CXXV, Thielensian
Volume Issue 3 Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania Friday, October 31, 2008
Thiel welcomes Dr. Maxwell as new Political Science Professor
By Sheila Gross
Assistant Editor Dr. Jewerl Maxwell is the newest addition to Thiel's Political Science Department. He is currently teaching American Government and Politics, United States Congress, and Campaign and Elections. His office is located in room 225 of the Academic Center. The Thielensian interviewed Dr. Maxwell last week and asked him a variety of "getting-to-know-you" questions. Thielensian: Where did you grow up? Dr. Maxwell: Greensburg, Pennsylvania until 6th grade and then Butler. T: At what colleges have you earned your degrees? DM: I received my undergraduate degree in Political Science, History and Public Affairs from Muskingum College which is a college similar to Thiel. I received my Masters and Ph.D. in Political Science from Miami University of Ohio. T: How did you become interested in your field of study? DM: I began in politics at a young age. I remember writing letters to Ronald Reagan in 1st grade. In high school I wanted to be a high school teacher but I changed my mind to college professor once I was in college. T: How did you find Thiel? DM: I actually visited Thiel when I was looking for colleges, so I had it on my radar in high school. I looked for positions available in Western Pennsylvania because it would be a familiar area for me. T: What do you do in your free time? DM: I spend time with my wife Julie and my baby daughter Makayla. I enjoy watching football, I work out a lot, and I'm involved in my church. T: What are some of your interests and favorites? DM: Movie: "Gladiator" TV show: "Criminal Minds" and "House" Favorite food: Pizza, spaghetti, steak, everything Favorite book: I read the Bible everyday. Favorite period in history: the Civil War Era T: What is your favorite or most memorable class during your undergraduate studies? DM: Constitutional Law, because we had an interactive class, the professor had us give arguments and support our cases, and he also had us form our own supreme courts where we came up with court decisions. T: What is your best college memory? DM: I was Student Body president and Student Activities Board president. Because of these positions I was a voting member of the board of trustees. To raise money for a building, which was a fundraising campaign, the president of the college sent me and another student to Florida to speak with alumni. T: What have you done since you've been here and what do you want to do? DM: I haven't done anything because of my newborn baby. I want to get involved in the student body more with student organizations, Student Government and the Activities Board. I would also like to be a strong supporter of the athletic teams. T: How are your classes going so far? DM: Overall they are going well. It's challenging to teach four courses at a time but it's been exciting. Since I teach American Politics, it allows for a lot of discussion on the current election. T: What classes would you like to introduce to Thiel? DM: I am introducing one next semester called American Presidency which will look at George W. Bush and his administration and how the new administration will be similar and different. The department is going to introduce courses on public administration and policy. T: What courses are you offering next semester? DM: American Presidency, Government and Politics, Political Analysis, and I'm team teaching with Professor Walton for Constitutional Law T: What is your philosophy on teaching? DM: First, I prefer having an interactive environment which will promote critical thinking amongst students. Second, it's my goal that I'm preparing students for the next level, either from introductory classes to upper level classes or upper level classes to career or graduate or law school. Hopefully students will be more active in politics through classes and see how it impacts their lives on a daily basis. T: As a political science instructor, what has been most surprising in the election? DM: The amount of money Barack Obama has been able to raise. He raised $150 million in September alone. He bought four half-hour time slots for this week on the major stations and post-poned the world series. He even has advertisements on video games that say "Support Barack Obama". T: Have you studied abroad or done any travelling? DM: The summer after 10th grade year I was a student ambassador to England, Scotland, Whales, and Ireland. It was a 3 week trip through the People to People Student Ambassador Program. I was nominated and went through a regional interview process. Freshmen year of college I went to Italy to visit a former foreign exchange student from my high school.
The Sidebar
Page 2 Lambda Sigma adopts a highway SGA minutes Page 3 Sigma Kappa's "Mom's brunch" TCF holds annual bonfire Page 4 Fright Night Casino Olympian speaker Natalie Coughlin Page 5 Sports Tomcats have first win in fourth OT Volleyball loses home finale Page 6 Student Poll Sudoku puzzle Cartoon from xkcd.com
Photo by Sheila Gross
Dr. Jewerl Maxwell
T: What is some advice you have for students failing your course(s)? DM: Talk to your professors. Students are hesitant to do so. Talk with other students in class and get their input in regards to course material. They can also talk to the Academic Success Center for tutoring. T: Did you have teaching jobs previous to Thiel? DM: I taught a semester at Miami University during my graduate studies. Last year I taught at Emery and Henry College in Virginia which had around 1,000 students. Along with another professor, I took a group of students to the Iowa caucuses where we got to see behind the scenes of presidential campaigns. We met eight presidential candidates. I would like to do that here. T: Since Thiel is a small cam-
pus, it is easy for students to become close with professors. Did you have this experience in your undergraduate studies? DM: This is one of the reasons why I want to get involved in student organizations. From my undergrad experience, there were two or three professors that I became close with. I am still in contact with some students I had last year in Virginia. The advantage about being at a small college is that it's more than a college, it's a community of students, faculty, staff and administration that have a common goal of educating students and bringing them to the next level of achieving future goals. Getting to know students outside of class on a one on one basis allows professors to help more than just in a classroom environment.
