Month: March 2017

Sweet Peace of Mind

Posted By under Campus News

Erin Ahlefeld, Lions Eye Staff Writer, efa5068@psu.edu

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, students of Penn State Brandywine gathered together in the Lion’s Den during common hour for a discussion humorously known as Cupcakes and Condoms. The event was led by Sexologist, Dr. Justine Shuey. Dr. Shuey covered many different topics in her presentation including safe sex, healthy relationships, consent and the Five Circles of Sexuality.

“I really thought that this event was going to be a lecture on always using protection but it was a lot more than that. It was really educational and interesting and she (Dr. Shuey) did a great job of making it funny too,” said Penn State Brandywine student, Makayla Moses.

Dr. Shuey started off by introducing the most important organ in the body pertaining to intercourse; the brain. She showed the students the many ways that the brain is involved and why it is important to know as much as you can about it.

During this event, Dr. Shuey talked about much more than just using condoms as protection. One of the main topics she discussed was love. She taught about the three stages of falling in love and how love pertains to intercourse and how people are much more inclined to not use protection if they are in a “love-struck” stage.

Another key aspect she discussed was healthy relationships. The things that create a healthy relationship are safety, honesty, acceptance, respect and enjoyment.

“I think that openly discussing healthy relationships with college students is really important. We are definitely at the age where we should be creating boundaries and making sure that our relationships contain all the parts of a healthy one that Dr. Shuey discussed,” said Penn State Brandywine Student, Julia Poluch.

One topic that Dr. Shuey was very serious about was the topic of consent. She emphasized that “affirmative enthusiastic consent” is necessary when having any kind of relations with another person. She also made the point to tell everyone that silence does not mean “yes” and that “no” means “no” without any question.

“No is the end of the conversation. No does not mean ask why or try to convince me. No means no. Period,” said Dr. Justine Shuey, Sexologist.

Overall, this presentation from Sexologist, Justine Shuey was much more than just a lesson on the importance of condoms. She discussed many other topics that captured the attention of the audience. Her humor brought up laughs and the information she presented created questions among the audience and sparked an interest in the topic of safe and healthy relationships.

Farwell to Senior Marcus Turner

Posted By under Sports

By: Margot Gargus, Lions Eye Staff Editor, mbg5317@psu.edu

On February 7, 2017, senior Marcus Turner entered the Penn State Brandywine gym to play in his last home game of his career on the men’s basketball team. As the game came to a close Turner dropped his final 7 points.

Orignally from Claymont Delaware, Marcus Turner lead the Brandywine Lions on and off the court for four years. As an athlete at Brandywine for all four years, he served as a basketball captain for three years.

Scoring a total of 775 career points, Turner was only 225 points short of his all-time career goal of 1,000 points. Marcus shared with us some of his proudest moments here on campus.One occurred during his freshman year, scored twenty points in back-to-back games. He also shared, “being able to play next to some of the same players over the years has made my experience even better. The friendships I have with these guys are something I hope to never lose.”

When asked about the emotions of his last home game and senior night Turner said, “It didn’t hit me until half time when they announced it. Four years passed quickly and I wasn’t ready for it to end.” Playing by his side was junior Cyrie Spencer and junior James Fisher. “It was great to play with Cyrie and Fish these past couple years. I can’t wait to see how their senior year plays out and watch them reach 1,000 points.”

Turners love for the game inspires his teammates on and off the court. Turner shares that he plans to possibly stay around with the team and help coach next season.

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to possibly coach here next season. I love the program and I can’t wait to watch it grow and maybe continue to be a part of the team,” said Turner

“Marcus will definitely be missed by the team. He’s always been super positive and a good all around captain,” states freshman Pat Gallagher.

Although Marcus Turner is no longer a player, his impact on the team is something his team mates and coaches won’t forget.

 

Sarah Kurpel Hired as New Athletic Director

Posted By under Uncategorized

Charged with overseeing 13 varsity sports teams as well as the club and intramural programs, Sarah Kurpel joins Penn State Brandywine as the new athletic director.

Since 2006, Kurpel was an assistant athletic director for student services and compliance, senior woman administrator, and head field hockey coach at Neumann University.

“I’ll have oversight of adding and managing positions and coaches, the budget and compliance,” Kurpel explained, “I also want to make sure athletes are having an awesome experience.”

Growing up, she was always around sports. She enjoyed many sports including softball, field hockey, lacrosse, track, dancing and cheerleading, so Kurpel is comfortable in the sports area.

“. . . months ago when this position opened, I did research about Brandywine and I was really interested in the residence aspect. I remembered how fun it was when the dorms opened at Neumann and how campus life expanded. I wanted to be a part of that.”

