form of communication,” said Patricia Carlos, a sophomore communications major. Their dances are high-energy with combined percussive movements, hip hop rhythms, and call and response. The Soul Steppers use their whole bodies to show what they are saying and feeling. When the steppers went to war, their dance had evolved to include sharp and defined moves as would be seen in the military marches.

A sophomore music major, Hannah Chu said, “this has been the most entertaining thing ever! This is the greatest way to learn about black history month.” The Soul Steppers were named the 2010 Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities Cultural Artist of the Year.

They dance to the beat of their own drum by using the rhythm of their clapping, slapping, and tapping. They even stomp their feet to create a beat. The Soul Steppers dance to the beat of their own drums, and you can too. To learn more, go to soulsteps.com.

 

Cotton, Compassion and Creations for Love Ones

Posted By under Entertainment, Uncategorized , , , ,

By: Autumn Simms, Lion’s Eye Writer, als6765@psu.edu

For Valentine’s Day, student affairs personnell hosted a Stuff-a-Plush event in the heart of the Lion’s  Den.  Many people like to go out and buy candies, chocolates, cards and other romantic goodies for this special day, but a handmade adorable Penn State plushie can also spread jow.  The free event drew in many students during their common hour, an hour of recollection and relaxation.  They got to step away from preparing for their next class and spend a little bit of their free time creating a gift that will last for a while.

Freshman Tayna, “I’m giving my stuffed animals to my niece, everyone gets love.” She and her friends sat together in a circle with their plushies discussing their plans for the holiday and what to do with their bears.

Students had a variety of animals from which to pick. Some were creating stuff animals for relatives or significant others. Other made plushies to add decoration to their room. Sophomore,Tamarah Jones, said, “I am probably going to keep mine for myself. This was fun!”

When asked about the process of creating the stuffed animals Michelle Delaveaga said, “I just grabbed a bunch of stuff and put it together.”

Sophomore, Oscar Delgadillo said, “You know what this means to me? I’m giving it away to someone.” His group of friends started laughing with him. Some of his peers had lions and bears in their hands that were also potentially going to someone else to loved and appreciated. This event allowed students to create cuddly creatures to keep them warm this winter season.

 

Trump Gets Down to Business

Posted By under Politics

Byline: Alyssa Abbonizio, Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, aqa5498@psu.edu

Fresh off his inauguration, President Trump is already stirring controversy by enacting the policies that got him voted in as the 45th President of the United States.

Trump announced an executive order that temporarily suspended all travel to the U.S. for 90 days for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Syria and Libya and banned all refugees for 120 days. Once the order went into effect, which included green card holders, travelers from those countries were detained at airports causing chaos and protests. According to Fox News, Homeland Security and State department officials were told to gather information about the would-be visitors and to make a list of countries that wouldn’t cooperate and make the information available. The government gave countries 60 days to provide the information or those country’s citizens would be blocked from traveling to the U.S.

The ban sparked outrage across the U.S. as many protests took place at airports. Protestors chanted, “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”

Protestors at the Philadelphia airport sang, “This Land is our Land” and police closed lanes of traffic to vehicles so the protestors had room to protest.

Trump’s order was shut down when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco declined to reinstate the ban. The court unanimously rejected the claim of presidential authority, questioned its motives and its ability to survive legal challenges. In response, Trump tweeted “See you in court!”

Since being rejected by the court, Trump has revised his travel ban order and will aim at the seven Muslim-populated countries but will exclude green card holders and dual citizens of the United States and any of those seven countries, according to a White House official.

Taken from the New York Times, “The new order continued to impose a 90-day ban on travelers, but it removed Iraq, a redaction requested by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who feared it would hamper coordination to defeat the Islamic State, according to administration officials.Shifting from foreign policy to the economy, Trump has pledged that he will get major companies to move back to the United States and he will work to keep companies from moving overseas.”

President Trump announced a deal to keep the Carrier plant in Indianapolis from moving to Mexico, thus keeping about 1,000 jobs in Indiana. Carrier produces air conditioners and they have invested $16 million to keep the Indiana plant open.

Ford Motor Company also announced that it is canceling plans for a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico and instead, will expand their Michigan plant. Ford CEO, Mark Fields said the company would spend $700 million and add 700 jobs to its plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, according to USA Today.

President Trump is continuing to do what he believes is best for the country and is ready to deal with the media outcry.

 

Black History Month Luncheon

Posted By under Campus News

By: Najla King, Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, nxk5136@psu.edu

Darrel Trent said, “My first day, I walked around the campus and I didn’t see a black face anywhere. I looked into each classroom and as I passed, still no one in sight. When I got to the end of the hall, I walked down the steps, out the door and went home.”

This was the story James Garner, aka Brother Zwadie Abdul Malik, Natalie Wells, and Barry Reddish shared during their Black History Month visit, as they shared with students, staff and guests, the experiences of what campus life was like for them as black students at Penn State Brandywine in 1968.