S.P.I.R.I.T. sees dead people
By Danielle Dwyer
During the Halloween season, many thoughts, ideas, decorations, and entertainment focus on ghosts and the paranormal. In fact, many Thiel students celebrate the holiday by participating in ghost explorations held at various locations around campus. One organization that is particularly excited for these occurrences is the S.P.I.R.I.T. group. The S.P.I.R.I.T. group, which stands for Student Paranormal Informative Research Investigation Team, along with academic advisor, Dr. Dorfeld of the English department, work together not only to investigate possible paranormal sightings, but to also inform students and the community on the subject. S.P.I.R.I.T. was recently approved by the S.G.A. as an official organization in the middle of the 2008 spring semester. Although they started off with seven active members, they are now up to 28 active members. Any student is welcome to join as long as they have a 2.0 GPA or higher and have declared a major or minor area of study. The organization recently held a haunted house fundraiser on Thursday, October 30 in the William A. Passavant Center. S.P.I.R.I.T. conducts weekly meetings that contain presentations along with discussions on paranormal subjects such as ghosts, UFOs and unknown animals, also referred to as cryptids. They also participate in their own investigations, not only on Thiel's campus, but also in the Greenville community as well. S.P.I.R.I.T. advertises their services around campus and the community. Sophomore S.P.I.R.I.T. club President, DJ Martino says, "I enjoy doing the investigations because I'm interested in what's there and what it could be. I don't believe ghosts are peoples' souls and I like to try and figure out what people are making up. I try to distinguish machine noises and unfamiliar light sources from what is an actual paranormal being. As a result I can dismiss things with a logical explanation." Although Senior Phenomena Chair Stephanie Geer is the most educated in the field and is more knowledgeable on interpretations, each officer is educated and studied in their own specific fields within the paranormal realm. According to Vice President Paul Andolina, "This variety makes us well-rounded as a group in general, not only can we educate nonmembers, but each other as well." In order to investigate and better understand their theories, S.P.I.R.I.T. uses a variety of equipment. With the help of their newly purchased tools, this organization can make better calculations on what paranormal subjects may be present in the areas they are investigating. Digital and disposable cameras are used to capture the orbs, or energy anomaly, on film. Electro Magnetic Frequency detectors and infrared motion sensors are used to detect the presence of any paranormal being. Infrared thermometers are also used to test the base temperature of the walls and floors as well as any change in the original temperature during the duration of an investigation. Cassette free voice recorders have the capacity to hold up to 144 hours before needing changed; these are set up throughout the area and listened to once the investigation has ended and the members are analyzing the data they obtained. Martino and Andolina also stated that "the infrared motion sensors have picked up possible paranormal movement in the William A. Passavant Center, and up until a theology student cleansed Roth Hall with holy water last year, it was said to be haunted as well." S.P.I.R.I.T. is not the only opportunity students have to experience paranormal happenings. T.A.B. arranges ghost hunters to come in and conduct investigations of their own that students are allowed to participate in as well. This past week, Ross Allison of the TV show Ghost Hunters came to Thiel once again to give another ghost hunting tour to students. Martino and Andolina described how last year Allison took them through Sawhill resident hall as well as through the cemetery next to Thiel. In addition to Allison, T.A.B. was also able to get John Zaffis, who is the top demonologist in the country, to come in and
Photo by Alivia Lapcevich
Preparing for their fundraiser are S.P.I.R.I.T. members Freshmen Melissa Sincek and Margie Lewis, Sophomores Llan Llanos, Austin Dalesio, and DJ Martino.
show exorcisms, along with taking students on his own ghost exploration of campus. Martino, who is an English/Writing major with a communications minor, also expressed that the S.P.I.R.I.T. club is working to bring in a group during November or in the spring called Keystone Paranormal. In addition to this project, S.P.I.R.I.T. is also working to make more of their ideas become realities. Right now S.P.I.R.I.T. is busy conducting meetings and investigations, but they are also working to get more support from the student body and the
local communities. Members are trying to set up more fundraising activities which would allow their club to bring in more individuals as well as give them more opportunities to investigate in other locations besides Thiel College and the Greenville community. In the future Martino and Andolina hope to be able to get the necessary money and approval needed to conduct their own investigations at the Mansfield Reformatory in Ohio, as well as the West Virginia State Penitentiary. On top of those, S.P.I.R.I.T. wants the student body and the community to be more accept-
ing as well as knowledgeable on the subject. Martino and Andolina stressed that anyone is welcome to become a member in their organization. They also made it a point to emphasize that anyone can attend the meetings held every Monday night at 8:00 p.m. in room 100 of the Science Building. Martino concluded by saying, "Paranormal studies are not as scary as everyone thinks. The reason people are afraid is a lack of understanding. S.P.I.R.I.T. seeks to provide understanding in order to lessen this fear."
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THIELENSIAN
Friday, October 31, 2008
S T U D E N T L I F E
Lambda Sigma gives adopted highway much-needed T.L.C.