Kurpel believes in Penn State and is sure that she could not have been an athletic director anywhere else.

“I applied in a let’s-see-what-happens kind of way and everything went great,” she began. “This is a great opportunity for me. I’m eager to focus on the enhancement of the student-athlete experience, while we transition to a residential community in the coming academic year.”

Working at Brandywine, she wants to get to know everyone. She is looking forward to exploring options of additional sports and activities. Kurpel hopes to continue the work already in place for bringing sports to next level of competition as appropriate.

While at Neumann, Kurpel saw the sport teams increase from 12 to 24 and new facilities built and improved—similar to Brandywine’s current growth.

Referring to the need for activities on nights and weekends once Brandywine is residential, Kurpel said, “I want to increase the night life to include more recreational opportunities so students have something to do at night.”

Kurpel is excited for the residence halls and thinks they can help in many ways. She believes it will open opportunities for coaches to recruit students from further distances.

A native of Delaware County, Kurpel believes the residence option appeals to local students too.

“Students want a college experience and degree but don’t want to go two hours away,” said Kurpel.

Kurpel is excited to hear from the students and wants them to come to her with ideas.

“My door’s open and I want to hear from people,” Kurpel concluded. Kurpel is located in the Commons Athletic building by the gym.

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

Trump Sworn in as the 45th President

Posted By under Entertainment

On January 20, 2017, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, D.C. after defeating Democratic nominee Hilary Clinton in the election. Thousands gathered in D.C. and millions watched around the world as Trump took the oath of office. Surrounded by his wife, Melania, and daughters Ivanka and Tiffany and sons Eric, Donald and Barron, Trump was sworn in by Chief Justice, John Roberts. Reciting the oath as his left hand was on the Bible and his right hand raised, the world watched.

He then addressed the American people calling January 20, “the day the people became the rulers of this nation again.”

He addressed the middle class, mothers and children living in poverty, the education system, crime, gangs and drugs that robbed the country of potential and said, “that stops now.”

“Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families,” Trump explained. “We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs.”

President Trump said the United States will follow two easy rules: “buy American” and “hire American.” He plans to get people off welfare and back to work as well as keep jobs and companies in America by rebuilding the country with American hands and labor.

He concluded his speech with his slogan that he used throughout his campaign: Make America Great Again.

“Together we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again,” Trump concluded. “We will make America safe again. And yes, together we will make America great again.”

While many people are excited about Trump’s win, there were riots and protests that took place in D.C. and across the country. People were destroying businesses and many people were arrested. There were also protests where people marched holding signs and chanting “not my president.” Trump took to social media to address the situation.

“Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy. Even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.”

 

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

Women’s Basketball Team Celebrates Senior Night by Defeating Penn State York 66-50

Posted By under Uncategorized

Macy Nachman, Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, msn5100@psu.edu

The Penn State Brandywine women’s basketball team celebrated their 2017 Senior Night with a 66-50 victory over Penn State York on Tuesday, Feb. 7 in the Commons Building of the Brandywine campus. Brandywine senior, team captain and player number 15, Chelsea Dent, was honored at the beginning of the game and posed for pictures to be featured on Brandywine’s website with fellow teammate and co-captain, number 34, Alyssa Abbonizio. Dent was presented with gift baskets, memorabilia and homemade signs from teammates and fans alike. During her college career, Dent has played 72 games, scored 425 points, made 286 rebounds and had 123 assists and 100 steals.

Brandywine was behind 13-10 until the final three minutes of the first quarter when Dent scored an exciting four points, giving Brandywine a 14-13 lead. Brandywine and York were tied 19-19 during the second quarter and it wasn’t until the third quarter that Brandywine really started to take the lead with a three-pointer from number 3, Chrissy Gledhill, followed by another basket from Dent and a layup and free throw from number 30, Brandi James. Brandywine finished with a strong fourth quarter number with Dent contributing with four assists and Abbonizio having 10 rebounds.

Whether it was Brandywine’s hometown advantage or strong team spirit that was responsible for the win, Abbonizio reflects on the game saying that, “Senior night is always a fun game to play in. You’ve spent an entire season or more, depending on what year you are, with Chelsea and to be able to play her final home game/college game with her is something she’ll never forget and neither will the team. It’s a memorable time.”

Alumni Spotlight — Art Armani The Art of Digital Marketing

Posted By under Campus News

Macy Nachman, Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, msn5100@psu.edu

Art Armani is a proud Penn State Brandywine alumnus who is conquering the world of digital marketing one venture at a time.

Armani attended Penn State Brandywine when it was called Penn State Lima and graduated with a degree in liberal arts. Armani is now a senior product manager at a digital marketing company in King of Prussia, called Hibu, which works with small businesses to help them compete in the digital world.