Being black on a predominantly white campus in the late 60s was, by far, not the easiest task, but with the help of one another and influential staff members like, campus director John Vairo, whom Penn State Brandywine’s library is named after, black students beat the odds and stayed to succeed at PSU Brandywine.

“You learned not to be disenchanted by what you heard or what you were told, but instead you did the necessary work to set the stage for those that came after you, for the black people that followed behind you. I would feel bad if I didn’t speak up or didn’t speak out because that set the tone for those following us not to be afraid,” said Trent.

This particular group of unconventional students had a number of disadvantages compared to other students. Some were married, with families, were significantly older or younger than their peers, served in the Vietnam War, or were generally discouraged to continue on to higher education.

Not only was getting their education important, but these speakers emphasized that educating young black students in the area about the values and skills required to make more happen for themselves was an important goal for the students of color.

“We developed relationships with the people in Chester, Sharon Hill, Delaware County and we would go around and tutor elementary school kids. We helped them prepare for academia and for higher education because, without that, they were only subjecting themselves to menial tasks and we wanted them to know they were better than just that,” said Brother Zwadii Malik.

The luncheon not only celebrated Black History Month but the 50th anniversary of Brandywine joining the Penn State community in 1967.

As students, faculty and staff filled the seats in the Tomesko Lounge area to hear these heroic people speak of their experiences at Brandywine, they shed light on important highlights of campus history and who played major roles in their lives.

Former teachers and staff members like John Vairo helped to make their time at Brandywine more pleasant than one would imagine.

“I was four or six credits sort after leaving Delaware County and going to University Park. I couldn’t graduate, so I talked to Dr. John Vairo, who was the campus director and communications professor and he hooked me up. He told me to come back to Brandywine to finish up my last credits. Three times a week I would come and sit with my teacher and later I got my degree. Because of John Vairo we didn’t really have to demonstrate to make our needs heard, he helped us, and there weren’t many people like that,” Natalie Wells shared.

Food for Thoughts

Posted By under About, Campus News, Entertainment, Food, Networking , , , ,

As a culture, we’ve became so used to our own habits, that we are often unaware of some that may be changing.

Cultural foods, changed eating habits, and fast food have grown in popularity. Shown dramatically at the recent Global Dialogue Luncheon, the revelation may have caught one off guard.

With an extensive variety of food and traditions that surround us, society has incorporated the variety into our everyday lives and we do not even differentiate between foods of other cultures. At the Global Dialogue Lunch, students were able to expand their knowledge of different cultures, food, and understand the difference of some cultures.

While the theme of this lunch was, “You are what you eat,” students were taught how the eating habits of our society are beginning to change, not just in the United States, but also around the world.

Penn State Brandywine student, Catherine Mills, left the event with a whole other perspective on cultural eating habits. “I was shocked to find out that many of the ingredients weren’t processed in other countries. I, on the other hand, live in a country where a majority of the food I eat is processed,” said Mills.

By way of comparison, other cultures will take the time to sit down with their family for meals regularly. In this luncheon, guest speakers taught our audience the ways other countries handle their meals through the day, and even the way they are eaten. In other countries, meals are not rushed and in some situations, taken very seriously.

“We don’t take the time to enjoy food like other countries do, but we should,” Mills added about her experience.

Some cultures will spend hours preparing an important meal. They also are very picky, using only the freshest ingredients, that are, many times, home grown. Surprising to American culture, some cultures will even butcher their own animals for the meats of the meals.

With every country, there are differences in their outside food and home food eating habits, but that’s what makes learning these different traditions so interesting. With every country comes another culture. It just proves that two countries’ cultures will never be the same.

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer
Nathaniel Forwood, Nlf5120@psu.edu

Rolling into the 50th Anniversary

Posted By under Uncategorized

It has been 50 years since Penn State Brandywine opened, and for this milestone the Student Affairs Office, located in the upstairs Commons Building, decided to treat everyone to an afternoon of roller skating. Food, drinks, music, and roller skates led to an afternoon of celebration of the fact that this campus is half a century old. Many people showed up to the event and were immediately told to, “grab a pair of skates and do your thing.” The minute you went on the floor there were smiles and laughs a-plenty as people who were experienced skaters were trying to teach the less experienced skaters how to not fall. But many faculty members decided to put on the skates as well, and since the music that was being played was mostly disco music, they got right into the groove of the roller disco and skating.

Tami Katz, member of Brandywine Events and Activities Service Team (BEAST), had this to say about the event, “Roller skating helped bring the Brandywine community together and helped connect the present community to the past history of our campus!”

Lindsay Koch, one of the many students to attend this event said, “I thought it was successful because it’s something everyone could participate in, no matter their skill level. I feel like some people were scared of making a fool of themselves which may have held them back from participating, but overall I personally had a good time.”

As one of the first events to kick of the new semester, the Student Affairs Office was somehow able to bring the majority of the campus together for the afternoon. With a long semester ahead keep looking to see what other events the Student Affairs Office has in store. Happy 50th Anniversary Penn State Brandywine.