By Alivia Lapcevich
Events Editor Lambda Sigma, the Sophomore national honor society, spent Sunday, October 26, picking up trash along two roads in Greenville while the rain poured down, demonstrating their dedication to community service. Lambda Sigma adopted two miles of road as a part of the Adopt-a-Highway program. The first stretch runs from around St. Paul Homes down to the corner of College Avenue and Main Street, and the second runs down Mercer Street from the railroad overpass to the Hempfield Municipal Building. Members gave up their Sunday afternoon, put on orange vests and gloves, and trudged down the roads with their garbage bags filled with many oddities. To keep from focusing on the less than perfect weather, members devised a list of the top ten strangest things they had to pick up. The top ten strangest things picked up were two Huggies Overnight diapers, followed by a pair of boxers, an egg carton, a can opener, packaged salami, ranch and ketchup packets, a tool case, a pair of shorts, house siding, and roof shingles. Parliamentarian Bryan Montozzi commented, "It is rough being the only male this year because I had to pick up the dirty stuff like diapers." Member Angela Blackburn added, "Even though the weather wasn't the greatest, I actually had fun doing the trash pick-up. We found some weird things along the way, and I felt really great knowing I was making a little part of Greenville cleaner." Treasurer Vickie Boyer stated, "I am glad that we are associated with the Adopt-a-Highway program. Overall, I would say I am most surprised by the amount of cigarette butts on the road. It is a little disheartening." By adopting a highway, Lambda Sigma signed up for two trash pickup days. The second will occur next semester.
Photo courtesy of Alivia Lapcevich
Members of the Lambda Sigma Adopt-a-Highway crew are (L to R) Sophomores Vickie Boyer, Rachel Yorlets, Ashley Ahrens, Angela Blackburn, Brian Montozzzi and Alivia Lapcevich
Sisters of Sigma Kappa celebrate Big/Little night
By Maggie Giel
The next generation of elephants, flamingos, turtles and butterflies have joined the Sigma Kappa family. On Wednesday, Oct. 22 the sisters of Sigma Kappa celebrated Big/Little night. This is an exciting evening for not only the existing members of Sigma Kappa but also the new members. A Big sister is a collegiate member who gives special guidance to a new member of the sorority. The Big/Little sister program is for the older member of Sigma Kappa to guide the younger sister and show her the ways of Sigma Kappa. Every member of Sigma Kappa receives a Big. Sigma Kappa has four families within their sorority. The four families are the butterflies, elephants, flamingos and turtles. The Little is then put into whichever family their Big is a part of. The elephants received five new members to their herd. Jamie Kuhn is the proud Big of Kelly McQuiston, Emily Batiz is the proud Big of Allison Schultz, Maggie Giel is the proud Big of Hannah Kichman, Brittany Senard is the proud Big of Jackie Weber, and Becca Stump is the proud Big of Janice Ringer. The butterflies welcomed Elizabeth Amoline, the Little of Brittany Firman into their butterfly family. The flock of flamingos welcomed Allison Krandall, the Little of Jacey Grant and Allison Sanitate who is the Little of Tzoulia Niforos. The tenacious turtles received two additions to their family, Brittany Dell the Little of Nickie Campman and Meredith Nagle who is the Little of Danielle Kaizer. All of the families are delighted to have their new additions. The night began with the revealing of the Bigs, which were unveiled by playing sister charades. There are many traditions involved with Big/Little night. One tradition is that the Bigs get their Littles each a basket full of Sigma Kappa items, gifts pertaining to their certain animal family and any hand-medown items that the Bigs want to pass down. Many of the sisters say it is just like an early Christmas with all the wonderful gifts you get. Another tradition Sigma Kappa does to conclude the night is all the sisters go to Paxton's for a late night meal. Congratulations to all the new Bigs and Littles. All the families say welcome.
Photo courtesy of Maggie Giel
The Big sisters of Sigma Kappa with their new Littles on Wednesday Oct. 22.
Notice from the Faculty and Staff:
A navy blue banner that was hanging in the Rotunda Bistro has gone missing. The banner is Thiel College property and features a Thiel emblem and Shakespearean quote. If you are in possession of this banner, please return it to Student Life in person or via ICM anonymously. If you have information on the whereabouts of the banner, contact the Thielensian at [e-mail] or Public Safety at extension x2222. Your help is greatly appreciated.
"The Art of Wallowing" on display in HMSC's Art Gallery
By Leanne Barker
On Wednesday, Oct. 22 the Art Gallery held an opening reception for its newest installation, "The Art of Wallowing" by artist Megan Berner. Berner is a photographer, video and installation artist from Reno, Nevada and was unable to attend the event. There were light snacks and beverages for students as they stopped in throughout the evening. Senior Amanda Cooney helped set up for the event. "It's one of my favorites. It's like nothing I've ever seen before. It's a good mixture of art and biology," says Cooney. "It's interesting how the artist tries to describe growth in nature and translating that into humans as part of nature," commented attendee Senior Joel Bussard. "The Art of Wallowing" will display in the Howard Miller Student Center's Art Gallery until the fall semester's final day of class, Dec. 5. This photo exhibition is based on sculptural, site-specific and environmental installations. They center on the idea of a wallow--a place where one goes to think, daydream, revel or just be--that becomes somehow marked by repeated use, often resulting in a transformation of some sort.