During Armani’s time at Penn State, he was editor of The Lion’s Eye during the 1992-1993 school year and was an active member of the AV Club.

Armani nostalgically reflects on his experience writing for The Lion’s Eye recalling,

“There were about five or so of us on the staff. We would spend a lot of time in a trailer that used to be on campus near the tennis courts. In that trailer were video games, a pinball machine, ping pong table and the fabulous Apple IIc computer that served as the Lion’s Eye staff computer… My favorite (issue) was the April Fools Paper … Every article was satire or a hoax of some sort.”

In the late 1990s, Armani was an editor for StateCollege.com and stayed in State College until he moved to New York City in 2004 to advance his career. Armani interned for TVT Records which promoted Pit Bull, Lil John, and Nine Inch Nails and was then referred to work for a viral marketing advertising agency in Lower Manhattan. Armani worked with Sony, BMG and Warner Brothers; he recalls his most exciting adventure as having the opportunity to work on two Weezer album releases.

When asked what advice he would give to college students aspiring to work in digital marketing, Armani says,

“Get as much experience as you can, work for free if you have to … Experience is paramount, your degree doesn’t mean anything if you can’t follow through with the job that faces you. Be personable. Be a collaborator. Share knowledge. Be versatile. Don’t be afraid to take chances.”

Armani stumbled into the world of marketing and advertising on accident by just trying something new.

Fast forward fifteen years and Armani still finds digital marketing to be challenging, rewarding and is constantly inspired by the endless opportunities it provides.

What Were the Goals of the Recent Women’s March and Do You Think it was Effective?

Posted By under Campus News

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

“They were trying to prove that President Trump’s views on women were wrong. He is sexist, and looks at women as objects. It hasn’t had any effect yet, but with time it could open more people’s eyes and make changes.”
DAYANA MEJIA, SOPHOMORE, ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS

“I am not sure. I heard it was for women’s rights, as well as anti-Trump. I don’t really know what they were trying to do, but a lot of people came out. Nothing drastic is going to change.”
NICOLE DOYLE, JUNIOR, HDFS MAJOR

“To bring awareness to the problems with equality for women, planned parenthood, abortions, and more. Yes, it will lead to major changes. Many well-known celebrities gave speeches about it.”
MARY BOYLE, FRESHMAN, PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR

“To get Donald Trump’s attention on women’s rights and how important it is. I don’t think it’s going to change much.”
JANEILLE STORA, JUNIOR, MARKETING MAJOR

“I don’t know much about the women’s march, except they fought for the rights they have fought for years, such as planned parenthood. It certainly brought awareness, considering it was a trending topic on social media. Now, whether or not it was effective on convincing other to join the cause is a question that remains to be answered.”
PATRICIA CARLOS, SOPHOMORE, COMMUNICATIONS MAJOR

 

 

Orchard Residence Hall Welcomes all Brandywine Students

Posted By under Campus News

Beginning in Fall 2017, students of Penn State Brandywine will be showing up to campus with more than just their textbooks. Next fall, the newly built residence hall will fill up with both incoming freshman and returning Brandywine students, with Elizabeth Kearns as the director of housing and food services and Iris Richardson as the interim associate director of residence life. Kearns has provided a lot of information on the residence hall and important things to know for anyone planning to apply for a room!

It was decided that the residence hall would be named Orchard Hall, in reference to the former apple orchard on which Penn State Brandywine stands. Orchard Hall will consist of traditional style rooms, housing two people per room. However, the building will consist of much more than that. In addition to these traditional style rooms, there will be laundry facilities, multiple study lounges and a full kitchen for everyone’s late night cookie baking needs!

If the cookies aren’t enticing enough, don’t worry there’s more. Many have been curious about that huge stone building being built next to Tomezsko. That building will be the new Student Union which will house student affairs’ offices, the school bookstore, the Lion’s Den and a full dining facility.

When they say a full dining facility, they don’t just mean a typical school lunch with potato chips and pizza that tastes like cardboard. This dining hall, large enough to hold 300 people, will offer a fully stocked salad bar, pizza, pasta and a deli to make a variety of sandwiches. There will even be Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream! Also, for all of the students who can barely drag themselves to a 9:00 a.m. class without a double shot caramel macchiato, don’t worry because Brandywine secured a Starbuck’s license and will have a Starbucks included right in the Student Union building!

Convinced yet? If so, apply now! The application for freshman is first-come first-serve, so find a computer quick and log into eliving.psu.edu.

“As of February 3, students still interested in a housing contract can request through eliving.psu.edu,” said Kearns.

On this site students can apply for housing that puts them on the wait list for a room. Roommates are randomly assigned and there is a process for any conflict that may arise between roommates or any other issues.