Kyle Copley/ Lions Eye Staff Writer/ kbc5315@psu.edu

Brandywine Students Express Inauguration Views

Posted By under Campus News

Tito E. Orjih, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, teo5055@psu.edu
Curiosity, fear, and silence filled Penn State Brandywine’s Lion Den as the students watched in amazement as Donald Trump was sworn into office as President of the U.S. replacing former president Barack Obama. At the viewing party, emotions where heavy as student shed tears as the President of the Free World became Donald J. Trump. The tension could be felt in the air as students whispered remarks to each other about Trump’s inaugural address.
Trump protestors Amber Philips said, “Today is not the move, nobody can say anything to me today … today is a sad day.”
It was clear to see that there was a disunity in the room due to political views. Brandywine athlete Raheem Naughty said, “There is still racism, there is still segregation, (as a) matter of fact there is segregation on this campus.”
Students held strong political views and opinions but undoubtedly noticed the separation caused by the election.
Trump advocate and engineering student David M. Irby Jr. said, “The worst part about the election was how divided it made everyone.” Irby Jr. admits to not fully agreeing with the new president’s policies, but provides his support because he respects his tenacity. Irby Jr. said, “I like that he says what he wants to say, I always thought there was this American dream where you could just go up and say what you want to say and do what you want to do.”
Trump protestor Amber Philips said, “Social media made the election like a mediocre joke. I think it’s kind of ridiculous that I can log onto Twitter or any social media and argue with my president.”
Unbiased viewer and president of the photography club, Ezenwa Osuagwu, said, “If you look at past presidents you can tell what works and what doesn’t. I feel like other presidents have done what he’s trying to bring about and failed, but I don’t know, you never know.”
Ezenwa expressed a common theme amongst the unbiased students—the fact that they are not clear on the future and are fearful, yet excited to see what the future holds for The United States of America.

Spring is here just in time with multiple championships in mind

Posted By under About, Entertainment, Sports , , , ,

Soon jackets will be shed and warm air will be returning to Delaware County. With the weather quickly changing and the ball fields thawing, it is almost that time of the year—it’s time to play ball!

Spring 2017 promises many opportunities for Penn State Brandywine. There’s history to be made and records to be broken for our baseball and softball teams. With spring, just around the corner, both teams are hopeful and excited for what this season has in store.

While our softball team is busy starting a dynasty, they’ll be entering this spring holding two consecutive conference championships, with a confident mindset and an even more tenacious demeanor.

Even though softball recently arrived as part of Brandywine athletics in 2014, they have already made their mark with dominance in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). The man behind the magic, Coach Mark Caserta, has earned the Coach of the Year award for the past two years. Coach Caserta will be entering the spring holding a 46-11 conference record and two conference championships.

Julia Allman, senior softball captain, also has a vision for this upcoming season.

“We enter this season with countless goals in mind. Our very strong freshman class and incredibly experienced upperclassmen are ready to be seen. Since this is my final season, I look forward to making this one as memorable and unforgettable as possible,” said Allman.

With the support of their upperclassmen and coaching staff, the women are preparing to make this season one for the record books.

As the softball team looks forward to reaching their next milestone, Brandywine’s baseball team is seeking out to make history of their own.

Returning from a disappointing finish last spring, the baseball team ferociously looks ahead with one thing on their mind—a championship. The PSUAC title is something that the majority of the upperclassmen have been within arm’s reach of achieving, but have not obtained.

Fall 2016 brought new opportunities with the promotion of Vinny Gallo to baseball head coach. The team also welcomed, Corey Hepher, Tony DiGiammo and Mike Sciasci, as new assistant coaches.

Optimistic senior captain Joey Samohod says, “The talent this team possesses, and the unbreakable brotherly bond this team carries will lead to dominance. With the challenges, not only in baseball but in school and life, you learn it’s about the people you surround yourself with that makes the biggest difference. We’re so lucky to have a family of brothers who are continuously there to pick each other up without hesitation on and off the field. This team has been through a lot to get them to be the strong and recognized team we strove to become.”

John Gorgone, senior captain outfielder, states, “There’s different building blocks that a team takes to the road of a championship title. This team has never had a thing handed to them, we’ve worked for every little thing. This dedication is something we’ve been building off of in the past four years, and that’s what is giving us success in this moment.”

Nathaniel Forwood, Joe Samohod, Tommy Crumlish and John Gorgone, all baseball team captains, are hoping to make this season memorable. With a few college baseball careers coming to an end at the conclusion of this spring 2017 season, it is their goal to make this last year memorable and, more importantly, to leave their mark on the school and the program.

Captain outfielder Tommy Crumlish concludes with, “This determined group of men are coming back from a year of incredible performance but unsatisfactory finish and ready to set fire to the field, and bring Brandywine our first ever baseball championship title.”

In early February, the baseball team opened their season with the softball team following in early March. Both groups of student athletes are prepared to put their countless hours of sweat and stress to the test.  With both teams chasing a goal of their own, they share a common motivation—success.  The championship title sits right at their fingertips, ready to be taken.

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer
Nathaniel Forwood, Nlf5120@psu.edu