Police Blotter
October 16: Fire safety/alcohol violation in Flo West Hall at 12:50 a.m. A warning was given and a report was filed. Theft on the 100 floor of the AC at 12:43 p.m. A report was filed and incident is under investigation. October 18: Three cited for underage drinking in Stewart Hall at 12:10 a.m. October 19: Three cited for underage drinking and providing alcohol to minors in Townhouse 1 at 12:05 a.m. Five cited for underage drinking in Townhouse 6 at 12:20 a.m. Criminal mischief in the wooded area around the radio station reported at 1:40 a.m. Two cited for underage drinking in the main lobby of Hodge Hall at 2:10 a.m. October 20: Suicide threat in Hodge Hall at 4:30 p.m. A report was filed. October 21: Traffic accident at the loading dock at 21 Amelia Earhart Drive at 2:00 p.m. A report was filed. October 22: Theft on the 300 floor of Sawhill Hall at 12:15 a.m. Incident is under investigation. October 23: Theft on the 100 floor of Hodge Hall at 7:20 p.m. Incident is undergoing investigation. One cited for underage drinking at Frat # 1 at 9:30 p.m. October 24: Lost/stolen property in the lower level of the gym reported at 12:30 a.m. A report was filed and incident is under investigation. October 25: Fire alarm activation at 4:30 p.m. on the 400 floor of Flo West Hall. A pull station was pulled and a report was filed.
SGA approves Gospel Choir, passes OBC budget
By Kirk Mullen
Layout Editor The Student Government Association (SGA) held a general assembly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 9:30 p.m. in the Lutheran Heritage Room. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first new order of business was the installation of the Freshman Class Officers. Ryan Prescott was installed as President, Elizabeth Amoline as Vice President, Lydia Velez as Secretary, and Heather Bean as Treasurer. The motion was made to approve TC Soldiers for God Gospel Choir as an SGA-funded organization. The vote passed with 34 voting in favor and none voting in opposition. Senior Class Vice President Craig Lewis announced the success of the American Red Cross blood drive held on Tuesday, Oct. 21 in the multi-purpose room of the Beeghly gymnasium. Eighty-seven potential donors attended the drive and 67 were eligible to donate. The collection of 67 pints of blood surpassed the goal of 65 pints set by Red Cross member Pat Miller. A blood drive is held every semester as required by SGA bylaws. Sophomore Melissa Williams, president of the Organization of Black Collegiates (OBC), spoke to the assembly to explain circumstances which left the OBC without an SGA budget this academic year. Williams proposed a budget allowance of $900, which was voted upon and failed. A second proposed budget of $750 was voted upon and passed. Following an announcement of upcoming Thiel Activities Board (TAB) events by Senior TAB Director Rich Heltzel, Thielensian Editor-in-Chief Senior Romaine Reagle addressed the assembly. She reminded SGA representatives that the required club article submissions to the newspaper are to be a minimum of 300 words and are due before the last issue of the fall semester, Dec 5. Senior Media Board Director Nick Steadman then asked anyone who is interested in participating in TCTV to contact him. SGA Secretary Senior Allison Wynn announced that anyone who has suggestions for Community Experiences speakers should email Dr. Buck ([e-mail]) or Dr. Nelson ([e-mail]). Monthly club reports are due. Email for photographer Amy Nacey is [e-mail]. Contact her to set up a time to get a group photograph of your club/organization taken. The meeting was adjourned. The next SGA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 9:30 p.m. in room 100 of the Science Building. (Information courtesy of SGA Secretary Allison Wynn).
Friday, October 31, 2008
THIELENSIAN
Page 3
S T U D E N T L I F E
TCF bonds over bonfire at Prof. Ligo's farm
By Randy Bartlett
The Thiel Christian Fellowship was invited to Professor Ligo's Farm on Monday, Oct. 6 for the annual TCF Hayride and Bonfire. The hayride and bonfire was the first "big event" of the year for TCF and about 20 of our members attended. As tradition, we began the night with fellowship and song as we rode through the farm on the hay wagon. The group then proceeded to gather around the bonfire and chow down on the fire-roasted hot dogs and marshmallows that were provided courtesy of the Ligo family. Members began to relax at this point and prepared to enjoy the Bible study that Mrs. Ligo so graciously agreed to lead. In the Bible study, Mrs. Ligo challenged the attendees to look at how God calls one to act toward and look at the world. We read Scripture and talked about how we can really express what a true Christian looks like according to the Scriptures, and not what the world today is most often presented with. The night was a great opportunity for our members to learn more about each other while keeping the theme of the Christian fellowship strong. Old friendships were strengthened, new friendships were formed, and everyone had a good time. In the near future, Thiel Christian Fellowship will be holding its first fundraiser. TCF has a retreat planned for members in the month of Nov. A number of options for community service projects are also being explored for the month of Nov. The Thiel Christian Fellowship would like to invite the campus body to join them every Monday evening at 8:30 p.m. in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel. Our meetings are open to anyone, and we would be glad to have you join us for fellowship, praise, and Bible study.
Thiel Christian Fellowship members and friends.
Photo courtesy Randy Bartlett
Delta Sig's "Movember" Fundraiser
The men of Delta Sigma Phi are growing moustaches in November to fight prostate cancer. Help them celebrate! are All invited to the fundraiser dinner at Pizza Hut on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost will be the price of a buffet meal, donations are encouraged.
