Tor Echo Newspaper of the Pioneers

Debate Rocks Alfred State

By Hannah Vuozzo

I am standing at the left entrance to the

lecture hall of the Engineering and Tech-

nology building, handing programs and

question forms to attendees of the

“Meet the Candidates” forum. As the

rest of the attendees arrive, I am told

that one of the trustee candidates, a

student, Nicholas Ferraro, is absent and

will not be coming. In a few moments,

the doors close and the forum begins.

The three trustee candidates give their

introductions: Thomas McDowell, Peter

McLain, and Kory Shick (above, from left to right). They list off qualifications and aspirations for the Village of Alfred.

Then, questions gathered from the audience are selected and presented to the candidates. The questions range from

an alleged tension between students and permanent residents, to zoning laws and safety regulations, to taxation. Soon,

the first session ends after some closing remarks from each candidate. They reiterate things they had said in response

to questions and draw from their credentials once again.

After a brief intermission, the mayoral candidates find their

seats in front of the audience. They have more time for their in-

troductory remarks. First, Justin Grigg, the current mayor, intro-

duces himself, listing previous experiences and his role—past, pre-

sent, and future—in the Village of Alfred. His opponent, Jason

Rodd, then makes his remarks, using a similar format of providing

credentials and highlighting part of his potential mayoral agenda.

Again, a series of questions are presented to the candidates, some

pertaining to the same topics as were addressed in the first ses-

sion, and others being more specific to the mayoral position.

There is a clear indication that the two candidates have very dif-

ferent perspectives and approaches to problems within the Vil-

lage. Eventually, the program comes to an end following the candi-

dates’ closing remarks.

STUDENTS: VOTE! DEMOCRACY IS A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT THAT IS, AS ABRAHAM LINCOLN SAID,

“OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE.” YOU ARE THE PEOPLE—NOW VOTE!

Alfred University (AU) is a campus right across the street from Alfred State

College (ASC) and they offer many opportunities for all students. An Alfred

State student can take classes at AU for free as long as they are registered as

a full-time student at ASC and AU students may take courses at ASC for

free as well. AU welcomes ASC students to join any of their multiple clubs,

organizations, library facilities and events except for sport teams. AU also

offers jobs to students. I know at least three other students from ASC that

work at AU and applying for a job at AU is very similar to the process of

applying for a job at ASC. It is an awesome experience to have two colleges

across from each other. My college life experiences have broadened because

of the comradery between the two educational institutions. I have had the

opportunity to take multiple dance classes and fulfilled one of my dreams by

being a cheerleader. AU welcomes ASC students to be involved in their col-

lege activities. The other day I was walking through SLC and an AU student stopped me to be interviewed about my thoughts on the collaboration between the two campuses and what

could be done to improve it. I said I thought it was amazing that we have opportunities at both campuses

and awareness is the key because a lot of ASC and AU students are not aware of the advantages. Collabo-

ration between the two institutions offers more opportunities for growth and I feel that better promotion

and more joint events should be sponsored by both schools.

- Lynnette Lockwood, Editor-in-Chief Tor

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Opportunities at AU

It will probably come as no surprise that Tor Echo is supporting Alfred State SUNY College of Technology’s

own Kory Shick and Nick Ferraro for Village Board positions in next week’s election. We are also supporting

village resident Jason Rodd for Mayor. But these are not selections made only because Shick and Ferraro are

Alfred State students and because Rodd has consistently supported the rights of students in Alfred. We also

feel that Mayor Justin Grigg has been less than honest in saying that “Since I took office as mayor, we’ve cre-

ated an opportunity for them” – by “them” Mayor Grigg means Alfred State Greek organizations – “to live in

the off-campus community as full-blown social housing organizations.” The truth is in the last two years the

village has created a very constricted zone in which Greeks are “allowed” to live, while not controlling ath-

letic team houses, theme houses, or other so-called “congregate” houses. The village has targeted Greeks,

perhaps as a way to divert village residents from the real issues in Alfred. A new team, a team representing

all of Alfred’s residents, is needed.

PS: The nominations of Shick, Ferraro, and Rodd has been called a “coup d’etat” by many fulltime residents.

We here at Tor Echo would call it participatory democracy, and we think the village should thank the stu-

dent activists for actually bringing a meaningful election to Alfred. Mayor Grigg himself has said that this is better than the days when a half-dozen people at nearly empty caucuses decided who would run the village.

Bravo, students!

Tor Echo’s Choices for Alfred Village

STUDENTS WHO APPLIED FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS MAY PICK THEM

UP IN BARB PIERCE’S OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE

STUDENT LEADERSHIP CENTER. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU FILL OUT

YOUR BALLOTS BEFORE LEAVING FOR SPRING BREAK.