The people who will help resolve some of these conflicts and will help make Orchard Hall a great place for everyone are the resident assistants (RAs). The process to become an RA is done in two simple steps. First, fill out and submit the application that will be available starting this spring. Second, take the RA class now offered at Brandywine called Higher Education 302. Successful completion of the class and a 2.5 GPA are required elements for RAs at Orchard Hall.

There are already students who have applied and have received notice that they will be having an on-campus experience this coming fall! Don’t wait.

“As a new resident, I hope to become more involved in Brandywine’s campus because I won’t have to worry about running back and forth between home and school,” said Brooke S. Theveny, Freshman student at Penn State Brandywine.

Orchard Hall, beginning in Fall 2017 will be the place to be for all Penn State Brandywine students! The rooms are filling up quickly so if interested, follow the steps to apply now. Living in Orchard Hall will provide you with everything you need for a successful college career and give you many opportunities to be more involved in the campus community.

How do you like them apples?!

Erin Ahlefeld, Lions Eye Staff Writer, efa5068@psu.edu

Snakes, Skinks, and Lizards Invade the Lion’s Den

Posted By under Campus News, Entertainment , , ,

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

Putting aside their fears of reptiles, students at Penn State Brandywine got to interact with various reptiles deep within the Lion’s Den. Keith Gisser, founder of the HERPS ALIVE!! program, brought creatures of varying sizes and intimidation levels for students to learn about.

Gisser has over thirty years of experience handling reptiles and amphibians. Since 1990, HERPS ALIVE!! has been traveling to 250 colleges in 36 states educating students on reptiles in a fun interactive way. They have been to Villanova University, Temple University and Delaware Valley College to name a few places.

Students like, Antonio Nicosia, got to pet one of four tortoises.

Nicosia said, “They’re pretty awesome. This stands out to me as a semester highlight.”Several students volunteered to be draped with an eight foot five inch Albino Burmese Python named Silas. Silas weighed 40 pounds. A student, named Ameer, described the snake as “super soft, exciting, and slippery.”

Bridget O’Donnell, assistant director of student affairs, said the event was, “Educational-something different for the students.”

While assisting Gisser and O’Donnell with the python, student helper, Vince Dejohn, said, “This is something I want to do for a living.”

There were skinks (a type of lizard), corn snakes, a baby alligator, a bearded dragon and an Asian Water Monitor. All the cold-blooded reptiles appeared extremely friendly and comfortable being in the hands of curious Penn State students.

There was a 5-foot, 10-year-old Asian Water Monitor named Gator, weighing 25 pounds. Gator nestled herself like a baby on students’ shoulders.

Jake Fida said, “It was fulfilling to hold a very large lizard.” He wasn’t the only one who felt this way.

Keith Gisser is also the executive director of the non-profit Herps Alive Foundation started in 2013 and dedicated to rescuing neglected and/or abused reptiles and amphibians. The volunteers of the Herps Alive Foundation rehabilitate these animals and provide a sanctuary for them until they find a new home. They emphasize the importance of educating the public about reptiles and amphibians.

Herps Alive Foundation is a member of the Northern Ohio Association of Herpetologist, U.S Association of Reptile Keepers and Zoological Association of America. They have their own website at gggreg.com/herps_alive.html and a Facebook page at Herps Alive.

 

 

Multilingual is the Norm at Global Discussion Lunch

Posted By under Campus News

As the world is becoming more interconnected, it is becoming more important for people to understand how multilingual individuals deal with daily life. That is part of the reason for Brandywine’s global discussion.

The luncheon session included a panel of two Brandywine students and two Brandywine professors. They opened up about where they were from, and their first/native languages. The panel members then talked about how they became fluent in other languages, mainly English.

One of the faculty members, Professor Mendez-Gallardo, originates from Puerto Rico. Her first language is Spanish and her secondary language is English. It was mandatory for her to take an English class in school, much like it’s mandatory for many students in American to take a Spanish or other language class.

Professor Mendez-Gallardo describes learning a new language similar to, “being in another world.”

Professor Mendez-Gallardo also said, “when I first moved to the U.S. in 2005 I could understand English but couldn’t speak it very well.”

A student who participated on the panel was Ivy. Ivy is from Russia but moved to China and then to America. Her mother is Russian and her father is Chinese. Ivy described her multilingual experience as, “a hard transition.”

Ivy also said that among all of the languages, English might be the most complex due to the emotion that has to be put into it.

Overall, the global discussion allowed students to understand the experience of people who speak multiple languages but live in America.

This event also helped promote the global and international programs of Penn State Brandywine

Dante Laws, Djl5710@psu.edu, Lionseye Staff Writer