Thiel Family Weekend begins Nov. 7
The parents of Thiel College's current students are invited to visit campus next weekend for the annual Thiel College Family Weekend, Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9. The weekend begins on Friday with a new activity, "Sit-in on a Class," which allows parents to sit in on three classes during the morning to experience what their students do every day. The classes are "Introduction to Music" at 9 a.m., "British Literature to Romanticism" at 10 a.m. and "Honors Oral & Written Expression I" at noon. The Thiel Players, Thiel's student theatre troupe, will be presenting Noel Coward's dark comedy, "Blithe Spirit," on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. All Family Weekend attendees are welcome to take in a performance. On Saturday, the day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a Parent/Faculty Brunch. The Thiel Family Council will meet at 10:30 a.m. All Family Weekend visitors are invited to the home football game versus Waynesburg College at 1:30 p.m. at Alumni Stadium. That night at 5 p.m. a murder mystery dinner theater will be presented in the Lutheran Heritage Room. The movie "Wall-E" will be shown in Bly Hall at 9 p.m. The weekend wraps up on Sunday at 11 a.m. with a chapel service in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel. For more information, please contact Barbara Blue, director of student activities, at 724-5892192.
Sigma Kappa sisters share brunch with mom
By Maggie Giel
On a beautiful fall Saturday, Oct. 18 afternoon the sisters of Sigma Kappa recognized their moms the way sisters know how to. It was shown with love, gratitude and appreciation by hosting their moms at their annual event known as the "Moms Brunch". The event was held in the Sawhill Georgian Room. The theme this year was "A Violet Ball". The sisters invited their mothers, sisters, aunts or grandmothers, essentially any female with whom they wanted to share this special day. At the brunch, everyone dined on mini sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, soup and homemade desserts brought by the best cooks around, the Sigma Kappa guests. After brunch it was craft time, because no Sigma Kappa event would be complete without a craft. The sisters and their special guest decorated terracotta pots. The sister's guest could then take home their decorated pot to plant violets in when spring comes around. The pot was then completed with a short poem that read about the appreciation that the sisters had for their guest. The guests enjoyed a slide show that had different pictures of events that the sisters have done throughout the year thus far. The pictures included Bid Day, Homecoming, formals and the sisters having an all-around good time. All of the guests enjoyed eating, crafting, and mingling together. Great energy was felt throughout the room. Mother of Senior Sara Farley, Deb Farley said, "I always enjoy coming to the Mom's Brunch every year. The brunch is always done so nicely with the food, decorations, and the slide show. I also enjoy getting to talk with all the sisters and their moms." The purpose of the brunch is to show the sister's female guest how much they are loved and appreciated. It also gives the guests a chance to see what the sisters do within the sorority and what a special bond the sisters share.
Photo by Joyce Carr
Professor Rachel Doddato embraces Dr. Derek Nelson at his Ordination ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 25.
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THIELENSIAN
Friday, October 31, 2008
E V E N T S
Olympian Natalie Coughlin speaks at Thiel
By Sheila Gross
Assistant Editor Natalie Coughlin, Olympic swimmer and 11-time medalist, spoke at Thiel College's William A. Passavant Center on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Dr. Derek Nelson began the evening by introducing Junior Elizabeth Sitko. Sitko, a female athlete at Thiel College, highlighted Coughlin's career as a professional swimmer and introduced her to the audience, a full house. Coughlin gave an inspirational speech about her journey of becoming an Olympian and used her personal experiences to inspire the audience to succeed in life. The athlete also touched on her advocacy for women in sports and her support of drug free sports. "It's not about the journey, it's the destination" is the quote on which she based her speech. She concluded with saying "even if you do not get your `gold medal', you will be a stronger person." She encouraged the audience to have passion, a love for something and to devote their entire being to said passion. Coughlin was the most decorated female at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. In fact, she has medaled in every event she has entered. She plans to swim in London's 2012 Olympics. She was invited to speak through the Community Building Initiative Program (CBI), new this fall semester. The program is an effort to renew a sense of community and togetherness on Thiel's campus as well as between Thiel and the greater community. All CBI Programs events are free and open to the public.
Natalie Coughlin speaking in the William A. Passavant Center on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Photo by Joyce Carr
Thiel Players present Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" on Nov. 6-8
The Thiel Players, Thiel College's student theatre troupe, will present its fall production, "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward, Nov. 6-8 in the college's William A. Robinson Theater. This critically praised comedy was first presented in 1941 and takes its title from a line in Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "To a Skylark," specifically "Hail to Thee, Blithe Spirit." The play focuses on socialite Charles Condomine as he is haunted by the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, following a sance and her continued--and increasingly desperate--efforts to disturb Charles' current marriage. "`Blithe Spirit' is considered one of the most popular comedies of the 20th century," says Dr. William Robinson, longtime director of the Thiel Players. "This promises to be a production that delivers a lot of laughs thanks to our talented cast and crew and Mr. Coward's superb writing of course!" Junior Cody Kendera plays Charles, the haunted husband, and Senior Jennifer Wilfong, his current wife, Ruth. The ghostly Elvira is portrayed by Sophomore Kayla Turek, and the eccentric medium, Madam Arcati, by Senior Ellen Greis. Others in the cast include Junior Kathleen Walter as Edith, the nervous maid. Senior Steve Monnich, and Sophomore Vickie Boyer portray the skeptical Dr. and Mrs. Bradman. Senior Joel Bussard is the head stage manager and Robinson is directing the production. Show times are 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6 through Saturday, Nov. 8. There is a matinee performance on Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. The William A. Robinson Theater is located behind the William A. Passavant Memorial Center on Thiel's Greenville campus. Admission to the show is free, but donations will be accepted after the show. All donations support future Thiel Players productions. For reservations for "Blithe Spirit," call 724-589-2029.