Tor Echo

Report, Encourage, Engage

Issue 4, Spring 2015

Editor-in-Chief: Lynnette Lockwood / Associate Editor: Jordyn Riethmiller / Sports Editor: Morgan Franchina

Treasurer / Student Senate Representative: Daniel David

Reporters: Lee Button, Karla Chun, Christy Dodd, Katie Dussing, Grace Franklin, Brianna Freeman, Anthony Grande,

Ashley Kennedy, Nichole Meehan, Don Schrader, Breanna Smith, Madison Szpaicher, Angel Torres, Hannah Vuozzo

© Tor Echo, 2015

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By Jordyn Riethmiller

Have you heard about the new pizza shop in town? Bored with Fox’s and Lit-

tle Sicily’s pies? Check out Zippy’s pizzeria. Find Zippy’s at 3 ½ Church Street,

if the lights are on, stop right in for a quick slice or a gourmet pie. You can’t

miss it with the giant “Z” on the door. We also hear that their wings are awe-

some! The dining room opens at 5 pm daily, and delivery is available nightly

until 12am. Give this new pizza shop a try!

Zippy’s Pizza

NASPA, the leading voice for the student affairs pro-

fession, has recognized Alfred State’s leadership

suites initiative as a 2015 Excellence Award recipient

within the Civic Learning, Democratic Engagement,

Service-Learning, Community Service category.

Each year through Excellence Awards, the associ-

ation recognizes contributions of its members who

are “transforming higher education through excep-

tional programs, innovative services, and effective

administration.” Alfred State joined California State

University and Trinity University for top honors in

the category they were awarded within.

According to NASPA, Excellence Award winners

were selected by meeting criteria such as having a

positive impact on student learning, demonstrating success in addressing student needs and/or critical

campus issues, collaboration with academic affairs

and other departments, originality and creativity, ef-

fective use of technology and other resources, and

more.

The purpose of Alfred State’s 13 leadership

suites, located in the Student Leadership Center, is

to inspire students to discover their passion and

make a difference. Suites are awarded to student or-

ganizations actively involved in exciting and meaning-

ful civic engagement projects locally, regionally, and

globally.

“Leadership suites are occupied by some of the

most engaged student organizations committed to

civic engagement through fundraising, volunteerism,

advocacy, and education. These students, alongside

advisers and community partners, are using their pas-

sion, energy, and skills to solve problems, build rela-tionships, and address community challenges” said

Jonathan Hilsher, director of the Center for Civic

Engagement.

Leadership Suites Initiative Recognized with

NASPA 2015 Excellence Award

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ORC Kayak Lessons

Sundays:

March 1, 22, 29

3-5 p.m.

Orvis Activities Center Pool

Cost: FREE

Come and learn to roll a kayak and different paddling

techniques. All you need to bring is your swimsuit &

towel.

No experience necessary!

If you have questions, contact

Andy at 4329 or Kathy at 4228

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By Lynnette Lockwood

Gender inclusive housing is one of the new programs starting in Main Gate B on the 4th floor which will

house 24 students for the 2015 fall semester. The goal is for the LGBT’s community to have safe and neutral

living quarters to enhance their socialization and development. Allies and friends of the LGBT’s community

are allowed to live there as well. For clarification, this is not living quarters intended for opposite sex couples

to be able to move in together. Applications are available at this time at SLC 409 in Nickie Hockenberry’s

office.

Other changes planned for the 2015 fall semester are an increase in the price of dormitory living. Bur-

dick will rise to $110, Peet and Braddon $160, Main Gate A and B/Row house in Mackenzie $210, Mackenzie

single $130, a large size Mackenzie/Getman/RC single $150, and a Townhouse $160. Make you living arrange-

ment plans early for the 2015 fall semester.

By Lynnette Lockwood

Get Real with It is a new program

started by Taquon Middletown and

Nickie Hockenberry. The pro-

gram’s goal is to inspire minority

students to be successful and take

advantage of opportunities while at

Alfred by hearing the inspirational

stories of guest speakers. The first

session was held on February 26th

and is a bi-weekly program.

Taquon was one of the first speak-

ers because he is one of the co-founders of the program. When

Taquon came to Alfred he made

partying, drinking, and illegal activi-

ties his main priority. He got ar-

rested often and did not focus on

academics. Kim Williams noticed

his behavior and encouraged him

to get his life turned around. He

started going to counseling ses-

sions, made goals and priorities,

and keeps a positive attitude. He

has a new mindset. He has worked

really hard, got his grades up, got a

job on campus, and received schol-

arships to spend a semester

abroad.

Another guest speaker at

this event was Thomas Daniels.

Thomas grew up in the Bronx. His

mother was a single parent and the

mother of seven children. His dad

was not involved in his life because

he was incarcerated. To protect his

family, Thomas joined a gang. When he was 16 his friend was

shot in the back of the head and as

he lay dying he asked “why me?”

Thomas watched his friend die and

became angry because he felt that

the world lost a really good per-

son. He was encouraged to go to

college and came to Alfred. When

he first arrived, he was very angry,

not expressive, and did not open

up. He then decided to make

changes when he started counsel-

ing. He started working, volunteer-

ing, and excelling.