Photo by Alivia Lapcevich
Practicing for the upcoming show are Senior Jen Wilfong, Junior Cody Kendera, Senior Ellen Greis, Sophomore Vickie Boyer, and Senior Steve Monnich.
Thiel Choir to perform in All Saints Concert
The Thiel Choir will be joined by the Clarion University Concert Choir and Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 80 N. High Street, for a joint All Saints Concert, featuring 140 voices in the combined choir. The program will feature the music of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (18721958) in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his death. The center piece of the program is the anti-war choral cantata, "Dona Nobis Pacem," scored for large chorus and full orchestra. This work is based primarily on the poems of Walt Whitman, who worked as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War. Vaughan Williams composed the work in 1936 as Germany was threatening to invade England. The program also will include Vaughan Williams' arrangement of the hymn "For All the Saints" and his anthem "O Clap Your Hands." Dr. Henry A. Alviani, director of the Clarion University Concert Choir, will conduct the "Dona Nobis Pacem," which will feature baritone soloist Dr. Michael Bray, director of the Thiel Choir, and soprano soloist Michelle Hall, a senior music education major at Clarion. Bray will conduct "For All the Saints" and "O Clap Your Hands". Both choirs will perform independently as well--the Clarion Concert Choir will present Vaughan Williams' "Just as the Tide was Flowing" and the Thiel Choir will sing "When From Eternal Worlds We Steer," which is based on the early American religious ballad "Sailor's Home". The concert also will be presented in the Marwick-Boyd Auditorium on the Clarion University campus at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. Admission to both concerts is free.
Photo by Joyce Carr
Interim President Dr. Olson congratulates Freshman Colton Hutton at the Academic Honors Convocation on Friday, Oct. 17. The event honored students with outstanding academic achievements.
TAB and Delta Sig's hold Casino Fright Night
By Alivia Lapcevich
Events Editor On Friday, Oct. 24 at 9 p.m. the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center was the hot spot for ghouls and gambling. The Thiel Activities Board and the brothers of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity co-sponsored the Fright Night Casino. The event allowed students to play poker, blackjack, and many other casino-like games in the safe confines of Thiel College. Students entering were given 100 points worth of poker chips to gamble with throughout the evening. Once students gambled a bit, they could turn in their chips for tickets to be entered in a raffle. Ten points worth of chips could be turned in for one ticket, and the more tickets students received the greater their chances to win. Winners were picked from the raffle every half-hour and were awarded prizes or the chance to spend one minute in the cash coffin. The cash coffin was a plastic incased box filled with cash that was being propelled about with fans. Students had 60 seconds to catch as much cash as they could. Freshman Chelsea McCormick was given the chance to enter the cash coffin and walked away with thirty dollars. She commented, "It was a lot harder than it looked, but it was a lot of fun winning money." Fellow freshman Marion Edwards also took a chance in the cash coffin and won seventeen dollars. She said that "it was pretty awesome" and that Fright Night Casino was "something fun to do on campus." Some of the prizes, beyond money from the cash coffin, were a MP3/CD alarm clock, a desk lamp, a set of walkietalkies, two $15 iTunes cards, a $25 iTunes gift card, DVDs, a pillow, travel mug, CD rack, and a laundry bag. Fright Night Casino is a part of GP Entertainment, whose owner Larry McKenzie was the announcer for the evening. His partner Annie Marie McKenzie was also there to help organize and manage the event.
Photo by Alivia Lapcevich
Delta Sigma Phi brother Junior Justin Munz deals to Freshmen Stephanie Hudson and Katrina Hassel.
Photo by Alivia Lapcevich
Photo by Alivia Lapcevich
Announcer Larry McKenzie with "Cash Coffin" winner Freshman Chelsea McCormick at Fright Night Casino on Friday, Oct. 24.
Delta Sigma Phi brother Senior Kevin Farr works the table for Sophomore Duranna Fretts and her boyfriend, John Kurtz.
Friday, October 31, 2008
THIELENSIAN
Page 5
S P O R T S
Tomcat Football seizes first victory over Bethany
Trailing Bethany, 28-7, Thiel College scored its first thirdquarter touchdown of the season to close the Bison lead to 14. Then, 43 points and four overtime periods later, Thiel (1-5; 12 PAC) walked off the field at Alumni Stadium with a, 50-44, win its first of the season, and one of best of the year so far in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. To say that Thiel quarterback Willie Bova figured heavily into the outcome of the longest game in school history would be a huge understatement. The Junior set or tied four Thiel single-game records while throwing for four touchdowns and running for one more. His 30 points tied Senior Dan Hess for the most in school history, while his 63 attempts, 32 completions, and 374 passing yards all bested Darrell Satterfield records set during the Tomcats' PAC championship run in 2005. Senior wide receiver Tim Van Horn was on the receiving end of 15 of Bova's completions to tie Brandon Chambers' singlegame mark for receptions in a game. The game was sealed with Senior Matt Joy's interception of Chad Smith in the fourth overtime to end the game, but it would have never been possible without an inspired Thiel comeback in the fourth quarter. After scoring their first thirdquarter touchdown of the season on an 11-yard Bova pass to Senior Hiro Amano, the Tomcats registered another 14 unanswered points by capping off 89- and 81- yard fourth-quarter drives. The first came on a sturdy hard-nosed carry of seven yards by Junior Jeremiah Wagner. The second score a sixyard Bova to Van Horn hookup and accompanying PAT by Freshman John Madeline forced the extra frame. Thiel won the coin toss prior to the overtime, electing to open the period on defense, and subsequently, holding the Bison to a 34-yard Evan Plescia field goal. Madeline booted a 37-yarder on Thiel's possession to knot the game at 31. Bova hit tight end Junior Dan Mackall for a 23-yard touchdown bomb on the Tomcats' second possession, but Bethany's Eric Walker evened the score with a four-yard run to punctuate the Bison's next series. Walker put Bethany on the board in the game's third overtime with a two-yard run, and a Bova-to-Van Horn strike drew the game a 44-all. Both teams' two-point conversion attempts failed. Bova personally escorted the ball to the end zone for the game's final score on a 10-yard jaunt to cap a three-play drive. Sophomore Bobby Shew and Senior Tom Butera led the Blue and Gold with nine tackles apiece. Thiel's first touchdown of the day came on a 35-yard pass from Freshman running back Brice Mertiff to Van Horn that only looks pretty in the box score.
Photo by Allen Morrill
Wide Receiver Tim Van Horn catches the game-tieing touchdown.
Photo by Allen Morrill
The Tomcats celebrate their victory after Matt Joy's overtime interception.
Thomas More rolls past Thiel, 45-14
Thomas More's potent option attack looked unstoppable while Thiel struggled to get in gear as the Saints defeated the Tomcats, 45-14, at The Bank of Kentucky Field on Saturday October 25. The Saints' win set the table for next week's unofficial Presidents' Athletic Conference championship game against unbeaten Washington & Jefferson. Thomas More scored on its opening possession via a 40yard Kendall Owens run with 6:43 remaining in the opening quarter. Thiel responded just over two minutes later with Freshman Abe Addison dashing 57 yards for the touchdown, which, after a successful PAT by Freshman John Madeline tied the game at 7-7. The Saints reeled off the game's next 38 points. Thiel, on the other hand, saw nine of its last 11 drives end with either a punt or a fumble. The Tomcats did manage to find the end zone in the fourth quarter on a three-yard touchdown run by Freshman Brice Mertiff to close out the scoring. Thiel was led on the ground by Addison, who ran for 83 yards on just four carries. Junior quarterback Willie Bova chipped in 42 yards rushing, in addition to 146 yards through the air. Bova turned in a decent effort, completing 17 of 27 passes with no interceptions. Senior kick returner Matt Joy rolled up a 110-yard day on five attempts with a long of 32. Defensively, Junior Clint Walker paced Thiel with 10 tackles, while three Tomcats Senior Matt Turek, Freshman Robert Lemon , and Junior Aaron Grill forced Saints fumbles. Senior Scott Thompson made Thiel's lone fumble recovery.
Photo by Dave Miller
Sophomore Danielle Dwyer
Westminster spoils volleyball's regular season home finale
After a tight first set, the Westminster Titans heightened their game to claim a 3-0 victory over Thiel in volleyball action Tuesday night at Beeghly Gymnasium. Sophomore libero Danielle Dwyer paced the Thiel defense with a standout effort, coming up with a team-high 23 digs. Junior outside hitter Abbey Kiger piped 12 kills and Sophomore setter Madison Chylik notched 25 assists to lead the Tomcat offense. Despite playing its last regular season home game of the season, Thiel will have one more chance to take its home court this season. The Presidents' Athletic Conference announced Monday that Thiel will host a first-round league tournament game on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The match will get underway at 7:00 p.m.
All Upcoming Athletic Events
Saturday, Nov. 1: Men's & Women's Cross Country at PAC Championships Volleyball at Thomas More College, vs. Rockford College
2nd Annual
R un t o Gr ov e City
Men's Leadership is
Men's & Women's Soccer vs. St. Vincent College Football at St. Vincent College Tuesday, Nov. 4: Volleyball vs. TBA in league tournament game Saturday, Nov. 8: Wrestling vs. Washington and Jefferson College and Baldwin-Wallace College Football vs. Waynesburg College Saturday, Nov. 15: Football at Grove City College Men's Basketball at Indiana University of PA Women's Basketball at University of Pitt.-Bradford Men's & Women's Cross Country at NCAA Division III Mideast Regional Championships
Running 26 miles relay style
to support the Tomcat Football team when they put the hurt on Grove City on November 15! Support us as we support them! Watch for signs and sponsor us with donations Proceeds go to Second Harvest Food Bank
[e-mail] for information
Page 6
THIELENSIAN
Friday, October 31, 2008
O P I N I O N
Student Poll: What are you dressing up as for Halloween?