Alfred provides many op-

portunities for college students.

Talking to people, joining clubs, and

getting your name out there can be

the best opportunities to accom-

plish dreams. There are people

here who truly care about the stu-

dents. Discover who you are, vent

feelings, and take full advantage of

the opportunities here like Taquon and Daniel. “I believe that anything

is possible, believing starts within

yourself. The opinions of others

have no value, just believe. You

have to want success as much as

your next breath,” Taquon com-

mented.

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Get Real with It Seeking Opportunities While at Alfred

New Residential Life Regulations for Fall 2015

A correction has been made to the Gender Inclusive Housing article that appeared in the last issue. This

housing option will be available in the coming fall semester of 2015. Please contact Vincent Gravanda at

GravandaVJ@alfredstate.edu regarding any questions. We do apologize for any confusion.

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An American Perspective on Islam

By Lynnette Lockwood What are your perceptions of Islamic people? They are good people. I wouldn’t judge them based on their religion. I judge based on their personality. I have ben to many countries in the Middle East in my early teens and they were some of the nicest people I have ever met. One of the main aspects of their religion is to be kind to one another, and help each other. The media doesn’t show them to be the beat educated as we could be on the subject. Islam is not meant for

violence. I had friends in high school that were from Jordan and they were Islamic and they said

that Islam was all about compassion, and loving one another. What are some stereo-types you know of against Muslims? The biggest per-spective of Islam I know of is the Qur’an teaching about violence against non-believers. I don’t think that any parent that has common sense would teach their kids to kill peo-ple who don’t believe.

Do you feel threatened by Islamic people? No way.

By Jordyn Riehtmiller

On Tuesday February 24th, we experi-

enced a power outage here on campus.

Though it only lasted for a couple of

hours, thousands in both Allegany and

Steuben counties were affected. Accord-

ing to local reports, 2,528 customers of

NYSEG in Allegany County were out of

power, along with 173 in Steuben Coun-

ty. The outage began at 1:01 pm. The

one traffic light in town did not have

power. Alfred State College and Alfred

University both had power restored by

3:00 pm. The reasoning for this outage

affecting to so many is unknown or has

not been released.

Alex Praxton

Power Outage in All of Alfred

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Berea used a 16-1 run in

the final 6:38 to earn a

spot in the USCAA Divi-

sion I Championship

game with a 71-56 victo-

ry over Alfred State. The

Lady Pioneers led for

most of the first 33

minutes of the contest.

Alfred State led most

of the first half and took

a 36-31 lead into the

break. The Lady Pioneers

held their biggest lead, 45

-37 with 15:06 remaining, but Berea rallied over the

next nine minutes to tie

it at 55-55. They contin-

ued their run the rest of

the way (16 to 1) to earn the victory.

Haley Witchella (Oxford) closed out a stellar

career wearing the blue & gold with 17 points and

12 rebounds. Briana Meehan connected on four 3-

pointers and had 16 points while Helena Coving-

ton finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Jennifer

Fedrick (Buffalo/Bennett) had nine while Destiny Bri-

to chipped in seven rebounds, seven assists, and four

steals.

The Lady Pioneers shot only 26% from the field

including shooting just 9 for 41 in the 2nd half. Al-

fred was 11 for 16 from the line. Adriana Williams

scored 20 of her game high 26 points in the 2nd half.

Johnesha Warren had 15

and Jaime Roberts came

off the bench and added

11. Berea shot 40.7%

from the field and con-

nected on 20 of their 32

foul shot attempts. The

Lady Pioneers finished

the season with a 19-7

record while Berea will

meet Daemen in the

championship game on

Saturday.

Haley Witchela has

been named to the USCAA National Cham-

pionship All-tournament

team. Witchella record-

ed double-doubles in

both of the Lady Pioneers contests at the champion-

ships.

Witchella played all 50 minutes in the Lady Pio-

neers 84-79 double-OT victory over Iowa Wesleyan

in the quarterfinals. She scored 28 points and

grabbed a new tournament record 31 rebounds. She

also had four steals and three blocks in the game.

Versus Berea in the semifinals, Witchella scored 17

points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the Lady Pio-

neers 71-56 loss.

For the tournament, she scored 45 points and

had 43 rebounds. She finishes the season 538 points

and 381 boards in 26 games.

Late Run Lifts Berea over Alfred State

The recent harsh winter weather in the region has forced more

changes to the Alfred State lacrosse schedule. The March 4th

match vs. Hilbert and Saturday’s March 7th contest vs. Baldwin

Wallace has been postponed. Alfred State and Baldwin Wallace

will play on Saturday March 28th at 2 p.m.

Alfred State and Hilbert are in conversations to reschedule today's match but no make-up date has been announced. The

Pioneers will now hope to start the 2015 season on March 11th

when they host SUNY Cobleskill.

Changes to Lacrosse Schedule