Freshman Sarah Szczypinski, Cindy Lou Who
About the Thielensian ... The Thielensian is Thiel College's student-run newspaper, funded by the Student Government Association. Our mission is to serve the campus community by publishing timely, fair and relevant news, sports and feature stories and other information, and to provide a lively forum for student expression and the opinion of others on campus. The Thielensian encourages letters to the editor of 300 words or less by traditional mail and preferably by e-mail. Letters must be signed (no pseudonyms, please) and a phone number must be provided for verification. Letters must be free from offensive language, personal attacks, obvious errors in fact, and libelous or potentially libelous statements. Letters are subject to editing for length and clarity, and we reserve the right to reject any letter. Guest columns, letters or other opinions expressed in the Thielensian are the views of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the staff and adviser or the college. Letters may be mailed to: the Thielensian 75 College Avenue Greenville, Pa 16125 or sent via e-mail to: [e-mail] Jim Raykie Adviser, the Thielensian
Sophomore Lukas Johnson, Tommy Maddox
Junior Amanda Colvin, The Mad Hatter
Juniors Jamie Morlock and Rachel Wrona, Hanna Montana and Miley Cyrus
Sophomore James Oldfield, Ghostbuster
The Thielensian Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Romaine Reagle
Metallica's Death Magnetic marks return to furious form
By Steve Monnich
Longtime heavy-metal group Metallica released to the public their ninth studio album, Death Magnetic, on Warner Brother Records on Friday, September 12. "You rise, you fall, you're down, then you rise again" reads the first lyric of the song "Broken, Beaten & Scarred" from Metallica's newest offering, and nothing could describe Metallica's career any better. After 2003's drastically underwhelming offering of St. Anger, many fans were afraid that the band had lost their touch. As the lyric above alludes to, however, the band delivers. Considering this lyric as an analogy, if Metallica rose on 1983's Kill Em' All through 1991's self-titled, fell on 1996's Load and 1997's Reload, was down for 2003's St. Anger, then the group truly rose again with this year's Death Magnetic. This album is very aggressive, with Kirk Hammett returning to true soloing form and James Hetfield's voice blowing up the speakers. Hetfield is finally back to making you wish you never, ever meet him a dark alley, alone, late at night. As hard as it is to describe, they are simply Metallica again. Despite some slower songs, like "The Day That Never Comes," and the seemingly out of place sections, like a piano introduction into "The Unforgiven III," the band has returned to its true form of angry, holdnothing-back metal. With all the "finding themselves" and therapy issues out of the way, as explored in 2004's documentary Some Kind of Monster, and under the guidance of famed producer Rick Rubin, Death Magnetic is much more focused and to the point. It says "We're Metallica. We're back."
Assistant Editor
Sheila Gross
Events Editor
Alivia Lapcevich
Layout Editor
Kirk Mullen
Staff Writers
Leanne Barker Randy Bartlett Danielle Dwyer Maggie Giel Steve Monnich
Indie band . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead releases epic E.P.
By Kirk Mullen
Layout Editor Independent art-rock group . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead released the foursong E.P. Festival Thyme on Tuesday, October 21. The recording was released on Justice Records. The band, formed in Austin, Texas in 1994, plays a unique style of epic noise-rock, and is well-known in the indie-rock scene for their chaotic live performances. Jason Reece and Conrad Keely alternate drumming, leadvocals, and playing guitar, and stand as the two main creative forces behind the band. The group has released five full-length studio albums, including 2002's universally acclaimed Source Tags & Codes. Festival Thyme is their first studio release since 2006's So Divided. Festival Thyme's first and strongest track, "Bells of Creation," opens with the repetition of a single determined piano chord, which is quickly offset by inspired pseudo-heavy-metal guitar parts. The drums alternate between thunderous and steady, while the vocals remain thin and somewhat abrasive, seemingly in a happy medium between piano and guitar. The song, which lasts nearly six minutes, is epic and transcendent in tone, and remains accessible for most fans of contemporary indie-rock music. The following two songs, "Inland Sea" and "Festival Thyme," are somewhat more accessible, in part due to their shorter lengths (3:40 and 2:17, respectively), and also due to their less-abstract, less-epic nature. The E.P. closes with the instrumental piece "The Betrayal of Roger Casement & the Irish Brigade." As on the first track, light piano and heavy guitars are prominent in the other three, and the band's artistic energy brings to life each of these creativelywritten songs. Festival Thyme serves as a teaser for the as-of-yet untitled forthcoming studio album, to be released in 2009. In November, . . .Trail of Dead is scheduled to play four shows in their home state of Texas with other popular indierock bands such as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Dinosaur Jr., and My Bloody Valentine.
Faculty Advisor
James Raykie
The Thielensian is printed by The Record-Argus 10 Penn Avenue Greenville, Pa 16125 Telephone:[phone]
By Randall Monroe, courtesy of xkcd.com
"Morning Routine"
The deadline for submission of original articles and/or photographs for the next issue is Sunday, November 9. Articles must be at least 300 words. E-mail all documents to [e-mail] no later than 5 p.m.
Upcoming TAB Events
Saturday November 1: Halloween Wings N' Sings Bistro, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday November 7: Extreme Dodgeball tournament Beeghly Gymnasium 8 p.m. Family Weekend Saturday November 8: Continental breakfast, Bistro 9 to 10:30 a.m. Football tailgate, Alumni Stadium 11 a.m. Football game vs. Waynesburg 1:30 p.m. Murder Mystery Dinner, LHR 5 p.m. Late Night Movie "Wall-E", Bly Hall 9 p.m. Sunday November 9: Chapel Service 10 a.m. Friday November 14: Mind Tripping Game Show Bistro 9 p.m.
The opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the author or organization. They do not reflect the views held by the Thielensian or its advisor.